Design, Construction and Evaluation of Performance of a Solar Cooker | Chapter 2 | Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy and Physical Experiences in Morogoro, Tanzania

 

A solar cooker is a device which uses the energy and direct sunlight to heat, cook or pasteurise food or drink. Many solar cookers are presently in use and are relatively inexpensive, low-technology devices, although some are as powerful and as expensive as traditional stoves. This study aimed to showcase the design, construction and performance of a solar cooker.  According to a survey, each family utilises two fully grown trees in a year. For this study, the design of solar cooking is strictly based on cost efficiency, easy availability and workability. The solar cooker was constructed using different materials. Each material served a specific function. A solar cooker box was constructed using rectangular panels and aluminium foil. The geometry of the cooker includes the simplest form of an angled panel surrounded by reflectors for enhanced efficiency. The cooker is surrounded by an insulating cardboard box with material which, when heated, retains heat so that it can be used when the sun is low. It is painted black on the outside so as to absorb all the radiation and emit none. The efficiency of this cooker is 89% when there is enough sunlight. The cooker can boil water up to 89℃ which is also a sufficient temperature to cook light foodstuffs and boil tea. Solar cookers operate by converting sunlight into heat through concentration, absorption, and heat trapping (greenhouse effect), and their performance is measured via standardised temperature studies to ensure efficient, clean, and sustainable cooking. The general methodology for solar cooking systems involves harnessing solar radiation and transferring that energy to food in an insulated environment. The specific methods vary by cooker type, such as Box Cookers, Panel Cookers, Concentrating Cookers (Parabolic/Dish), and Indirect Cookers. These decide the specific temperature values, duration, and materials used more precisely. The broader significance of the study is its contribution to sustainable energy or environmental protection. The solar cooker was constructed and tested for its performance by temperature-achievement measurements. It is potentially strong for reducing firewood dependency and environmental deforestation.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Yusuf Ismail Koleleni
Physics Department, Muslim University of Morogoro, P.O. Box 1031, Morogoro, Tanzania.

 

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mono/978-93-47485-78-7/CH2

 

The Importance of a Sports Psychology at the Collegiate Level | Chapter 13 | Recent Updates in Disease and Health Research Vol. 7

 

Sports psychology is an emerging field that targets the mental aspects of athletic performance. Sports psychology is a subfield of psychology that examines the psychological factors that impact athletic performance, sports, and mental health. Collegiate sports provide a unique platform for athletes to showcase their skills and abilities. However, the pressure to perform at a high level can lead to mental stress and anxiety, which can affect an athlete’s performance. Coaches are using sports psychology more and more to improve athletes' performance. Even though sports psychology is being used by sports teams increasingly frequently, the field is not well supported by research. Student-athletes can optimize their performance and mental health by utilizing cognitive skills training, cognitive-behavioral interventions, and visualization techniques. As the field of sports psychology continues to evolve, there is a need for more research and innovation to ensure that student-athletes receive the best possible care and support.

 

Author(s) Details :-

 

Julia Koogler
Department of Human Performance and Sports Science, Tennessee State University, Tennessee, USA.

Jason Smith
Department of Human Performance and Sports Science, Tennessee State University, Tennessee, USA.

Poliala Dickson
Department of Human Performance and Sports Science, Tennessee State University, Tennessee, USA.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rudhr/v7/371

Analysis of Critical Factors Influencing Performance of Extensionists in Limpopo Department of Agriculture in South Africa | Chapter 6 | Agricultural Sciences: Techniques and Innovations Vol. 5

 

Extensionists are responsible for delivering services in order to satisfy the needs of the farming communities. Limpopo Province came into being after the new dispensation of 1994, and it is the amalgamation of the former three homelands, such as Lebowa, Venda, Gazankulu and the former territory of the Republic of South Africa. This article draws its data from a study which was conducted in six districts of the Limpopo Department of Agriculture. The study targeted the Extensionists and their immediate supervisors. Out of 800 Extensionists, 324 participated in the survey. A questionnaire was developed using the Delphi technique as part of the methodology. Different factors that have a bearing on extension performance were identified and tested to check the extent to which they influence performance. Responses from the Extensionists revealed that they are performing below the expected level. The Department of Agriculture reflects inefficient performance in terms of investment. Part of the challenge points towards the quality of training and the lack of adequate resources to support the Extensionists. It is suggested that the Department should take serious steps to ensure that there is sufficient return from investment, such as strong supervision and creating awareness among the Extensionists on economic principles. The article concludes with some recommendations to resolve the challenges. Furthermore, a knowledge support system in the form of an extensive SMS system is strongly recommended.

 

 

Author(s) Details

E.M. Zwane
Agricultural Extension, School of Agriculture, University of Limpopo, P/Bag X1106, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/asti/v5/931

 

Nutritional Value of Exogenous Enzyme Supplementation in the Utilization of Cassava Peel Meal- Based Diet by Broiler Finisher Chickens | Chapter 12 | Contemporary Research and Perspectives in Biological Science Vol. 3

 

The utilization of exogenous enzymes is a prevalent nutritional strategy in the poultry industry. However, their effectiveness when used in diets formulated with non-traditional agro-byproducts like cassava peel remains uncertain. From a practical standpoint, assessing the efficacy of these enzymes in such contexts is vital to achieving competitive performance outcomes while maintaining low production costs. This study assessed the supplemental value of exo-enzyme (Maxigrain®) in the utilization of cassava peel meal (CPM) by broiler finisher chickens in a 28-day feeding trial. Two hundred and forty, 4 weeks old Arbor acre broiler birds were randomly allocated to four experimental diets tagged as T1, T2, T3 and T4, which were formulated to replace maize at 0, 25, 50, and 75% inclusion levels respectively with supplementary enzyme (Maxigrain®). The birds were further subdivided into four replicates of ten birds each in a completely randomized design arrangement. At the end of the 4 weeks feeding trial, performance and carcass attribute indices were measured, while feces and blood samples were collected for nutrient digestibility and blood biochemical evaluations, respectively. Data on feed cost analysis were calculated using the prevailing current market price of feed ingredients. The result showed that average weight gain and feed intake were significantly affected (P<0.05) by dietary treatments. Birds on a 50% CPM enzyme diet had a significant (P<0.05) higher weight gain and feed intake followed by those on a 75% CPM diet as compared to the control group. Feed cost/kg weight gain significantly (P<0.05) decreased with increasing levels of enzyme-supplemented CPM. Profit margins generated were higher (P<0.05) in bird fed enzyme-treated CPM diet group. The apparent nutrient digestibility of the birds revealed a significant (P<0.05) variation in all parameters evaluated and increased with increasing levels of enzyme-supplemented CPM diets.  Also, all blood metabolites evaluated were significantly affected (p<0.05) by enzyme supplementation to CPM-based diseases except for WBC, globulin, creatinine and cholesterol. Enzyme supplementation produced no significant (p>0.05) effect on live weight, carcass weight and dress weight across the treatments, however, birds at 50% dietary level had the highest mean values compared to other treatment groups. The cut weights of the wing, breast, thigh, back, liver, GIT and kidney were significantly (P<0.05) affected by the dietary treatments. Therefore, enzyme supplementation improved performance, nutrient digestibility, and carcass characteristics of broiler finishers fed cassava peel meal-based diet without any adverse effect and 50% inclusion gave an optimum performance on carcass and organ traits.

 

Author (s) Details

 

Aguihe P.C

Department of Animal Production and Health Technology, Federal College of Wildlife Management, New Bussa, Niger State, Nigeria.

 

Ntagbu F.G.
Department of Animal Production and Health Technology, Federal College of Wildlife Management, New Bussa, Niger State, Nigeria.

 

Ilaboya I.I
Department of Animal Science, Benson Idahosa University, Benin, Edo State, Nigeria.

 

Ogialekhe P.
Department of Wildlife Management, Federal College of Wildlife Management, New Bussa, Niger State, Nigeria.

Wealth A. S
Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Jericho Hill, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.

 

Ehielu R. O
Department of Animal Science, Benson Idahosa University, Benin, Edo State, Nigeria.

 

Okuna R

Department of Animal Science, Benson Idahosa University, Benin, Edo State, Nigeria.

 

Kehinde A.S
Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Jericho Hill, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/crpbs/v3/1746

Evaluation of the Energy and Exergy Performance of a Box-Type Solar Cooker with an External Reflector during Intermittent Cloud Passages| Chapter 1 |Science and Technology: Recent Updates and Future Prospects Vol. 10

 The growing importance of renewable energy and the need for ecological cooking solutions has led to the design and evaluation of various solar devices. This article presents the experimental results and the evaluation of the energy and exergy performance of a solar cooker. The specific objectives aim to determine indicative parameters such as the "First figure of merit F1," the thermal loss coefficient UL, the peak exergy power, and the product of the exergy temperature difference (\(\Delta\)T \(\Xi\)xo); to compare the theoretical and experimental thermal loss coefficients; and to evaluate the overall energy efficiency of a box-type cooker. This prototype, trapezoidal in shape, is equipped with an external reflector coated with a mirror and interior side panels are also lined with mirrors. The performance of the cooker was evaluated by determining various indicative parameters such as the "First figure of merit F1," the thermal loss coefficient UL, the peak exergy power, the product of the exergy temperature difference (\(\Delta\)T \(\Xi\)xo), etc. The theoretically calculated thermal loss coefficient is 5.07 W/m²·K, while the one obtained from the exergy curve of thermal losses as a function of temperature difference is 5.76 W/m²·K, showing a discrepancy of 0.69 W/m²·K. This discrepancy can be explained by the differences between theoretical and experimental conditions. All performance indicators were calculated from experimental tests conducted in accordance with international solar cooking standards. The energy efficiency of the cooker was determined to be 27.97%. The results obtained, when compared to those in the literature, indicate that the studied prototype exhibits satisfactory performance.

 

Thus, this study confirms the effectiveness of the box-type solar cooker, demonstrating performance comparable to, or even superior to, the best devices reported in the literature. These results highlight the importance of this prototype for the development of sustainable and ecological cooking solutions.

 

Author(s) Details

Donafologo Soro
Département des Sciences et Technologie, Ecole Normale Supérieure (ENS) d’Abidjan, 08 BP 10 Abidjan 08, Côte d’Ivoire.

M. Sidibé
LASMES Laboratory (Laboratory of Material Sciences Environment and Solar Energy), Université FHB D’Abidjan-Cocody, 22 BP 582 Abidjan 22, Côte d’Ivoire.

 

A. Gbané
LASMES Laboratory (Laboratory of Material Sciences Environment and Solar Energy), Université FHB D’Abidjan-Cocody, 22 BP 582 Abidjan 22, Côte d’Ivoire.

 

Amal Bouich
Departament de Física Aplicada-IDF, Universitat Politècnica de Vàlencia, Camí de Vera s/n, Vàlencia, 46022, Spain.

 

Siaka Toure
LASMES Laboratory (Laboratory of Material Sciences Environment and Solar Energy), Université FHB D’Abidjan-Cocody, 22 BP 582 Abidjan 22, Côte d’Ivoire.

 

B. Marí
Departament de Física Aplicada-IDF, Universitat Politècnica de Vàlencia, Camí de Vera s/n, Vàlencia, 46022, Spain.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/strufp/v10/1129

Evaluating the Corrosion Susceptibility of Semi-Solid Welded Al-Mg-Si Alloy in Acidic and Marine Environment | Chapter 4 | Current Approaches in Engineering Research and Technology Vol. 7

 

The Al-Mg-Si alloy is recognized as an engineering material currently gaining attention in the aerospace industry due to its high strength-to-weight ratio. The welding of these materials has been recently improved using a technique known as thixo-joining, also referred to as semi-solid welding. To investigate the susceptibility of the welded Al-Mg-Si to corrosion in acidic and marine environments, various welding temperatures (34°C, 100°C, 200°C, and 300°C) were utilized before exposure to these harsh conditions. The preparation of the coupons adhered to accepted standards and they were subsequently subjected to a weight loss gravimetric and linear polarization technique for corrosion investigation. Observations indicated improved corrosion resistance when the gravimetric approach (weight loss plot) was used. The presence of globules, in comparison with the parent metal (PM), served as crack arresters to the structures, thus reducing the susceptibility to corrosion in both marine and acidic environments.

 

Author(s) Details

Isaac E. Dongo
Department of Metallurgical & Materials Engineering, Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Nigeria and Department of Metallurgical & Materials Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria.

Ajibade J. Omotoyinbo
Department of Metallurgical & Materials Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria.

 

Akinlabi Oyetunji
Department of Metallurgical & Materials Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria.

Monday I. Momoh
Department of Foundry Engineering Technology, Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Nigeria.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/caert/v7/1458

 

Assessing the Impact of Entrepreneurship Practices on the Development of Small and Medium Enterprises: Evidence from Selected SMEs in Lagos | Chapter 3 | New Advances in Business, Management and Economics Vol. 9

Small and medium-scale enterprises are very crucial to the development of a country’s economy. On the other hand, entrepreneurship plays an important role in national development, poverty eradication and employment generation. This study examined the influence of entrepreneurship practice on small and medium enterprises in Lagos. The study reviewed the contribution and performance of SMEs to the economic development of a nation that also depends on various entrepreneurship practices. A total of 65 subjects were selected (using Taro-Yamane) from the population of 79 registered SMEs in furniture businesses. Questionnaires were used as a data collection instrument. Both primary and secondary data collection techniques were employed, and the Chi-Square method was used to analyse the data. The findings showed that, despite the enormous resources that abound in the country, the SMEs sector has not played a significant role in Nigeria's economy. SMEs in Nigeria have a long way to go for the sector to be productive enough and play the crucial role it is expected to play in relation to contributing to the growth and development of the economy of Nigeria. It is recommended that the government should as a matter of urgency, assist prospective entrepreneurs to have access to finance and necessary information relating to their business opportunities, modern technology, raw material, market, plant and machinery which would enable them to reduce their operating cost and be more efficient to meet the market competition. Further studies should look into other aspects of sustainable entrepreneurs, such as their driving factors and consequences.

 

Author(s) Details

Akeem Olanrewaju AJANI
Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu, Lagos, Nigeria.

 

Oluyemi Adekanmbi
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/nabme/v9/5779

Transforming Education in Gauteng: Impact Analysis of the Secondary School Improvement Programme | Chapter 7 | Language, Literature and Education: Research Updates Vol. 4

This chapter evaluates the effectiveness of the Secondary School Improvement Programme (SSIP) from its inception in 2010 through a systematic analysis of student outcomes and educational practices. Funded by the South African government, SSIP aims to improve pass rates and the quality of education in critical subjects like mathematics, physical sciences, and languages. This study reviews the SSIP program's design, implementation, and impact, utilising a logic theoretical framework and mixed-methods approach that includes qualitative insights from students' and teachers' experiences as well as quantitative data on pass rates and examination preparedness. Qualitative data were collected through face-to-face interviews, sampled through purposive sampling, and analysed through coding and thematic analysis. The quantitative data was collected through structured questionnaires, sampled through a random sampling approach to avoid bias and analysed through correlational analysis. The findings elucidate a marked improvement in matriculation results since the program's inception, with increasing statistics indicating higher pass rates and graduation qualifications among participants. The paper also identifies persistent challenges that hinder optimal outcomes, notably resource allocation, tutor training, and logistical issues. Despite these challenges, the study confirms that SSIP is a significant program aimed at ensuring equal access to educational resources. It is identified as one of the initiatives that helps to reduce the performance and achievement gap between independent and public schools, not only in Gauteng but across South Africa as a whole. The study recommends several strategic interventions to improve the delivery of the SSIP program and enhance efficacy, including, but not limited to, strategic resource management, continuous tutor support, and the establishment of clear performance indicators. The conclusion drawn is that, by emphasising these areas, SSIP can establish an educational environment that continues to foster academic excellence and effectively equips students for future opportunities. The main study limitation is that the SSIP program is only conducted within Gauteng Province and does not reflect the results of other provinces in South Africa.

 

Author (s) Details

Mfanelo Ntsobi
Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, Gauteng Department of Education, Da Vinci Institute for Technology Management, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa.

 

Bongani June Mwale
Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, Gauteng Department of Education, Da Vinci Institute for Technology Management, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa.

 

Blondel Nyamkure
Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, Gauteng Department of Education, Da Vinci Institute for Technology Management, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa.

 

Vincent Zulu
Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, Gauteng Department of Education, Da Vinci Institute for Technology Management, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/lleru/v4/5270

Effect of NPK Fertilizers on the Performance of Cassava Varieties (Manihot esculenta Crantz) in Humid Tropics, Niger Delta, Nigeria | Chapter 8 | Current Research Progress in Agricultural Sciences Vol. 10

Primary macronutrients play a very important role in improving the yield and quality of crops. Three main elements are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N, P, and K) and are required in abundance. They must be readily available through soil medium or fertilizer. An experiment was conducted to determine the performance of three cassava varieties with two NPK fertilizer types. The study was done at the Rivers State University Teaching and Research Farm in Port Harcourt, between March 2021 and February 2022. The treatments were cassava varieties TMS 95/0289, TMS 96/0523, and TME 419. NPK fertilizers were NPK 15-15-15 and NPK 20-10-10. The treatments were combined in a split-plot arrangement in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated three times. Parameters evaluated were the number of branches per stand and canopy width which were assessed from 10 weeks after planting and subsequently at 4 weekly intervals. Fresh/dry pulp weight and fresh/dry peel weight were determined after crop harvest.  The evaluation of the performance of three cassava varieties was studied using two compound fertilizer types at the Teaching and Research Farm, Rivers State University Port Harcourt between March 2021 and February 2022. The treatments were combined in a split-plot arrangement in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. Parameters evaluated were the number of branches and canopy diameter at four weekly intervals starting from the tenth week after planting and ending with fresh/dry pulp weight and fresh/dry peel weight were also taken. Results show that cassava variety TMS 95/0289 interacting with NPK 15-15-15 produced the highest branches per plot (24.7), TMS 96/0523 interacting with NPK 15-15-15 produced the widest canopy diameter per stand (263.1cm), fresh peels weight and dry peels weight (129.7g and 100.3g). TME 419 interacting with NPK 15-15-15 compound fertilizer produced the highest fresh and dry pulp weight with mean values of 722.7 and 487.0. Application of NPK fertilizer especially NPK 15-15-15 enhanced the number of branches, dry pulp weight, dry peel weight and canopy diameter. TME 419 had higher fresh/dry pulps and dry peels weight while TMS 96/0523 had high fresh peels weight and canopy width respectively. Whereas cassava variety TMS 95/0289 was high in the number of branches. Thus it is recommended that TME 419 be introduced to farmers as it produces the highest pulp weight per stand. Also, fertilizer NPK 15-15-15 is a preferred NPK fertilizer as it has the capability to increase the number of branches, canopy width, peel weight and pulp weight in comparison with NPK 20-10-10. Further growth and yield were mostly enhanced with NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer application compared to NPK 20-10-10. However, more field research on these fertilizers is needed to better understand their effects on cassava performance.

 

Author (s) Details

Lawson T. S.
Teaching and Research Farm, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/crpas/v10/4795

 

Corporate Governance and Performance: The Moderating Role of Digital Innovation | Chapter 6 | New Advances in Business, Management and Economics Vol. 6

The concept of corporate governance gained currency in the 1980s. This global phenomenon was necessitated by a widespread financial crisis, stock market crashes and corporate failure of some corporations due to weak governance practices. The purpose of this study was to empirically explore the relationship between Corporate Governance and Performance of Deposit-Taking Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (SACCO) in Kenya as moderated by Digital Innovation. The theoretical foundation of the study was based on resource dependence theory, agency theory, upper echelons theory, stakeholders’ theory and dynamic capabilities. The study was anchored on pragmatic paradigms and guided by descriptive cross-sectional surveys and correlational research designs. A stratified random sampling technique was used. A pilot study, validity and reliability analysis were undertaken. Data was analyzed through descriptive, correlational and inferential statistics. Study findings reveal that the moderating role of digital innovation in the relationship between corporate governance and performance was positive and statistically significant. Moreover, the moderating role of digital innovation is statistically significant in the relationship between corporate governance and performance. And that corporate governance alone cannot influence performance. The study concluded that diverse and experienced boards and management that embrace digital innovation lead to better-governed and well-performing SACCOs. Moreover, SACCOs have no option but to continuously implement digital innovation measures that will keep them ahead of their competitors, maintain good performance in responding to the ever-changing market needs and contribute significantly to economic growth. For future research direction, there is a need to consider other dimensions of corporate governance, introduce other moderating variables in the corporate governance studies and include other financial institutions for a deeper understanding of the nexus between corporate governance and performance.

 

Author (s) Details

 

Dennis Mucee Ncurai
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/nabme/v6/5170

Judo as a Work of Art: Exploring Aesthetic Dimensions in Sport | Chapter 4 | New Ideas Concerning Arts and Social Studies Vol. 1

Judo, according to the translation of the meaning of the Japanese language "gentle way", "gentle means", or "The Way of softness and flexibility.

In this study, an argument was introduced that the first principles inherent in art, that is its formal components such as line, colour, composition and so on can be viewed as mechanisms enabling a deeper aesthetic appreciation of sport. In this particular case the sport looked at is judo.

One could claim that in art the extrinsic aim is to create a work, a particular body, as it were whereas in sport this is not the explicit aim. Furthermore, art is neither agonistic nor pragmatic in the way sport is, where the intrinsic aim is not merely the work or performance itself but the tallying of points in a clearly defined manner toward victory.

If this thesis is correct, it implies an interdisciplinary field of study traversing art and sport, the humanities and the sciences and overturns the old Cartesian dualism in favor of a more integrated embodied experience.

 

Author (s) Details

Shorkend D
University of Tel Aviv, Israel.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/nicass/v1/4115

Electronic Fraud and Financial Performance of Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria | Chapter 2 | Business, Management and Economics: Research Progress Vol. 8

The study investigated electronic fraud and the financial performance of deposit money banks in Nigeria. The specific objectives were to investigate electronic fraud and banks' financial performance through online web transactions, evaluate the effect of electronic fraud through automated teller machines, determine the effect of fraud through point-of-sale machines, and investigate the effect of fraud through mobile phone USSD transactions on the financial performance of selected deposit money banks in Nigeria. Panel Generalized method of moments (GMM) was used to analyze the panel series of the model. The Hausman test indicated the random effect model as the best fit for the estimation. The major findings of the study revealed that fraud through the automated teller machine (AEF) has a significant negative impact on the financial performance of the deposit money banks in Nigeria. The panel regression result also revealed that fraud through the mobile phone channel (MPEF), and fraud through the online banking channel (OBEF) had a significant negative effect on the financial performance of the banks studied. The study concluded that electronic fraud has a significant negative relationship with the performance of banks. The policy implication of these findings holds for both the management of banks and the financial sector authorities to engineer strategic fraud mitigation technology to strengthen confidence in the financial system. Based on the findings, the study recommended that there is an urgent need for effective monitoring of bank fraud which will allow for the growth of Nigeria's deposit banks' financial performance. This is necessary, especially in this period when the world is going cashless and e-payment instruments are used for cashless banking systems. And failure to do that will affect customer’s confidence in the industry. It is also recommended that Bank fraud shall be reduced through effective supervision and regulation of banks by the monetary authorities so that financial industry will contribute to the economy.

 

Author (s) Details

Olatubosun Felix Jolaiya
Bursary Department, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/bmerp/v8/1469

 

Importance of Instructional Supervision in the Performance Lag Address Program (PLAP): A Comparative Study of Former Group A (SI) and Former Group B (S2) Secondary Schools in Mutare Urban, Zimbabwe | Chapter 2 | An Overview of Literature, Language and Education Research Vol. 9

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education in Zimbabwe launched the Performance Lag Address Program (PLAP) in October 2012 in Manicaland Province after realizing the underachievement of students at both primary and secondary schools which was caused by the socio-economic meltdown from 2006 to 2008. The PLAP program aims to improve the achievement of primary and secondary students by revisiting the syllabus and targeting concepts that have proven persistently difficult for pupils to catch up on with the overall aim of teaching from the last point of success. The study sought to determine instructional supervision of the Performance Lag Address Program (PLAP) at the secondary school level. Two schools participated in the study (one from former group A (S1) and the other from former group B (S2) schools). A total of 100 volunteer teachers (fifty from each school type) participated. A questionnaire with closed and open questions was used. Data was analyzed using a chi-square for independence while open-ended questions showing similar themes were grouped together. During the study, teachers agreed that all students can learn implying that given the right environment, all students can achieve to the best of their ability. The results show significant differences by school type on vision, curriculum modifications, staff development classroom supervision by HODs and head teachers. Teacher comments indicate that head-teachers do not supervise classes and there is little staff development. No differences were found in collaborative work and resources but teacher comments indicated that there are no teacher teams in the same subject areas or different subjects. All the findings indicated that not much effort is being put into the Performance Lag Address program in terms of instructional supervision at the secondary school level. Henceforth, the effort of all participants involved in the supervisory process is important. Peer coaching, wherein teachers work collaboratively in small teams to improve instruction is recommended.

 

Author (s) Details

 

Elliott Nkoma
Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Great Zimbabwe University, P.O Box 1235, Masvingo, Zimbabwe.

Courage Tipedze
Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Great Zimbabwe University, P.O Box 1235, Masvingo, Zimbabwe.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/aoller/v9/3050

The Importance of a Sports Psychology at the Collegiate Level | Chapter 13 | Recent Updates in Disease and Health Research Vol. 7

 

Sports psychology is an emerging field that targets the mental aspects of athletic performance. Sports psychology is a subfield of psychology that examines the psychological factors that impact athletic performance, sports, and mental health. Collegiate sports provide a unique platform for athletes to showcase their skills and abilities. However, the pressure to perform at a high level can lead to mental stress and anxiety, which can affect an athlete’s performance. Coaches are using sports psychology more and more to improve athletes' performance. Even though sports psychology is being used by sports teams increasingly frequently, the field is not well supported by research. Student-athletes can optimize their performance and mental health by utilizing cognitive skills training, cognitive-behavioral interventions, and visualization techniques. As the field of sports psychology continues to evolve, there is a need for more research and innovation to ensure that student-athletes receive the best possible care and support.

 

Author(s)details:-

 

Julia Koogler
Department of Human Performance and Sports Science, Tennessee State University, Tennessee, USA.

 

Jason Smith
Department of Human Performance and Sports Science, Tennessee State University, Tennessee, USA.

 

Dr.  Poliala Dickson (PhD, CHES, Associate Professor)
Department of Human Performance and Sports Science, Tennessee State University, Tennessee, USA.

 

Please See the book here :-https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rudhr/v7/371

Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Kisan Credit Card Scheme: A Data-Driven Analysis from Karnataka, India | Chapter 4 | Contemporary Research in Business, Management and Economics Vol. 7

 

The study detailing the performance of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme in Karnataka is notably important for the scientific community, especially those focused on agricultural finance, policy-making, and rural development. By examining the scheme's implementation, growth, and outcomes, the study contributes to understanding how financial initiatives can enhance agricultural productivity, financial inclusion, and economic resilience among farmers. The study examined the performance of the KCC scheme by considering the number of operative cards and the amount outstanding from the financial year 2017 to 2022. The study is descriptive as well as inferential in nature. It is found that the number of operative KCCs and the amount outstanding have grown by 2.98 percent and 31.26 percent on an annual basis respectively over a period of five years. Co-operative banks were found to be ranked first having 66 percent of operative KCCs and 82 percent of the amount outstanding during the year 2021-22 due to the initiation of the Government of Karnataka under the KCC saturation drive. The KCC scheme is one of the agriculture credit delivery instruments that offers several benefits, helps in uplifting the standards of living of farmers, encourages them to shift from subsistence farming to commercial farming by providing timely credit, and also brings them under the purview of financial inclusion. The study suggested that outreach of the KCC scheme should be improved in terms of card issuance as the CAGR was only 2.98 percent during the study period. A comparison study of the growth of the KCC scheme between various states can be done to address the regional growth of the scheme.

 

Author(s)details:-

 

Sheela B.
Department of Studies in Commerce, University of Mysore, Mysuru, Karnataka, India.

 

H. Rajashekar
Department of Studies in Commerce, University of Mysore, Mysuru, Karnataka, India.

 

Please See the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/crbme/v7/18

Self-Confidence and Sports Performance | Chapter 6 | Recent Research Advances in Arts and Social Studies Vol. 7

Self-confidence is the major psychological variable for success of individual in any field. In sport, it is one of the most cited factors thought to affect athletic performance. Self-confidence is said to plays critical role in athletes 'success; in contrast, lack of Self-confidence seems to be closely associated with athletic failure. Thus, confidence is an important factor that distinguishes successful athletes from unsuccessful ones in terms of both their mental status as well as their performances.

 

Self-confidence helps an athlete to remain calm and relaxed under pressure. When athlete confident he can able to focus any task with increased effort and perform better in competitions. Various factors like, experience in sports, physical and mental preparations of athlete, environment comfort, support by the coach and society are influence on self-confidence of sports person. So, coaches and sports administrators must plan to include mental preparation technique in sports training.

Author(s) Details:

Haridas Kuloor,
Department of Physical Education, Mangalore University, India.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/RRAASS-V7/article/view/14023

Modern Trends and Problems Related to Design of Catalysts for Biofuels Transformation into Syngas and Hydrogen | Chapter 4 | Current Perspective to Physical Science Research Vol. 8

 Production of syngas by methods alternative to steam reforming of methane now becomes more popular due to both environmental and commercial reasons. Transformation of oxygenates obtained from biomass and dry reforming of natural gas appears to be the most effective. This review considers problems related to the design of efficient structured catalysts for natural gas and biofuels transformation into syngas. Their active components are comprised of fluorite, perovskite, and spinel oxides or their nanocomposites (both bulk and supported on high surface area Mg-doped alumina or MgAl2O4) promoted by platinum group metals, nickel and their alloys. The mechanism of the main reactions was studied by using such methods as SSITKA, kinetic transients and pulse techniques. A complex of modern structural, spectroscopic and kinetic methods was applied to elucidate atomic-scale factors controlling their performance and stability to coking, such as dispersion of metals/alloys, strong metal-support interaction and oxygen mobility/reactivity as dependent upon their composition and synthesis procedures. Monolithic catalysts comprised of optimized active components loaded on structured substrates with a high thermal conductivity demonstrated high activity and stability to coking in processes of natural gas and biofuels reforming into syngas. A pilot-scale axial reactor equipped with the internal heat exchanger and such catalysts allowed to efficiently convert into syngas the mixture of natural gas, air and liquid biofuels in the autothermal reforming mode at low (~50 – 100°C) inlet temperatures and GHSV up to 40 000 h-1. This study reviews the fundamental bases for the production technology of highly efficient and stable coking structured catalysts with nanocomposite active components for natural gas and biofuel transformation into syngas. Design of reactors for these catalysts with efficient control of the heat and mass transfer in these processes provides bases for their industrial production, thus solving the problems of green energy development.

Author(s) Details:

Vladislav A. Sadykov,
Department of Heterogeneous Catalysis, Boreskov Institute of Catalysis, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia.

Mikhail N. Simonov,
Department of Heterogeneous Catalysis, Boreskov Institute of Catalysis, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia.

Nikita F. Eremeev,
Department of Heterogeneous Catalysis, Boreskov Institute of Catalysis, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia.

Natalia V. Mezentseva,
Department of Heterogeneous Catalysis, Boreskov Institute of Catalysis, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/CPPSR-V8/article/view/13973

Effect of High Inlet Air Pressure on the Performance and Emission of a Diesel Engine: A Regression Analysis with Biofuel Evaluation | Chapter 7 | Theory and Applications of Engineering Research Vol. 8

 This study aims to assess the impact of loading on a Kirloskar 3.7 kW single-cylinder, four-stroke, compression-ignition engine fuelled by both diesel and biofuel. We specifically investigated the influence of inlet air pressure on the engine’s performance and emission characteristics. . In the experimental setup, the inlet air pressure was systematically increased from 1 to 2.5 bar. Notably, emissions like CO and HC exhibited a significant decrease, while a slight increase in brake power and NOx emissions was observed. Employing a statistical approach, we established a regression model to predict the performance and emission levels of the diesel engine, particularly when operating on biofuels. The use of a multi: regression model allowed us to derive an empirical relation for the evaluation of brake power (BP), hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the context of diesel engine operation.

The empirical equations for BP, CO, HC and NOx as developed by a solution of the multi-regression model in terms of the inlet air pressure and biofuels blend were as under:

BP (kW) = (-) 0.0305 P (-) 0.0005 BLEND + 2.65

CO (%) = (-) 0.0029 P (-) 0.0006 BLEND + 0.1211

HC (PPM) = (-) 20.7 P (-) 0.3050 BLEND + 65.925

NOx (PPM) = 102 P + 2.16 BLEND + 249.98

Author(s) Details:

R. Seetharamaiah,
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sambhram Institute of Technology, Bengaluru. Karnataka, India.

A. S. Ravindran,
PNS Institute of Technology, Nelamangala, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

S. M. Gopinath,
Department of Bio -Technology, Acharya Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

B. Manjunatha,
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Acharya Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

A. Sathyanarayana Swamy,
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sambhram Institute of Technology, Bengaluru. Karnataka, India.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/TAER-V8/article/view/13791

Navigating Music Education in Ghana: A Guide to Composition, Performance and Listening for Primary School Teachers | Chapter 3 | Progress in Language, Literature and Education Research Vol. 4

Music as a subject of study is a strand of the Creative Arts curriculum content for teaching, learning and assessment in primary schools in Ghana. Composition, performance and listening which play pivotal roles in music activities form integral part of the methods and strategies that are supposed to be employed to teach these arts form to provide musical knowledge, skills and understanding to primary school learners. Elsewhere, it is argued that these three musical processes constitute the starting point of music activities in the primary school classroom. Having some knowledge and practical insight of each of these processes is therefore very significant for teachers’ professional practice and development in the music classroom. This article attempts to describe these processes and highlight some activities that can serve as a guide for the teacher to engage primary school learners in music activities under each of these three interrelated activities for effective musical learning and experiences. Challenges affecting effective music education in the primary schools include teachers’ lack of adequate knowledge and skills in teaching, inadequate trained teachers to teach music in the primary schools and lack of musical instruments to support teaching and learning. It is suggested to educational planners and authorities to plan and implement in-service training for primary school teachers to equip them in the provision of effective music education to pupils. It is also suggested to primary school authorities and teachers to find innovative ways to acquire the needed teaching and learning materials to ensure an effective music education in the primary school.

Author(s) Details:

Benjamin Adjepong,
Wesley College of Education, Kumasi, Ghana.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/PLLER-V4/article/view/13145

Examining the Correlation between Explosive Power and Endurance in State-Level Cricketers: A Performance Analysis | Chapter 5 | Contemporary Perspective on Science, Technology and Research Vol. 4

Background: Cricket, often classified as an aerobic sport, involves players engaging in diverse activities at varying intensities and speeds, such as jumping, sprinting, catching, and diving. Despite being interspersed with intervals, the game demands bursts of explosive actions, making it crucial to explore the association between explosive power and endurance in state-level cricketers. This study aims to fill the gap in the literature by investigating the correlation between these physical attributes, considering the limited evidence on this topic.

Methods: Conducted in Faridabad, this study involved 100 male state-level cricketers aged 16-23 from various cricket academies. A thorough screening and assessment protocol was employed for participant selection, with performance tests measuring explosive power through the vertical jump test and endurance using the yo-yo intermittent recovery test.

Results: The study unveiled a significant positive correlation (r = 0.237, p = 0.017) between explosive power and VO2 max levels in state-level cricketers.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that there is a positive association between explosive power and V02 max levels among state-level cricketers, emphasizing the importance of addressing both aspects in their training regimes.

Author(s) Details:

Preeti Saini,
Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, Faridabad, India.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/CPSTR-V4/article/view/13138