Asian Journal of Applied Sciences (AJAS) ISSN (Online): 2321-0893
Copyright © The Author(s). This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Evaluation of Industrial Plantation Practices in Turkish Forestry
Due to Turkey's developing economy, the demand for wood raw materials is increasing daily. Given that natural forests will face difficulties in meeting this demand in the coming years, the concept of "Industrial Plantation" is assuming a significant role in Turkish forestry. The General Directorate of Forestry planned plantations for 165.000 hectares in its "Industrial Afforestation Works Action Plan" covering the 2013-2023 period, with 145.000 hectares actually being realized. This study presents the history, potential, and challenges of plantations in Turkish forestry, and develops recommendations.
Industrial plantation, Türkiye, wood harvesting
Copyright (c) 2025 AHMET SIVACIOĞLU, Kani Özdarçın, Tuba Malkoç https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Air Pollutants Behavior During the COVID-19 Pandemic in more Polluted Cities in Central and Southern Chile
This article studies air quality in some of the most polluted medium-sized cities in Central and Southern Chile, which have experienced high levels of coarse and fine particulate matter pollution in recent years. Since air quality is much better in spring and summer, the study focused on the winter period (from April 1 to August 31) and between 2018 and 2023, corresponding to the pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic. We analyzed the effect of the COVID-19 lockdown on air quality in ten urban areas declared saturated by air pollution. Elsewhere in the world, and during the same period, air quality improved due to a recession or decrease in human activity. This was due to the quarantine imposed on the global population when the WHO declared the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. However, this study detected a possible increase in environmental pollution between 2020 and 2022 in all the cities studied. The possible causes of this phenomenon are investigated. Finally, it was observed that the population was exposed to poor air quality throughout the study period in the different cities studied, which could have had very detrimental effects on the population's health.
SARS-CoV-2, Firewood Pollution, Health Impacts, Particulate Matter.
Copyright (c) 2025 Giovanni Salini, Evelin Medina https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Evaluation of FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) Forest Management Certification in Turkish Forestry in its 15th year
In response to demands from the forestry sector in Turkey, the forest management certification process according to the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) system began in 2010. Turkey has 18 FSC FM/CoC certificates under 17 FRDs (30 FRDs in total). A total of 11,450,701.12 ha of forest area has been certified (49% of the total forest area). Türkiye's total forest area is 23,363,084.00 ha, of which 13,813,598.00 ha (59%) is productive forest. Accordingly, it is understood that a very large portion of the productive forest area has been certified. This study examines the functioning of the FSC process in Turkish forestry and its challenges, and proposes recommendations.
FSC, Forest Management, Certification, Türkiye
Copyright (c) 2025 Ahmet SIVACIOĞLU, Kani Özdarçın, Tuba Malkoç https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Evaluation of the Regulatory Effect of Ripe Fruit Juice of Saba senegalensis on Hyperglycemia in Rattus norvegicus
The objective of this study is to evaluate the ability of Saba senegalensis ripe fruit juice to regulate orally induced hyperglycemia in Rattus norvegicus. To do this, trace elements were first searched for in the juice of ripe fruit of Saba senegalensis by the calcination-mineralization method. Then, amino acids and vitamins C and B were searched for by the HPLC method. Finally, the evaluation of the regulatory activity of Saba senegalensis juice was done by induction of orally induced hyperglycemia after the ingestion of 75 grams of glucose. The results of this study reveal that the juice of ripe fruit of Saba senegalensis contains trace elements such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium, manganese, zinc, copper and iron with respective contents of 1.20 ± 0.03; 0.42 ± 0.08; 0.95 ± 0.07; 1.40 ± 0.09; 0.09 ± 0.005; 0.27 ± 0.03; 0.96 ± 0.06; 0.94 ± 0.07 and 1.41 ± 0.02 μg/g dry matter. It also contains vitamins C and B1 as well as amino acids such as cysteine, proline and leucine, of which the latter is an essential amino acid. It appears from this study that Saba senegalensis fruit juice contains trace elements, amino acids and vitamins. The presence of these elements in the juice of ripe fruit of Saba senegalensis helps to lower the hyperglycemia induced by the consumption of glucose and to normalize blood sugar levels.
fruit, Saba senegalensis, juice, hyperglycemia, Rattus norvegicus
Copyright (c) 2025 Yao Yves Kouame, Abiba Gboko Ouattara, Yeboué Koffi François Kouakou https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Development of A Cost-Effective Rechargeable 5V Solar Lamp
Millions of people living in rural areas around the world lack access to reliable and affordable lighting. Their reliance on traditional lighting sources poses health risk, environmental concerns and economic burdens. Energy poverty persists, highlighting the need for sustainable energy and affordable lighting solution. This study presents the design and construction of a cost-effective rechargeable 5V solar lamp, tailored to meet the lighting needs of rural households. The construction of the lamp began with the assembly of all the components such as battery, solar cell, light emitting diode (LED) and connecting wires, all coupled and soldered to a TP4056 module and then enclosed in a P-box to provide a secure and safe housing of the internal components. With its durable construction, efficient energy conversion, reliable performance and low maintenance requirements, this solar lamp offers a viable, attractive and sustainable lighting solution for off-grid communities. This study contributes to environmental conservation and improved energy access for rural households and provides valuable insights for the development of cost-effective and sustainable solar-powered lighting solutions by reducing reliance on traditional lighting sources.
Pure and Applied Physics (Energy and Solid State)
Copyright (c) 2025 Adewumi Hope Kofoworola, Onifade Daniel Oluwatobi, Oyeshola Hakeem Olayinka, Oyetunji Emmanuel Oluwapelumi, Abiodun Ayodele Joshua https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Chemical Composition of Forage Species from the Gadoudhe Range, in Fabidji Rural Municipality (Niger)
This study was conducted in the rural commune of Fabidji in the Gadoudhe range. It assessed the chemical composition of the forage species of the said range; which is a fallback area par excellence for the animals of the commune. 33 natural herbaceous and woody forage species of the Gadoudhe range were collected and characterized by determining the chemical composition. Thus, the TNM contents of the forage resources of the range are ˂ 10%. At the herbaceous level, the species richest in TNM are represented by Pupallia lappacea, Zornia glochidiata, Citrillus lanatus and Mollugo nudicaulis. For woody plants, Maerua crassifolia is the richest species. The natural herbaceous fodder studied is rich in crude cellulose (CC). More than 50% of the herbaceous plants have their CC contents higher than 30%. As for natural woody fodder, 66% of the species have their CC levels between 18 and 22%. The results of the determination of the chemical composition of the fodder reveal higher MM contents in natural herbaceous plants than in woody plants. Natural herbaceous fodder is less rich in fat than woody fodder. The results of the dosage of MM, CC, fat, and TNM of natural herbaceous and woody fodder of the Gadoudhe course made it possible to assess the forage quality of each species studied.
Chemical composition, Forage species, Gadoudhé range, Fabidji, Niger
Copyright (c) 2025 Djibo Ibrahim, Maman Lawal Abdoul Aziz; Korombé Seydou Hamza; Mounkaila Moussa, Marichatou Hamani https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Influence of Influencer Marketing and Brand Knowledge on Brand Switching Local Skincare
This study primarily aims to investigate the causal relationships between influencer marketing and brand knowledge on brand switching behavior among local skincare product consumers in East Jakarta, with particular emphasis on understanding the psychological and behavioral mechanisms driving consumer migration between brands. The research employs a quantitative methodology through a structured online survey distributed via multiple digital platforms (WhatsApp, Instagram, and Twitter), achieving a response rate of 87.5% with 154 valid responses from a target of 176 distributed questionnaires. The study population comprised both female (75.3%) and male (24.7%) consumers aged 17-35 years who have experience using local skincare products. Data analysis was conducted using Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) through SmartPLS software, incorporating measurement model assessment (convergent and discriminant validity) and structural model evaluation (path coefficients and hypothesis testing). The results demonstrate statistically significant positive effects of both influencer marketing (β = 0.229, t = 3.131, p < 0.002) and brand knowledge (β = 0.242, t = 2.857, p < 0.004) on brand switching behavior. Specifically, influencer marketing's impact is manifested through trustworthiness, expertise, and attractiveness indicators, while brand knowledge influences through brand recognition, recall, and quality perception pathways. These findings have substantial implications for local skincare brands' marketing strategies, suggesting that effective influencer collaboration and comprehensive brand education can significantly influence consumer brand switching decisions. The study contributes to the growing body of literature on digital marketing dynamics in the Indonesian skincare industry while providing practical insights for marketing practitioners in the local beauty sector.
Influencer Marketing, Brand Knowledge, Brand Switching, Local Skincare, Consumer Behavior, Quantitative Research, Social Media Marketing.
Copyright (c) 2025 Celine Michelle Monica, La Mani, Muhammad Aras https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
AI-Based Mathematical Modeling and Simulation of Thermal Effects in Lubrication of Rolling/Sliding Contacts
In this study, we investigated the thermal effects of non-Newtonian fluids in the lubrication of rollers under rolling or sliding contacts, considering both uniform and non-uniform conditions using advanced AI-based mathematical tools. Our findings indicate that temperature influences stability by slightly shifting the position of the pressure peak away from the center line of the contact. Despite this shift, the pressure peak consistently appears near the exit of the film, regardless of thermal effects. Additionally, the squeezing motion of the surfaces significantly impacts the pressure peak, with both cavitation pressure and temperature increasing as the squeezing velocity decreases.
AI- Mathematical modeling, Non-Newtonian Fluids, Bearing, Lubrication, hydrodynamics
Copyright (c) 2025 Bhupal Kumar, Bimal Kumar, Ashish Narayan, Ayani Nandi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Society, Democracy and Human Rights: Sociological Interpretation Notes
This work aims to develop an approach, from the point of view of sociological research, regarding the relationship between democracy and human rights. In this sense, it initially outlines some key elements of democracy and discusses some of its problematic aspects. It states, for example, that a representative system is not necessarily democratic. Then, the paper deals with the concept of human rights. It emphasizes that the protection of human rights and the rule of law, not only in developed but also in developing countries, is best achieved through a commitment to democratic principles. The experience of human rights and freedoms is necessary for democracy to function properly at all. In conclusion, it is stated that the guarantee of civil and political rights for the individual citizen plays a fundamental role in democracy. For instance, these rights are essential to secure the twin democratic principles of popular control and political equality in the system of collective decision-making.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ivonaldo Leite https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Exploration-Exploitation Tradeoffs in Metaheuristics: A Review
A metaheuristic algorithm is an algorithmic framework at a high level, independent of problems, which offers a set of recommendations or strategies to develop heuristic optimization algorithms. Evolutionary computation and other metaheuristics have long been focused on the trade-off between exploration and exploitation. This subject is present in a wide range of domains, including modeling and prediction, search and optimization, machine learning and cognition, and many more situations where uncertainty is present. The trade-off between exploration and exploitation is crucial for all optimization techniques. Efficient optimization and lower computing costs can be achieved by striking a fair balance between both. The paper introduces a study that discusses metaheuristic algorithms and previous studies in three areas: 1) What elements of metaheuristic facilitate exploration and exploitation; 2) When and how exploration control is applied. 3) how to find a balance between the two.
Copyright (c) 2025 Bayadir Abbas Al-Himyari, Hiba Al-khafaji , Noor Fadel Hussain https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Population Dynamics of Spiny Lobster, Panulirus regius de Brito Capello, 1864 in the Gulf of Guinea off Côte d’Ivoire (West Africa)
The population dynamics of the spiny lobster Panulirus regius were studied. A total of 331 individuals divided into 195 males and 136 males with respective lengths ranging from 14 cm to 38.4 cm and from 12.9 to 23.4 cm were used for this study. Sampling took place over a 12-month period from August 2019 to September 2020 at the Assinie landing site among artisanal fishermen operating in the Gulf of Guinea in Côte d’Ivoire. The FiSAT II software was used to determine the growth and exploitation parameters. The results showed an identical modal class [15-18] for both sexes and even for the total population. The growth parameters were performed according to the Von Bertalanffy growth model. The asymptomatic length determined was L∞ = 39.38 cm for a growth coefficient K = 0.38 year-1 with a performance index Φ'=2.77 years. The theoretical age for zero length was t0 = -0.40 years while the longevity tmax = 7.89 years. Total mortality (Z) is 1.42 year-1 and natural mortality (M) is 0.89 year-1. However, fishing mortality (F) is 0.53 year-1. The current exploitation rate (E) is 0.38. As regards recruitment, a peak was obtained in February with a value of 15.71%.
Spiny lobsters; Panulirus regius; Growth, Exploitation
Copyright (c) 2025 Ida Akissi KONAN, Olivier Assoi ETCHIAN, Basile Kouakou KOUAME, Angelina Gbohono LOUKOU, Christian Bernard TIA https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Shape Recognition Using Segmenting and String Matching
This paper presents an efficient way to represent objects. The image of the object is converted into an edge image. Important points of the curve are identified by the dominant point detection method. A line segment of every two consecutive important points is a categorical line segment or a non-linear line segment. Nonlinear segments are fitted as circular arcs. In addition, the compactness of approximate polygons is used as a feature in the shape recognition process. Experimental results show that using this new global feature has better recognition performance than traditional features such as relative distance, length and angle. Overall the new method is efficient and effective in representing and recognizing shapes.
Shape recognition, string matching, curve, feature
Copyright (c) 2023 Wen-Yen Wu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Effect of Seasonality on the Diet and Biochemical Composition of the Stomach Contents Tilapia Sarotherodon melanotheron melanotheron (Rüppell, 1852) in three Aquatic Ecosystems of Côte d'Ivoire (Sector VI of Ebrié lagoon, Ayamé Lake 1 and Aby-Nord lagoon)
Culture of Sarotherodon melanotheron presents major difficulty, which is the valorization of artificial food by this species. Thus, this study aims to identify preferential prey of this species in three aquatic ecosystems (sector VI of Ebrié lagoon, Ayamé Lake 1 and Aby-Nord lagoon), with a view to developing natural food resources in farming environments. The sampling was carried out from March 2017 to February 2018 using 80 to 100 mm gillnets. Stomachs of 343 specimens were analyzed by microscopic observation, preys were identified, feed index (AI) was calculated and nutritional quality of food bolus has been determined. IA shows a preference of specimens from sector VI for Coscinodiscus sp. at dry season (IA=58.63%), rainy season (IA=65.97%) and flood season (IA=21.06%). Coscinodiscus sp. remains an essential prey in Aby lagoon at high rainy season (IA=45.66%), a dominant prey at small dry season (IA=76.06%) and small rainy season (IA=92.29%). On the other hand, in Ayamé Lake 1, Aulacoseira sp. is important prey (IA =19.03%) in high dry season, essential prey (IA=48.19%) at high rainy season and dominant prey (IA=61.21%) at small dry season. At alimentary bolus, highest contents of proteins (22.44%) and lipids (2.36%) were obtained at high dry season in the Aby lagoon. The contents of hydrolysable organic matter (4499.50 to 781.3 mg.g-1) and minerals (161.3 to 406.2 mg.g-1) remain high in three aquatic ecosystem regardless of the season. In conclusion, species has a preference for genera Coscinodiscus sp. and Aulacoseira sp and quality of food bolus is superior in lagoon.
Copyright (c) 2023 Soumaila Konaté, Gopéyué Maurice YEO, Séverine Estelle Konan, Olivier Assoa ETCHIAN, Nahoua Issa OUATTARA, Yao Laurent ALLA, Célestin Mélécony BLE https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
New Modified Anderson Darling Goodness of Fit Test for Lognormal and Gamma distributions
The purpose of this study is to present the new modified Anderson-Darling goodness of fit test, and compare to the efficiency of three tests; Kolmogorov Smirnov test, Anderson-Darling test and Zhang (2002) test. A simulation study is used to estimate the critical values at a significance level of 0.05. The type I error rate and test power are calculated using Monte Carlo simulation with 10,000 replicates. The data are generated from the specified distribution; i.e., Lognormal and Gamma distributions with sample size of 10, 20, 30, 50, 100 and 200. The results demonstrate that every test has control over the type I error probability. The new test has the highest power for two alternative hypotheses; Loglogistic and Logistic distributions. Moreover, when the alternative distribution is Normal distribution and the sample size is small, the new test has the highest power.
Goodness of fit test, Anderson-Darling test, Kolmogorov Smirnov test, Modified Anderson-Darling test
Copyright (c) 2023 Jutaporn Neamvonk, Bumrungsak Phuenaree https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Fabrication of Magnetic Nanocomposites Using Natural Polymer Coating to Grain and Ciprofloxacin
In this study, we try to stabilize magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4) with natural granular polymer (granular mucilage as a natural, biocompatible and biodegradable coating) and then load the drug ciprofloxacin on these nanoparticles. Then, structural, magnetic, physicochemical, colloidal and antibacterial properties of the samples using various characterization tools and tests such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis, FEE-SEM field scanning electron microscopy (SEM) Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM), Infrared Fourier Analysis (FTIR), Optical Spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Nanoparticle Specific Surface (BET) and Testing The antibacterial property of disk diffusion must be investigated [21]. XRD results as well as structural analysis of the samples confirm the magnetite phase with high purity. The results of FE-SEM and TEM analyzes indicate spherical morphology and very small size of magnetite nanoparticles (average 13 nm). The results of DLS analysis show a hydrodynamic diameter of 81.9 to 119.2 nm for magnetic nanoparticles with different structures. Zeta potential values ​​for magnetic nanoparticles are between -0.28 and -55.2 mV, indicating suitable colloidal stability of the nanoparticles for biological applications. The VSM results indicate the high saturation magnetization of the samples as well as the small amounts of the forcing field and the residual magnetization of the samples, which indicates the superpromagnetic property of the nanoparticles.
Magnetic nanoparticles; Natural Polymer; Physicochemical; Antibacterial property
Copyright (c) 2023 Farzad Soleymani https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
A Study of the Magnetic Nanocomposites with Natural Polymer Coating From the Perspective of the Targeted Drug Delivery
Recent research on the resistance of pathogenic bacteria to existing antibiotics has shown the rapid spread of this problem and has raised concerns in scientific circles and international organizations. The development of new antibiotics is still slow in the face of growing needs. In addition, the overuse of antibiotics in developing countries has exacerbated the problem. Therefore, the development of new and multidimensional strategies is necessary to address this global problem. One of the solutions that has been considered by researchers in recent years is the development of targeted drug delivery systems based on magnetic nanoparticles. Unique magnetic properties the physicochemical and physiological properties of magnetic nanoparticles have made them useful as carriers for delivering drugs to the target tissue. In this study, we try to provide a general study to some subjects such as synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles and coating of these nanoparticles with natural polymer to grain (mucilage to grain) as a biocompatible, non-toxic and oral polymeric agent for maximum loading of ciprofloxacin antibiotic on nanostructured nuclei Magnetite and shell to mucilage to grain, to study the effect of different parameters and fabrication conditions of samples on the structural, physicochemical, magnetic, colloidal stability and antibacterial properties of samples, and also to investigate the effect of pH on ciprofloxacin adsorption on magnet nanoparticles by mucilage to the grain and release of the drug from these nanoparticles.
Targeted Drug Delivery; Ciprofloxacin; Grain Mucilage; Magnetic Nanoparticles (Fe3O4)
Artificial Intelligence Applications in English Language Teaching: A Short Survey
Artificial intelligence is one of the most popular and influential sciences in many fields. It works continuously to contemporise computer systems to operate with high efficiency and to think like what a human think. In addition, this science seeks to make the work of the machine simulate the work of the human brain in thinking and making decisions, according to the environment in which they live. Therefore, it has become necessary to have artificial intelligence applications in all areas, including education, especially the English language teaching electronically. In this regard, the most influential applications and programs that contribute to the development of teaching English electronically and their effectiveness in developing e-learning will be reviewed. This article concluded that there are applications of artificial intelligence in teaching English electronically, which are of great importance and a great future in the development of language teaching.
Copyright (c) 2023 Maad M. Mijwil, Safaa H. Abdulrhman, Rana A. Abttan, Alaa Khaleel Faieq, Anmar Alkhazraji https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Determination of Optimized Locations for Modular Rice Paddy Aggregation Centres in Anambra State, Nigeria by GIS-Based Approach
In this study an attempt was made to appraise the adequacy of the existing number and Locations of Rice aggregation centres (RAC) in the state and propose optimal numbers and their locations in the eight agricultural zones of Anambra state, Nigeria using Geographic Information System (GIS) methodology. This method involves spatial decision, which deals with a large set of feasible alternatives through the use of remotely sensed data in providing the required spectral and spatial information for generating information layers for rice aggregation centres selection criteria. The study discovered thirteen sites fulfilling all sitting criteria for location of rice aggregation centres. The results propose that two locations be allotted to Ayamelum in addition to the 4 existing centres, thereby bringing it to a total of 6 aggregation centres with a mean distance of 2.8km. Anambra East which had one aggregation centre was allocated 2 aggregation centres with a mean distance of 2.65km from the rice farms. Anambra West which previously had no aggregation centre was allocated one aggregation centre with a mean distance of 2km. Awka North was also allocated two aggregation centres with a mean distance of 3.3km from the rice farms. Orumba South which previously had no centre was proposed one aggregation centre with a mean distance of 4.1km from the rice farms. Orumba North which previously had no centre was allocated two aggregation centres with a mean distance of 3.4km from the rice farms. Ihiala, had no aggregation centre but was allocated 1 aggregation centre which has a mean distance of 3.6km from the rice farms. Ogbaru previously had one aggregation centre but was allocated 1 more aggregation centre with a mean distance of 3.8km from the rice farms. These results have shown that GIS-based location modelling can be successfully used in locating agro-service centres such as products aggregation centres.
Rice, GIS, aggregation centres, Location, Modelling, optimization
Copyright (c) 2023 ``Charles Obiora Nwajinka, Chukwunonso Divine Okpala, Nneka Jane Ogbuagu, Esom Chisom Igbokwe https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Deep Learning Applications and Their Worth: A Short Review
Deep learning has become a favoured trend in many applications serving humanity in the past few years. Since deep learning seeks useful investigation and can learn and train huge amounts of unlabelled data, deep learning has been applied in many fields including the medical field. In this article, the most noteworthy applications of deep learning are presented shortly and positively, they are image recognition, automatic speech recognition, natural language processing, drug discovery and toxicology, customer relationship management, recommendation systems and bioinformatics. The report concluded that these applications have a significant and vital role in all areas of life.
Copyright (c) 2022 Maad M. Mijwil, Dhamyaa Salim Mutar, Enas Sh. Mahmood, Murat Gök, Süleyman Uzun, Ruchi Doshi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Employing a Convolutional Neural Network to Classify Medical Images: A Case Study
A convolutional neural network is one of the deep learning architectures that has been involved in a lot of the literature, and it's incredible at work. The convolutional neural network is distinguished in its use in computer vision and graphical analysis applications. It is characterised by the actuality of one or more hidden layers that extract features in images or videos, and there is also a layer to show the effects. In this regard, the authors decided to involve the convolutional neural network algorithm to classify a few chest X-ray images of COVID-19 patients and study the behaviour of this algorithm and the effects that will be obtained at the time of training. Finally, this study concluded that the performance and practices of this algorithm are very excellent and give satisfactory effects with a perfect training time.
Copyright (c) 2022 Maad M. Mijwil, Anmar Alkhazraji, Abdel-Hameed Al-Mistarehi, Ruchi Doshi, Enas Sh. Mahmood https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Works and Lives of the Informal Waste Picker; A Case Study at Anandabazar Open Dumping Site, Chattogram City Corporation, Bangladesh
The study examined the sociodemographic characteristics, health and working conditions of waste pickers at the Anandabazar dumping site, Chattogram, Bangladesh. Through questionnaire surveys data was gathered from waste pickers. The study identifies that 61% of respondents were men and 39% were women. The mean age of the participants was 28.29 ± 9.85 and 84% were uneducated. The majority of them work 8-10 hours per day. Daily average income from recyclables was found BDT 443.5 (US$ 5.15). In terms of health conditions, they were suffering mostly from digestive gastrointestinal issues, such as episodic diarrhea (39%), intestinal worms (57%), and hepatitis A (2.5%). The waste pickers’ living status was appalling, working conditions were hazardous. Yet, many were drawn to informal recycling due to the lack of alternatives. Therefore, special attention is required to enhance their health and working conditions as well as to integrate them into the city's formal SWM system.
Waste picker, income, Waste management, Anandabazar dumping site, Occupational health hazards.
Copyright (c) 2023 Nurjahan Begum, Tarakul Hoque MD Rifat, Mohammed Kamal Hossain https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
A Proposed Algorithm for Determining the Suitable Number of Significant Digits of Force Transducer Calibration Constants
Precision measurement is one of the important goals of measurement and calibration. Positive measures are designed to provide researches with the highest accuracy and precision levels. In force measurements, force measuring instrument manufacturers are striving to achieve the best force measurement resolution to accompany the high level of calibration measurement capabilities achieved by the primary deadweight machines. In the calibration of the force transducers, polynomial equations which correlate, the applied load on the transducer and its corresponding output signal in mV/V are deduced. These equations contain numerical constants A, B and C. This paper introduces a mechanism to determine the suitable number of significant digits for these constants. Error analysis procedure for the calibration polynomial equation is proposed. This proposed algorithm safeguards the most accurate and realistic method for rounding the calibration constants
Significant digits, Force transducer, Rounding, uncertainty, calibration constants
Copyright (c) 2022 Riham S. hegazy, Magdi Ibrahim, Gouda. M. Mahmoud https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Distinction between R-CNN and Fast R-CNN in Image Analysis: A Performance Comparison
Deep learning techniques have become vital in many fields in the modern era because they are excellent at analysing and predicting real big data to act in different situations. Although it is marvellous in many aspects, it is prone to misinterpretation of data, so teams of experienced specialists cannot be dispensed with in following up on the execution stages of data analysis. Convolutional Neural Network is one of the most significant deep learning techniques. It is widely employed in visual image analysis. In this article, R-CNN and Fast R-CNN are summarised and compared and are the best in image analysis. This article concluded that the most suitable performance is for Fast R-CNN in testing and training.
Copyright (c) 2022 Maad M. Mijwil, Karan Aggarwal, Ruchi Doshi, Kamal Kant Hiran, Murat Gök https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Pattern and Determinants of Rice Combine Harvester Adoption in Isabela, Philippines
With the need to promote wider adoption of rice combine harvesters (RCH) in the Philippines, this study analyzed the adoption process and investigated the factors that influenced complete adoption of the technology. Data was gathered through survey of 230 rice farmers and supplemented by key informant interviews in 24 rice-producing municipalities of the province. Results showed that RCH was adopted by farmers with higher level of education, higher income, larger farm holdings and with irrigated farms situated in the lowlands. About 90 percent of rice farmers in the area are already using RCH and adoption was considered permanent since all adopters did not revert to traditional practice after initially using the technology. The remaining non-mechanized farms are the rain-fed areas with poor road access, terraced small plots and waterlogged farms that deter the use of heavy machines. The respondents cited reduction of harvesting-threshing time which averts the exposure of farmers to climate risks brought by tropical cyclones and reduction of harvesting-threshing costs and postproduction losses as primary reasons for adoption of RCH. Empirical estimates using Logistic Regression revealed that RCH adoption increases with farm size and educational attainment. Topography is also an important determinant of adoption as farms situated in the lowland are more likely to adopt RCH than in the upland areas. With these findings, it is recommended that drivers and barriers of RCH adoption RCH be considered in the technology promotion.
Copyright (c) 2022 Hernaiz G. Malanon, Isabelita M. Pabuayon https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Musculoskeletal Discomfort Evaluation using Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) and Quick Exposure Check (QEC) among Woodworking Workers in Selangor, Malaysia
Objective: This study aims to investigate the exposure to risk factors for WMSDs using Quick Exposure Check (QEC) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) in woodworking workers with four main tasks, including cutting, lifting, assembling, and finishing products. Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are one of the major occupational health problems among woodworkers, especially in developed and developing countries, such as Malaysia. Recently, numerous studies on MSDs have been widely explored, yet the culture, environment and regulatory practices on hazard and risk may differ in each country. Method: The study was conducted on 30 workers in 3 woodworking workshops in Selangor, Malaysia. Through this study, demographic surveys, QEC, and REBA were examined. Results: The results indicated that the most critical task is the lifting and assembling activity. Conclusion: These two activities may require an ergonomic intervention to reduce WMSDs risks. Application: These finding present the most critical task need to be considerations for use in ergonomic design.
Copyright (c) 2022 Nurhanisah Mohd Hawari, Ruhaizin Sulaiman, Khairul Manami Kamarudin, Rosalam Che Me https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Exogenous Putrescine Enhances Rice Seed Germination in Salinity Stress
Putrescine plays a distinct role in various types of biological functions in all living organisms, as well as environmental stress. The aim of the study is to effect of exogenous putrescine on the physiological condition of the rice seeds investigated. Salt treatment resulted in the reduction of speed of germination, germination, germination energy, germination energy percentage, final germination percentage, shoot and root length, and plant dry weight, where proline content was remarkably increased. Among the rice varieties, BRRI 48 was affected maximum by way of salinity in case of germination and growth, and GHORIAL become least affected in comparison to other varieties. However, exogenous putrescine treatment significantly enhances rice seeds germination, as well as shoot and root length in all varieties. Our findings reveal that plant putrescine tremendously reduced rice salt tolerance.
Rice, Polyamine, Putrescine, Salt Stress, Proline
Copyright (c) 2022 Md. Abdus Sabur, Md. Anwarul Haque, Md. Shahidul Islam, Muhammad Angkan Khan, Hossain Md. Faruquee, Md Azizul Islam https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Physico-chemical Characterization of Household Waste from the City of Tsévié (Togo)
No previous studies have been carried out on the type of waste in the municipality of Tsévié, the capital of the maritime region in Togo. As part of the implementation of the Water and Sanitation project in Togo (PEAT2), two characterization campaigns were carried out on the household solid waste in this city. The characterization method used is that of MODECOM (Method of Characterization of Household Waste). This method involves sampling 500 kg of waste on all collected waste. Two types of sorting are carried out. Sorting by size (<10 m, 20-100 mm >100 mm) and sorting by category (13 categories). Since waste varies according to its source, samples are made up of two types: market waste and household waste. The results indicate that the fine and extra fine fractions are the majority with 54.45% in the rainy season and 56.57% in the dry season. These physico-chemical analyses carried out on the waste of the city of Tsévié, constitute a database and allow the local authorities to plan a better waste management in the municipality.
Waste, management, characterization, household waste, management, Tsévié
Copyright (c) 2022 Magnoudéwa Bassaï BODJONA, Essowè KONDOH, Sanonka TCHEGUENI, Edem K. KOLEDZI, Koffi Ani KILI, Gado TCHANGBEDJI https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
E-module Development Model I Came to Facilitate Student Independence in Learning Mathematics
To help students learn independently in online learning mathematics at the junior high school level, interactive e-modules are needed. The purpose of this research is to determine the steps for developing, prototyping, and evaluating the effectiveness of the e-Module Model I CAME in facilitating the independence of students in Class VII Semester I in learning algebraic forms at the SMP/MTs level. The Dick and Carey model of research and development (R&D) includes ten stages: a preliminary study, e-Module design, validation and testing, and final product. Individual trials, as well as small group tests and field tests for teachers and students using questionnaires, observation guidelines, and interviews, have been used to validate the e-Module. To determine the effectiveness of the e-Module, the data were analyzed using qualitative and quantitative data analysis, as well as one group pre-test and post-test analysis. The results of the study found that the e-Module product model I CAME developed was feasible and effective in facilitating students to learn independently on the algebraic form of material. The e-Module I CAME model fulfils the aspects of content feasibility, presentation, language accuracy, graphics, suitability of the presentation structure with the I CAME model, and student learning independence, which can increase student learning activities with the e-Module presentation structure and syntax of the I CAME model, and received a very positive response from students so that they could achieve a value above the KKM 75 and classical completeness above the predetermined 85%.
e-Modul, Model I CAME, Independent Learning, Mathematics
Copyright (c) 2022 Nila Sari Latif, Hamzah Upu, Ahmad Talib https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Non Linear Dielectric Phenomenon in BaTiO3 - Bi (Ti1-xMgx)O3 . Ceramic Material
The distinguishing characteristic of an insulator is its resistivity. An insulator has a higher resistivity than a semiconductor or conductor and has high dielectric properties. The adjustable dielectric property is characterized by a change in the permittivity of the dielectric under an applied electric field, this phenomenon is called "dielectric nonlinearity" (dielectric tunability properties). With these properties, a new phenomenon will arise adjustable dielectric properties in dielectric ceramic materials. The aim of this research is to observe the non-linear dielectric phenomenon in BaTiO3-Bi(Ti1-xMgx)O3 ceramic material with x= 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8 and 0.9. Ceramic materials were synthesized using the sol-gel method which produced nano-sized powders. Impedance data was measured using an impedance analyzer (Solartron SI 1260, Solartron Metrology, West Sussex, UK) in a frequency range of 100 Hz to 500 Hz with an ac measuring voltage of 0.1 V. Dielectric tunability properties were measured from 0oC to 250oC using an automatic component analyzer. at 10 kHz. All samples show the phenomenon of dielectric tunability with different maximum permittivity. The highest permittivity was obtained at x= 0.6 but the highest transition temperature where non-linear phenomena occurred was found in the sample with x= 0.5.
Copyright (c) 2022 Dwita Suastiyanti, Pathya Rupajati, Marlin Wijaya https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Students’ Mathematics Learning Model in the Integration of Character Value (PMT-Character)
This study aims to determine valid, practical and effective characteristics of the mathematics learning model in the integration of character values ​​of mathematics education students. This study is a Research and Development (R&D). The process of model development refers to the Plomp development model, which includes 4 phases, namely (1) the initial investigation phase, (2) the design phase, (3) the realization phase and (4) the test, evaluation and revision phase. There was twice the test activity in this study—the first test conducted in class A and the second in class B. The sample was the students in the Mathematics Education Study Program, Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training at the IAIN Palopo Third Semester 2020. The results showed that the PMT- character meets the valid criteria with a value of 3.72. There are two results obtained in the first test. (1) The PMT-Character model is practical, but there are still some things that need to be revised based on the suggestions of observers. (2) The PMT-Character model has been ineffective because of the three indicators and only one indicator that meets the student response indicator. In contrast, student learning outcomes and student activities in internalizing character values ​​have not been met. The analysis results in the first test were used to revise the model and its devices before proceeding to the second trial stage. The results of the second test are: (1) the PMT-Character model has been practical; (2) the PMT-Character model has been effective. Following the development phase, the PMT-Character model was obtained that was valid, practical, and effective and had three characteristics, namely: (1) the PMT-Character model was developed as an integration model of character values ​​, which proceeds in stages and hierarchically following the stages of learning implementation; (2) the model is designed to internalize the character values ​​that exist in students through several supporting activities; (3) the tools used are designed to be attractive and integrated with Islamic values;
Development, PMT-Character, Islamic Mathematics
Copyright (c) 2022 Nur Rahma, Suradi Tahmir, Muhammad Arif Tiro https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0