{"title":"Investigating Mathematics Homework Practices of Higher Secondary Teachers in Bhutan","authors":"Daw Pem","doi":"10.9734/cjast/2024/v43i24349","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/cjast/2024/v43i24349","url":null,"abstract":"Homework is one of the important practices in the Bhutanese school system yet it is the least explored area; thus, this study employed the convergent parallel mixed method design to investigate the homework practices of teachers in higher secondary schools of Bhutan. The quantitative component incorporated the survey questionnaire for 244 mathematics teachers from 83 higher secondary schools and 320 students from one higher secondary school in Bhutan. Qualitative data included interviews with 12 mathematics teachers from seven higher secondary schools and five focused group interviews from one higher secondary school. Teachers' primary purpose in assigning mathematics homework was to reinforce what was learned in the class through practice and revision. Thus, HW for exploration is rarely assigned. The study found that 62.3% of mathematics teachers assigned homework every day or at least four times a week, and there is no statistically significant difference in frequency of homework between Urban, Semi-urban and Rural schools of Bhutan. There is a significant positive correlation between homework purpose and homework management and the homework purpose variable explains the homework management variable by 19.1% only as there are several challenges such as large class size and time constraints that hinders the effectiveness of homework. The study found that homework overload is an issue faced by students, and effective management of HW is challenging, therefore school management and mathematics teachers may consider having a homework policy that will ensure assigning the right amount of homework and homework frequency, which will ultimately benefit students academically.","PeriodicalId":505676,"journal":{"name":"Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology","volume":"27 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139863821","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Investigating Mathematics Homework Practices of Higher Secondary Teachers in Bhutan","authors":"Daw Pem","doi":"10.9734/cjast/2024/v43i24349","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/cjast/2024/v43i24349","url":null,"abstract":"Homework is one of the important practices in the Bhutanese school system yet it is the least explored area; thus, this study employed the convergent parallel mixed method design to investigate the homework practices of teachers in higher secondary schools of Bhutan. The quantitative component incorporated the survey questionnaire for 244 mathematics teachers from 83 higher secondary schools and 320 students from one higher secondary school in Bhutan. Qualitative data included interviews with 12 mathematics teachers from seven higher secondary schools and five focused group interviews from one higher secondary school. Teachers' primary purpose in assigning mathematics homework was to reinforce what was learned in the class through practice and revision. Thus, HW for exploration is rarely assigned. The study found that 62.3% of mathematics teachers assigned homework every day or at least four times a week, and there is no statistically significant difference in frequency of homework between Urban, Semi-urban and Rural schools of Bhutan. There is a significant positive correlation between homework purpose and homework management and the homework purpose variable explains the homework management variable by 19.1% only as there are several challenges such as large class size and time constraints that hinders the effectiveness of homework. The study found that homework overload is an issue faced by students, and effective management of HW is challenging, therefore school management and mathematics teachers may consider having a homework policy that will ensure assigning the right amount of homework and homework frequency, which will ultimately benefit students academically.","PeriodicalId":505676,"journal":{"name":"Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology","volume":"4 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139803965","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tahirou Djara, Sekoude Jehovah-nis Pedrie Sonon, Aziz Sobabe, Abdul-Qadir Sanny
{"title":"Aid System for Estimating Agricultural Yield Using a Deep Learning Technique: Tomato Case","authors":"Tahirou Djara, Sekoude Jehovah-nis Pedrie Sonon, Aziz Sobabe, Abdul-Qadir Sanny","doi":"10.9734/cjast/2024/v43i24350","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/cjast/2024/v43i24350","url":null,"abstract":"The precision of traditional methods for estimating crop yield is a major challenge, particularly for large areas. To improve this process, we developed a tomato detection and localization system using deep learning techniques. The system uses Faster-RCNN, a cutting edge technology of object detection model, to detect and localize tomatoes in images. We trained the model on a database of 150 images, which were normalized to 100*100 pixels in RGB. The system estimates the real sizes of tomatoes using the Ground Sampling Distance method and predicts their masses using a regression model. The model produces an average absolute error of 42.365% and a quadratic error of 51.044%. Our system provides a more efficient and accurate way to estimate tomato crop yields on a large scale.","PeriodicalId":505676,"journal":{"name":"Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology","volume":"3 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139806038","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tahirou Djara, Sekoude Jehovah-nis Pedrie Sonon, Aziz Sobabe, Abdul-Qadir Sanny
{"title":"Aid System for Estimating Agricultural Yield Using a Deep Learning Technique: Tomato Case","authors":"Tahirou Djara, Sekoude Jehovah-nis Pedrie Sonon, Aziz Sobabe, Abdul-Qadir Sanny","doi":"10.9734/cjast/2024/v43i24350","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/cjast/2024/v43i24350","url":null,"abstract":"The precision of traditional methods for estimating crop yield is a major challenge, particularly for large areas. To improve this process, we developed a tomato detection and localization system using deep learning techniques. The system uses Faster-RCNN, a cutting edge technology of object detection model, to detect and localize tomatoes in images. We trained the model on a database of 150 images, which were normalized to 100*100 pixels in RGB. The system estimates the real sizes of tomatoes using the Ground Sampling Distance method and predicts their masses using a regression model. The model produces an average absolute error of 42.365% and a quadratic error of 51.044%. Our system provides a more efficient and accurate way to estimate tomato crop yields on a large scale.","PeriodicalId":505676,"journal":{"name":"Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology","volume":"51 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139865969","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M. Masarirambi, Victor D. Shongwe, K. A. Nxumalo, Emanuel N. Kunene, D. Earnshaw, Daniel V. Dlamini
{"title":"Decolonization of Indigenous/Traditional Vegetables of the Kingdom of Eswatini and the Southern African Development Community","authors":"M. Masarirambi, Victor D. Shongwe, K. A. Nxumalo, Emanuel N. Kunene, D. Earnshaw, Daniel V. Dlamini","doi":"10.9734/cjast/2024/v43i24346","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/cjast/2024/v43i24346","url":null,"abstract":"Indigenous/traditional vegetables have been used since prehistoric times in the Kingdom of Eswatini. They are well appreciated for their nutritional cultural and medicinal value. However, despite their immense importance the advent of colonisation by the Europeans saw the traditional vegetables being declared weeds and thus undesirable. The situation went from bad to worse with modernization and urbanization. There are no statistics about their economic importance. This study aimed to decolonize, document and deliberate on the importance of traditional vegetables in the Kingdom of Eswatini. The study was a qualitative one. Information was sought, through informal surveys, group discussions and a review of existing literature.","PeriodicalId":505676,"journal":{"name":"Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology","volume":"49 23","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140480454","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
G. Auriemma, Raffaele Pappalardo, Gennaro Piccirillo, Giuseppe Grazioli, F. Sarubbi
{"title":"Study on the NIR Spectroscopy to Predict Energy Content of Hemp Flour (Cannabis sativa L.)","authors":"G. Auriemma, Raffaele Pappalardo, Gennaro Piccirillo, Giuseppe Grazioli, F. Sarubbi","doi":"10.9734/cjast/2024/v43i14345","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/cjast/2024/v43i14345","url":null,"abstract":"Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of NIRS for predicting the energy content through the chemical characterization of the flour obtained after the cold pressing of Cannabis sativa L. seeds, as well as the possibility of predicting their energy content starting from the data obtained through the NIRs technique. \u0000Study Design: The chemical composition of 56 hemp flour samples was determined following the official protocols of the Association of Analytical Chemists and chemometric readings were conducted. GE, gross energy digestibility (GEd) and digestible energy (DE) were estimated using the equations proposed by INRA. A statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the potential use of NIR data to predict the energy content of hemp flour. \u0000Results: Data from laboratory and NIR assessments were 22.54 versus 20.44 for GE (MJ/kg DM), 90.72 versus 90.21 for GEd (MJ/kg DM), and 19.73 versus 20.13, respectively for the loss (%). The results indicated the feasibility of energy value prediction, although further studies are needed to refine the technique. NIR expands the calibration set, allowing increasingly accurate determinations, in the study of the chemical-nutritional characteristics of hemp sativa, even if further investigations are necessary. \u0000Conclusion: The study provides comprehensive insights into the chemical composition of hemp flour, explores its comparison with other seeds, evaluates different analysis methods, and establishes reliable prediction models for energy content.","PeriodicalId":505676,"journal":{"name":"Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology","volume":"43 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140489233","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hamidou Salou, Nzihou Jean Fidele, Zoundi Ousmane, Ouattara Frederic, Segda Bila Gerard
{"title":"Monitoring the Air-fuel Ratio (AFR) of a Biomass Gasification Process with an Arduino Uno 3 and a Narrow Band Lambda Oxygen Sensor","authors":"Hamidou Salou, Nzihou Jean Fidele, Zoundi Ousmane, Ouattara Frederic, Segda Bila Gerard","doi":"10.9734/cjast/2024/v43i14344","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/cjast/2024/v43i14344","url":null,"abstract":"The Air-Fuel Ratio is one of the keys parameters for driving the gasification process. Monitoring of oxygen percentage in flue gases is one of various ways of controlling efficiency and emissions of industrial combustion. Biomass gasification is a thermochemical degradation of the biomass that is accomplished with the Air-Fuel Ratio less than the stochiometric one that is used in the combustion. \u0000Unfortunately, flue gases analyzers in combustion processes are expensive and not accessible to small scale industries. This is particularly true in developing countries. The Lambda sensor used in the automotive industry is an oxygen sensor which controls the electronic injection of the modern internal combustion vehicles. \u0000The aim of this study is to present one simple method of measuring the oxygen concentration and calculate the Air-Fuel Ratio in synthesis gas produced by a downdraft biomass gasifier by the use of an Arduino Uno 3 microcontroller and an automotive Lambda sensor. This method use the voltage signals developed by a heated 4 wires Lambda sensor and the Nernst Equation to calculate oxygen concentration in the producer gas and derive the Air-Fuel Ratio. \u0000Results presented in this article show that this method is a simple and cost-effective way to monitor Air-Fuel Ratio in a biomass gasifier.","PeriodicalId":505676,"journal":{"name":"Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology","volume":"9 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139596323","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Contribution to the Study of the Breaking Behavior of Starch-Based Composite Films: Numerical and Mathematical Analysis of the Effects of Reinforcement and Temperature","authors":"Doumbia Ahmed, Traoré Seydou","doi":"10.9734/cjast/2024/v43i24347","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/cjast/2024/v43i24347","url":null,"abstract":"Our previous article focused on the analysis of crack propagation in a composite film based on cassava starch reinforced with coconut fibers. The price parameters taken into account in this study are the size and position of the crack, and the applied load. The aim of this work is to analyze the breaking behavior of said material. To do this, the effects of variations in temperature and fibers, key factors influencing the thermomechanical behavior of the film, will be illustrated. We will adopt an approach based on the displacement of the crack tip using the extended finite element method (XFEM). A calculation by numerical simulation using the Cast3M finite element calculation code will be carried out based on an established behavioral law. This phase will be followed by a mathematical study in order to establish a homogenized analytical model representative of the breaking behavior of the composite. The results obtained in the two cases are very consistent. The reinforcements increase the resistance to rupture while a rise in temperature promotes deterioration of the material. They make it possible to describe and predict the breaking behavior of the composite films subject to this study.","PeriodicalId":505676,"journal":{"name":"Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology","volume":"38 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140498694","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Panchagavya: A Novel Approach for the Sustainable Production of Crops","authors":"Kanwar Aditya Singh, Bhavna Singh, Nanditha Pavithran, Asma Fayaz, M. Kaundal","doi":"10.9734/cjast/2024/v43i14342","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/cjast/2024/v43i14342","url":null,"abstract":"Panchagavya, a traditional organic formulation derived from cow products, has gained recognition for its potential agricultural benefits. This review paper focuses on the influence of panchagavya application on ecosystem dynamics, focusing on soil health, plant growth, and microbial communities. Panchagavya, an ancient agricultural practice rooted in Indian traditions, has garnered increasing attention in recent years for its potential to revolutionize modern farming. Comprising five key ingredients sourced from cows-milk, curd, ghee, cow urine, and cow dung- panchagavya is hailed as a holistic approach to agriculture that not only enhances crop yields but also promotes environmental sustainability and animal welfare. The composition of panchagavya is simple yet potent. The five ingredients are carefully mixed and allowed to ferment, promoting the growth of beneficial microorganisms. These microorganisms are a key component of panchagavya's efficacy, as they play a pivotal role in soil enrichment and plant health. Panchagavya has many health benefits also as all elements used in it responds individually in various diseases. This review provides an information on effect of panchagavya on plant growth and soil fertility in different crops.","PeriodicalId":505676,"journal":{"name":"Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology","volume":"133 46","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139604912","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Addressing the Challenges of Medical Social Workers in Nigeria: A Study of Hospital-based Care Dynamics","authors":"Omeche Enemaku","doi":"10.9734/cjast/2024/v43i14339","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/cjast/2024/v43i14339","url":null,"abstract":"Aims: Many social workers in Nigeria found it difficult to handle work-related stress, which resulted in frustration and reduced efficiency, a situation which undermined the relevance of the profession in the management of healthcare in Nigeria. This study therefore assessed the challenges medical social workers faced in hospital-based healthcare, using University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Faith Mediplex Hospital, and Uselu Psychiatric Hospital, all in Benin City. \u0000Study design: Survey design was adopted for this study. \u0000Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted using University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Faith Mediplex Hospital, and Uselu Psychiatric Hospital as case studies. The study was conducted between March 2022 to March 2023. \u0000Methodology: Using simple random technique, 108 respondents who were staff of the hospitals under study were selected for the study. Data were collected through the administration of questionnaire to the selected respondents. \u0000Results: The study found that medical social workers were poorly recognized in the hospitals and they were assigned non-social work tasks. The study also found that they work in very poor conditions, were poorly remunerated and their programmes in hospitals do not attract government funding. Above all, the study revealed that medical social workers go through series of discrimination from other medical professionals in the course of carrying out their duties. \u0000Conclusion: Policy makers in the health sector must ensure that health care reform legislation includes social workers among the professionals eligible to provide care coordination. Also, medical doctors and other medical professionals should see medical social workers as team players working towards the same goal; patient’s safety. Medical doctors should in most cases consider recommendations from medical social workers.","PeriodicalId":505676,"journal":{"name":"Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology","volume":"216 1-4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140514493","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}