Multiple Sampling Techniques Research Articles

Workplace management initiatives and talent engagement in the Nigerian pharmaceutical industry.

Background: Talent engagement is increasingly gaining the attention of pharmaceutical industry, particularly in developing nations like Nigeria. The existing literature shows that the subject of workplace management initiatives and talent engagement in the Nigerian pharmaceutical industry has not been sufficiently researched. This study investigates the influence of workplace management initiatives on talent engagement in some selected pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria. Methods: In total, 600 respondents were surveyed across various departments and units of ten selected pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria using multiple sampling techniques. Only 429 copies of the questionnaire, representing a 71.5% response rate, were returned and analyzed using Smart PLS 3.0. Results: The outcomes of the statistical analysis show that recognition, employees' wellbeing, learning and development as well as diversity and inclusion had significant influence on talent, emotional, cognitive and behavioural engagements. Conclusions: In line with the statistical results, the study concludes that workplace management initiatives influenced talent engagement. The study emphasized the need for the review of many workplace management initiatives in order to determine its suitability within the context of pharmaceutical industry in Nigeria.

Assessing the Acceptability of Family Planning Services in the Rural Areas of Cross River State, Nigeria

The purpose of this study is to examine the acceptability of family planning services in rural areas of Cross River State. The main objective of the study is to identify the relationship between availability of family planning services and the acceptability of the services by rural dwellers as well as identify the determinants of family planning service acceptability. Survey design was used in the study. The study population was all women of child bearing age. A sample size of 600 women was used for the study. The respondents used in the study were selected randomly using multiple sampling technique. A structured questionnaire designed to elicit responses on adoption of family planning services was administered to 600 people in the study area. Data collected from the respondents was analyzed using simple percentages and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Based on the analysis, a positive relationship was established between availability of family planning service and the acceptability of the programme by the rural dwellers. The study also identified the main predictors of family planning service acceptability.In view of the findings of the study, it was concluded that the provision of more family planning services in the rural areas would increase the level of acceptability of family planning services. Key words: Family planning services, acceptability of family planning, rural dwellers and family sizes DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/10-12-02 Publication date: June 30th 2020

Thresholded Monitoring in Distributed Data Streams

In this paper, we consider the problem of thresholded monitoring in distributed data streams, that is, given multiple distributed data streams observed by multiple monitors during a certain period, finding the items whose global frequencies over all data streams exceeding a given threshold. We first derive a lower bound of communication overhead for any deterministic algorithm for this problem. Then, we propose two different schemas, i.e. , Low-threshold Cascaded Cuckoo Filter (L-CCF) for low-threshold monitoring and High-threshold Cascaded Cuckoo Filter (H-CCF) for high-threshold monitoring. L-CCF and H-CCF can identify items whose frequencies are more than the given threshold while a desired false negative rate (FNR) is achieved and communication overhead is optimized. The key idea is to compress the communication overhead caused by transferring the ID and frequency information at the same time. First, to reduce the communication overhead of transferring IDs, we propose to encode the IDs into separate tiny parts and store these tiny parts in L-CCF or H-CCF. Second, to reduce the communication overhead of transferring frequencies, we adopt a carry-in counter technique in L-CCF and multiple sampling technique in H-CCF. We evaluated L-CCF and H-CCF on two real-world traces and compared their performance with two prior adapted algorithms. Our experimental results show that on average, L-CCF and H-CCF achieve FNRs with 55% and 65% better than that of comparison algorithms while FPRs is maintained at the level of 2%.

Multiple Photon Sampling Technique Based on Stochastic Progressive Photon Mapping

This paper introduces a multiple photon sampling technique based on stochastic progressive photon mapping. We use the image space concept to divide the scene into continuous sub-blocks and then we calculate our proposed distance function and photon number function in each of the sub-blocks. The distance function is used to calculate the distance error of the hit point and to determine whether each sub-block is located at a boundary between different objects. The photon number function is used to calculate the photon number error and to determine whether the photon distribution in each sub-block is uniform. Based on the values of the distance error and the photon number error, the multiple photon sampling technique is used to acquire multiple samples of the hit point in each sub-block. Instead of using a single radius for the radiance estimate, we use three different radii and compute the final radiance estimate as a weighted average of the three values. When compared with the existing stochastic progressive photon mapping method, our method provides a better solution to the photon distribution problem and can also reduce bias and noise, especially in the scene with drastic changes in light and dark.

Impact Of Socio-Economic Attributes On The Living Standards Of Females In Farming System Of Punjab, Pakistan

In the context of farming, Punjab is bestowed with fertile land. It is a land of five rivers and friendly atmosphere for agriculture as well as for livestock. Majority of its population lives in rural areas and its major source of income is based on agriculture. Women are contributing a significant share in the field of farming. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of socio-economic factors on the living conditions of those women who are involved in any farming activities. The nature of study was quantitative. 400 women were selected through multiple sampling techniques from three different geographical zones of Punjab. The tool for data collection was interview schedule. Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) was used for quantitative analysis for enhancing the scope and validity of research. Bi-variate analysis was carried out for showing the relationship between variables. The study revealed positive as well as negative impacts on living conditions of women in this sector. This study shed a light on women participation as a farmer and its impact on their lives. The major suggestions were made after conducting the research that there should be proper training for women in agriculture sector. Proper health and education facilities should be provided to them and their children. Government should make policies to facilitate the women in farming system.
 SAARC J. Agri., 17(2): 53-66 (2019)

Evaluating the Use of Educational Technologies by Secondary School Teachers for Effective Service Delivery in Pakistan

The existing study attempts to evaluate the use of educational technology by secondary school teachers for effective service delivery in Pakistan. The major purpose of this endeavor was (a) to trace out the secondary school teachers competencies regarding educational technologies; (b) to observe and record proficient use of teachers educational technology for effective service delivery in Pakistan. The study was based on descriptive research design and observational checklist was used to analyze the secondary school teacher skills in term of effective use of educational technologies. A sample of 453 respondents (Secondary School Teachers) was selected by using multiple stage sampling technique. On the base of analysis of the study, most of the teachers were found weak in using educational technologies while teaching. As audio visual aids adds new attraction and interest in the process of teaching and learning and students can get knowledge in pleasant environment.

Sample collection for laboratory-based study of the nasal airway and sinuses: a research compendium.

Collection of biologic samples from the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses is of critical importance to the study of infectious or inflammatory conditions that affect both upper and lower airways. Numerous techniques for the study of ex-vivo samples exist, with specific applications, strengths, and weaknesses associated with each of them. In this compendium we summarize the available methods for collection of primary human samples and incorporate expert discussion of the pros, cons, and applications associated with each technique. An expert panel containing members of the American Rhinologic Society's Research and Grants Committee compiled this educational reference. Rationale for use and the potential advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Research protocols and key references are enumerated. Sampling of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses can be achieved through a number of methods. Nonspecific sinonasal secretions may be collected via forced exhalation, nasal lavage, and nasal spray aspiration. Targeted collection of sinonasal secretions may be achieved via endoscopic placement of absorbent matrices. Nasal cytology or collection of superficial epithelium may be completed via brushing or scraping of endonasal structures. Collection of mucosal biopsies may be completed via sinonasal explant or full-thickness biopsy. Multiple sampling techniques are available to collect biologic samples from the sinonasal cavity. These techniques differ in their ease of application, reproducibility, sample yield, and utility for different sinonasal pathologies or research goals. An appreciation of the benefits and drawbacks of each approach will allow investigators to select the techniques most appropriate for achieving research objectives.

Youth Access to Agricultural Land from Peri-urban and Rural Perspective: A Study of Techiman Traditional Area in Ghana

This study examines youth access to agricultural land from both peri-urban and rural perspectives. Using the Techiman area as a case study, the study interviewed youth and elders made up of chiefs and family heads using multiple random sampling techniques. The results revealed that, the youth generally have access to small landholdings whether in the peri-urban or rural context. These small holdings were a manifestation of the challenges underling the youth access to land under customary system. The predominant challenges facing the youth included; high rental/acquisition cost, land scarcity and land disputes. The youth also suffered more from the urbanisation effects, but do not benefit from proceeds arising out of peri-urban land use conversions. The study recommends youth agricultural land access policy and a compensation regime which benefits both the youth and adults in land use conversions in the peri-urban areas of Ghana.

Demand for Life Insurance and It’s Determinants at Household Level: Evidence from Dire Dawa City

The main aim of this study is to investigate the demand for life and its determining factors at household level in Dire Dawa city. For the sake of achieving this objective, primary sources of data were collected through structured questionnaire from a sample of 373 household respondents by applying a three stage multiple random sampling techniques. Moreover, data were also collected using face-to-face interview with insurance company managers and focus group discussion with some selected respondents. While descriptive narrations through concurrent triangulation strategy were applied to analyze the data collected using interview and focus group discussion, both descriptive tools and econometrics model (binary logit model) were employed to analyze the data collected using questionnaire. The result of the study revealed that the communities’ demand for and awareness on life insurance is low. Besides, the study indicated that age, educational level, income level, occupation, number of dependent family size, knowledge, awareness, institutional factors, religion and perception were found statistically significant factors that determine the communities’ willingness to purchase life insurance. Keywords: Demand, life insurance, awareness, perception, willingness and insurance policy DOI : 10.7176/RJFA/10-17-06 Publication date :September 30 th 2019

Determinants of Chinese consumers’ organic wine purchase

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the primary determinants of Chinese consumers’ attitudes and purchase intentions of imported organic wines.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a multi-stage data collection via multiple sampling techniques. Data were collected from close to 2,000 Chinese wine drinkers across 33 provincial-level administrative units in China. The consumer data were subject to a two-step structural equation modeling analysis.FindingsChinese consumers express favorable attitudes and are interested in making a purchase. The results also reveal distinct influences of cognitive and emotional determinants on consumers’ positive attitudes and purchase intentions of organic wines. Health benefits and symbolic value positively influence consumers’ attitudes and purchase intentions. Emotional assessment of organic wines, despite exhibiting a positive effect on attitudes, does not drive Chinese consumers’ purchase decisions.Originality/valueChina has become a world leader in consuming wines, especially wines imported from traditional wine producing countries. The increasing health concerns have also prompted Chinese consumers toward favoring organic products. Despite the evident shift in Chinese consumers’ travel expenditure toward food and wines and the growing wine consumption while dining out, existing research is scant in explaining the decision drivers of Chinese consumers’ organic wine purchase. A greater and deeper understanding of Chinese consumers’ purchase decision of organic wines not only provides marketing intelligence for countries exporting wines to China but also is meaningful for international destinations to capture a lucrative market to support local attractions and hospitality businesses.

The Effect of Job Analysis on Service Delivery in Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) 2005-2014

The issue of public service delivery has been a high priority subject for organizational researchers and practitioners alike in Nigeria. However, linking human resource management practices such as job analysis that has received considerable attention in developed western countries as a useful human resource planning tool towards improving service delivery in the country is relatively new and requires scholarly attention particularly in the context of Nigerian public sector organizations. Within the framework of New Public Management (NPM) theory, the study examined the effect of job analysis on service delivery in the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) 2005-2014. The study was guided by two research questions and hypotheses. The study adopted the survey research design. The study relied on primary and secondary data, and multiple stage sampling technique was used to select the sample population. Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient and Simple Regression Analyses statistical techniques were used with the aid of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) to test the research hypotheses. Findings of the study show that job analysis has a significant effect on employee commitment in Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria at the 5percent levels. There is also a significant relationship between job analysis and quality of service delivery at the conventional 5percent levels. Given the pivotal role that job analysis plays in the 21st century, FAAN should adopt the conduct of job analysis as a basic human resource management tool for proper personnel utilization and improve quality of service delivery. FAAN should through job analysis, identify and develop proper employee commitment scheme, such as training and retraining, and performance review standards that could enhance service delivery. It should also make expertise available to conduct job analysis. This would assist to ensure that all critical aspects such as skills, knowledge and competencies are taken into consideration thereby eliminate the concept of garbage in garbage out.

Gender Dimensions of Youth Access to Agricultural Land Under Customary Tenure System in the Techiman Traditional Area of Ghana

This study investigates youth access to agricultural land under the customary land tenure regime in Ghana focusing on gender dimensions. Using the Techiman Traditional Area as a case study, the study applied multiple sampling techniques in a multi-stage sampling process to select the study communities and the respondents. A total sample of 455 youth respondents comprising 299 males and 156 females were covered in 20 communities. The results from the study revealed that majority of the youth, especially female, accessed agricultural land under non-market mechanisms such as licence, gift and inheritance; while predominantly male youth also accessed land under market mechanisms such as rentals and sharecropping. Both male and female youth held small land sizes. The underlying challenges facing both male and female youth were in two-fold: demand-related such as high cost of accessing land, competition from residential developers and wealthy adult farmers among others, and supply-related such as unwillingness of the elders to release land, scarce productive family land, land grants to outsiders among others. There is the need to ensure a well-functioning land market coupled with credit support system to enable both male and female youth access land. The study recommends further research into youth access to agricultural land under the main customary tenure regimes across the country as a means of formulating an evidence-based youth agricultural land access policy in Ghana.

Evaluating the National Literacy Acceleration Programme on the Teaching of Language and Literacy in Lower Primary Schools of Upper West Region of Ghana

This study sought to evaluate the National Literacy Acceleration Programme (NALAP) on the teaching of language and literacy from the Kindergarten to primary three (KG1-P3). The scope of the study covered only lower primary teachers. The design was cross-sectional research design. Three instruments; namely, questionnaire, interview guide, and document analysis were used for the data collection. The population for the study comprised 1852 lower primary teachers of the Upper West Region with an accessible population of 656 and sample size of 100 teachers. Multiple sampling techniques such as quota sampling technique, purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used. Quota sampling technique was used to select 20 teachers from each district. Purposive sampling technique was also used to select five districts lower primary teachers among eleven the districts. Two teachers were also purposively selected from among the overall sample from each district for the interview. Simple randomly sampling technique was used to select four schools in each district with five teachers from each school. Two schools in each district were involved in the document analysis. The results were analyzed using frequency tables and percentages. The findings revealed that NALAP was implemented to some extent and its methods and strategies including the materials were being used to some extent. Results again showed NALAP teaching and learning materials were available in the schools but were insufficient and some schools had none at all. Recommendations were made for the provision of teaching learning materials, training of teachers in bilingual bi-literacy methods of teaching to enable them teach language and literacy proficiently and in-service programmes for serving teachers in the system. And finally, suggestions were made for further studies. Keywords: Assessment, bi-literacy, communication, implementation, Language, medium and policies DOI : 10.7176/JLLL/55-07 Publication date : April 30 th 2019

Multiple Importance Sampling for Efficient Symbol Error Rate Estimation

Digital constellations formed by hexagonal or other non-square two-dimensional lattices are often used in advanced digital communication systems. The integrals required to evaluate the symbol error rate (SER) of these constellations in the presence of Gaussian noise are in general difficult to compute in closed-form, and therefore Monte Carlo simulation is typically used to estimate the SER. However, naive Monte Carlo simulation can be very inefficient and requires very long simulation runs, especially at high signal-to-noise ratios. In this letter, we adapt a recently proposed multiple importance sampling (MIS) technique, called ALOE (for `At Least One rare Event'), to this problem. Conditioned to a transmitted symbol, an error (or rare event) occurs when the observation falls in a union of half-spaces or, equivalently, outside a given polytope. The proposal distribution for ALOE samples the system conditionally on an error taking place, which makes it more efficient than other importance sampling techniques ALOE provides unbiased SER estimates with simulation times orders of magnitude shorter than conventional Monte Carlo.

Participation of Women in Development of Community Radio

Community radio in our country is a boon to many of the communities it enables many of the vulnerable people in these communities to participate in the decision making activities which can bring in a constructive change in the matters of the community .This very dynamic medium has been extensively used in many of the remote places of the country by various communities to educate, influence and evolve themselves to form a better tomorrow . This voluntarily medium, has been attracting the members of the remote areas in a big way. In a developing country like ours, where rural populace stills lacks basic education, awareness and involvement, this Community radio has given a fresh lease of life to many to sustain themselves in all spheres of their lives. It has helped the civil societies to move towards self sufficiency and also retaining the best in the communities through the array of programs which are conceptualised and presented by the community members only. It has really played a pivotal role at the grass root level which is emulated in other countries too. Community radio, has become a crusader in the lives of many across the country, this medium which has been supported by the community it serves , has emerged in a big way in developing countries. Other Voices (Kanchan Malik and Vindod Pawarala, 2007) has assessed the role of this alternative media as on eof the best tool for the communities and the underprivileged at the grassroots level . It has become a window for the remotest communities to integrate themselves into global economies and also develop as knowledge based economies. It has been playing a great role as a force multiplier in effective delivery of programs needed for the community on all development sectors. Each and every station has a great role in conceptualizing and executing these programs which has to come from the community members only. The indulgence of the members and to sustain themselves in running the station is a uphill task. Trainings imparted by the government and funding agencies at the various level has been instrumental in its popularity. The community radio stations in the country has been facing a lot of difficulties in sustaining themselves once they are established. The support and the encouragement of this station keep losing the fizz after few years of their inception. Many reasons has been identified such as lack of technical inputs, lack of creativity, financial crisis , lack of encouragement from the community, diminishing participation of members and so on . But, still, there are many CR stations which have proved and stood all the odds by proving their capacity to perform and bring in the change . Such CR stations are those which are under the leadership of women , who have given their best to sustain in the race by facing all the problems and overcoming it. The present paper, tries to focuses on the participation of women, with such positive outlook, who have driven the medium to a next level , in the development of community radio stations. The study has been done in the state of Karnataka, which has 13 CR stations. A multiple sampling technique has been used to select the best 4 community radio stations for the study. Keeping in view the gender perspective, the study highlights and dwell upon the role of women, in particular in the development of these community radio stations. The key roles played by the women as station managers, the content developers, the presenters and as listeners has been investigated through a systematic Focus group discussion , which has helped to elicit the information by these duty bearers . The role play of these women in the community radio has been very promising, and not only they contribute but also strive hard for the development of CR stations in the areas of their operations. The women members have been doing various experiments in the content and output which has not only yielded positive side of the medium, but also has empowered these women employees to do more though this medium. The result has been positive and thus many of them feel that the CR has become a integral part of their life and can has been instrumental in making their life more empowered. The study establishes that these community radio has worked in favour of these women to improve knowledge of solutions, in areas like health and hygiene, culture retention, rural development, participation in democratic process, education to local governance, employment opportunities and awareness related to social taboos.

Factor Structure and Measurement Invariance of the Self-discipline Model Using the Different-length Questionnaires: Application of Multiple Matrix Sampling

The purposes of this study were to test the structural validity and to test the parameters invariance of the self-discipline measurement model for good student citizenship among the models, using the data from the 1,047 complete questionnaires and the reducing length questionnaires with multiple matrix sampling technique. The sample size of this study was 1,047 bachelor's degree students selected by means of a multi-stage sampling technique. A set of 5 rating scale and 89-item questionnaires, divided into two versions, 44 and 45 each. The data were analyzed by confirmatory factor analysis and multiple group analysis. The research findings were as follows: 1) the model can be used to confirm the self-discipline construct validity of 4 components as responsibility, honesty, compliance and patience with ambition and intention, and 2) patterns and parameters of the model were varied between the models using the data from the full questionnaire and the data that reduced the length of the questionnaire. However, the measurement model is consistent with the empirical data in both cases.

Bactericera trigonica and B. nigricornis (Hemiptera: Psylloidea) in Tunisia as potential vectors of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ on Apiaceae

ABSTRACTA new vegetative disorder was observed in Tunisian carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) fields consisting of leaf curling, a yellowish purply-bronze discolouration of the leaves, as well as a stunted carrot shoots with an abundance of secondary roots. The causal agent was recently proven to be a bacterium ’Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ (Lso) which infects plants and seeds. Subsequently, using multiple sampling techniques, a wide-scale survey was carried out in all the symptomatic areas in order to identify the insects potentially capable of vectoring the bacterium. This revealed in all the symptomatic carrot fields two psyllid species, Bactericera trigonica and B. nigricornis (Förster, 1848), never before reported in Tunisia and shown in the literature to be vectors of Lso. In addition to carrot, surveys across Tunisia found these psyllid species on other host plants belonging to the Apiaceae family, such as wild fennel, celery and parsley, and confirmed the diversity of their host range and their potential to develop on many wild and cultivated plants. The possible phytosanitary risks which derive from the presence of these two insects on carrot and associated crops are discussed as well as their potential role as vectors of Lso.

The Effects of the Intestate Succession Law 1985 (PNDCL 111) and the Head of Family Accountability Law 1985 (PNDCL 114) on Youth Access to Agricultural Land in the Techiman Traditional Area of Ghana

This paper examines the effects of the Intestate Succession Law 1985 (PNDCL 111) and the Head of Family Accountability Law 1985 (PNDCL 114) on youth access to agricultural land in the context of customary land tenure. Using the Techiman Traditional Area in Ghana as a case study, the study sampled 455 youth and 23 elders using multiple sampling techniques. It was revealed that while PNDCL 111 has had some positive effects on the ability of the youth to inherit personal properties of their deceased parents; its exemption of family land in terms of application takes agricultural land access through inheritance outside the purview of the law. Given that majority of agricultural lands are family property, youth land access option through inheritance under the law is thus limited. Again, there are no more vacant lands to be acquired as personal property which the youth can inherit under the law. In the case of PNDCL 114, the study found that the law provides no practical support to the youth in asserting claims to land or seeking accountability from their elders over land proceeds. It is recommended that both PNDCL 111 and PNDCL 114 be reviewed to reflect these limitations. Also, the Head of Family Accountability law should make Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms an integral part of the law to improve on dispute adjudication given that court actions to demand accountability are not generally culturally acceptable. KEY WORDS : Legislative interventions, Youth, Land, Access, Ghana

Estimation Model of Ramin (Gonystylus bancanus) Standing Stock in Peat Swamp Forest: Case Study in Sumatra and Kalimantan

Multiple sampling technique was applied to estimate ramin (Gonystylus bancanus) standing stock in peat swamp forest by combining imagery analysis (phase I) and field measurement (phase II). The objectives of this research were to obtain (1) estimation model of stand volume, (2) estimation model of G. bancanus standing stock, and (3) volume of standing stock of G. bancanus in Sumatera and Kalimantan peat swamp forests. The research was conducted in peat swamp forest of Sumatera and Kalimantan Island. ALOS AVNIR image interpretation was completed to obtain crown density and used as independent variable for developing stand volume model. Cluster sampling was used to obtain field data from circle sample plot of 0.1 ha and square sample plot of 0.25 ha. Spatial analysis was conducted to map and calculate standing stock of G. bancanus for Sumatera and Kalimantan Island. Estimation model of stand volume was V bf = 0.1851 C field1.05234 (R 2 =0.62) for Sumatera peat swamp forest and V bf = 3.1163 e 0.041 Cfield (R 2 = 0.62) for Kalimantan peat swamp forest, respectively. We estimated that standing stock of G. bancanus of peat swamp forest in Sumatra and Kalimantan was 5% and 2.3% of the total stand volume, respectively. Base on both the estimation models, standing stock of G. bancanus in Sumatera peat swamp forest was 15,351,063 m 3 and in Kalimantan peat swamp forest was 6,004,874 m 3 .

Theoretical Sampling in Qualitative Research: A Multi-Layered Nested Sampling Scheme

In qualitative research, novice grounded theorists are aware of expectations to use theoretical sampling yet they have vague idea of how to conduct theoretical sampling. An analysis of sampling pattern of the study using grounded theory and theoretical sampling revealed a systematic sampling scheme employing multiple techniques. The study was conducted using theoretical sampling; twenty-five in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with professors and postdocs across Germany. The analysis established that theoretical sampling is a complex multi-layered nested sampling scheme, which uses multiple sampling techniques simultaneously.