International Journal of Applied Science and Research

YE Mingjun 1, WU Mingle 1, 2, SHEN Shan*

ABSTRACT: Objective: To evaluate the changes of T2 value of articular disc in patients with temporomandibular joint disc displacement by magnetic resonance T2 Mapping imaging, and to explore its application value in anterior disc displacement of the temporomandibular joint(TMJ). Methods: A total of 28 patients with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) were selected from June 2020 to January 2021. 47 cases of diseased joints were diagnosed by diagnostic Criteria for the most common temporomandibular disorder (DC/TMD). Through MRI examination, 9 cases of diseased joints were not displaced, and the other 38 cases of diseased joints were divided into two groups: ADDwoR group (n = 20) and ADDwR group (n = 18). 10 volunteers with normal temporomandibular joints were selected as the control group. Both groups were diagnosed by MR T2-mapping imaging, and the results of the two groups were compared. Results: there was a significant difference in the total T2 value of the articular disc among the three groups. The T2 value of the articular disc in 20 patients in the ADDwoR group was higher than that in the ADDwR group and normal group. There was no significant difference in T2 value between the ADDwR group and the normal group. There was a significant difference in the anterior zone and posterior zone among the three groups (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference among the three groups. In the anterior zone and posterior zone, the value of T2 in the ADDwoR group was significantly higher than that in the ADDwR group and normal group. Conclusions: T2 Mapping imaging can be used to evaluate the changes of T2 components of the temporomandibular joint disc, and it is feasible to measure the T2 relaxation time of the temporomandibular joint disc. T2-mapping imaging can accurately detect the T2 value of temporomandibular joint disc in patients with anterior disc displacement of the temporomandibular joint. Among them, the anterior and posterior bands of the articular disc in patients with ADDwoR have more serious pathological changes than those in patients with ADDwR and volunteers, and timely treatment is needed to prevent further progression of the disease.

Keyword: T2 Mapping; temporomandibular joint; joint disc; temporomandibular disorder

KOSSI JEAN MARIE D. TOKOUDAGBA 1 ; AYIDE C. AHOUANSOU 2; FERNAND A. GBAGUIDI 3

ABSTRACT: Pupalialappacea (Amanrathaceae) is a plant traditionally used in various ailments including febrile states and diarrhoea as a decoction and also in infertility. The control of bacterial infections is becoming complex due to the fact that many bacteria have developed resistance to most antibiotics, which is a major health problem worldwide. It is within this framework that we wanted to study the phytochemistry and the anti-microbial activity of the fractions of the hydro ethanolic extract of the plant used in traditional medicine it is Pupalialappacea (L.) JussAmanrathaceae We prepared the hydro ethanolic extract from the dried powdered leaves of these plants and the yield of crude extract is 20%. We then fractionated the hydro ethanolic extract obtained by the liquid-liquid extraction method using successively the following solvents of increasing polarity: cyclohexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and methanol. We measured flavonoids and polyphenols by the colorimetric method and the FolinCiocalteu method in these different fractions and then tested the hydroethanolic extract and the fractions on four reference microbial strains (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 ; Salmonella typhi ATCC 14028 ; Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853) The results showed us that the polar fractions are very rich in polyphenols which confirms the results obtained during the phytochemical screening carried out; and these fractions have a more interesting bactericidal activity than the hydro ethanolic extract. This plant could be an alternative in primary care systems for microbial infections.

Keyword: Pupalialappacea Bactericidal Concentration Minimum Inhibitory Concentration

1 Kehinde P. Ajewole,2 Deborah F. Olorunfemi, 3 Remilekun E. Alabi.4 Olubunmi R. Olagoke

ABSTRACT: This is a descriptive non-experimental research on attitude and perception of selected health workers towards multidisciplinary collaboration in stroke care in Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti. Multidisciplinary team is a collection of professionals from different disciplines who share a common area of working practice. However, bringing individual professionals together in the management of stroke patient doesn’t mean they will automatically function cooperatively. The objective of this research work is to access the perception of health workers towards multidisciplinary collaboration in Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti. The findings and recommendation of this research will help the health care workers see the need to foster love, respect and understanding among health workers. A descriptive study design was used to assess the attitude and perception of health workers towards multidisciplinary collaboration in the management of stroke patient in Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti. The sample size of this study was made up of Doctors, Nurses and Physiotherapist in Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti. The population of health workers in the selected wards is 100. The findings revealed that 80% of the respondents agreed that to be effective, health professionals should understand the work of their fellow team members. Majority of the respondents agreed to usefulness of interdisciplinary team working in the delivery of care of stroke patient.78% respondents accept to work in a team where nurses and other health professionals share responsibilities of patient care with Doctors. It was also revealed in this study that health workers have good attitude towards multidisciplinary collaboration and that an interdisciplinary team working is a useful approach to effective and sustainable high quality care of stroke patient in Nigeria. Thus, Nurses and other health workers should provide a forum where they can collaborate in care of patient and they should eliminate all barriers that prevent team work.

Keyword:Stroke, Patients, Health workers.

Deo Demonta Panggabean 1*, Irham Ramadhani 2 , Irfandi 3

ABSTRACT: The objectives of this study were (1) Producing video tutorial-based learning media using Camtasia Studio and Videoscribe software, (2) Knowing the feasibility of video tutorial-based learning media using Camtasia Studio software and Video Scribe. This study uses the stages of research and development that is adapted models 4D development, among others: (1) phase define through the search problem and analysis of needs ; (2) the design stage through designing video tutorial media by compiling the material, video flow and script ; (3) the stage of development through the manufacturing media tutorial videos using software Camtasia studio and Videoscribe; assessment by an expert/specialist materials and experts media; and student responses to the media; (4) stage disseminate. Namely, media learning-based tutorial videos in the eyes of college physics High School in multimedia have been produced in the form of a file and uploaded to the media youtube for use in the system of learning online. The results of this study indicate that the material expert's assessment stated that Video tutorial-based learning media met the very feasible criteria, with a percentage of 86 %. Based on the research that has been carried out, and the results of data analysis, several temporary conclusions can be drawn, namely: 1). The video tutorialbased learning media that have been produced are suitable for use in lectures with an average percentage of expert ratings of 79.6%. In detail, the percentage of expert assessments, among others, material experts with a percentage of 86.1%, learning experts with a percentage of 72.5%, and media experts with a percentage of 80.2%; 2). Student response to the resulting video tutorial-based learning media was good with a student assessment percentage of 78.3%.

Keyword: Media, Learning, Video, Tutorial, Camtasia Studio, Videoscribe

Dr. Saleem Mushtaq 1 & Dr. Beenish Shameem 2

ABSTRACT: This study aims to investigate the skills that are important for entrepreneurs in UAE. MFI institutions in UAE enables entrepreneurs in development of entrepreneurial skills in which further help in their development and growth of businesses. The study stated that skills like accounting skills like maintenance of accounting books of business, development in technical skills, specialized management, business development and technology skills were developed by MFI and played important character in strengthening the overall role of MFI. Business planning and management skills improve among the entrepreneurs, they develop a better understanding to use the available capital and profits to further invest and use in their businesses and moving towards further development. Some of the findings of research reflect that MFIs did not help in development of entrepreneurial skill and faced major challenge in analysing the status of the market that is the current market scenario, the situations like when to invest and when to withdraw, where to invest, quantity of invest and many such understanding of the market thus .making it difficult for them to move ahead with their business plan or the existing business. Such entrepreneurs can fail even after being financed by MFI since they lack the skill of utilization of the capital. MFIs provide assistance in development of certain skills that assist the beneficiaries in growth and development of their business. Micro finance institutions play a vital role by empowering individuals with credit facilities to start their business and imparting skills to carry business in a proper way. The role of micro finance institutions is all pervasive and helps the businesses to work on sustainable basis. In this research it was found that entrepreneurs get the finance from MFIs, they invest them in technical and technological aspects of their businesses due to which these aspects of the business improve leading to development of the business and thereby of the SMEs in UAE.

Keyword: Entrepreneur, Microfinance, Microfinance institutions, Small businesses, United Arab Emirates

*Omodamiro, R.M, Ukpabi, U.J, Afuape, S.O, and Ekeledo, E.N

ABSTRACT: Fifteen acquired foreign sweetpotato genotypes in Nigeria (undergoing adaptation trials by National Root Crops Research Institute, Nigeria) were assessed for the possible culinary and nutritional uses of their leaves in Nigerian local food preparation. Leaves of leafy elite sweetpotato genotypes existing in Nigeria were used as experimental checks. Prior to the assessment of the organoleptic properties of the boiled experimental leaves by a food sensory panel, the fresh experimental leaves were botanically characterized. A sensory panel was used to conduct the sensory evaluation of the boiled leaves. The 20 member sensory panelists used a nine point Hedonic scale (where 9= like extremely; 5= neither like nor dislike;1= dislike extremely) to evaluate the appearance, taste and general acceptability of the boiled leaves. The panelists also commented on the possible uses of the leaves as substitutes or replacements for conventional local vegetables in Nigeria. Relevant biochemical/phytochemical analyses were also carried out on the experimental leaves. The result of their leaves external morphology characterization showed that about 25% were of simple palmate shape while the rest were simple non-palmate. The sensory panelists observed that the leaves from some of the experimental genotypes including local and International checks (Ex-Igbariam, TIS2532.OP.1.13 and TIS8164 respectively) could be used to replace or substitute some indigenous vegetables in local food preparation. The leaves of TIS8164 can also be used for traditional packaging in the preparation of Ekpan-nkwukwo(a local Nigerian dish). The nice aroma of the exotic Julian leaves could serve as a potential replacement for some indigenous spices in local food preparations. The chemical analysis carried out revealed that the leaves had high fibre, high chlorophyll and high flavonoids content. All these show that these experimental edible leaves are good sources of nutrients for certain food security requirements.

Keyword: Sweetpotato, edible, leaves, sensory evaluation, phytochemicals, nutrients

Omonile, J.F 1, Yusuf A.O 1,Obagboye, L 2, Ogwu, A.A 3

ABSTRACT: The solution Einstein's geometrical equation of motion for test particles of non-zero rest masses in gravitational field in spherical polar coordinates (𝑟, 𝜃,𝜙) was first obtained by Karl Schwarzchild, and the result were confined to spherical body only along the origin. But the earth and other planets as well as the sum are now well-known experimentally as spheroidal in shape. Therefore, the need arises to extend the Einstein's. geometrical equation of motion for test particles in gravitation field of bodies of perfect spherical geometry to those of spheroidal geometry. In this paper, we are out to derive the planetary equation in the equatorial plane of a homogeneous prolate spheroidal massive body according to Einstein's geometrical law of general relativity expressed in terms of prolate spheroidal coordinates. The coefficients of affine connection for the gravitational field are used to derive the equations of motion in the equatorial plane for the test particles. Then we show how they may be solved exactly and analytically for motion confined to the equatorial plane for mathematical investigations and hence physical interpretation and experimental investigations as compared with the other well-known results for bodies in the solar system.

Keyword: Prolate Spheroidal Coordinates, Einstein's Geometrical Laws, Schwartzchild's Metric Tensor and Planetary Equations.

Masinde T. Sangura

ABSTRACT: The activity concentration of 40K, 238U, and 232Th in the sediments taken from the Port Victoria shoreline has been carried out using gamma-ray spectroscopy technique. The mean values of 40K, 238U, and 232Th are respectively found to be 523.21±26.53, 66.23±8.55 and 76.23±7.32 Bq/kg, which are comparable with those of other authors. However, the mean values are higher than the world wide accepted mean values of 420, 33 and 45Bq/kg for 40K, 238U, and 232Th respectively, attributed to the technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive materials (TENORM) in the Lake Victoria basin. Large variations in activity concentrations are observed at different sampling sites and this is attributed to the different discharge rates by deltas of River Nzoia at Port Victoria shoreline during both dry and wet season as well as due to the dispersion of radionuclides by the water tides. The mean value of radium equivalent activity (Raeq) is 234.45 Bq/Kg, which is below the maximum allowed mean value of 370 Bq/Kg. The dose rate (D) and annual effective dose rate (AED) mean values are approximately twice the worldwide mean values of 57nGyhr-1and 70 µSy-1 respectively. Site I which is characterized by additional discharge from River Ndegwe and site Bu1 which is characterized by naturally decaying igneous rocks, have higher values of radiological parameters; Raeq>300Bq/Kg, D>143 nGyhr-1, AED>175 µSy-1, Hex>0.82, RHex>2.20, and ELCR>0.5 when compared to other sites along the shoreline. Though the calculated hazard indices are found less than unity, the mean of expected life cancer risk is ELCR> 0.4, which is higher when compared to the worldwide mean value of 0.29. Therefore there is need for concerted effort to continuously monitor and control pollution load by radionuclides in the sediments of Port Victoria shoreline.

Keyword: Annual effective dose rate, Dose rate, expected life cancer risk, hazard indices, TENORM;

Hindowa Batilo Momoh

ABSTRACT: Electoral conflicts are not uncommon in the world. They occur in many competitive electoral processes the world over because the electoral management itself is unwieldy, multifaceted and complex. Whereas elections have become a commonplace in Africa in the aftermath of the cold war, some recent elections have failed to legitimise power largely because they have been embroiled in creating tension and causing violence. Understanding the dynamics around electoral violence has become fundamental to limiting the risk of electoral disputes to improve the quality of democracy in Africa. The purpose of this article, therefore, is to examine the limits of managing electoral violence in Sierra Leone and to proffer recommendations for an effective management of electoral process that would be free of violence/disputes. It argues that the lack of judicial independence, lack of political will, low trust in the electoral management bodies because of display of unprofessiolism and partiality toward incumbent governments, excessive use of force by the police against unarmed voters, outdated electoral laws, are some of the critical challenges with the potentials for forment electoral disputes and violence in Sierra Leone. The article concludes that undertaking electoral reforms, capacitating the judiciary to act independent of the political or governing class, professionalizing the police force, depolitization of the EMBs, will go a long way to promote peaceful conduct of and violent-free elections thereby consolidating democracy in Sierra Leone.

Keyword: Electoral Conflict, Electoral Violence, Judicial Independence, Ethnicity and Regionalism

CHIMA, OGBA R.

ABSTRACT: Definition of cybercrime has defied globally acceptable definition. However, this paper will discuss the concept of cybercrime in line with what it is, what motivates people to take that course of action, it's forms, various ways it manifests and the various ways to mitigate against it to protect individuals, organization's reputation, ensure non-repudiation, business growth and continuity, while still enjoying the use of technology.

Keyword: Electoral Conflict, Electoral Violence, Judicial Independence, Ethnicity and Regionalism

AYSE K. ARSLAN

ABSTRACT: ML is often seen as a 'plug-and-play' learning methodology that can be thrown at raw data for whatever problem comes to hand. Given this fact, this study aims to develop design principles in an AI context by taking into account various design guidelines, processes, and tools. The study explores how designers and AI engineers conceptualize the guidelines from different "points of view" to co-create AIX. By exploring the relevant body of existing work, the paper develops design framework based on a set of hypothetical model metrics. For generalization, it is suggested that the proposed design principles need to be validated in different contexts in further research. Last, but not least, it should be taken into account that it ML models merely provide advice as to which features of the problem seemed to be important and which seemed unimportant rather than offering a full intuitive understanding of the topic at hand.

Keyword: AI, user interface, conversational design, usability, ML

Safiya 1, DilshadaWani 2, Suby Annu 3

ABSTRACT: Burns are one of the most devastating conditions encountered in nursing practice. Burns are the fourth most common type of trauma worldwide, following traffic accidents, falls, and interpersonal violence. Burn complications like breathing problems, hypovolemia, hypothermia and severe wound infections are a major cause of illness and death among burn patients. The nurse who cares for a patient with a burn injury requires a high level of knowledge about the physiologic changes that occur after a burn, as well as assessment process to detect subtle changes in the patient’s condition. Considering this area of demand, this study was conducted with the aim of assessingthe effectiveness of planned teaching program on knowledge regarding nursing management of burn patients among staff nurses working in SKIMS, Soura, Srinagar, and Kashmir. A quantitative research approach with pre-experimental one group pre-test post-test design was used for this study. Convenience sampling technique was used to collect data from the 60 staff nurses using self-structured knowledge questionnaire.The post-test (Mean± SD) knowledge score (51.20±10.01) was found to be higher than pre-test (Mean ± SD) knowledge score (36.35±11.47) which was found to be statistically significant at 0.05 level of significance.The researcher reported that there was a significant association between the pre-test knowledge score and demographic variables professional qualification (p<0.001), place of posting (p =0.005), years of experience( p= 0.021) and in-service education program attended (p=0.014).

Keyword: Effectiveness, Planned Teaching Program, Knowledge, Burn patient.

Irfandi 1*, Deo Demonta Panggabean 2, Yulifda Tanjung 3

ABSTRACT: In preparing for more innovative learning, it must be related to the models, approaches, methods and techniques that will be applied in the learning process. One of the methods in this case includes the selection and determination of teaching materials, the preparation and possible procurement of remedies and the development of these teaching materials. This study aims to determine the development process, the quality of feasibility and the improvement of student learning outcomes in the General Physics subject using teaching materials accompanied by mobile learning-based ICARE-oriented student worksheets. Judging from the approach, this research is included in mixed methods research, which is a research approach that combines qualitative and quantitative research in one study. The use of this approach is based on considerations because the data collected in this study include two types of data, namely quantitative and qualitative data. The development steps were adapted from the model developed by Dick and Carry with the implementation stages consisting of: (1) analysis, (2) design, (3) development, (4) implementation, (5) evaluation. The instruments used in this study consisted of a material expert validation questionnaire, a validation questionnaire by media experts, and a student response questionnaire. The data analysis technique used is descriptive statistical analysis techniques. The results of this study are: 1) based on the results of data analysis, the validity, distinguishing power, and difficulty level of the 40 items that have been developed, there are 21 valid questions. As for the results of the calculation of the reliability of the test, the reliability coefficient value of 11 = 0.897 was obtained, so that the reliability of the questions was included in the high category. After that, a limited application will be carried out in one class to obtain student learning outcomes data using ICARE-oriented general physics teaching materials based on a mobile learning system.

Keyword: ICAR, Learning Outcomes, Mobile Learning, Teaching Materials

Rose Angelie C. Centina 1, Eugenio S. Guhao, Jr.2

ABSTRACT: The study investigated the mediating effect of school culture and achievement motivation on the relationship between principal leadership style and teaching competencies. Utilizing stratified cluster sampling, 432 elementary teachers in Region XI were considered the study's respondents. The descriptive-correlational survey method analyzed the data collated using Mean, Product-Moment correlation, and Path Analysis. The result reveals significant relationships between and among the variables: principal leadership style, school culture, achievement motivation, and teaching competencies of elementary school heads of Region XI. Moreover, it was revealed that the relationship between leadership style and teaching competencies is fully mediated by school culture and achievement motivation. It is further recommended that future researchers may consider other factors that could mediate the relationship between leadership style and teaching competencies.

Keyword: teaching competencies, school culture, mediating effect

YulIfda Tanjung 1, Abubakar 2, Irfandi 3, Deo Demonta Panggabean 4

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this research is to develop a system application Computer Based Testing (CBT) online to measure the conceptual knowledge of high school students in Medan. The research subjects were SMA CT Foundation Medan with a total of 48 people. This type of research is the development of research (Research and Development / R&D) Van De Akker consisted of 4 steps, Preliminary Research, Prototyping Stage, summative Evaluation and Systematic Reflection and Documentation using qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques. Based on data analysis, the test instrument totaled 30 items that met the instrument's eligibility standards including content validity with an average value of 81.35 or valid, in terms of the validity of the items obtained rcount of 30 items above 0.17 and 5 items below 0.17 which means that as many as 30 items meet the validity of the items. Judging from the reliability of 0.9 which means the test has good reliability. Judging from the discriminatory power, 16 questions are in the very good category, 10 questions are in the good category, 5 questions are in the sufficient category and 4 questions are in the bad category. Judging from the level of difficulty obtained 14 items in the easy category, 19 items in the medium category and 2 items in the difficult category. Judging from the effectiveness of the distractors, there were 6 items in the very good category, 6 items in the good category, 8 items in the sufficient category, 11 items in the poor category and 2 items in the bad category. The developed CBT system application meets the eligibility of Information and Technology (IT) experts of 86.6% in the very good category. Based on the evaluation of respondents' responses, 86.9% were rate as very good category. From the data analysis, it was concluded that the online-based CBT system application could be used to measure the conceptual knowledge of students at SMA CT Foundation Medan.

Keyword: Computer Based Testing, Conceptual Knowledge

Teguh Febri Sudarma 1, Didi Febrian 2 and Wasis Wuyung Wisnu Brata 3

ABSTRACT: Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are present as a solution to the problems faced at the time of the Covid-19 pandemic. MOOCs is an online-based learning system that can be accessed through the internet network, so that learners today can-do teaching and learning activities no longer limited by space and time as they please. Therefore, it is necessary to develop Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) using Tudiamipa and see how effective it is. Based on the results of descriptive analysis, then converted in the Value Conversion Table and obtained the results of the percentage of functionality instrument feasibility of 99% while for the results of the percentage of usability instruments of 90.8% with excellent interpretation. Assessments from expert validation of the material obtained an average value of 3.84. Based on this data it can be concluded that this material in the category is very feasible. Based on the results of descriptive analysis of trial results by System Experts, then converted in the Qualitative Conversion Table of The Feasibility Percentage and obtained the results of the percentage of system feasibility in terms of functionality characteristics (sub-characteristics suitability and accuracy) of 100% and have a very decent interpretation. . This User trial was conducted in August 2020. User trial was conducted by 30 people including 10 lecturers and 20 students. The results of the trial of the aspect of learning media that have been developed we can see in the table below; the average value of learning media validation results is 3.66. based on this data it can be concluded that the content material developed is very good. The results of a small trial conducted on 30 students obtained results as can be seen in the table below. The average small class trial result was 3.55. Based on this data it can be concluded that the content developed is very effective and worth using.

Keyword: MOOCs, learning media, online learning

Tovhowani Adolph Nedohe

ABSTRACT: The study was conducted in the electrical power industry of Gauteng Province, South Africa in order to assess and evaluate the efficiency with which projects are completed by project managers. The study was based on data collected from a random sample of size 147 project managers working in the power industry of Gauteng Province. Quantitative data was collected from 147 employees of Zest Weg Transformers Africa by using a structured questionnaire of study. Qualitative data was collected from 12 project managers by conducting 1-hourlong individual in-depth interviews. Quantitative data was collected using a validated and structured questionnaire. Quantitative data analyses were performed using statistical procedures such as frequency tables, bivariate analysis, and ordered logit regression analysis. The ability to complete a project successfully was defined by using criteria stipulated by Larson and Gray (2016). The study found that 95% of the 147 employees had failed at least once in the past in the completion of designated projects. Based on results obtained from ordered logit regression analysis, the successful completion of projects was significantly influenced by 5 factors. These 5 factors were: the duration of experience of working in project management, age, duration of employment, level of education and the availability to clearly define the goals and directions of projects. Similar results were obtained from in-depth interviews conducted with 12 project managers working in the company. A framework was constructed based on findings obtained from the study for enhancing the ability of employees to manage their projects more efficiently.

Keyword: Gauteng Province, Power industry, Project management, Efficiency, Ordered logit regression

Trang Dang Phuoc Hai, Hien Huynh Thi Thu and Son Ngoc Truong*

ABSTRACT: In this work, we presented the performance of quantized neural networks with compressed weight matrices for low-cost edge devices. The ternary neural network and the binary neural network were deployed on a low-cost Raspberry Pi for the application of MNIST classification. The signed weight matrix of ternary and binary neural networks was represented by the complementary binary matrices to reduce memory usage and speed up the inference process. The sparse binary matrices were compressed by Compressed Sparse Row format to reduce the memory usage and mainly reduce the inference time. For MNIST classification, ternary and binary neural networks produce the same accuracy of 94%.The ternary neural network involves weight matrices; these are sparser than the weight matrices of binary neural network. The ternary neural network and binary neural network with compressed weight matrices produced faster inference time by 9.93× and 6.78×, compared to the ternary and binary neural network without compressed weight matrices. Ternary and binary neural networks with compressed weight matrices are promising for low-cost edge devices, which have limited memory and speed.

Keyword: quantized neural network, binary neural network, ternary neural network

RIRHANDZU RUSSEL SALANE

ABSTRACT: Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are increasingly being used for infrastructure development in both developed and developing countries alike. PPPs are favoured becausethey promote resource sharing, risk sharing and transfer, and they offer value for money. However, research detailing and describing partnership negotiation processis still relatively sparse; reflecting a need to fully define the process, especially in relation to government’s housing delivery process. This article used multiple case studies to explore how housing public-private partnership negotiations are phased in an Afrocentric context, reflecting on what trigger the beginning and end of each phase. The findings show that in an Afrocentric context - which is characterised by strong social capital, strong ties, strong networksand joint problem solving, negotiations of housing public-private partnerships happen in five phases. A finding that significantly challenges existing research, which has never recognised so many. Furthermore, a Housing Public-Private Partnership Negotiation Lifespan Wheel is proposed which provides distinction of the negotiation content in the identified five key phases; a useful tool for negotiators.

Keyword: Housing public-private partnerships; negotiation phases; negotiation process; negotiation lifespan; Gauteng, South Africa.

Ajith Shanmuganathan

ABSTRACT: The innovation index in Sri Lanka is significantly low compared to other Asian countries. Innovation is constantly a hot topic in the business world and is essential for any business to prosper. It is also essential to check the readiness of a firm related to the innovation to predict the industry's future. The innovation index in Sri Lanka as a country is considerably lower than other countries; the lack of innovation readiness in firms can be one of the main reasons. Product Innovation is regarded as a costly exercise in the manufacturing environment. There are critics that most of the developing countries make decidedly fewer investments in research and development, and relatively, the innovation is very poor. The majority of the business imitates the products in the market and attempt to profit from the business. This paper examines the literature on the critical role of the social identity of leadership in innovation readiness. Public listed companies' contribution to the new product development is low; although these organisations have high budgets and resources; management is not innovation-driven compared to small and medium businesses. The study's findings could demonstrate how leaders should be more effective in long-term organisational behaviour, specifically in task-oriented and employee-oriented leadership; they also provide group-oriented leadership about a shared social identity. In previous research, the social identity of leadership is explained by self-categorisation, sense of belonging, Positive attitude. From the global innovation index, Sri Lanka lacks human capital and is categorised as an impotent pillar for innovation. Therefore, the research in this area is highly recommended, which will add value for the Sri Lankan business with the country's current situation.

Keyword: Innovation readiness, Social identity of leadership, self-categorisation, sense of belonging, Positive attitude

Xinjie Lin 1, a, Yayi Lei 1, a, Jiayu Qiu 1, 2, Jing Liu 1, *

ABSTRACT: Objective: Bulk-fill resin-based composites are gradually being used in dental treatment now, but only limited data are available on their biocompatibility. The aim of this review is to analyze and compare the cytotoxicity of bulk-fill resins with that of conventional composite resins. At the same time, the mechanisms of the cytotoxic effects were analyzed from the factors of filler, monomer, and initiator. Methods: The narrative review approach was performed. The literature search was conducted using PubMed, Web of science, and Ebsco, and non-English articles were excluded. Results and conclusion: The cytotoxicity of the resin was evaluated based on different biological endpoints, i.e., cell morphology, cell membrane effect, cellular metabolism, and cell growth ability. Evaluation of cytotoxicity assays can also be categorized into direct contact method, indirect contact method, and extract method according to the mode of contact. According to the results of the above cytotoxicity evaluation methods, the cytotoxicity of most bulk-fill resins at the recommended curing depth is comparable to that of conventional resins. In this review, factors such as fillers, monomers, and initiators were also discussed to analyse the mechanism of cytotoxicity.

Keyword: Bulk-fill resin, Composite Resin, Cytotoxicity, Biocompatibility

Cephas M.M.D Flanzamaton 1 , Huseyin Gokcekus 2, Youssef Kassem 3

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to know different ways and techniques of producing energy like renewable energy sources that may reduce carbon emissions and it leads to helping not only Nigeria but all other countries to reduce Global warming. Climate change is the term mostly used for changes in climates of Earth and its impacts and it can be local, regional, country, globally. The change in climates is due to different activities of humans such as deforestation, increases in industries and usage of fossil fuels which increased carbon emissions in the environment and became caused by the change in climates. Different countries have different climates and temperatures and those activities of humans cause Global warming. Global warming is used and referred to as an average rise of global temperature. Almost 97% of published articles on climate change referred that the only reason and dominant cause of Global warming are humans' activities since the 20th century. Based on rigorous analysis of past studies, it is concluded that CC is affected worldwide in general and in Nigeria, in particular, and it has direct and indirect impacts on human health and projected that it will continue to change. The direct change of climate had dramatically huge impacts on each living organism in Nigeria, which include animals, humans, and plants. This is due to rising temperatures which increase respiratory ailments in humans and the increased frequency of storms which became the cause of serious injury, death and psychological disorder in Nigeria.

Keyword: Climate change includes when Global warming change and change by either humans' different activities like the use of chemicals and others or weather patterns of Earth, so climate change also change

B.O. OSUESU 1, C.O. ONYIBE 2, CHIKEZIE UCHE M 3., ONWUNALI UZONNA CEASAR A.4

ABSTRACT: Interference mitigation is a big challenging issue in cellular systems and LTE network which is a high data rate and fully ALL-IP network is not an exception. Motivated by this we developed an adaptive scheduling technique as a means of mitigating interference in the uplink of an LTE network to enhance the network performance. In this work, the proposed scheme is implemented in a system level simulator designed for LTE network simulations and the well-known maximum throughput (MT) and blind equal throughput (BET) scheduler were used as benchmark to compare the performance of our proposed scheme. The results obtained showed that there is about 4dB performance gain from our proposed scheme in terms of the achieved rate for the cell in comparison with the benchmark schedulers. Also results obtained showed that the schedulers are impacted by the UE mobility as the achieved rate in a cell decreases with increase in user speed.

Keyword: Adaptive, Interference, Mitigation, Mobility, Scheduler

Huseyin Gokcekus 1, Youssef Kassem 1, 2, Gumel Abubakar Ali 1

ABSTRACT: Climate change is a global threat in the modern and contemporary world. These changes have a lot of undesired effects on the environment water resource are high on the agenda. This paper summarizes the impact of climate change on water resources and how adapting to these continuous changes can bring about solutions. This paper was prepared by reviewing relevant articles using a meta-analysis. Data used was entirely of secondary origin. Adaptive Capacity is a term used to describe the ability of a system to adapt to changes in its environment. The ability and aptitude to adjust to ever-changing circumstances has always been at the heart of water management. What has changed is our understanding and application of a comprehensive set of water management strategies that adhere to modern concepts and rules. Climate change is a global focus in environmental management and water resource management, with strategies such as culturally focused but environmentally coerced, actor-focused but context-aware, process-focused but action/outcome-oriented, and iterative and messy but linear for convenience being developed. Adaptation to climatic effects includes drought and flood resistance, changes that could lead decrease in water quality and quantity. Since certain climate change impacts are irreversible, the best approach is through adaptation.

Keyword: climate change, adaptation, water, integrated, resources.