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The poor economic situation of Africa especially Nigeria has attracted government efforts to re-engineer the economy through bilateral agreements with developed countries, trade, investment which unfortunately have been met with unproductive outcomes. Consequently, it has become imperative to explore possible means of re-engineering the economy especially in Nigeria through development of human capital. Hence, this study examines re-engineering Nigerian economy through human capital development: a case study of manufacturing companies. The study employed the descriptive survey research design. The population of the study was 828 employees from two manufacturing firms which are Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Co. Ltd in Anambra state and Ibeto Group of Companies Ltd. in Rivers state, out of which 269 participants were used in the study. Data for the study were collected through the use of questionnaire. Data collected was analyzed using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation. Findings of the study indicated that the nature of relationship between skill development and corporate performance in Manufacturing Firms in Southern part of Nigeria is significantly positive. The study concluded that human capital development is an essential tool which improves the nation’s key assets (her citizens), in order to increase and reengineer economic growth and development. It is further recommended that government of Nigeria should inculcate and implement enhanced training and development programmes especially for the youths who have more workforce capacity so as to motivate them in contributing to the nation’s economic growth and development in all sectors. Contribution/ Originality
The study contributes in the existing literature by establishing how skill development can enhance or reengineer the Nigerian economy through manufacturing firms. Economics » Journal of Social Economics Research » Month: 03-2020 Issue: 1
Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Analysis of 1-(1-Phenylazo)-2-Naphthol
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Chemistry and Materials Research
Pathogenic microorganisms are capable of causing various illnesses and diseases to its hosts (humans, animals and plants) and has prompted researchers in search of antibiotics to be used in treatment of such ill-health conditions. Azo dyes possess some interesting colours and usages in many industries. In the present study, 1-(1-Phenylazo)-2-naphthol azo dye was synthesized by diazotization of aniline and coupling reaction with 2-naphthol. The results obtained from the UV-vis, IR and NMR spectra were able to elucidate the important peaks in the compound. The concentrations of 200 ?g/mL, 30 ?g/mL control drugs [Augmentin (Au) and Oflocitoxin (OFX)] and raw sample of the compound were able to inhibit Staphylococcus aureus at 0.1 mm, 15 mm, 13 mm and 0.4 mm marks respectively while the concentrations of 200 ?g/mL, 30 ?g/mL Augmentin (Au, control drug), 30 ?g/mL Oflocitoxin (OFX, control drug) and raw sample of the compound had inhibitions of 0.2 mm, 21 mm, 19 mm and 0.4 mm marks respectively against Escherichia coli; Aspergillus fumigatus was resistant across all prepared concentrations and raw sample of the compounds, including the 30 ?g/mL control drugs [Augmentin (Au) and Oflocitoxin (OFX)] from the antimicrobial analysis carried out. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of the compound was estimated at 200 ?g/mL concentration. Contribution/ Originality
The study contributes in the existing literature of 1-(1-phenylazo)-2-naphthol, and recommends its use as antibiotics for treatment of certain bacterial related diseases and infections in comparison with some commercial drugs which could be toxic and highly concentrated to the infected hosts. Chemistry & Materials Sciences » International Journal of Chemistry and Materials Research » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1
Phototactic Response of Two Spotted Cricket (Gryllus bimaculatus De Geer) to Electric Bulb Light Colours and Types
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research
This study examined the phototactic response of two spotted cricket (G. bimaculatus) to incandescent and LED bulb light of different colours. Light traps fitted with 25 Watts incandescent bulbs and 3 Watts Light Emitting Diode (LED) of different colours (red, yellow, green, blue and white) were used. Also included was a control trap. The traps were operated from 1800hr to 2400hr. G. bimaculatus collected were counted and the data subjected to variance analysis. Student Newman Keul’s test was used to separate significantly different means at 5% level of probability. Relationship between light intensity and insect density was assessed by correlation and linear regression analysis. Results indicated that LED had higher mean intensity despite lower wattage and that, Blue colour had the highest mean intensity (736.80 Lux) among the LEDs and white (1094.20 Lux) among the incandescent bulbs. Statistical analysis showed that differences in attractiveness among LED bulb colours were due to random variation (p = 0.17); however was significant (p < 0.001) among incandescent bulbs. Of the total G. bimaculatus collected attracted, 93.7% was by LED bulbs with blue LED bulb alone attracting 57.1%. Light intensity was positively and significantly correlated with density of G. bimaculatus attracted for both LED (r = 0.92, R2 = 84.4%) and incandescent (r = 0.96, R2 = 92.5%) bulbs. Higher attraction of G. bimaculatus to blue coloured LED bulbs could be attributed to preference and/or high light intensity. Blue LED bulbs of higher intensity can thus be used to manipulate G. bimaculatus for man’s benefit. Contribution/ Originality
The study is one of few that investigated the phototactic response of G. bimaculatus to electric light type and colours. This information is necessary in manipulating the insect’s directional movement behaviour for the benefit of man. Agricultural Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 2
Factors Affecting Academic Performance of First-Year University Students: A Case of a Vietnamese University
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Education and Practice
Having research-informed and evidence-based information into factors that impact students’ academic performance is crucial for institutions to be able to identify gaps in the provision of training and support for students. This study is motivated by the need to determine and analyse such factors at a university that has been experiencing high academic failure and dropout rates. The study employed quantitative research methods with the leading research instrument being a survey administered to 397 first-year students from 13 disciplines and 7 faculties. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and multiple linear regression were used to identify the underlying relationships between variables. According to the research findings, there are five key factors that contribute to academic performance and success of first-year university students, namely, students' motivation, lecturers' pedagogical knowledge and skills, lecturers' professional knowledge and credential, learning resources and conditions and course structure. . These factors have been ranked from the one with the most substantial effect to the one that confers least impact. The findings can have important implications for proposing measures to improve academic performance for the university as well as other institutions in the higher education sector. Contribution/ Originality
The paper's primary objective was to find out the prime factors, which affect the academic performance of first-year university students as well as the motivation to study. The findings can be used by the instructors as the basis upon which they can help students overcome stress and integrate into the learning environment as soon as they enter university. Arts and Education » International Journal of Education and Practice » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 2
Factors Influencing Voluntary Audit among Small and Medium Enterprises: The Malaysian Evidence
In Malaysia, the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are encouraged to get their financial statements audited although such practice is on a voluntary basis. This study examined the voluntary practices of the SMEs in getting their financial statements audited. Specifically, this study examined the factors influencing the voluntary audit among the SMES. Three factors were chosen namely, improved quality of financial statements, managerial ownership and managers’ perception towards voluntary audit. Using a questionnaire as the research instrument on 70 SMEs, the results showed that managerial ownership and managers’ perception towards voluntary audit influence the SMEs to get their financial statements audited. However, the results showed that there is a negative relationship of the improvement quality of financial statements towards voluntary audits among the SMEs. The findings provide further understanding on the SMEs’ action in willingness to adopt one practice. In addition, this study also provides valuable information to the Malaysian regulatory and professional accounting bodies in their debates on providing audit exemption for the SMEs in Malaysia. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature by examining the voluntary practices of the SMEs in getting their financial statements audited. Social Sciences » Humanities and Social Sciences Letters » Month: 03-2020 Issue: 1
The Influence of Social Media on Public Policy Changes in Bandar Lampung City
This research investigated the use of social media and its implication on policy changes. The study used a qualitative descriptive approach as its research design. Social media users in Bandar Lampung who respond (criticism, support, suggestion, rejection and disagreement) to public policy in Bandar Lampung were used as the instrument of data collection. The results of the research showed that the presence of social media especially among middle class users was used as an instrument to respond to public policies in Bandar Lampung. There was a change in the relationship between the public and the government, from conventional models shifting to an internet-based relationship model. The findings also showed that not all criticisms, suggestions or opinions of the public had implications for policy changes, except in the case of the traffic engineering management policy. The termination of the traffic engineering management policy happened because this policy did not solve traffic jams around the Tugu Pahlawan to the Teuku Umar street, in Danrem Garuda Hitam. Social media platforms were used as a means for the public to express their criticism and opinion on the policy and the Bandar Lampung government responded by terminating the traffic engineering management policy and restoring the original route. In general, when a public policy is criticized or protested by the public, the Bandar Lampung government’s response tends to argue against the policy. Contribution/ Originality
The paper’s primary contribution is in finding that a model of political relationship between citizen and government through social media is very beneficial in the process of policy making. In addition, the findings showed social media as political instrument in delivering public aspiration. Social Sciences » Humanities and Social Sciences Letters » Month: 03-2020 Issue: 1
Analysis of Traffic Accident Occurrence at Hazardous Road Locations: A Case Study in Tunisia
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Public Policy and Administration Research
The main objective of this study was to investigate the impact of factors linked to the geometric, roadway and traffic flow characteristics on traffic accident occurrence at Hazardous Road Locations (HRL) in the region of Sousse, Tunisia using longitudinal data of 52 HRLs for an 11-year monitoring period from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2014. The results of estimation of Negative Binomial model and the Random Effects Negative Binomial model reported that the different variables representing the presence of rural segment, the curved alignment, the visibility, the average daily traffic volume, the presence of public lighting, the number of lane, the presence of vertical/horizontal sign, the presence of drainage system, the presence of paved shoulder, the roadway surface condition, and the presence of major road were the main significant variables influencing accident occurrences. Therefore, the results could be useful for deciders in the transport sector in order to implement effective measures to improve road safety by adopting proper sound use practices, establishing efficient transportation systems and formulating appropriate traffic policies and legislation. Contribution/ Originality
This is one of the few studies which have investigated the occurrence of traffic accidents at Hazardous Road Locations in the region of Sousse (Tunisia) as a function of various explanatory factors linked to the geometric characteristics, roadway characteristics and traffic flow characteristics. Economics » International Journal of Public Policy and Administration Research » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1
Effect of Factors of Body Composition, Body Stature and Distribution of Lifters in the Weight Categories
It was demonstrated that for the biomechanical evaluation of the relative performance the complex system (body + barbell) should be taken into account. Another factor is the body-composition (muscle-, fat- and bone ratios) of the lifters. The most dominant is the muscle-ratio, which is significantly less in the super-heavyweight category than in the others. Modification parameter is the physique of the athlete (dominantly the body height), because to reach higher level with the barbell during the pull it is necessary to have higher speed, so consequently the lifter has to perform higher acceleration and needs more strength to carry it out. The body height is important from point of view of energetics, as well – the physical work performed by a taller lifter is more – influencing also the regeneration time and the loadability, reducing the level of sport result. The physique and body composition has an impact also on the movement-structure and the technical skill (level) of attempts. In the super-heavyweight the technique is often far from the optimum, concerning the biomechanical requirements (e.g. the disturbing effect of the big belly). The last factor is the distribution of lifters in the different categories, surely if the number of lifters is not similar in the different categories, the expectable sport level can be also different. Contribution/ Originality
This study uses new estimation methodology for analysis of the relative performance of top weightlifters, taking into consideration also the body composition, body stature and distribution of lifters in the different weight categories. Physical Sciences » Journal of Sports Research » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1
The Impact of Land Price Movements on the Properties in Croatia
The Mediterranean countries of the European Union record diversions in real estate along the coast. Based on the hypothesis that land prices are playing a significant role in increasing housing prices, the goal of our research was to determine to what extent that factor is important in Croatia. The reason for price unsteadiness is most often examined through main macroeconomic aspects but very few researches are using land prices as the main assumption of this problem. The study is carried out using Davis and Heathcote (2005) for determining factors of home value. By observing the period from 2002 to 2017 and from the given results we were able to deliver prediction for future market movements until 2025 using the Double exponential smoothing model. The analysis showed that there is a positive correlation between financial crisis and fall of land price index in all parts of Croatia except the coastal region as research proposed initially. It is shown that real estate prices will continue to grow, but the index of land prices will not follow this growth in parallel. Rather other factors like cost of building will have bigger share in the overall price. The outcome provides an important opportunity to advance the understanding of housing market movements in Croatia by regions and might serve as guidance in future policy creation. Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of the very few studies which emphasize the importance of land prices in overall real estate prices and bring them into context with the geographical position of the Croatian regions. Economics » Journal of Social Economics Research » Month: 03-2020 Issue: 1
Characterization and Classification of Cropland-Soils Affected by Erosion in Igbudu Ikwo, Southeastern Nigeria
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research
This research was carried out in Igbudu Ikwo, Ebonyi State in Southeastern Nigeria to investigate and classify some cropland-soils affected by erosion. Three profile pits were dug and samples were collected in their horizons. The soils physico-chemical properties analyzed indicated that all investigated soils were sandy loam (SL), bulk density was high ranging from 1.51, 1.59 and 1.42 gcm-3in pedons 1, 2 and 3 due to the preponderance of high sandiness, although within the acceptable levels (<1.85). Available P was medium (5 – 15 mgkg-1) in pedon 2 and high (>15 mgkg-1) in pedons 1 and 3. Organic matter was medium (2.0 - 4.2%) at pedons 1 and 3 and low < 2% in pedon 2 when critical limits was considered. This low organic matter content is a challenge as the soils of Igbudu Ikwo is already prone to erosion and would need high organic matter content to bind the soils particles together against disintegration by erosion processes. Sodium was very low (< 0.1 gkg-1) while K was low (<0.1 – 0.3 gkg-1 Therefore, the inputs of K fertilizer would be necessary to enhance the productivity of the soils. Calcium and Mg were very low when critical limits were considered (<2 gkg-1) and (<0.5 gkg-1) for Ca and Mg respectively. Adequate soil conservation practices and improvement of soil nutrients should be adopted for the optimum productivity of the soils of Igbudu Ikwo, Ebonyi State. The pedons were classified as Arenic Kandiudults in USDA soil taxonomy and Arenic Lixisols when correlated with WRB for soil resources. Contribution/ Originality
This work is the first attempt to characterize and classify soils of Igbudu Ikwo in Southeastern Nigeria even though the area is of huge agricultural significance and under erosion threat. This study provided information on soil physic-chemical properties as well as the current nutrient/fertility situation of the soil. Agricultural Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 2
Investigating the Possibility of Changing the Saudi Arabian Riyal Exchange Rate Regime
This study examined the determinants of the Saudi riyal real effective exchange rate (REER) and the possibility of changing Saudi Arabia’s exchange rate regime from pegged to floating. A regression model was used to investigate the impact of Saudi Arabia’s total reserves, cost of living, money supply, non-oil exports, interbank lending rate, and crude oil production on the REER. The results revealed crude oil production as the only significant determinant: a 10% increase in production will reduce the rate by 1.32%. Although Saudi Arabia is cannot yet change its exchange rate regime, the goals of Vision 2030 are achieved and Saudi Arabia is no longer an oil-dependent economy, a change may be possible. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes the determinants of the Saudi riyal real effective exchange rate and the possibility of changing Saudi Arabia’s exchange rate regime to the existing literature. The findings indicate that, as Saudi Arabia’s economy is still dependent on oil exports, any change in the exchange rate regime will significantly affect the Saudi riyal’s value and stability. Social Sciences » Humanities and Social Sciences Letters » Month: 03-2020 Issue: 1
The Relationship between Organizational Self-Esteem, Commitment, Tipping and Organizational Citizenship Behaviors: A Case in the Foodservice Industry
Given the limited research on Organizational Citizenship Behavior in the foodservice industry, this study attempts to investigate the effect of organizational self-esteem, organizational commitment, and the reception of tipping on organizational citizenship behavior. This study provides the necessary context to the relative mindset of the selected study participants (working students of Hospitality within restaurant organizations). Using the analysis of 45 tested (surveyed) students within a university setting; this study successfully drew conclusions about the relative correlation between the aforementioned constructs. The findings of the study contribute to the literature by helping and guiding foodservice and hospitality practitioners to consider influencing the perception of reception of tipping, the development of organizational self-esteem, and the positive organizational commitment to ensure that organizational citizen behavior is built. This paper can be useful for educators, managers, researchers, and students who are attempting to provide context for the contributions towards a positive working environment, and the implications of such. Contribution/ Originality
This study addresses theoretical and empirical gap by showing that tipping reception, organizational self-esteem and organizational commitment are essential for the construction of Organizational Citizen Behavior. Business & Management » Journal of Tourism Management Research » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1
An Empirical Investigation of Real Exchange Rate Responses to Foreign Currency Inflows: Revisiting the Dutch Disease Phenomenon in South Asia
Inflows of foreign currencies into the developing economies, in particular, have been associated with the Dutch disease phenomenon whereby a surge in such inflows is believed to stimulate real appreciation of the real exchange rate. As a result, there could be deindustrialization impacts on the recipient economies following a growth in the non-tradable sector at the expense of the tradable sector's contraction. This paper empirically investigates the dynamics of real exchange rate responses to official development assistance, foreign direct investments and international remittances flowing into the four emerging South Asian economies Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The results from the extensive econometric analyses show that a 1% rise in the total volume of official development assistance and remittances received appreciates the real exchange rate by 0.18% and 0.23% respectively. In contrast, a 1% rise in FDI inflows was found to trigger a 0.19% depreciation of the real exchange rate. Furthermore, the Dumitrescu and Hurlin (2012) test results reveal unidirectional long run causalities running from official development assistances and FDI inflow to real exchange rate while certifying a bidirectional causal association between inward international remittances and the real exchange rate. Contribution/ Originality
This paper makes a novel attempt to model the real exchange rate responses to foreign inflows, using panel-data estimators, in the context of the selected South Asian Economies. Economics » The Economics and Finance Letters » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1
The Virtuous Cycle of Corporate Social Responsibility and Corporate Financial Performance: the Mediating Role of Firm Reputation
Profitability is the main goal of business organizations. This study focused on the effect of previous-year CSR practices on current-year financial performance, and then its effect on subsequent-year CSR practices. This study also investigated the mediating effect of current-year firm reputation on the relationship between previous-year CSR practices and current-year financial performance, and on the relationship between current-year financial performance and subsequent-year CSR practices. Using a random sampling technique, 200 public listed firms on Bursa Malaysia were selected as the study’s sample. Content analysis of their annual reports for year 2013, 2014 and2015, and company websites was carried out to determine their CSR practices disclosure, ROA and firm reputation. Partial least squares – structural equation modelling was used to analyse the samples. Findings showed that previous-year CSR practices lead to significant and positive effect on current-year reputation and corporate financial performance. Current-year firm reputation mediates the relationship between previous-year CSR and current-year corporate financial performance. However, current-year corporate financial performance does not lead to subsequent-year CSR practices disclosure. This study showed that CSR practices have immediate positive effect on corporate financial performance, but the profitability did not lead to more disclosure in subsequent-year CSR practices. Hence, further study might explore the relationship on a wider time gap between current-year corporate financial performance and subsequent-year CSR practices. Conclusively, CSR practices are critical success factor that must be effectively and efficiently implemented by firms. Contribution/ Originality
This study originates measurement scales for CSR and firm reputation disclosures. This is one of the few studies to have investigated the virtuous cycle of CSR and financial performance. The primary findings are on the immediate effect of CSR on performance but delayed reciprocal effect of profitability on CSR. Social Sciences » Humanities and Social Sciences Letters » Month: 03-2020 Issue: 1
Understanding Audit Quality & Talent Management of Auditors in Practice through Content Analysis & Interviews
Audit quality continues to be a major concern in the corporate landscape due mainly to accounting scandals arising from questionable accounting practices signed-off by auditors and the inability of auditors to perform audits up to required standards. Researchers and the profession alike have pointed to the talent/human factor as being critical in achieving quality. Objective of the study: To better understand and obtain more information on audit quality and how talent is managed in external audit practices. Method: Content analysis of transparency reports issued by audit practices and interviews with auditors & regulators. Key findings: The content analysis and interviews have provided valuable insights on how the profession defines audit quality and their talent management practices in achieving audit quality. The transparency reports and interviews also provided information on the role audit regulators play in achieving audit quality and its impact on an audit firm’s talent management. The content analysis and interviews were insightful in the areas of talent management policies, ethics management, succession planning and role of regulators as very little prior research has been carried out on these areas in the context of audit quality. Implications: The findings provide a sound foundation of audit quality attributes and talent management practices that are paramount in achieving audit quality as applied by the profession. Together with findings from prior research, these findings can be used to set out a comprehensive talent management framework in the external audit setting for achieving audit quality. Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies to have investigated the attributes of audit quality and talent management practices directly from practitioners of the external audit profession through a comprehensive review of audit quality reports published by audit firms and interviews with audit practitioners & regulators of the profession. Social Sciences » Humanities and Social Sciences Letters » Month: 03-2020 Issue: 1
Corporate Characteristics and ESG Disclosures in Malaysian Public-Listed Companies
Companies are changing the way business is conducted to contribute to the betterment of society holistically. Corporate disclosures relating to sustainability has increased intensely to respond to the increased demand for sustainability data from stakeholders. Corporate characteristics may influence the degree of disclosure of sustainability information. Using 285 observations from Malaysian public-listed companies, from 2014 to 2018, the study examines the influence of specific corporate characteristics on the disclosure of sustainability practices. The study applies two-stage least square regression analysis to validate the hypotheses and models. Earnings per shares, return on equity, company size and market capitalization are used as the proxies for corporate characteristics and the Combined Economic, Social and Governance (ESG) Score as the proxy for sustainability practices disclosure measure. The results show that the return on equity and market capitalisation are significantly related to the level of disclosure of sustainability practices. Thus, return on equity and market capitalisation have an impact on the company’s level of disclosure of sustainability practices. The implication to practice is that a well-performing corporate with large market capitalisation may actively adopt sustainability practices as a strategy rather than merely comply with regulatory requirements. Profitable companies with large market capitalisation should invest substantially in implementing sustainable practices to achieve lower operating costs and higher yield in the long-term. This study provides insights into the role of corporate characteristics that support the efficacy of sustainability reporting to enhance shareholder value. Contribution/ Originality
This study documents evidence of utilisation of the ESG_SCORE (Refinitiv, 2019) to measure ESG performance, commitment and effectiveness before and after the 2015 Sustainability Framework. It provides evidence for the important role of the Malaysian regulators and policy-makers in promoting SDGs and guides regulators to benchmark the Sustainability Framework in the future. Social Sciences » Humanities and Social Sciences Letters » Month: 03-2020 Issue: 1
Modelling and Optimization of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Paddy Pre-Treatments for Optimum Chemical Property using Response Surface Methodology
Rice (Oryza sativa L. variety OS-6) paddy pre-treatments condition was optimized with respect to proximate, amylose and free fatty acids (FFA) composition. Soaking duration (1, 3 and 5 days), initial soaking temperature (30, 65 and 100 0C), parboiling temperature (80, 100 and 120 0C) and drying temperature (30, 50 and 70 0C) were used as independent factors in D-optimal response surface design methodology. AOAC methods were used for determination of proximate and free fatty acid composition. Amylose content was determined using standard method. Moisture, ash, fat, protein, crude fibre, carbohydrate, amylose contents and FFA of the rice were 4.22- 10.24%, 0.24-0.71%, 0.62-1.73%, 7.41-9.57%, 0.60-1.71%, 78.31-84.65%, 17.41-22.34% 25 and 0.70-3.80%, respectively. The R2 for the model fitted ranged from 0.457 to 0.922. The range of R2 and p-value obtained for moisture, carbohydrate, energy, FFA and amylose affirms the degree of fitness of models obtained. The optimum rice paddy pre-treatment condition obtained was 1 day: 4.8 minutes, initial soaking temperature of 35 oC, Parboiling temperature of 98.03 oC and drying temperature of 70 oC. Contribution/ Originality
This study provided detailed changes that occur in the chemical properties of rice (Oryza sativa L. variety OS-6) as affected by paddy pre-treatments. Effect of variation in pre-treatment conditions was reported, while processing conditions for optimum chemical composition of rice was also established. Agricultural Sciences » Journal of Food Technology Research » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1
Phenotypic Performance Evaluation of Improved Tef (Eragrostis tef L) Genotypes in North Gondar
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: Current Research in Agricultural Sciences
Ten improved tef varieties including the local check were evaluated with the objective of selecting adaptable and best performing tef varieties in North Gondar. The trial was conducted at Takusa and Gondar Zuria woredas of north Gondar zone of Amhara region during 2017 cropping season. The design was randomized complete block design with three replications. In Takusa, the mean grain yield of some improved varieties was higher than the local check. Varieties Dz-01-974 and Quncho gave the highest yield, (3226kg/ha) and (2944.3kg/ha) respectively. Similarly in Gondar Zuria woreda, some improved varieties were relatively better than the local check and variety Dz-01-974 and Quncho gave the highest yield (2449.3kg/ha) and (2084kg/ha) respectively. The yield in Gondar Zuria was relatively lower than Takusa woreda. This may be due to the fact that Gondar Zuria woreda is characterized by terminal moisture stress. Generally the combined analysis over location revealed that varieties Dz-01-974 and Quncho gave the highest yield and no significant difference observed among varieties in their maturity period and relatively higher yield. Therefore Dz-01-974 and Quncho were recommended for their high yielding potential and farmer’s preference with their production packages. These two varieties were recommended for production in Gondar Zuria, Takusa and similar agro ecologies. Contribution/ Originality
This work investigates the impact of genotype choice for climate change adaptation and for farmers resilient to climate variability. Agricultural Sciences » Current Research in Agricultural Sciences » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1
Financial Inclusion and Poverty Alleviation: The Contribution of Commercial Banks in West Africa
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Business, Economics and Management
The study delves into financial inclusion and poverty alleviation with emphasis on the contribution of the commercial banks in West Africa from the period of 2004 to 2015. To achieve the objective of the study. In a panel of 10 West African countries, the study aimed at assessing the dynamic relationship that exists between financial inclusion and poverty alleviation. In order to achieve this objective, the study utilized some panel data methodologies such as unit root tests and cointegration tests to unravel the characteristics of the variables whether they statistically fit for further regression. The study employed dynamic panel data methodology to analyze the data to make statistical inference. The study found out that financial inclusion has positive impact on poverty alleviation but taking into consideration the number of commercial banks, it was evidenced that it has negative impact on poverty alleviation whiles number of ATMs and total amount of loans granted are insignificant in poverty alleviation. Government effectiveness as in the quality of policy formulation, implementation and the credibility of the government’s commitment to such policies has positive impact on poverty alleviation but regulatory quality which is the ability of the government to formulate and implement sound policies and regulations for private sector development has negative impact on poverty alleviation. The study recommends that commercial banks should widen their scope of operation to reach out to the poverty-prone areas. Moreover, governments should create the enabling environment and formulate and also implement sound policies which can boost poverty alleviation. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes in the existing literature on financial inclusion but presents a dynamic methodology by assessing the dynamic relationship that exists between financial inclusion and poverty alleviation in the region of West Africa. Economics » International Journal of Business, Economics and Management » Month: 01-2020 Issue: 1
Investigation of Performance of Solar Powered Water Generator
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Research
The objective of this study is to investigate and analyze the performance of solar water generator that produces potable clean water after a dehumidification process. The numerical model presented in this study was established after the conservation of mass and energy equations of the different subsystems of the solar powered water generator. The model was numerically solved under different conditions such as solar radiation, air humidity, air temperature and different air stream flows. the ratings of the dehumidifier are higher of at higher water production rate at lower solar radiation. the results showed that the lower the humidity ratio the higher the evaporator thermal capacity and that the higher the rate of water production the higher the evaporator thermal capacity as well as higher water production was associated with higher air flow and compressor power consumption. In addition, it was concluded that the lower the ambient temperature the higher the hybrid system efficiency and also the hybrid system efficiency increased at lower ambient temperature and higher water production rate. Finally, the predicted results were in fair agreement with experimental data published in the literature. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature by presenting a comprehensive numerical model to analyze the parameters that impact the performance of generating water from ambient air. Finally, this mathematical model can be used as design tool for solar power generators at different capacities to produce clean water. Energy & Environmental Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Research » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1
Abstract