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Listing 90 - 20 of 2805 results.

Using Refined Phosphogypsum to Replace Natural Gypsum in Portland Cement Production in Vietnam

Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Research

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Abstract
This study assessed the effects of different contents of two refined phosphogypsums (PG1, PG2) on standard consistency, setting times, compressive strength and sulfate resistance of cement. PG2 possesses higher water-soluble impurities such as P2O5, F content than PG1. The results were compared to those of cement containing natural gypsum (NG). The results showed that water demand of cement reduces when the content of the gypsums increases, especially with PG1 and NG. The phosphogypsums prolong the setting times of cement. The higher the gypsum content is, the more the 3-d compressive strength of cement can obtains. The low impurity phosphogypsum (PG1) accelerates the 3-d strength but lowers the 91-d strength of cement compared to the high impurity phosphogypsum (PG2). The strength of cement containing NG is always between those of the phosphogypsums at the ages of 3 and 91 days. There is a suitable content of gypsum to produce the highest strength of the cement at the ages of 28 and 91 days. Deterioration of the cement in sodium sulfate solution (50g/l) is more severely when increasing gypsum content. The sulfate resistance of cement containing PG1 is lower than that of cement containing PG2 or NG.
Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies in Vietnam to investigatewhich have investigated the potential for using refined phosphogypsum to replace natural gypsum in cement for environmental protection in Vietnam. This study has reported that phosphogypsum content and impurities of P2O5 and F- significantly affect the properties of Portland cement.
Energy & Environmental Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Research » Month: 03-2019 Issue: 1

Classification Ensemble Based Anomaly Detection in Network Traffic

Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: Review of Computer Engineering Research

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Abstract
Recently, the expansion of information technologies and the exponential increase of the digital data have deepened more the security and confidentiality issues in computer networks. In the Big Data era information security has become the main direction of scientific research and Big Data analytics is considered being the main tool in the solution of information security issue. Anomaly detection is one of the main issues in data analysis and used widely for detecting network threats. The potential sources of outliers can be noise and errors, events, and malicious attacks on the network. In this work, a short review of network anomaly detection methods is given, is looked at related works. In the article, a more exact and simple multi-classifier model is proposed for anomaly detection in network traffic based on Big Data. Experiments have been performed on the NSL-KDD data set by using the Weka. The offered model has shown decent results in terms of anomaly detection accuracy.
Contribution/ Originality
This study proposed multi-classifier model for increasing anomaly detection accuracy in network traffic. The model consists of the J48, LogitBoost, IBk, AdaBoost, RandomTree classifiers. This work performed a comparative analysis of used classifiers and their combination to see which one will give the best result In study classifiers and their combination have been implemented on NSL-KDD open source dataset using WEKA tool. The results show that the ensemble classifiers provide the better result than using these classifiers individually. The computer network traffic analysis with employment of our model can help network engineers and administrators to create a more reliable network, avoid possible discharges and take precautionary measures.
Computer Sciences » Review of Computer Engineering Research » Month: 03-2019 Issue: 1

Foreign Direct Investment in Zimbabwe: The Role of Uncertainty, Exports, Cost of Capital, Corruption and Market Size

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Journal: The Economics and Finance Letters

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Abstract
Most of developing countries such as Zimbabwe see foreign direct investment as a panacea for augmenting domestic savings, generating employment, eradicating poverty and stimulating economic growth. Foreign direct investment also is associated with significant positive spillover benefits such as; facilitating technological progress, enhancing production efficiencies, promoting skills and knowledge diffusion and increasing international competitiveness. The paper investigated the role of cost of capital, uncertainty, exports, market size and other macro factors in attracting FDI in Zimbabwe. This paper relied on a time series analysis using Ordinary Least Regression equation for the period 1998-2017. Uncertainty and cost of capital were found to be negative and statistically significant whilst market size and lagged exports were found to be positive and statistically significant. The paper recommends adoption of policies that improve domestic absorptive capacity such as the elimination of uncertainties in the economy, promoting more trade openness, improving market size and liberalisation of credit and financial markets to reduce firm borrowing costs.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature on foreign direct investment by demonstrating the role of macro-uncertainty and cost of capital in attracting FDI. In addition, this study utilizes a new estimation methodology of FDI that is based on the modification of the flexible accelerator model of investment behaviour.
Economics » The Economics and Finance Letters » Month: 03-2019 Issue: 1

Climate Change Vulnerability in Rwanda, East Africa

Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Geography and Geology

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Abstract
This study aims to spatially assess the flood vulnerability then suggests appropriate vulnerability lessening and adaptation mechanisms in Rwanda. Six vulnerability factors namely the rainfall and temperature, total population, access to communication tools, poverty level and number of schools were analyzed. The Weighting Linear Combination (WLC) method in ArcGIS is used to analyze these factors and spread the resulting flood vulnerability countrywide. The results showed high flood vulnerability within the northern, western and southern provinces and Kigali city of Rwanda. This vulnerability is likely to rise due to the noticed low possession of communication tools and education delivery, which could help to enhance the risk awareness and preparedness among the vulnerable communities. The results of this study can help policy makers to understand the required community’s vulnerability lessening measures and ensure spread of mitigation and adaptation policies as per vulnerability extent within Rwanda.
Contribution/ Originality
The paper primary contribution is finding that climate change risk, mainly the flooding are gradually causing severe losses and damages in Rwanda. Thus, the mapped flood vulnerability can be useful to policy makers to better recognize the required vulnerability lessening policies based on the actual circumstances.
Energy & Environmental Sciences » International Journal of Geography and Geology » Month: 01-2019 Issue: 1

Profitability of Commercial Bank on Interest Rate Deregulation

Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: Financial Risk and Management Reviews

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Abstract
This study focuses on impacts of deregulation policy of interest rate on the profitability of commercial bank, which will create competition among conventional financial institution for their traditional activities of banks (Deposits, loans and other financial institutions activities). The demand and supply will increase to encourage fund mobilization based on interest rate. Sanity becomes significant in the financial institution as utilization of fund is been judiciously encouraged and invests it to the most profitable ventures. The study explored the survey questionnaire by selecting five financial institutions and distributes twenty (20) questionnaires for each financial institution to their respective managers (experts) for their input. The simple description analysis and correlation were considered for variables comparison to achieve the research objectives. The research findings indicate that the deregulation significantly contributed to the profitability of commercial financial institution and promote competition among their counterpart. The study also reveals that the deregulation in interest rate leads to an increase in profit maximization. The study recommended the changes in the discount rate will reflect a stipulated range depending on how monetary policy pursued and the relation of a current market economy with interest rate, the sufficient control of the institutions and regulatory bodies to ensure the forces driving the economy as adequately managed and controlled.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature on the interest rate deregulation. The study uses a new estimation methodology as a structural survey questionnaire which used correlation and descriptive analyses. The study is one of the very few studies based on deregulation of the interest rate on commercial bank.
Economics » Financial Risk and Management Reviews » Month: 03-2019 Issue: 1

Organisational Predators of Workplace Deviant Behaviour in Hotel Industry

Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: Journal of Tourism Management Research

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Abstract
Counterproductive behaviour exhibited by hotels workers in Port Harcourt is alarming. Despite the consequences of deviant acts, operators of the hotel industry in Port Harcourt are less minded on the organizational antecedents of workplace deviant behaviour. This study proposed an integrated model that explains the relationship between organizational predators and workplace deviant behaviour (OP-WDB) in the hotel industry in Port Harcourt. The study used a structured questionnaire and sampled 138 hotel staff in Port Harcourt. Pearson Moment Correlation analysis was used. The result shows that four of the six organisational predictors have a positive and significant relationship with deviant behaviour in respect of hotels in Port Harcourt. The F- statistic was statistically significant indicating a valid model. It is recommended that hotel managers should promote the cordial relationship between managers and their subordinates for enhanced employee's civility behaviour. In addition, hotel owners and managers should formulate policies that can forestall a positive hotel work climate for employees. Once more, hotel managers should ensure that daily employee's activities are scientifically measured to avert cases of work overload. Finally, hotel managers should lead by example and ensure that employees' trust in management is total.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the literature on workplace deviance in the hotel industry. The research proposed and validated an integrated model that explains the relationship between organisational predators and workplace deviant behaviour (OP-WDB) in an emerging country. The study increased the explanatory power of the OP-WDB model in explaining the social exchange theory.
Business & Management » Journal of Tourism Management Research » Month: 03-2019 Issue: 1

Factors Affecting Garments Employees Perception on Job Performance: Evidence from Bangladesh

Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Management and Sustainability

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Abstract
It is proved from the literatures that, perceptual factors have a great influence on employees’ job performances in organization. The current study tried to sort out some crucial perceptual factors affecting employees’ job performance. The study developed 28 perceptual items based on FGD and literature analysis such as decision making, learning, orientation, training, engagement, evaluation policy etc. Then a proposed perceptual model had been developed. A structured questionnaire was surveyed among the selective respondents (n=500); then tested the items’ reliability and passed (? = .789); after that, the study went for exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Total seven (7) factors (Perceived HR practice; Perceived performance appraisal; Perceived supervisor’s quality & leadership; Perceived work environment & climate; Perceived organizational support; Perceived work pressure; and Perceived compensation plan) were identified. Finally, in confirmatory factors analysis (CFA) testing, one of those factors named Perceived compensation plan (PCP) fall short to pass the validity from the model.
Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies which have investigated a perceptual model based on any under developing & developing country whose labor markets are unstructured and chaotic. So the paper will provide a fare idea to the entrepreneurs and managers who are interested to deal with such labor markets like Bangladesh.
Business & Management » International Journal of Management and Sustainability » Month: 01-2019 Issue: 1

Disciplinary Management in Public Primary Schools and Teachers Job Effectiveness in Yakurr Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria

Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: World Journal of Vocational Education and Training

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Abstract
The study examined disciplinary management in public primary schools and teachers' job effectiveness in Yakurr Local Government Area, Cross River State. Three null hypotheses were formulated accordingly to guide the study. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Census technique was adopted in selecting the entire population of 98 primary school managers which comprised of 49 head teachers and 49 deputy head teachers across 49 public primary schools available in the area. A questionnaire tagged: "Disciplinary Control in Public Primary Schools and Teachers' Job Effectiveness Questionnaire (DCPPSTJEQ)" designed and administered by the researcher was used as an instrument for data collection. The null hypotheses were all tested at .05 level of significance using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Analysis. Findings from the study revealed that warning, suspension, and dismissal have significant relationships respectively, to primary school teachers' job effectiveness. Based on the findings of this study, it was recommended among others that; there should be fairness in the administration of suspension to all teachers through well-documented procedures.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature by providing evidence on the relationship between disciplinary management variables and teachers job effectiveness. The uniqueness of this study is based on the variables: warning, suspension and dismissal that were used which seems to be rare in earlier studies, thus filling the gaps.
Arts and Education » World Journal of Vocational Education and Training » Month: 03-2019 Issue: 1

Study of Graphene-MoS2 Based SPR Biosensor with Graphene Based SPR Biosensor: Comparative Approach

Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Natural Sciences Research

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Abstract
In this paper, we compare the sensitivity of graphene-MoS2 based surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor to graphene based SPR biosensor. Here, graphene is used as biomolecular recognition element (BRE) because of its high adsorption ability and optical characteristics which helps to improve sensor sensitivity, on the other hand MoS2 is used for it has larger band gap, high fluroscence quenching ability, higher optical absorption efficiency which improves further sensor sensitivity. In DNA hybridization event, numerically achieved results show that single layer of graphene-MoS2 based SPR biosensor is 175% more sensitive than single layer of graphene coated SPR biosensor. Surface plasmon resonance angle and spectrum of reflected power are numerically investigated for different concentrated complementary DNA strands. The variations of SPR angle is significantly computable for complementary DNA strands whereas these parameters are varied negligibly for mismatched DNA strands. Thus the proposed sensor effectively differentiates hybridization and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) by examining the level of changes in SPR angle and reflected power spectrum.
Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies which have investigated numerically the performance parameters in terms of sensitivity with adding only graphene and other hand adding graphene with MoS2 layers based surface plasmon resonance biosensor.
Engineering » International Journal of Natural Sciences Research » Month: 01-2019 Issue: 1

Demographic Factors Influence on the Tendency to Become Entrepreneur: Estimating the Antecedents and Consequences of Entrepreneurial Tendency

Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Management and Sustainability

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Abstract
The essence of this study deals with identifying the major demographic factors for the tendency to become an entrepreneur. Our survey data from 132 randomly selected respondents were used to investigating the factors for the tendency to become an entrepreneur. In this study, a quantitative method was used to improve research strength. This study identified some major factors which increase an individual’s entrepreneurial tendency. The study found a significant relationship between educational degree specialization, nationality, gender, entrepreneur parent, child position, marital status, age towards the tendency to become an entrepreneur. Moreover, the study further didn’t find any relationship between performance (CGPA), religion and abroad experience towards the tendency to become an entrepreneur than earlier findings. Moreover, the entrepreneur is the combination of risk and willingness to find success but it’s not easy to be like that because of both effects of internal and external business environments and therefore this study is conducted to identify core factors, which may influence on the willingness of an individual for being an entrepreneur. It is truly noticed the business-oriented scope for female compared to male in the same region that supports the other major factor called nationality. However, this study is conducted over postgraduate students studying in Malaysia that may focus a limitation but its overall results will fairly demonstration tendency to become an entrepreneur based on the international business environment perspective.
Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of the very few studies which have investigated the relationship between demographic factors of students and their tendency to become an entrepreneur through empirical analysis and analyses whether students become influenced to become an entrepreneur through the core demographic factors.
Business & Management » International Journal of Management and Sustainability » Month: 01-2019 Issue: 1

Simultaneous Growth of Rutile TiO2 Nanorod on FTO Plate by One-Step Hydrothermal Process for CdS Sensitized Solar Cell Applications

Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Chemistry and Materials Research

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Abstract
The rutile TiO2 of nanoparticles and microrods were simultaneously grown on FTO glass slide using a one-step hydrothermal process. CdS semiconducting nanocrystals were deposited on the surface of TiO2 surface using SILAR method. Moreover, the SEM micrograph studies, TiO2 nanorods were almost uniformly explored on FTO glass slide pattern. The photovoltaic performances, as-prepared semiconductor sensitized solar cells (SSSCs) were studied and the maximum efficiency of FTO/TiO2/CdS-8/ZnS-2 sample was 0.78% were confirmed by sun solar simulator, overall the solar cell efficiency was determined with an increasing pattern of CdS deposition is reported in detail.
Contribution/ Originality
In this work, contribute to the development of Ti02 unidirectional growth nanorods on FTO glass slide and its act as a photoanode was prepared hydrothermal method. The semiconductor (CdS) quantum dots were prepared using SILAR method. These quantum dots acts as dye molecule for the fabrication solarcell. In the present studies gives an idea of semiconductor sensitized solar cells (SSSCs).
Chemistry & Materials Sciences » International Journal of Chemistry and Materials Research » Month: 01-2019 Issue: 1

Agric Financing and its Impact on Agricultural GDP: An ARDL Approach

Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research

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Abstract
This research investigated the impact of agricultural financing on agricultural sector contribution to GDP in Nigeria. The objective of the study was to determine whether agricultural financing had any significant impact on agricultural contribution to GDP in Nigeria. The dataset covered a 36year period from 1981-2016. Data was sourced from the CBN statistical Bulletin. The dependent variable was the Agricultural GDP (AGDP). The independent variables were government funding {represented by Government Capital Expenditure on Agriculture (GCAG) and Government Recurrent Expenditure on Agriculture (GRAG) }, Agric Credit Guarantee scheme Fund (ACGSF) and Commercial Banks’ Credit, Loans and Advances to the Agricultural Sector (CBCA). Standard analytical tests were used to determine the properties of the data. The Auto Regressive Distributed Lagged regression model (ARDL) was used to estimate the data. The study found that government funding to agriculture and Agric Credit Guarantee scheme Fund (ACGSF) had a non-significant impact on Agricultural Contribution to GDP (AGDP). On the other hand, the study found that Commercial Banks’ Credit, Loans and Advances to the Agricultural Sector (CBCA) had a positively significant impact on AGDP. The study recommended the sustenance of government policy that encouraged consistent injection of funds into agriculture. It advocated that a sizeable portion of Commercial Banks’ credit should be channelled to agricultural production.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature by investigating the impact of agricultural funding on agricultural GDP. This study uses new estimation methodology which is the ARDL approach. The paper contributes the first logical analysis by conducting a pre-test, estimation and diagnostic analyses. The paper's primary contribution is that government funding of the agricultural sector had no significant impact on agricultural GDP.
Agricultural Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research » Month: 03-2019 Issue: 1

Development and Quality Evaluation of Complementary Food Formulated from Sorghum, Soybean and Sesame Flour Blends

Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: Journal of Nutrients

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Abstract
Complementary foods are foods that are not breast milk or infant formula introduced to an infant to provide nutrients due to inadequacy of breast milk. The quality of Complementary foods prepared from sorghum, soybean and sesame flour blends was determined in this research. The flours were prepared and blended at different ratios; 70:30:0, 70:20:10, 60:30:10, and 50:40:10. The chemical, sensory and physical properties of the individual flours and the most acceptable complementary food were determined. The results show that the complementary food (50% SORF, 40% SOYF AND 10% SESF) contained 24.1% protein while SORF, SOYF and SESF had 7.8%, 48.4% and 15.1% respectively. The complementary food has higher carbohydrate 48.1% than those of the SOYF (19.4%) and SESF (23.3%). However, the SOYF flour had higher carbohydrate (82.2%) than the other flours. The bulk density of the complementary food was 0.72g/cm3 while those of the flours ranged from 0.53 g/cm3 to 0.81g/cm3. All the flours lacked foaming capacity, values ranging from 0.98 to 6.9%. However, the complementary food had higher water absorption capacity and emulsion capacity than the individual flours. The sensory evaluation result showed that the blend containing 50% SORF, 40% SOYF and 10% SESF received higher scores for taste, flavor, texture, colour and overall acceptability than the other flour blends and the commercial weaning food. The result showed that acceptable complementary food with chemical and physical properties similar to commercial weaning food may well be prepared from sorghum, soybean and sesame flour blends.
Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies that have investigated the production of complementary foods from local raw materials. The complementary food was produced from low-cost, nutrient dense cereal; legume and oil seed which will help solve the problem of malnutrition as the blend is rich in protein and other nutrients.
Medical Sciences » Journal of Nutrients » Month: 03-2019 Issue: 1

Residents Perception of Impacts toward Tourism Development: The Case of Bandung City, Indonesia

Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: Journal of Tourism Management Research

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This article examines residents’ perceptions of the impacts of tourism development in Bandung City, Indonesia. The study aims to evaluate the 2009-2013 tourism policy and program’s outcomes. It uses primary data from the qualitative method of interviewing residents. Interviews were conducted in eight Bandung City districts during November 2014 and March 2016. The respondents were chosen based on the understanding that residents often do not represent a homogeneous population (Brunt and Courtney, 1999). Therefore, the respondents were divided into four types. The data analysis is modeled after Ritchie and Spencer (1994)’s framework method. The study found that the citizens’ common perception of a socio-economic impact are business opportunities. The perceived negative socio-cultural impacts was that the use of a local language, Sundanese, was declining due to tourism. The others included vandalism, and the increase of shopping places and culinary places affecting the citizens’ lifestyle via consumerism. Concerning local art and culture, type two, three and four respondents confessed that Bandung City tourism lacked cultural attractions. In contrast, type one of respondent admitted that tourism has the effect of reviving local art and culture and that they had experienced acculturation in traditional music. It shows that the local government efforts of promoting cultural tourism does not affect other residents living in other areas.
Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few to investigate the four different types of residents’, on their perception of tourism impacts in a city of a developing country. The study found that the understanding of socio-cultural effects is diverse among residents.
Business & Management » Journal of Tourism Management Research » Month: 03-2019 Issue: 1

Developing a Scale to Measure a Football Players Transfer Score

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Journal: Journal of Sports Research

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Abstract
The aim of this study is to develop a scale that demonstrates the transfer score of a football player, with the help of metrics generated through network science. Six matches played Turkish National Football Team in the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers were analyzed with e-analysis soccer program. To obtain the network of the matches and the measurements of networks we used the open-source program Gephi. By taking into consideration the correlations between 11 network metrics, factor analysis was performed, and factor loadings were obtained. To determine the transfer score, as a measure of centralization: degree, weighted-degree and betweenness-centrality, and as a measure of contravention: eccentricity, 4 variables were defined. As a result of factor analysis, three variables were combined into a single component. The variance explanation value was found to be 90.611%, the internal consistency criterion was 0.66 and the transfer score value was calculated using the squares of factor loadings. The scale we developed will be able to determine the transfer value of a player, as well as the changes in the player's performance over time.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes in the existing literature with a new scale that can be used as a support tool in the existing transfer system. With the development of such scale, the transfer score of soccer players will be determined and the change of their performance over time could be observed.
Physical Sciences » Journal of Sports Research » Month: 03-2019 Issue: 1

The Influence of Strength and Power on Rowing, Ski Ergometer Performance

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Journal: Journal of Sports Research

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Abstract
Ergometers have been developed as off-season or dryland training tools for sports such as rowing and cross-country skiing. These ergometers have recently been staples in the training methods for functional fitness athletes. Purpose: To examine the relationship between athlete strength and power with rowing ergometer and ski ergometer performance. Methods: Eight healthy college-aged participants, age 18-26 years volunteered to go through a series of strength and ergometric exercises while being assessed with a metabolic cart to measure gas exchange. The three strength measures were a maximal effort on bench press, back squat, and deadlift. A watt bike was also used to assess lower body power output. All strength tests were performed following the National Strength and Conditioning Association protocols. The ergometric performances on ski ergometer and rower were performed both using the Concept2 model with the damper settings at 10. Results: A significant relationship exists between strength and ergometer performance at both sprint and mid-distances. Conclusions: Athlete strength is a significant contributor to ski ergometer and rowing ergometer performance at 100-meter and 2000-meter performances. When considering training protocols for rowing and cross-country skiing, athletes and coaches should invest in addressing strength as a meaningful portion of the training effort.
Contribution/ Originality
The paper's primary contribution is finding the relationship athlete strength and power have with ergometer performance.
Physical Sciences » Journal of Sports Research » Month: 03-2019 Issue: 1

Estimation of Suspended Sediment Load in the Ressoul Watershed, Algeria

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Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Hydrology Research

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Abstract
Sediment load and its response to the variations of the hydrological elements are important to understand the phenomena of erosion. This study was fulfilled with the aim of developing a model to predict sediment load using sediment rating curve for the Ain Berda gauging station. The model was developed based on the available streamflow discharge and suspended sediment concentration data during sampled storm events over 39 year-period in the Ressoul watershed. Relationships between sediment concentration and water discharge were used according to single and rising-falling stage ratings to determine the best model for sediment load prediction. Additionally, a technique was devised to correct for log-transform bias on the sediment rating curves. The mean annual sediment yield during high and medium high flood events was 302 T km-2 yr-1. The high sediment loads in the study basin could be explained by the intensity of rain, the aggressiveness of the flows, the topography and the availability of sediments from hillslopes. The sediment load was dominated by winter and spring seasons accounting for 89% of the annual load. A high sediment supply in winter might confirm the intense geomorphic action caused by high intensity rainfall, low vegetation cover, and heavy machine activity in the agricultural fields. Following watershed management for local communities may bring multiple benefits. The adoption of suitable measures for soil conservation should reduce soil erosion and improve the livelihoods of the inhabitants. This study can serve as a reference for policymakers and planners.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes on the existing literature on the estimation of suspended sediment yield using rating curve technique. The study outlines the analysis of some factors of erosion for estimating impacts of conservation methods on stream flow and sediment yield.
Agricultural Sciences » International Journal of Hydrology Research » Month: 03-2019 Issue: 1

Gamification on Sales Force Performance in Nigeria Bottling Company

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Author(s):
Journal: Games Review

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Abstract
This study empirically examined gamification as a new approach of getting performance from sales employees. It examined a sales man from the perspective of game player, thereby applying those factors that motivate a player to win a game such as points, the rewards, and achievement levels to get performance from salesmen. The sales performance we examined includes; customer, conversion ratio, referral rate, cancellation recovery rate and organizational profitability. The study was conducted on sales personnel of Nigeria Bottling Company Ltd South-West Region. The population of the study was 210 professional sales personnel of the company with the sample size of 138 using the Taro Yamane formula to determine the sample size. The simple random sampling technique was used to select the respondents. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from the respondents. The data collected were analyzed through test-re-test method. A pilot study was adopted to test the reliability of the instrument. Analysis of data was done through the use of SPSS. The study employed descriptive and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) type of inferential statistics to test the hypotheses. The study showed that earn point by salesman has positive impact on sales force performance. Also, sales achievement levels have significant impact on organizational performance. Based on these findings, the study therefore recommends that Nigeria Bottling Company should continue to use earn point and sales achievement levels as proxy to gamification which enhances sales performance, thereby improving the performance of the organization.
Contribution/ Originality
The study contributes to the existing literature of gamification and sales force performance using Pearson Product Moment Correlation statistics. Taro Yamane formula were employed. The study is very few in Nigeria Bottling Company which contributes to game techniques. The findings were positive and remain the work of the above authors.
Economics » Games Review » Month: 03-2019 Issue: 1

Foreign Direct Investment - Growth Linkage in Sub-Saharan Africa: Is Governance a Mediating Factor?

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Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Business, Economics and Management

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Abstract
In sub – Saharan Africa, weak institutions and the rising concern for improved business environment offer considerable leverage for enhancing the effectiveness of institutional framework, capital inflows, and public investment efficiency. These have put SSA in the global spotlight in recent times. Hence, the study examines the mediating effect of governance on FDI – growth nexus in 35 SSA countries between 2002 and 2017 using panel data techniques (Pooled OLS, Fixed Effects, and Panel-Corrected Standard Error’ (PCSE) estimation) and the Dynamic One – Step Difference and System GMM. Results indicate that control of corruption, political stability and regulatory quality, including governance composite index, have a positive and significant effect on economic growth, suggesting that institutions have a salutary impact on SSA economies. The findings further show that FDI inflows adversely influence growth owing to insufficient absorptive capacity that could enhance FDI effectiveness in the region. More importantly, the pervasiveness of poor governance in SSA is identified as a critical case that undermines the development of the nexus between FDI and economic growth. Thus, the study suggests that FDI – growth linkage would be enhanced by promoting a strong institutional environment that offers a good mechanism for attaining the actual FDI spillover potential through a policy framework that points the path towards cost-effective measures in SSA. Also, there should be core investment policies across African countries that would induce the private sector in consolidating government efforts and resources aimed at improving international competitiveness by diversifying the region’s economies away from a protracted commodity – based.
Contribution/ Originality
The study offers a sufficient basis of analysis that amplifies and consolidates FDI-governance-growth literature. It also addresses unresolved mixed conclusions arising from puzzling methodological issues through the use of efficient and robust estimation techniques. The paper provides a better understanding of the role of governance in FDI-growth nexus regarding Africa.
Economics » International Journal of Business, Economics and Management » Month: 02-2019 Issue: 2

Lecture Method Preferences, Auditory or Visual, of Ukrainian Consumers of Educational Services : A Statistical Analysis

Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Education and Practice

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Abstract
The aim of this study is to examine the lecture method preferences of Ukrainian consumers of educational services. The study has observed two popular methods of providing educational services: the auditory method and the visual method. Research methodology included: information research; questioning and statistical processing of questionnaires; graphical representation of results and verification of statistical hypotheses. The sampling included two groups of students and one group of school teachers. It was statistically proved that Ukrainian students prefer the visual method of lectures but not the auditory method in availing educational services. Since the results are strongly significant, they have a great practical importance, recommending university teachers to use visual methods of lectures more than auditory while providing educational services. This will help them to adapt their lecture form and technique according to the needs and preferences of students as consumers of educational services. In addition, the results will also be useful to design and formulate training programs for teachers of Ukrainian Universities and making policy design for the Ukrainian Higher Education.
Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies which have investigated preferences of consumers of educational services of the type of lecture method of providing educational services. The paper is a contribution to the first logical analysis of the preferences of university students and school teachers.
Arts and Education » International Journal of Education and Practice » Month: 02-2019 Issue: 2