Volume 12, Issue 10, October 2024 Edition - GSJ Journal Publication

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PREDICTIVE MODELING OF CROP YIELDS IN AGRICULTURE USING RANDOM FOREST ALGORITHM []


Agriculture is increasingly challenged by climate variability, resource constraints, and the growing demand for food. To address these issues, this study explores the application of machine learning, specifically the Random Forest algorithm, to predict crop yields. By analyzing large-scale agricultural data, including weather patterns, soil conditions, and crop characteristics, the model identifies complex patterns and trends that are difficult to detect through conventional methods. The results offer valuable insights to improve decision-making in crop management, water use, and resource allocation, ultimately contributing to more sustainable and efficient farming practices. This work highlights the potential of machine learning to enhance agricultural resilience and productivity in the face of unpredictable climate conditions.

Frames on Water Resources Conservation Stories in Mwananchi Online and Mwananchi Newspaper. []


This paper presents part of the findings of the research titled Frames on Water Resources Conservation Stories in Mwananchi Online and Mwananchi Newspaper. The paper explored how Mwananchi Online and Mwananchi Newspaper frames issues on Water resources protection. Content analysis was employed to systematically review and categorize water resource conservation articles published in Mwananchi Online and Mwananchi Newspaper over five months from January to May 2023. The paper highlights how these issues were framed and represented in the media. Utilizing a qualitative approach through content analysis, a total of 150 editions of the Mwananchi newspaper and its online platform were sorted out and analyzed. The findings indicated the following frames of problem, responsibility and consequence were used and contributed to a comprehensive understanding of water conservation challenges, helped clarify responsibilities, and highlighted the potential consequences of inaction, ultimately raising public awareness and influencing policy discussions on water resource management. The paper concludes that enhancement of the depth of media coverage could significantly improve public understanding and involvement in water conservation efforts, particularly among community members who primarily play a part in degradation of water sources. The paper recommends fostering collaboration between the media and local communities for better implementation of water projects

Tracer Study of Graduate School Graduates of Peace and Development Program from 2018 to 2023 []


In a highly competitive global marketplace, the academic preparation of graduates provides them with better job opportunities and a higher chance of employment. With graduate studies, one will be more qualified, eligible, and competent to face new jobs and work assignments, especially when holding managerial positions. This study generally aimed to trace the graduates of a State Higher Education Institution in the Philippines. Specifically, it determined the profile of graduates, employment status, employability characteristics, the extent of contribution and applicability of the skills gained, assessed the graduate program offerings, and recommendations to improve the services of the Graduate School. The study used a descriptive research design. The study gathered data from ninety-two graduates of the three program offerings of the Graduate School. The questionnaire was used to gather the necessary data and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency count and percentage, mean, and rank. Based on the result, graduates have a very high employability rate. There is a very high application of the competencies gained by the graduates specifically on the enhanced academic profession to their personal and professional growth; there is a very high assessment of graduates to the graduate program they enrolled in the College. The graduates recommended the offering of more terminal programs and improvement of facilities to improve the services of the Graduate School. With these conclusions, the study recommends a periodic review of the curriculum and continuous capability building of professors to make the programs more responsive and relevant to the needs of the students and the standards and requirements of the industry. Key words: Peace and Development, Graduate School Program, Tracer Study, Philippines

Current Status of Rota Virus among Children with Gastroenteritis in Thamar Governorate, Yemen []


Back ground Rotavirus is a significant contributor to the prevalence of gastroenteritis in children worldwide, particularly in underdeveloped countries. Patients and methods: In this study, the researchers collected demographic and clinical data from the patients using a standardized questionnaire. We collected four to five grams of stool samples from each participant and used ELISA to identify the presence of rotavirus. Result The findings of this study showed that the male prevalence rate (44.4%) was higher than the female prevalence rate (33.9%). The children aged 12 months were more susceptible to infection (41.3%) compared to older children (34.8%). Children living in urban areas had a higher infection prevalence (45.8%) compared to those in rural regions (38.3%). Breastfeeding, either alone or in combination with substitute milk, played a significant role in lowering the rotavirus infection and enhancing the effectiveness of the vaccine. Significant statistical differences (P<0.05) were found between the prevalence rate and characteristics such as children's vaccination, sex, feeding habits, and residency. There was a notable correlation observed between rotavirus infection and the source of water (P<0.05), but no significant link was found between the socioeconomic features of children's parents and family income. There was a significant correlation (P<0.05) between rotavirus and the frequency and duration of diarrhoea. The study found no correlation between vomiting and fever. The findings about the seasonal distribution of rotavirus infection in children indicate that the winter season had a higher prevalence rate, while the spring season had a lower incidence. Significant variations (P<0.01) were observed between the seasonality of the rotavirus and the prevalence rate of infection. Conclusion This study's findings may aid public healthcare professionals in decreasing child mortality and morbidity. vaccination significantly reduced the incidence of rotavirus infection.

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES OF THE RESIDENTS OF THE COMMUNE OF KINSHASA TOWARDS THE MANAGEMENT OF SOLID HOUSEHOLD WASTE “Case of the NGBAKA Neighborhood” IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO []


The municipality of the Commune of Kinshasa, District of LUKUNGA precisely the NGBAKA District, one of the most populated districts and deserves special attention. The objective of this study was to carry out an assessment of the management of solid household waste through a descriptive study of the NGBAKA District of the Commune of Kinshasa, city of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Collaboration with household solid waste management stakeholders during this assessment can facilitate discussions on the subject and allow during interviews to collect enough vital information for the study. The discussion generated by the results of the surveys carried out allows us to conclude that out of 100% (250) of respondents, 46% are men (115) and 54% women (135); 70% of respondents declared that the NGBAKA district is unsanitary; malaria (68%), cough (12%), typhoid (11%) and other diseases which represent 9% were cited as the most frequent health problems in the NGBAKA district; 40% or 99 out of 250 of the respondents believe that waste collection work is a job for the poor, 27% or 67 out of 250 of the respondents think that it is a job for the illiterate, 24% or 59 out of 250 of the respondents say that it is a dishonourable job, 27% or 67 out of 250 of the respondents think that it is a job for the illiterate, 7% or 20 out of 250 of the respondents think that it is a job like any other job. Finally, others think that it is a noble work (2%), more than 70% of respondents request: the installation of public containers, the development of trash cans and public dumps, supporting the population for environmental sanitation, raising awareness among households about the harmful effects of waste and taking precautionary measures for sanitation, the creation of an adequate structure to deal with waste, the recovery of waste and the profession…In addition, the main sanitation problems encountered in the NGBAKA district in the commune of Kinshasa mainly concern the lack of improved latrines, the presence of undeveloped sources and the degradation of road infrastructure, the lack of public trash cans, the presence of stagnant water, the lack of equipment to combat runoff, the lack of monitoring by the municipality's hygiene services and the weakness of social cohesion greatly influence the deterioration of the living environment and the methods of managing solid household waste clearly indicate that these practices are responsible for air pollution, waterways and soil and ignorance of waterborne diseases. Which leads us to affirm that the population of the NGBAKA district of the commune of Kinshasa, city of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo have insufficient knowledge on the management of solid household waste. Keywords: management, solid household waste, NGBAKA district, Kinshasa, DRC

COVERT INCILITY AND EMPLOYEE TURNOVER BEHAVIOUR IN PUBLIC OWNED HOSPITALS IN SOUTH-SOUTH REGION OF NIGERIA []


This study examines the relationship between covert incivility and employee turnover behaviour in public hospitals in the South-south region of Nigeria. The cross-sectional survey research design was adopted, as quantitative data was gathered through the use of a structured questionnaire. The accessible population of this study is 9610 senior staff (including doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists, pharmacists and administrators) from 12 selected public owned hospitals and a sample size of 369 employees derived through the Krejcie and Morgan table were used for the study. However, the Bowley’s (1964) formula was used in allocating the number of copies of the questionnaire to each healthcare facility. The data collected was analysed using the Spearman Rank Order Correlation Coefficient to indicate the strength and direction of the relationship. Findings revealed that there is a significant correlation between the covert incivility and employee turnover behaviour, with covert incivility and employee turnover intentions exhibiting a moderate to strong positive correlation coefficient of 0.578** and p-value of 0.000. Personality traits was observed not to be a potent moderator between the variables. The study concludes that employee turnover behaviour is ignited by covert incivility and recommends that the workplace culture and climate be made more conducive for better employee retention.

INNOVATIVE METHODS OF TEACHING AND LEARNING []


Improving teaching and learning outcomes is possible through the use innovative pedagogy. Around the world, various cutting-edge teaching techniques are currently in use. In addition to in-person instruction, hybrid education incorporates online learning. The use of multimedia and technology is explained in great depth. The use of smart devices for various tasks, such as instruction, creating test questions, student evaluation, feedback, and research technique, is covered.

Navigating the risk management in Sri Lanka’s emerging FinTech Entities: A strategic evaluation []


Sri Lanka's FinTech sector is experiencing rapid growth in expenditure of offering innovative financial solutions to financial services. The expansion of the FinTech sector introduces numerous risks that, if not properly managed, could hinder the industry's long-term sustainability. As digital banking continues to advance, addressing these risks becomes increasingly critical in the existing age of online banking. This article presents a qualitative analysis of how risk management strategies are essential for fostering robust innovation within Sri Lanka's emerging FinTech landscape, using DirectPay, a leading FinTech organisation in Sri Lanka, as a case study. Further this article highlights the role of stringent compliance in mitigating financial crimes and strengthening consumer confidence with the adhering to global security standards such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) and compliance with Visa and MasterCard regulations. This study utilises a qualitative case study approach to explore how FinTech organisations addressed risk mitigation and managed operational risks amidst the FinTech revolution. The study identifies key factors influencing the adoption of FinTech, focusing on the strategies and actions taken by these organisations to mitigate risks effectively. Additionally, it examines the frameworks employed to balance innovation with regulatory compliance, highlighting best practices for sustainable growth in the sector. Through expert insights and case studies, the article delves into the challenges and solutions associated with regulatory compliance, cybersecurity threats, and the balance between innovation and risk management. It underscores the necessity for FinTech firms to develop robust risk management frameworks that not only comply with existing regulations but also adapt to the evolving digital financial landscape. This article aims to guide Sri Lankan FinTech companies in building a resilient infrastructure that supports sustainable growth and enhances risk management process which ensures long-term viability in the ever-evolving industry, while setting a precedent for emerging FinTech markets globally.

Groundwater Explanation at Nembe Creeks 2, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. []


This study investigates groundwater potential in the Nembe Creek 2 area, Bayelsa State, using vertical electrical sounding (VES) to delineate suitable aquifers for sustainable water supply. Employing the Schlumberger array with a maximum electrode spread of 280 meters, the resistivity survey provides insights into subsurface lithological variations. Four distinct geoelectric layers were identified: an organic/peaty clay top layer, a fine- to medium-grained sand aquifer-prone layer, a non-aquiferous organic clay layer, and a saturated, medium-grained sand layer deemed prolific and suitable for aquifer development. The findings indicate that groundwater potential in the Nembe Creek area is concentrated within the deeper saturated sand layer. Based on these results, we recommend drilling to a depth of 270 feet to optimize water extraction. This study contributes to a better understanding of the hydrogeophysical characteristics of the region and provides practical guidance for groundwater resource development.

RISK AND RETURNS IN THE GLOBAL CAPITAL MARKET []


Trends in the global capital market are very important to stakeholders- investors, issuing firms and the governments. Some schools of thought believe that investors should diversify their resources on different portfolios of assets without regard to information asymmetries in the market. Others see trade in bonds and equities as alternate ways of transferring capital to the emerging market. Ideally, investments in the global capital market need to be hinged on information of the expected returns and risk associated with such undertakings. This study intends to provide robustness in this literature. The study found that it is more risky to invest in equities than bonds in the global capital market. With slight exceptions, the returns on equities and bonds soared, the latter gave investors better returns on their investments if considered side by side with volatilities.