bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Espaços de resistência no currículo:
Authors: Figueroa Figueiredo Tainá , Daniel Fonseca de Andrade  , Laísa Freire
Published: September 2020

O presente texto levanta e discute a inserção da educação ambiental como disciplina na Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO). Desse modo, investigamos a existência de componentes curriculares específicos de educação ambiental nos cursos de graduação, analisamos suas ementas e a relação delas com o contexto sociopolítico, a fim de discutir a presença da educação ambiental na formação profissional como um espaço de resistência. A metodologia de investigação foi a análise de conteúdo das ementas dos 91 cursos de graduação. Nessas, constatamos onze disciplinas com o termo ‘educação ambiental’ presente no título ou na ementa, das quais apenas seis estão vigentes nos currículos, de forma obrigatória ou optativa. A partir dos quadros de ataques ao que é público e ações de desmonte de políticas públicas e seus reflexos nas práticas educativas, vivemos o ‘não lugar da educação ambiental’ no cenário atual. Assim, a existência de disciplinas específicas de educação ambiental no currículo pode se constituir como um espaço de práticas de resistência, pois contribui para a manutenção da educação ambiental na formação e garante um espaço curricular para debate de temas relacionados ao campo. Além disso, compõe um contexto de prática das políticas públicas de educação ambiental que pode ensejar uma formação superior orientada a uma visão mais crítica do mundo, resistências e a permanência da educação ambiental.
Neodesenvolvimentismo do Agronegócio, a Sociedade do Consumo e o Ambiente:
Authors: Da Silva Oliveira Thiago , Maia do Bomfim Alexandre
Published: September 2020

No momento inicial deste trabalho, iniciamos com a crítica da própria Educação Ambiental (EA), sobretudo a que não problematiza questões centrais presentes nos discursos hegemônicos. Entre as críticas essenciais para nossos objetivos está ao consumismo, por meio dele chegamos ao estudo do Neodesenvolvimentismo, a reedição, com alterações importantes, do Desenvolvimentismo do Século XX – projeto latinoamericano que buscou a superação da situação de subdesenvolvimento da região. O Neodesenvolvimentismo ampliou o conceito do antigo desenvolvimentismo com a introdução de novos itens em sua pauta, como o Desenvolvimento Sustentável, por exemplo. Entretanto, o olhar ambiental dessa nova proposta se revelou pragmático e utilitarista, colocando o meio ambiente a serviço do lucro empresarial e depositando nele a expectativa de crescimento econômico. Nesse mesmo projeto a ascensão do Agronegócio passou a influenciar a educação, desde o nível médio até a pós-graduação. A EA decorrente de todo esse processo é conservadora, estanque e ingênua, o que contribui para a manutenção dos pressupostos desenvolvimentistas. Portanto uma Educação Ambiental que ser pretende Crítica deve extrapolar as fronteiras do sistema em que estamos inseridos, sem isso ela não será transformadora
Comparative assessment of approaches to human biomonitoring problem by national and foreign researchers (literature review)
Authors: Markova Ol’ga L. , Shilov V. V. , Kuznetsov A. V. , Metelitsa N. D.
Published: September 2020

Environmental safety is one of the sustainable development priorities of the Russian Federation. Increasing chemical pollutant emissions resulting from activities of industry, power engineering, traffic, and capital construction facilities into the environment cause both human life and health hazard risks. The object of this study was identifying approaches to harmonization of European and Russian human biomonitoring systems, which contributes to an assessment of harmful environmental chemical pollutant effects on human health. International and Russian regulatory legal acts, procedural documents were used as study materials, a set of general research methods was applied. Major problems that arise when assessing chemical pollutant exposures using human biomonitoring methods (HBM) are considered. The analysis of procedural materials of Russian Federation and European countries used in HBM revealed certain imperfections of Russian regulatory and procedural framework. Challenges in biomonitoring study are shown as follows: the choice of an informative biomarker and biological material; lack of standardized sampling techniques, harmonized methods for the analysis of biological materials, presentation of results, determination of allowable exposure levels. These discrepancies result in incommensurate results reducing reliability and significance levels of epidemiological studies. The paper summarizes international research experience in European countries, which could be the basis for the development of regulations for carrying out HBM in the Russian Federation. This document should be harmonized following the provisions of European documents, be terminologically uniform.
Hygienic aspects of evaluating the process of creating a comfortable urban environment
Authors: Kopytenkova Olga L. , Levanchuk A. V. , Ryabets V. V.
Published: September 2020

Introduction. The national programs focus on solving social and economic problems. At the same time, the hygienic characteristics of the urban environment that determine living conditions are not fully included in the documents regulating the formation of the urban environment. Materials and methods. The paper provides a content analysis of the current normative and methodological literature recommended for use in assessing the “formation of a comfortable urban environment” in Russian localities.Results. Currently, existing methods for assessing the “comfort of the urban environment” (methodology for forming the urban environment quality index dated March 23, 2019, No. 510-R) and “quality of the urban living environment” (methodology for assessing the quality of the urban living environment dated September 9, 2013, 371) are not suitable for determining the development strategy of the country’s territories because the assessment procedure does not include key hygienic indices of the comfort of the natural environment and living conditions of the population, which allow citizens to meet housing needs and ensure a high quality of life in General, including the birth of healthy children, maintaining the health of the adult population and preventing premature mortality.Conclusion. The urban environment integrates a variety of inter-level relations of various types (economic, social, cultural, etc.). It is intended to study it as a multi-level structure, for this purpose, it is necessary to use a hierarchical approach. To implement this approach, it is recommended to take into account the indices of various groups that affect the comfort of the urban environment and are directly related to the hygienic characteristics of the territory: A-climatogeographic; B-demographic; C-social; D-economic; E - urban planning; F - indices of transport infrastructure; G-environmental quality indices.
About the question of the assessment of the drinking water quality in centralized water systems in the current conditions
Authors: Novikova Yuliya A. , Friedman K. B. , Fedorov V. N. , Kovshov A. A. , Tikhonova N. A. , Myasnikov I. O.
Published: September 2020

Introduction. Regulation of drinking water quality is a very important area of health care and improving the quality of life of the population of the Russian Federation.The aim of this work is the development a model for the assessment of the drinking water quality and calculating the share of the population, including urban, provided with high-quality drinking water from centralized water supply systems, taking into account new methodological approaches to the evaluation of the quality of drinking water using the example of water supply to settlements in the Leningrad Region. Material and methods. The data on the organization of centralized cold water supply systems and monitoring systems for drinking water quality and the results of laboratory studies of drinking water quality in the cities of Volkhov, Svetogorsk, Slantsy, Tosno were studied. Statistical processing of the results was performed, the categories of quality of drinking water supplied to the population were determined, the number of the population provided with high-quality drinking water from the water supply system was calculated in accordance with Guidelines 2.1.4.0143-19.Results. In 2018, 100% of the population was provided with quality drinking water only in the city of Slantsy. In the city of Tosno, this index reached of 83.5%. In the cities of Volkhov and Svetogorsk, drinking water was rated as low-quality. But it is worth noting that in the cities of Volkhov and Slantsy laboratory tests were carried out at 2 points, in the city of Svetogorsk - only at the 1 point, which, given the number of residents, is not enough. For an objective assessment of the state of drinking water and the development of measures aimed at improving its quality, it is necessary to increase the number of monitoring points, as well as to include the results of control and supervision measures and production laboratory control conducted by water supply organizations in the volume of laboratory information.Conclusion. The proposed model allows us to assess the drinking water quality in centralized water supply systems and the proportion of the population, including urban, provided with quality drinking water at the level of the water supply system, settlement, municipal district (urban district), subject of the Russian Federation
Occupational health and functional condition of the organ of vision in employees at the modern production of microelectronics
Authors: Mal’Kova Natalia Yur’evna , Petrova M. D. , Kiryanova M. N.
Published: September 2020

Introduction. In the emerging digital economy, microelectronics is a driver of civilizational progress, ensuring technological sovereignty, and determines the level of development of modern society. Its elemental base is continuously developing and improving in the direction of microminiaturization of electronic components and complex miniaturization of equipment. In this regard, the purpose of the study was a hygienic assessment of operational conditions and the functional state of the visual analyzer in employees working in the modern production of microchips and semiconductor devices.Material and methods. At the workplaces of the radio components collectors there were measured sound levels, artificial lighting, and microclimate parameters; air pollution by chemicals; the hardness and intensity of work are estimated based on timing observations. The functional state of the organ of vision was studied once and in the dynamics of the working day. The operation of the accommodation apparatus, as well as the state of the receptor link on the thresholds of color perception, were studied.Results. Levels of chemical and physical factors of the operational environment during assembly, sealing, and labeling operations were revealed not to be over normalized values. According to the results of timing observations, the time of use of optical instruments is from 55 to 75% of the shift, which characterizes the work process as stressful as grade 3 (harmful) 1st and 2nd degree, according to the duration of being in a fixed sitting position for more than 50% of the time, the severity of labor is estimated as grade 3 1st degree. The obtained data indicate a decrease in the volume of accommodation of the eye and an increase in color discrimination thresholds in the dynamics of the working day.Discussion. In shaping the operational conditions of workers who assemble and control products, the decisive role belongs to the hardness and intensity of the labor process, in particular, to the long-term restriction of motor activity in a fixed sitting position and the visual load associated with performing precision work using optical instruments. A change in the function of vision, characterized by a violation of the accommodative ability of the eye, a decrease in color perception, indicates the development of visual fatigue in collectors.Conclusion. Despite the modernization of production equipment, a significant proportion of labor operations for the assembly of products are carried out manually. Given the impossibility of ensuring complete automation of technological processes at the enterprises, preventive measures should be aimed at organizing a rational mode of operation that provides relief of vision.
Typical drawbacks in sanitary and hygienic characteristics of labor conditions submitted for the examination of the relation of diseases with an occupation in medical workers
Authors: Petrukhin Nikolai N.
Published: September 2020

Introduction. This article presents typical drawbacks in the sanitary-hygienic characteristics of working conditions, aimed at examining the relationship of the disease with the occupation among medical workers for the period 2000-2017 in the North-West Federal District, and making it difficult to conduct this examination with a positive outcome for the patient. Ways to eliminate these drawbacks are proposed.The purpose of the study is to establish the main typical drawbacks of the operational conditions there when compiling the sanitary-hygienic characteristics and hindering the establishment of a causal relationship between the disease and the occupation in medical workers when resolving expert issues, suggest ways to address them.Material and methods. Based on the materials of the Federal State Budgetary Institution Scientific Center for Hygiene and Public Health and the Centers for Occupational Pathology (COP) of the subjects of the Northwestern Federal District of the Russian Federation (NWFD), a retrospective analysis of a sample of case histories of patients with established occupational diseases (n = 227) and unidentified cases (n = 32) employed in medical institutions of the North-Western Federal District and sent to the COP to examine the relationship between the disease and the occupation. Between 2000 and 2017 259 medical workers were sent to the central control center on the territory of the NWFD for the examination of the relationship between the disease and the occupation, 32 were not found to have a causal relationship with the occupational activity.Results. The analysis of sanitary and hygienic characteristics indicates an insufficient objective assessment of the operational conditions of medical workers. In most cases, the compilers of these characteristics did not critically transfer data from the documentation for a special assessment of operational conditions into them and did not take into account the leading role of the biological factor in shaping the risk of occupational pathology.Conclusion. To correct the situation, serious optimization of both the regulatory framework and the working methods of the Federal Service for Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare institutions, as well as other structures involved in assessing working conditions in healthcare institutions, is required.
Hygienic assessment of chemical composition of pollutants generated in various ways of consumption nicotine-containing product
Authors: Zaritskaya Ekaterina V. , Yakubova I. Sh. , Mikheeva A. Yu. , Alikbaeva L. A.
Published: September 2020

Introduction. Lack of studies proving or denying passive smoker health risks caused by electronic cigarettes prevented from introducing restrictive measures and considering them to be tobacco products as early as in 2013. Indoor air pollution by consumed nicotine-containing products in extra-low concentrations which could be detected using high-tech lab mass-spectrometry techniques was the object of study. Material and methods. “Unknown composition” air sampling was carried out in the process of simulation tests. Three types of tobacco products were used in the tests: tobacco cigarettes, electronic nicotine-delivery system (ENDS), battery-powered heat-not-burn tobacco cigarettes (IQOS) with tobacco sticks. “Unknown composition” air samples were analyzed for volatile organic compounds, medium volatile organic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (total and separately 16 priority PAHs, inorganic elements (Si, Pb, Cu, Cr, Ni). Sampling was carried out three times a day on separate days for each type of product and control, a total of 12 “unknown composition” air samples being collected. The study of “unknown composition” air samples was carried out at the accredited chemical-analytical center “Arbitrazh” of the D.I. Mendeleev Institute of Metrology (accreditation certificate РОСС RU.0001.510650).Results. A total number of 115 chemicals were determined, and among them, substances significant concentrations of which are most likely related to tobacco or nicotine consumption, as compared to control, and depend on the type of nicotine-containing product, were identified. Statistically significant concentration excess (р≤ 0.05), as compared to control, was seen for 27 chemicals in indoor air polluted by-products of consumed tobacco cigarettes; when using electronic nicotine-delivery system (ENDS) the excess (р≤ 0.05) was shown for 2 chemicals, i.e.: acenaphthylene and benz(a)perene, and when using heat-not-burn tobacco products (IQOS) the excess of studied chemical concentrations in comparison with control was not reported.Conclusion. Findings of comparative analysis of “unknown composition” air sampling give evidence that a much larger number of harmful chemicals at significantly exceeded concentrations (р≤ 0.05), including those causing human health risks, is released when smoking cigarettes, as compared to using ENDS or IQOS.
Structural and functional features and indices of left ventricular deformation in coal industry workers depending on the presence of arterial hypertension
Authors: Korotenko Olga Yu. , Filimonov Egor S. , Panev Nikolay I. , Blazhina Olga N.
Published: September 2020

Introduction. The coal industry occupies an important place in the Kuzbass industry, which involves a significant part of the employable-age population. Early detection of reduced myocardial contractility among coal industry workers, which develops as a result of arterial hypertension, will prevent the development of cardiovascular complications that can lead to disability or lethal outcome.The objective of the study was to evaluate the structural and functional parameters of the left ventricle in workers with and without arterial hypertension employed in coal industry enterprises with different methods of coal mining.Material and methods. The study included 178 coal mine workers and 112 open-pit coal mine workers aged from 40 to 55 years. All subjects underwent echocardiography to determine the geometric and functional parameters of the left ventricle and to assess its global longitudinal deformation.Results. Concentric remodeling of the left ventricle was revealed in open-pit coal mine workers with arterial hypertension. Its ejection fraction in all groups was within normal values but was lower in open pit coal mine workers with arterial hypertension (p=0.012). The global longitudinal strain of the left ventricle was significantly less in individuals with arterial hypertension (p<0.0001). In groups with normal blood pressure, it was significantly lower among miners than in open-pit coal mine workers (p=0.020).Conclusion. Concentric remodeling of the left ventricular myocardium was detected only in the workers of coal mines with arterial hypertension. Among the miners and open-pit coal mine workers with arterial hypertension with a normal left ventricular ejection fraction, a decrease in the longitudinal deformation of the left ventricular myocardium was recorded. Among the workers of the coal industry without arterial hypertension, a decrease in the longitudinal strain of the left ventricle was observed only in miners, which may be due to the influence of a complex of harmful factors of working in underground conditions.
Antibiotic properties of nisin in the context of its use as a food additive
Authors: Bagryantseva Olga V. , Khotimchenko Sergey A. , Petrenko Alexey S. , Sheveleva Svetlana A. , Arnautov Oleg V. , Elizarova Elena V.
Published: September 2020

Background. Scientific research has demonstrated that microbial pathogens could develop resistance to multiple antibacterial agents. Food additives, in particular preservatives, have also been shown to increase antimicrobial resistance of food-contaminating microorganisms. In this work the lantibiotic nisin was shown to exhibit: it contributes to the development of the antibiotic resistance of pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms, reduces the immune status, the development of an imbalance of intestinal microbiocenosis, affects the body’s metabolism through the regulation of DNA transcription.Purpose. To assess the risks of nisin (E234) use taking into account its impact on the biological properties of microorganisms-food contaminants.Material and methods. Calculation of nisin consumption with food under conditions of scenarios 1 and 2 was carried out taking into account the bodyweight of consumers of different age groups in the Russian population in the software Exel. The analysis of scientific data on the biological properties of nisin, including the ability to form to the resistance of microorganisms was provided.Results and conclusion. For the first time, the calculated amounts of the food additive-preservative nisin (E234) in the intestinal contents were shown to exceed the minimum inhibitory concentrations of nisin for representatives of the normal flora of the human gastrointestinal tract in consumers of all ages by from 40 to 27064 times, depending on the consumption scenario (with minimum and maximum exposure levels). It has been argued that the safety of nisin used as a food additive needs to be re-assessed taking into account its considerable contribution to the antimicrobial resistance of food pathogens.
Pre-clinical evaluation of metabolic and morphological changes in the body induced by 4-chlorobenzhydryl pip
Authors: Gorokhova Larisa G. , Mikhailova Nadezhda N. , Zhukova Anna G. , Logunova Tatyana D.
Published: September 2020

Introduction. A significant medical and social challenge in occupational health poses a risk of chemical intoxication in the industrial synthesis of new drug compounds.The aim of the work was a pre-clinical study of metabolic and morphological changes in acute and subchronic exposure of 4-chlorobenzhydryl piperazine on the body, which will allow early diagnosis of health problems in workers in workshops where the reaction synthesis of piperazine compounds are used and carried out.Material and methods. A complex of toxic-hygienic and biochemical studies was carried out. The object of the research was 4-chlorobenzhydryl piperazine. Toxic properties were studied in experiments on white outbred rats. Single inhalation and subacute intragastric modes and methods of exposure were reproduced. Blood serum indices were analyzed: the activity of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, catalase, the concentration of total protein, ceruloplasmin, urea, cholesterol, and glucose. The content of protein and chlorine ions was determined in the urine. Morphological studies were performed on the brain, heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, stomach, pancreas, and thyroid glands.Results. The changes in the biochemical indices of blood and urine in different ways of substance intake into the body were similar. An increase in the concentration of ceruloplasmin, which has a pronounced oxidase activity, was revealed. A decrease in catalase activity demonstrated the lack of antioxidant protection in the conditions of intoxication. A marker of dysfunctional liver disorders was an increase in the activity of aminotransferases. In rats, in the priming process, no changes in indices characterizing the functional state of the kidneys were revealed. 4-chlorobenzhydryl piperazine has the most pronounced toxic effect on the hepatobiliary system. Histological findings confirmed the development of mild toxic steatohepatosis in animals exposed to poisoning.Conclusion. When 4-chlorobenzhydryl piperazine is ingested, there is a risk of pathology, especially of the hepatobiliary system. The information content of biochemical indices that can become correct signs of health disorders in workers who are in contact with 4-chlorobenzhydryl piperazine is considered. The indices possessing not only high sensitivity but the activity of aminotransferases, the concentration of urea, and ceruloplasmin in blood serum also can provide diagnostically significant specificity.
Assessment of the toxicity of benzoic acid derivatives in the intragastric intake
Authors: Gorokhova Larisa G. , Mikhailova Nadezhda N. , Ulanova Evgeniya V. , Yadykina Tatyana K.
Published: September 2020

Introduction. Benzoic acid and its numerous derivatives are widely used in all areas of chemical production. However, there is no information about the toxic properties of a large number of benzoic acid derivatives. The purpose of the study was to study the toxic properties of several derivatives of benzoic acids in intragastric intake in an experiment.Material and methods. The following derivatives of benzoic acid were studied: 4-chlorobenzoic, 4-methoxybenzoic, p-acetoxybenzoic and 2-methoxy-5-sulfamoylbenzoic acids. The studies were performed on white laboratory rats; toxicity was studied in repeated experiments with the oral administration of substances. The condition of the animals was assessed by integrated parameters, indices of biochemical analyzes of blood serum, morphological data from a study of the liver, kidneys, heart, stomach, pancreas and thyroid glands.\Results. According to toxicometric data, 4-chlorobenzoic acid is classified as moderately hazardous, hazard class III, 4-methoxybenzoic, p-acetoxybenzoic and 2-methoxy-5-sulfamoylbenzoic acids belong to hazard class IV (low hazard). Under the subchronic administration of all the studied compounds, there was a significant increase in urea concentration, aminotransferase activity, and a decrease in catalase activity, most pronounced in poisoning with 4-chlorobenzoic and 4-methoxybenzoic acids. Morphohistological studies confirmed the predominant effect of benzoic acid derivatives on the functioning of the hepatorenal system in the animals exposed to poisoning. Microscopically fatty liver dystrophy was observed, there was a diffuse proliferation of Kupffer cells. In the kidneys, the glomeruli were enlarged in size; the lumen of the Shumlyansky-Bowman’s capsule was narrowed as a result of swelling of the capillary endothelium.Conclusion. Subchronic oral intake of 4-chlorobenzoic, 4-methoxybenzoic, p-acetoxybenzoic, and 2-methoxy-5-sulfamoylbenzoic acids leads to many disorders in the body, which are mainly of a common toxic nature with a predominant effect on the state of the hepatorenal system. The most pronounced organotoxic effect is manifested in the chlorine-containing derivative of benzoic acid - 4-chlorobenzoic acid. Due to the low toxicity of benzoic acids, chronic poisoning in the workplace is unlikely; it is possible only if the technological processes are disrupted.
The Impacts of the Use of the Bagan Apung on the Socio-Economic Life of Fishermen Communities
Authors: Sabdillah Sahar Mirdan , Roslan Suharty , Sarpin
Published: September 2020

This study aims to determine the considerations or reasons why fishing communities use of the Bagan Apung and their impact on the socio-economic life of the fishing communities of Pasir Putih Village, Lembo District, North Konawe Regency. This type of research is using qualitative descriptive. Data collection techniques in this study were carried out through observation, interviews, and documentation. The results in this study indicate that using the Bagan Apung by fishermen is due to the consideration that it is simple to make, simple to use, and quickly gets the catch. The impact of the use of the Bangan Apung on the socio-economic life of the fisherman community, namely social impacts includes education, social interaction, and health. While the economic impact includes income, expenditure, and investment.
The Socio-Economic Impacts After Relocation of Pasar Panjang Traders to the Wua-Wua Central Market Kendari City
Authors: Asiah Nur , Moita Sulsalman , Supiyah Ratna
Published: September 2020

This study aims to determine the process of relocation of the Pasar Panjang traders to the Central Market of Wua-Wua Kendari City and to determine the impact caused after the relocation. This research uses a qualitative approach, where data is collected through observation, interview, and documentation techniques. The results of this study indicate that the relocation of Pasar Panjang traders to the Wua-Wua Central Market of Kendari City is intended for fire victims. The government provides approximately 1,200 stalls with adequate facilities. The impact caused by the relocation of the Pasar Panjang traders to the Central Market of Wua-Wua, Kendari City, includes social impacts, namely the interaction between traders is well established, some locations are not given much attention to cleanliness. While the economic impact of the lack of merchant income due to lack of visitors, most traders take capital in the bank to open a business so they do not have savings, the volume of business traders to decline.
The Socio-Economic Impact of Covid-19 on The Economic Activities of Selected States in Nigeria
Authors: Obi Success Esomchi , Yunusa Tijani , Еzеoguеri-Oyеwolе Annе Nnеnna , Sekpe Sheneni Samuel , Egwemi Ejura , Isiaka Amina Shaibu
Published: September 2020

COVID-19 pandemic which has spread to 35 states in Nigeria as a health crisis has translated to economic crisis affecting all sector of the Nigeria economy and brought the whole states to its knees. The fundamental question that comes to mind is; in what way did a health crisis translate to an economic crisis? How /why COVID-19 crippled many states economy in Nigeria? The answer lies in the  methods in which COVID-19 has silenced economic activities ranging from the spread of the virus which translated to lockdown policy, band on interstate travel, restriction on movement, shutting down of worship centers, social distancing which led to the shutdown of businesses, trade, shutting down of the hospitality industries, commercial banks and events. We focused on the period from the start of March 2020 when the coronavirus began spreading into other states of the federation through May 4th, 2020 when the Federal government relaxed the lockdown policy. Our objective was to examine the socio-economic effect of the lockdown policy on business, transport and service/hospitality industries in three selected metropolis from three states within the period of relaxation. Using the multistage sampling method, we selected 300 respondents across the three sector examined. Data obtained via structured questionnaires was analysed using inferential statistics. This includes Multiple Regression Analysis, Coefficient for correlations of independent sample and analysis of variance (ANOVA) for significant impact samples. The findings reveal that the increasing number of lockdown days, interstate travel ban, social distancing, and restriction to essentials services severely affected the level of economic activities within the period under review. In contrast, CPL PSL RSM had negative relationship but significant impact in the model, while BSK and ITR negative non-significant impact in the models due to imposed restriction on internal movement, while the rest variables had positive significant effect on the level of economic activities.
Prosocial Behaviours of Members from Student Voluntary Clubs in Sagaing University of Education
Authors: Chit Yar Zar
Published: September 2020

This study investigated the prosocial behaviors of members from student voluntary clubs in Sagaing University of Education, Myanmar. A total of 200 BEd students who are members from six student voluntary clubs in Sagaing University of Education participated in this study. Descriptive research design and survey method were used.  Findings revealed that mean percentage of emotional prosocial behaviour is highest and that of anonymous prosocial behaviour is lowest. There were significant differences in students’ altruistic and emotional prosocial behaviours as well as there was significant difference in their prosocial behaviours by gender at  =0.05 levels. However, there was no significant difference in students’ prosocial behaviours by club type.  It was also found that there were commonly positive high correlations between total prosocial behaviour and each tendency at  =0.05 levels. This study hopes to give some ideas to promote students’ prosocial behaviours.
The Resurgence of Informal Settlements in Cuidad Juarez: Estrella Sol del Poniente, Causes and Conditions
Authors: Tajudeen Oluwafemi Noibi  , Ramon Leopoldo Moreno Murrieta  , Pandey Digvijay
Published: September 2020

The growth of informal settlements in the city of Cuidad Juarez have been part of the historical development of urbanization of the city. The sporadic rise in the disturbing trend was later grounded to halt by the agencies of government across the 3 tiers, namely, municipal, state, and federal. Outstandingly, the growth of the city of Cuidad Juarez and the existence of slums was largely pronounced by location and the neoliberalist ideology of the commodification of human needs. The rise of an informal settlement in recent times in the city, namely Estralla Sol del Poniente was basically due to the population growth in irregular settlements otherwise known as colonia which have prompted those living in precarious conditions to re-establish a habitat of their own. The living condition of characterizing a slum are poor public services such as water supply, sanitation, lack of electricity, among others. Through the methodology of qualitative research, the ethnography findings suggest that lack of trust in government agencies which also have reinforced social exclusion have further justified the construction of informal settlements. There is the need for the municipal authority of the border city to understand that the ripple effects of the immediate past have raised its ugly repercussions. The need to subjectively understand policies the effectiveness of land policies and all-inclusive urban housing, skill acquisitionand firm legislative and executive policy implementation would further control the rise of slums.
METODE MEDIA GAMBAR, KERJA KELOMPOK DAN JIGSAW UNTUK MENINGKATKAN HASIL BELAJAR SISWA PADA MATA PELAJARAN IPA
Authors: Mulyaningsih Sri
Published: September 2020

Rendahnya hasil belajar IPA dengan kompetensi dasar hubungan antara makluk Hidup dikelas IV semester I SD Negeri Karang Asih 12 Tahun Pelajaran 2017/2018 tidak sepenuhnyakesalahan terdapat pada diri siswa. Seperti yang sudah dikemukakan di atas, faktor – faktoryang mempengaruhi. Mungkin pada saat proses kagiatan pembelajaran IPA siswa tidakmempunyai motivasi belajar, dikarenakan siswa tidak suka pada pelajaran IPA, atau siswakurang memahami materi, guru belum menggunakan strategi pembelajaran yang tepat, ataubahkan guru tidak memanfaatkan dan menggunakan alat peraga untuk memudahkan siswadalam memahami materi, sehingga siswa merasa bosan. Berdasarkan latar belakang masalah,maka dapat dirumuskan masalah sebagai berikut: “Apakah dengan Media Gambar, Metodekerja Kelompok dan Jigsaw dapat meningkatkan hasil belajar siswa tentang hubungan antaraMakluk Hidup di kelas IV semester I SD Negeri Karang Asih 12 Tahun Pelajaran2017/2018
EFFECT OF CREDIT ACCESS FUNCTION ON FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF SACCOS IN KENYA
Authors: Ndungo’ Jackson Mnago , Tobias Dr. Olweny , Florence Dr. Memba
Published: September 2020

Purpose: The study sought to establish the effect of credit access function on financial performance of SACCOs in Kenya.Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population comprised of registered 181 deposit-taking SACCOs as at 31st December 2014 and the three licensed CRBs in Kenya. Stratified random sampling was used in the study, where SACCOs were grouped into five respective strata which were then randomly selected. The SACCOs were grouped into five respective strata of government based, teachers based, farmers based, private institutions based and community based. The study sampled 135 of the 181 (74.5%) licensed deposit taking SACCOs since these were the only licensed deposit-taking SACCOs by 2014. The choice of the licensed deposit taking SACCOs in Kenya was very objective since it was possible to obtain information that is representative of Kenya. In addition, SACCOs form the smaller arm in the financial sector and in most cases deals with a larger group of clients from the informal sector as opposed to other financial institutions like banks. Both primary and secondary data were analyzed using SPSS software, and statistics generated included descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The particular descriptive statistics used included frequencies and percentages while the particular inferential statistics included Pearson correlation analysis and regression. Correlation analysis was used to establish either positive or negative relationships between the variables. Regression analysis was used to establish the significance of the variables and the degree of causal effect of the independent variables on the dependent variable. The hypotheses testing were conducted using simple regression model.Findings: From the data analysis the study concluded that there was a significant and positive relationship between credit access function and financial performance thus the existence of credit reference bureaus was suitable for improving financial performance of SACCOs. This implied that CRBs help improve credit access resulting to increase in income in form of interest charged from the loans granted. In addition, Credit reference bureaus have led to increase in small and short-term loans. Credit reference bureaus helped members remove fear for access of credit and also for lenders no longer fear to get a negative selection of applicants since their competitor has already picked all cherries.Recommendation: The study recommended that lenders should reduce unnecessary transaction costs like high interest rates on provision of credits which may shy away borrowers or even make loans expensive thus reducing credit access to borrowers. There was also a need to develop strategic plans to act as a road map for the SACCOs future plans that would enhance credit access and performance improvement.
THE EFFECT OF PORTFOLIO SIZE ON THE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF PORTFOLIOS OF INVESTMENT FIRMS IN KENYA
Authors: KIMANI MBOGO PETER , ADUDA DR. JOSIAH
Published: September 2020

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of portfolio size on the financial performance of portfolios of investment firms in Kenya. Methodology: The research design adopted a descriptive survey study. This implied that the total population of this study is 90 firms as given by the Kenya Association of Investment Groups (KAIG). For representativeness purposes, the current study took a sample size of 50% of the population. This was 45 firms.  The study used secondary data from the financial statements of the investments firms. The selected period was 5 years. The researcher used frequencies, averages and percentages in this study. The researcher used Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to generate the descriptive statistics and also to generate inferential results. Regression analysis was used to demonstrate the relationship between the portfolio size and the performance of investment firms.Results: The finding reveal that investments firms in Kenya had put the biggest allocation of funds in stocks, followed by real estate portfolio and the least holding was in bond and money market funds.  The findings also reveal that that the stocks portfolio generated the highest returns followed by bond and money market returns while real estate portfolio generated the least returns. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: It was recommended that investment managers should consider increasing the number of stocks from the current average of 13 stocks to between 16 to 20 stocks.  Such a portfolio size would be optimal since approximately 91% of risk would have been diversified. This will solve the question in mind of investment managers which has been as to how many individual stocks or investments are needed to compose an optimal portfolio. An optimal portfolio is preferred over a maximized portfolio due to the risk return tradeoff.
AN ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECT OF CREDIT RISK MANAGEMENT ON PROFITABILITY OF COMMERCIAL BANKS IN KENYA
Authors: WANJOHI ANTHONY , BAIMWERA MR. BERNARD
Published: September 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyse the effect of credit risk management on profitability of commercial banks in Kenya.Methodology: This study adopted a descriptive design. The study targeted a population of all the 44 commercial banks with the exception of Charterhouse bank which is under statutory management. The sample of this study was 86 employees out of a possible 30,056 employees from the 43 commercial banks. The sample of 86 was generated by purposively sampling two employees from each bank.  One employee was a manager from the finance department while the other employee was a manager from the credit risk department. The questionnaire comprised of closed ended questions. Secondary data for ROA was identified. SPSS was used to produce frequencies, descriptive and inferential statistics which was used to derive conclusions and generalizations regarding the population. Regression analysis was also used to show the sensitivity of profitability, ROA to various independent variables.Results: The study findings indicated that credit department had various checks during loan credit review. The credit department always checked at the character of the borrower, collateral of the borrower, capacity of the borrower, capital of the borrower, conditions and controls during credit review. Results indicated that the banks had credit appraisal practices, credit monitoring practices, debt collection practices and credit risk governance practices in place. Regression results indicated that there was a positive and significant relationship between credit appraisal, credit monitoring, debt collection and credit risk governance practices and profitability of commercial banks.Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study concluded that credit appraisal, credit monitoring, debt collection and credit risk governance practices had a positive effect on the profitability of commercial banks. The study recommends that the banks should continue emphasizing on the effective credit appraisal, credit monitoring, debt collection and credit risk governance practices so as to enhance maximum profits in banks.
Relationship between Interest Rates and Gearing Ratios of Firms Listed in the Nairobi Securities Exchange
Authors: Muthee Billy , Adudah Dr. J , Ondigo Hendrick
Published: September 2020

Purpose: The objective of this study was to establish the relationship between interest rates and gearing ratios of firms listed in the Nairobi Securities Exchange.Methodology: The study was carried out using a longitudinal research design, employing secondary quantitative data. The population for this study constituted of all listed companies in the Nairobi Securities Exchange. As at December 2013, there are 62 companies listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange. This study did not sample and hence a census survey was carried out for the study. The study used secondary data. All the data was collected by review of documents, annual reports of the companies, the Nairobi Securities Exchange Handbooks and published books of accounts. The selected period was year 2009 to year 2013 (5 years).The researcher used frequencies, averages and percentages in this study. The researcher used Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to generate the descriptive statistics and also to generate inferential results. Regression analysis was used to demonstrate effect of interest rate on the gearing ratio of listed firms.Results: These results showed that there is a negative relationship between gearing ratio and interest expense and profitability as supported by beta coefficients of -0.486 and -0.129 respectively. Firm size had a positive correlation (0.275), which means that an increase in firm size causes an increase in the gearing ratio. The analysis also yields results that showed that interest expense, firm size and profitability were statistically significant.Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: the study recommended that; the firms should adopt strategies that increase their firm size resulting to a scenario whereby they increase their collateral and thus granting them the ability to access more debt, firms should ensure that they optimize their profits so as to reduce their gearing ratio and thus cause growth, firms should seek to adopt other ways of financing their activities since interest expense had a negative relationship with gearing ratio.
INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISE (IFRS FOR SMES) AND THE STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING STANDARDS (SAS): A COMPARATIVE STUDY
Authors: Chikwemma Muotolu Peace , Ursula Egungwu Ngozi , Sunday Anichebe Alphonsus
Published: September 2020

Purpose: Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) are the engines that propel the world economy; they are essential sources of jobs, they create entrepreneurial spirit and innovation in the economy and are thus crucial for fostering competitiveness and creativity. The objective of this study therefore, is to ascertain the need for International Financial Reporting Standard for Small and Medium Enterprises (IFRS for SMEs) instead of Statement of Accounting Standards (SAS), to ascertain the extent to which IFRS aids managements in attaining goals and objectives as well as improving its market share and to ascertain the challenges for Non-compliance (causes and penalties) with international financial reporting standard for Small and Medium Enterprises.Methodology: Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test hypothesis.Results: The findings were; a major factor why IFRS is adopted by Nigeria is because other countries have adopted it, the size of entities to participate in IFRS for SMES varies, adopting a globally accepted financial reporting is relevant to small firms as they operate in a globalized world.Policy recommendation: This study recommends that the IASB should ensure full implementation/compliance of IFRS for SME by companies that fall under that category, the cost of acquiring IFRS education should also be subsidized for small firms by major accounting regulatory bodies in Nigeria.