bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges of Open Distance Learning: Insights from Nursing Students at the National University of Lesotho
Authors: Letsae Thapelo , Mahlelehlele Bokang , Maja Lineo , Phiri Letuka
Published: September 2024

Background: The implementation of an E-learning pedagogical model of education for Bachelor of Nursing Science students presents obstacles, including delayed assignment completion, insufficient class participation, low competency, and job loss. Objective: To explore nursing students’ challenges associated with open distance learning at the National University of Lesotho. Methodology: A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was used in this study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data and was distributed to Participants online through google forms. The study was conducted for the period of three weeks in the month of May 2024. The data was analyzed descriptively using Statistical Package of Social Sciences. Results: A total of 58 students responded, out of which 93% experienced challenges during open distance learning while 7% did not. About 81% of Participants struggled with technology, while 71% complained about unreliable internet and personal issues that affected their study during open distance learning. Furthermore, environmental factors interrupted communications among learners and instructors. Issues of unreliable internet, impaired interaction, insufficient built-in support, institutional organization and personal factors that affected open distance learning were revealed. Conclusion: The research findings provide insight on the need to efficiently implement open distance learning for nursing students. Challenges experienced by nursing students that affected their learning include struggling with technology, requiring built-in support systems, and the need to secure an internet connection during open distance learning. Furthermore, prior planning for open distance learning is necessary for proper organization and management of personal issues affecting open distance learning.
A Sociological Study into the Impact of Capital on Moss Roberts’ Translation—Three Kingdoms: A Historical Novel
Authors: Gao Yuedan
Published: September 2024

The study of translation has undergone a shift from language-level analysis to a cultural turn and, subsequently, a return to a more macroscopic social perspective. As social research in translation primarily targets external factors, it falls under centrifugal research in translation studies. To sustain the vitality of translation studies, there is a need for a balanced approach, combining centrifugal research with centripetal research. Moss Roberts’ translation of San Guo Yan Yi is initiated by China Foreign Language Press and co-published by China and the US presses in 1991. It is considered the most academic complete English version of San Guo Yan Yi. Drawing on the social practice theory of French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu, this study analyzes Moss Roberts’ translation practices of and the influence of capital in the English translation and dissemination field. It attempts a micro-level and reverse study of sociological aspects of translation by examining three key aspects: the influence of cultural capital, the impact of social capital, and the manipulation of power capital. The results showed that Moss Roberts’ translation practices are deeply influenced by his cultural, social and power capital. Among them, his cultural capital enables the translation to be academic; his social capital empowers it to be accurate and faithful; and his power capital manipulates it where religious information arises.
Long Term Historical Precipitation and Temperature Trend Analysis for Selected Stations in Bale and East Bale Zones of Southeastern Ethiopia
Authors: Tufa Zerihun , Bekele Wondmagegn , Abebe Hirpa , Bultuma Bacha , Mengistu Bikila
Published: September 2024

Trend analysis for the long-term average temperature and precipitation of Bale and East Bale Zones during 1901 to 2016 has been performed for selected 5 stations to understand the pattern of these important meteorological features under climate change. The precipitation characterizations viz. standardized Precipitation Index has been considered for Sinana, Goro, Ginnir, Dallo menna and Agarfa stations. This study was aimed to analysis ‘’long term historical climate analysis selected stations in Bale and East Bale zones’’. The study considered station nearby kebeles was selected purposively from highland, midland and lowland districts. Standardized Precipitation Index drought index method was used to classify drought condition of the area. The findings showed that, the average temperature of the district showed an increased in the past three decades whereas the annual precipitation of the districts showed a decreasing trend with some variation from the mean in the period 1901- 2016 which was validated with 1984 – 2016 observed data. In line with this, representative respondents were considered from lowland, highland and midland agro-ecologies. Long term annual mean temperature showed increase trends by 0.17°C per decade at Sinana, Goro, Ginnir and Agarfa stations. Additionally, it was revealed more increment by 0.19°C per decade at Dallo menna station. From long term climate data analysis, it was indicated that extremely wet recorded in 1903, 1914, 1917, 1926, 1977 and 2013, while extremely dry conditions were recorded in 1919, 1938 and 1943 annual precipitation recorded for the whole period has been calculated and interpreted.
Evaluating Variability and Characterization of Seasonal Rainfall Over East Shewa Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Balcha Gashawun , Wami Abdisa , Game Asaminew
Published: September 2024

The objective of the research paper was classified as three main points. The first was to determine the seasonal and annual rainfall distribution of the zone. The second and the third was to evaluating seasonal rainfall variability and characterizing the seasonal rainfall of east Shewa zone in terms of onset and cessation date. Coefficient of Variation, Precipitation Concentration Index and Standardized Anomaly Index was the indicators used to assess the variability of seasonal rainfall of the zone for both main and second rainy season. Climatologically the zone received high amount of rainfall during June to September with peak value in July ranging from 300 to 660 averagely and during Belg with being peak in month of April with mean seasonal rainfall amount of 125 to 300. Bega is the dry period for the East Shewa zone as annual rainfall cycle result shown from the data of the year 1981 to 2020. Additionally 550 to 1060 mean annual rainfall observed during the study period. The result of coefficient of variation indicated that during the main rainy season its values ranged from 20 to 35% while from 30 to 50% during the second rainy season. It also indicated that high rainfall variability observed over Rift valley areas. The result stated that most parts of the zone are under moderate precipitation concentration during Kiremt and mostly irregular in the second rainy season. Standardized anomaly indicated that dry season dominated during second rainy period than the main rainy period. Characterization and identified variability of seasonal rainfall was important especially for rain-fed agriculture and hydrological advisory at zone level to support community.
Assessment of Beekeeping Practice and Its Constraints in Cheha Woreda of Gurage Zone
Authors: Adem Kedir
Published: September 2024

The objective of this study was to assess the potential of beekeeping and its practice taking place, constraints affecting the beekeeping practice of the area. For this study, 20 households were selected randomly, with the total of 60 households. Both primary and secondary source of data was collected. The primary data were collected mainly from interviews and by observation, whereas secondary data were collected from Chaha Woreda Agricultural office. Further more, visits to the districts were taken to gather relevant information for the study prior to actual survey. The results of this study show that, out of the respondents, 51 were male headed households whereas the rest 9 households were female headed. Majority of household in the area was from 20-60 years old indicating that, active working force is dominant in the study area. In relation to educational level, 20% of the respondents were illiterate and the remaining had got at least basic education quantitatively, 18.33%, 28.33% and 13.33% of the respondents had attended elementary school, secondary and high school, respectively. Beekeeping is an ancient farming activity and practiced as a side line with other farm activities. Based on the type of hives and management practiced, three types of beekeeping are yet visible in the area. There was no significant variation in proportion of hives among the study kebeles. However, Sisenamati, which was lower in number of transitional hive, has shown relatively high potential with modern hive followed by warden. Adoshe was better in potential of transitional hive but has lower number of modern hive. Out of householders, 53.4%, 30.6%, 9.4% and 6.6% state that they have place traditional hive under the roof of the house, hanging on trees, inside the house and back yard respectively.
Review of Enset (Tree Against Hunger and Drought) Value Chain Opportunities and Constraints in Agricultural Food Sector of Ethiopia
Authors: Bulcha Jilo
Published: September 2024

In sub-Saharan Africa Enset is widely dispersed wild plant species that ensures food security for many Africans. In similar view, in South and South-west parts of Ethiopia more than 20 million people depends on Enset as stable food and it is called drought tolerant food of root crop. Due to its multidimensional significant roles, its resilience and versatility during the times of famine Enset has earned the name 'The Tree against Hunger'. Besides, food items like ‘Amicho’, ’Kocho’, and ‘Bulla’ are obtained from Enset for home consumption and marketing. Besides, the value chain is the full range of activities which are required to bring a product or service from conception, through the different phase of production which involves a combination of physical transformation and the input of various producer services, delivery to final consumers, and final disposal after use. Thus, the main intent of this article was to review the value chain of Enset from its respective opportunities and challenges from perspective of Ethiopia. Regarding to this, the information used in this paper was the secondary source information that was extracted from journal articles and dissertation papers. Then the collected information were analyzed qualitatively and presented in narrative ways. Finally, based on the review results of this article conclusions and recommendations are given in advances.
Endoscopic Tympanoplasty in Chronic Otitis Media with Inactive Mucosal Disease
Authors: Tai Aasiya , Walikar Basavaraj , Rashinkar Satish , Kakeri Ashfak , Patel Anees
Published: September 2024

Background: Chronic otitis media (COM) is a condition usually seen in patients attending the ENT department. Chronic inactive mucosal disease (CIMD) is characterized by tympanic membrane (TM) perforation with hearing loss. Endoscopic tympanoplasty (ET) is a surgical method to repair TM perforation with minimal invasion. Objective: The present analysis was done to find out the outcome of ET surgeries in CIMD. Methods: Retrospective data analysis was done in 30 patients underwent ET with endoscopic under-lay technique at Al-Ameen medical college, Vijapur, India. Results: Average age of patients was 34.17±9.52 years. Majority (40%) patients were from 18-30 years of age group. There were 12 (40%) males and 18 (60%) females. Right-side and left-side CIMD was equally distributed in 30 patients. Sixteen (53.3%) and 14 (46.7%) patients were having right and left TM perforation, respectively. TM perforation size was small, medium and large in 43.3%, 30% and 26.7% of patients, respectively. Twenty-eight (93.3%) patients had temporalis fascia and 2 (6.7%) patients had tragal cartilage as graft material. Two (6.7%) patients had graft rejection without improvement in hearing. No patient had complication or any miscellaneous issues. Eighteen (60.0%), 11 (36.7%) and 1 (3.3%) pre-operative patient with pure-tone average (PTA) had mild, moderate, and severe conductive hearing loss (CHL), respectively. All patients with PTA were improved after surgery. Conclusion: ET is an effective, minimally invasive, and less painful surgical technique for repair of central TM perforations in CIMD.
Magnitude and Associated Factors of Gestational Excessive Weight Gain Among Pregnancy Women at St Paul’s Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2024, a Crosse-Sectional Study
Authors: Alemu Megbar
Published: September 2024

Background: Women invariably gain weight during pregnancy due to fat deposition, fluid retention, and the weight attributed to the growth of the fetus, uterus, and breasts. Gestational weight gain can influence pregnancy outcomes as well as the long-term health of both the mother and child. It is reported that nearly 50 percent of mothers worldwide experience excessive weight gain during pregnancy. Suboptimal weight gain during pregnancy is also a recognized risk factor for adverse delivery outcomes. Objective: To assess the magnitude of excess maternal gestational weight gain and the associated factors influencing pregnancy complications among pregnant women at St. Paul’s Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2024. Methods and Materials: An institutional-based descriptive cross-sectional quantitative approach was used to conduct the study. Data were collected using both primary and secondary sources. Well-organized interviewer-administered questionnaires and a checklist were utilized. The sample size was determined using a single population formula Considering the proportion to be 50% to get the maximum possible sample size. A total of 422 mothers participated in the study, and a systematic random sampling technique was employed to select the study population. Data were collected, summarized, tabulated, and analyzed using the Statistical Package Epi-Info version 7 and SPSS version 26 software. Frequencies, proportions, and dispersions were estimated to describe the variables. Multivariate analysis was used to determine the association between explanatory variables and gestational weight gain. Results: A total of 422 pregnant mothers participated in the study, resulting in a 100% response rate. The majority, 201 (47.6%), were in the age group of 20 to 25 years, and 179 (42.4%) had delivered two children. Additionally, 112 (26.5%) ate more than four times per day, and 303 (71.8%) consumed carbohydrates daily. Of the participants, 375 (88.9%) gained adequate weight, 35 (8.3%) gained excessive weight, and 12 (2.8%) gained inadequate weight during their current pregnancy. Being employed and consuming fruits and vegetables were associated with a lower likelihood of excessive gestational weight gain, while high carbohydrate consumption was linked to a higher risk of excessive weight gain. Conclusion and Recommendation: A significant proportion of women (35%) gained excessive weight. Unemployment and daily carbohydrate and fruits consumption were significantly associated with excessive weight gain. Women of childbearing age should be informed about the importance of consuming fruits and vegetables and reducing carbohydrate intake during pregnancy to prevent excessive weight gain.
Exploring Customer Insight Analytics with Descriptive Methodology: A Case Study of Adventure Hardware Group
Authors: Ehizojie Lucky , Okiyi Robert , Akindipe Solomon , Adebayo Solomon , Nwachukwu Chukwu , Hector David , Tomiwa Tayo , Ajayi Abiola
Published: September 2024

In contemporary business, understanding consumer behavior is essential, giving firms the knowledge needed to make educated decisions and improve customer experiences. Hence, the main objective of this research is to conduct an assessment of retail outlets adaptation to changes in customer preferences to uncover profit opportunities and take advantage of customers demography visibility in the face of heightened volatility. This research delves into the dynamic landscape of Customer Insight Analytics through descriptive procedure to offer a comprehensive exploration of Adventure Hardware Group as a pivotal case study. The study employed the Power BI, a Business Intelligence and Data Visualization tool to transform data from various sources into interactive dashboards and analysis reports, facilitating insightful visualizations and data-driven decision-making. The research shows that customer demography has largely remained the same for the years under consideration, therefore, forming the basis for determining customer preferences, pursuing customer satisfaction and improved sales. In the case of Adventure Hardware Group in particular, the key influencer analysis shows that Germany has the highest influence for driving revenue, and single customers have a higher influence on improving revenue growth for the group. Thus, this information provides the background for future market segmentation for the group’s products. The research concludes that adequate knowledge of customers demography and geography will enhance informed decisions that improve customer experiences, thereby increase sales revenue.
A Pandemic of Mental Health: Evidence from the U.S.
Authors: Coleman Ed , Innocent Jhavon , Kircher Sarah , Montesinos-Yufa Hugo , Trauger McKade
Published: September 2024

The direct impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the indirect impact of the ensuing economic and political response have affected the United States on a large scale. We document a substantial surge in anxiety and depression symptoms from 2019 to 2020 driven by the young adult population, indicating a disproportional indirect impact on the young. Multivariate regression analysis was utilized to quantify the stringency of state responses’ indirect effect on the changes in anxiety or depression symptoms during the pandemic. While we observe a slight decline in the share of the adult population experiencing anxiety and depression through July 2021- June 2022, such decline does not compensate for the large surge of mental health issues among young adults in 2020. Overall, our results indicate that the effects of the stringency of the mitigation measures on different areas of health are complex and vary by state, with a wide variation of mental health-related issues by age group and a higher prevalence in younger adult age categories. After discussing inequities in the accessibility of mental health treatment, lack of health insurance, and implications for quality of life among young adults, this paper adds to the breadth of ongoing COVID-19 research and emphasizes the importance of considering the overall health of the population in a large-scale health crisis as well as discussing the potential unintended consequences of the mitigation measures put in place.
The Ṣūfī Semantics of (Waḥdat al-Wujūd) to Muḥyī al-Dīn Ibn ʻArabī
Authors: Elnakep Mohamed , Musarra Antonio , Elgeidi Shalabi , Branca Paolo
Published: September 2024

The dialectic in the article research is the presentation of Muḥyī al-Dīn Ibn ʻArabī Ṣūfī semantics in (Waḥdat al-Wujūd), which forms the core of the dispute between conservatives (Ahl al-Hadith) and Ṣūfī. The statement of the Dialectic directs the render to the importance of the topic, places the issue in a specific context, and specifies relevant criteria, providing the necessary framework for reporting the expected results. The idea of the Waḥdat al-Wujūd did not appear in a complete and consistent theoretical form before Muḥyī al-Dīn Ibn ʻArabī, some trends though appeared towards this theory from time to time in the sayings of the Sufis who preceded him. Ibn ʻArabī's doctrine of the Waḥdat al-Wujūd is summarized in his denial of the world of appearance and does not recognize the real existence except for God's Creation as a show of true existence. So, according to Ibn ʻArabī, there is only God, and through his doctrine of Waḥdat al-Wujūd, lies Ibn ʻArabī’s understanding of the interdependent relationship between God, the world, and Al-Insān. This research discusses the dialectic of this doctrine through sources and texts that have been misjudged. So, this research article will follow the methodology of analyzing the Sufi texts of Ibn ʻArabī, many subjects by Ibn ʻArabī were discussed. Still, the research will concentrate on (Waḥdat al-Wujūd), because his experience with this subject had a clear influence on the philosophical thought in the whole world and the research deals with Ibn ʻArabī’s doctrine of (Waḥdat al-Wujūd) which means the solitude of existence and the difference between it and the doctrines of Solutions and Union, Through 6 basic elements as follows: The name of the Waḥdat al-Wujūd: (The perfection in the Ṣūfī concept of (Waḥdat al-Wujūd) According to Ibn ʻArabī, "There’s nonexistence but Allah") Then The Dialectic of Ibn Arabi: (The language of Ibn ʻArabī) - (Similarities in Ibn ʻArabī’sbi speech) Then Ibn ʻArabī and symbolic thought Then Texts Ibn ʻArabī's literature on Waḥdat ai-Wujūd Then The Insān al-kāmil and Woman in Ibn ʻArabī’s thought Then after that Results and Discussions that the study reached from the previous elements.
Managers' Readiness and Strategies for Severe Intellectual Disabilities: An Exploratory Study in Gauteng, South Africa
Authors: Botha Renier , Zimba Zondani
Published: September 2024

In South Africa, learners with severe to profound intellectual disabilities have not had access to public funded education and support, leaving them vulnerable and excluded from the services available to all school-aged children. To address this national disparity, the South African government developed a Draft Policy Framework for the Provision of Quality Education and Support for Children with Severe to Profound Intellectual Disabilities, which is now being implemented in special care centres at a national level. In Gauteng, the draft policy is being implemented at the provincial level by the Gauteng Department of Education in order to achieve the national mandate. The goal of this study was to investigate how Special Care Centre managers address the challenges of managing centres for learners with intellectual disabilities in Gauteng Province. It examines the adequacy of preparation programs for these managers and evaluates the management strategies used to overcome challenges arising from deficiencies in these programs. Using an exploratory mixed-method approach with a population of 45 centre managers in Gauteng, the study began with qualitative research through semi-structured interviews with a sample of 10 managers and proceeded to a second stage where 35 participants completed a questionnaire. Of the 45 managers, 10 did not return the questionnaire. The findings reveal that managers face various challenges due to the diverse nature of these institutions, which are established by parents of disabled children, Non-Governmental Organisations, or religious organizations. The study also highlights a lack of preparatory programs for centre managers and a significant disparity in qualifications, with three-quarters holding only a matriculation certificate or lower. To address these challenges, managers have adopted Bush’s management models, including subjective, collegial, and ambiguity models. Based on these findings, the study recommends upgrading manager qualifications and providing in-service training to enhance their skills with contemporary approaches, aiming to improve leadership and management practices in centres for children with intellectual disability.
Assessment of Forest Conservation Using Green Bonds as a Tool in Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Ojekunle Opeyemi , Oyelowo Oyetayo , Olaniyi Aisha , Majolagbe Michael , Coker Olaoluwa
Published: September 2024

Green bond is a loan security issued to raise capital precisely for projects that contribute positively to climate, environment and conservation (land and forests). There was little or no information on availability of green bonds among forest stakeholders in Nigeria. This study investigated the level of awareness and accessibility of green bond as a financial tool for forest conservation in Southwestern Nigeria; one of the countries that do not have a well-developed green bond market. A total of 150 copies of structured questionnaire were distributed to the respondents. A multistage sampling technique was adopted for data collection from the study area. Data obtained were collated on Microsoft excel and subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). In identifying the level of awareness of respondents on green bond it was discovered that majority (68.3%) of respondents were indirect forest stakeholders and have knowledge on forest conservation. On the other hand, majority of the respondents (70.3%) have not heard about green bonds while 81.4% of the respondents did not understand the term green bond as a sustainable finance instrument for forest conservation. The study also revealed that majority 92.4% of the respondents did not have access to green bond and 91.7% of the respondents reported that it has never been issued to them. Conclusively, the level of awareness and access to green bond among the forest stakeholders for effective forest conservation was very low.
Foreign Direct Investment and CO2 Emissions in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Heterogeneous Panel Causality Analysis
Authors: Oumarou Mohamadou , Nourou Mohammadou , Nourou Ibrahim , Philemon Votsoma
Published: September 2024

Following the density of the literature and the consensus in empirical studies, the aim of this article is to examine the nature of the relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). To this end, the methodological strategy employed is based not only on a theoretically sound multivariate framework, but also on recent developments in panel data econometrics, namely fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) estimators, dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) estimators and the vector error correction model. In addition, the stationarity properties of the panel variables are examined, and the panel cointegration technique is used to test cointegrating relationships in the series of variables. The panel is composed of 38 SSA countries over the period 2000-2022. The main results show that in SSA: the variables move together in the long term. A 1% increase in inward FDI increases CO2 emissions by 0.210%. This result suggests that FDI has flowed to SSA because of its weak environmental regulations, thus verifying the pollution haven hypothesis. In the long term, there is a bidirectional relationship between inward FDI and CO2 emissions. In all the models used, renewable energy consumption reduces CO2 emissions. Therefore, SSA needs to put in place effective environmental rules to better guide FDI; put in place strategies to harness and add value to its energy sector, implement policies and strategies that ensure FDI attractiveness without abandoning the environment.
An Overview of the Soil Acidity Causes in Ethiopia, Consequences, and Mitigation Strategies
Authors: Warke Amanuel
Published: September 2024

Soil acidity is a serious land degradation problem and worldwide danger, impacting approximately 50% of the world's arable soils and limiting agricultural yield. Soil acidification is a complicated series of events that lead to the production of acidic soil. In its widest sense, it can be defined as the total of natural and human processes that reduce the pH of soil solutions. Soil acidity affects around 43% of agricultural land in Ethiopia's humid and sub humid highlands. The main objective of this seminar is to highlight different literatures on the concepts of soil acidity and to give a wealth of knowledge on the causes of soil acidity, the effects it has on agricultural production, and management strategies for reducing soil acidity and raising crop yield. Acid soils in western Ethiopia are mostly caused by topsoil erosion caused by heavy rains and high temperatures. This results in the loss of organic matter and the leaching of exchangeable basic cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, and K+). Because ammonium-based fertilizers are easily converted to nitrate and hydrogen ions in the soil, they play a significant role in acidification. One of the reasons of soil acidity is inefficient nitrogen usage, which is followed by alkalinity exports in crops. Soil acidity in Ethiopian highlands is mostly caused by the clearance of crop residues, continuous crop harvest without sufficient fertilization, cation removal, and usage of acid-forming inorganic fertilizers. Acid soil reduces nutrient availability and produces Al and Mn toxicity. In addition to these effects, soil acidity may rapidly degrade soil physicochemical qualities such as organic carbon (OC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), soil structure, porosity, and texture. Liming, the use of organic materials as ISFM, and the adoption of crop types that are resistant to Al toxicity are all alternatives for correcting acid soils. Liming can minimize toxicity by lowering concentrations, improving the availability of plant nutrients like P, Ca, Mg, and K in the soil, and reducing heavy metal solubility and leaching. Application of organic matter has a liming impact because of its abundance in alkaline cations (such Ca, Mg, and K) that were released from OM during mineralization. The pH of the soil is raised by soil organic matter, which helps with soil acidity supplements.
Diversification Effect of Gold as an Asset Class in Foreign Exchange Reserve Portfolio, Evidence from Sri Lanka
Authors: Harshapriya Roshan
Published: September 2024

Foreign Exchange Reserves of the countries play a major role in managing exchange rate and monetary policy, particularly in emerging countries as Sri Lanka. Therefore, it is important to manage foreign exchange reserves in an open and transparent manner with clear objectives of what is going to be achieved. For a country like Sri Lanka the main objective would be the safety of the assets since it is difficult to absorb substantial risks in managing foreign exchange reserves due to relative lower size compared to its exposure to external sector of the economy. When it comes to gold as an assets class is considered to safe-haven assets due to its nature of higher return in times of crisis and inflationary periods. The objective of this study is to explore the diversification impact of gold on foreign exchange reserves in Sri Lanka for the period from 2007 to 2023. To explore the impact of diversification, correlation between gold and existing foreign exchange reserves and additional excess return per unit of risk provide with the inclusion of gold into the portfolio were used to analyze the possible diversification impact. The results showed that there is an increase in excess return with the addition of 1% to 5% of gold as a percentage of total foreign exchange reserves, while correlation of gold with existing portfolio was less than 0.5 indicating diversification impact. Further, the Sharpe ratio was also seen increasing when the gold composition in foreign exchange reserve portfolio was increased. It was found that gold can be considered as an asset class which help diversification for foreign exchange reserves of Sri Lanka, even though the same are managed in very conservatively.
Causes of Failure Among Family Owned Businesses
Authors: Ihionu Marcellinus , Maureen Iyke , Aneke Alexander
Published: September 2024

The study investigated the causes of failure among family owned businesses in South-East, Nigeria. Specific objectives were to; evaluate major family business enterprises that have failed in South-eastern states, Nigeria; investigate the causes of failure of these family owned business enterprisesidentified in South-eastern states in Nigeria; explore strategies that will help prevent such failures in other family owned business enterprises in Nigeria. The study adopted a qualitative approach in analyzing the causes. Historical analysis of ten indigenous family owned business situated in South-eastern, Nigeria that have gone into extinction, were thoroughly carried out to identify factors that contributed to their extinction. It was found out that; death of founder(s), financial constraint, poor management, market complexity and competitions are the main contributors to family business failures and extinctions in Southeastern, Nigeria. Thus, it was recommended family business owners should be liberal, open-minded, flexible and inclusive in making business decisions that will propel their enterprises to greater height. More so, competent hands, professional business consultants and advisors should be incorporated in managing the business. This will ensure the success and fecundity of the business. Though, the study encountered a slight challenge as regards to the availability of resources, because relevant information that would have enriched the result, were not documented or uploaded on the internet. However, the findings of the study contributed immensely to the body knowledge of family successes, growths and failures in Nigeria.
Development of a Macroinvertebrate Multimetric Index for the Evaluation of the Ecological Quality of Lake Nokoué
Authors: Capo-Chichi Houéyi , Adandedjan Delphine , Houelome Thierry , Laleye Philippe , Chikou Antoine , Kaki Christophe , Agadjihouede Hyppolite
Published: September 2024

Nowadays, new tools for assessing the biotic integrity of aquatic environments are used. In Benin, the Macroinvertebrate MultiMetric Lake Index (M3LI) was designed to reveal the current state of Lake Nokoué. The inventory was carried out in eight seasonal data collection campaigns from 2019 to 2021 using an Eckman type grab and a trouble net. The composition, diversity and different metrics were calculated. Thirty-nine metrics grouped into five categories were defined and subjected to selection using a PCA in order to identify the relevant metrics for calculating the index. In the lake, 83 taxa divided into 25 orders and 54 families representing 32,770 specimens were determined. Insects, Molluscs, Crustaceans and Annelids constituted the essential macrofauna which was numerically dominated by Gastropods, Crustaceans, Bivalves and Insects. Of the 5 food functional groups obtained, crushers and collector-gatherers were dominant. Ten metrics relevant and well explained by environmental variables were used to calculate M3LI. The M3LI calculated varied from 6.44 at the station near Dantokpa to 3.38 at the Cotonou channel station with fluctuating water quality between poor quality and good quality. These results clearly explain the responses of the living communities of the lake faced with the various stresses due to daily marine intrusion, the role of receptacle of different continental waters and the various anthropogenic activities plunging the environment into a hypereutrophic state. It is therefore urgent to take measures to restoration of this environment to allow living species to regain their balance of life. This index is also a departure for the establishment of a biomonitoring program for the restoration of the lake.
GIS-Based Land Use and Land Cover Change Assessment Around Assosa District, Upper Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Amsalu Genet , Mekonen Yimam
Published: September 2024

Land, with its intricate blend of geological, topographical, hydrological, and ecological elements, reflects the interplay of natural processes and human activities. In Ethiopia, traditional agricultural practices often lack systematic planning based on land suitability and physical characteristics, hindering agricultural productivity and economic progress. Understanding shifts in land use and cover is crucial for comprehending broader global transformations. Early studies have unveiled significant alterations in land use and cover between 2009 and 2013. Our investigation extends from 2013 to 2023, employing Landsat 8 imagery at three-year intervals (2013, 2018, and 2023) to analyze five key land cover categories: forests, farmland, built-up areas, barren land, and water bodies. Notably, farmland and built-up areas witnessed substantial expansion over these periods, juxtaposed with a significant decline in forest cover. Forests decreased by 27% from 2013 to 2018, with an additional 7% decrease from 2018 to 2023. Conversely, farmland expanded by 19% from 2013 to 2018 and by 2% from 2018 to 2023, while built-up areas saw respective increases of 4% and 10% over the same periods. These trends underscore potential environmental challenges if unaddressed. Effective land management strategies are crucial to mitigate adverse impacts on ecosystems, agricultural productivity, and overall socio-economic stability. By integrating scientific insights with sustainable practices, we can navigate the intricate dynamics of land use, paving the way for a resilient and prosperous future.
Financial Management and Its Barriers on Smes in Selected Developing Countries: A Systematic Literature Review Approach
Authors: Adato Aklilu , Onsare Henry
Published: September 2024

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are an important strategic sector and major economic driver for many countries in the world, particularly low-income countries, including Ethiopia. However, this sector has been facing various challenges to achieving performance growth and sustainability of which the financial management system is an indicative constraint. Thus, this write-up attempts to determine the existing financial management practices and their associated barriers that affect the soundness of the financial management practices of SMEs in developing countries. The specific objectives this review tries to achieve were to review and know the extent of financial management practice soundness among SMEs in selected developing countries; synthesize the major barriers that affect the soundness of financial management practice among SMEs in developing countries; gain insight into the gaps of the study for future research direction and develop a conceptual framework. A descriptive research design with a qualitative approach employed; secondary sources of data used and collected from published research articles from 2020 to 2024. Eleven (11) articles, two (2) MA theses, and one (1) PhD thesis selected purposefully. A meta-analysis approach adopted to investigate the patterns of empirical study findings. Besides, the literature review result showed that the financial management systems adopted by SMEs in selected developing countries were poor. In addition, reviewed literature indicates the major barriers that affect the soundness of the financial management of SMEs in selected developing countries were lack of adequate financial literacy for both managers and owners. Besides, the study found that the major gaps in the empirical study were the geographical scope gap and the methodology gap. In addition, the majority of studies conducted on the financial management of SMEs in selected developing countries did not include all financial management components. Based on the above-mentioned findings, this review concluded and recommended that the majority of SMEs operating in selected developing countries, including Ethiopia, should manage their finances in a poor manner due to the inadequacy of financial literacy skills for owners and managers. Therefore, financial skills shall be improved through conferences, workshops, and training programs. Moreover, the basic financial subjects need to be included in the lower-level education curriculum by the African countries’ ministries of education. Further, the study revealed that most of the gaps in the empirical study were geographical scope and methodology, which dropped the most important financial management proxy variables, so the forthcoming researchers could do better to study these predetermined gaps in developing countries, particularly in the Ethiopian context.
A Combined Physical-Mechanical and Hydrometallurgical Approach for Recovering Valuable Metals from Spent Lithium-ion Batteries
Authors: Kogan Vladimir , Rosen Vasiliy
Published: September 2024

In this work, the chemical composition of electrode materials from two samples of lithium-ion batteries (LiB) is comprehensively investigated. The material balance of the physical and mechanical processing of the LiBs mixture is determined. The developed dry process scheme made it possible to extract the following components (wt.%): 15.6 plastic (ABS), 1.89 electronic materials (PP), 59.1 black mass (three types), 6.43 plastic (PVC), 2.97 Al, 6.31 Cu and 7.1 magnetic fraction (Fe). The thermodynamics of reductive leaching of LiCoO2 in the H2SO4-HCOOH system was studied. It was calculated that the Gibbs energy of the leaching reaction at 363 K is -327.4 kJ/mol, the equilibrium constant is 2.02×1044. All these factors showed the potential of using formic acid as a reducing agent instead of the commonly used hydrogen peroxide solution. It is known to be unstable, since when the solution is heated from 20 to 500 C, the decomposition of H2O2 increases 20 times, and the presence of copper sulfate, which usually accompanies the decomposition of the black mass in a sulfuric acid medium, leads to the destruction of 76% of hydrogen peroxide. Therefore, from a practical point of view, it was of interest to study the kinetics of cobalt dissolution from the cathode material in the H2SO4-HCOOH system. It was shown that the Crank-Ginstling-Braunstein equation agrees satisfactorily with the experimental data, which indicates intra-diffusion limitation of dissolution. The activation energy was determined. The optimal composition and conditions of the leaching solution for dissolving cobalt, lithium and associated transition metals from the black mass were determined. The thermodynamics and kinetics of dissolution of Ag, Au and Pd from electrode materials in a bromide-bromine solution were also studied.
Wear Response of Aluminum Using a Mixture of Graphite and Snail Slime as Lubricant
Authors: Dara Jude , Ubani Nelson , Okafor Anthony , Nwadike Emmanuel
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the effects of a mixture of graphite and snail slime as a lubricant on the wear performance of aluminum. Environmental concerns associated with conventional lubricants have led to current attention on bio-based lubricants. Bio-based lubricants have several positive effects on the environment that include: biodegradability, lower carbon footprint, non-toxicity, and minimal waste generation. The current study considers the prospective of using snail slime as lubricants. The experimental setup involved subjecting aluminum samples to various wear tests, with the use of different graphite and snail slime mixture as lubricant. The wear test was done using a pin on disc tribometer, with aluminum as the pin. Through experimental testing and analysis, it was found that this mixture exhibits promising results in terms of reducing material loss, volume loss and wear rate in aluminum-based systems. Snail slime and graphite ratio of 2: 1 improves the lubricating effect of graphite by 89.84% with the application of 10 kg load. The results show that the wear resistance of aluminum significantly improves with the addition of the graphite and snail slime lubricant, compared to traditional lubricants. The incorporation of graphite and snail slime has shown to improve the lubricating properties of the graphite, thereby enhancing the performance of aluminum in various applications. This innovative lubricant has the potential to revolutionize the field of tribology and contribute to the development of more efficient and environmentally-friendly lubricants. Further research is required to fully understand the mechanism behind the improved lubrication and to optimize the composition of the mixture for different types of aluminum alloys. This study presents a novel and effective solution for improving the wear response of aluminum, making it a valuable contribution to the academic literature on tribology. The results of this research shed light on the potential of using unconventional lubricants, such as snail slime, to enhance the wear performance of aluminum in various applications.
Patterns of Microbial Infections in Post-Infective Hydrocephalus and Treatment Methods at Bugando Medical Center
Authors: Lubuulwa James , Silago Vitus
Published: September 2024

Background: Post Infective Hydrocephalus is among the complicated types of hydrocephalus and poses a challenge in management of these patients, globally. Antibiotics susceptibility patterns of common bacteria implicating in pyogenic ventriculitis complicated with hydrocephalus were not clearly known at our setting. Therefore, we determined antibiotics susceptibility patterns of common bacteria implicating in pyogenic ventriculitis complicated with hydrocephalus to recommend empirical therapy while waiting for culture and sensitivity results at Bugando Medical Centre (BMC) in Mwanza, Tanzania. Methods: Thirty-five patients with hydrocephalus who had undergone cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tapping and analysis were selected randomly retrospectively and their bacteriological culture and sensitivity results were analyzed to determine the common microbial patterns. Patients were rationally prescribed antibiotics depending on laboratory results for 7 days and were later done control CSF cultures until negative cultures were achieved. Results: A total of 35 patients with median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 5.5 [2-8] months were reviewed. The majority of participants were males, 62.9% (22/35). 20% (7/35) and 37.1% (13/35) had turbid CSF-shunt sample and first culture positive results, respectively, whereas one patient had culture positive with two pathogens resulting to 14 isolates. Gram positive bacteria were predominantly isolated (66.7%, 8/14), whereby S. aureus was frequently encountered (35.7%, 5/14). Overall, gram positive and negative bacteria exhibited least resistance against tetracycline (16.7% and 25%) and ciprofloxacin (16.7% and 25%) respectively. Three (8.6%) patients died from respiratory complications. Conclusion: Post infective hydrocephalus is a clinically challenging but treatable form of hydrocephalus and Staphylococcus aurous is the most common cause. This study found that the use of a seven-day regimen as cost effective and associated with a shorter hospital stay with the focus on CSF analysis with subsequent microbial targeted antibiotic therapy to achieve sterile CSF culture. Treatment strategy should be multidisciplinary approach with collaboration from microbiologists, radiologists, pediatricians and neurosurgeons.