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Listing 89 - 20 of 2806 results.

How Secondary School Mathematics Teachers Perceive the Effectiveness of Microteaching and Teaching Practice in their Preservice Education

Research Article
Author(s): Hellen C. KOECH, Philip K. MWEI
Journal: Humanities and Social Sciences Letters

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Abstract
Teacher education is an important pillar of every education system worldwide. Consequently, there is a need to determine the efficacy of teacher education programs in preparing good-quality teachers. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of learned media and teaching skills on the teaching of mathematics in secondary schools. We therefore explore how secondary school mathematics teachers perceive the effect of “media practicals” and “microteaching” on teaching practice through a survey study. Seventy respondents provided usable data for the analysis, which indicated that media practicals are well organized and microteaching helps the majority of student teachers practice the various teaching skills they had learned. However, the majority of respondents (61.4%) stated they were not able to implement all the techniques they learned during their teacher training, while most respondents’ (57.1%) teaching practice sessions were only assessed once by their supervisors. A major recommendation is that teaching practice assessment should be emphasized and undertaken at least twice.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature and discourse on the effectiveness of teacher education programs, with a focus on the reform agenda. Media practicals and microteaching are two main components of teacher education that have a strong bearing on the quality of teachers in imparting knowledge, competence, and attitudes to the youth of any state or country.
Social Sciences » Humanities and Social Sciences Letters » Month: 03-2019 Issue: 1

The Relationship Between Organizational Justice and Organizational Citizenship Behavior: Taking Job Satisfaction as the Mediator

Research Article
Author(s): Nan Yin
Journal: International Journal of Management and Sustainability

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Abstract
Organizational justice has long been the focus of research in the field of organizational behavior. In general, organizational justice is the subjective evaluation and perception of employees towards allocation of resources, rewards and punishments, performance evaluation, decision-making process and the interaction with the supervisor. Many studies show that organizational justice has a significant impact on employee attitudes and behaviors. To be clear, the main objective of this study is to explore whether the organizational justice the employee perceived will affect employee’s job satisfaction and organizational citizenship behavior. This study takes the real workplace environment as the target, with the actual staff as the sample, using the small and medium-sized computer and computer parts sales companies in Nanjing, China as the subject. In this study, 48 companies were randomly selected through field visits, the test object being the staff engaged in sales business in 48 computer and computer parts sales companies. The results show that there is a positive relationship between organizational justice and organizational citizenship behavior, and that job satisfaction has partial mediating effect on the relationship between organizational justice and organizational citizenship behavior.
Contribution/ Originality


Business & Management » International Journal of Management and Sustainability » Month: inpmonth-0000 Issue: 0

Material Pinch Location and Critical Materials Recycling

Research Article
Author(s): Zlatan Mujkic, Nikita Krekhovetckii, Andrzej Kraslawski
Journal: International Journal of Management and Sustainability

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Abstract
Supply of some materials and metals in the World is getting increasingly challenging. To deal with this issue, several organizations (e.g. European Commission) have composed a list of materials critical for the economy, in the list, 27 critical materials (CMs) are included. Furthermore, several actions have been proposed to tackle the problem, including recycling of CM from secondary sources. Global supply chains of raw CMs often rely on limited number of suppliers (e.g., China, Russia, Brazil, US). Since some countries have monopoly and regulate the supply of CMs, they can have big impact on the prices of CM. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to explore the possibility of scrap recycling, which can be used to meet some of the demand. To evaluate the amount of scarp that can be used for recycling, we propose a graphical optimization technique (pinch analysis). To show the applicability of pinch analysis and the amount of scrap that can be recycled, two examples are presented.
Contribution/ Originality
This paper contributed in the area of supply chains of critical materials. The methodology used in the paper is Pinch Analysis, which is a graphical optimization method. The methodology used can be useful to determine the potential recycling rates of scrap within supply chain of critical materials.
Business & Management » International Journal of Management and Sustainability » Month: 01-2019 Issue: 1

Patterns of Plant Community Formation and Vegetation Structure in the Afro- Alpine Vegetation of Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

Research Article
Author(s): Getahun Tassew Melese, Berhanu Abraha Tsegay, Getinet Masresha Kassa, Berhanu AbrahaTsegay
Journal: Current Research in Agricultural Sciences

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Abstract
This study was conducted in Simien Mountains National Park, Northwest Ethiopia with the objective of evaluating the patterns of plant community formation and vegetation structure in the afro- alpine vegetation. The data were collected from stratified mountains by using systematic sampling in each stratum from October to November 2015. A total 62 (20 m x20 m) main plots were sampled. In each main plot five (1m x1m) subplots, one at each corner and one at the center, were used to collect data for herbaceous species. In each plot, data on plant species identity, abundance, height and Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) were recorded. Collected specimens were identified at field and also at National Herbarium, Addis Ababa University. Plant community analysis was performed using R version 3.1.3. Sorensen’s similarity coefficient was used to detect dissimilarities among communities. Shannon - Wiener diversity index was computed to describe species diversity of the plant community types. Results showed that a total of 86 plant species representing 34 families and 63 genera were recorded from which90.7 % were herbs, 7% shrubs and 2.3 % trees. Asteraceae is the species richest family whereas Poaceae is the dominant. Three plant community types were recognized from cluster analysis. Species richness, diversity and evenness varied among the plant communities. Analysis of population structure of the dominant species revealed various patterns. Because this afro-alpine area has varied habitat heteroginity, separate plant community regimes need separate planning and implementing (management) measures for sustainability of the vegetation.
Contribution/ Originality


Agricultural Sciences » Current Research in Agricultural Sciences » Month: inpmonth-0000 Issue: 0

In Search of Determinants of FDI Forward Spillovers: A Meta-Analysis

Research Article
Author(s): Shi He
Journal: Humanities and Social Sciences Letters

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Abstract
Drawing on a unique dataset of 530 estimates from 19 studies on foreign direct investment forward productivity spillovers in China, our prime objective is to investigate determinants of forward spillovers from foreign direct investment using Bayesian Model Averaging based Meta-Analysis. Our results suggest that forward spillovers vary across firm attributes, including the ownership structure of foreign firms, the origin of foreign firms, market orientation of foreign firms, the ownership structure of local firms and the technological levels of local firms. Specifically, wholly-owned subsidiaries yields positive technology diffusion to local firms in upstream sectors while joint ventures negative; both foreign firms from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan and other economies create negative spillover effects on local buyers; local-orientated foreign firms are likely to generate positive productivity spillovers while export-orientated foreign firms negative; non-state-owned enterprises are likely to benefit more forward technology spillovers from foreign direct investment than state-owned enterprises; middle-tech local firms tend to obtain more forward productivity spillovers than high-tech local firms and low-tech local firms.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes in the existing literature on the determinants of forward spillovers from foreign direct investment using Bayesian Model Averaging based Meta-Analysis. The paper's primary contribution is finding that forward spillovers vary across foreign and local firm attributes, such as the ownership structure of foreign firms and the origin of foreign firms.
Social Sciences » Humanities and Social Sciences Letters » Month: 03-2019 Issue: 1

Staining Effect of Methanolic Extract of Hibiscus Sabdariffa Calyx on Thin Peripheral Blood Smear

Research Article
Author(s): Emmanuel Asuquo Etim, Ezekiel Friyanda Chagwa, Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu, Akpan Akaninyene Udokang
Journal: Journal of Diseases

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Abstract
Hibiscus sabdariffa is a species of Hibiscus in the Malvaceae family. Hibiscus sabdariffa is widely consumed as Zobo drink beverage in Nigeria with many health benefits, and it is believed that the brilliant reddish coloration of methanolic extract of this plant’s calyx may have a staining effect on thin blood smear. Hence, this study aims to examine the staining effect of methanolic extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx on thin peripheral blood films in other to obtain more surrogates for hematological stains. Dried calyx of Hibiscus sabdariffa was obtained commercially from Yola. The calyces were pulverized to fine powder and 10g of the powder was soaked in 50ml of absolute methanol for 12hours to obtain methanolic extract. PH of the extract was determined using PH meter. The methanolic extract was used to stain thin peripheral blood smear. Results: Raw methanolic extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx had pH of 1. The extract produces poor staining effect and impacted a pale pinkish-orange appearance on the red blood cells with pseudo large central pallor microscopically. While field stain and Leishman stain produces a dark pink coloration with normal pallor on the red cell. Raw methanolic extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx was acidic and it impacted a poor pale pinkish-orange coloration with pseudo large pallor on red blood cell in thin peripheral blood smear. More research to get a molar equilibrium of acidic and basic substances in this plant’s calyx extract is recommended in other to obtain more cost effective surrogates for good hematological stains.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes in the existing literature of the medical importance of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx with emphasis on the relevance of this extract in medical laboratory practice.
Medical Sciences » Journal of Diseases » Month: 03-2019 Issue: 1

Design of Automated Departmental Lecture Timetable System

Research Article
Author(s): Etuh, Emmanuel, Yusuf, Omolola Sarah, Ajodoh, Onojah Friday
Journal: Review of Computer Engineering Research

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Abstract
A lecture timetable is a tabular list showing the times which a particular lecture is scheduled to hold and the venue for it in each day of the week. Its content includes the course code for each course, the code for the lecture venue and the time for each lecture. A lecture timetable is designed every semester. In this era of technological advancement, virtually every aspect of human endeavour has been automated (the use of machines and computers instead of human to accomplish a task). Now students can pay their school fee, register their courses and even check their results on the internet. This is the drive that gave birth to this research work: the design of an automated lecture timetable for the department of mathematical sciences, KSU Anyigba. The project presents the automated design of lecture timetable. The principle of operation is simple and employs the use of computer technology. A program is written in Visual Basic which produces the output in an error free tabular form displaying the courses/venues for each particular schedule.
Contribution/ Originality


Computer Sciences » Review of Computer Engineering Research » Month: inpmonth-0000 Issue: 0

Domestic Wastewater Treatment and Lipid Accumulation for Biodiesel Production by an Isolated Heterotrophic Microalgae from an Arid Climate Zone

Research Article
Author(s): Abdelghani El Asli, Nadia El Mesbahi, Rachida Oubakalla, Loubna El Fels, Mohamed Hafidi, Yanna Liang
Journal: The Asia Journal of Applied Microbiology

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Abstract
The isolation of microalgae that can use carbon-rich pollutant from wastewater and accumulate lipids is of great interest in biodiesel production. The heterotrophic cultivation of microalgae could overcome light dependency, and hence increase the yield of microalgae lipid per unit area. After several microbial screening and acclimation procedures, strains of microalgae were proved to be tolerant of wastewater and to grow heterotrophically. One top-performing strain (AE2) was identified through morphological observation as Chlorella sp and was isolated from an open pond of domestic wastewater. This microalgae is able to grow in raw wastewater at 20°C with no illumination and eliminates 100% of its COD (424 mg/L) in 9 days. The biomass produced in wastewater as growth medium comprises 53% of fats of the dry mass and 68% of fats of the dry mass in BG 11 culture medium supplemented with 5 g of glucose/L. The analysis of fatty acid methyl esters FAME composition was 32.5 % of the total biomass. The extracted microalgae oil was converted to good quality biodiesel. This heterotrophic isolated microalgae is a promising strain in terms of wastewater COD removal and cytoplasmic accumulation of high quality and quantity lipids for prospective biodiesel production.
Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of the very few studies which have investigated the isolation of microalgae from the southern climate that can grow efficiently in low carbon sources such as wastewater. The isolated microalgae produced biomass with 53% of fats that are favorable in term quantity and quality for biodiesel conversion.
Biological Sciences » The Asia Journal of Applied Microbiology » Month: 03-2019 Issue: 1

FMS Corrective Intervention Improves FMS Composite Score and 1-Mile Run Time, without Concurrent Change in Hip Extension Strength, Vertical Jump or T-Shuttle Run Time, in Recreational Runners

Research Article
Author(s): George Dallam, Karen Hostetter, Michael McFadden, Daniel Bowan, Marie Pickeril, Steve McClaran
Journal: Journal of Sports Research

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Abstract
The purpose of this research was to examine the effect of an intervention designed to improve functional movement as determined by Functional Movement Screen ™ (FMS) composite scores, one mile run time, standing isometric hip extension strength, agility T-Test time, and vertical jump in recreational runners (N=12, 7 males and 5 females; Mean Age = 49.08±15.87 yrs.; and mean weekly run volume = 15.96±21.21 miles), while normal running training load was maintained. We employed a two group (Control and Treatment) randomized experimental design. The treatment group (n=6) completed a 6 week intervention using the standard corrective methodology advocated by the FMS organization in combination with their normal run training, while the control group (n=6) continued their normal run training without additional intervention. We found a significant interaction between group and pre/post measure with a large effect sizes demonstrating improvement in the treatment group for the both the 1 mile run time (F = 5.45, p=0.042, Np2= 0.353) and the FMS composite score (F = 10.55, p=0.009, Np2= 0.513). There were no other significant interactions or meaningful effect sizes for any other dependent variable. This study supports the concept that a 6 week standard FMS intervention can result in concurrent improvements in both FMS composite score and 1 mile running performance without a concurrent change in running training load, isometric hip extension strength, vertical jump performance or t-shuttle times, in recreational runners.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes in the existing literature by being the first to examine the effect of a corrective intervention for functional movement ability on both FMS score and athletic performance (1-mile run, t-shuttle, vertical jump, hip extension strength) concurrently, while simultaneously controlling for training, in recreational runners.
Physical Sciences » Journal of Sports Research » Month: 03-2019 Issue: 1

Contextual Estimation of Marketable and Marketed Surplus of Selected Seasonal Fruits: A Study Based on Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) of Bangladesh

Research Article
Author(s): Md Jahurul Islam
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research

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Abstract
This study is an attempt to assess the marketable and marketed surplus of selected seasonal fruits (mango, jackfruit, and litchi) in the Chittagong hill tracts of Bangladesh. Primary data were used for the study. In total, 459 sample fruit growers were selected purposively for the study. Proportionate random sampling was followed in case of selecting the sampling unit. It was apparent to interpret from the survey that in case of mango production, 78% fruit grower planted Rangui variety whereas Amrapali was ranked second highest (36%) including the eight groups of Bandarban and Rangamati of the survey. Among the three mentioned varieties of litchi, BARI litchi 2 variety was more prevalent (21%) than the other varieties. Also 69% respondent grew jackfruit whereas the average production was more in Rangamati than in Bandarban area. It is more apparent for all three of the seasonal fruits that, the marketable surplus was found to be higher than the net marketed surplus. That means farmer retains more for their consumption and other uses than the actual amount marketed. Running factor analysis, several cases were found that affect sustainable market linkage which was categorized into four factors like marketing, economic, social and environmental factor and the KMO value was found to be 0.527, generally, indicate that a factor analysis might be useful with this data. This study recommends increasing the marketed surplus with the increase of marketable surplus so that it can ultimately help fruit grower to link themselves with the market and increase their revenue.
Contribution/ Originality
The study is one of very few studies which assess the marketable and marketed surplus of seasonal fruits in the hilly areas of Bangladesh. Since most of the studies deal with the production and marketing system of crops, this study adds the momentum in linking the hill farmer with the market.
Agricultural Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research » Month: 03-2019 Issue: 1

Optimal Planning of Energy Hubs Considering Renewable Energy Sources and Battery Energy Storage System

Research Article
Author(s): V. V. Thang, Thanhtung Ha
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Research

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Abstract
In the context of multiple energy loads, the energy hub is introduced as a unit where multiple energy carriers can be converted, conditioned, and stored to enhance the energy efficiency of the system. Therefore, this study presents an optimal planning framework, which aims the selection the invested size and time of equipment based on minimizing the life cycle cost considering renewable energy sources (RES) and battery energy storage systems (BESS). The input energies considered include the electrical energy, natural gas, solar radiation and wind that are converted to supply for output energies consisting of electricity, cooling, and heating. The planning framework with the objective function which is minimizing the life cycle cost of the project consists of the investing and operating cost of equipment, cost for purchasing energy from market (electricity, natural gas), the emission taxes cost and the replacement cost or residual value of equipment at the end of the planning period. The constraints as balance energy types, the size limit of equipment integrated into model together with binary variables make a mixed integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) planning problem. The feasibility of the proposed model and the effectiveness of renewable energy sources and BESS in optimal planning of energy hubs are tested by an assumed energy hub with the high-level algebraic modeling software, general algebraic modeling system (GAMS).
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes in existing documents a novel planning framework which considers the RES and BESS. A MINLP planning framework with the LCC objective function and constraints proposed allows determining the installed size and time of equipment during the planning period. The different lifetime and uptime of equipment are examined which improve the accuracy and suitability of problem for the practical.
Energy & Environmental Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Research » Month: 03-2019 Issue: 1

Decision-Making on Working Capital Management, Based on Industry Differences

Research Article
Author(s): Haritini Tsangari
Journal: International Journal of Business, Economics and Management

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Abstract
The effect of working capital components on profitability has conflicting empirical evidence, which is mostly data-driven. This paper aims to provide additional insight to this end, especially focusing on the neglected aspect of industry differentiation. The analysis implements a panel regression methodology on a dataset of 300 observations from firms in Cyprus, adjusting for control variables and considering industry differences. Overall, the present study illustrates that industry differences warrant in-depth examination for decision-making regarding working capital management policies. The findings show that the cash conversion cycle and its components have an effect on profitability, but the sign and level of significance vary according to the industry sector: results in the merged sample differ from the results by industry sector. For example, the cash conversion cycle has a positive effect on the consumer goods sector and a negative effect in the industrials sector. Additionally, management of creditors and suppliers is as important as the management of debtors, especially for consumer goods and industrials. Managers should aim for the optimal level of the working capital components, while simultaneously adjusting their strategies based on their industry sector, to boost firm profitability.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature regarding the effect of working capital management on profitability. The paper’s primary contribution is finding that the sign and level of the effect of the cash conversion cycle and its components on profitability vary according to the industry sector, which can thus adjust decision-making.
Economics » International Journal of Business, Economics and Management » Month: 02-2019 Issue: 2

Investigate Airport Service Quality- A Case Study of Airports in Shanghai

Research Article
Author(s): Hongwei Jiang, Tianhui Liang
Journal: International Journal of Business, Economics and Management

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Abstract
Evaluating service quality is a critical task for airports aiming to identify aspects of airport service that contribute to differences in passenger satisfaction. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the airport service quality from passengers’ perspectives at two airports (Pudong and Hongqiao Airports) under the management of Shanghai Airport Authority (SAA) in China. Surveys at SAA have found that there are significant differences between passengers’ expectations and actual perceptions of service quality at SAA, which imply that SAA is advised to improve its service quality and reduce passenger dissatisfaction towards components comprising service quality as a whole. The components for which the largest gaps were found between expectation and actual perception were identified as “Shop and restaurant prices”, “Free Wi-Fi access”, “Play areas for children”, “Departure punctuality”, and “Various restaurants providing different kinds of food”. The results reveal that there are significant differences between gender, nationality and main travel purpose groups: women tend to assign significantly higher scores than men; domestic travellers reported high satisfaction than international ones; and passengers travelling for holiday and academic-related purposes reported higher satisfaction than those travelling for business. There is a positive correlation between airport service quality and passengers’ overall satisfaction at SAA. This paper aims to provide useful information for government officials in the identification of potential issues posed to passengers and that should be addressed by airport management.
Contribution/ Originality
This study is the first attempt to investigate airport service quality from passenger’s perspective, rather than from airport’s perspective. The paper’s primary contribution is its findings in passenger’s perception and expectation according to different demographic groups, and their varying impact on passenger’s satisfaction and airport preferences in China.
Economics » International Journal of Business, Economics and Management » Month: 02-2019 Issue: 2

An Entrepreneurship Research in Singapore: Basic Psychological Needs and Motivation

Research Article
Author(s): Chen Sheng, Felicia Poon
Journal: International Journal of Business, Economics and Management

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Abstract
At the initial stages of starting a company, one who sets up the business and business deals is a start-up entrepreneur. This research focuses on entrepreneurs in start-up companies and explores how certain psychological needs influence motivation at the start-up stage. Basic Psychological Needs Theory is the latest and central theory from the SDT (Self-Determination Theory) (Deci and Ryan, 2000;2002). Jian et al. (2012) pointed out that psychological need is a critical factor in connecting the external environment and internal individuality. Additionally, entrepreneurial motivation is a precondition for entrepreneurship. Recent research suggests that motivation is an important role in entrepreneurial behavior and success where motivation has influenced entrepreneurs to start a business (Virginia and Carlos, 2012) . The research looks at the relationship between the psychological need and motivation of candidates of start-up in Singapore utilizing positivist approaches. Multiple regression analysis was used to analyze a causal relationship between psychological need and entrepreneurial motivation. Results found that there was a statistically significant relationship between two concepts.
Contribution/ Originality
The paper's primary contribution is finding that relationship between the basic psychological need and entrepreneur motivation in Singapore. Thinking about the causation of two concepts, this study has analyzed the impact of the psychology in the field of entrepreneurship.
Economics » International Journal of Business, Economics and Management » Month: 02-2019 Issue: 2

Principals Administrative Competence and Teachers Work Performance in Secondary Schools in Calabar Education Zone of Cross River State, Nigeria

Research Article
Author(s): Owan, V. J, Agunwa, J. N
Journal: Humanities and Social Sciences Letters

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Abstract
The focus of this study was to investigate “principals’ administrative competence and teachers work performance” in Calabar Education zone. Four null hypotheses were tested in the course of the study. Correlational research design was adopted, while purposive sampling technique was used in selecting a sample of 800 teachers. Two instruments were used for data collection including “Principals’ Administrative Competence Questionnaire (PACQ),” and Teachers’ Work Performance Questionnaire (TWPQ).” Pearson Product Moment Correlation Analysis (r) and multiple regression (R) analysis were employed to test the hypotheses at .05 level of significance were applicable, with the aid of SPSS v21. Findings from the study revealed that; principals’ supervisory, leadership and communication competences are significantly related to teachers’ work performance in terms of instructional delivery, attendance to classes, notes writing, and record keeping respectively. It was also revealed that; principals’ supervisory, leadership and communication competences have significant composite influence on teachers’ work performance in terms of instructional delivery (p < .05; F = 26.764), attendance to classes (p < .05; F = 109.122), notes writing (p < .05; F = 228.118), and record keeping (P < .05; F = 468.793). Based on these findings, it was recommended amongst others that; such techniques as close supervision of teachers, good leadership styles, and effective communication should be jointly practiced by secondary school principals in order to improve teachers’ work performance.
Contribution/ Originality
This paper contributes with the findings that; principals’ administrative competence in terms of supervision, leadership, and communication influence teachers work performance relatively and compositely, in terms of instructional delivery, attendance to classes, notes writing and record keeping. It addresses the gap existing in the literature where earlier studies did.
Social Sciences » Humanities and Social Sciences Letters » Month: 03-2019 Issue: 1

The Impact of Organisational Culture on Public Sector Performance: A Case Study of Local Authorities in Zimbabwe

Research Article
Author(s): Munashe Huragu, Redgelot Mufaro Chuma
Journal: International Journal of Public Policy and Administration Research

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Abstract
Local authorities play an important role in the national development of any country as they are the vehicle for basic municipal service delivery. They are the interface of government and its citizenry at the local level meaning that local authorities represent government in action. As such, the same are expected to proffer sustainable services in the right amount and at the right time. Local authorities therefore provide the backbone for a country’s socio-economic development. However, the recent history of the local authority sector suggests that councils have fallen way behind in terms of delivering on their mandate due a number of factors. The Ministry responsible for Local Government in Zimbabwe notes that the peak year where councils were optimally functional was 1996 and this is the level that has been benchmarked. In the main, it may be noted, that councils in Zimbabwe rank among the most liquid organisations; their revenues are guaranteed in the Constitution and in some way in the relevant Acts of Parliament. As such, it is within the rights of the public to expect local authorities to offer more than they have done since the turn of the millennium. It may be argued that the set-up of local authorities in Zimbabwe is not aligned to the objective of delivering optimal services to communities with the same not responding to the demands of the people as well the operating environment. To significantly alter this negative spiral of performance, it is imperative that local authorities deal decisively with issues surrounding organisational culture in order to focus members (councillors and employees), policies and processes towards the achievement of both local and national goals and priorities. This study reviews the literature already proffered on the subject matter in conjunction with primary research to add to the body of knowledge in this area of study.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature in the field of organizational culture and service delivery in the public sector. Research has been carried out on the private sector’s organizational culture in developed countries. There is limited literature on organizational culture in the public sector in the developing world. The study used qualitative research methods that present a practical way of establishing the organisational culture’snorms, values and belief systems that can’t be measured quantitatively.
Economics » International Journal of Public Policy and Administration Research » Month: 03-2019 Issue: 1

Renal-Biofunction Potentials of Ethanolic Extract of Solanum Melongena Linn Fruit on Monosodium Glutamate- Intoxicated Rats and Kidney Histology

Research Article
Author(s): Uchendu O. Mbah, Ijere D. Nwanne, Obinna Jeremiah, Anthony Cemaluk C. Egbuonu
Journal: Journal of Diagnostics

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Abstract
This study evaluated the renal biofunction potentials of ethanolic extract of Solanum melongena Linn fruit on monosodium glutamate-intoxicated rats' and kidney histology using standard protocol. Twenty four Wistar rats that weighed 105.00 ± 7.00 g were used. The rats were assigned into 6 groups of 4 each and fed thus: Group 1 (control, feed and distilled water only), Group 2 (8000mg/kg body weight monosodium glutamate (MSG)), Group 3 (300mg/kg body weight (bw) the sample extract), Group 4 (8000mg/kg bw MSG + 100mg/kg bw the sample extract ), Group 5(8000mg/kg bw MSG+ 300mg/kg bw the sample extract) and Group 6 (8000mg/kg bw MSG+ 500mg/kg bw the sample extract) daily for 14 days. The results were expressed as mean ± S.E.M and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by a Duncan posthoc test was done to test for significance using SPSS version 22.0. The exposure of MSG resulted in a significant (P =0.05) increase in the activities of serum urea, creatinine, potassium ion, chloride ion, and sodium ion compared to the control. MSG and ethanolic extract of Solanum melongena Linn fruit co-treated groups at different concentrations were significantly (P =0.05) reduced to become comparable to the control group. MSG consumption in high concentration alters renal biofunction and this is also evident in the histology of the studied rats' kidney sections. However, the protective roles of ethanolic extract of Solanum melongena Linn fruit were notably at 500mg/kg of body weight in rats, a pointer to the dose-dependent function.
Contribution/ Originality
This research underscores the possible MSG-intoxication effects on the renal system in high concentration be it inadvertently or not and as well as the possible ameliorative roles of Solanum melongena Linn fruit on the affected organ on a dose-dependent function.
Medical Sciences » Journal of Diagnostics » Month: 03-2019 Issue: 1

Optimal Design of Hybrid Energy System Drives Small-Scale Reverse Osmosis Desalination Plant

Research Article
Author(s): M. Osman, M. A. Farahat, Mohammed Elsayed Lotfy
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Research

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Abstract
Different configurations for a hybrid energy system are presented. This study aims to produce 100 m3/day of freshwater for 120,000 people at Nakhl city, North Sinai, Egypt. This simulation selects the optimal design of the hybrid energy system according to the net present cost (NPC), the cost of energy (COE), the gases emissions (carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide) and the excess system electricity. The hybrid system consists of photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, storage batteries, and a diesel generator. The operation of five different systems is studied to supply the load at an average rate of 557.22 kWh/day with 35.67 kW peak load. In order to minimize the system total cycle cost, both of the photovoltaic modules sizing, the wind turbine production, the number of battery strings and the diesel generator fuel consumption are studied. Homer Pro software is used to select the optimal system configuration. The results illustrate that the hybrid PV/diesel/RO desalination plant system with storage batteries is sustainable and socially accepted system. It consists of 83.5 kW PV panels, a 36.4 kW converter, seven strings of lead-acid batteries and a 50 kW fixed capacity generator. Also, the system achieves the lowest cost of energy and net present cost.
Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies which have investigated the optimal hybrid power system configuration to drive a reverse osmosis desalination plant at the Nakhl city, Egypt. This study documents that renewable energy is the effective option to face the fuel energy pollution by reducing the gases emissions from burning fossil fuels.
Energy & Environmental Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Research » Month: 03-2019 Issue: 1

Attitude of Youth to Agriculture as Career in Iwo and Aiyedire Local Government Areas of Osun State, Nigeria

Research Article
Author(s): Nlerum, F. E., Babatunde, F. J.
Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research

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Abstract
The study determined the attitude of youths to agriculture as a career in Iwo and Aiyedire Local Government Areas of Osun State, Nigeria. The sample size of the study was 90 youths which were randomly selected from the clans of the study area. The questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. Data were analysed with mean and t-test. Results showed that the attitude of youths to agriculture as career in the study area was negative as indicated by grand means of 2.44 and 2.47 in Iwo and Aiyedire respectively. The variable with the highest negative response in Iwo with a mean of 2.32 was that agriculture is a gold mine for young entrepreneurs. For Aiyedire the variable with the highest negative response of 2.42 was that agriculture is attractive and decent. The major constraints of the youths to the choice of agriculture as career in Iwo were insufficient land to start (3.02) and use of crude tools for farming (3.02). Lack of funds to begin (2.91) and insufficient career guidance by agricultural extension workers and rural sociologists (2.79) were the major constraints for youths in Aiyedire. In order to attract more youths into having a positive attitude to agriculture as career, the study recommends provision for sufficient land and fund for young farmers and engagement of more agricultural extension workers and rural sociologists for career guidance to youths in the study area.
Contribution/ Originality


Agricultural Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research » Month: inpmonth-0000 Issue: 0

A Research on Determinants of Participation Intention in Medical Tourism to Korea -Focused on Mongolian Customers

Research Article
Author(s): Uyanga Zorigsaikhan, Woojoo Choi, Sang-Uk Jung
Journal: Journal of Tourism Management Research

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Abstract
Due to the geographical proximity and popularity of Korean dramas in Mongolia, Mongolian trip to Korea is growing rapidly, especially in medical tourism such as plastic surgery, skin care, and general health care. Therefore, it is important to find what drives Mongolian consumers to choose Korea as a medical tourism destination. Based on the empirical findings of prior literature, it was hypothesized that medical tourism cost, medical service, medical technology, medical tourism accessibility, and tourism service are significant determinants to drive Mongolian medical tourism destination. In this study, we conducted a survey for choosing Korea as a medical tourism destination for 894 people living in Korea and Mongolia, age from 20s to 50s. For the analysis, we employed the multiple regression, and the findings suggest that medical technology, cost appropriateness, medical service, and tourism service have a significant influence on Mongolian choice of medical tourism in Korea, but medical tourism accessibility would not have a significant effect on medical tourism destination selection. Our study concludes with managerial implication and future research direction.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to the existing literature by empirically testing the results of previous research on the determinants of medical tourism selection applied to Mongolian visit to Korea. The findings of this study have interesting managerial implications concerning marketing strategy, for both researchers and practitioners.
Business & Management » Journal of Tourism Management Research » Month: 03-2019 Issue: 1