RESEARCH ARTICLE (SOCIOLOGY) | Feb. 20, 2018
Public Electricity Fluctuation and Sustainability of Micro Enterprises in Southern Senatorial District of Cross River State, Nigeria
Linus O. Inyang, Etuk, G. Reuben
Page no 130-135 |
10.36348/sb.2018.v04i02.001
Abstract: Boosting the micro enterprises (MEs) sector of the economy has featured consistently in the agenda of successive policy makers in Nigeria in recent times. In line with this concern, development planners have gone ahead to identify a key factor to achieving the desired results - steady supply of public electricity. This is because MEs in Nigeria depend very much on public electricity to function. Unfortunately, public electricity supply in Nigeria currently is below capacity, meeting neither the demands of the Nigerian public nor those of organizations including MEs. Using the Social Disorganization Approach of the Functionalist Theory, this study analyzes the challenge of fluctuation in public supply of electricity and examined its impact on the sustainability of MEs in the Southern Senatorial District Cross River State, Nigeria. With the help of the questionnaire, data for the study were generated from 340 operators of MEs in the study area. Using percentages, responses to questionnaires items were analyzed while the Z statistical technique was utilized to test the hypothesis of the study. Results unveiled among other issues that fluctuation in public supply of electricity has a significant negative impact on the profit margin, and consequently, the growth and sustainability of micro enterprises the Southern Senatorial District of Cross River State, Nigeria.
RESEARCH ARTICLE (AGRICULTURE) | Feb. 20, 2018
Impact of Climate Variability and Food Security Assessment among Small and Emerging Maize Farmers in North West Province of South Africa
Oduniyi, Oluwaseun Samuel
Page no 136-145 |
10.36348/sb.2018.v04i02.002
Abstract: This study was conducted in Nkanga Modiri Molema District Municipalities of North West Province of South Africa. The objective of the study was to determine the implication of climate change on livelihood (Household Food security) and determinants among the small and emerging small-scale maize farmers in the province. A total number of 346 questionnaires were administered to the farmers in the district using stratified random sampling technique. Data were captured and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 and household food insecurity access scale (HFIAS) was employed to categories the food insecurity level. Descriptive analysis was first used to define the data followed by correlation matrix to reveal the variables that are relevant which were used in Binary Logistic regression analysis. However, the results of the analysis expounded some variables that are determinants to the impact of climate change on food security. Furthermore, the HFIAS findings elucidated that about 28.0% are mildly food insecured, 34% are moderately food insecured, while 21% are severely food insecured. It was recommended that the determinants factors such as the source of income, type of farm, land acquired, source of climate change information, the channel of information received on climate change, support received on climate change should be given more attention and addressed. Climate-smart agriculture, as well as conservative agriculture, should be introduced and improved where it has been practiced in the study area.
RESEARCH ARTICLE (BUSINESS) | Feb. 20, 2018
Accountability and Transparency in Project Procurement in the Public Sector: A Qualitative Study
Bett Kiprotich Emmanuel
Page no 146-152 |
10.36348/sb.2018.v04i02.003
Abstract: Managing public sector projects is a challenge because of the ethical issues involved during the project procurement process which may ultimately impact the quality, cost and time of the project itself. This review sought to assess the influence of accountability and transparency on ethical decision making in project procurement. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used. Population for this study comprised of project managers and internal and external stakeholders. Content analysis and thematic analysis of collected data was conducted. The study established that Disregard to existing systems and procedures compounded by inadequate transparency and accountability mechanisms means that progress in many public projects did not translate into better outcomes. The enhancement of transparency and accountability in contract awarding mechanisms as well as fair and adequate regulations may contribute to the efficiency of tendering practices.
RESEARCH ARTICLE (BUSINESS) | Feb. 20, 2018
Macroeconomic Factors and Bank Performance in Kenya
MUBIAH, Patrick Matindi, NGUNYI, Anthony, ITHINJI G. K
Page no 153-163 |
10.36348/sb.2018.v04i02.004
Abstract: Banks are important in the economy because they provide the security to the savings of customers, control the supply of money and credit and encourage public confidence in the working of the financial system. The current study sought to establish the influence of macroeconomic factors on bank performance. This study adopted the descriptive survey research design. The 44 commercial banks registered by central bank participated in the study. The study utilized secondary data which was sourced from CBK annual bank supervision reports over a 10-year period between 2006 and 2015. Descriptive statistics were used to organize the data while regression analysis was also be conducted to establish the relationships between variables in the study. The study found that macroeconomic factors have a strong positive correlation with bank performance. Exchange rates were significant. The study concludes that macroeconomic factors as a whole are important to bank performance. The study recommended that banks should enhance their risk management practices to shield them from grave exchanger rate exposure. This can be achieved through keen monitoring of fluctuations.
Keywords: Macroeconomic factors, bank performance, exchange rates, interest rates
RESEARCH ARTICLE (SOCIOLOGY) | Feb. 28, 2018
Victim Today and Tomorrow- The Lawyers’ Perception
Moumita Bhattacharjee
Page no 164-168 |
10.36348/sb.2018.v04i02.005
Abstract: In India where a rape is reported every 21 minutes, even the most horrific of them soon get forgotten while the victim’s memory is embedded with it forever. Violence against women is deeply entrenched in the feudal, patriarchal Indian society, where for the rapist, every woman is a fair game to play with and to safeguard their interests, and lawyers are playing a loyal role. This article makes an attempt to grasp the perspective of the lawyers both male and female regarding the rape law amendments that have taken place so far. It seeks to understand what changes the legal professionals think to be correct and what is incorrect with the system of judiciary. Also several specific rape cases have been involved including both popular and the forgotten rape cases to get an idea as to how far the criminal lawyers as a part of the legal system and handle rape cases very often, keep themselves updated with the happenings around the country. So much so has changed in the Indian law books to safeguard the interest of the women at home and outside the warmth of residence. But in implementation, has anything changed from Mathura rape case to Nirbhaya and beyond? This is the answer that this paper seeks to get from the side of the legal professionals as to grasp if they realize the loopholes of the criminal justice system or are they under the ignorant dilemma that aw is the ultimate tool a woman has to take up to get true justice.
RESEARCH ARTICLE (MANAGEMENT) | Feb. 28, 2018
Decision Model for a Visit at the Museum Bahari in Jakarta: People, Place, Promotion, and Physical Evidence
Hapzi Ali, Nurfitriah Febriani, Dudi Permana, Adi Nurmahdi
Page no 169-178 |
10.36348/sb.2018.v04i02.006
Abstract: This study aims to describe clearly about the influence place, people, promotion and physical evidence on the decision of the visit to the Maritime Museum. The population in this study is that visitor who are in Maritime Museum. The sampling reached is 100 respondents. The research analysis performed by using SPSS (by applying method multiple linier regression analysis) IBM program version 21 statistical applications for data processing. The result of this research are: 1) Place significantly influenced the decision of visit to the maritime museum, 2) People significantly influenced the decision of visit to the maritime museum, 3) Promotion significantly influenced the decision of visit to the maritime museum, 4) Physical Evidence influenced the decision of visit to the maritime museum, 5) People, Place, Promotion and Physical Evidence are simultaneously significant and influence the decision of visit to the Maritime Museum jointly.
RESEARCH ARTICLE (LANGUAGES) | Feb. 28, 2018
Effects of Rubrics in ESL (speaking and writing) Assessment: A Case Study
M. Shajedul Arifeen
Page no 179-185 |
10.36348/sb.2018.v04i02.007
Abstract: The instructional value of rubrics for promoting student learning and aiding teacher feedback to student performance has been studied extensively. This paper investigates the effects of rubrics in the ESL context; specially speaking and writing task assessment. Forty eight students attending an English Language undergraduate program at BAU, Mymensingh grouped into two as controlled group and experimental group participated in this study. Students’ performance at pre-test was compared with that of the post-test (with prior knowledge of rubrics only for experimental group). Statistical analysis paired sample t-test was used to compare the performance of the students on the use of rubrics at their posttest. Results showed that the rubric was perceived as useful for fostering the students’ speaking and writing development by guiding them through the stages of goal-setting, planning, self-monitoring and self-reflection. The paper also reports a significant impact of the rubrics use on students’ self-assessment.
RESEARCH ARTICLE (AGRICULTURE) | Feb. 28, 2018
Coastal Sediments Polluted by Petroleum Hydrocarbons (C10-C40): A Review on Its impacts on the Coastal Ecosystems of Mauritius
Gireshsingh Mungla, Sunita Facknath, Bhanooduth Lalljee
Page no 186-190 |
10.36348/sb.2018.v04i02.008
Abstract: Contamination due to petroleum hydrocarbons may result from many sources. In Mauritius, coastal sediment pollution results mostly from anthropogenic sources such as industrial activities and the sea activities, mainly at the harbour. While some authors affirmed that sea activities polluted the coastal sediments, and the concentration of pollutants was found to be higher in the harbour, likewise, an investigation was set to quantify the amount of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH), ranging from C10 to C40, in the neighbouring coasts from the Mauritius harbour at Port-Louis and to determine its effect on the coastal ecosystems. Three coastal sites were selected, namely, Tombeau Bay (C-BDT), Pointe aux Sables (C-PAS) and Mer Rouge (C-MER). Results showed that the most polluted the coastal sediments was Pointe aux Sables (451 mg/kg) followed by Tombeau Bay and Mer Rouge (less than 66 mg/kg) both. Despite that the chemical properties of the sediments analysed were favourable for microbial biodiversity, results showed that there was a much richer microbial biodiversity in less contaminated sediments while greater microbial activity (respiration rate) in the contaminated environment, C-PAS. Given that the toxicity of TPH in soil was established at range greater than 1000 mg/kg, it was noted that despite the C-PAS site was the most polluted, it did not reach the permissible limit. However, due to the urbanisation and intensive use of the sea for ship activities, the concentration of the level of pollution due to TPH is expected to increase in the forthcoming years.
RESEARCH ARTICLE (LAW) | Feb. 28, 2018
A Conceptual Analysis of the Discipline of Lawyers in Nigeria: Key to the Development of the Profession
Lilian E. Effiong, Emmanuel Olowononi Esq, Akin O. Oluwadayisi, Omoniyi Bukola Akinola
Page no 191-202 |
10.36348/sb.2018.v04i02.009
Abstract: The legal profession is a noble profession. It is highly regulated, as such, there are several mechanisms put in place to ensure discipline in the legal profession. There are several bodies created by the Legal Practitioners Act to ensure discipline in the profession. This paper analyzes the various regulations and disciplinary mechanisms of legal practitioners in Nigeria. This includes, the various regulatory bodies, the conducts that attracts discipline, the disciplinary procedure and the various sanctions that can be imposed upon liability and draw a conclusion that discipline in the legal profession is disjointed and inadequate, aside the inefficiency created because of the overlapping roles of the regulatory bodies. The paper concludes that the present disciplinary mechanisms need overhauling.
RESEARCH ARTICLE (ENGINEERING) | Feb. 28, 2018
Requirement of Python Programming Language for Reinforcement Learning (RL)
Varun Geetha Mohan, Mohamed Ariff Ameedeen
Page no 203-207 |
10.36348/sb.2018.v04i02.010
Abstract: In this article we discussed on why Python require in Reinforcement Learning(RL). Python languages have a unique ecosystem, cultures and have their own philosophies. Python codes are available as open sources and Python community involvement with local, national and international events and it is helpful for new developers. Python have its wide array of open source code libraries, package management and ability to work well on platforms other than Windows OS. Finally, Python is great for deployment automation and web development and many non-developers are first introduced to the language and ecosystem while getting data analysis work done.
RESEARCH ARTICLE (AGRICULTURE) | Feb. 28, 2018
Salvia Species and their Biological Activities Naturally Distributed in Tokat Province
Melih YILAR, İzzet KADIOĞLU
Page no 208-212 |
10.36348/sb.2018.v04i02.011
Abstract: Our country which is located in the temperate climate zone is rich in terms of plant genetic resources due to its different ecological and topographical characteristics. Our country has about 12 thousand plant taxa in its flora. Among these plant taxa medicinal and aromatic plants have an important place. Salvia species, which are in the Lamiaceae family that contains medicinal aromatic plants are used for food, tea, cosmetics and perfumery industry and medical purposes among the public. This genus contains 900 species worldwide. In Turkey flora, its 95 species, including 51 endemic ones spread naturally. Tokat province, which is located in the Central Black Sea District Region showing the transitional characteristics between Black Sea region climate and Central Anatolia climate, is rich in plant diversity. Tokat is also rich in terms of Salvia species. It is estimated that there are about 15 Salvia species throughout the province. In this review, information about Salvia species and their biological activities which are distributed naturally in Tokat province are provided.
RESEARCH ARTICLE (MATERIALS ENGINEERING) | Feb. 28, 2018
Production and Characterization of Cu-SiC Composites for Electrical Contact Materials
Acikbas Gokhan, Karadag Mecit
Page no 213-221 |
10.36348/sb.2018.v04i02.012
Abstract: In this study, the effect of SiC reinforcement on the electrical, mechanical, physical properties and microstructure of copper matrix composite contact material was investigated. The composite materials were produced by using the powder metallurgy method. The unalloyed copper and SiC powder mixtures were shaped by using a uniaxial press after mixing for 10 minutes at 300 rpm. The shaped specimens were heat treated in graphite powder bad in a capped steel chamber and sintered at 800° C for 2 hours. Electrical conductivity, hardness, density measurements, microstructure analyzes and mineralogical analyzes of the samples were performed after sintering. The structure-property relationships of the produced monolithic and composite copper contact materials are discussed. It was determined that the value of electrical conductivity decreased with increasing amount of SiC phase, and hardness value increased compared to pure copper. Cu-SiC composites revealed better mechanical properties than monolithic copper contact materials.
RESEARCH ARTICLE (CHEMISTRY) | Feb. 28, 2018
Theoretical study of the regioselectivity of the interaction of molecules isolated from Siphonochilus aethiopicus with water
Mutimana KR, Muya JT, Mudogo V, Muzomwe M, Mpiana PT
Page no 222-230 |
10.36348/sb.2018.v04i02.013
Abstract: Computational methods are used to predict the most favorable site of furano sesquiterpenoids (FNTP) towards attack by a water molecule. The energetic of the various complexes are presented as well as their geometries, including Density Functional Theory (DFT) reactivity descriptors such as; Molecular electrostatic potential, Natural Bond Orbital (NBO), Mulliken Electrostatic Charges, Fukui functions HOMO-LUMO gaps data and interactions energies between FNTPs and water acting as simultaneous proton donor and acceptor, predict the reactivity of different basic sites in the following decreasing sequence: CO17> CO14> O19>O13 for FNTP-1 and CO16> O13 for FNTP-2.
RESEARCH ARTICLE (PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES) | Feb. 28, 2018
A novel and sensitive analytical method for identification and quantification of organic acids in pharmaceutical products by HPLC with UV-Visible detector
Vavilala Vishweshwar, Sai Siva Ganesh Lekkala, Amol Ashok Deshpande, Sunil Dattatraya Pawar, Konakalla Venkateshwar Rao, Kaviraj M Yarbagi, Jagadeesh Narkedimilli, J Moses Babu and R. Muralikrishna
Page no 231-238 |
10.36348/sb.2018.v04i02.014
Abstract: A novel, sensitive, specific and reliable gradient HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) method has been developed and validated for the identification and quantification of acids namely, Glyoxalic acid, Glycolic acid, Formic acid, Acetic acid, Diglycolic acid, Chloro acetic acid, Dichloro acetic acid and Trichloro acetic acid. A novel, suitable, rapid and sensitive analytical method was developed using HPLC technique for the above acids quantification and identification. The chromatographic separation of the acids were achieved on Atlantis T3 (250*4.6) mm, 5.0 µ column using 0.15 % TFA (Tri Fluoro Acetic acid) in water (v/v): Solvent mixture (98.5:1.5 v/v) as a mobile phase-A and Acetonitrile: Methanol (90:10%v/v). The solvent mixture was prepared by mixing the acetonitrile and methanol solvents in the ratio of 90:10 volumes. The HPLC method was validated with respect to limit of detection, limit of quantitation, specificity, linearity, accuracy and precision.