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Listing 118 - 20 of 2806 results.

A Process Model for Conformance of Health Information Systems: Towards National Interoperability

Research Article
Author(s): D. Chetty, A. Botha, K. K. Govender
Journal: International Journal of Business, Economics and Management

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Abstract
In response to the critical challenge of lack of interoperability amongst health information systems in South Africa, as highlighted by the National eHealth Strategy, the National Department of Health (NDoH) published the Health Normative Standards Framework (HNSF) for eHealth interoperability in 2014. The HNSF stipulated that all health information systems deployed in South Africa should conform fully to all applicable standards. The CSIR as a strategic partner to the NDoH, is developing a variety of health information systems that are deployed in public sector clinics and hospitals which need to be subjected to conformance tests. This research therefore aims to develop a process model that could consistently be used to test conformance of the various health information systems to the standards and profiles prescribed by the HNSF. The Goodhue Task-Technology Fit framework was adapted as the theoretical framework, since it holds that the probability of the process model having a positive impact on performance is increased, if the characteristics of the process model match the tasks that need to be performed. The Design Science Research (DSR) methodology and Action Design Research (ADR) process were used, since they operationalised the research towards a process model, to guide the process of testing eHealth systems for conformance to the standards prescribed in the HNSF. An important outcome of the research was that the ADR process was adopted for conformance testing at the CSIR and it will periodically be adapted as required to ensure its continued relevance and fit to the environment.
Contribution/ Originality
This study will address the critical challenge of lack of interoperability amongst health information systems in South Africa, by ensuring that they fully conform to all applicable standards. The conformance testing process model developed in this research study provides a mechanism for the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in South Africa to continually test (at all stages of development) the conformance of its systems to the HNSF. In this manner, changes to the software design and code can be done during the development cycle, and not after systems have been deployed and are found wanting (when it is more difficult and more expensive to effect changes to the code).
Economics » International Journal of Business, Economics and Management » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 6

Relationship between Personal and Work-Related Factors and Job Satisfaction of Nigerian Teachers in Special Schools

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

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Abstract
This study examined the relationship between personal and work-related factors and job satisfaction of teachers of pupils with special needs in special schools on the mainland in Lagos State, Nigeria. Ninety-three teachers from 8 special/inclusive schools participated in the study. Two research hypotheses were formulated for the study. The study employed the descriptive survey research design, while a structured research instrument “Teachers job Satisfaction Scale” (a = .78) was used for data collection. The data generated were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics of Pearson Product Moment Correlation and hierarchical multiple regression at 0.05 level of significance. Job satisfaction of teachers of pupils with special needs significantly correlated with gender (r = -.415), workload (r = .342), work environment (r = .286), and organizational support (r = .526). Furthermore, gender –F (1, 91) = 18.899) –and organizational support –F (1, 87) = 4.532) –were the highest predictors of job satisfaction of teachers of pupils with special needs. It is recommended that teachers of pupils with special needs should be motivated to play active roles in special schools. It is also recommended to formulate such policies that will support development and retention of teachers in special schools.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature on job satisfaction among teachers of learners with special educational needs in Nigeria. This current study x-rays the contributory role of personal and work-related factors on teachers’ job satisfaction. Gender and organizational support were strong predictors of job satisfaction for teachers in special schools.
Arts and Education » International Journal of Education and Practice » Month: 09-2020 Issue: 3

The Effect of Pedagogical Hypermedia on Acquisition of Scientific Concepts among Primary School Students

Research Article
Author(s): Aseel O. Ajlouni, Suhair A. Jaradat
Journal: International Journal of Education and Practice

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Abstract
This study examined the effect of a Pedagogical Hypermedia Environment in the Science Discipline (PHFSD) on the acquisition of scientific concepts among fifth-graders during the 2019–2020 school years. The study adopted a quasi-experimental method with 50 fifth-grade students from a private school in Amman, Jordan, divided into two groups of 25 each. Students were randomly assigned to either a control group that was taught using traditional methods or an experimental group that was taught using PHFSD. A scientific concept test was conducted before and after the Motion and Force unit was taught. The data gathered was analyzed using ANCOVA. The results revealed a statistically significant difference at the ?=0.05 level between the mean scores of the two groups on the scientific concepts test. Most of the variation (70%) in the fifth-grade students’ posttest scores was attributed to the effects of the teaching method. Such positive results affirm that this pedagogical hypermedia environment had a positive impact on the fifth-graders. These findings support the use of a pedagogical hypermedia environment to enhance the acquisition of scientific concepts among fifth-graders in Jordan. The ministry of education and teachers can use these findings to enhance teaching and learning scientific concepts.
Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies that have investigated the effect of a pedagogical hypermedia environment on acquisition of scientific concept among fifth-graders in science discipline. This study fills the gap in the literature and provides evidence for the effectiveness of pedagogical hypermedia in the acquisition of scientific concepts.
Arts and Education » International Journal of Education and Practice » Month: 09-2020 Issue: 3

College Readiness of Filipino K to 12 Graduates: Insights from a Criterion-Referenced Test

Research Article
Author(s): Maria Mamba, Antonio Tamayao, Rudolf Vecaldo
Journal: International Journal of Education and Practice

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Abstract
The graduation of the first two batches of the Filipino senior high school (post-secondary) graduates calls for an examination of their college readiness since admission to tertiary education is one of the curricular exits of the K to 12 Program. Using the College Readiness Test (CRT) as a criterion-referenced measure, this study determined the college readiness of the K to 12 graduates based on the overall CRT results and specifically in its seven (7) learning areas namely English, Filipino, Literature, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Humanities, which ought to be mastered in the K to 12 Program. The test of concurrent validity has proven that the CRT is a credible measure of college readiness in these learning areas. It has also ascertained this concurrent validity of the CRT in relation to a College Admission Test (CAT), which is a norm-referenced test that measures the college readiness of K to 12 graduates admitted in one public university in the north-eastern part of the Philippines. As a descriptive-correlational research and using 7,533 K to 12 graduates as respondents, it was found that overall, the K to 12 graduates were college-unready. They poorly performed in Science and Mathematics but manifested college readiness with languages and literature. Also, campus assignment plays a significant variable in explaining the differentials in the college readiness of the respondents. On the whole, the study offers manifold benefits for policy reforms along curriculum alignment, tertiary admissions, and transition interventions to improve the quality of the K to 12 graduates.
Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of the first attempts to document the college readiness of Filipino K to 12 graduates as a response to the call of the Philippine Congress to examine the quality of the K to 12 graduates. This study is going to be an input for policy formulation among DepEd, CHED and HEIs along instructional delivery, curricular reforms, college admissions and retention, and intervention measures.
Arts and Education » International Journal of Education and Practice » Month: 12-2020 Issue: 4

Structuring Determinants to Level Up Students Performance

Research Article
Author(s): Larry B. Peconcillo Jr, Emerson D. Peteros, Irene O. Mamites, Domenic T. Sanchez, Janine Joy L. Tenerife, Roberto L. Suson
Journal: International Journal of Education and Practice

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Abstract
It has always been a challenge to improve student learning outcomes. Stakeholders in higher education institutions need to go beyond traditional methods and develop new practices to elevate student’s performance in mathematics. This research assessed the influencers of student Mathematics performance and also determined the issues and concerns encountered by the students in learning Mathematics. The descriptive-correlational method was employed using a survey questionnaire. There were 370 respondents in the sample and it was selected using simple random sampling from the population of the students at Cebu Technological University North Cell Campus. The data were statistically analyzed through percentage, frequency counts, weighted mean, ranking and Chi – square test for significant difference. The results revealed that home/family, school environment, classmates/peers, community, media and emerging technology were not significantly affecting the performance of the students in Mathematics. However, attending Mathematics classes as a perquisite of their courses was the main problem encountered by the respondents of this study. Based on these data analysis, the researchers proposed human and material resource development plan for enhancing students’ performance in Mathematics. Moreover, the researchers recommend future research to dig deeper into the factors inside and outside school premises to identify influencers that influence students’ academic performance especially in Mathematics.
Contribution/ Originality
This study is a pioneering attempt to identify factors that act as determinants to elevate academic performance specifically in the mathematics subject. It presents the challenges faced by stakeholders in bringing changes in students’ academic performance of mathematics. The influencers used in this research have been used for the time in any research study.
Arts and Education » International Journal of Education and Practice » Month: 12-2020 Issue: 4

Storage Effects on Microbiological and Some Antioxidant Potentials of Partially Substituted Bread Produced from Wheat Flour and Fresh Coconut Meat

Research Article
Author(s): Akinyede, A. I., Akande, M. O., Babatuyi, C. Y., Oguntuase, S. O.
Journal: Journal of Food Technology Research

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Abstract
Bread is a major wheat product consumed in every household because of its easy handling. Fresh coconut meat which is readily available in all rural area in Nigeria may boost both the economy and provide health benefits to those in the rural area. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of partial substitution of wheat flour with fresh coconut meat. Wheat flour was partially (90?– 100?%) substituted with 0 –10% fresh coconut meat in the ratio 100 : 0 (WF), 98 : 2 (WFCM1), 96 : 4 (WFCM2), 94 : 6 (WFCM3), 92 : 8 (WFCM4), 90 : 10 (WFCM5). The study evaluated the effects of substitution on proximate composition, sensory characteristics, storage time on some antioxidant potential and microbial stability. Results showed that the overall acceptability of the bread baked from WFCM5 blend was preferred over WF. On the day of production, WFCM5 had the highest phenolic content and total flavonoids but as the days there were reduction in the antioxidant contents of all the bread samples. The microbial load of Nutrient agar, MacConkey agar and Potato dextrose agar increased as the days increased. The bread from the blends may serve as nutritious and potential accepted bread products. The present study confirms effective substitution of wheat flour with fresh coconut meat. The substituted bread showed improved overall acceptability, some antioxidants potentials and microbial stability which may provide health benefits to those in the rural area in Nigeria.
Contribution/ Originality
This study documents the possibility of producing bread from partial substitution of wheat flour with coconut meat and also provides information on its antioxidant potentials and microbial stability for possible health benefits to those in the rural area in Nigeria.
Agricultural Sciences » Journal of Food Technology Research » Month: 12-2020 Issue: 2

Likely Effect of Gender and Education on Information Adoption and Utilization among Sugarcane Farmers in the Nyanza Region, Kenya

Research Article
Author(s): Ben Jack Otieno Ochieng, Destaings Nyenyi Nyongesa, Scholastica Achieng Odhiambo
Journal: Journal of Social Economics Research

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Abstract
A lack of education and training is what limits the adoption of technology and, hence, development by small scale farmers. Controversy reigns on whether women are less or more likely to adopt and utilize agricultural information. Similarly, there is no agreement on whether education exacerbates the adoption of agricultural information. Given this lack of clarity, this study aimed to determine the likelihood of the effect of gender and the level of education on the adoption and utilization of information gadgets among sugarcane farmers in the Nyanza region, Kenya. This study adopted technology diffusion theory and correlational research design. Stratified, random sampling was purposively used among 317 sugarcane farmers. Chi-square and multinomial logistic regression were used to generate results which showed that women were significantly less likely to use radios than men. However, the females were more likely to utilize agricultural information in planting, finding new markets, sourcing for raw materials, seeking for referrals, checking for weather updates and farm inputs than men. Regarding the levels of education, those with a primary education were significantly less likely to utilize information gadgets to discover information than those with a secondary education.
Contribution/ Originality
Not only did this study incorporate the aspect of adoption of information gadgets but also investigated their use to obtain agricultural information across the gender and education spectra. This, therefore, provides a medium through which policy makers can disseminate agricultural information based on the specific socio-demographic category of interest.
Economics » Journal of Social Economics Research » Month: 12-2020 Issue: 2

Challenges of Groundwater Development for Towns and Big Cities Water Supply in Rift Valley Areas

Research Article
Author(s): Assefa E., Tenalem A., Tilahun A.
Journal: International Journal of Hydrology Research

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Abstract
The experiences of the last 30 years developed an understanding in the Addis Ababa Water Utility that groundwater sources are not fully dependable for such a big city. Notwithstanding this, additional wells and well-fields are being developed especially in the last 10 years to meet the ever increasing demand. The Akaki well-field was initially designed for an abstraction rate of up to 35,000 m3/day for 20 years until 2020 though the current abstraction rate is nearly ten-fold. The current developments are only demand driven irrespective of safe and sustainable utilization. What is making things worse is the rise of other water competing demands for irrigation projects in adjacent well-fields. The present water supply coverage of the Addis Ababa city is not more than 50%. The situation in other urban centers in the Upper Awash basin is not different. Conceptual modelling, time series well water level measurements and operational assessments showed that the aquifer systems are not uniform and dotted with many volcanic flow barriers; there is sharp decline of water table (up to 70 meters since 2000) in some well-fields and the decline is propagating upstream of the Akaki well-field. Moreover, the excessive and uncontrolled pumping is impacting regional groundwater table. Topographic and technical issues are hampering upstream water distribution, and the once exemplary hundreds of wells are now abandoned. The frequent tapping of thermal and high fluoride water is another complication. Unless proper intervention is devised, grave environmental problems are likely to come in the near future.
Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of the few studies which investigated the time series well water evolutions in the Upper Awash and Akaki catchments and well water operational difficulty in Akaki catchment.
Agricultural Sciences » International Journal of Hydrology Research » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1

Gaseous Vapor Emission (GVE) Technique for Detection of Petrol Adulteration at Point of Sale (POS) Terminals

Research Article
Author(s): Donatus Uchechukwu Onyishi, O tega Ejofodomi
Journal: International Journal of Chemical and Process Engineering Research

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Abstract
Adulteration of petrol is difficult to detect at point of sale terminals (POS) because current detection methods require chemical laboratory experiments to measure parameters such as density, API gravity and evaporation point, are extremely bulky, time-consuming, and require experienced technicians to operate. This paper explores a new technique for adulteration detection at POS terminals, known as Gaseous Vapor Emission (GVE). GVE was performed on 1 L of pure petrol obtained from a Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Retail Outlet, using a portable Petroleum Product Volume Estimator and Tracker (PPVET). Results showed that pure petrol gave a peak methane emission in 30 seconds, and a peak butane emission in 60 seconds. In an enclosed space of 19,000 cm3, a sample of pure petrol emits 4,466,841-5,308,924 ppm of methane, 12.23-19.09 ppm of LPG, and 216,667-383,408 ppm of butane. GVE correctly identified the petrol sample as being pure, by verifying the presence of the characteristic methane and butane emission peaks, and the technique can be used at POS terminals to test for petrol adulteration. Future work includes the expansion of the GVE chemical signature for petrol to include other gases in addition to methane, LPG, and butane, the ability to utilize GVE in detecting adulterated petrol, and when present, estimation of the level of adulteration, as well as accurate identification of the adulterant used.
Contribution/ Originality
This paper proposes and explores a new technique for detecting petrol adulteration at Point of Sale (POS) terminals.
Engineering » International Journal of Chemical and Process Engineering Research » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1

Non-Linear Effects of Intellectual Property Rights on Technological Innovation: Evidence from Emerging and Developing Countries

Research Article
Author(s): Kamilia Loukil
Journal: The Economics and Finance Letters

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Abstract
The protection of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) is a key determinant of innovation. Following the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), all member states of the World Trade Organization are called upon to introduce high intellectual property rights standards. Hence the importance of the issue relative to IPR. Recent studies suggest that IPR protection stimulates innovation only under certain conditions. In this study, we suppose that IPR have a positive impact on technological innovation only in countries with high levels of economic development. The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between intellectual property rights, economic development and technological innovation in the context of emerging and developing countries. To measure innovation, we use patent applications filed by residents of a given country with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. IPR is measured by the Ginarte and Park index. Panel Threshold Regression is applied to data of 55 emerging and developing countries for the period 1980-2009. The estimation results provide evidence for the existence of nonlinear relationship depending on economic development level. We conclude that « one size does not fit all ».
Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies which have investigated the threshold effects in the relationship between intellectual property rights and technological innovation in emerging and developing countries.
Economics » The Economics and Finance Letters » Month: 12-2020 Issue: 2

Impact of Savings on Economic Growth in Africa

Research Article
Author(s): Matthew O. Gidigbi, Manu Donga
Journal: The Economics and Finance Letters

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Abstract
This paper investigates the impact of savings on economic growth in Africa. Annual data covering thirty African countries based on data availability for the period of thirty-five years starting from 1980 were used. The study was found to be imperative because extant studies in this line were of mixed results. Panel Estimated Generalised Least Squares (EGLS) with pooled, fixed and random effects estimations were carried out, but Pooled Panel EGLS with cross-section Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) weight estimation was explained. The study revealed that savings contribute 3.96 per cent to economic outputs when increased by a percentage. Meanwhile, a per cent increment in each of the foreign direct investment (FDI) and current account balance will positively impact economic growth by 18.7 and 4.6 per cent respectively. Also, there is no causality between domestic saving and economic growth. But bidirectional causality exists between foreign direct investment and domestic saving. The study concluded that saving is relevant to economic growth in Africa, though, its contribution is very low when compared to FDI’s impact but very important. The current account balance is very relevant to foreign direct investment and domestic saving. It is recommended that policies favouring savings should be encouraged such as universal coverage pension and grass-roots oriented saving schemes. Also, a surplus current account balance should be maintained in the continent to attract more foreign direct investment and improve domestic savings.
Contribution/ Originality
This study reinforces the hypothesis of no causality between saving and economic growth especially in Africa refutes both Solow and Keynes precedence hypothesis as absence of causality nullifies the hypothesis. Although, saving is positively link to growth, but Current Account Balance is of essence in driving Savings and FDI.
Economics » The Economics and Finance Letters » Month: 12-2020 Issue: 2

Correlation of Natural Gases from the X Field of the Niger Delta, Nigeria

Research Article
Author(s): Botwe Takyi, Abrakasa Selegha, Udom J Godwin, Kouadio Koffi Eugene
Journal: International Journal of Geography and Geology

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Abstract
The molecular and isotopic composition of thirteen (13) natural gas samples from 13 producing wells of the “X” Field of the Niger Delta, Nigeria was used for this study. The study is aimed at establishing the genetic relationship between natural gases and classifying them into genetic families. The Gas chromatographic technique was used to determine the molecular composition of the natural gases using GPA 2286, as a standard test method. The carbon isotopic compositions for C1, C2, and C3 were computed using regression formulas. The results indicate that the natural gas is dominated by methane with an average dryness coefficient (C1/C1-5*100) of 95.61%, with minor amounts of CO2 = 1.48%, N2 = 0.22%. The H2S content of the samples was below the detection limit of 0.20 ppm. The ?13C1 values range from -43.63‰ to -37.64 ‰, with an average of -40.79‰. The average carbon isotopic composition for the heavy hydrocarbon gases: ethane (?13C2) and propane (?13C3) are -27.47‰ and -28.15‰ respectively. The results also indicate that 11 samples out of the 13 studied samples are genetically related, implying that they were generated by the same source rock at almost the same temperature and pressure conditions. The 2 samples S1 and S7 that showed a significant difference in the isotopic and molecular composition may be as a result of a flow barrier between these two wells and the other 11 wells within the reservoir. The natural gases are genetically related and were generated by the same source rock.
Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of the very few studies which have investigated the genetic relationships between natural gases in the Niger Delta Basin of Nigeria. The study outlines how molecular and isotopic composition of natural gases are used in a natural gas correlation study.
Energy & Environmental Sciences » International Journal of Geography and Geology » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 2

Assessment of the Processing Effects of Fresh Solanum Anguivi Berries on Biochemical Contents and Functional Properties of Powder

Research Article
Author(s): Bio Sigui Bruno BAMBA, Marie Stella Hermance AKRE, N Guessan Ysidor KONAN, Ayemene Cedrick Ardin KOMENAN, Joelle-Annabelle N GOUIN, Yade Rene SORO
Journal: Journal of Food Technology Research

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Abstract
Solanum anguivi is used as food and medicine for numerous health-benefiting effects. However, it is highly perishable due to its high moisture content. To avoid post-harvest losses, sun-drying is the common preservation method used from tropical countries. Unfortunately, this method faces uncomfortable applying during harvest period usually holding in rainy seasons. This study aims to investigate the effect the of oven-drying temperature (60, 80, and 100°C) combining with or not blanching (80 °C for 10 min) compared to the sun-drying on biochemical contents (moisture, crude fiber, polyphenol, alkaloid content) and functional properties (solubility, hygroscopicity) of S. anguivi berries processed into powder. The results exhibited excellent nutritional quality of S. anguivi powder processed from the oven-drying compared to the sun-drying. In addition, the increase in oven-drying temperature significantly affected all studied properties. Sun-drying resulted in long drying delay and powder with low polyphenol content. Moreover, blanching enhanced drying effect and resulted in powder having high polyphenol and fiber content but showing low solubility and hygroscopicity. Nonetheless, oven-drying berries at 80 °C for 24h without blanching proved to be the optimal condition leading to good quality powder which demonstrated high solubility and low hygroscopicity suggesting its good utilization and preservation as functional food ingredient.
Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of the first that proposes the oven-drying process of S. anguivi berries as an alternative to sun-drying one traditionally used in households which greatly affects its overall quality. It simultaneously documents the biochemical quality attributes and the incorporation and preservation properties of the resulting powder.
Agricultural Sciences » Journal of Food Technology Research » Month: 12-2020 Issue: 2

Drivers Behind the Financial Insolvency: An Empirical Study on the Textile Industry in Bangladesh

Research Article
Author(s): Sonia Rezina, Md. Shahnawaz Mostofa
Journal: The Economics and Finance Letters

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Abstract
The main purpose of the research study is to assess the financial soundness of the textile industry in Bangladesh. The effects of financial ratios have also been examined. The research has been designed based on published quantitative data in the stock market. 35 listed companies that consist of A-Category, B-Category and Z-category companies were analyzed. In this research study, five financial ratios have been analyzed and tested using the Altman Z-score model. Statistical correlation among the financial ratio was examined to depict the picture of financial distress among the different categories of companies in Textile industries in Bangladesh. Most of the A category companies are in Safe Zone or financially sound, B category companies are into Grey Zone and Z category companies are in distress zone. The outcome of the study can be valuable for the financial managers to take important managerial as well as financial decisions, the shareholders to take appropriate investment decisions and bankers to evaluate the prospective borrowers’ credit risk and renew loans of the concerned textile manufacturers of the country.
Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of the very few studies which have examined the direct relationship of financial ratios with Z-score values regarding different categories of listed textile companies in the stock exchange by using panel data analysis.
Economics » The Economics and Finance Letters » Month: 12-2020 Issue: 2

Change Management and Firm Performance of Selected Deposit Money Banks in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

Research Article
Author(s): Ugwu, K. E., Osisioma, H.E, Onwuzuligbo, L., Nnaji-ihedinmah, N.C.
Journal: Journal of Empirical Studies

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Abstract
This study examined the influence of change management on firm performance of deposit money banks in Owerri, Imo State. Descriptive survey design and the questionnaire were used in data collection. The total population comprised of 124 staff of Fidelity Bank, Access Bank, Eco-Bank and United Bank for Africa Plc. Out of 124 copies of the questionnaire administered to the participants, 116 were responded and used for the analysis, while, the remaining 6 were not returned and utilized. The research hypothesis was tested and analyzed using simple regression method to generate the result. The null hypothesis was rejected at 5 % level of significance. The study found that change management variable (leadership change) exerts a significant positive influence on firm performance (competitiveness) of banks in Owerri, Nigeria. The study recommends the followings; organizational leaders are advised to train their members in form of; coaching, counselling of other psychological support to encourage members to enforce change in the workplace. Again, managers are encouraged to communicate to all stakeholders effectively during corporate restructuring or redesigning of business process to enable them to see the necessity of change.
Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies which have investigated the influence of leadership change on firm competitiveness in selected money deposit bank in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Economics » Journal of Empirical Studies » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1

Does Corruption Grease or Sand the Wheels of Economic Growth in Ghana? An ARDL Bounds Test

Research Article
Author(s): Antwi, Stephen Kwadwo, Kong, Yusheng, Mohammed, Musah, Donkor, Mary, Kasim, Hamza
Journal: The Economics and Finance Letters

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Abstract
This paper seeks to ascertain the relationship between corruption and economic growth in Ghana using time-series secondary data for the period 1984–2016. We employ auto-regressive distributed lags (ARDL) model to estimate the long-term relationship between corruption and economic growth in Ghana. Corruption is estimated to have a significant negative effect on per capita growth both in the short-term and long-term. While trade openness shows a positive effect on growth, inflation and capital formation show a significant negative influence on growth. We find the variables to be cointegrated and both the long-run and short-run parameters provide evidence of a negative relationship between corruption and economic growth. While capital formation and inflation also show negative effect on growth, trade openness shows a positive effect. The government should endeavour to effectively combat the destructive phenomena of corrupt practices that weaken the institutional quality through the adoption of functional regulatory measures. Transparency of governmental functions should be enhanced through the active involvement of citizens in governance as well as minimizing the discretion at the disposal of bureaucrats.
Contribution/ Originality
This paper contributes to the existing literature by introducing corruption in an endogenous growth model in the context of Ghana. The paper is the first attempt to employ unique Ghanaian data to estimate the long-term effects of corruption on economic growth, a focused evaluation than has been previously done.
Economics » The Economics and Finance Letters » Month: 12-2020 Issue: 2

Broiler and Indigenous Chickens: A Comparison through Biochemical Parameters

Research Article
Author(s): Masud Alam, Mohammad Ohid Ullah, Syeda Umme Fahmida Malik, Mohammad Shahidul Islam
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research

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Abstract
In recent years, broiler farming has expanded much rapidly than that of indigenous chickens all over the world to meet the demand of animal protein. Serum biochemical parameters of chickens provide valuable information for the evaluation of their health status which might ultimately affect the consumers. In this study, we have compared these parameters for indigenous and broiler chickens. MANOVA, ANOVA and t-test were performed to compare the clustered and individual blood parameters according to two species of chickens. This experiment revealed that the serum lipid profile and liver functioning parameters are significantly different for the two species of chickens. The average level of these parameters was found significantly lower for indigenous chickens as compared to those of broiler chickens. This might have been brought about by the food habit of two species. Moreover, only AST was found greater for indigenous chicken. It might be suggested that indigenous (local) chicken is more suitable to the consumers due to a comparatively healthier levels of biochemical parameters.
Contribution/ Originality
The paper's primary contribution is the finding that average levels of all biochemical parameters except AST are significantly lower for indigenous chicken as compared to broiler chicken. This can be considered as a guideline to the consumers in deciding which species of chickens are to be consumed. We confirm that this work is original and no part of the work has been published before.
Agricultural Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research » Month: 12-2020 Issue: 4

Seedlings Performance of Triplochiton scleroxylon (K. Schum.) under Different Light Intensities and Soil Textural Classes

Research Article
Author(s): Iroko, O. A., Asinwa, I.O., Odewale, M.A., Wahab, W.T.
Journal: Journal of Forests

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Abstract
Forest trees are socio-economically important but are currently threatened. This study adopted 4×4 factorial experiment in completely randomized design with ten replicates to assess effects of light intensities (100%LI, 75%LI, 50%LI and 25%LI) and soil textural classes (Sandy, Loamy, Sandy-loam and Clay) on the early growth of Triplochiton scleroxylon seedlings as a necessary step for domestication. Data collected was subjected to One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The best performance for light intensity was observed under 100%LI with plant height 14.79±1.26cm, collar diameter 2.28±0.18mm and 13.11±0.96 number of leaves while the least performance was observed in seedlings under 25%LI with seedling height 10.23±0.59cm, collar diameter 1.97±0.13mm and 6.41±0.45 number of leaves and best performance in soil textural classes was recorded under loamy soil with seedling height 14.90±1.20cm, collar diameter 2.33±0.18mm and 13.11±0.32 number of leaves while the least performance was observed in seedlings grown with sandy soil with seedling height 11.00±0.61cm, collar diameter 1.99±0.13mm and least number of leaves was recorded in seedlings with sandy-loam with 7.41±0.55 number of leaves. Overall best performance was observed in seedlings grown with sandy-loam under 100%LI with seedling height 23.80±0.75cm, collar diameter 4.69±0.34mm and 14.79±0.29 number of leaves while the least performance was observed in seedlings grown with clay under 25%LI with seedling height 10.30±0.68cm, least collar diameter 3.69±0.28mm and number of leaves 13.69±0.28 was observed in seedlings grown with sandy soil under 75%LI. Therefore, it implies that the specie require little or no shade for rapid growth and will thrive well with sandy-loam soil.
Contribution/ Originality
This study revealed that T. scleroxylon seedlings can be raised successfully under different light intensity and soil textural class which makes the species a good candidate for afforestation, enrichment planting, soil amendment, land reclamation and restoration to check climate change, land degradation and loss of biodiversity due to land encroachment.
Agricultural Sciences » Journal of Forests » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 1

Factors Influencing Audit Expense and Quality in an Emerging Economy: A Study on Bangladesh

Research Article
Author(s): Tanvir Ahmed, Shehrly Mahboob Hera, Tasmima Jannat Rimi, Tanvir Hassan
Journal: The Economics and Finance Letters

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Abstract
This determination of this study to find the association between audit expense, and the significance of the relationship in an emerging economy. Whereas, audit quality is associated with audit expense of a company. The regression model used here taken from (Simunic, 1980). This study is based on five different hypothesis. Descriptive statistics, multiple linear regression, correlation analyses are used for describing the results. For reflecting the proper findings, 23 companies from IT, cement and ceramic sectors are chosen here as sample. Some companies are taken from miscellaneous companies from Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE). The findings imitates that audit expense is highly dependent on the company size, accounting firm’s type, equity-debt ratio. Company size and accounting firm’s type are positively significant where equity-debt ratio is negatively significant. Whereas, audit expense also depends on the date of report making. Therefore, big companies need to be concerned about their audit quality, as audit quality could be hampered because of overgenerous compensation. Practical. This outcome will help the stakeholders of the company to judge about the reason of fluctuating audit expense, and probable recommendation as well. Value-The originality of this study to define the fluctuations of audit expense in diverse ways, and find the probable reason of the fluctuations. This paper will help stakeholders to find the probable causes of fluctuating audit quality.
Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of the very few studies, which have investigated the effect of corporate governance and profitability variables on audit expense and quality. This paper contributes the first logical analysis for stakeholders to understand, elucidate and control the audit quality by the practical recommendations of this paper.
Economics » The Economics and Finance Letters » Month: 12-2020 Issue: 2

The Effect of Disruptive Factors on Inventory Control as a Mediator and Organizational Performance in Health Department of Punjab, Pakistan

Research Article
Author(s): Aamir Rashid Hashmi, Adnan Tawfiq Mohd
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Policy

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Abstract
The organizational performance at Punjab healthcare is crucial and often faces stock-outs of critical medicines and equipment at the emergency department of different hospitals, which increased the mortality rate. Therefore, the study determined the effect of disruptive factors and inventory control as a mediator on organizational performance. The quantitative method with survey questionnaires on a 200 sample size through cluster sampling was used. SPSS and AMOS were used to examine Exploratory Factor Analysis, Confirmatory Factor Analysis, and Structural Equation Modeling. The results found full mediation with a significant positive effect between study variables. The finding indicated that the strict compliance of standardized operating procedures, professionally well-equipped staff, stock availability, and accurate inventories could reduce costs with improved service quality. This study is useful to the public healthcare facilities, ministries managing inventories, and to the body of knowledge. Finally, the back-log inventories at public sector organizations need to be researched in the future.
Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few investigating the mediating effect of inventory control on the relationship between disruptive factors and organizational performance. The study also contributes a second-order construct model, identifying the dimensions within those constructs, to the existing literature.
Economics » International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Policy » Month: 06-2020 Issue: 2