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The scarcity in literature of clear-cut methods and techniques used in determining the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on a firm’s performance has led to mixed results. The most current empirical studies employed diverse CSR measures as well as performance measures. This study aims to examine the effect of CSR on the performance of oil and gas companies in Nigeria using the Thomson Reuter index as a measure of CSR and price-cost margin in addition to return on assets (ROA) and earnings per share (EPS) as measures of performance. Annual panel data from 55 oil companies for the period 2010–2019 operating in upstream, midstream, and oil-servicing activities were used. Findings revealed a negative non-significant relationship between CSR and price-cost margin (PCM) of the firms under study. These findings support the shareholder theory, which hypothesizes that the corporate social responsibility of the citizens is solely the responsibility of the government and that the responsibility of firms is profit-making. Mixed results of negative non-significant and positive significant relationships were recorded between CSR and ROA. This result also supports the stakeholder theory, which emphasis shareholders’ interest in all aspects of business operation. The corporate social performance (CSP) dimension correlates with the true nature of the Nigerian economy where firms make donations to communities and erect buildings for health and education purposes. A positive non-significant correlation was reported between CSR and earnings per share. There is room for improvement regarding performance and this can be achieved by increasing the CSR scores. Failure to do so may lead to a crisis which may inevitably affect performance. Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of the few studies that adopted the Thomson Reuter index as a measure of CSR and price-cost margin as a measure of a firm’s performance. The modern econometric panel data technique was also adopted to expand and improve on the empirical analyses already conducted in Nigeria. Social Sciences » Humanities and Social Sciences Letters » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 2
Body Size and Composition of U.S. National Team Skiers and Snowboarders
Athlete profiles have been a reliable means of characterizing athlete groups and individuals. Anthropometric data have been collected uniformly from 2010 to 2015 by U.S. Ski and Snowboard personnel and archived for analyses. These data involved 834 anthropometric tests on 234 individual athletes. The purpose this study was to understand these elite competitors' size, shape, and body composition. Competitors are categorized by their events: Alpine Skiing, Free Ski, FreeStyle, and Snowboard, with each event having subdisciplines. Missing data and the relative recency of some events and subdisciplines led to four athlete groups' analyses: alpine skiing, aerial skiing, moguls skiing, and snowboard halfpipe. ISAK trained anthropometrists and methods assessed the athletes. Analyses used the Kruskal-Wallis procedure. Results showed that male and female athletes differed from each other, and the alpine ski athletes were different in size and composition from the other disciplines. The non-alpine disciplines did not differ. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes unique data on elite National Team Skiers and Snowboarders regarding anthropometry. Physical Sciences » Journal of Sports Research » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 1
Dual Cognitive Tasks Provoke Temporo-Spatial Gait and Anticipatory Postural Adjustments in Healthy Young Adults
Usually, dual cognitive tasks require additional attention to maintain postural control during standing and walking. In certain pathologies or injuries, dual cognitive tasks, such as walking and speaking, can challenge the balance system, making certain gait deficiencies more apparent. The issue is identifying normal gait changes compared to gait impairments to understand better the impact cognitive tasks have on gait mechanics. Purpose: To identify changes in temporospatial gait parameters in healthy young adults while walking and performing a cognitive task. Methods: Thirty-four healthy young adults participated in this study. We collected gait parameters with six gyroscopes and accelerometers (distributed on all limbs and trunk) during the 7-meter walk test. Two trials were performed with just walking at a self-selected pace (single task). Then, the participant was asked to perform a cognitive task by counting backward by three from 100 while walking for 7m for two more trials (dual cognitive task). Results: Dual cognitive tasks provoked significant adaptations (p<.05) in gait parameters, such as increased double limb support time and stance phase with a reduction in single limb support time and swing phase. Increase the length of the walking cycle by decreasing the cadence and speed of walking speed. In addition, an increase in mediolateral postural sway, first-step initiation time, and trunk range of motion was observed. Conclusion: Dual cognitive tasks can cause normal alterations in the gait's dynamic component and variations in walking initiation. We recommend studying neuromuscular modification, such as changes in muscle activation, during dual cognitive tasks. Contribution/ Originality
The paper’s primary contribution is finding gait and postural adaptations to dual cognitive tasks in healthy young adults. Specifically, this study identified anticipatory postural adaptations that could be used as a foundation to assess and create treatment interventions in those with balance impairments. Physical Sciences » Journal of Sports Research » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 1
Business Impacts of CrossFit Affiliates and the 60+ Age Group
The purpose of this study was to investigate CrossFit Affiliate owner/ operators’ insights of their fitness business as it applies to the fitness experience of people aged 60+. The objective of this study was to reveal how CrossFit may encourage older adult populations into fitness levels and improved health. The aim of the study was to investigate a unique fitness-business model to reveal fitness experience success for future wellness delivery in aging populations. A qualitative study of purposeful sampling explored the business-related experiences of affiliate owner/ operators that provide regular group exercise to 60+ age population membership. Participants from CrossFit Affiliates in Southeastern Australia (9) and Southeastern United States (3) each answered a fifteen (15) question survey. Given the lens of the study, data was analyzed using a systematic search for information to identify business themes that encourage fitness in aging populations that included the ESOMAR/ GRBN guidelines (2015), Schein (2010), and Ryan, Coughlan, and Cronin (2009) process for conducting face-to-face interviews. Braun & Clarke, Bree & Gallagher, and Maguire & Delahunt’s recommendations identified for themes. A liturgical-like fitness experience including, capturing personal transformation/ social transformation/ accountability/ creativity/ purposefulness, comradery and community is beneficial to encouraging a supportive box culture that encourages aging populations to participate in CrossFit. Information from this study be used by private public sector partnerships to make a meaningful contribution to the health and wellbeing of aging populations with view to better healthcare outcomes for an aging society. Contribution/ Originality
This paper is the first logical analysis of CrossFit Affiliate owner/ operators’ insights of their fitness business as it applies to the fitness experience of aging populations. This study contributes to the existing fitness literature of people 60+ through examining benefits of healthy lifestyle benefits for an aging society. Physical Sciences » Journal of Sports Research » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 1
Floristic Composition and Woody Species Diversity in National Park of Madhupur Tract Under Tangail North Forest Division, Bangladesh
The floristic composition, species diversity and structural characteristics of woody species in National Park range under Tangail North Forest Division, were investigated based on bit-wise classification. There were five bits in the range. We recorded 18 families, 21 genera, 21 species and 500 woody individuals from the study area (0.5 ha). Fabaceae was the most species rich family and each genus was represented by a single species. Sal (Shorea robusta C.F. Gaertn) was the most dominant species in terms of its highest and tremendously high importance values IV% in the total area and all bits, respectively. More than 40% species had very low IV%, indicating their disappearance or may not be strongly associated with Sal. These species need appropriate management to prevent their disappearance or extinction from the forest area. The values of Shannon?s index H? and Pielou?s index J ? (evenness) for the study area were 2.01 and 0.45, respectively. These values show low species diversity as compared to other forests in Bangladesh. Among the bits, the values of H? and J? were more or less similar with low index values (from 1.34 to 1.74 and from 0.44 to 0.65, respectively) which may be due to similar species composition with low similarity index values (0.24 t0 0.48). The structural characteristics of woody species diversity showed that the highest species diversity was observed at 5 cm< D ?10 cm diameter class. In addition, the mean height and basal area of woody species increased with increasing dbh. A few numbers of small trees habitat in the study sites, because the Sal forests in the study area are considered to face a severe threat to their existence due to high anthropogenic disturbances occurred inside and outside the boundary. Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies which investigated the floristic and structural characteristics of forest which will be helpful for forest management and policy makers to know the present and future situation of the forest. Agricultural Sciences » Journal of Forests » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 1
Optimization of the Total Annual Cost in Heat Exchanger Networks with Multiple Utilities
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Natural Sciences Research
This research work was focused on optimizing heat exchanger network problems from literature involving multiple utilities with the objective function of minimizing the Total Annual Costs of the designed networks. This was achieved through the use of pinch methodology on Aspen Pinch software, Version 11.1. Supertargeting was used to obtain the minimum temperature difference for two case studies and the networks were designed on Grid Diagrams. The design of the networks was focused on the energy-capital costs tradeoffs, preventing the use of extra heat exchanger units to reduce energy costs at the expense of capital costs. This paid off as the networks designed in this research obtained the lowest total annual costs (TACs) when compared with the results obtained by other researchers on the case studies under review. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature on problems involving multiple utilities and is able to achieve lower total annual costs through the optimization of the utilities usage using the combined traditional pinch technique and mathematical provisions as available in ASPEN pinch. Engineering » International Journal of Natural Sciences Research » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 1
The Insurance Value of CSR during the Financial Crisis in Taiwan
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Management and Sustainability
This study examines the impact of CSR activities on corporate financial performance by using data from 514 listed companies in Taiwan during the period of the 2008 financial crisis. To measure the CSR performance, this study refers to independent international CSR valuation institutions to compile CSR indicators for individual Taiwanese firms. The results show that CSR activities before the 2008 financial crisis are associated with positive stock returns during the crisis. In addition, after comparing the in-crisis and post-crisis periods, it is found that CSR indeed offers an insurance value for a firm’s stock performance during the crisis period. We conclude that CSR does play a protective role for firms when a market encounters a widespread trust crisis. Furthermore, the results highlight the importance of wider engagement in CSR practices for firms, not only to boost their reputation but also for the insurance value, which will pay off during unexpected negative trust events. Contribution/ Originality
This study uses a new estimation methodology to evaluate the CSR performance of listed firms in Taiwan during the financial crisis period. The paper not only addresses the problem of a lack of consistent CSR metrics for firms in a developing economy but also proposes a reasonable method for evaluating these firms’ environmental efforts. Business & Management » International Journal of Management and Sustainability » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 2
Pathogenic Fungi Associated with Post-Harvest Deterioration of Cassava
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Natural Sciences Research
Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is a valued root crop grown throughout the tropics for food, feed, biofuel, and other industrial products. Nigeria is the largest producer of Cassava, and post-harvest deterioration of Cassava is one of the major challenges of long-term storage of cassava tubers. This study aimed to isolate and characterize pathogenic fungi implicated in the deterioration of cassava tubers, using samples from Iwo, Osun State, and Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria. The fungi genera isolated at the end of this study and their frequency of occurrence were Aspergillus (45.5%), Botryodioplodia (9.1%), Penicillium (18.2%), Rhizopus (18.2%), and P.sorghina (9.1%). A total of eleven fungi species were isolated and characterized in this study, seven of which were from the Ijebu- Ode Cassava samples and 4 fungi species from the Iwo samples. The pathogenicity test showed that Aspergillus nigricans (60mm) and P.sorghina (50mm) caused extensive deterioration of Cassava tuber. However, mild deterioration was observed from samples inoculated with Botryodiplodia (10mm) and Penicillium (14mm). This study has shown that a consortium of fungi species is implicated in the Post harvested deterioration of Cassava tubers. Contribution/ Originality
The primary contribution of this study is to determine the pathogenesis and frequency of occurrence of fungi associated with post-harvest deterioration of Cassava. It shows the necessity of improving post-harvest/storage practices during Cassava production. Engineering » International Journal of Natural Sciences Research » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 1
Wood Density of Lower Stratum Trees in a Semi-Deciduous Tropical Forest of Cameroon
The lower forest stratum is often neglected in trees wood density studies. The aim of this study was to investigate wood density of lower stratum forest in a semi-deciduous rain forest of Cameroon. The data was collected from 30 random squares plots of 100m² and 200m. The wood density was assessed using immersion method. Wood samples were collected at three levels including: the base, the trunk and branches of trees. Measurement variables collected include the diameter, height and crown diameter. These variables were correlated to wood density using the Pearson coefficient. A total of 1498 samples from 136 tree species were collected. The wood density from these samples varied from 0.156 g.cm-³ to 0.914 g.cm-³, with an average of 0.561 g.cm-³. ANOVA test showed that, wood density decreased significantly from 0.609 to 0.571 and then to 0.509 g.cm-³ for the base, trunk and branches respectively. Interspecific analysis showed that wood density was significantly different between species (ANOVA, p?0.001). With respect of biological type, the mean wood density of 27 understory tree species (exclusively) found was 0.562 g.cm-³. Wood density of 56 tropical forest tree species hitherto unknown in the literature were determined. The Pearson correlation between measurement variables and wood density was close to zero; nevertheless, it varied in function of the tree species. This study suggested that more investigations of wood density of tropical forest trees should be conducted, particularly in the Congo Basin forests where an important diversity of medium and lower forest stratum trees is expected. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature concerning wood density of lower stratum forest in semi-deciduous forest of Congo Basin for which limited information are available. Agricultural Sciences » Journal of Forests » Month: 12-2021 Issue: 2
The Fact of Training Management at College Level in Meeting Human Resource Requirements of Enterprises in Vietnam
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: World Journal of Vocational Education and Training
The purpose of this research is to find out the fact of training management at college level in meeting the human resource requirements of enterprises in Vietnam. Questionnaire survey method was applied for 3 groups of respondents, including the quantitative (390 questionnaires) and the qualitative (18 interviews) in the northern, central and southern regions. Gathered data were processed using SPSS 22.0 software with tools: Cronbach’s alpha to assess the reliability; EFA to measure the (convergence or discriminant) validity; Descriptive Statistics to rank the level of vocational training at college level so as to meet the human resource needs of enterprises. The study demonstrates the limitations of training management at college level to meet the needs by analyzing the current situation of: (i) planning for training process; (ii) conducting; (iii) monitoring and supervising; (iv) improving and developing; (v) controlling context. This is also the basis for proposing specific solutions in the following research. Contribution/ Originality
The study has provided survey results, indicate the limitations on the training management at the college level to meet the human resource needs of enterprises. This is also the basis for proposing policy that clearly define the roles and responsibilities of parties (businesses, colleges, learners and employees) in Vietnam. Arts and Education » World Journal of Vocational Education and Training » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 1
Professional Development Activities and Teacher Performance
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Education and Practice
Learning to teach reflectively is a lifelong process that is strengthened through the active engagement of varied professional development activities inside or outside the school. This study assessed the quality of instruction and professional development activities in a well-known university in Cebu, the Philippines, where it determined teachers' teaching competencies and perception in their professional development activities, issues, and concerns. It utilized a quantitative-descriptive research design where respondents were selected through universal sampling. Findings showed that professional development activities for teachers had achieved mastery in instructional planning, instructional delivery, knowledge of the subject matter, rapport with students, and classroom management. On the other hand, professional development activities were perceived to have little benefit for the teachers. It was also found out that there is no significant relationship between the teaching competencies and professional development activities. Perceived benefits of professional development activities were attributed to personal perceptions and contextual factors. The findings call for strategic professional development planning, implementation, and evaluation for teachers to benefit more. Thus, the conduct of a similar study in a broader parameter is recommended. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature about the correlation between teachers' competence and professional development activities. It presents the perceptions of teachers on the selected professional development activities and their influence on quality teaching. Arts and Education » International Journal of Education and Practice » Month: 09-2021 Issue: 3
Examining the Use of Wheeler-Model Based Curriculum Development in a Learning Management System for Vocational Study Program
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Education and Practice
This research is a survey of vocational higher education curriculum based on Learning Management System (LMS) adapted to government policy of "independent learning - independent campus" (ILIC). Previous researches have advocated that educational curriculum must conform to any changes in education policy, scientific development, educational models, and labor needs. During the pandemic, Indonesia applied the new policy of online learning and implementing using an LMS. In this context, the objectives of this study were (1) to know the perceptions of lecturers and students towards LMS-based online learning, (2) to ensure conformity of Wheeler-Model based curriculum in producing graduates who meet the needs of workforce, and (3) to ensure conformity of government policies in vocational higher education programs. The sample constituted 16 lecturers and 61 students of Mechanical Engineering Vocational Study Program. The data was obtained using questionnaire instruments over the google form. The findings suggest that LMS is not carried out properly and facing issues of communication, variations in IT, network limitations and control of learning outcomes. An analysis of Wheeler-Model based curriculum development indicators showed that its objectives were fulfilled and the curriculum could still be used to produce graduates with good competencies required to meet the needs of the workforce. It also became evident that ILIC program were significant and relevant. This study recommends implementation of LMS needs to be improved and trained by lecturers and priority should be given to the relevant ILIC programs for vocational higher education (VHE) students in Indonesia. Contribution/ Originality
The main contribution of this research shows that the application of LMS in vocational higher education (VHE) is relevant, as evident in the implementation of LMS-based learning during the pandemic. It also endeavors that Wheeler-model based curriculum within the ILIC policy contributes significantly and relevantly to VHE. Arts and Education » International Journal of Education and Practice » Month: 09-2021 Issue: 3
Creative Thinking Skills Included in the Content of Evaluation Questions in the Curricula of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Education and Practice
The current study aimed to investigate the assessment of creative thinking skills as a part of the evaluation questions set in the well-developed Islamic Education curricula of the first intermediate grade in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the academic year 2020-21. To achieve this goal, an analysis card was prepared for analyzing these questions as a tool in the targeted curricula, namely Tawhid, Hadith, Tafseer and Fiqh by ensuring psychometric properties. The analysis card included 29 sub-skills, distributed into four main areas of creative thinking: fluency, flexibility, originality and the use of details and elaboration. The findings of the study showed low inclusion rates of creative thinking skills in the evaluation question content in the targeted curricula. In light of these findings, the study recommends educational decision-makers and those in charge of planning, preparing, evaluating and developing Islamic education curricula to reconsider the assessment questions of lessons and study units in terms of creative thinking skills. It is essential to review the process of designing and preparing more knowledge-based content and set related evaluation questions, subject to accurate and purposeful scientific methodology. Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies which have investigated the assessment of creative thinking skills and their inclusion in the evaluation questions of Islamic Education curricula in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study used new estimation methodology based on an analysis card prepared by the author as a study instrument. Arts and Education » International Journal of Education and Practice » Month: 09-2021 Issue: 3
Influence of Cupressus lusitanica Mill. Cones and Seed Characterization on Germination in Kenya
Cupressus lusitanica is a key plantation species with many uses leading to demand for seed. This species produces seeds within cones, which are collected for seed extraction. There are variations in seed collection and handling which compromise quality. Few studies focus on cone morphometry and seed characterization, thereby causing a gap in quality improvement through packaging and subsequent germination. Fifty cones were collected from each of the thirty identified trees within a clonal seed orchard. Cone characterization, seed extraction and germination were performed in the laboratory. This was a factorial experiment with three factors: cone diameter, seed diameter and seed density and their influences on germination. The present study separated the cones by diameter (20mm sieve) and weight. Seed were sieved (2mm sieve) weighed, floated and germinated. The results showed that seed size and density heavily impacted on germination and thereby showing that sorting through sieving and floatation would provide a low cost technique for seed quality improvement. The technique in the present study improved germination from 25% to 50%, and also reduced the number of seeds per kilogram from 290,000 to 105,000. Contribution/ Originality
The paper's primary contribution is finding that C. lusitanica seed size and density heavily impacted on germination and thereby showing that sorting through sieving and floatation would provide a low-cost technique for seed quality improvement. Agricultural Sciences » Journal of Forests » Month: 12-2021 Issue: 2
The Effect of Continuous Grazing on Herbaceous Species Composition, Basal Cover and Production on Three Soil Types in the North West Province, South Africa
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research
Rangeland health is normally measured by soil condition, grass species composition as well as its acceptability to grazing herbivores. The impact of grazing on community structure and ecosystem functioning is a key issue for rangeland management in order to maximize livestock production and sustainability of the operations. Year-round continuous grazing is the management strategy used in the communal areas of the North West Province of South Africa. In this study the effect continuous grazing on herbaceous species composition, basal cover and production on different soil types was tested. It was clear from the results that the effect of continuous grazing was the biggest on the andesitic soils (high clay), then the diabase soils (medium clay), whilst the effect on the quartzite soils was limited to even positive. The end result was that the different soil types in a continuous grazing system led to serious selective grazing in this study. Contribution/ Originality
The paper’s primary contribution is finding that continuous grazing on different soil types has a definite influence on herbaceous species composition, basal cover, and production. The clayey soils are more negatively influenced than the sandy soils. Agricultural Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research » Month: 09-2021 Issue: 3
Does Buyer Power Contribute to Environmental Sustainability Performance in Supply Chains?
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Policy
Sustainability issues have gained the widespread attention of researchers and policymakers across the globe. Resultantly, studies on sustainability in supply chains and its associated relational and structural mechanisms are rife. This study has examined how the amount of power wielded by a buying organization affects its ability to lead the sustainability charge, to improve the environmental compliance among firms within the supply chain. The study adopted a quantitative approach for data analysis and reporting. A survey of 116 construction and Manufacturing and construction firms in Ghana. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using ordinary least squares (OLS) regression procedure using the PROCESS macro in SPSS. The findings of this study reveal a significant positive relationship between buyer power, collaboration with suppliers, and environmental sustainability performance. This study has implications for large corporations that are the target of stakeholder pressures, and small firms that need to corporate with their supply chain partners on the sustainability front. Contribution/ Originality
This paper contributes to the supply chain sustainability literature by examining from an RDT perspective, how buyer dominance influences supplier relationships and environmental performance. This is one of the very few studies that seek to explore how power imbalances among supply chain partners influence sustainability. Economics » International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Policy » Month: 03-2021 Issue: 1
Phytogeographic of Bromelia L. (Bromeliaceae) in the State Paraiba Brazil
The Bromelia (Bromeliaceae) is part of the Poales taxonomic group, distributed in the Neotropical Ecosystems of South America, from sea level to altitudes of 5,000 meters in the Andes. In the Brazilian territory there were two settlements, one directly from the plateau of the Guianas and another across the Andes. The family stands out as one of the main taxa of the Brazilian flora, sheltering about 40% of the species of this family, in which 46 genera are recorded, of these 20 are endemic. In the state of Paraíba, because it has three distinct climatic regions, it originates a different phytogeographic distribution of this Family, so this study aims to perform a phytogeographic analysis of Bromelia L. (Bromeliaceae), to understand the distribution of the genus, registered in the state of Paraíba, eastern portion of the Northeast. Understand the gender distribution, registered in the state of Paraíba, eastern portion of the Northeast. In this study, two species, Bromelia karatas L. and Bromelia laciniosa Mart, were identified for the genus B. Karatas L. was found in the wetlands of Agreste and Litoral and also in the region of Sertão Paraíba state, in specific areas. Whereas, B. laciniosa, only in the regions of the Cariris Velhos, tectonic valley of the Curimataú and Seridó, that are inserted in the field of the Caatinga, but with influence of edaphoclimatic variabilities. Contribution/ Originality
This is the first research that deals with the phytogeographic distribution of Bromeliaceae in the state of Paraiba. In the context of the Northeast region of Brazil, this research will help to compare these data with those from other states and discuss the distribution whit other climatic and thermal characteristics, in addition, these two species have local environmental and cultural features that encourage knowledge of their spatiality. Agricultural Sciences » Journal of Forests » Month: 12-2021 Issue: 2
A Survey of Wood Borer Apate terebrans Tunnels on Terminalia mantaly in Nigeria with Special Reference to the Niger Delta Region
This study was conducted to count Apate terebrans opened tunnels in Terminalia mantaly at the 3 Parks of the University of Port Harcourt. All trees were assessed visually for the presence and absence of tunnels, frass, and exudates during the 6-months (January-July) field survey in 2018. The mean numbers of tunnels/tree were 16.12±2.13 from 58 trees representing 19.9% of 291 total trees. The spread of attack was fairly scattered and more closely associated with diameter at breast height (DBH) of tree (?2= 12.763, df = 4, ?0.012*). While a majority (67.0%) of the trees experienced breaking reflecting both the immediate and residual impact of opened and closed tunnels, respectively, 10.7% experienced tearing of branches, and 5.5% experienced both breaking and tearing. Strong wind was found as a contributory factor to breaking and tearing. The findings suggest T. mantaly as a poor adaptable environmental species in Nigeria ecosystems and its current utilisation as ornamental tree may be revisited. Contribution/ Originality
This study documents the resurgence of wood borer, Apate terebrans and its impacts on the Terminalia mantaly used as one of the current popular urban trees in Nigeria. Agricultural Sciences » Journal of Forests » Month: 12-2021 Issue: 2
The Role of Social Capital and Social Innovation in Economic Growth
The study assessed the role of social capital and social innovation in economic growth. Nonetheless, a panel of 147 countries was sampled from 2009 to 2017, and econometric panel techniques were utilized to arrive at a statistical conclusion. The techniques used in the estimation are contemporaneous correlation estimators; thus, panel corrected standard errors, panel generalized least square with correlation disturbances, and generalized linear model. Upon estimations, the study concluded that social capital and social innovation strongly play a positive role in economic growth. Therefore, in pursuit of sustainable economic growth, social capital accumulation; thus, social trust and social networking are essential. Moreover, social innovations that are internet-related positively contribute to economic growth sustainably. The study recommends that investment in digital communication technologies should be prioritized because it improves material living standards because it lowers the cost of maintaining and creating professional and personal ties, strengthening the diffusion of knowledge and ideas, and further creating productivity spill overs positively. Also, policymakers should enact policies that offer triple triumph; thus, triumph for government, society, and individuals characterised by affordability, benefits, and add value to citizens' standard of living. Contribution/ Originality
The paper contributes the first logical analysis of the role of social capital and social innovation in economic growth. With a panel of 147 countries and period from 2009 to 2017, and econometric panel techniques utilized, the study concludes that social capital and social innovation strongly play a positive role in economic growth. Economics » The Economics and Finance Letters » Month: 12-2021 Issue: 2
Effect of Desiccation and Storage Environment on Longevity of Ehretia cymosa Thonn. Seeds
Globally, forestry faces challenges in the availability of seeds due to limited knowledge on seed handling of various species. Forestry seeds are constantly being reviewed and classified as either recalcitrant, intermediate, or orthodox based on their storage behavior. It is essential to understand the tree seed storage behavior to maintain seed viability and thus minimize seed losses. There is scanty literature combining factors of seed moisture content (6%, 9%, 12%, 15%, and 20%), seed storage temperature (20oC, 5oC and -20oC), seed storage duration (1, 4, 9 and 12 months), and germination in different sites with varying environmental variables. Ehretia cymosa is important in the Afromontane forestry landscape as a medicinal, rehabilitation, and conservation species. This study conducted desiccation and storage studies and their influence on the viability of E. cymosa seeds. The study sought to determine the optimum conditions for the storage of Ehretia cymosa that maintains viability. This study observed that E. cymosa dried to seed moisture content of 6%, stored for 12 months at 20oC and sown in the laboratory had the highest germination performance (27.6 ± 3.18%) (p<0.05). This confirms that E. cymosa seeds exhibit orthodox storage behavior. The authors recommend longer storage studies (>12months) to determine the actual longevity of the seeds of this species. The significance of these results would be useful for foresters and farmers that would need to use this species for various purposes. Contribution/ Originality
The paper’s primary contribution is finding that Ehretia cymosa seeds exhibit orthodox storage behavior. This finding is important since it will improve the current practice of handling and storage of E. cymosa seeds to enhance viability and minimize seed losses. Agricultural Sciences » Journal of Forests » Month: 12-2021 Issue: 2
Abstract