bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Product Tax Revenue and Economic Growth in Nigeria: An Engle-Granger Approach, Evidence From 1981 - 2019
Authors: Amalu Henry Ikechukwu , Ukwueze Thaddeus Nnaemeka , Olife Loenard  U. , Irokwe Favour Friday
Published: November 2020

Purpose: Product tax is an essential tool for governments, serving both as a revenue generator and fiscal policy instrument. The paper examines short-run and long-run relationships shared by product taxes and economic growth in Nigeria for the period, 1981 to 2019.
Approach/Methodology/Design: The study checks the stationarity properties of the series by testing them for unit roots using Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF) method and Philip-Perron unit root test. Both unit root tests indicate that the series is stationary at first difference. In view of this, the study deploys a cointegration technique, Engle-Granger two-step procedure to determine the long-run and short-run links shared by the variables of interest. The Error Correction Mechanism (ECM) estimation and the Granger causality estimations for speed of adjustment and causality of the variables were also used.
Findings: The results reveal that product tax revenues and economic growth cointegrate in the long-run; while product tax revenues exert a significant positive effect on economic growth both in the short-term and long-term. The outcome of the Error Correction Mechanism (ECM) estimation shows a swift speed of adjustment to a new long-run equilibrium after a shock. The outcome of the Granger causality estimations indicates a uni-directional causality from economic growth to revenues from product taxes.
Practical Implications: This study is significant at this point when the country is facing increasing economic challenges. It will be useful to policy makers who might want to explore the possibility of using product tax as a fiscal policy tool, and a source of revenue to augment the declining revenue of the government from other sources.
Originality/value: The paper explores short-run and long-run relationships shared between product taxes and economic growth in Nigeria using a two-step procedure of Engle and Granger, and it verifies causality link between the later and the former.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Business-Community Relations in Africa: the Case of Ethiopia
Authors: Aliye Abdurahman
Published: November 2020

Purpose: study aimed to assess the Corporate Social Responsibility practices, business-community relations, and the missing links in Corporate Social Responsibility- community development in Ethiopia.
Approach/Methodology/Design: Case study and thematic analysis of data on 45 structured interviews of key informants from federal and regional government, companies, and local community was collected, transcribed, and analyzed to identify the current CSR practices and consequences, and the missing links in CSR-community development interface.
Findings: The CSR is ad-hoc philanthropy activity based on neo-liberal and voluntary approach motivated by market performance, reputation and image building objectives. There is no community development orientation, no social and environmental impacts. There are tax dodging, deforestation, water and chemical pollutions, britches of labor and community rights, CSiRs; National indigenous culture based community development oriented mandatory CSR policy, coordinating agency, engaging community, measuring the implementation, rewarding good CSR performance and punishing CSiRs.
Practical Implications: The study has implications for academics, managers, policy makers, public administrators, community activists and leaders. It contributes to CSR approach in developing countries, CSR theories, thinking, and practice in African context, the business community relations, the business management approaches, scope of stakeholders, in improving CSR to contribute to community development.
Originality/value: This study’s originality lies in bringing Ethnic diversity, federal- regional government, political history, collective rights, power of community and nationalism in CSR to the front.
Public Debt and Economic Growth in Niger: An Autoregressive Distributed Lag Approach
Authors: Oumarou Issoufou
Published: November 2020

Purpose: The aim of the paper is to examine the existence or not of a long run or a short run relationship between public debt and economic in Niger and investigate the significance of this relationship.
Approach/Methodology/Design: The study first applied time series econometrics tests such as Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) unit root test, Bound cointegration test and Auto Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) on annual data obtained from the International monetary fund (IMF) and the West African States Central Bank (BCEAO). The observations cover the period from 1970 to 2019. The study then performed some residual tests including serial correlation, normality and heteroskedasticity for the accuracy of the prediction of the model.
Findings: The empirical results showed no long run relationship between public debt and economic growth in Niger. The short run analysis revealed that public debt and budget balance have short run causal effects on economic growth in Niger. The coefficients are significant at 10% significance level.
Practical Implications: This article gives valuable information to Niger policy makers regarding the effects of public debt on Niger economic growth. The article highlights the effects that public debt has on economic growth in Niger in the short and long run. Therefore helping policy makers decide whether to increase or reduce the borrowing trend.
Originality/value: The results of the paper give valuable information on the relationship that public debt may have with economic growth in Sub Saharan African countries with the similar macroeconomic indicators with Niger.
Strategies Required to improve Students’ Industrial Training Program between Local Businesses and Technical Colleges in Enugu State, Nigeria
Authors: Ariyo Samson Oluwatimilehin , Ogbonnaya Kalu  Ezeda , Bamgboye Sikemi Oyin
Published: November 2020

Purpose: The aim of the study was to identify the strategies required in improving industrial training programs between local businesses and Technical colleges in Enugu State in Nigeria.
Approach/Methodology/Design: Three Research questions and hypotheses guided the study. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population for the study was 125 students from Government Technical College Enugu and Government Technical College in Nsukka, 23 owners of local businesses in Enugu state, 35 teachers from Government Technical College Enugu and Government Technical College in Nsukka and 10 co-coordinators from the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Enugu State. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The reliability co-efficiency of the instrument was found to be 0.83. Data collected were analyzed using mean for the research questions, while the null hypotheses were tested using Independent sample t-test at 0.05 level of significance.
Findings: Based on the findings, recommendations were made among which are; Local businesses should liaise with technical colleges to fashion out a suitable industrial training program that will improve students’ experience. More funds should be provided by Government to improve the industrial training program.
Practical Implications: The study will contribute positively to the understanding of industrial training program in technical colleges.
Originality/value: This study innovates by suggesting strategies to improve the industrial training program between local businesses and technical colleges.
Experiences of Family Caregivers’ Involvement in Treatment Related- Decision-Making in Triadic Health Encounters
Authors: Al-Ananbeh Enaam , Al-Wahadneh Abeer
Published: November 2020

Purpose: To explore the experiences of family caregiver in health decision-making for patients with chronic diseases.
Study Design: Qualitative Descriptive Design.
Subjects and Methods: A descriptive qualitative approach was used. A purposive sample of fifteen family caregiver for patients with chronic diseases were interviewed in Amman, Jordan; fifteen caregivers; males (n= 2), females (n= 13). Average of age = 40 years old. Data were generated through phone messages voice records over a period of two months (March & April 2020) in Amman, Jordan. Data were analyzed using a five–step technique proposed by Giorgi (1985).
Results: The findings of the study revealed that three major themes related to family caregivers’ experiences in health decision-making for patients with chronic diseases: 1) The patient has the right to decide about his health, 2) Healthcare providers know better, and 3) Roles of family caregivers in the decision making process.
Conclusion: The vital role of the family members in taking decisions for patients with chronic diseases is well-recognized by healthcare providers. Continuous systematic assessment of family members’ preferences and needs is crucial to provide the needed support for their patients in decision-making.
Assessment of Haematological and Biochemical Parameters of Women at Childbirth and their Newborn in Abidjan, Côte d’ Ivoire
Authors: Bleyere Mathieu Nahounou , Oussou Jean-Baptiste N'Guessan , Amani Jean Paul Aristide , Yapo Paul Angoué
Published: November 2020

Purpose: The objective of this study is to compare the hematological and biochemical parameters in women with those of their newborns in order to assess the impact of the nutritional status of the former on the latter.
Study Design: A cross sectional and prospective study.
Subjects and Methods: The study was conducted on 83 women who came to give birth in the hospitals of Abobo Sud (from April 3 to 20, 2017) and Yopougon Attié (from December 19, 2017 to January 18, 2018). The recruitment was based on their consent and according to specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. The blood, taken from the elbow’s vein of the women in labor and in the umbilical cord after childbirth, is put in suitable tubes for the assays of the blood parameters.
Results: The results showed that 29% of women in childbirth and 41% of newborns were anemic with the occurrence of almost all forms of anemia such as Normochromic Normocytic Anaemia (ANN), Normochromic Microcytic Anaemia (ANm) and Hypochromic Normocytic Anaemia (AHN), in both groups. The glycemia and lipid parameters studied as well as the atherogenicity indices were increased in women during childbirth, unlike newborns. Regarding hepatic and renal parameters, no significant differences were observed in total proteins, Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and total bilirubin between women and newborns. However, the other parameters such as creatinine, Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and conjugated bilirubin were elevated in newborns. As for the blood ion levels, the results showed high levels of calcium and potassium in newborns and high levels of chlorine in women.
Conclusion: Women nutritional status significantly influences that of their newborn babies.
Gas Chromatographic Analysis of the Phyto-Constituents and the Assessment of the Anti-Microbial Properties of the Leave Extracts of Nigeria-Grown Gingko biloba
Authors: Ubaoji Kingsley , Nwosu Onyeka , Agu Kingsley , Nwozor Kingsley , Ifedilichukwu Nma , Okaka Antoinette
Published: November 2020

Purpose: Gingko biloba (GB) leaves have been recognized for their therapeutic effects, dating back to traditional Chinese medicine where the ground leaves were used to treat several health problems. GB extracts are renowned for their medicinal properties in Asia, Europe and South America. However, GB leaves are rarely grown and used in Nigeria. In this study, we screened the phytochemical constituents and antimicrobial activities of GB leaves (aqueous and ethanol extracts) grown in Enugu, Enugu State, South East Nigeria.
Study Design: Experimental
Materials and Methods: Quantitative analyses of phytochemicals were done using gas chromatography while disk diffusion and broth dilution methods were used to determine the antimicrobial activities.
Results: The phytochemical analysis of aqueous and ethanol extracts showed high quantity of flavonoids (anthocyanin, rutin, epicatechin, kaemferol and catechin), alkaloids (lunamarine and ribalindine) and saponin while the moderate quantity of steroids and terpenes, tannin and phenols were also observed. The phytochemical analysis also showed very little concentration of antinutrients (phytate and oxalate) in both extracts. The ethanol extract showed some degree of antibacterial and antifungal activities as observed from their zones of inhibition (mm). Activity was observed on gram-positive bacteria; Staphylococcusaureus (15.5+0.71mm) and less activity on gram-negative bacteria; Escherichia coli (10.5+1.41mm) and Pseudomonasaeruginosa (no activity). Also there was an activity on yeast; Candida albicans (16.5+0.71mm) and less activity on moulds; Penicilliumcyclopium (9+1.41mm) and Aspergillus fumigatus (no activity). The aqueous extract showed no antimicrobial activity on both bacteria and fungi.
Conclusion: This study revealed the medicinal potentials of Ginkgo biloba leaves grown in Nigeria. The findings, therefore, will be useful for pharmaceutical industries and medical practice in Nigeria and beyond for the provision of good health to individuals.
Sales Transaction Data Analysis using Apriori Algorithm to Determine the Layout of the Goods
Authors: Hariguna Taqwa , Hasanah Uswatun , Susanti Nindi Nofi
Published: November 2020

In a shop, usually apply a sales strategy in order. The sales strategy can be in the form of determining the layout of goods so that they are close to one another. Determining the layout of items can be based on items that are often purchased simultaneously. Searching for items that are often purchased together can be done using data mining techniques, which is processing data to become more useful information. Sales transaction data processing can be done using apriori algorithm. Apriori algorithm is the most famous algorithm for finding high-frequency patterns and generating association rules. From the results of the discussion and data analysis, there were 3 (three) association rules formed, namely "If you buy Milo Active 18 grm, then buy ABC Kopi Susu 31G" with support 0.36% and 75% confidence, "If you buy Dancow 1 + Honey 200 grm, then buy Ice Cream Corneto" wit H Support 0.36% and confidence 60%, "If you buy SIIP Roasted 6.5 grm, then buy Davos Strong 10 grm" with support 0.36% and 75% confidence. From the association's rules can be used as decision making to determine the layout of goods that are likely to be purchased simultaneously by the buyer
Community Opinion Sentiment Analysis on Social Media Using Naive Bayes Algorithm Methods
Authors: Hariguna Taqwa , Rachmawati Vera
Published: November 2020

The election of Governor is an election event for the Regional Head for the future of the region and the country. The Central Java Governor election in 2018 was held jointly on 27 June 2018, which was followed by 2 candidate pairs of the governor. Its many responses from people through twitter's social media to bring up opinions from the public. Sentiment analysis of 2 research objects of Central Java Governor 2018 candidates with a total of 400 tweets with each candidate being 200 tweets. The used of tweets are divided into 3 classes: positive class, neutral class and negative class. In this study the classification process used the Naive Bayes Classifier (NBC) method, while for data preprocessing is using Cleansing, Punctuation Removal, Stopword Removal, and Tokenisation, to determine the sentiment class with the Lexicon Based method produces the highest accuracy in the Ganjar Pranowo dataset with an accuracy of 87,9545%, Precision value is 0.891%, Recall value is 0.88% and F-Measure is 0.851% while Sudirman Said dataset has an accuracy rate of 84.322%, Precision value of 0.867%, Recall value of 0.843% and F-Measure of 0.815%. From these results, we can conclude that the Ganjar Pranowo dataset was higher compared to Sudirman Said's dataset.
System of Information Feedback on Archive Using Term Frequency-Inverse Document Frequency and Vector Space Model Methods
Authors: Suhartono Didit , Khodirun Khodirun
Published: November 2020

The archive is one of the examples of documents that important. Archives are stored systematically with a view to helping and simplifying the storage and retrieval of the archive. In the information retrieval (Information retrieval) the process of retrieving relevant documents and not retrieving documents that are not relevant. To retrieve the relevant documents, a method is needed. Using the Term Frequency-Inverse Document and Vector Space Model methods can find relevant documents according to the level of closeness or similarity, in addition to applying the Nazief-Adriani stemming algorithm can improve information retrieval performance by transforming words in a document or text to the basic word form. then the system indexes the document to simplify and speed up the search process. Relevance is determined by calculating the similarity values between existing documents by querying and represented in certain forms. The documents obtained, then the system sort by the level of relevance to the query.
A Propose Model Optimal Supply Chain Distribution Network for Farmer Industrial
Authors: Mujali Al-Rawahna Ammar Salamh , Al Hadid Anas Yahya Bader
Published: November 2020

A supply chain should be operated in the most efficient way in a highly competitive environment, with the goals of cost minimization, shipment delays, inventories and expenditures, and distribution maximization, gain, return on investment, level of customer support, and efficiency. The development of supply-chain distribution networks is therefore an extremely complex task, due to the large physical production and distribution network flows, the uncertainties associated with external interface customers and suppliers as well as the non-linear dynamics linked to internal information flows. This study aims to address a problem in domestic distribution in a supply chain system that includes manufacturers, distribution centers and consumer zones to determine the optimum configuration of the network. We propose a mixed integer linear programming model to solve the problem.
A Fuzzy Multi Criteria Decision Making Approach for Vendor Evaluation in a Supply Chain
Authors: Gupta Shalini , Gupta Alok
Published: November 2020

Manufacturing enterprises face enormous competitive pressures in today’s business environment and to make full use of inside and outside resources in a competitive globalization market, many manufacturers and service providers are seeking a strategic cooperation with suitable vendors to improve their supply chain management (SCM) so that they can concentrate their efforts on their own core business. Hence, there is a necessary to select the best suppliers among various suppliers available. The decision parameters in vendor selection contains vague and uncertainty. The fuzzy theory able to handle this uncertainty, vague, imprecision and subjectivity present in vendor selection process and makes decision process more effective. In the research, we have analyzed an existing system of vendor rating and proposed a better system of vendor rating for the organization. Most organizations use simple additive weighting for vendor rating. However, we have attempted to use the fuzzy decision making method for the purpose. In the proposed approach, linguistic values are used to assess the ratings and weights for these factors. These linguistic ratings can be expressed in trapezoidal or triangular fuzzy numbers. Then, a hierarchy multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) model based on fuzzy theory is proposed to deal with the supplier selection problems in the supply chain system.
Automated Visitors Management System
Authors: Bhandari Ankit , Wattamwar Kirti , Preeti Pragya , Bhatt Susheel Bhatt Susheel , Gite B.B.
Published: November 2020

This paper present the Automated Visitors Management System A visitor management system tracks the usage of a public building or site. By gathering increasing amounts of information, a visitor management system can record the usage of the facilities by specific visitors and provide documentation of visitor’s whereabouts. Because a visitor management system provides a record of building use, these systems are frequently used to complement building security systems and access control systems. As electronic visitor management systems become more common and more powerful, these systems are taking over many of the functions of building security and access control.
ICT – Boon or Bane for Life Long Learning
Authors: Kaur Sarabjit , Kapil Yagbala
Published: November 2020

"Technology can make lifelong learning a reality" is written in one of the listed references. The modern information technology support is becoming the foundation of the efficient and cost-effective lifelong learning. The e-learning technology is becoming progressively sophisticated, which has several positive effects, though on the other hand the complex technology makes some learners feel uncomfortable. Innovations in e-learning information systems should take special care of this effect when dealing with "lifelong learners", since the level of the information literacy in this group varies a lot. A good example of the technology innovation is personalization which makes e-learning systems friendlier and diminishes the well known technology barrier.
SOBRE O DESENVOLVIMENTO HISTÓRICO DO CONCEITO DE NÚMERO
Authors: Balieiro Filho Inocêncio Fernandes
Published: November 2020

Este artigo apresenta um panorama histórico do desenvolvimento do conceito de número, buscando contribuir para o conhecimento e a cultura do professor de Matemática e para o seu trabalho em sala de aula. Para isso, por meio da historiografia, foram pesquisados e selecionados textos de matemáticos e filósofos de diferentes períodos da história que tiveram a preocupação em definir o número e consultadas obras de historiadores da Matemática.
SOBRE LOS PROBLEMAS GEOMÉTRICOS REALISTAS DE LA PRATICA MERCANTÍUOL (1521) DE JOAN VENTALLOL
Authors: Meavilla Seguí Vicente , Oller Marcén Antonio M.
Published: November 2020

La Pratica mercantíuol, escrita en catalán por el mallorquín Joan Ventallol, se imprimió en 1521. Estructurada en seis tratados, la Pratica es un ejemplo de las muchas aritméticas sin contenido algebraico que proliferaron a lo largo y ancho del siglo XVI. El sexto tratado se consagra a la Geometría elemental e incluye una colección de problemas de enunciado verbal con ilustraciones que tienen un cierto nivel artístico. En este artículo, comparamos dichos problemas con los que se proponen en otros impresos anteriores de carácter aritmético-geométrico. Con ello pretendemos descubrir las posibles fuentes en las que se pudo inspirar el autor balear.
PROFESSORES LUSO-BRASILEIROS: MATHEMATICOS DE PROFISSÃO NO ENSINO NÁUTICO E AO SERVIÇO DO ESTADO NA SEGUNDA METADE DO SÉCULO XVIII E INÍCIO DO SÉCULO XIX
Authors: Ferreira Nuno Martins
Published: November 2020

Na segunda metade do século XVIII, o ensino da náutica materializou uma nova conceção de educação: formar para servir e formar de acordo com novos métodos. No caso da Marinha, como noutros domínios, o emprego do saber adquirido transformaria o ofício em profissão e o artesão, entenda-se a figura do professor, em funcionário dotado dos mais modernos conhecimentos técnicos que, naquela época, se aprendiam e se ensinavam. A assunção da Matemática, enquanto disciplina dotada de uma Faculdade própria, nascida no âmbito da política reformista do rei D. José, nomeadamente da renovação da Universidade de Coimbra, forneceria às academias náuticas de Lisboa um escol de professores, alguns deles naturais da colónia brasileira, altamente qualificados para o adestramento de futuros pilotos. Neste artigo, enquadraremos a vida profissional desses professores luso-brasileiros no contexto de uma renovação do conhecimento matemático, nomeadamente no ensino da náutica.
Comparative Study of Physical and Mechanical Properties of Machine and Manually Crushed Brick Aggregate Concrete
Authors: Islam Md Jahidul , Rahman Jesika , Nawshin Sadia , Islam Mohammad M.
Published: November 2020

With technological advancement on the rise, manual crushing of bricks is gradually being replaced by machine crushing to obtain coarse aggregates for construction. However, properties of the brick aggregates obtained from these two methods vary which in turn, may affect the properties of the concrete matrix as well. This study represents a comparison between the machine crushed and manually crushed brick aggregates to be used as coarse aggregates in preparation of concrete. Four types of bricks, namely first class, second class, picket (over burnt) and ceramic were investigated, and each was crushed both manually and mechanically to a usable form of aggregates. The physical and mechanical properties of the brick aggregates derived from the two methods were tested and compared. In all types of brick, aggregates size, shape and strength properties such as flakiness and elongation indices, aggregate impact and crushing values and Los Angeles abrasion value showed lower values for manually crushed aggregate indicating better properties compare to machine crushed aggregates. This was evident while comparing compressive and tensile strength of concrete prepared with both manually and machine crushed first class and picket brick aggregates. Concrete with manually crushed brick aggregates showed marginally higher compressive and tensile strength in both types of brick aggregates.
State-Space Modeling and Performance Analysis of Variable-Speed Wind Turbine Based on a Model Predictive Control Approach
Authors: Bassi H. , Mobarak Y. A.
Published: November 2020

Advancements in wind energy technologies have led wind turbines from fixed speed to variable speed operation. This paper introduces an innovative version of a variable-speed wind turbine based on a model predictive control (MPC) approach. The proposed approach provides maximum power point tracking (MPPT), whose main objective is to capture the maximum wind energy in spite of the variable nature of the wind’s speed. The proposed MPC approach also reduces the constraints of the two main functional parts of the wind turbine: the full load and partial load segments. The pitch angle for full load and the rotating force for the partial load have been fixed concurrently in order to balance power generation as well as to reduce the operations of the pitch angle. A mathematical analysis of the proposed system using state-space approach is introduced. The simulation results using MATLAB/SIMULINK show that the performance of the wind turbine with the MPC approach is improved compared to the traditional PID controller in both low and high wind speeds.
Analysis of Quality of Service for the AOMDV Routing Protocol
Authors: Kute V. B. , Kharat M. U.
Published: November 2020

Due to the dynamic nature of Mobile Ad-hoc Networks  (MANETs), the provision of Quality of Service (QoS) guarantees is challenging. The route failure probability in a MANET is increased due to the mobility of nodes, which increases routing overhead. Multi-path routing protocols have relatively greater ability to reduce the routing overheads.  This paper discuses the performance analysis of the Ad-hoc On-Demand Multi-Path Distance Vector (AOMDV) routing protocol. AOMDV is a multi-path extension of a very well known single path routing protocol, (AODV). Extensive simulations were carried out using ns-2.34 and the study concluded that for CBR traffic AOMDV performance degrades as the data packet generation rate increases.
Design and Analysis of QoS Routing Framework integrated with OLSR protocol for Multimedia Traffic in Mobile Adhoc Networks
Authors: Soni S. , Shah J. S.
Published: November 2020

MANETs (Mobile Ad-hoc Networks) is the self organizing wireless structure of mobile hosts. Wireless media is used for communication in MANETs. Considering the developing requirements for multimedia and real-time traffic applications in real world, QoS (Quality-of-Service) support is essential in MANETs. But most of the characteristics of MANETs make QoS support a difficult problem. It is challenging to support QoS routing in MANET due to dynamic behavior and mobility of the hosts. The OLSR (Optimized Link State Routing) protocol can be efficiently used in MANETs to provide QoS routing because of its dynamic MPR (Multi Point Relay) selection criteria and proactive nature. In this paper, a design of QoS routing framework integrated with OLSR protocol is proposed and also analyzed using network simulator. Proposed QoS framework combines a bandwidth estimation algorithm with explicit resource reservation, QoS routing and connection admission control (CAC). OLSR protocol is extended for QoS framework to solve performance issues related to node mobility using cross layer approach. Results after simulation conclude about efficiency of the proposed QoS routing framework.
Correlation Between Grain Size Distribution and Silicon and Oxygen Contents at Wadi Arar Sediments, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alghamdi M. A. M.
Published: November 2020

Quartz is the major mineral of Wadi Arar sediments. The top two elements contents are oxygen with 63.96 wt%, followed by silicon with 16.35 wt%. There is a positive, weak to medium correlation between grain size and silicon and oxygen contents. The correlation between oxygen and grain size is four times higher than that of silicon. At grain size ranges between 0.8 and 1.0 mm, both oxygen and silicon show the maximum correlation, which decrease gradually with finer and coarser grain sizes. For each element, the correlation between the element content and grain size is a fourth degree polynomial in the grain size. Theoretically, the best two math models that represent the relation between the grain size distribution and each of individual oxygen and silicon content are y=8.84∙ln(x)+39.5 and y=2.26∙ln(x)+10.1 respectively, where y represents the element content percentage and x represents the corresponding grain size in mm.
A Study of SiR/EPDM Mixtures for Outdoor Insulators
Authors: Sykaras A. , Rajini V. , Danikas M. , Sarathi R.
Published: November 2020

This paper deals with the flashover voltages on samples of silicone rubber/ethylene propylene diene monomer (SiR/EPDM) mixtures under the influence of a uniform electric field. Five different mixtures of SiR/EPDM were investigated. Various SiR/EPDM mixtures (100% EPDM, 10% SiR + 90% EPDM, 30% SiR + 70% EPDM, 50% SiR + 50% EPDM, 70% SiR + 30% EPDM, 90% SiR + 10% EPDM, 100% SiR) were tested for different water droplet arrangements, different water conductivities, different droplet volumes as well as different droplet positioning w.r.t. the electrodes. The 50% SiR + 50% EPDM mixture proved to be the best mixture regarding the flashover voltage.
Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow in Naturally Ventilated Greenhouses
Authors: Elashmawy M. , Al-Rashed A. A. A. A. , Kolsi L. , Badawy I. , Ali N. B. , Ali S. S.
Published: November 2020

In this paper, heat transfer and fluid flow in naturally ventilated greenhouses are studied numerically for tow configuration according to the number and positions of the opening. The equations governing the phenomenon are developed using the stream function-vorticity formalism and solved using the finite volume method. The aim of the study is to investigate how buoyancy forces inﬂuence airﬂow and temperature patterns inside the greenhouse. Rayleigh number is the main parameter which changes from 103 to 106 and Prandtl number is ﬁxed at Pr=0.71. Results are reported in terms of stream function, isotherms and average Nusselt number. It is found that the flow structure is sensitive to the value of Rayleigh number and the number of openings. Also, that using asymmetric opening positions improve the natural ventilation and facilitate the occurrence of buoyancy induced upward cross-airflow inside the greenhouse.
BIM and Lean Construction: The Evolution Obstacle in the Brazilian Civil Construction Industry
Authors: Alvarenga T. W. , Da Silva E. N. , De Brito Mello L. C. B.
Published: November 2020

This article presents the teaching approach of different universities in the state of Rio de Janeiro regarding the dissemination of two civil construction learning paradigms: BIM and Lean Construction. The article’s main purpose is to investigate the learning systems of the two techniques for the benefit of the construction industry, as well as to evaluate their level of recognition. The principal results show that civil engineers graduates acquire little or no knowledge of both techniques, which may become a barrier to their professional evolution and especially to their involvement with public works projects.
The Impact of Capability Maturity Model Integration on Return on Investment in IT Industry: An Exploratory Case Study
Authors: Saeed A. , Afgun Usmani R. S. , Akram H. , Saqlain S. M. , Ghani A.
Published: November 2020

Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) is a framework known for improving the quality of processes on consistent basis. This paper makes an attempt to explore, analyze and describe the impact of CMMI in terms of return on investment (ROI) for the IT industry. An IT organization who has acquired a maturity level of CMMI 2 is taken as case study. At first, in reference to the level of applied CMMI, a thorough study is completed. Afterwards the luxuries and limitations are studied and explored with reference to organizations applying the monetary terms using ROI framework. Finally, the presented research highlights the key benefits and difficulties in switching to CMMI from conventional quality assurance.
Providing a New Model for Discovering Cloud Services Based on Ontology
Authors: Heydari B. , Aajami M.
Published: November 2020

Due to its efficient, flexible, and dynamic substructure in information technology and service quality parameters estimation, cloud computing has become one of the most important issues in computer world. Discovering cloud services has been posed as a fundamental issue in reaching out high efficiency. In order to do one’s own operations in cloud space, any user needs to request several various services either simultaneously or according to a working routine. These services can be presented by different cloud producers or different decision-making policies. Therefore, service management is one of the important and challenging issues in cloud computing. With the advent of semantic web and practical services accordingly in cloud computing space, access to different kinds of applications has become possible. Ontology is the core of semantic web and can be used to ease the process of discovering services. A new model based on ontology has been proposed in this paper. The results indicate that the proposed model has explored cloud services based on user search results in lesser time compared to other models.
Replacement of Coarse Aggregate with Locally Available Brick Aggregate
Authors: Bangwar D. K. , Saand A. , Keerio M. A. , Soomro M. A. , Laghari A. N.
Published: November 2020

Due to the abundant usage of concrete as a construction material, there is a fast dwindling source of aggregates. There are regions where there is scarcity of coarse aggregate, so to resolve this problem, Bricks Aggregates (BAs) can be used as coarse aggregate. A concrete mix ratio of 1:2:4 having characteristics strength of 3000 psi has been used in this experimental work. Compressive and tensile strength of concrete mix where 50% coarse aggregate is replaced with brick aggregate and concrete mix where 100% coarse aggregate is replaced with brick aggregate and addition of silica fume as a supplementary cementing material have been evaluated at 7, 14 and 21 days of age. The experimental test results revealed the compressive and tensile strength of concrete where coarse aggregate is replaced at 50% is almost the same as that normal concrete at the 7, 14, 21 and 28 days.
Perspectives of Blockchain Technology, its Relation to the Cloud and its Potential Role in Computer Science Education
Authors: Purdon I. , Erturk E.
Published: November 2020

Blockchain ledgers and the Cloud are a perfect match. On the one hand, there is an inherent requirement for multiple separate authentication nodes to validate every Blockchain transaction with each node requiring substantial encryption calculation capability. On the other hand, massive economies of scale can bring down the cost per transaction, and provide service continuity. Additionally, the Cloud provides a perfect incubator for proof-of-concept projects. This paper considers the future implications of Blockchain, as the concept of disintermediated trustless ledgers stimulates the imagination of computer scientists and innovators. The Cloud’s role in implementing this new paradigm is also highlighted, as a new decentralized P2P-Cloud model. Finally, this paper discusses how Blockchain may be integrated into the university level computer science and information technology curriculum.
A Numerical Comparison of Soave Redlich Kwong and Peng-Robinson Equations of State for Predicting Hydrocarbons’ Thermodynamic Properties
Authors: Hussain B. , Ahsan M.
Published: November 2020

Mixture phase equilibrium and thermodynamic properties have a significant role in industry. Numerical analysis of flash calculation generates an appropriate solution for the problem. In this research, a comparison of Soave Redlich Kwong (SRK) and Peng-Robinson (PR) equations of state predicting the thermodynamic properties of a mixture of hydrocarbon and related compounds in a critical region at phase equilibrium is performed. By applying mathematical modeling of both equations of states, the behavior of binary gases mixtures is monitored. The numerical analysis of isothermal flash calculations is applied to study the pressure behavior with volume and mole fraction. The approach used in this research shows considerable convergence with experimental results available in the literature.
Relationship between Grain Size Distribution and Radon Content in Surficial Sediments of Wadi Arar, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alghamdi M. A. M.
Published: November 2020

Surficial sediments with low radon content are desirable materials in construction applications. In this study, the relationship between grain size and radon content was investigated in sediments collected from seven sites in Wadi Arar, Saudi Arabia, with the intent of determining whether grain size analysis could be used for rapidly assessing the suitability of potential construction materials. Thirty-five samples were collected (five per site) and the grain size distribution was determined using sieves. Radon contents were measured on composite samples with a RAD7 radon detector. Among the sediment types (gravel, coarse sand, medium sand, fine sand, and silt and clay), the best linear correlations between grain size and radon contents were found for the coarse sand (negative slope, r=0.82) and fine sand (positive slope, r=0.78). Polynomial relationships were also tested. A fourth-degree polynomial equation effectively described the correlation between grain size and radon content (R2 = 0.933). As shown by this model, the highest correlations with radon contents were detected at grain sizes smaller than 2.0 mm. Thus, grain size may be useful for preliminary site assessment work.
Effect of Social Capital on Innovation: A Mediating Role of Employee Motivation
Authors: Yazdanifar M.
Published: November 2020

Enterprises’ survival depends on their ability to self-reconstruct. This reconstruction regards coordinated goals with the current situation and improved methods used to achieve these goals. Companies have to improve processes of innovation and creativity in order to adapt to changes. This study tends to examine the effect of social capital on innovation with emphasis on the mediating role of employee motivation. Through a descriptive-correlational study, 196 SSO employees in Tehran were randomly recruited and were asked to fill out relative questionnaires. The validity and reliability of the questionnaires were determined by using CFA and calculating Cronbach’s alpha. Data were tested by using descriptive tests (mean and standard deviation) and analytic tests (path analysis). The effect of social capital and employee motivation was positive and significant on organizational innovation (p
Role of Sodium Channel on Cardiac Action Potential
Authors: Sabzpoushan S. H. , Faghani Ghodrat A.
Published: November 2020

Sudden cardiac death is a major cause of death worldwide. In most cases, it's caused by abnormal action potential propagation that leads to cardiac arrhythmia. The aim of this article is to study the abnormal action potential propagation through sodium ion concentration variations. We use a new electrophysiological model that is both detailed and computationally efficient. This efficient model is based on the partial differential equation method. The central finite difference method is used for numerical solving of the two-dimensional (2D) wave propagation equation. Simulations are implemented in two stages, as a single cardiac cell and as a two-dimensional grid of cells. In both stages, the normal action potential formation in case of a single cell and it's normal propagation in case of a two-dimensional grid of cells were simulated with nominal sodium ion conductance. Then, the effect of sodium ion concentration on the action potential signal was studied by reducing the sodium ion conductance. It is concluded that reducing the sodium ion conductance, decreases both passing ability and conduction velocity of the action potential wave front.
Groundwater Quality Analysis for Human Consumption: A Case Study of Sukkur City, Pakistan
Authors: Laghari A. N. , Siyal Z. A. , Bangwar D. K. , Soomro M. A. , Walasai G. D. , Shaikh F. A.
Published: November 2020

Drinking water quantity and quality is of the utmost importance. If the drinking water gets contaminated, it can result in severe health problems. For example, the continuous consumption of drinking water containing more than permissible amounts of fluoride can lead to bone deterioration and increased risk of bone fracture [1]. The present study was carried out to check the quality of underground water of Sukkur city. The analyzed parameters were fluoride, sodium, magnesium, calcium, potassium, iron, arsenic, TDS, pH, conductivity, odor, color and taste. World Health Organization (WHO) standards were followed in present study. Underground water samples were collected from 20 different populated locations of Sukkur city. Only arsenic, pH, iron and potassium were found to be within health safe limits while the rest of the parameters exceeded the permissible standards set out by WHO. The TDS, sodium, fluoride and magnesium were over the limits at some locations.
Fading Legacy of the Architectural Heritage of the Historic Core of Karachi
Authors: Soomro T. A. , Soomro M. A. , Laghari A. N. , Bhangwar D. K. , Soomro M. A.
Published: November 2020

In 1839 British East India Company captured the town of Karachi. After an effortless resistance from the locals the fort was conquered by the British commander sir Charles Napier. The village of Kolachi then was annexed to British India and the city was labeled as Karachi. With the British occupation a phase of new sophisticated architecture and development started. Before that the city was based upon the vernacular mud architecture. These developments resulted in an influx of economic migrants who helped in making Karachi as a multinational and a multicultural city. This paper investigates the architectural attributes that the historic core of the city offers. It also discusses the side by side development of the native and British towns. The paper also researches about the existing state of the architecture precedent of the British colonial past of the city and the urban blight occurred to them over time in various forms like vandalism, encroachments, illegal repairs, etc.
Analysis of D2D Communications over Gamma/Nakagami Fading Channels
Authors: Hussain Z. , Khan A. ur R. , Mehdi H. , Saleem S. M. A.
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we investigate the outage probability, channel capacity and symbol error rate (SER) performance of device-to-device (D2D) communication systems. The D2D communication system is affected by several co-channel interferers. Gamma fading channel is considered for the D2D communication system. The channel for the co-channel interference is assumed to be Nakagami faded. An expression for the probability density function (PDF) of the signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) is presented. The PDF is a function of distances between various devices in the D2D system, path-loss, channel fading conditions and signal powers. Based on the PDF expression, we present the expressions for the outage, channel capacity and SER. With the help of numerical results the performance of D2D communication system is discussed under various conditions of interference, path-loss and channel fading.
Evaluation of Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs) on Hyderabad Karachi M-9 Motorway Section
Authors: Detho A. , Samo S. R. , Mukwana K. C. , Samo K. A. , Siyal A. A.
Published: November 2020

Pakistan is a developing country and its development depends upon its transports facilities. This paper describes the findings of a survey for the evaluation of road traffic accidents (RTAs) that focused on the Hyderabad-Karachi M-9 Motorway section. The objectives of the survey are the collection the data of traffic accidents including the human and property losses and the evaluation of RTAs causes. During a two year period (i.e. 2015 and 2016) it was revealed that 145 RTAs occurred on the motorway. In those RTAs, 109 persons died and 293 got injured and 251 vehicles were damaged. High risk percentages were recorded for both pedestrian and vehicle users.
An Outlook of Ozone Air Pollution through Comparative Analysis of Artificial Neural Network, Regression, and Sensitivity Models
Authors: Khan J. S. , Khoso S. , Iqbal Z. , Sohu S. , Keerio M. A.
Published: November 2020

Air pollution and atmospheric ozone can cause damages to human health and to the environment. This study explores the potential approach of the artificial neural network (ANN) model and compares it with a regression model for predicting ozone concentration using different parameters and functions measured by the Climate Prediction Center of US National Weather Service. In addition, this study has compared the economic viability of ANN and other measuring methods. Results showed that the ANN-based model exhibited better performance. Such model types can be beneficial to government agencies. By predicting ozone concentration government agencies can take preventive measures to avoid significant health effects, protect local populations, and help preserve a sustainable environment.
Automating the Classification of Field Leakage Current Waveforms
Authors: Pylarinos D. , Siderakis K. , Pyrgioti E. , Thalassinakis E. , Vitellas I.
Published: November 2020

Leakage current monitoring is widely employed to investigate the performance of high voltage insulators and the development of surface activity. Field measurements offer an exact view of experienced activity and insulators’ performance, which are strongly correlated to local conditions. The required long term monitoring however, results to the accumulation of vast amounts of data. Therefore, an identification system for the classification of field leakage current waveforms rises as a necessity. In this paper, a number of 500 leakage current waveforms recorded on a composite post insulator installed at a 150 kV High Voltage Substation suffering from intense marine pollution, are investigated. The insulator was monitored for a period of 13 months. An identification system is designed based on the considered data employing Fourier analysis, wavelet multiresolution analysis and a neural network. Results show the large impact of noise in field measurements and the effectiveness of the discussed system on the considered data set.