Volume 11, Issue 7, July 2023 Edition - GSJ Journal Publication

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POPULATION DYNAMICS AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION IN NIGERIA []


ABSTRACT This study examined the relationships between population dynamics and environmental degradation in Nigeria. The study specifically: (i) examine the impacts of population growth on the carbon-dioxide (CO2) emissions from residential buildings and commercial and public services; (ii) identify the effect of population density on the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from residential buildings and commercial and public services; and (iii) investigate the relationship between life expectancy and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from residential buildings and commercial and public services. The specified model was estimated with the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) method through multiple regression of Carbon-dioxide emission (CDE) on all explanatory variables namely: Urban Population Growth (UPG), Population Density (PD), Life Expectancy at Birth (LEB), and Renewable Energy Consumption (REC). The results of the study showed that in the short run: there exists a positive and significant relationship between urban population growth and carbon-dioxide emission; there exists a positive and significant relationship in the current year between population density and carbon-dioxide emissions; there exists a negative and significant relationship between population density in one year lag and carbon-dioxide emissions; there exists a negative but insignificant relationship between life expectancy at birth (both current year /one year lag) and carbon emissions; and there exists a positive but insignificant relationship between renewable energy consumption and carbon-dioxide emissions. While in the long run: there exists a positive and significant relationship between urban population growth and carbon-dioxide emissions; there exists a positive but insignificant relationship between population density and carbon-dioxide emissions; there exists a negative but insignificant relationship between life expectancy at birth and carbon-dioxide emissions; and there exists a positive but insignificant relationship between renewable energy consumption and carbon-dioxide emissions. The recommendations based on the study are as follows: the Nigerian government should formulate and implement an environmental quality control policy that will focus on reducing carbon-dioxide emissions and other pollutants among the urban population; the Nigerian government to have environmental planning strategies that will focus on the spatial areas of human dwellings for the sustainability of agglomeration; the government put in place policy that will discourage carbon-dioxide emissions for life sustainability and longevity of citizens; and government should regulate the usage of consumption of renewable energy to ameliorate carbon-dioxide emissions and enhance a clean environment. Keywords: Carbon dioxide emissions, life expectancy at birth, population density, recycle energy consumption, urban population growth.

Enhancing Maternal and Child Health in Rural Areas - A Case Study []


In country ranges, where healthcare gets may be constrained, compelling techniques are required to make strides in maternal and child wellbeing results. This incorporates tending to tall maternal and neonatal mortality rates, which are exacerbated by troubles in getting to quality healthcare administrations. To handle these squeezing concerns, a mixed-methods approach is utilized to distinguish key deterrents and propose imaginative mediations. Locks in healthcare suppliers, community pioneers, and moms through interviews and center bunch dialogs make a difference pick up profitable bits of knowledge and encounters. Moreover, epidemiological information on maternal and neonatal mortality rates is analyzed to superior get it the setting. The consideration uncovers boundaries such as constrained healthcare get to, shortage of gifted experts, lacking framework, and sociocultural imperatives. To overcome these challenges, a comprehensive approach is proposed. This incorporates setting up completely prepared centers committed to maternity and child wellbeing, guaranteeing the accessibility of fundamental assets, and upgrading the capabilities of healthcare laborers. Tending to socio-cultural boundaries is additionally vital, with community engagement activities and mindfulness campaigns suggested. Collaboration among government organizations, NGOs, and neighborhood communities points to essentially decreasing maternal and neonatal mortality rates in rustic ranges. Eventually, this investigation endeavors to contribute to progressing worldwide maternal and child well-being results and pushing for a rise in healthcare get around the world.

Causal Model on Work Engagement of Hotel Mangers in Region iii []


The primary objective of this study was to identify the most suitable model of work engagementregarding total qualitymanagement(TQM),interpersonal-relationships, and Spirituality of hotel managers in Region III, Philippines. The study employed a descriptive-causal design and a structural equation model (SEM) approach. Standardized survey questionnaires were used to collect the information from 400 hotel managers selected using the stratified sampling technique. The statistics used include mean, Pearson-r, regression, and SEM. Results showed that Total quality management, Spirituality, and work engagement are very high while interpersonalrelationship is at a high level. Also, Total quality management, interpersonalrelationship, and Spirituality were found to have significant relationships with work engagement. In the analysis, it was revealed that Model 5 is the best- fit model. Accordingly, constructs view on organization and effective operation remained constructs of TQM. For interpersonal-relationship, the Assertion of needs, bidirectional communication, and conflict remained constructs. Lastly, for Spirituality, the indicators correlated dimensions, and definitive dimensions remained in the model. The study suggests that the higher the level of hotel managers', total qualitymanagement practices, interpersonalrelationships, andSpirituality the better their level of work engagement.

Smart metering []


Traditionally, commercial and residential energy consumption data has served the sole purpose of allowing the utility company to bill customers.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Sustainable Building Materials in Structural Design []


Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a powerful methodology used to evaluate the environmental impacts of building materials throughout their entire life cycle. In the context of structural design, the application of LCA can help identify sustainable building materials that minimize the overall environmental burden. This article presents an in-depth analysis of the LCA methodology for sustainable building materials in structural design. It explores the process of conducting an LCA, including the creation of a block diagram and algorithm for implementation, as well as a flow chart for visual representation. The article also discusses case studies from around the world and their specific decisions based on LCA findings, and the relationship between LCA and local building codes.

Wealth Creation Strategies in the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) Sector: A Comparative Analysis of Policy implementation in Selected African Mining Countries towards achievement of the Africa Mining Vision (AMV). []


This paper provides a comparative analysis of policy interventions of selected African mining Countries in relation to key ingredients for growth of the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) sector as espoused in the African Mining Vision. The paper analyzes six (6) prescriptions related to wealth creation in the sector. These include: formalization; technical assistance; financing; governance; value-addition initiatives; and market access. The aim was to assess the implementation and effects of these policies on wealth creation in the ASM sector in order to provide further recommendations for policy implementation and areas for further research. The main methodological approach was based on extensive desk review of secondary data. A sample of 5 African mining countries was used in the study. The main criteria for the selection of the countries were mainly: (i) geographical location – to allow for representation of regions (East, Central, North, South and West); (ii) the existence of significant ASM (country with more than 100,000 miners in ASM); (iii) the availability of data; and (iv) network structures to support the study. Data sources included: (i) Written Minerals and Mining Policies; (ii) written Mining Codes or Laws; (iii) documented policy briefs and official mining reports; and (iv) published scholarly papers and reports patterning to ASM. The main finding was that countries had written minerals and mining policies and laws and had sections talking about the need to formalize the ASM sector. further, we find that with some differences, the mining codes have laid down processes and procedures for licensing ASM. However, the rate of formalization of ASM is still very low due to lack of mechanisms to reach the miners in their remote mining sites and in some cases due to complex bureaucracy and centralized mechanisms. It was also clear that the license for Artisanal Miners is still very precarious, valid for one or two years while the Small-Scale Miners the license is much better in terms of benefits and validity, up to ten years. The formalization processes need to be flexible and can accommodate the extra-legal systems prevailing in the countries. For example, in Ghana, the land owners share part of the royalty collected by government. We further find that are at different levels of implementation of the prescriptions in the AMV. The conclusion is that full implementation of the Yaoundé Vision as adopted in the AMV, can lead to wealth creation in the ASM sector. The paper therefore, recommends that ASM formalization needs to be accompanied by targeted interventions to improve the sector’s economic, social, and environmental performance.

THE INFLUENCE OF DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP STYLE AND COMPENSATION ON THE MOTIVATION AND PERFORMANCE OF REGIONAL PEOPLE'S REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY KONAWE ISLANDS DISTRICT []


This study aims to determine and analyze the effect of democratic leadership style and compensation on the work motivation and performance of members of the DPRD Konawe Kepulauan Regency. The determination of the number of samples in this study was by using the census method, namely the number of samples taken from the total population of 20 DPRD members. The analysis tools used are PLS analysis using Microsoft Excel, SPSS software, and Smart PLS software. Based on the results of the study it can be concluded that (1) Democratic leadership style has a positive and significant effect on the work motivation of DPRD members of Konawe Islands Regency; (2) Democratic leadership style has a positive and significant effect on the performance of DPRD members of the Konawe Islands Regency; (3) Compensation has a positive and significant effect onwork motivationmembers of the Konawe Islands Regency DPRD; (4) Compensation has a positive and significant effect on the performance of DPRD members of the Konawe Islands Regency; (5) Work motivation has a positive and significant effect on the performance of DPRD members of Konawe Kepulauan Regency; (6) Democratic leadership style has a positive and significant effect on the performance of DPRD members through the work motivation of DPRD members in Konawe Kepulauan Regency; and (7) Compensation has a positive and significant effect on the performance of DPRD members through the work motivation of DPRD members of Konawe Kepulauan Regency.

THE INFLUENCE OF WORK EXPERIENCE AND WORK MOTIVATION ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE IN THE DPRD SECRETARIAT ENVIRONMENT KONAWE DISTRICT ISLANDS []


This study aims to find out and analyze (1) Influence work experience and motivation on employee performance in the Konawe Islands Regency DPRD Secretariat; (2) The influence of work experience on employee performance in the Konawe Islands Regency DPRD Secretariat; and (3) Influence work motivation on employee performance in the Konawe Islands Regency DPRD Secretariat. As for determining the number of samples in this study is to use the census method, namely the number of samples taken from the entire population of 89 employees. The analytical tool used is multiple linear regression using SPSS software. Based on the results of the study it can be concluded that (1) Work experience and motivation have a positive and significant effect on employee performance; (2) Work experience has a positive and significant effect on employee performance; and (3) motivation has a positive and significant effect on employee performance.

Oman SMEs' Innovation and Entrepreneurship: It’s Role in Supporting Oman's Economy []


This research discussed a range of theories, frameworks, methods and models of innovation management for entrepreneurs and SMEs in Oman and highlighted the importance of economic theory of entrepreneurship in enhancing the role of SMEs. The researcher used both of primary data source such as doing an interview with Omani female entrepreneur and the secondary data sources such as academic article through researchgate and academia websites. Moreover, there were recommendations focusing on supporting SMEs in the country to establish more restricted rules and regulations to help SMEs establishing their business easily such as providing online services to register SMEs business and get immediate licensing without any delay. All necessary documents should be submitted in one platform for efficient result and it should not take more than 3 days for approval. Furthermore, the government should provide the service of clearing the transaction of entrepreneurs from their homes, so that an employee from government who is also an entrepreneur can complete all the necessary procedures from home.

THE SIEMENS COMPANY OMAN- ITS GLOBAL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES AND ISSUES []


The factors of international business environments differ from one country to another, in terms of the culture of society, politics, and the country’s gross domestic product. Sultanate of Oman is one of the active countries that facilitates hugely foreign investment. Many technology and construction companies have grown and developed outside the borders of their countries, and the reason for this is that the market size does not absorb the increasing production capabilities of the organization. It also forced many institutions to maintain their revenues and improve their field to travel abroad. In addition, project financing currently plays an important role for project tenders, through technological development, quality, and so on. The German company Siemens is one of the giant companies in the field of global technologies, industries, communications, railways, energy, trains, and others. Since Siemens' services were not limited to its headquarters, it expanded its fields until its services reached most parts of the world. The company was founded by the German Werner von Siemens in 1847, and it was limited to extending the telegraph until its industrial fields grew and fell under several companies offering various industries. This research has used secondary sources on information about the international driver framework and the globalization issues of the German company Siemens and its investments in the Sultanate of Oman. It was revealed from this research that the stable political situation enjoyed by the Sultanate of Oman made each of the Siemens procedures easy without any complications. The Omani government works to facilitate foreign investment as much as possible in order to develop the country's infrastructure and growth. Siemens indicated that the Sultanate of Oman exempts additional taxes for investing companies in a large proportion to preserve the survival of major international companies in contributing to the country's development. Security and stability are factors that encourage investment. Oman is a country that has no problems with other countries, no internal gangs, and has a reconciled society. The factors of international business environments differ from one country to another, in terms of the culture of society, politics, and the country’s gross domestic product. Sultanate of Oman is one of the active countries that facilitates hugely foreign investment. Many technology and construction companies have grown and developed outside the borders of their countries, and the reason for this is that the market size does not absorb the increasing production capabilities of the organization. It also forced many institutions to maintain their revenues and improve their field to travel abroad. In addition, project financing currently plays an important role for project tenders, through technological development, quality, and so on. The German company Siemens is one of the giant companies in the field of global technologies, industries, communications, railways, energy, trains, and others. Since Siemens' services were not limited to its headquarters, it expanded its fields until its services reached most parts of the world. The company was founded by the German Werner von Siemens in 1847, and it was limited to extending the telegraph until its industrial fields grew and fell under several companies offering various industries. This research has used secondary sources on information about the international driver framework and the globalization issues of the German company Siemens and its investments in the Sultanate of Oman. It was revealed from this research that the stable political situation enjoyed by the Sultanate of Oman made each of the Siemens procedures easy without any complications. The Omani government works to facilitate foreign investment as much as possible in order to develop the country's infrastructure and growth. Siemens indicated that the Sultanate of Oman exempts additional taxes for investing companies in a large proportion to preserve the survival of major international companies in contributing to the country's development. Security and stability are factors that encourage investment. Oman is a country that has no problems with other countries, no internal gangs, and has a reconciled society. Keywords: German tire industry; global business operations; Siemens global operations; Siemen’s foreign investment

Changing the perception of the use of alternative medicines in Ghana []


Most Ghanaians generally perceived the use of Alternative Medicines as inclination, scientifically baseless, unsafe, ineffective, delayed in treating diseases, magical, imperfect, Ghana-made medicines, not of good quality, low-grade, cheap, and lacking standard measurement or dosage. The author’s main reason for conducting this research was to determine the role of education in changing the perception of the use of alternative medicines in Ghana. The researchers considered public health education as a tool for changing people's perception of alternative medicines. The educational strategies such as the Trans-theoretical Stage of Change developed by Prochaska and Di-Clemente, the Rational Model, and the Diffusion theory were identified and critically examined as the right techniques that could change the perceptions of the use of alternative medicines. Finally, the writers identified teaching Alternative medicine in schools as one way of changing Ghanaians’ perceptions. The researchers used both primary and secondary techniques to obtain data for the research. For the primary data collection, the researchers used interviews, questionnaires, and field observation to gather data. For the secondary data collection, the researchers obtained data from books, the internet, journal, publications, periodicals, and annual reports from organizations or institutions. The data gathered for this project work was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. The research’s result or outcome was discussed and conclusions were drawn.

FACTORS INFLUENCING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD (CRC) IN CENTRAL EQUATORIA STATE, SOUTH SUDAN []


The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) was adopted worldwide on November 20, 1989, after a decade of thorough scrutiny. This Convention is instrumental in putting children’s issues on the global and national agenda as well as mobilizing action for the realization of the rights and well-being of children. This study analyzed the factors that influence the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in Equatoria State in South Sudan..The study seeks to establish the influence of internal organization capacity, involvement of the various institutional and policy stakeholders and public awareness on the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in Central Equatoria State South Sudan. The study was based on liberalism theoretical framework that emphasizes the role of non-state actors in international relations and adopted a descriptive research design and employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches to collect analyze and present data of the study. The study revealed that the obstacles to respecting children’s rights are not ignorance of the civil society and the public but rather lack of a strong coordinating and monitoring agency to ensure that the standards of the rights are enforced and respected. The respondents also affirmed that Parent and care takers, civil society, the judiciary, the media, UN agencies, local and international NGOs and others all have duties to promote and protect the rights of the child (M=3.88 & SD= 0.73). NGOs have an important role to play in monitoring the situation of child rights in a country (M=3.70 & SD= 0.87). On average majority of respondents agreed with the statement, stakeholders who are consulted on broader human rights issues can also be consulted for their perspective on children’s rights (M=3.63 & SD= 0.96). The study recommends that organizations concerned with Rights of the Child (CRC) in Central Equatoria State, South Sudan should build a strong understanding of their business strategies throughout their workforce; that these institutions should always first consult with community representatives and when working with groups, there is need to find out what existing networks and structures are already in place to support community engagement and reach out to leaders and facilitators within those groups to explain their intensions and ask for their feedback on their strategy. There is need to focus on understanding what did and did not work well previously and seek to anticipate any red flags and promote the consultation procedures and timelines to ensure everyone affected receives the messages. Lastly, this should be done via existing community newspapers, radio and websites, as well as social networks.

Assessment of academic performance and interest in algebraic process using think pair share strategy among secondary Schools in Katsina Zonal Education Quality Assurance. []


This study Assess the Academic Performance and Interest in Algebraic Process using Think Pair Share Strategy among Secondary School Student’s in Katsina Zonal Education Quality Assurance of Katsina state, Nigeria. Two Objectives and Research Question were generated to guide the investigation. Also, Two Hypotheses were postulated and tested at 0.05 level of significant. The study sample was 164 SSII students’ which were selected from the population of seventeen thousand five and seventy two (17572) students of all public senior secondary school Katsina zonal education quality assurance using intact classroom. The study was adopt quasi-experimental design and two instruments Algebraic Process Performance Tests (APPT) and Mathematics Interest Questionnaire (MIQ) was developed and adopted which is valid and reliability coefficient obtained are 0.703 and 0.725 respectively using Cronbach alpha. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation and mean rank) were used to address the research questions and inferential statistic (independent samples t-test and Mann Whitney U-test) was used to test the hypotheses at α = 0.05. The findings of the study led to the conclusion that, students taught algebra using Think-Pair-Share strategy performed significantly higher than their counterparts taught using lecture method. It was recommended that, the think Pair Share strategy should be incorporated into the teaching and learning of Mathematics at the Senior Secondary School level.

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS MEDIATORS BEFORE AND AFTER THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE REGULATION OF THE MINISTER OF STATE APPARATUS UTILIZATION AND BUREAUCRATIC REFORM NUMBER 17 OF 2021: A QUALITATIVE APPROACH []


Upon the establishment of the Regulation of the Indonesian Minister of State Apparatus Utilization and Bureaucratic Reform Number 17 of 2021, there has been a significant change in terms of the inpassing of industrial relations mediators of the Indonesian Ministry of Manpower. Due to this phenomenon, further analysis regarding industrial relations mediators’ performance evaluation is needed to understand the effectiveness of the implementation of the mentioned policy change. The purpose of this study was to determine the performance evaluation of industrial relations mediators before and after the establishment of the Regulation of the Minister of State Apparatus Utilization and Bureaucratic Reform Number 17 of 2021 in the case study of the Indonesian Ministry of Manpower. In addition to the conceptual framework, this paper has explained the research background, literature review, and research methodology. The application of this paper will establish recommendations for developing effective performance evaluations regarding industrial relations mediators in the Indonesian Ministry of Manpower.

DEVELOPMENT OF AN IMPROVED CASSAVA GRATER []


Nigeria belongs to one of the agricultural nations. Despite the fact that most populace of the country practice agriculture either as primary or secondary occupation most of the crop processing operations follow traditional methods. The traditional method of cassava grating is by using hands to rub the cassava against perforated plate. Further improvement in grating operation is by the use of power operated grating machine. This study deals with design and fabrication of an improved cassava grating machine using locally sourced materials and evaluate to determine the machine output capacity and efficiency. The wedging mechanism incorporated into the design of the machine brings an improvement on the existing machine. The machine consists of a hopper, delivery outlet, wedging, grating and power units. The throughput and efficiency of the machine are 60.43 kg/hr and 88.4 % respectively. The outcome of this study will help in reducing time of grating and increase efficient grating operation for small and medium scale farmers.

REBELLIOUS BEHAVIOUR AMONG UNDERGRADUATES IN THE SOUTH-WEST, NIGERIA: EFFICACY OF SOLUTION-FOCUSED AND DIALECTICAL BEHAVIOUR THERAPIES []


This study was designed to investigate the effects of Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) in the reduction of rebellious behaviour among undergraduates in the South-West, Nigeria. The moderating effects of emotional intelligence and peer pressure were also examined. The pretest-posttest control group quasi-experimental design with a 3x2x2 factorial matrix was adopted. Three states (Oyo, Lagos and Osun) were randomly selected out of the existing six in the South-West, Nigeria. The simple random sampling was used to select three federal universities in the selected states. The students were screened with Rebellious Scale and those who fell within the range of 40 – 50 participated. The instruments used were Rebellious Behaviour (α =0.88), Emotional Intelligence (α =0.73) and Peer Pressure (α =0.81) scales. The participants in the schools were randomly assigned to SFT (21), DBT (24) and control (28) groups. The treatment lasted nine weeks. Data were analysed using Analysis of covariance and Bonferonni post-hoc test at 0.05 level of significance. There was a significant main effect of treatment on rebellious behaviour among undergraduates (F (2, 69) = 359.32; partial η2= 0 .91). The participants in DBT displayed the lowest rebellious behaviour (27.86), followed by those in SFT (31.15) and control (58.13) groups. There was a significant main effect of treatment and emotional intelligence on rebellious behaviour (F (1; 70)= 4.19; partial η2= 0.06). The participants with high emotional intelligence in DBT had a lower mean score (33.66) than those with low emotional intelligence (43.55) group. There was a significant main effect of treatment and peer pressure on rebellious behaviour (F (1; 70) = 6.11; partial η2= 0.8). The participants with low peer pressure displayed lower mean score (39.17) than those with high peer pressure (46.74) group. There was a significant interaction effect of treatment and emotional intelligence on rebellious behaviour among undergraduates (F (2; 66) =16.74; partial η2=0.34) in favour of participants with high emotional intelligence in the SFT group. There was a significant interaction effect of treatment and peer pressure on rebellious behaviour among undergraduates (F (2; 66) = 9. 62; partial η2=0.23) in favour of the participants with low peer pressure. Dialectical behaviour, more than solution-focused, psychotherapy was effective in the reduction of rebellious behaviour among undergraduates in the South-West. Counselling and Educational Psychologists and other helping professionals should utilise these interventions to reduce rebellious behaviour among undergraduates. Keywords: Emotional intelligence, Solution-focused therapy, Dialectical behaviour therapy, Rebellious behaviour among undergraduates. Word count: 391

Effects of Civic Education on Learners' Response to Governance Tenets: A Case of Selected Secondary Schools in Kitwe District of Copperbelt Province, Zambia []


Civic education is the study of the rights and obligations of citizens in society and it enables citizens to participate in democratic and development processes. Citizens need to participate in governance through voting, volunteering, participating in other activities that benefit society. Therefore, the study aimed at analyzing the effects of Civic Education on learners’ responses to governance tenets in Kitwe district of Copperbelt Province. The study further suggested that since some factors that influence Civic Education bordered on policy, culture and laws of the country, both the government and the citizenry should address these issues. The study adopted a mixed methods approach which is a combination of quantitative and qualitative data. The sample involved a total of 173 respondents which included; one (1) officer from DEBS office, four (4) Head teachers, twelve (12) Civic Education teachers, twenty (20) parents for learners of Civic Education and one hundred thirty-six (136) Civic Education pupils. The respondents were obtained through purposive and simple random sampling. Data was obtained through interviews and questionnaires from the selected secondary schools. Data analysis consisted of content analysis of the interview responses and item analysis of the questionnaire responses; The data gathered was analyzed according to the themes of the study and the order of the research objectives. Data generated from the questionnaires was analyzed manually by using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (version 26) and Microsoft Excel (version 16) to come up with frequency tables, pie charts and bar graphs to analyze data. The findings indicated that civic education had an effect in understanding public Issues as well as inculcating civic responsibility. Findings in many cases were consistent in all the selected schools. It was generally agreed that Civic Education subject had a critical role to play on the learners as well as society at large.

RESISTIVITY INVESTIGATION OF GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL IN GWAGWALADA AREA COUNCIL, FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY (FCT), ABUJA, NIGERIA []


A resistivity survey was carried out in order to investigate the groundwater potential in Gwagwalada Area council. The geo-electrical method used in the survey was Vertical Electrical Sounding, which was used to determine the groundwater potential of the study area. Twenty- five (25) Vertical Electrical Soundings were established using ABEM Terrameter SAS 300C using the Schlumberger configuration with a maximum current electrode spread of 100m. The results revealed that the area was underlained by three to four geo-electric layers. The top lateritic soil has resistivity values ranging from 686Ωm to 6364Ωm and thickness of 0.8m to 16.3m, the second layer is composed of sand/clay intercalation with resistivity values varying between 62Ωm and 471Ωm and thickness varying between 0.2 to18m, while the partly weathered/fresh basement layer has resistivities ranging from 2084Ωm to 11978Ωm with thickness varying between 0.3m to 16.5m. Overburden thickness contour map was established across the whole 25 VES stations and the average thickness value of the overburden was 10m. The thickness and resistivity of the aquifers with twelve VES selected for the geoelectric section have good potential for groundwater accumulation due to their overburden thickness, which is mainly weathered basement with low resistivity value.

A REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION LITERATURE FOCUSED ON THE NIGERIAN CONTEXT []


This paper is a review of journal articles, books and magazines on development communication in the Nigerian context. It identified the major themes such as the concept of development, communication, development communication approaches, the role of mass media in development, development communication theories, methods of studying development communication and how development communication can shape the image of Nigeria. Communication research approaches was the focus of over 40% of the studies. The period, 2018-2023 recorded the highest output in development communication research with over 51% of the total studies. In terms of methods, quantitative methods were predominant with survey ahead of others whereas qualitative methods were only employed in 3% percent of the studies.

A Review Paper on the impact of Product Outsourcing in Private Telecommunication companies in Afghanistan []


This research focus on telecommunication product or equipment that has outsourced a range of activities to suppliers including assembly operation, manufacturing, Logistics and design. Telecommunication companies outsourced their products to save the cost, control the market and focusing on core business activities. This strategy has resulted in the company becoming a “System Integrator” in which it manages and co-ordinate a network of best production and service providers. There is considerable focus on evaluating capability of activities in the value chain in relation to potential suppliers. The findings in this research challenge the value of using the core competence concept as basis for outsourcing. The global trend of outsourcing in telecommunication industry demonstrates the reduction in overall costs and a need to be more competitive in the international market. This paper analyzes the outsourcing phenomenon and its impact on the cost of doing business in telecommunication business. Scholars, practitioners and policy-makers need to understand whether and how outsourcing benefits the firm. However, no comprehensive review of empirical evidence has been published so far that can address this question. This study reviews 25 empirical research articles that investigated the outsourcing of telecommunications performance relationship in 25 peer-reviewed scholarly journals over a 16-year time-span (2003–2019). The articles differ widely in research scope, context, level of analysis, data source, time-span, industry sector, extent of outsourcing.

The Effect of Leadership Style on Job Satisfaction and Performance at the Faculty of Economics and Business Universitas Hasanuddin []


The purpose of this study is to analyze whether 1) leadership style directly influences employee performance, 2) whether leadership style directly influences job satisfaction, 3) whether job satisfaction directly influences employee performance, and 4) whether leadership style directly and indirectly influences performance of the employees at the Faculty of Economics and Business Universitas Hasanuddin. This article uses two types of data, quantitative data and qualitative data. The results show that: 1) Leadership style has a direct positive effect on employee performance; 2) Leadership style has a direct positive effect on job satisfaction; 3) job satisfaction has a direct positive effect on employee performance; 4) Leadership style indirectly affects employee performance through job satisfaction at the Faculty of Economics and Business Universitas Hasanuddin. Keywords: Leadership Style, Job Satisfaction, Employee Performance

(Research) ANALYSIS OF FACTORS AFFECTING SUSTAINABLE RURAL COMMUNITY BANKING AND FINANCING IN KAZUNGULA DISTRICT – SOUTHERN PROVINCE – ZAMBIA []


The research study was carried out in Southern Zambia's Kazungula District. This study's main goal is to find out what influences sustainable rural community banking and financing in Kazungula District. The participants of the exploratory descriptive survey were bankers from local community organizations in the Kazungula district. One (1) quasi-government institution, four (4) non-governmental organizations, three (3) government line ministries, and sixty-three (33) members of sample sizes from thirty (30) community banking groups were included. Using a non-probability snowballing technique and purposeful sampling, the sample was selected from existing community banking and financing groups and important stakeholder representatives. The study used three main data gathering procedures, including survey questionnaires, interviews with key informants, and a desk assessment of data relevant to the topic, to collect data from both primary and secondary sources. Both quantitative and qualitative methods, including Microsoft Excel and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), were used to examine the data. The data's structure was described using descriptive statistics, including frequency tables, charts, diagrams, and measures of central tendency. According to the study's findings, population dynamics, socioeconomic factors, cultural factors, and technological factors are some of the other factors. Rural community banking and financing is one strategy that helps rural populations maintain their financial stability because the community banking models being used encourage quick and easy access to financial products, satisfy the needs of the population, and have flexible regulations surrounding them. The study concludes by stating that the primary variables affecting sustainable community banking and financing are demographic dynamics, socioeconomic considerations, as well as cultural and technological elements. It is advised to do a longitudinal study because the results of this study, which were only conducted in one district, cannot be generalized and are not necessarily definitive. This is because of the aforementioned findings and the study's stance. Keywords: Rural Financing, Community banking, Financial Inclusion, Sustainability, Gender.

THE IMPACT OF INFLATION RATE ON THE TRADE BALANCE IN SIERRA LEONE []


The determination of this research work is to delve into the effect of inflation rate and its implications for trade balance in Sierra Leone between 1990 – 2020. The short-run dynamics of the variables in question and the pattern of their long-run relationships were examined by applying the Johansson Estimation Technique, in order to investigate the long run and short run impact of inflation rate on trade balance on yearly data. Other methodology used to analyze the result were short run error correction model, unit root test, regression, cointegration and diagnostic test. The evaluation exhorts that a change in exchange rate leads to a change in inflation; and that both exchange rate and inflation wield significant effect on trade balance in the long run. The study sheds light on the relationship among real exchange rate, inflation and the trade balance in the context of a small developing economy like Sierra Leone. It highlights that an improvement in the trade balance requires more than an appropriate exchange rate policy and underscores the importance of other policies in strengthening the external sector of the economy. Key words; Exchange rate, economic growth, inflation, policies, trade balance

EXPLORING CHILD PROTECTION MEASURES ON DISCRIMINATION IN SELECTED SPECIAL EDUCATION SCHOOLS []


The purpose of the study was to explore, how protected are children with disabilities from discrimination in selected special education schools in Luapula province. Interpretive paradigm and qualitative intrinsic case study design were employed because the case study outcomes were intended to tell the researcher something that was solely about the case itself. The sample size comprised of 38 participants who included head teachers, teachers, learners and parents who were purposively selected. In-depth-structured interview guide and focus group discussions guide (FGD) were used to collect data and data were thematically analyzed. The results showed that children with disabilities were protected from discrimination in selected special education schools using safety strategies, punishment strategies and prevention strategies. The safety strategies that were used to protect children with disabilities from discrimination included developing schoolchild protection policies, reacting to acts of discrimination in schools, reporting all forms of ill-treatment to the administration and routine checking to stop harassment and discrimination acts. Punishment strategies included discriminatory language or derogatory remarks, providing positive and negative reinforcement, punishing learners with disruption of activities and those learners with unwanted social behaviour. Further, preventive strategies included in house training for staff on discrimination issues, engaging in Continuous Professional Developments (CPDs) and teacher group meeting on handling learners with disabilities and provision of Guidance and counselling. Based on results, the study recommends for school-based safety, punishment and preventive strategies to reduce discrimination and to support learners with disabilities in special education schools who may be victim of discrimination.

A study to assess the effectiveness of self instructional module on knowledge regarding stress management among call center employees working in a selected call centers at Bangalore. []


Abstract: Aim: To make awareness about stress management and to prevent the stress in call center workers. Objective: To assess the knowledge regarding stress management among call center employees. Research design: A Quasi experimental design with one group pre and post test without control group design and quantitative approach. Participants: 60 Call center employees working at Hinduja global solutions,(2nd shift) Bangalore. Methods: The sampling technique adopted by the investigator for this study was purposive sampling technique which comes under the non probability sampling technique setting: Bommanahalli, Bangalore. Findings: Mostly it reveals that 66.7% had average knowledge, 20% had poor knowledge and 13.3%% had very poor knowledge but after implementation of self instructional module during post test highest 43.3% of them had good knowledge, 40% of them had very good knowledge and remaining 16.7% of them have average knowledge. Conclusion: self instructional module on stress management implemented by the investigator among employees working in Hinduja global solution call center, Bangalore has a very good effective stress management Keywords: Stress management among call center employees.

The Application of UV Mapping Method Based on Unwrapping Smart UV Project in the Creation of 3D Islamic Animation “Don’t Stay Up All Night” Using Blender []


Abstract—This study investigates the utilization of the Unwrapping Smart UV Project technique in Blender to create a 3D Islamic animation titled "Don't Stay Up All Night." Accurate UV mapping is crucial in achieving visually captivating 3D animations, particularly when conveying moral and religious messages. The research focuses on selecting a suitable 3D model and implementing the Unwrapping Smart UV Project method for precise UV mapping. Texture adjustments and meticulous UV modifications are employed to enhance realism. The 3D model is then animated in Blender, incorporating the UV mapping. The results demonstrate the successful portrayal of moral and religious values in the "Don't Stay Up All Night" animation. This study exemplifies the effectiveness of the Unwrapping Smart UV Project technique in producing impactful Islamic 3D animations, contributing to the advancement of the animation industry Keywords—3D Animation, Islamic, Blender, UV Mapping