Volume 12, Issue 12, December 2024 Edition - GSJ Journal Publication

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Privacy-Preserving Data Mining and Analytics in Big Data Environments []


The exponential growth of Big Data has revolutionized numerous industries by enabling the extraction of valuable insights from vast and diverse datasets. However, this advancement is accompanied by significant privacy and security challenges that impede the full potential of data analytics. Privacy-Preserving Data Mining (PPDM) emerges as a critical approach to mitigate these challenges, ensuring individual privacy while maintaining data utility. This paper presents a comprehensive survey of state-of-the-art PPDM methodologies within Big Data environments, encompassing privacy models, data transformation techniques, privacy-preserving machine learning algorithms, and privacy economics. Through an extensive literature review and analysis of real-world applications in healthcare and finance, we identify key challenges and gaps in current practices. Additionally, we propose a cohesive privacy framework aimed at guiding researchers and practitioners in implementing robust privacy-preserving mechanisms. The study also explores emerging trends such as advanced cryptographic techniques, privacy-preserving query processing, and the integration of privacy in machine learning. By addressing the balance between data utility and privacy, this research contributes to the advancement of ethical and secure Big Data analytics, paving the way for future innovations and interdisciplinary collaborations in the field.

Physicochemical and trace metal characteristics of groundwater around waste dumpsites in Nekede, Imo State, Nigeria []


Abstract This study aimed to evaluate groundwater quality's physicochemical and trace metal characteristics around waste dumpsites in Nekede, Imo State, Nigeria. Ten(10) Groundwater samples were collected from various distances around the Nekede-Ihiagwa dumpsite and analyzed for physicochemical and trace metal characteristics. The results showed that pH levels ranged from 5.5 to 7.8, with most samples falling below the WHO recommended limit of 6.5 to 8.5. TDS levels were elevated in samples closer to the dumpsite, with concentrations reaching up to 900 mg/L, exceeding the WHO guideline of 500 mg/L. BOD values ranged from 15 to 50 mg/L, while COD levels were between 80 and 200 mg/L. Trace metal concentrations were also concerning, with Pb ranging from 0.05 to 0.15 mg/L, Zn from 0.2 to 1.0 mg/L, Cu from 0.01 to 0.05 mg/L, and Cd from 0.005 to 0.02 mg/L. Comparison with WHO and NSDWQ standards indicated that groundwater quality around the dumpsite is compromised, posing serious health risks to the local population. The findings highlight the urgent need for effective waste management strategies and regular groundwater quality monitoring to safeguard public health and the environment. Keywords Groundwater quality, Dumpsite leachate, Physicochemical parameters, Heavy metals, Contamination, Nekede-Ihiagwa

River Basin Network Channel and Flood Menace Control in Greater Port Harcourt, Rivers State. []


Because of its low-lying terrain, enormous river network, fast urbanization, and the consequences of climate change, flooding is a frequent and destructive issue in the Greater Port Harcourt Area (GPHA), Rivers State, Nigeria. Because GPHA is located in the Niger Delta, an area with a complicated hydrological system of rivers, streams, and wetlands, it is vulnerable to flooding, which could endanger the residents' economic, health, and safety. In addition to investigating the possibilities for better flood management through improved river basin management and channelization technologies, this study looks at the function of the network channels in river basins in flood control. It specifically looks into how altering the natural river channels might improve the control of floodwater flow, lessen urban flooding, and lessen the negative effects of flood hazards on communities who are already at risk. According to the results, flood risks in GPHA may be considerably decreased while the area's resistance to future flood occurrences is increased through sustainable river basin management, which incorporates both nature-based and artificial solutions. In order to protect populations, preserve livelihoods, and promote long-term sustainable development, the study suggests a thorough framework for managing flood risk that incorporates river basin channelization with urban planning, infrastructure development, and climate adaption strategies.

Hospital-Based Study of Malaria Prevalence, Symptomatology, and Treatment Trends in Malaria Outbreak 2017 District Dir Lower []


This study investigates the distribution and characteristics of malaria in Dir Lower over a six-month period, from April to September. A total of 15,473 patients were tested, revealing 1,260 malaria cases, predominantly caused by Plasmodium vivax (99.8%). No mixed species infections were detected, and only two cases of Plasmodium falciparum were identified in May. The monthly distribution of cases showed a steady increase in both the number of patients tested and positive cases, peaking in September with 5,726 tests and 410 positive cases. Gender-based analysis indicated a higher incidence among females (53%), although the difference between genders was not statistically significant (p = 0.299). Age-wise, malaria was most prevalent in individuals over 15 years (67%), with a notable peak in September (20.23% of total cases). Symptoms reported included fever, chills, cough, and muscle pain, with higher prevalence in the >15 years age group. Biochemical and hematological parameters were compared between P. falciparum and P. vivax infections, showing variations in creatinine, BUN, SGPT, bilirubin, platelet count, and hemoglobin levels. Treatment patterns revealed an increase in the use of Chloroquine and ACT (Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy) over time, with a significant rise in ACT use by September. Chi-square analysis confirmed a significant association between treatment types and months (p < 0.001). This study underscores the dominance of P. vivax in Dir Lower and highlights the need for targeted interventions and enhanced treatment strategies. Keywords: Malaria, Biochemical Parameters, Hematological Parameters, Symptom

Review: Chatbots in Customer Service: Exploring Relevance and Impact on Service Quality & Customers Trust []


Chatbots are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative option for customer service. To encourage users to utilize Chatbots for this purpose, building trust in their ability to provide necessary assistance and enhance service quality is crucial. We conducted an interview study involving thirteen Chatbot users who shared their experiences and the factors influencing their trust in these systems. Additionally, we offer an overview of key features and functionalities of Chatbots in customer service, emphasizing their relevance. Our study introduces two categories of Chatbots' objectives based on their functional focus: "enhancing service performance" and "meeting customer expectations." We delve into Chatbots' customer-related functions such as interaction, entertainment, problem-solving, trendiness, and customization, highlighting their positive impact on service quality, which aligns with the functional goals of Chatbots. Furthermore, we explore the potential of Chatbots in customer service and identify various factors affecting users' trust in them, which will be elaborated upon. Finally, we discuss implications for Chatbot design and development, offering potential solutions.

Connaissances, attitudes et pratiques de la planification familiale par les jeunes couples du quartier Biyela, commune de Kimbanseke, Kinshasa, RD-Congo []


Résumé : cette étude a contribué à l'amélioration de service de planification familiale des jeunes couples fréquentant les structures de santé pour la consultation prénatale dans la zone de santé de Biyela dans la commune de Kimbanseke à Kinshasa. Il était question d'une enquête analytique traversable, du 20 Juin au 28 septembre 2024. 108 couples ont été enquêtés et interview sur base d’un questionnaire préétabli et les données étaient analysées à l'aide des logiciels Word et Excel. Cette étude avait pour objectif de contribuer à l’amélioration de la planification familiale des jeunes couples de Biyela. Les caractères sociodémographiques avaient influencé significativement l'utilisation de service de planification familiale. 93,3% avaient des connaissances sur la planification familiale (PF); 82,4% utilisent les méthodes contraceptives modernes, les attitudes de couples 97,4% et les pratiques 82,4%. En définitive, la sensibilisation et la formation continue des couples sont des stratégies plus efficaces à mettre en place pour une bonne planification familiale. Mots clés : Connaissances, Attitudes, Pratiques, Planification familiale, Méthodes contraceptives, Préservatifs, Coït interrompu, Zone de santé, Biyela.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE AND CYBERBUL-LYING AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS AT DAR ES SALAAM UNIVERSI-TIES IN TANZANIA []


The paper examines the prevalence of social media-related cyberbullying among university students in Tanzania, specifically at Dar es Salaam Tumaini University and the University of Dar es Salaam. The Theory of Planned Behavior, proposed by Icek Ajzen in 1991, guided this study. This paper employed qualitative research ap-proach, and case study research design. Purposive sampling technique was used to select a sample of 130 participants for the study. Data were collected through three methods: In-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and document review. Thematic analysis procedure was employed in analysing data from the field. The study findings revealed that harassment was the most common form of cyber-bullying at the two universities; accounting for 50 percent. The second common form of cyberbullying included threats and rumours, which affected greatly the well-being and academic performance of students. The widespread acceptance of cyberbully-ing in university settings underscores the urgent need for policies and support sys-tems to address the issue and promote responsible digital behaviour. The study recommends that, the universities need to implement strategies of clear policies, counselling, and digital literacy programs to alleviate the problem.

Design and Fabrication of a V Shaped Impeller for Centrifugal Pump []


With the global population rapidly expanding and economies advancing, there is an escalating energy demand, placing substantial stress on available resources and raising environmental concerns. Research efforts focused on evolving an improved impeller pump solution with enhance fluid flow performance therefore necessitate a need to design, construction, and evaluate the performance of a V-shaped impeller centrifugal pump, that underscore critical factors such as impeller geometry, blade angles, and cavitation. A 3D printing technology with the use of an ABS filament was used to implement the design of the impeller. The process for generating the profile of the impeller involved digital modelling, rapid prototyping and geometrical configurations of the blade structure. The physical and mechanical properties which include high impact resistance, good strength-to-weight ratio, and excellent machinability were considered in the selection of ABS filament as material for the product. The impeller design process involved optimizing the geometry and blade angles to enhance fluid dynamics and minimize energy losses, considering both theoretical and empirical guidelines. Special attention was given to mitigate cavitation by refining the blade shape and angles to ensure smooth fluid flow and reduce vapour bubble formation. Future work will focus on further refinement of the impeller design and exploring alternative materials and manufacturing processes to enhance durability and efficiency. Keywords: V – shaped impeller, 3D printer, ABS filament, digital modelling

Connaissances, attitudes et pratiques de la population face à l’utilisation de la moustiquaire imprégnée d’insecticide dans la commune de Ngaba à Kinshasa, RD-Congo []


Résumé Pour passer une nuit paisible et protéger la santé, le programme national de lutte contre le paludisme recommande de dormir sous la moustiquaire imprégnée d’insecticide (MII), mais Son utilisation recommandée par la médecine moderne est confrontée à d’énormes difficultés d’ordre sociologique, anthropologique et économique. Cette étude menée du 15 Juillet au 20 Septembre 2024, vise à évaluer les connaissances et décrire les attitudes et pratiques des habitants sur l’utilisation des MII. Les résultats ont montré que l’utilisation et l’intégrité des MII réduisent significativement le risque morbide imputable au paludisme. 238 sujets enquêtés soit 78,2% sont de sexe masculin et 21,8% de sexe féminin. 74,8% sont informés; 43,3% connaissent l’utilisation des MII ; 91,2% possèdent de MII ; 85,3 % ont acceptent la MII et 14,7% refusent son utilisation. Ainsi, il est indispensable d’envisager un programme de sensibilisation de masse pour appuyer ces genres d’initiatives et d’encourager les chercheurs qui mènent les études cap dans ce domaine. Mots Clés: Moustiquaire imprégnée d’insecticide, paludisme, connaissance, attitude, pratique.

Assessment of Dampness and Its Impacts on Indoor Environmental Quality: A Case study of Selected Residential Building Ekiti State, Nigeria. []


Dampness is one of the main problems affecting historical masonry structures or buildings all over the world, as it jeopardizes materials integrity, inhabitants’ health and performances of the Building envelope. Despite the great effort spent over the years to understand water capillary phenomenon, the problem of dampness removal is still substantially open, as not only the technologies adopted in the field frequently fail, but their working principles in real masonries have not been fully elucidated yet. This study was conducted to investigate and examine dampness on utilisation of selected Residential Buildings in Ekiti State, Nigeria. The main approaches to dampness investigation for this study include: visual inspections, investigations conducted on the building, and more detailed investigation. One hundred and Fourteen (114) buildings, One hundred and twenty (120) respondents (owner, the user, and the occupants) were sampled. From the site observations, dampness was observed during the inspection and investigation. Some of the owner of the affected building does not realized and have knowledge about the problem until this study was carried out at their buildings. Hence, this study identified some of the causes and its effects are of the soils salts in groundwater, humid conditions, water penetrations and piping leakage. Thus, the correct diagnosis and analysis of dampness problem was carried out to overcome the problems. Based on the results, the open challenges for research in this field are tentatively pointed out, additionally, evaporation from rising damp affected masonry is under-researched and opinions differ with respect to the effect that this moisture may have on the local environment. The study found that dampness is a real phenomenon that warrants treatment and that the contemporary method of damp proofing, installed as it would provide effective control. The study recommends that users’ health should be taken paramount in residential Building, and also wherever dampness is noticed on walls the User’s health should come first and necessary treatment to combat the defects should be immediately put in place in order to guide against any health hazard or health issues linking to untreated malaria or typhoid on Users. Other effects like smelling Odours, Pealing of walls, Stains skin and Electric Shock should be well taken care of. Keywords: Dampness, Moisture, Building, Mould Paper type: Research

Déterminants du paludisme chez les femmes enceintes. []


le niveau d’étude primaire, le divorce, le Ménagère, la profession dans le secteur formel, la quantité de MILDA ≤ 2 et la religion catholique, étaient facteurs associés à la non utilisation de la MILDA chez les femmes enceintes. Le test de Likelihood, indiquait une bonne adéquation du modèle aux données (p=0,000). (Tableau X)

Challenges for Health, Safety and Environment in Qatar’s Construction industry []


Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) has been the prime focus of policy making and the biggest challenge in almost every industry in the last couple of decades. This study aims to understand the challenges faced by HSE sector of Qatar‘s booming construction industry and to identify the root causes of such challenges. It has been widely accepted that the construction industry in Qatar inclines to carefully neglect the HSE regulations and standards of the rich country which are still ignorant and at times mistreated opportunely by the stakeholders. The boom has raised countrywide concerns about the general deterioration of HSE standards of Qatar. The study has undertaken with the aid of sample surveys on some major construction contractors and subcontractors working in live construction projects between project revenue QAR 300mn and QAR 1bn ($ 80~300 mn) having workforce approximately 1000 with a site progress of above 30%. Some of the key managerial, engineering and supervisory representatives were consulted through questionnaires and also random interviews on the foundation of hypothesis. The major data and input for the research questionnaire is compiled from recent trends in the accident / ill health data, multiple variants like Management culture, Human capital and work culture. SWOT analysis was done on the findings which pose major challenges to HSE in the construction industry and certain conclusions and recommendations were derived upon. The main findings from this research paper illustrates that there are key challenges encountered by HSE sector which is mounting and could be controlled if properly dealt with regulators together with commitment demonstration by higher management. Throughout the research it was learnt that the key challenge to HSE improvement was factors attributing to human capital like lack of policies in recruitment, appraisals, performance measurement, training, welfare of employees, lack of quality inspections and motivational schemes added with language barriers. Contributory factors like poor enforcement, heavy work pressure to meet deadlines together with resource poverty due to high competition in the industry which eventually calls for marginal razor-edged profits gives way for compromises to HSE regulations. Since the proportion of the respondents did not include all types of construction features, extrapolating the findings into a countrywide outlook would be unrealistic.

EVALUATION AND MANAGEMENT OF CHEST TRAUMA AND ITS OUTCOME []


ABSTRACT Introduction: Chest trauma which includes both penetrating and blunt injuries are common injuries and cause significant morbidity and mortality, especially the penetrating one is often a challenging problem in the progressing countries like Afghanistan which has limited medical resources; which has been bitten by more than 40 years of war and have limited medical resources can be more deadly. Quick thinking and early interventions are key factors for evaluations, management, and survival. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical course and outcome of these patients. Method: in this prospective study, we evaluated chest trauma cases which includes both penetrating and non-penetrating(blunt) injuries admitted in the Shah Amanullah Ghazi Hospital Kabul, all patients were above 17 years of age. Results: Among the 103 patients included in our study, 101(98.05%) were male and 2(1.94%) were female, most patient were in 3rd decade of their life. The majority (52.42%) unilateral mild to moderate hemithorax with ribs fracture, 35(33.9%) patients had unilateral or bilateral lung contusion associated with lung collapse, ribs fracture and hemopneumothorax. Our overall mortality rate was 1.9%. Conclusion: Lung trauma especially contusion of lung parenchyma results from sever blunt or penetrating trauma to the thorax, due to advances in ICU care and ventilatory systems in developed countries it has significant morbidity. As the social and civilian condition of the war bitten Country (Afghanistan) is much different from other countries, there for the overall management of these patients is more complicated here and it needs national guidelines and profound studies for better management. Key words: chest trauma, penetrating injuries, haemothorax, pneumothorax, Empyema, lung collapse, lung peripheral fistula, emergency ultrasound, Xray, Chest CT scan.

GLOBAL TRENDS IN ECONOMIC GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT THROUGH SMES: FACILITATING CONNECTIONS BETWEEN NIGERIAN AND U.S. SMES AND LEVERAGING UNTAPPED RESOURCES []


SMEs are essential players in the development of the worldwide economy and new markets remain a promising environment for cooperation. The possibility of advancing the Nigerian economy by building links connecting Nigerian SMEs with their American counterparts is the subject of this paper. What it effectively stresses is the GDP advantage that such partnerships present to both locations, with special emphasis given to how the exploitation of Africa’s yet unexploited potential could accrue huge profits to the American investors and Nigeria counterparts. International statistics, global SME performance trends, and analytical data give a clear picture of the value of these types of partnerships

Adénocarcinome grêlique une localisation rare : à propos d’une observation et revue de la littérature []


Les adénocarcinomes de l’intestin grêle sont des tumeurs rares mais leur incidence est en augmentation. La localisation primitive la plus fréquente est le duodénum. Ces cancers sont plus fréquemment associés à des maladies prédisposantes que les cancers du côlon et leur carcinogenèse reste mal connue. Le diagnostic est le plus souvent fait après une complication (hémorragie ou occlusion). Après résection chirurgicale R0, un envahissement ganglionnaire est le principal facteur pronostique. Concernant la chimiothérapie, il n’y a pas d’étude prospective de grande envergure permettant d’établir des traitements de référence. Beaucoup de travail reste à faire pour mieux ¬comprendre ce cancer et améliorer sa prise en charge.

COMPUTER SIMULATION OF THE DYNAMIC MECHANISMS OF KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER WITHIN THE INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM OF THE CHENGXI SCI-TECH INNOVATION CORRIDOR []


This research was investigatedon the computer simulation of the dynamic mechanisms of knowledge transfer within the innovation ecosystem of the Chengxi Sci-Tech Innovation Corridor. The strategic approach to knowledge transfer significantly influences the innovation landscape within a corridor. By leveraging various methods collaborative R&D, networking, industry partnerships, incubators, and open innovation organizations can enhance their innovation outcomes, ranging from new product development to patent creation and the formation of startups. The most effective innovation ecosystems will likely be those that integrate multiple knowledge transfer strategies, creating a synergistic impact that maximizes creativity, diversity of thought, and commercialization success. Emphasizing a culture of openness, collaboration, and continuous learning will ultimately drive sustained innovation and economic growth within the corridor. The computer simulation of the dynamic mechanisms of knowledge transfer within the innovation ecosystem of the Chengxi Sci-Tech Innovation Corridor provides several insightful findings that are crucial for understanding and enhancing innovation processes in this region. The simulation reveals that knowledge transfer is significantly influenced by various factors, such as the interactions among stakeholders, the networks of collaboration, and the availability of resources. It highlights the importance of fostering relationships between academia, industry, and government to create a more collaborative environment that encourages the flow of ideas and technologies. Additionally, the simulation identifies key leverage points within the ecosystem where targeted interventions can facilitate more effective knowledge transfer. Simulations helps policymakers understand the impact of various interventions on knowledge transfer dynamics. This can lead to more effective policies tailored to the unique characteristics and needs of the Chengxi Corridor.

Langue, culture et interférence : cas des interférences culturelles dans les écrits des apprenants marocains. []


L’enseignement-apprentissage d’une langue étrangère est un processus qui considère l’apprenant comme un acteur social qui mobilise des ressources linguistiques et des compétences langagières étroitement liés à son milieu socioculturel. L’objet de cet article est de présenter des aspects d’ordre culturel qui se manifestent dans les productions langagières d'un apprenant bilingue. L’objectif étant de démontrer que la concomitance d’espaces culturels différents génère des interférences culturelles. Mots-clés : Langue, culture, plurilinguisme, interaction, interférences, dimension culturelle

12/8/2024