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Online learning has been considered a successful source for reaching learners anywhere, and anytime despite all challenges for decades. This two-fold study was designed to explore how COVID-19 fear affected students’ social presence in online learning, and how their internal psychological resources such as motivation moderated to make their online learning experience successful in public, and private universities. A cross-sectional, descriptive, and correlational research design was carried out by using a simple random sampling (N=244 students from Public sector universities, and N=178 students from Private universities). Online structured questionnaires were developed to collect data by using Google forms. The study found fear of COVID-19 highly insignificant in relationship with Social Presence, while Cognitive Problem-Solving Skill was significant with Psychological Motivation in Public Sector universities. Psychological Motivation also exhibited a strong positive and significant correlation with Cognitive Problem-Solving Skills. The study concluded that in Public Sector Universities, the existence of fear of COVID-19 was accompanied by greater psychological motivation among students, resulting in an increase in their cognitive problem-solving ability. While in Private Sector universities fear of COVID-19 was seen having a significant relationship with Social Presence, Cognitive Problem-Solving capability, and Psychological Motivation. In Private Sector universities, fear of COVID-19 was also accompanied by greater psychological motivation among students, resulting in an increase in their social presence. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to Constructivist’s Theory (Cipolletta & Ortu, 2020; Hoic-Bozic, Mornar, & Boticki, 2008) concerning the online learning effectiveness of university students’ during COVID-19. The logical analysis states that students’ online learning satisfaction is determined by their psychological condition encompassing social, emotional, behavioral commitments, where psychological motivation regulates the relationship between COVID-19’s fear and social presence, cognitive problem-solving skills. Arts and Education » International Journal of Education and Practice » Month: 03-2021 Issue: 1
A Novel Approach for Lithium Extraction from Sea-Water and Subsequent Battery Fabrication for Solving Energy Crisis: Energizing the Earth for Future Dearth
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: Asian Journal of Energy Transformation and Conservation
The Environment seems to be in detrimental health conditions owing to extensive pollution from the vehicles using conventional sources of fuel energy. Renewable energy sources and technologies possess the acumen to provide solutions to the long-standing Global Energy problems and our paper unveils one such novel technique for the extraction of Lithium metal from Seawater (Renewable, Sustainable and Infinite Energy Resource), followed by the fabrication of Lithium batteries that would eventually be employed in the automobile and several other industries. The collected Seawater is first passed through a Graphene mesh network whereby, the water network bifurcates into two halves: one half consisting of pure water and the other half consisting of Brine which is our chief concern. This Brine contains Lithium in the form of insoluble Lithium Carbonate (Li2CO3) which when heated and then treated aptly, produces the target metal Lithium (discussed vividly with associate reactions in the full paper) which may be deployed in the manufacturing of rechargeable Lithium-ion Batteries (LIBs) for use in Green Vehicles. The formation of dendrites can be potentially done away with by effectively creating electrodes with Smoother Surface finishes. Furthermore, on adding small amounts of HF and H2O in the electrolyte, the resultant formation of Li2O and LiF coatings help to vanquish these dendrites and whiskers thereby making the procedure effective, efficient and void of any disparities. Contribution/ Originality
This paper’s primary contribution is the introduction of a novel approach for the effective and efficient Lithium Extraction from Sea-water and consequent manufacturing of Lithium-Ion Batteries. The produced Lithium-Ion Batteries can be further utilized in Green Vehicles to promote a sustainable and environment-friendly transport system. Energy & Environmental Sciences » Asian Journal of Energy Transformation and Conservation » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 1
Fostering Students Writing Skills through the Use of Computer and its Multimedia System in English as a Foreign Language Class in Benin
This survey aims to assess the effectiveness of computer and its multimedia system in the teaching and improvement of students writing skills in English as a foreign language. The study adopts the exploratory, qualitative, and the quantitative methods. The study was carried out in public and private secondary schools in Benin and in language centres in the state, during the second semester of the academic year 2019-2020. The respondents involved in this study included 21 teachers and 205 students randomly selected from four chosen schools and language centres. The students belong to class options, A, B, C and D (A, relating to letters, B to human sciences, C to exact sciences, and D, to common sciences) added to advanced level students. Data collection was undertaken through the questionnaires, class observations and interviews. Data analysis was accomplished via the aid of a statistical tool called SPSS (Statistical Package for Social science). The findings revealed that very few teachers in Benin use computer to teach English as a foreign language in their classes. The results also revealed that many students prefer traditional methods of teaching, and very few of them like writing skill. The researcher reached some conclusions and made some suggestions and recommendations. Contribution/ Originality
This is one of very few studies in Beninese context which have investigated on how computer can make students go beyond the traditional writing techniques in EFL classes. Those engage in teaching EFL to learners can find what is needed as a basic training in the theoretical issues of Foreign and understanding of a broad range of pedagogical issues that shape classroom writing instructions. Arts and Education » Research in English Language Teaching » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 1
Assessing the Effects of Household Wood Burning on Particulate Matter in Rwanda
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Research
Considerable efforts have been made to protect people from indoor air pollutant exposure as approximately 80% of people spend time indoors where pollution is often worse than outside. Further, vulnerable populations, including elderly, children, and pregnant women, spend an excessively of time indoors, exposing them to pollutants that are responsible for both short-term and long-term negative health effects, resulting an estimated 4 million premature deaths annually. Aim of this research was to assess impressions of domestic use of solid fuels (firewood and charcoals) burning on Particulate Matter PM2.5 and PM10, which are particles that are less than or equal to 2.5 and 10 micrograms (?m) in diameter respectively within Kigali the capital city of Rwanda. A sample of 31 households using only charcoals and woods for cooking were selected for targeted 72 hours of monitoring. Portable air quality sensors AirVisual Nodes were used to measure concentration levels of PM2.5 and PM10 in microgram per cubic meter (?g/m3). Results showed that homes using wood for cooking experience moderately high concentrations level of PM2.5 and PM10, over 1000 ?g/m3 and 1200 ?g/m3 respectively, whereas homes using charcoals for cooking had lower concentrations. This later direct to that: Outstanding to low market prices of these solid fuels, poorer households are highly exposed to indoor air pollution. So, an alternative reasonably priced domestic energy to be used for cooking are indorsed and pollution levels survey in households using combination or different types of fuels for cooking are recommended for future research. Contribution/ Originality
The paper's primary contribution is that: • Households using woods and charcoals for cooking activities are exposed to high air pollution levels.
• An alternative reasonably priced domestic energy to be used for cooking should be used as a primary energy for cooking. Energy & Environmental Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Research » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 1
Optimal Design and Operation of Fast Charging Station for Electric Vehicle Via Renewable Energy in Wadi El-Natrun-El Alamein Road, Egypt
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Research
The cost of Electric Vehicle Charging Station (EVCS) infrastructure is one of the problems which stand as a barrier in the way of widespread Electric Vehicles (EV). In this paper, the optimal design and operation of a renewable-powered EVCS will be introduced with minimizing cost and air pollution. By considering the station located in isolated area and will be supplied by hybrid Energy Sources. Configuration, sizing, economic optimization, operation and its effect on the environment are discussed. The proposed hybrid micro-grid consists of, photovoltaic panels, storage batteries, wind turbines, biogas generator and also a diesel generator. The case study of this work is to satisfy the 1056 KWh/day demand of EVCS for using at the selected site. Five different configurations of energy sources are studied to get the optimum case. HOMER software is used to implement the simulation model; the model is based on economic and environmental factors. Finally, the study introduces a cost-effective, socially and sustainable accepted design that can be useful in specifying the appropriateness of optimal design for other EVCSs. Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few that investigated an optimal hybrid energy configuring the power system to operate the electric vehicle charging station in Egypt. This study documents that renewable energy sources are effective option to reduce the emissions from burning fossil fuels and also minimize cost of energy. Energy & Environmental Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Research » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 1
Survival Quantile Regression Analysis of Covid-19 in Rivers State, Nigeria
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Mathematical Research
Coronavirus 2019 (Covid-19) cases in Rivers State, Nigeria are on the increase day by day. It became imperative to investigate the survival rate of covid-19 patients in this state. The survival quantile regression was applied assuming right censoring to estimate the effect of age, sex, fever, anosmia, comorbidity, and cough on the survival time of patients. The results show that on admission into the hospital the survival time of the patients depended on the age and the presence of anosmia, comorbidity, and fever. By the mid survival period only anosmia and fever were seen to be significant but at the 75th quantile comorbidity was also seen to be significant along with fever and anosmia. The result also shows that having fever is associated with longer stay in the hospital based on the size of the effect at different quantiles. We also noticed that though the effect of anosmia and comorbidity were significant at the 25th and 75th quantile the sizes of the effects were minimal, but comorbidity was seen to have a bigger effect than anosmia. Comparing the survival time of groups, the results showed that males and females have the same survival time and patients with and without comorbidity equally have the same survival time. Patients without fever, anosmia and cough had a shorter survival time than those that had fever, anosmia, and cough. We then concluded that fever, comorbidity, and anosmia are the major factors that affect the survival time of covid-19 patients in Rivers State, Nigeria. Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of the very few studies that have investigated the effect of different covariates at different points on the distribution of the survival time of Covid-19 patients in Rivers State, Nigeria. Arts and Education » International Journal of Mathematical Research » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 1
Professional Foreign Language Competence Formation using Educational Multimedia Technologies
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Education and Practice
The purpose of the study is to analyze the use of multimedia teaching technologies as a means of developing future linguists' professional foreign language competence and to substantiate the effectiveness of their use in professional training. A combination of modern methods of pedagogical research has been used to fulfil the set goals: theoretical methods, such as analysis, generalization, comparison, synthesis, and systematization of scientific, educational-methodological literature, to determine the current state of the research subject; empirical and diagnostic methods (observation, conversations, interviews, questionnaires, testing) to determine the effectiveness of using multimedia teaching aids and determine practical recommendations for their use; prognostic methods to ascertain and diagnose the level of professional foreign language competence in future linguists; pedagogical experiments to experimentally check the effectiveness of the application of multimedia teaching technologies (multimedia educational presentations) in the process of developing the professional foreign language competence of future linguists; and methods of mathematical statistics for quantitative and qualitative processing of research results and statistical verification of their objectivity using the Pearson ?2 test. The usefulness of multimedia technologies in the development of future linguists' foreign language competence has been substantiated. The practical aspects of creating multimedia presentations aimed at developing professional foreign language competence have been described. It has been proved that the use of multimedia educational presentations to create a foreign-language communicative environment during future linguists' professional training will increase the level of linguists' independent acquisition of educational information, as well as provide positive motivation for educational and future professional activities. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to existing literature by analyzing the use of multimedia teaching technologies as a means of developing future linguists professional foreign language competence and to substantiate the effectiveness of their use in professional training. Arts and Education » International Journal of Education and Practice » Month: 03-2021 Issue: 1
The Effect of HVP Training in Vowel Perception on Bilingual Speech Production
Prior investigations (Giannakopoulou, Uther, & Ylinen, 2013) have indicated high variability phonetic training intervention can help L2 English adult learners change the perception of vowels such that they shift their attention to primary cues (spectral features) rather than secondary cues (e.g. duration) to correctly identify vowels in L2. This experiment explores if high-variability training impacts on L2 adult learners’ production of L2 speech. Production samples from a prior experiment were used to conduct ratings of accuracy (Giannakopoulou, 2012). In the current experiment, the production samples were transcribed and rated for accuracy by twenty native English listeners. The intelligibility levels of L2 learners’ speech samples as indexed by higher accuracy in transcription were observed as having been rated higher following training than prior to training. This indicates that high-variability phonetic training helps to turn L2 learners’ perceptual benefit of enhancing their identification and discrimination of non-native contrasts into a tangible benefit when producing speech in L2. The implications of the results are considered with regard to theories on the connection between speech production and perception, and Flege (1995) Speech Learning Model. Contribution/ Originality
This paper’s primary contribution is finding that through high-variability perceptual training, native Greek speakers as learners of English as second language can enhance their identification and discrimination of non-native speech contrasts, thereby increasing vowel intelligibility at word and sentence level when producing L2 speech as assessed by native English listeners. Arts and Education » Research in English Language Teaching » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 1
Temporal Rhythms of Dry Tropical Forest Regeneration under Exploration of Granite-Gnaisse Mining in a Semi-Arid Area
This research aims to identify and analyze the level of regeneration of Caatinga vegetation in different stages, under the impact of granite-gneiss mining in a semi-arid region in Northeast Brazil. To carry out the floristic and phytosociological survey, four areas of vegetation cover were selected in different stages of regeneration: 20 years (closed bush shrubland); 15 years (open bush shrub); 10 years (sub-shrub Caatinga); 50 years (reference area with shrubby Caatinga). The species records of the four sampled areas were compared using the Jaccard and Sorensen similarity index. For the phytosociological analysis, the parameters of Basal Area, Absolute and Relative Density, Absolute and Relative Dominance and Coverage Value of the species were calculated. The floristic survey registered 5,494 individuals belonging to 14 families and 34 species. It was found that Euphorbiaceae and Fabaceae were the families that contributed with the largest number of species in the tree and shrub components. The species in the areas where there was exploitation 20 and 15 years ago showed a regeneration process close to that registered in the preservation area for 50 years. However, with respect to wealth, the 20-year area showed the greatest abundance. From the results it was possible to know the process of regeneration of the pioneer and secondary successional species in the Caatinga, contributing to the preservation of the species and the recovery of degraded areas in the semi-arid region of Paraíba. Contribution/ Originality
The exploitation of granites and gneisses has a high economic impact in the state of Paraiba. There are extensive areas under environmental impact and biological loss due to the removal of vegetation. We characterize the rate of regeneration of Caatinga vegetation with a history of exploitation of these rocks. Agricultural Sciences » Journal of Forests » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 1
Using Structural Equation Model to Reveal Factors Affecting Faculty Members in University Colleges in the Use of Moodle
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Education and Practice
The current study aimed at using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to detect the factors affecting the role of faculty members in university colleges for e-learning system (Moodle). The study has used the descriptive approach through the questionnaire tool which consisted in its final form of (33) items distributed on (10) factors. The study sample consisted of (487) faculty members in university colleges. The AMOS program was used to analyze the data using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) through the path analysis method and (goodness-of-fit) tests to test the validity of the proposed model. The results of the study identified (6) factors that affect the use of faculty members for the e-learning system (model) in the teaching process viz., the competence of faculty members, the efficiency of the e-learning system, training benefits, the influence of others, and facilities, in addition (3) factors were identified as outputs for the use of the faculty E-learning system namely quality of teaching, faculty satisfaction, and faculty confidence in the e-learning system. The study recommends educational policy makers in the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and University Administration to adopt these factors identified in this study and implement the effect of these factors on the use of faculty members for the e-learning system (Moodle) in order to achieve learning outcomes for academic programs. Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies which have investigated Structural Equation Model (SEM) to reveal the factors affecting the use of faculty members in university colleges for the e-learning system (Moodle). This study represents a guide for universities on providing all facilities for faculty to improve their efficiency in using the e-learning system (Moodle). Arts and Education » International Journal of Education and Practice » Month: 03-2021 Issue: 1
Effect of Blanching Time and Drying Method on Quality of Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)
Quality of black pepper highly depends on pre-drying treatment and drying method. A pre-drying treatment, blanching (dipping in boiled water), is practiced in different countries. However, Bangladesh is yet to follow this technique to produce black pepper. So, this study investigated the effect of blanching, blanching time, and drying method on¬¬¬ black pepper quality. Pepper berries were treated in boiled water (blanched) for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 minutes and kept fresh (untreated). Both treated and untreated pepper berries were dried under the open sun and in a mechanical dryer. Results showed that blanching time negatively correlated with drying duration for both mechanical and sun-drying method. Blanching limited the moisture content of dried pepper 5.33-11.52%, where the moisture content of untreated sun-dried black pepper was more than 12%. Mechanical dryer needed the lowest time over open sun-drying and decreased the moisture % to a safer level (<10%). The moderately blanched (1-3 min) black pepper was attracted by the consumers due to its uniform shiny black color. In contrast, untreated pepper could not meet the consumers' desire. Again, blanching for longer time deteriorated black peppers’ color and consequently decreased consumers' preference level to buy. Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of the very few studies investigating the effect of blanching, blanching time, and drying method on the quality of black pepper. Agricultural Sciences » Journal of Food Technology Research » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 1
Socio Economic Determinant and Profitability of Bari Mungbean Variety in Some Selected Areas of Bangladesh
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research
The study was undertaken to find out the socio economic determinants and profitability of BARI mungbean variety in some selected areas of Bangladesh. The study has been conducted three district viz. Jashore, Jhenaidah and Kushtia during June-July, 2020. A total of 90 farmers, 30 from each district were selected randomly for present study. It was observed that most of the farmer cultivated BARI mung-6 (67.78%), BARI mung-5 (21.11%) and BARI mung-7 (11.11%) in the study areas. BARI mung-6 was the popular variety among the farmers in the study areas as its adaptability to diverse nature and high yield. Total cost of mungbean cultivation was Tk. 46368ha-1, where as variable cost was Tk. 27391ha-1 and fixed cost was Tk. 18977ha-1. Among the cost item highest cost was land preparation cost Tk. 7684ha-1 (16.57%) followed by hired labour Tk. 4927ha-1 (10.63%), Seed Tk. 3584ha-1 (7.73%), pod picking cost Tk. 3487ha-1 (7.52%), pesticide Tk. 3029ha-1 (6.53%), fertilizer Tk. 2740ha-1 (5.91%) etc. Pod picking is important cost at mungbean cultivation and farmer expense averages Tk.12.00/kg of green pod. Women (64%) along with children (31%) were involved in pod harvesting. Average yield of mungbean was 1.030 tonha-1 in the study areas. Average Gross return was Tk. 66966ha-1 and net return was Tk. 20598ha-1. Benefit cost ratio was 1.44 that means the mungbean cultivation was profitable. Due to not synchronous ripening of pod mungbean harvest by the mechanical was not possible. Bad weather, pod picking and insect pest attack was major constraints for mungbean cultivation. Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies which have investigated on the socio-economic determinants and profitability of mungbean cultivation of Bangladesh. This study also document about which variety of mungbean was mostly cultivated in Bangladesh. Agricultural Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 2
Antifungal Activities of Selected Plant Extracts in In-Vitro Control of Anthracnose and Root Rot Diseases on Cucumber (Cucumis sativus B.)
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research
An in-vitro experiment was conducted at National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology and the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service, Moor plantation, Ibadan. The experiment was carried out to test the antifungal efficacy of some plant extracts (Ageratum conyzoides, Azadirachta indica, Morinda lucida, and Chromolaena odorata) and a chemical fungicide (mancozeb). The mycelial growth inhibition potentials of five concentrations of aqueous plant extracts were assayed at different incubation periods on the growth of Colletotrichum orbiculare and Lasiodiplodia theobromae. The experiment was carried out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five replications. A 3 mm mycelial disc of each test fungus was placed at the center of a 9 cm Petri dish containing 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 g of the plant extracts or 0.25g/100mL of mancozeb (synthetic fungicide) in Potato Dextrose Agar. The results obtained revealed that all the plant extracts, at all concentrations, significantly inhibited the growth of these mycopathogens, with 25g C. odorata having the highest percentage inhibition of 70.78% and 73.68% at 48 and 96 hours of incubation on C. orbiculare and L. theobromae respectively. All the selected aqueous extracts inhibited more than 50% C. orbiculare mycelial growth. Antifungal extracts recovered from the selected plants could be further purified to improve and characterize their fungicidal activities in controlling plant diseases. Extracts of plant materials, which are readily available to the farmers, are better alternatives to the commonly used hazardous, synthetic fungicides. Contribution/ Originality
This paper’s primary contribution is finding that all the plant extracts used against cucumber pathogens had significant inhibitory properties inhibited at different concentrations and incubation periods respectively. Agricultural Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 2
The Effect of Problem-Based Learning on Students Problem-Solving Self-Efficacy Through Blackboard System in Higher Education
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Education and Practice
In this study, the effect of problem-based learning on students' problem-solving self-efficacy through the Blackboard system was investigated. The students’ perception of the implementation of problem-based learning into higher education and discussion through blackboard was also investigated. The participants of the study were 31 students in higher education, studying in the Curriculum and Instruction Department at Umm Al-Qura University. It is a quasi-experimental study, designed with a single group, pre-test, and post-test design. An open-ended questionnaire was used to investigate in-depth the students' perception. Both quantitative and qualitative data were obtained. The finding of the study reveals that there is a significant relationship between the pre-and-post-tests of the problem-based self-efficacy measurement scale. Further, the participants perceived advantages of using problem-based learning into their knowledge as well as into their learning and social skills. They reported that the Blackboard system had many benefits to complete the problem-solving activities. However, many students reported challenges in the implementation of problem-based learning as well as there were difficulties in using the blackboard system to achieve the raised problems. Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies which have investigated both Problem-based Learning and Problem-solving self-efficacy in higher education. The study uses a new formula of implementing problem-solving strategy into the Blackboard system to find out its effect of students’ problem-solving self-efficacy. Arts and Education » International Journal of Education and Practice » Month: 03-2021 Issue: 1
Factors Influencing Profitability of Commercial Banks in Tanzania: A Case Study of CRDB Bank Plc
This study examines factors influencing profitability of commercial banks in Tanzania. This study uses the CRDB Bank Plc. as a case study to investigate the bank specific factors and macroeconomic factors on bank profitability. The study uses correlational research design to examine the bank-specific factors and macroeconomic factors on profitability. Time series data for the period spanning from 2008 to 2019 were used. The results indicate that bank-specific factors such as bank deposit, non-performing loans and bank expense are statistically significant on bank profitability. On the other hand, macroeconomic factors were found to be insignificant on bank profitability. The implication for this study is that commercial banks policies should be geared towards bank-specific factors in enhancing profitability rather than concentrating on macroeconomic factors which does contribute to bank’s profitability. The bank deposits mobilized should be used effectively in realizing profitability. In addition, bank expenses should be cost effective in order to enhance bank profitability. Contribution/ Originality
The study contributes to the existing literature on the factors that contributes to profitability in the commercial bank sector using correlational research design within a time series data spanning a period from 2008 to 2019. The paper contributes that -specific factors such as bank deposit, non-performing loans and bank expense are statistically significant to bank profitability and bank deposits be mobilized effectively to realize profitability. Economics » The Economics and Finance Letters » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 1
Evaluation of Socio-Economic Impacts of Deforestation in Edo State, Nigeria
Deforestation creates imbalances in weather patterns, making the weather drier and hotter, consequently leading to increased drought and desertification, coastal flooding, crop failures, and dislodging major vegetation regimes. The study evaluates the socio-economic impacts of deforestation in Edo State. The study utilized ArcGis digitizing tool to determine the tree population and downscale the spatial datasets using defined boundary conditions. Signal 2.0 was used to establish the relationship of linearity between the forest and economic loss over the region using R-square. Results revealed that as the rate of deforestation in Edo state rose from 4100ha in the year 1990 to 14100ha in 2016, there was also a gradual increase in economic loss from 0.7 to 10.9 billion nairas in 2016. It was also observed that the relationship of linearity between deforestation and economic loss in Edo State shows a strong relationship at an R-square of 0.97. Therefore, there is an urgent need to take action towards ameliorating new Climate Change CC problems by exploring and protecting the local values of forests in order to improve livelihood sustainability. Lowering CO2 emissions is a central global focus through the International Climate Change Policy. About a 5th of emissions globally are caused primarily by deforestation. Reducing CO2 emissions is highly dependent on the reduction of forest loss which can also contribute significantly to the low-cost mitigation portfolio. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature on the global impacts of deforestation with particular focus on the socio economic impacts of deforestation in Edo State, Nigeria. Agricultural Sciences » Journal of Forests » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 1
Effect of Photoperiod on Estrus Cycle and Reproductive Organs in Female African Giant Rat (Cricetomys Gambianus: Waterhouse)
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research
African giant rat is a prolific animal in its wild condition. Therefore, in captivity, the decrease in productive performances may be due to photoperiod under which they are submitted. This research was carried out to evaluate whether photoperiod affects estrus cycle and reproductive organs in female African giant rat (AGR). Twenty-eight matured female AGR were randomly assigned to four lighting conditions (Light / Dark): 0 L/ 24 D, 12 L/ 12 D, 18 L/ 06 D and 24 L/ 0 D. Animals were individually housed and had free access to food and water. Daily, vaginal smears were taken and observed under a microscope to determine estrus cycle length. After four weeks, twelve animals were sacrificed and sexual organs were collected and weighted. Results showed that in AGR, the length of estrus cycle ranged between 5.5 and 6.4 days. However, this estrus cycle duration showed an upward (p>0.05) trend with a decreasing photoperiod. The weight of ovary and uterus was significantly (p<0.05) low in animals continuous enlightened compared to other treatment groups. Uterus length have dropped by 13.94%, 17.81 % and 9.50 % in animals exposed to 12 h, 18 h and 24 h of light per day respectively compared to those bred in dark condition. Regarding above results, AGR has a regular estrus cycle and the variation of photoperiod does not have effect on the duration of estrus cycle but it is detrimental for reproductive organs. Contribution/ Originality
This research was carried out to evaluate whether photoperiod affects estrus cycle and reproductive organs in female African giant rat (AGR). Agricultural Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 2
Cultivation and Nutritional Quality of Moringa Oleifera Lam. Produced Under Different Substrates in Semi-Arid Region in Northeast Brazil
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: Current Research in Agricultural Sciences
The Moringa oleifera Lam. it is a perennial, arboreal species, rapidly growing, resistant to drought and with leaves, flowers and edible fruits. With this research the objective to evaluate the effect of different substrates in the emergence and development of seedlings of Moringa. The experiment was carried out at the Plant Ecology Laboratory of the Department of Phytotechnics and Environmental Sciences, at the Center for Agricultural Sciences, at the Federal University of Paraíba. The experimental desing was completely randomized, with eight treatments T1= sand washed (control), T2= sand + coconut fiber, T3= sand + rice bark, T4= sand + bovine manure, T5= sand + pine powder, T6= sand + chicken manure, T7= sand + vegetable ash and T8= quail, with four repetitions of 25 seeds totaling 100 seeds for each treatment. The substrates were used in proportion 3:1, and these proportions were determined in terms of weight and all the sieved substrates, arranged in 6 cm x 29.5 cm x 45.5 cm trays, with an approximate capacity of 7 liters of substrate. The following parameters were evaluated: the emergence percentage, first count, emergence speed index, seedling height, plant height, root length, number of leaves, dry leaf biomass, stalk, root and total. The germination and initial development of M. oleífera seedlings were satisfactory in sand and favored when fibrous materials of vegetable origin (coconut fiber, rice bark or pine powder) or bovine manure were added to the substrate. The addition of manure sand from birds (chicken and quails) and vegetable ash did not favor the substrate for germination of Moringa oleifera Lam. seeds. Contribution/ Originality
In search of alternatives to reduce costs and maintain the yield and quality of the production of Moringa oleifera Lam, we tested the use of alternative natural substrates. The influence of using different substrate alternatives on the nutritional quality of this crop is an economically viable and beneficial to the environment. Agricultural Sciences » Current Research in Agricultural Sciences » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 1
Examining the Effect of Leader–Member Exchange Social Comparison on Employee Voice Behavior: The Role of Employee–Organization and Supervisors Organizational Embodiment
Research Article
Author(s):
Journal: International Journal of Management and Sustainability
Drawing on social comparison theory (SCT), this research aims to explore the moderated path by testing the interaction effect of a supervisor's organizational embodiment between leader–member exchange social comparison and employee voice behavior (EVB), as well as the mediating role of the employee–organization relationship (EOR). The hypothesis was tested based on the moderated mediation model using a sample of 788 employees through a structured questionnaire from public sector organizations in Fiji. The findings of the study showed that leader–member exchange social comparison (LMXSC) are positively related to employee voice behavior. Furthermore, the mediating role of the employee–organization relationship quality had significantly strengthened the relationship. In addition, supervisors’ organizational embodiment (SOE) also positively moderated the influence of LMXSC on EVB, and LMXSC on EOR quality. This research delineates the brighter side of social comparison, suggesting that employee voice behavior can be enhanced through fair distribution of the leaders’ resources among the employees, communication training, two-way interactive communication, and employee empowerment in improving work ethics and creating a sustainable organization. Finally, to lead an organization ethically, managers need to encourage voicing behavior of subordinates. Employees need to stand up against unethical issues to enhance the social responsibility of the corporation. The limitations and directions for the future are also presented. Contribution/ Originality
This study is the first to investigate how disparity in leader–member exchange social comparison influences employees voice behavior and its importance in improving an organization. In addition, this study is the first one to include the combined interaction effect of employee–organization relationship and supervisors’ organizational embodiment. Business & Management » International Journal of Management and Sustainability » Month: 03-2021 Issue: 1
Key Breeding Containers of Dengue Vectors in Outbreak Localities in Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease that rapidly spreads throughout tropical and subtropical regions. An estimated 2.5 billion people live in dengue-endemic countries and millions of cases occurring each year. Identifying key breeding containers are important to prevent dengue epidemics. This study aims to identify key breeding containers and to evaluate the risks of dengue transmission in the dengue outbreak localities in Kepong District, Kuala Lumpur. Entomological surveillance was done between January 2016 to December 2017 in 38 different outbreak localities. Both indoors and outdoors water-holding containers were inspected for the presence of mosquito larvae. All collected larvae have identified the species, types of breeding containers were recorded, and three larval indices, House Index (HI), Container Index (CI), and Breteau Index (BI), were calculated. Of the 2,067 containers inspected, 227 (10.98%) containers were positive for Aedes larvae. The four main breeding container types in this study were plastic containers (31.72%), water drums (22.47%), drains (18.06%), and flowerpots (14.98%). The HI, CI, and BI varied from 0 to 52.94, from 1.72 to 32.76, and from 2.33 to 75.00, respectively. Key breeding containers of Aedes larvae found in this study provide guidance for health service providers to educate residents to eliminate the common indoors and outdoors Aedes mosquito breeding containers in the study area. Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes evidence-based data on dengue vectors’ key breeding containers that useful in planning and monitoring the intervention of vector control strategies. Medical Sciences » Journal of Diseases » Month: 06-2021 Issue: 1
Abstract