bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Profile on the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) of Veterans versus Patients Injured in Motor Vehicle Accidents
Authors: Cernovsky Zack Z. , Fattahi Milad , Diamond David M.
Published: August 2021

Background: The 20 items of PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) can be rank ordered from highest to the lowest, based on item mean scores in a particular clinical group. Thus, they can provide an overview of the relative importance of each of the symptoms represented by these 20 items, i.e., a clinical profile for the particular type of patients. This study compared such ranking of PCL-5 items by US veterans with those of patients injured in high impact motor vehicle accidents (MVAs).

Method: De-identified PCL-5 data were available for 80 post-MVA patients (mean age 38.9 years, SD=12.8) and for 468 US veterans (mean age 55.4 years, SD=13.8). The US veterans’ data are those published by Bovin et al. in 2016.

Results and Discussion: The overall rank order of PCL-5 items was significantly similar in the two groups (Spearman’s rho=.83), perhaps due to certain similarities of the two groups (potential threat to life or of severe physical injury). Both groups rated the Item 20 (sleep difficulties) as the most prominent, and they rated Item 16 (taking too many risks) and then Item 8 (trouble remembering details of the stressful event) as least prominent.

The largest clinically interesting difference in the item rank was on Item 12 (loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities) which was more prominent in the MVA patients, presumably due to their persistent post-accident pain (all but one MVA patient reported pain, and in 82.5% the pain was rated as more than mild).

Conclusions: In both groups, the ratings of sleep difficulties were the most prominent and ratings of taking excessive risks and of not remembering details of stressful evens were least prominent. The overall rank order of the 20 items was significantly similar in the two groups.
Socio-demographic Determinants of Undernutrition In HIV- Infected Under- Five Children
Authors: Echendu Sylvia T. , Ugochukwu Ebelechuku F. , Okeke Kenneth N. , Onubogu Chinyere U. , Ebenebe Joy C. , Umeadi Esther N. , Ifezulike Christian C. , Agu Nkiru V.
Published: August 2021

Background: The disease burden associated with HIV/AIDS is a key factor in the etiopathogenesis of undernutrition in growing children. This is aggravated by resultant social factors in HIV such as orphaning, low socioeconomic status, food insecurity, and marital status of caregivers.
Objectives: The relationship between sociodemographic factors and malnutrition in the background of HIV was evaluated.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted among under-five HIV positive children in Anambra State, Nigeria.
Results: A total of 370 HIV positive under-five children comprising 208(56.2%) males and 162(43.8%) females were recruited. The mean age of the children was 44.5±12.9 months. One hundred and forty-seven (39.7%) were globally undernourished: 15.7.0% (58) underweight (WFA <-2SD), 13.3% (49) wasted (WFH < -2SD), and 27.9% (103) stunted (HFA <-2SD). Males were significantly more stunted than females (p<0.001). 77% (285) were of low socioeconomic class (SEC), 47.3% (175) had advanced HIV disease, and 68.1% (252) had been on HAART for >12 months. 26% (96) were orphans, while 28.6% (106) were cared for by single parents. Being on HAART for >12 months was associated with less undernutrition, while advanced HIV disease seemed to enhance it. Children of low SEC were more likely to be undernourished. Not having been breastfed, introduction of complementary feeds at age 3mo or less, poor food variety and suboptimal feeding frequency increased susceptibility to undernutrition. Orphans were more wasted and stunted than underweight. Single parenthood predisposed to undernutrition.
Conclusions: HIV-infected children are vulnerable to malnutrition by virtue of the disease process, further compounded by interwoven social dilemma associated with HIV. It, therefore, behooves the health care provider to ensure a proactive growth monitoring and nutritional support, with prompt treatment of co-morbid debilitating infections. There is also a dire need for public health interventions targeted at single parents of low socioeconomic means.
Assessment of Immunoreactivity against Therapeutic Options Employing the Leukocyte Adherence Inhibition Test as a Tool for Precision Medicine
Authors: Olivier Celso Eduardo , Pinto Daiana Guedes , Lima Regiane Patussi dos Santos , Silva Mariana Dias da , Santos Raquel Acácia Pereira Gonçalves dos , Teixeira Ana Paula Monezzi , Simioni Patricia Ucelli
Published: August 2021

Background: The Precision Medicine’s approach employs the endotype concept as a central feature to personalize medical treatment. Individual immunoreactivity, alongside characteristics such as genetics, environment, and diet, is one of the factors that differentiates the therapeutic-driven endotypes.

Objective: To evaluate the opportunity of the Leukocyte Adherence Inhibition test to differentiate the immunoreactivity between two similar therapeutic agents employed on Allergen Immunotherapy.

Methods: Side by side Leukocyte Adherence Inhibitions tests were performed with ovalbumin and carbamylated ovalbumin on a population of 33 self-reported egg-allergic individuals.

Results: The results showed two endotypes inside the immune response of the studied groups: The first endotype was defined by the 16 individuals that presented a significant decrease in ovalbumin’s immunoreactivity after carbamylation (mean of differences = 35%; p = 0.002). The second endotype was defined by 17 individuals that presented a significant increase in ovalbumin’s immunoreactivity after carbamylation (mean of differences = 32%; p = 0.001).

Conclusion: The Leukocyte Adherence Inhibition test was able to differentiate two distinct immunoreactivity patterns when comparing two similar therapeutic agents suggesting, as proof of concept, a potential role to be employed as a Precision Medicine tool.
Early Experience with Laparoscopic Surgery for Undescended Testis at a Tertiary Hospital in Ibadan (2015-2019)
Authors: Takure Augustine O. , Chibuzo Ijeoma J. , Afuwape Oludolapo O. , Adebayo Sikiru A.
Published: August 2021

Background: Undescended testis (UDT) is of concern to the patient. If not treated may be complicated by trauma, torsion, male sub-fertility, and testicular cancer. In Nigeria it is commonly treated by open orchidopexy or orchidectomy. We report our experience with the laparoscopic management of undescended testes in the Western part of Nigeria.

Methodology: The aim of this study was to report our early experience with the laparoscopic treatment of undescended testis in our centre. The study was conducted between January 2015 and December 2019. The data studied were age, unilateral or bilateral UDT, operation performed, pre-and intra-operative findings, operation time, and the outcome. The data were represented in tables and with operative pictures. Ethical clearance was obtained.

Results: A total 12 patients were treated which consisted of 7 children and 5 adults with a mean age of 11 (6-17) years and 35.2 (29-42) years respectively. Preoperatively, 9 patients had transperitoneal laparoscopic orchidopexy, orchidectomy or varicocelectomy. The laparoscopic findings were peeping testis (5), intraabdominal testis (8), intracanalicular (5), and one absent testis. All the post-orchidopexy testes remained in the scrotum at 18 months of follow up. In the adults, there was improvement in the semen parameters in 2 men while 3 had persistent azoospermia.

Conclusion: In our setting, laparoscopy for undescended testis is feasible, safe, diagnostic, and therapeutic. In infertile men with undescended testis and unilateral varicocele, laparoscopic varicocelectomy results in improved semen quality.
Finite Impulse Response Filters for Stagger-Period Signals, their Designs and Applications
Authors: Zhang Xubao
Published: August 2021

Those theories of conventional filters for uniform-period signals do not apply to the analysis and design of the finite impulse response (FIR) filters for stagger-period signals. In this paper, we defined the fundamental concepts related to the stagger-period signals, derived the calculating equations, and described the time-variant property of the stagger-period filter; we proposed the Fourier transform pair between the frequency and impulse responses of this type filter, and proved the inverse of each other. Then, we discussed the design methods of stagger-period frequency-selective FIR filters, including lowpass, bandpass, and high-pass, presented the staggered windowing philosophies, illustrated different windows’ effectiveness, and described the principles and designs of optimized stagger-period high-pass filters with the match algorithm. As applications, we introduced three staggered optimization algorithms: eigenvalue, match, and linear prediction; and discussed performances of the filters designed for a moving target indication (MTI) radar. The stagger-period MTI filters not only extended the blind speed of flying targets, but also had an optimized improvement factor. Finally, we proposed a mathematical programming to search the best period code, which makes this type filter’s velocity response flattened. Meanwhile, we compared properties of the stagger-period to uniform-period filters, and provided with some examples to illustrate the theories and designs.
Archaeological Databases and GIS: Working with Databases
Authors: Mafredas Thomas , Malaperdas George
Published: August 2021

Digital databases are considered nowadays, necessary for the organization of a recent archeological project. Typically, one of the main issues at the stage of archaeological surface research preparation is the method of recording all the archaeological information that will emerge, which is directly dependent on two factors, the difference of each area in terms of its geomorphology, including the climate and general environmental conditions, and the different approach to the objectives to be achieved by the leading archaeologists. As a consequence of all of this, there is no such thing as a uniquely generated form that can act as a guideline. This paper provides some basic database knowledge as well as a case study with a database example.
Antimicrobial Activity of Moringa oleifera Leaf Extracts against Streptococcus pneumoniae Isolates
Authors: Kagia Richard , Chepkirui Carolyne , Walekhwa Michael , Ogeto Teresa , Suge Titus , Murithi Mary , Ndubi Ferdinand , Wambugu Esbon , Baiwo Hadan , Malago Zablon , Kipsang Fred
Published: August 2021

Pneumococcal diseases (PD) constitute a major threat to the global public health stability especially in the developing world. The risk is greater for children under 5 years, the elderly and persons living with compromised immune systems. Antibiotic agents, conjugate as well as polysaccharide vaccines have been available for several decades and have saved many lives. However, the burden of PD has consistently remained high resulting in poor quality of life and strained economic tenets. Constant resistance to available antibiotic agents and low access to vaccines constitute major setbacks to efforts meant to scale down the burden of PD. The need to explore more viable and promising options is not only urgent but also untenable. We profiled the pharmacological credentials of Moringa oleifera extracts as a possible efficacious alternative to conventional prophylactic and therapeutic interventions.  Methanol and ethanol extracts of air-dried leaves of Moringa oleifera plant were subjected to phytochemical screening to identify the presence of carbohydrates, proteins, saponins, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, phyto-sterols, oils, and fats. A working solution of the two extracts was prepared by dissolving 20 mg & 40 mg of the extracts in 1ml of 99.9% dimethyl sulfoxide solvent. Sterilized 6 mm blank discs were loaded with 20ul of the final extract concentrations and incubated at 45 ºC for 20 hours. Dimethyl sulfoxide (100% DMSO) impregnated discs and 30 mcg ceftriaxone antibiotics were used as negative and positive controls respectively. Colon morphology on gentamicin blood agar (GBA) and blood agar (BA), gram staining and optochin assay were leveraged to identify Streptococcus pneumoniae. Disk diffusion method on Muller Hinton agar was used to evaluate sensitivity of Streptococcus pneumoniae to the subject extracts. Methanol and ethanol extracts were found to contain carbohydrates, proteins, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, fixed oils, alkaloids, and cardiac glycosides. Both extracts were found to contain flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic compounds. Ethanol & methanol extracts had lower anti-bacterial activity as compared to the 30 mcg positive control. Further exploration to reveal the anti-bacterial activity of aqueous based extracts on Streptococcus pneumoniae is strongly recommended
Proximate and Mineral Composition of Nsala Bakala (Dracaena camerooniana Baker) Leaves, Stems and Roots from Nzenze Forest in Uíge Province, Angola
Authors: Mawunu Monizi , Lautenschläger Thea , Ngbolua Koto-te-Nyiwa , Luyeye Lukoki , Ndiku Luyindula
Published: August 2021

The aim of the present work was to perform nutritional analysis of Dracaena camerooniana Baker. Nutrient determination was carried out according to standard methods. The nutritional profile of the leaves, roots and stems of D. camerooniana showed that these organs are rich in fibre (14.20-53.65%), proteins (4.47-18.58%), lipids (1.53-5.42%) carbohydrates (23.67-70.94%), ash (2.17-15.59%) and mineral elements, namely, K (535.07-1690.00 mg/100 g), Ca (315.87-1459.97 mg/100 g), Mg (95.41-498.83 mg/100 g), P (76.72-149.56 mg/100 g), Na (105.83-113.60 mg/100 g), Se (75.87-128.51 mg/100 g), Fe (40.88-228.30 mg/100 g), Mn (7.41-11.39 mg/100 g), Zn (2.94-5.83 g/100 g), Cu (2.30-2.80 mg/100 g), and Co (0.65-2.80 mg/100 g) The different levels of nutrient contents observed in the analyzed organs of D. camerooniana would be attributed to the accumulative capacities of the plant organs. It is therefore recommended (desirable) that further studies be conducted to determine the content of anti-nutritional factors in this plant on the one hand and to evaluate its pharmaco-biological properties on the other. Domestication of the plant should be done to ensure its conservation with the support of local farmers. Thus, the use of biotechnology would allow the availability of healthy plant material for both present and future generations.
Hepatotoxic and Nephrotoxic Effect of Ethanol Leaf Extract of Scoparia Dulcis (Linn) in Wistar Rats
Authors: Adebiyi Olubodun A. , Ameh Danladi A. , Onyike Elewechi , James Dorcas B.
Published: August 2021

Scoparia dulcis (Linn) is a widespread herbal medicine; it bears an enormous number of pharmacological activities. The present study was undertaken to find out the chronic toxicity profile of oral administration of Scoparia dulcis ethanol leaf extract (SDELE) on the liver and the kidney of wistar rats. The animals were grouped into four and administered varying doses of SDELE (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg body weight and 0.2 ml distilled water respectively) for a period of fourteen weeks (100 days). The acute toxicity, body weight, relative organ weight, hematological parameters, biochemical markers for liver and kidney damage were monitored and histopathology of the liver and kidney of the rat were carried out. The LD50 of SDELE was found to be 1131 mg/kg body weight. There was a significant (p<0.05) reduction in weight of the rat administered 400 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg when compared with the control though there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the relative weight of the organs. There was also a significant increase (p<0.05) in the lymphocytes, serum level of aspartate amino transferase (ASP), alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkali phosphatase (ALP), total protein, A/G ratio, creatinine, urea, uric acid, total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and potassium ions while there was a significant decrease in HDL-cholesterol and sodium ions in the animal group administered 400 mg/kg body weight of the extract. Histopathology of the liver and kidney revealed haemorrhage and vascular congestion at 200 mg/kg doses and renal damage at 400 mg/kg body weight doses respectively. However, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in any of the parameters studied in the group administered 100 mg/kg body weight dose when compared with the controlled group. Ethanol leaf extracts of Scoparia dulcis showed hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic tendencies and should be used with caution especially when employed in the treatment of chronic diseases
The Use of Tax Havens by MNEs in Business Clusters: A Cross-country and Firm-level Analysis
Authors: Ghodbane Walid , Sangdal Djawad , Benabdennebi Hafedh
Published: August 2021

This paper examines the use of tax havens by MNEs located in business clusters versus their non-cluster counterparts. We extend the knowledge-based theory to construct a number of empirical hypotheses that are tested using dichotomous choice models. The firm-level dataset covers 21,389 MNEs from 5 OECD countries during the years 2009-2017. We find evidence that MNEs, who are part of a business cluster use tax haven subsidiaries to a greater extent compared with MNEs, who are not part of a business cluster. This association continues to hold whilst controlling for other important factors that drive tax haven FDI. Additional insights suggest that firm age, size and technological sophistication can impact the magnitude of the correlation between MNEs in business clusters and their tax haven activity. The findings of this paper shed more light on the use of tax havens among MNEs in their international business operations and have important implications for policy makers and managers.
An Examination of the Employment Recovery in the United States in the Wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Wyld David C.
Published: August 2021

The “shock” of the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic set about wholesale changes across American life, impacting the way we socialized, shopped, and yes, worked. There were significant disruptions across the business landscape in the United States, accompanied by significant job losses, starting in March 2020. In this article, we examine the size and scope of the changes in employment that took place in the U.S. at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and during the recovery period up through April 2021. Utilizing official government data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the author examines how the pandemic caused both widespread job losses and record-setting levels of unemployment but had differential effects across a variety of industries. Then, the author looks at the recovery period, examining the recovery in employment has been unequally distributed across the United States, with differentiations between both urban and rural areas and between metropolitan areas across the county. The article concludes with a look at what this means for the future of work and for management moving forward - hopefully - into the post-pandemic period.
Footprint of Personality Characteristics on Financing Objectives: The Arbitrating capacity of Risk Attitude and the Moderating capacity of Investment Savvy
Authors: Hussain Javed , Dar Tariq Mehmood , Tariq Neelofer
Published: August 2021

The following study clarifies the role of risk attitude in revolving the relationship between Financing Objectives and personality characteristics and the moderating role of investment savvy between risk attitude and financing objectives by the particular sample size of 200 students. The participants of the study belonged from finance background. To simplify the collected data, the regression analyses was utilized in a flow to implicate the effect upon the dependent variables of the independent variables. To get more enhanced results, the mediator and the moderator were uplifted. Hence by, the results revealed that individuals who are activity, determined, and sympathy towards others are more willing to opt for STFO (short term financing objectives). Whilst, in long run extraversion, openness to experience and agreeableness, and conscientiousness traits are more inclined towards LTFO (long term financing objectives).

Moreover, the study further mentions that STFO and LTFO are not much affected by investment savvy of an individuals. Nonetheless, the investment savvy is not really bothered by the relationship of financing objectives and risk attitude.
Toward a Business Resilience Model: The Case of Sharia Property in Surabaya Raya Area during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Fauzi Aulia Adzkia , Rahadi Raden Aswin
Published: August 2021

This study aims at examining how sharia property can build resilience during COVID-19 pandemic and to provide a business resilience model by exploring its capabilities to be resilient during COVID-19 pandemic. The empirical results from a case study of sharia developer located in Surabaya Area, show that the strengthening of the developers’ commitment, strengthening cash flow management, enhancing, and deploying knowledge stock about sharia property, and emerging dynamic capability to respond to the shock and maintain the business continuity of sharia property during COVID-19 pandemic.

We contribute to extant business and management literature about the concept of business resilience of sharia property by proposing a model about how sharia property builds its business resilience during COVID-19 pandemic.
Emergency Intervention Need for Community Dental Services (Pathfinder Survey in North Mamuju Regency, West Sulawesi, Indonesia)
Authors: Pasiga Burhanuddin Daeng , Burhanuddin Arifurrahman
Published: August 2021

Background: Oral health is considered an important component of public health, but there are still many people who are less concerned with oral and dental health. Objective: to describe emergency dental care interventions for communities based on age groups in North Mamuju.West of Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Materials, and Methods: The age categories in the survey were three age groups: children (6-12 years old), young (12-17 years old), and adults (18-60 years old). Analytical observational research with Cross-sectional design, which is a survey of oral pathfinder, determined by simply taking, they are Sarjo and Bambaira Districts.

Results: The sample of 935 men with male sex was 39.7% and women 63.3%. The percentage of distribution of dental care needs is 97.4%. Emergency care needed is preventive care / routine care needed as much as 13.5%, rapid care needs as much as 65.8%, urgent care needs due to pain, and dental infections as much as 17.2%.

Conclusion: The need for emergency and immediate dental care in the community is still quite high.
Impact of Farm and Non-Farm Micro-Enterprise Diversifications on Household Dietary Diversity in Malawi
Authors: Edriss A. K. , Mehare A. W.
Published: August 2021

Micro-enterprising is crucial for improving rural households’ food and nutrition status in subsistence agrarian economy like Malawi. There are no studies that have concurrently analyzed the roles of farm and non-farm micro-enterprise diversity on household dietary diversity (proxy measure of household food access) in Malawi. With the following objectives, the study jointly (1) analyzed the effects of farm and non-farm micro-enterprises diversifications on rural household food access, and (2) analyzed relevant socio-economic and institutional factors on household dietary diversity in selected districts of Malawi.

Data were collected from 1827 households; whereby 779 households were engaged in some kind of farm and non-farm micro-enterprises in six districts with high concentration of micro-businesses and population densities. Both parametric and parametric descriptive statistics, Poisson and Negative Binomial regressions were used for estimations. Of all the factors associated with household dietary diversity, farm and non-farm enterprise diversity, as well as expenditure on food items had played major roles in influencing household dietary diversity. Increasing farm and non-farm micro-enterprise diversity by one micro-business group is associated with the possibility of consuming or having access to all 12 groups of food by the households. Holding other things constant, it is surprisingly found that nutrition education (34.2%, ρ=0.000<0.001) influenced household food dietary diversity more than household heads with formal education (average 5 years of schooling); suggesting that nutrition education, if directly delivered to the household heads regardless of their formal education level, is one of the major factors that can positively and significantly affect household dietary diversity in Malawi.

These results also resonate to the Government of Malawi’s overarching policy goal of furthering income-generating social and economic activities in order to become less reliant on hand-outs and donors at large. Besides increasing only starchy staple food or monotonous cereal-based diet through various agricultural subsidy programmes, such micro-enterprising programs are also needed to enhance by targeting energy and nutritious food supply that are essential if the country is aiming to expand its industry and service sector with healthy population.
Hunger by Choice? Rethinking Food Security Strategies
Authors: Tanyanyiwa Shadreck
Published: August 2021

Food insecurity is a global threat with devastating effects, particularly in ‘developing’ countries. This threat is worsened by a parochial perspective in most of southern Africa that associates food security with the major staple crop maize. This bias is witnessed in the amount of land, investments, research, and marketing allocated to maize, in comparison to traditional crops such as millet, rapoko and sorghum. However, increased investments in agriculture, particularly maize production has failed to translate to increased production of the crop, particularly in Zimbabwe. The vagaries of climate-change manifested through droughts, coupled with man-made policy disasters are evidence enough to factor diversified production systems to include traditional crops into the food security basket.

Since independence in 1980, Zimbabwe has experienced more than a dozen drought periods, which translates into multi-million dollar food imports. To feed the growing number of food insecure people, the solution could be in the shunned small grains, whose resilience in harsh conditions compared to maize, calls for urgent transformation and orchestration of the food security basket. Through renewed focus on traditional crops, Zimbabwe and other countries in east and southern African could attain food secure status and ensure that food as a human right is available to all.
A Yaounde – Kigali Experience Sharing for Harmonious City Biking Culture in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Tende Renz Tichafogwe
Published: August 2021

Salvaging motorbike calamities and urban chaos would not only safeguard lives but achieve urban tranquility in Yaounde and Cameroon. The disorder in this transport sector observed in Yaounde can be uncurled and riders called to order as solution to the chaos accrued. This article exposes the shortcomings of biking transport as inadequate training and reckless riding have led to the urban chaos and calamities observed. If it does not occur from high speed, perhaps it would be a mentality problem. Some 140 questionnaires were administered to motor bike riders, clients, and transport authorities in Yaounde. Field observation and interview sessions were organized to have first-hand information on calamities in the city. Hotbed neighbourhoods of accidents were captured through a GPS and transformed into maps and tables. An in-depth documentary research at the Ministry of Transport and its delegations as well as the national institute of statistics was done to have data for analysis. Findings adhere to the fact that total identification of riders, mandatory use of helmets for rider and passenger as well as stringent speed limits with unadorned sanctions can be used to address the situation. This paper advocates that the Kigali experience in the management and control of motor bike transport be shared in Yaounde so as to reduce, if not curb urban mayhem and wanton accidents.
Intranet-Based Wiki with Instant Messaging Protocol
Authors: Ugwu Chimezie F. , Osuagwu Henry O. , Bayem Donatus I.
Published: August 2021

This research developed an Intranet-Based Wiki with Instant Messaging Protocol (IBWIMP) for the Staff of the Department of Computer Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka to enable them to collaborate on tasks; like writing of documents like, memo, project guidelines, proposal/grants, and circulars with online security consideration. The essence of this work is to improve on the contributions staff make during work, in carrying out tasks with their colleagues irrespective of the person’s location at that point in time. The existing system on ground would always require the presence of the staff within the department before they can carry out the tasks meant for them or respond to the available mails within their mail boxes located within the general office of the department. In regard to such situation, there is always delay in the processing of such mails or documents that could require urgent attention of the supposed staff therefore could cause serious damages. This research established a better internet connection for the security of the system and the documents therein by the use of virtual private server (VPS) hosting on virtual private network (VPN). This system allows the collaboration between the staff of the department and external persons, or partners classified as external staff user on documents like circulars that normally come from outside the department. This system automatically sends emails to the supposed users whenever the admin posts a document via the Short Message Transfer Protocol (SMTP). The system is accessed online by the users from any location once there is accessible internet connection and users can collaborate on the development of any posted document at the same time. This application was designed using Object Oriented Analysis and Design Methodology (OOADM) and implemented using Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), JavaScript, Cascading Style Sheet (CSS), CkEditor, Hypertext Pre-Processor (PHP) and MySQL database management system.
Smart System for Thermal Comfort Prediction on Residential Buildings Using Data-Driven Model with Random Forest Classifier
Authors: Taylor O. E. , Ezekiel P. S. , Emma V. T.
Published: August 2021

Building area is a vital consumer of all globally produced energy. Structures of buildings absorb about 40 % of the total energy created which transcription about 30 % of the integral worldwide CO2 radiations. As such, reducing the measure of energy absorbed by the building area would incredibly help the much-crucial depletions in world energy utilization and the related ecological concerns. This paper presents a smart system for thermal comfort prediction on residential buildings using data driven model with Random Forest Classifier. The system starts by acquiring a global thermal comfort data, pre-processed the acquired data, by removing missing values and duplicated values, and also reduced the numbers of features in the dataset by selecting just twelve columns out of 70 columns in total. This process is called feature extraction. After the pre-processing and feature extraction, the dataset was split into a training and testing set. The training set was 70% while the testing set was 30% of the original dataset. The training data was used in training our thermal comfort model with Random Forest Classifier. After training, Random Forest Classifier had an accuracy of 99.99% which is about 100% approximately. We then save our model and deployed to web through python flask, so that users can use it in predicting real time thermal comfort in their various residential buildings.
Learning Design Based on 7E Model of Constructivist Approach on Acid Base and Indicators in Physical Science Discipline
Authors: Adak Samaresh , Chatterjee Kaushik
Published: August 2021

The main purpose of this study is to develop some activity plans by 7E model of the constructivist approach on the subjects of acid, base and indicators in physical science course. Constructivist 7E approach consists of seven stage such as Elicit, Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate and Extend. Many activities related to physical Science subjects about ‘Acid, Base and Indicators’ were adapted by each and every stage of constructivist 7E approach. The activity plans were arranged for acquisition knowledge of physical science course. So, the application duration of the activities was determined by these acquisitions. A learning design by 7E model of constructivist approach of acid base and indicators in physical science course using mind mapping techniques.
Limitations Facing the Development of Learner Leadership in Education
Authors: Shikalepo Elock Emvula , Kandjengo Selma Ndeyapo
Published: August 2021

The Namibian Basic Education Act No. 3 of 2020 mandates schools to establish Learner Representative Councils. Learner Representative Councils are management bodies at schools comprising of learner leaders, as supporting leaders to the overall school leadership. The purpose of the study was to establish the challenges facing the development of learner leaders in schools. A case study design was used for the study, involving a school principal, teachers, and learners in Oshana Region. All participants were selected using purposive sampling technique. The data was collected using document analysis, semi-structured questionnaires, and interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyse textual data.

The study found out that the development of learner leadership was constrained by the absence of policy directives which could drive development efforts for learner leadership. Apart from the Education Act which provides a legal framework for establishing learner leadership structures, important Regulations for enforcing and developing learner leadership were missing at the case study school. Learner leaders were also found to be influenced by peer pressure in the conduct of their leadership work. Learner leaders were not confident enough to stand by their own position and perform their leadership roles as they were afraid of losing relationship with their peers, making their peers approve most of their actions. In addition, learner leaders were finding it difficult to express themselves in English, which difficulties has lowered their confidence levels as leaders, becoming shy to express themselves as capable leaders. It becomes clear that the development of learner leaders in schools was faced by challenges that inhibited effective development of learner leaders into capable junior leaders of the school.
Influence of Peer Pressure on Gang Behaviour among Secondary School Students in Osun State, Nigeria
Authors: Adeniyi Wasiu Olasunkanmi , Jinadu Afusat Temilade
Published: August 2021

This study investigated the prevalence and types of gang behaviour among Secondary School Students in Osun State. It also determined the influence of peer pressure on gang behaviour among the students. These were with a view to providing information on the predisposing factor of students’ gang behaviour. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised all students in public secondary school in Osun State. The sample size consisted of 895 public secondary school students who were selected using the multistage sampling technique. A simple random sampling technique was used to three Local Government Areas (LGAs) from each of the three senatorial districts in the state and four secondary schools from each of the LGAs selected. Seventy-five students were selected from Junior Secondary Class 3 (JSS3) to Senior Secondary Class 2 (SS2) using a stratified random sampling technique. Two adapted instruments titled Questionnaire on Students’ Gang Behaviour (QSGB), and Peer Pressure on Adolescents’ Behaviour Questionnaire (PPABQ) were used to elicit information from the students. Frequency counts, percentages, and Linear Regressions were used to analyse the data. The results showed that gang behaviour was prevalent among 20.8% of the JSS3 students, 29.0% of the SS1 students and 17.2% of the SS2 students. Also, the result showed that intimidating/threatening other students (RSI = 0.5911), involvement in drug and alcoholism (RSI = 0.5223) and engaging in underage drinking (RSI = 0.5148) were the common gang behaviours among the students. Lastly, the result showed a significant influence of peer pressure on gang behaviour among the students at F-value (β = 0.261, F = 48.70, p < 0.05). The study concluded that peer pressure could predispose secondary school students in Osun State to gang behaviour.
A Thematic Analyses of the Researches Conducted in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) Across Programs
Authors: Labarrete Rufo A.
Published: August 2021

Researches in the ALS vary in scope and themes. This academic undertaking examines published researches in ALS to determine common themes and identify implications on the implementations of its various programs. Thematic analysis is utilized in identifying the patterns of such researches as they were coded based on key words. Findings reveal that studies involving the ALS were focused on programs impact to the learners, development of instructional resources, and on concerns pertinent to teaching and learning. Thus, it can be concluded that there is enough empirical-based data that may serve as bases by the policy makers in the ALS to further improve the implementation of its various programs in the field and set direction on research engagement in this learning system.
The Relationship of Emotion Intelligence, Knowledge-Sharing and Group Work Results of Vietnam Students
Authors: Le Thu Hang , Pham Minh Ngoc , Nguyen Pham Phuong Anh , Nguyen Linh Thi Phuong
Published: August 2021

Teamwork is arguably a major aspect of university teaching as it gives students opportunities to apply their expertise to problem-solving skills, and to sharpen their skills for future jobs; to improve study outcomes, motivation, and attitudes toward learning. In addition, Emotion Intelligence (EI) and knowledge-sharing are said to have an impact on group work results. The goal of this study is to investigate the relationship between EI, knowledge-sharing, and group work results of university students. The research team conducted a survey that involved 372 students from universities majoring in economics in Hanoi, Vietnam. Research results confirm that EI has a positive effect on students' knowledge-sharing skills and group work results, and knowledge-sharing is the mediator in the relationship between EI and the performance of the group.
The Role of Parents in Times of Pandemic
Authors: Leite S.
Published: August 2021

The various transformations marked by social, economic and political life in the last decades, have given a prominent place to education, both in the education systems and in the institutions themselves as complex and modern organizations. In times of uncertainty, there are several proposals around education. It is also in this scenario that modality of distance education comes to assume a fundamental role for the development of education itself. Children were forced to adapt to a new teaching modality, the same was true of parents, who, in addition to accompanying students in their daily routines, also had to adapt to the telework modality, both involving technological challenges Through an exploratory-descriptive investigation with a quali-quantitive approach based on the application of a questionnaire addressed to parents, it was our intention to assess the parents' perception about the change to their daily routine and the difficulties they faced with the transition to the telework modality involving changes not only in their routines but also in the support for the study of their children given the change in the teaching modality for distance education due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Corona Virus and Education Crisis in Kenya: Lessons Learnt
Authors: Mwebi Robert Bisonga
Published: August 2021

Since the emergence of COVID pandemic, the education sector seems to have been worst hit due to closure of all learning institutions worldwide, as a way of containing the spread of the disease. Consequently, most institutions have adopted remote learning as an alternative to offering education to the learners. However, a myriad of challenges have ensured that threatens the attainment of SDG goal number 4 on quality of education. This paper attempts to discuss the challenges that are facing online education in Kenya and its likelihood of propagating traditional social inequalities that threatens the attainment of sustainable development goal on quality education. The paper recommends the need to come up with a policy to ensure harmony in the way e-learning is conducted to enhance quality, equity, and access to educational opportunities for all learners in Kenya.
Benefits and Costs of the USA Coal Research, Development, and Demonstration Program
Authors: Bezdek Roger H.
Published: August 2021

This paper estimates the costs, impacts, and benefits of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) coal RD&D program, 1976 - 2019. We provide detailed estimates by technology (in 2019 dollars) of the DOE coal RD&D budget and find that program funding priorities have changed substantially over this period. We estimate that the benefits of the DOE coal RD&D program through 2019 - $236.7 billion (2019 dollars) - far exceed the costs -- $28.6 billion (2019 dollars). This implies a benefit-cost (B-C) ratio of greater than 8-to-1, which is impressive. The number of jobs created over the period 2000 – 2019 - 1.6 million - is large, and the local job impacts are especially relevant at present. Recommendations for further research are provided and include the proper methodology for evaluating RD&D programs and the necessity for comparing the results reported here with B-C estimates for other energy and related technologies.
Development of a Multi-criteria Decision Model for Nigerian Refinery Bottlenecks
Authors: Adeleke T. B. , Edokpia R. O. , Onifade M. K. , Chime N. B.
Published: August 2021

Production systems are continually surrounded by bottleneck problems that limit their overall performances. The petroleum industry today faces a lot of challenges which border on production bottlenecks that tend to limit production throughput and hence output. The purpose of this study is to provide a decision support strategy for refinery operators and mangers as well as other stakeholders. The multi-criteria models used were the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Test of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). A 9-point saaty scale and 10-point linguistic scale questionnaires were used to elicit responses from experts in the refinery. The statistical computations with the Multi-criteria Decision Model were carried out with the aid of (AHP -OS) BPMSG software on nine criteria which are bottleneck variables which impact on refinery operations and the comparison was made by nine decision makers who are refinery experts while TOPSIS was used for alternatives selection. The result of the AHP showed the contributing weights of individual criterion with “Government Interference” ranking first, exerting a weight of 19.84%. The result also generated a normalized total matrix which is approximately one (1), consistency index of 0.09694 and a consistency ratio of 0.06685 which is within acceptable limit and finally from TOPSIS modeling, “Denationalization” with the highest value of 0.7598 was found to be closest to the ideal solution for the optimal refinery performance. This study has developed a multi-criteria decision model for selecting the best alternative for optimal performance based on inputs from experts and this provides a veritable framework that serves as a decision support strategy for policy makers and stakeholders in the operations of the refinery.
Simultaneous Planning of Production, Setup and Maintenance for an Unreliable Multiple Products Manufacturing System
Authors: Kibouka Guy Richard , Mandatsy Moungomo Jean Brice , Ndama Adoum Traoré
Published: August 2021

The work presented in this paper addresses the problem of joint optimization of the production, setup and corrective maintenance activities of a manufacturing system. This system consists of a machine subject to breakdowns and repairs and producing two types of parts. A corrective maintenance strategy whose repair rate depends on the number of setup operations already performed on the production system is considered in this work. The objective of this research is to propose a policy that controls production, setup, and corrective maintenance. The contribution of this paper is through the control of the repair rate, combined with the planning of production and setup in a dynamic and stochastic context. Optimality conditions in the form of Hamilton-Jacoby-Bellman (HJB) equations are obtained and a numerical approach is proposed in order to deal with the joint optimization issues. Extensive simulations are performed to address many scenarios that illustrate the interactions between production, setup and maintenance activities.
The Neutrino Decay of the Free Neutron and the Neutrino Structure According to the Planck Vacuum Theory
Authors: Daywitt William C.
Published: August 2021

The Planck vacuum (PV) theory derives equations for the neutrino and antineutrino, and relates them to the unstable free neutron and antineutron. Remarkably, these neu- trons and neutrinos share the same wavefunction solutions that describe the proton and electron and their antiparticle cores.

The neutrino and antineutrino are chargeless and massless; so their propagation through matter goes unnoticed, making these neutrinos invisible. The equations to follow that describe these pseudo-particles are the theoretical embodiment of the circa 1930 Pauli neutrino hypothesis.

Finally, depending on one’s perspective, the neutrons can be viewed as decaying meta-particles or as stable nuclear particles.
The Study of Information Support System for Decision Making based on Kansei Engineering
Authors: Hadiana A. , Wahid A. A. , Sofyan A. , Hirawan D. , Patalia K. , Faruqi M. Z.
Published: August 2021

Kansei Engineering has been adopted as a method to analyze the relationship between human emotional factors and the critical elements design of system in developing a new product of software based on consumers’ emotion. However, the general analysis in kansei engineering has been using statistical analysis such as principal component analysis, factor analysis etc. in evaluating the data average gathered from all respondents, and then giving a recommendation the suitable product. This paper reports an attempt to discover the relationship between interface design of product and consumers’ emotion using Multiple Attribute Decision Making (MADM) method rather than using the convensional of statistical method. This research also recommends a global system design of kansei engineering system to support consumers’ decision in choosing the most desired product based on their real emotional feeling.