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This study aims to examine the effect of derivative instruments on firm risk. This study employs stock return volatility as total risk and idiosyncratic volatility as unsystematic risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that have a value depending on the underlying value of other variables, which can be categorized into assets and liabilities. This study employed a quantitative method using multiple linear regression. The sample is all non-financial companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2012 to 2017. Data used in this study are panel data sourced from www.idx.co.id and www.finance.yahoo.com. The sample selection in this study used a purposive sampling method with a total sample of 246 observations. The results of this study suggest that derivative instruments are positively associated with firm risk, both total risk and unsystematic risk. The Indonesian Investors consider that the ownership derivatives by companies lead to uncertain conditions in the future. The results of this study prove that ownership of derivative instruments by companies in developing countries is closely related to corporate risk. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to complete the works of literature on examining firms risk both total risk and unsystematic risk. Also, this study illustrates the ownership of derivatives by companies in one developing country. Economics » International Journal of Business, Economics and Management » Month: 02-2020 Issue: 2
Corporate Governance and Firm Risk: Evidence from Malaysian Shariah Compliance Companies
The financial scandals that have hit financial markets and caused significant losses to investors have mainly been attributed to some defects in corporate governance systems. Hence, good corporate governance practices are ensured through several structures and mechanisms that merge the conflicting interests of managers, in one side, and shareholders and other stakeholders, in the other, toward the value maximization of the firm. Apart from this, the study focuses on the relationship between corporate governance and firm risk in Malaysia. Specifically, this study aims to investigate the corporate governance (CG) mechanisms (board independence, board size, existence of audit and nomination/remuneration committees, CEO duality, and independence of board committees) that influence firm’s risk measured by cost of equity capital. The study provides several literatures on CG mechanisms, agency theory, and CAPM in order to achieve the objective designed for this particular research. In order to answer the research question and objective, this study employs a quantitative method (secondary data). The sample consists of 302 firms from Public Listed Companies traded in Bursa Malaysia which are practicing shariah compliance in Islamic Capital Market (ICM) from 2013 until 2016. The data were analyzed by using SPSS version 23 including descriptive statistics, correlation matrix as well as regression analysis to examine whether higher governance quality is associated with a lower cost of equity capital. The findings showed a mixed result between CG mechanisms associated with firm risk. However, the result is consistent with prior literatures in line with corporate governance and risk. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to existing literature by investigating the corporate governance (CG) mechanisms that influence firm’s risk measured by cost of equity capital. Social Sciences » Humanities and Social Sciences Letters » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 2
The Canary Platform for the Reduction of School Absenteeism
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Education and Practice
In 2012, the Canaries School Council (CSC) and the Canary Federation of Municipalities (FECAM) decided to investigate the level of school absenteeism in the Canary Islands. They therefore with the Ministry of Education Canary Islands Government about holding a conference for municipal technical teams on addressing this problem, which is particularly worrying in the Canary Islands. Following a needs analysis, the Canary Platform for the Reduction of Absenteeism was developed, comprising three web pages: i) a social network, for communication and cooperation between municipal technical teams; ii) a repository, for resources, such as protocols, documents, articles, communications, available to download; and iii) Moodle, for offering a 125-hour university course for the technical teams. The Canary Platform for the Reduction of Absenteeism operated between March 2013 and September 2018, beginning with 292 technicians from all the Canarian municipalities and, subsequently extending to other institutions, such as island councils, secondary school teachers, educational and psycho-pedagogical guidance teams, and local police. The level of use of, number of visits to, and number of downloads from the website during the first stage were much higher than the second, when despite not being updated, demand continued, especially for the standardized protocol for school absenteeism. These results proved that municipal teams need technical support, supervision, and guidance. Contribution/ Originality
The article reviews the most significant conceptualizations of school absenteeism in the research literature. In addition, a systematic review of the laws in the 17 Autonomous Communities and 2 Autonomous Cities in Spain, taking into account different indicators, was conducted. The resulting proposal for controlling school absenteeism has proved to be relevant and of interest to all social and educational stakeholders. Arts and Education » International Journal of Education and Practice » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 2
Design and Analysis of Compact Microstrip Circular Resonator with Slotted in Ground Plane as a Grain Moisture Sensor
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: Review of Information Engineering and Applications
The circular microstrip resonator (CMR) as a moisture sensor was analyzed for detecting the moisture content in grains. The design was proposed with the help of CST software at operating frequency 11.5GHz on X-Band. The size of the sensor was 13mm×13mm. The substrate was used FR4 with relative permittivity, thickness and loss tangent were 4.4, 1.676, and 0.001 respectively. The reflection coefficient was found -27.58dB at operating microwave frequency 11.5GHz, satisfied the condition (?-10dB). The voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) was found 1.27 at selected frequency 11.5GHz, also satisfied the condition (VSWR? 2). The proposed design satisfied all the parameters and this design can be developed and determined actual moisture content (AMC), predicted moisture content (PMC) and mean relative error (MRE), when MRE will be find near to zero then sensor will be more accurate. Hence, it can be said that this sensor will be detect the moisture content (MC) in grains. Contribution/ Originality
The circular microstrip resonator (CMR) as a moisture sensor was analyzed for detecting the moisture content in grains. Computer Sciences » Review of Information Engineering and Applications » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1
Effects of Osmotic Dehydrated and Ultrasound Pre-Treated Orange Peel on Dye Removal
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Chemical and Process Engineering Research
In this study, the adsorption performance of orange peel with osmotic dehydration (OD) and ultrasound (US) were studied. The efficiency of the osmotic dehydration pre-treated orange peel at different sucrose concentration (20 – 60 °Brix) in dye adsorption with several conditions of initial dye concentration (20 – 60 mg/L) and dosage (0.05 – 0.15g) was studied and compared with untreated adsorbent. The optimum concentration of the hypertonic solution was 20 °Brix (OD-20) which gave the higher adsorption efficiency compared with the control and other concentration of hypertonic solution. The adsorption efficiency of OD-20+US pre-treated orange peel on 20 mg/L dye concentration with 150 mg of dosage was 6.14% and 19.32% higher than OD-20 and untreated orange peel respectively. Furthermore, OD-20+US also increases the desorption efficiency by 5.81% and 13.37% when compared with OD-20 and untreated orange peel respectively. With OD-20, the number of active pore availability increases due removal of moisture content by sucrose particles and US able to create microscopic channels in porous materials to enhance the moisture removal and captures of dye ions. Contribution/ Originality
The paper's primary contribution is finding that combination of ultrasound and osmotic dehydration treatments has positive impact on the preparation of adsorbent. It is able to generate the adsorbent with high adsorption capacity and reusability by introducing the treatments. Engineering » International Journal of Chemical and Process Engineering Research » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1
State and Evolution of Public and Private Research and Development in Bulgarian Agriculture
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Policy
Despite the great theoretical and practical significance, in Bulgaria there are no comprehensive analysis of the state and evolution of agrarian research and development (ARD) activities in public and private sectors. The goal of this paper is to analyze the state and evolution of ARD in Bulgaria during the period after country’s EU accession in 2007, identify major trends in that area, make a comparison with other EU states, specify main problems, and suggest conclusions for improvement of policies during next programing period. The analysis has found out that in years of EU membership the expenditures for ARD significantly decreased absolutely and relatively as a share in the total expenditures for R&D, which indicates diminishing importance, and deteriorating financial, personnel and material potential of agrarian knowledge and innovation sector. The most important sector for ARD in the country is the government in which more than 80% of overall expenditures for ARD are invested, as distribution of expenditures and organization of R&D in major sectors differ considerably from other EU member states. ARD in the country mainly are funded by the state budget, and the importance of budget financing relatedly increases during the period, unlike trends in other EU countries. Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies which have investigated the state and evolution of agrarian research and development activities in public and private sector in Bulgaria during country’s membership in the European Union and compare it with other member states. Economics » International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Policy » Month: 03-2020 Issue: 1
Analysis of Social Media Utilization by Students in Higher Education: A Critical Literature Review of Ghana
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: Journal of New Media and Mass Communication
Social media has drastically changed the communication perspective of the world through different aspects, both positively and negatively. The existence of social media has made it easy for scholars and non-scholars to pass information in the form of communication as well as has boosted businesses through online advertising and selling. Social media is enhanced by different aspects and forms of technology hence it is safe to say the two go hand in hand in depicting a social and now our academic world. Social media and Institutions of Higher Education work together to explore different skills including critical thinking, collaborations, and knowledge construction. This means that students, lecturers, and professors benefit differently from social media. For instance, in certain countries, social media is accepted as a tool for teaching and learning. Ideally, through social media, one is able to attend online classes without necessarily appearing physically at the lecture hall. In a country like Ghana, social media has paved ways to very many teachers and students in higher educational institutions who have benefited differently. This paper focuses on a literature review of social media utilization by students in higher educational institutions in Ghana. Other concepts of social media will also be explored including the positive and negative effects of social media on students and professors in tertiary education. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes in the existing literature by logically analyzing the utilization of the social media by students in the higher education institutions in Ghana. Therefore, it documents how the social media tools can be used to promote teaching and learning as a well as its effects on education across the globe. Social Sciences » Journal of New Media and Mass Communication » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1
Developing Strategy Use and Language Performance through Implicit Strategy Training
More studies advocate explicit strategy training and a few studies agree that training strategies should be integrated in language learning. The present study reports on the implementation of an implicit strategy training for metacognitive strategies in the context of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) setting in Indonesia. In the study which involved 37 senior high school students, strategies were measured using a questionnaire based on a seven - point Likert scale comprising of metacognitive strategies for the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. To find out the effect of implicit learning strategy training on students’ learning strategy use, a paired sample t-test was used to compare the data taken from the students’ learning strategy questionnaire. An English proficiency test was also administered for the purpose of the identification of the students’ proficiency in English before and after the treatment, and to correlate them with the use of metacognitive strategies. The findings indicate that there was a trend towards students using metacognitive strategies of the four language skills more frequently after they were trained to use such strategies implicitly. In particular, the study reveals that the language learners significantly improved their use of metacognitive strategies in writing, and the use of metacognitive strategies in writing was significantly correlated to students’ writing performance. The study suggests that language learners could improve their language performance through the improvement of strategy use in implicit strategy training. Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few that have investigated the implementation of implicit strategy training for metacognitive strategies in the context of EFL learning. The paper’s primary contribution is that the students used metacognitive strategies of the four language skills more frequently after implicit strategy training. Social Sciences » Humanities and Social Sciences Letters » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 2
Dynamic Modelling of 3-RUS Spatial Parallel Robot Manipulator
Parallel manipulators are characterized as having closed-loop kinematic chains. Parallel robots have received increasing attention due to their inherent advantages over conventional serial mechanism, such as high rigidity, high load capacity, high velocity, and high precision. A definite advantage of parallel robots is the fact that, in most cases, actuators can be placed on the truss, thus achieving a limited weight for the moving parts, which makes it possible for parallel robots to move at a high speed. These advantages avoid the drawbacks on serial ones and make the mobile platforms of the parallel manipulators carry out higher performances. Therefore, parallel manipulators have been applied to the industrial manufacturing, flight simulation, medical resuscitation, and so on. The basis for model-based control of parallel manipulators is an efficient formulation of the motion equations. In this paper a formulation of the motion equations in redundant coordinates is presented for parallel manipulators. The fully coupled non-linear equations of motion of 3-RUS spatial parallel manipulator having 3 DOF with Revolute-Universal-Spherical joints are obtained by using the Lagrange equations with multipliers for constrained multibody systems. Contribution/ Originality
This paper presented the modelling of motion for 3-RUS spatial parallel manipulator by using the redundant generalized coordinates and the Lagrangian multipliers. A novel formulation of Coriolis/centrifugal matrix is constructed directly in matrix based manner by using Kronecker product. The skew symmetry property of dynamic model of robot manipulators is guaranteed by the proposed Coriolis/centrifugal matrix. Then, the equations of motion in DAEs form were transformed to ordinary differential equations. Computer Sciences » Review of Computer Engineering Research » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1
XBRL Adoption: An Examination on the Malaysian Business Reporting System (MBRS)
In 2018, Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that are registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) in Malaysia are required to prepare their annual return using eXensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) via Malaysian Business Reporting System (MBRS), followed by voluntary submission of financial reports and statements in 2019. This study seeks to explore if practitioners are aware of and fully understand MBRS. This study also investigates the level of MBRS preparation among the companies. In addition, this study examines the practitioners’ readiness, intention to use and experience in using MBRS. Finally, the factors influencing MBRS adoption among the practitioners will be examined. Using a questionnaire survey as the research instrument, the data shows that there are improvements to be made in regards to the understanding, readiness and intention to use the MBRS which is requirement by SSM. Additionally, this study shows how optimism, innovativeness, discomfort and insecurity influence the intention to use MBRS in the future. The finding indicate that an XBRL adoption via MBRS received a more positive response from the practitioners and hence, signals a possible successful XBRL adoption in Malaysia. This in turn, ensures the stakeholders a high quality financial reporting. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes in the existing literature by examining the practitioners’ readiness, intention to use and experience in using MBRS. Social Sciences » Humanities and Social Sciences Letters » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 2
High-Sensitivity Testing of Effectiveness of Citrus Limon, Vitis Vinifera and Citrus Sinensis in the Postharvest Control of Callosobruchus Maculatus Fabricius (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Infestation of Cowpea Seeds
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Research Journal of Insect Sciences
Traditional control tactics are commonly employed against stored-product insects and mites in developing countries. Therefore, at economically justified dose of 1.0% (w/w), the biological activities of dry peel powders of three citrus species were evaluated in laboratory conditions (30oC, 77.8% r.h.) against Callosobruchus maculatus Fabricius (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) infesting cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp seeds in storage. The dry peel powder of the three citrus fruit species (the lemon, Citrus limon; the common grape vine, Vitis vinifera; sweet orange, Citrus sinensis) had contact toxicity on the C. maculatus insect pest and affected its biological traits in a trial that used ten varieties of cowpea. Citrus limon caused the highest adult mortality at 24 h high-sensitivity exposure time and this differed significantly from mortalities caused by the other citrus species. The same results were obtained for oviposition, adult emergence and seed damage. The pooled mean toxic effect of C. limon on the store-product pest was comparable to cypermethrin standard insecticide in 24 h. Trials using pure compounds have shown that limonene is responsible for C. limon toxicity. Powders of the citrus materials were effective in this order lemon > grape vine > sweet orange; the effect reduced by 50% across the test materials. Citrus limon dry peel powder should be used solely to protect seeds of cowpea in stores against infestation and damage by C. maculatus. It should also be incorporated into the integrated pest management system for the control of C. maculatus infestation in stored cowpea. Contribution/ Originality
The paper’s primary contribution is finding that the toxic effect of Citrus limon on C. maculatus infesting cowpea seeds in storage was comparable to cypermethrin standard insecticide under high-sensitivity test condition. Agricultural Sciences » International Research Journal of Insect Sciences » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1
Two Stubborn Storage Insect Pests, Callosobruchus maculatus and Sitophilus zeamais: Biology, Food Security Problems and Control Strategies
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Research Journal of Insect Sciences
This review work contributes to the biology, food security problems and control strategies of two stubborn storage insect pests, the cowpea bruchid (Callosobruchus maculatus Fabricius) and the maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky). The beetles have high destructive capacity and therefore require control tactics that are rapidly effective and at the same time safe for man and his environment. The biology will evoke inspirations to devise efficient control tactics. The C. maculatus adult is small and measures 2.5 to 3.5 mm in length, compact, brownish, possesses serrated and un-clubbed antennae, relatively long legs, a pair of distinct and toothed ridges on the ventral side of each hind femur. Whereas, S. zeamais adult measures between 3.0 to 3.5 mm long and it is easily identified by its prominent protruded snout or rostrum. Cowpea varieties most common for C. maculatus to lay their eggs are black eyed peas, mung beans and adzuki bean and when more than one host is available; the insect chooses its host depending on the variety- size of the bean and texture of the seed coat. It was revealed that under certain storage conditions, S. zeamais shows preference to products which are not maize. Application of the efficient control tactics will ensure food security of cowpea seeds and maize grains in storage. Contribution/ Originality
This review work discusses the biology, food security problems and control strategies of two stubborn storage insect pests, the cowpea bruchid and the maize weevil. Agricultural Sciences » International Research Journal of Insect Sciences » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1
The Relationship between Tourism and Economic Growth: Evidence from Oceania
The article aims to examine the relationship between tourism and economic growth in four Oceanian countries between 1998 and 2017 using a VAR model. Results showed that international tourism receipts have a positive relationship with international tourism arrivals. Further, international tourism arrivals positively affect GDP growth rate, but international tourism receipts have a negative influence on GDP growth rate. These imply that economic growth of four Oceanian countries depends on the quantity of international tourists rather than expenditures of international visitors in domestic markets. In the short run, there is a directional relationship running from international tourism arrivals to international tourism receipts; from GDP growth rate to tourism arrivals; and from GDP growth rate to tourism receipts. In the long run, there is a relationship among variables at the 1% critical value and the 5% critical value. Lastly, we recommend that the tourism sector in the region should be improved to exploit expenditures of international tourists.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature by clarifying the causal relationship between tourism and economic growth in four Oceanian countries between 1998 and 2017, using a vector autoregressive model. Business & Management » Journal of Tourism Management Research » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1
Application of Interval Valued Fuzzy Soft Max-Min Decision Making Method
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Mathematical Research
In this paper, we study some basic concepts of fuzzy sets, soft sets, fuzzy soft sets, and interval-valued fuzzy soft sets. Secondly, we study the interval-valued fuzzy soft max-min decision-making function and developed the graphical model for the Interval-valued fuzzy soft max-min decision making (IVFSMmDM) method by using Interval-valued fuzzy soft max-min decision-making function. Finally, we used IVFSMmDM for faculty selection in the education department and observed that T4 is the best teacher for teaching by using hypothetical data. Contribution/ Originality
This paper contributes a new graphical model for IVFSMmDM by using interval-valued fuzzy soft max-min decision-making function and used for faculty selection in the education department. Arts and Education » International Journal of Mathematical Research » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1
Antibacterial Sensitivity Profile of Lactobacillus Species and Characterization of Aflatoxin Producing Fungi Isolated from Yam and Plantain Flour
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: The International Journal of Biotechnology
This study investigated the beneficial effects of fermenting microorganisms as well as the presence of aflatoxins in milled flour samples. Thermotolerance, pH tolerance, phenol tolerance, temperature sensitivity, in-vitro antimicrobial potentials of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolates and aflatoxin detection in the milled flour sample were analyzed. LAB isolates were identified and characterized as Lactobacillus species using standard procedures. Probiotic properties and antimicrobial activity of LAB isolates were investigated using standard methods. In addition, quantitative and qualitative detection of aflatoxins in the milled flour samples were also studied. The results showed that all the LAB isolates were Lactobacillus species which survived in high temperature range of 50 0C-60 0C, acidic pH (pH 2, 3, 4 and 5), phenol tolerance (0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3% and 0.4%). In -vitro antimicrobial properties of the LAB species (PSEO1 and PSEO4) showed that they were able to inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli(ATCC 43816) and Klebsiella pneumoniae(25922) with the corresponding zones of inhibition: 25mm and 20 mm. Due to the effect of storage time (6 months), yam and plantain flour samples moisture content yielded 9.50% and 9.20% with the corresponding total number of aflatoxins: 859.3 and 899.0. In conclusion, LAB species isolated from yam and plantain flour samples have probiotic potentials. Moreover, the longer the storage time, the higher the number of aflatoxins. Thus, they should be consumed within the shortest time possible to avoid caking and moisture accumulation which tends to decrease the number of beneficial microbes present in them. Contribution/ Originality
This study documents the inherent probiotic bacteria isolated from yam and plantain flour. These microorganisms enhance the improvement of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, storing these food products in a humid-free environment will prevent moisture accumulation and aflatoxin contamination. This in turn reduces the risk of food-borne intoxications. Biological Sciences » The International Journal of Biotechnology » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1
Inflation, Oil Revenue, and Monetary Policy Mix in an Oil-Dependent Economy: Empirical Insights from the Case of Nigeria
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Business, Economics and Management
Oil revenues in many nations have remained largely unstable owing to factors like volatility in global oil prices and output regulations among other international and domestic issues, thereby affecting the stability of many oil-dependent economies. This study examines the combined impacts of oil revenue and inflation on the economic growth of Nigeria within the framework of the Autoregressive Distributed Lags models (ARDL) while incorporating selected monetary policy measures in the model to fit into the country’s inflationary scenario amidst dwindling oil revenue in recent times. The empirical result provides evidence that both oil revenue and inflation exert significant diametric impacts on economic growth in Nigeria. While the former demonstrates a positive impact on growth the latter has a negative impact within the period of the study (1981-2017). The Granger Causality test also provides complementary evidence of causality from both oil revenue and monetary policy measures to growth. Considering the vulnerability of oil revenue to external shocks, we strongly recommend mapping out of aggressive diversification program to reduce the current huge dependence on oil proceeds while the monetary authorities keep close tabs on regulating the monetary environment to efficiently mitigate the negative impacts of inflation to facilitate sustainable growth in the long-run. Contribution/ Originality
This study uses a flexible empirical methodology that produces more accurate and robust estimates, thus providing timely insights and contributions to the existing literature on growth vis-à-vis the challenges of managing inflation in Nigeria amidst the dwindling oil revenues in recent times. Economics » International Journal of Business, Economics and Management » Month: 02-2020 Issue: 2
Green Synthesis, Characterization and Larvicidal Activity of Cu/Ni Bimetallic Nanoparticles Using Fruit Extract of Palmyra Palm
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Chemistry and Materials Research
The mixture of Cu2+/Ni2+ solution was reduced to Cu/Ni BMNPs using fruit extract of Palmyra palm as a green reducing agent. The formation of Cu/Ni BMNPs noticed based on the visual change in color of the reaction mixture at room temperature from sky-blue to light blue within 15 min. UV-Visible and Fourier Transform Infra Red spectrophotometers were applied to investigate the Optical properties as well as the interaction between the formed Cu/Ni hybrid nanoparticles and the raw fruit extract respectively. These Cu/Ni BMNPs were evaluated for larvicidal potency against first, second and third instars of Culex quinquefasciatus. The larvicidal studies were carriedout at the concentration range of 5-50 mg/L (Cu/Ni BMNPs) and the %mortality increases with increase in concentration for all the instars. The result showed good activity where the lethal concentration values herein for the three instars were LC50=14.75, LC90=83.96; LC50=18.25, LC90=258.83; LC50=18.50, LC90=331.50 mg/L respectively. Therefore, Cu/Ni BMNPs could be a potential future nanolarvicide for Culex quinquefasciatus. Contribution/ Originality
The study is one of a very few studies which have investigated fast green synthesis of Cu/Ni bimetallic nanoparticles and its larvicidal activity against larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus. Chemistry & Materials Sciences » International Journal of Chemistry and Materials Research » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1
Evaluation of Iranian Chemical Industries
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Chemistry and Materials Research
The chemical industry is part of the industries, which supply the chemicals needed by other industries through the conversion of raw materials into the required products. The current cluster study of Iranian Chemical Industries (ICI) encompassed all input and output materials streams, ICI energy demands and technologies applied based on the assessment carried out by both Iranian Industries Organization (IIO) and Iranian Environment Protection Agency (IEPA). Then the raw data were empirically evaluated via traditional to novel decision-making models, SPSS software and Excel 2013 to make a decision about the classification of ICI and pave the way for further industrial ecology studies in a certain cluster as the objective of current research. T-test analysis had presented no significant difference among the main criteria of ICI such as the number of staff, power, water, and fuel demands and the land area occupied by ICI individually. Finally, the obtained values in the weighing and ranking systems and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) was composed to classify ICI as a cluster ranking and prioritized them from the highest weighting value and efficiency score to the lowest one based on the main criteria and an inventory of availability. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes in the existing literature to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of industrial projects conducted by the Iranian evaluator team. The screening of ICI scrutinized the existing properties of projects as a first report. The methodology employed traditionally to new decision-making models towards sustainable development of projects. Chemistry & Materials Sciences » International Journal of Chemistry and Materials Research » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1
Effect of Different Extraction Solvents on the Antimicrobial Activity of Psidium Guajava (Guava) Leaves against Multi-Drug Resistant Bacteria Implicated in Nosocomial Infections
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: The International Journal of Biotechnology
This present work was designed to investigate the effect of different extraction solvents on the antimicrobial activity of Psidium guajava leaves against some multidrug resistant bacteria in nosocomial infections. The MDR isolates such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Bacillus cereus were obtained from Microbiology department culture collection of Department of Microbiology University of Ibadan Nigeria and their identities reconfirmed using biochemical methods. The antimicrobial activities of the different solvent extracts were tested using agar well diffusion method while the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the extracts were monitored using the double fold dilution method. The results reconfirmed the identities of the bacteria as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Bacillus cereus. Methanol extracts at a concentration of 160 mg/ml showed the highest inhibition zone of 10.0±0.1mm followed by ethyl acetate extract with 8.0±0.6mm inhibition zone against E.coli which were significantly different (P<0.05) while N-hexane, cold and hot water showed zero inhibition zones. Ofloxacin and DMSO. showed 20.0±0.and 0.00 mm inhibition zones respectively. This trend was observed at all the other concentrations. Methanol and ethyl acetate had MIC of 40.0 mg/ml for E. coli, S. saprophyticus, P.aeruginosa and B. cereus and they showed MBC of 80.0mg/ml for E. coli, S. saprophyticus, P.aeruginosa and B. cereus and MBC of 40.0 mg/ml for S. Epidermidis. Methanol and ethyl acetate extracts could be employed in the treatment of bacterial infections caused by MDR bacteria. Contribution/ Originality
The paper’s primary contribution is finding that Psidium guajava (guava) leaf extracts can be used for the treatment of some multi-drug resistant bacteria implicated in nosocomial infections. Methanol and ethyl acetate extracts of the leaves possess the greatest antimicrobial activity due to the high sensitivity of the MDR organisms. Biological Sciences » The International Journal of Biotechnology » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1
Application of Ant Algorithm for Software Optimization
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: Review of Information Engineering and Applications
Different technologies, methods and algorithms are used when developing high-quality software systems. There are various ways to create optimal software. One of them is an ant algorithm. The ant algorithm can be attributed to the field of biomimetic. Ant algorithm is one of the most effective polynomial algorithms for finding approximate solutions, and it also solves similar route search problems in graphs. Various methods, including the ant algorithm, are used to improve software efficiency and optimize it. The essence of the concept is to analyze, use, and meta-heuristically optimize the behavior of ants in search of paths to the food source of the colony. This article analyzes the studies in this area, and explains the idea of the algorithm used, compares different ant systems, shows program code operators as ants, and applies the ant algorithm to them. As a result of applying the algorithm, the shortest path to some operators (cycle, condition) contained in the program code is found. The experiments perform good results. Contribution/ Originality
The ant algorithm, various methods including the ant algorithm was studied. Analyzes the studies in this area, and explains the idea of the algorithm used, compares different ant systems, shows program code operators as ants, and applies the ant algorithm to them. Computer Sciences » Review of Information Engineering and Applications » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1
Abstract