bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Land Tenure Security Perceptions Amongst Nigerian Rural Communities: A Case Of Atiba Local Government Area (Lga), Oyo State
Authors: Oladehinde Gbenga J. , Olayiwola Lasun M. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Subject and purpose of work: Security of tenure is observed as an underlying tool for measuring the development among communities of developing countries. Despite this, the issues related to peoples’ thinking or feelings as well as to what drives security of land tenure are poorly understood and inconclusive. This study examines the residents’ perception of security of land tenure in rural Nigeria.

Materials and methods: A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 125 respondents from the study area by administering a questionnaire while key informants were subjected to an in-depth interview.

Results: The data for the study were collected and analysed using content analysis, descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed that the perception of security of land tenure varies in the area studied and across the settlement categories. Further results showed that four factors such as income, length of stay, culture, and education were identified as major factors influencing the residents’ perception of the security of land tenure.

Conclusions: The study concluded that socio-economic and cultural factors influence the residents’ perception of security of land tenure in the area researched.
Impact of Public Investments on the Local Development of the Sarnaki Commune in the Years 2014-2020
Authors: Zaręba Piotr , Chwedorczuk Monika 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Subject and purpose of work: The aim of the work was to show the impact of the implemented public investments and development projects on the local development and the changes that occurred, as well as on the living conditions of the inhabitants of the Sarnaki Commune in 2014- 2020. The research problem of the study was to show the role and the nature of the investments made by the commune in the area of local development. The assumed hypothesis states that the investments implemented in the Sarnaki Commune in the period 2014-2020 have led to the socio-economic development of the commune.

Materials and methods: The publication used Polish literature concerning local investments, local development and local government, statistical data and an analysis of the documentation related to the investments obtained from the Sarnaki Commune Office. In order to achieve the aim of the study, a survey was carried out among a deliberately selected group consisting of the representatives of the commune office (commune administrator, secretary, and treasurer), the councilors (legislative authority) and the village leaders (opinion-forming authority) of the Sarnaki commune. A particularly important group included the village leaders, that is the representatives of the local community who are the closest to social developmental problems and are impartial in issuing their opinions. A separate research group consisted of social representatives who were elected in democratic elections by the inhabitants, and who are closely related and knowledgeable about social and economic matters. Some information was also collected from the employees of the commune office.

Results: The conducted analyses and the research show that the implemented public investments in the commune studied had the most positive impact on the technical infrastructure in which the most funds were invested. They had the most impact on the access to sports and recreation facilities, road and water infrastructure, as well as on the state of the natural environment and the aesthetics of the surroundings. On the other hand, they had the least impact on the employment opportunities in the commune, access to housing infrastructure and public safety.

Conclusions: The investments carried out in the period 2014-2020 in the Sarnaki Commune led to the socio-economic development of the commune, and, as a result, to positive changes, both quantitative and qualitative, in the local development as well as in the living conditions of the inhabitants.
Profitability and Risk of Selected Forms of Investment on the Polish Capital Market
Authors: Daniluk Katarzyna 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Subject and purpose of work: The subject of this study concerns profitability and risk of selected forms of investment on the Polish capital market. The aim of the study was to compare profitability and risk of active and passive investment portfolios.

Materials and methods: The research material consisted of the rates of return on investments in the undervalued shares and growth shares included in the WIG-20 index and the results of the Lyxor WIG 20 UCITS ETF fund in 2014-2019. The study compares the rates of the return and standard deviations of returns of the portfolios managed actively and passively.

Results: The analysis of the rates of return of the created investment portfolios indicates a higher profitability and a lower risk of the passive form of investment consisting in the purchase of an ETF fund. Among active strategies the growth investing strategy showed a higher profitability and a lower risk.

Conclusions: Passive forms of investment are an effective alternative to active portfolio management.
Quality of the School’s Work in the Light of the Assessment of the Parents of the Children Attending the Primary School in Janów Podlaski
Authors: Nazaruk Stanisława 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Subject and purpose of work: At the time of constant changes in the sphere of education, any changes aimed at improving the quality of school’s work are of particular importance. Therefore the aim of the current research was to determine the quality of primary school’s work in its main areas as evaluated by parents.

Materials and methods: The theoretical insights on the quality of school’s work were obtained on the basis of the review of the literature on the subject and acts of education law. The empirical data from the research was gathered through the diagnostic survey method with the use of the author’s research tool, i.e., a questionnaire addressed to parents of students in grades IV-VIII attending one of the primary schools in the Biała Podlaska District (N = 103).

Results: The obtained data showed quite a diverse assessment of the quality of the primary school’s work in some of its areas.

Conclusions: Most of the parents surveyed gave specific proposals for actions to improve the quality of the school’s work, mainly concerning the increase of their participation not only in financial aid, but also in the didactic and educational area, which well forecasts and prompts school authorities and tutors to recommend the above-mentioned proposals and implement them in real life.
Forming an e-learning Proposed Model. A Case Study of Palestine
Authors: Jouda Haitham , Dan Maysara Abu , Awaja Ahmed , Tafish Ahmad 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Nowadays, e-learning systems play an important role in our life; they help instructors in the process of teaching and help the students and learners to access knowledge. e-learning is the concept that refers to the use of computerized and smart tools and designed systems in the learning process. Also, the interest in e-learning has started to increase dramatically, and researchers everywhere have become more interested in how to develop e-learning in all aspects. Therefore, the aim of this study is to present a model that includes the most important necessary variables required to provide and implement e-learning systems according to international standards for the students of Palestinian universities. This study undertook an in-depth review of literature concerning the success of e-learning implementation and focusing on the aspects of technology, infrastructure, scientific materials and services provided. The proposed model in this study will be the first building block that universities can focus on in designing, building and developing their own e-learning system and will be a cornerstone and the basis in the development of e-learning in Palestine over time.
Evaluation of Technical Efficiency in Financial Dimension of Private Medical Entities in Podkarpackie Voivodhip – DEA Approach
Authors: Leśniowska-Gontarz Małgorzata 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe major aim of this paper is to assess technical efficiency of private medical entities. Technical efficiency refers to the capacity of a medical entity to obtain the maximum output for a particular set of inputs. The article presents results of research study on technical efficiency of 33 medical entities using the Data Envelopment Analysis method (DEA) which allows the use of multiple inputs/outputs without imposing any functional form on data or making assumptions of inefficiency. The research study was carried out in years 2011–2016 on medical entities from Podkarpackie voivodship. The analysis was conducted based on the CCR input-oriented model.
Integrating the Cost of the Carbon Footprint within the Income Statement – Tests on Seven Polish Firms
Authors: Cathala Christophe 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Purpose: Even if popular, carbon accounting is not yet compulsory for companies. However, it should be and certainly will be. From the state’s point of view, this will be a prerequisite to respecting its international commitments. From the point of view of companies, it is also necessary because they use, in part for free, limited resources to create value-added […] and they generate externalities which are not yet fully measured and communicated. Our purpose is to propose a relatively new metric, which is quite simple and could be applied to all companies, especially small ones (turnover < EUR 10 million).

Design/methodology/approach: Our metric in this paper is linked to the income statement and measurement of the output of carbon used in the production process of goods and/or services. We compare the use of carbon by seven Polish companies in seven different sectors from 2014 to 2020. The metric is computed in the same way for the firms in our sample and is based on information which must be stated on the yearly income statement.

Findings: From our empirical tests, we observe that comparison can first be made between firms and sectors. As expected, the impact is far more important for industries than for service companies. In terms of volatility, we reach the same result. However, this volatility is not linked to the nature of the companies but more to the volatility of the carbon price. As a first step, this gives an interesting and rough measure of the cost of the carbon emission per company per year.
Financial Inclusion-Exclusion Paradox: How Banked Adults become Unbanked Again
Authors: Ozili Peterson K. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
This paper analyses how financially included adults might become unbanked again. Agents of financial inclusion incorporate economic and social constraints in the delivery of formal financial services. These constraints limit the ability of poor banked adults to use basic financial services to the fullest. The constraints affect agents of financial inclusion positively and affect customers negatively up to a point where the marginal benefit of being financially included is negative for poor customers. When the marginal benefit of using formal financial services becomes negative, the affected banked adults may discontinue using their formal accounts or exit the formal financial sector when they can no longer bear the negative effect of social and economic constraints that hinder their ability to enjoy basic financial services to the fullest.
The Determinants of Financial Inclusion
Authors: Mose Naftaly , Thomi John 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
There are hosts of dynamics contributing to financial inclusion. These sources may be both from the demand side and supply side. The government and financial institutions use several policy initiatives to encourage the supply of financial services to the excluded sector. However, the demand-side factors of financial access have attracted little focus. This study provides an overview of sources of financial inclusion and highlights the policy measures from the perspective of consumers of financial services – also known as the demand-side. The secondary series data were estimated using the ordinary least square method. The findings of the study indicate that economic growth and the number of internet users exert a positive and significant effect on financial access in East Africa. On the other hand, the result indicates that the deposit interest rate was insignificant. The study recommends the deposit interest rate be made attractive to promote continuous saving and access to loanable funds in the financial market. The policy strategies therefore should be aimed at cultivating a conducive financial system that upholds financial access-demand-driven rates to stimulate financial growth.
Effect of Auditor’s Independence on Financial Reporting Quality of Nigerian Deposit Money Bank
Authors: Agbaje Abdul-Ganiyy , Sadiq Raji , Adesoji Oke , Oyindamola Shittu Aminat 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
This study examined the effect of auditor independence on financial reporting quality of deposit money banks in Nigeria with Financial Reporting Quality as the dependent variable; Audit Fee, Audit Firm Size and Audit Meeting as independent variables, Debt Ratio as control variable. The sample period covered six (6) years (2013 to 2018) and data were extracted from the audited annual reports of ten (10) selected deposit money banks. The results of this study revealed that Audit Fee, Audit Meeting and Debt Ratio are positive but have insignificant impact on financial reporting quality; Audit Firm Size is negative and has insignificant impact on financial reporting quality. The study recommends orientation and reorientation of audit committee members to guarantee significant influences on financial reporting quality.
Ethnobotanical investigation of significant seasonal medicinal weeds of Toba Tek Singh District, Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Tufail Muhammad , Hussain Khalid , Nawaz Khalid , Iqbal Iqra , Arshad Noshia , Shahzadi Amna , Javed Ayesha , Nazeer Arifa , Bashir Zobia , Qurban Mohammad , Zeb Jamal , Ali Syed Saqib 
Published: July 2021

Summary

Introduction: Medicinal plants are found throughout the world but most are considered weeds. They are – directly or indirectly – the major source of medicines in pharmaceutical and herbal industries. Formulations used to prepare medicines or the method of use for these plants are mainly based on folk or traditional knowledge. This folk knowledge is not documented in many areas and needs to be explored.

Objectives: This study was aimed to enlist the seasonal weed species with traditional medicinal usage in Toba Tek Singh District, Punjab, Pakistan.

Methods: Field surveys were arranged in winter and summer 2019–2020 to enlist the important medicinal weeds and traditional knowledge of the local community. Data collected were as follows: local name of weed, medicinal use, method and part used.

Results: Numerous wild perennial, biennial and annual plants were identified, 30 of them were ethnomedicinally important in the local community. They were grouped in 16 families. It was found that whole weed is used in many prescriptions (37%). Achyranthes aspera L. (Amaranthaceae) was the most common weed used in treating fevers, respiratory problems and asthma. Cichorium intybus L. (Asteraceae) was used in summer drinks to reduce thirst, improve digestion and liver function. Chenopodium album L. (Amaranthaceae) was used with 0.71 UV and 0.147 RFC values. Medicago polymorpha L. (Fabaceae) was used to treat kidney, intestinal and bladder infections. Its UV was 0.65 and RFC was 0.121. Tribulus terrestris L. (Zygophyllaceae) was used in impotency treatment, and in the removal of kidney stones and urinary tract infections treatment. It has 0.63 UV and 0.21 RFC values. This weed also showed the highest Fidelity Level (FL) (77%), as compared to other weeds.

Conclusion: It was concluded that there are many significant medicinal weeds in the Toba Tek Singh District, Punjab, Pakistan that are used in traditional medicines in treating various disorders. These plants also showed herbal or pharmacological importance that can be used to develop medicine at commercial scale.
Nigerian polyherbal-based hydrotherapy: a panacea to infectious diseases
Authors: Lawal Ibraheem O. , Omogbene Temitope O. 
Published: July 2021

Summary
A global society, including developed countries, continues to struggle with fatal diseases that are difficult to treat with Western medicine. A variety of infectious diseases have existed for ages, but in Africa they had been limited thanks to the Indigenous Knowledge System (IKS) prior to the introduction of cosmopolitan medicine. Influenza virus repression has been demonstrated by a number of herbal antivirals, yet the invaluable therapeutic potential of herbal medicine has been underestimated. Despite various reliable methods offered by Western medicine, the globally destructive COVID-19 pandemic requires a successful fight. The wisdom of African IKS used in tackling epidemics that have broken out in the past is brought to mind again. Pneumonia – a COVID-19 symptom, could be treated with polyherbal fomentation. Selected plants cultivated across Nigeria for hydrotherapy are under consideration to be used in proper doses. Given the potential associated with IKS, a multi-disciplinary approach involving experts in phytomedicine, ethnobotany, phytochemistry, plant physiology and ecology is necessary to unlock the therapeutic potential of traditional medicine.
Phytochemistry and biological activities of Opuntia seed oils: Opuntia dillenii (Ker Gawl.) Haw. and Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. A review
Authors: Bouhrim Mohamed , Bouknana Saliha , Ouassou Hayat , Boutahiri Salima , Daoudi Nour Elhouda , Bnouham Mohamed 
Published: July 2021

Summary

Opuntia species belong to semi-arid and arid regions of Mexico and the United States. O. ficus-indica and O. dillenii are commonly used in alternative medicine to treat various diseases. Up to date, several scientific works have been carried out on the different parts of these plants. However, over the last few years, studies have been focusing on the oil obtained from the fruit seeds of these species. For this reason, this study aims to draw the attention of researchers toward the phytochemical and the pharmacological effects of these two Opuntia oils, which would help set up other scientific projects that promote these products. Phytochemical studies have shown that these oils are rich in biologically active molecules, such as unsaturated fatty acids and phytosterols (mainly linoleic acid and β-sitosterol), as well as vitamin E, which is represented only by the γ-tocopherol. Besides, these oils are rich in polyphenols that protect them from photo-oxidation. Moreover, several studies have shown their antioxidant, anti-diabetic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and gastroprotective activities, as well as their hypolipidemic properties. The beneficial effects of these oils include also their ability to block the weight loss, and what makes them more interesting is their safety, according to the literature.
In silico studies of selected xanthophylls as potential candidates against SARS-CoV-2 targeting main protease (Mpro) and papain-like protease (PLpro)
Authors: Karpiński Tomasz M. , Kwaśniewski Marek , Ożarowski Marcin , Alam Rahat 
Published: July 2021

Summary

Introduction: The main protease (Mpro) and the papain-like protease (PLpro) are essential for the replication of SARS-CoV-2. Both proteases can be targets for drugs acting against SARS-CoV-2.

Objective: This paper aims to investigate the in silico activity of nine xanthophylls as inhibitors of Mpro and PLpro.

Methods: The structures of Mpro (PDB-ID: 6LU7) and PLpro (PDB-ID: 6W9C) were obtained from RCSB Protein Data Bank and developed with BIOVIA Discovery Studio. Active sites of proteins were performed using CASTp. For docking the PyRx was used. Pharmacokinetic parameters of ADMET were evaluated using SwissADME and pkCSM.

Results:
β-cryptoxanthin exhibited the highest binding energy: –7.4 kcal/mol in the active site of Mpro. In PLpro active site, the highest binding energy had canthaxanthin of –9.4 kcal/mol, astaxanthin –9.3 kcal/mol, flavoxanthin –9.2 kcal/mol and violaxanthin –9.2 kcal/mol. ADMET studies presented lower toxicity of xanthophylls in comparison to ritonavir and ivermectin.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that xanthophylls can be used as potential inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 main protease and papain-like protease.
Probiotics in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases
Authors: Przerwa Filip , Kukowka Arnold , Kotrych Katarzyna , Uzar Izabela 
Published: July 2021

SummaryThe human microbiota has a tremendous effect on our health. In the last decades, our knowledge about interactions between bacteria and humans have grown greatly. Not only is it necessary for humans to synthesize vitamins, to have tight intestinal barriers or protect from pathogens, it also has an impact on our immune system and thus plays an important role in autoimmune diseases and prevention of excessive inflammatory response. The idea of probiotics is to restore the balance in humans digestive microbiota. There is a growing number of scientific papers that proves a positive impact of using probiotics in various diseases. However, there are still questions that need to be answered before probiotics play a bigger role in the treatment. This paper presents the information about the use of probiotics in most common diseases of gastrointestinal tract.
Vitamin D Supplementation Replaced Catheter Ablation in a Patient with Frequent Premature Ventricular Contractions
Authors: Cismaru Gabriel , Pop Dana , Zdrenghea Dumitru , Rosu Radu 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
A high premature ventricular contractions (PVC) burden can disturb the patient’s condition through fatigue during exercise or palpitations. Hence, researchers started to look for treatment options that decrease PVC burden without the side effects of antiarrhythmic drugs, and vitamin D could be a valuable solution and safe alternative to drugs or catheter ablation for high-burden PVCs. We present the case of a 24-year-old patient with high-burden PVC of >25,500/24 hours referred for urgent catheter ablation. Treatment with beta-blockers and calcium blockers did not reduce PVC burden. Under propafenone, there was a slight reduction in the number of PVCs to 21,200/24 hours, therefore the patient was referred for catheter ablation. As there was a vitamin D deficiency of 10.1 ng/mL, an attempt of vitamin D supplementation was done, with increase of vitamin D to 32.1 ng/mL and decrease of PVC burden to 9,600/24 hours. Further dietary supplementation increased 25-OH vitamin D to 50.2 ng/mL and decreased the PVC burden to 119/24 hours. Consequently, catheter ablation was canceled, and the patient remained free of antiarrhythmic drugs.