Volume 12, Issue 1, January 2024 Edition - GSJ Journal Publication

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OFF-DESIGN PERFORMANCE MODELING OF A GAS POWER PLANT IN NIGERIA []


In this study, the performance characteristics of a gas power plant located in Rivers State Nigeria, operating at design and part load conditions was evaluated. Differences in part load performance, due to various factors in operation were investigated using EBSILON® Professional. Various part load operation strategies including variation in ambient temperature, variation of fuel and air flow, variation of expected output, variation in efficiency of components were considered while maintaining constant turbine exhaust temperature. The mass flow, air flow ratios under different load conditions (30% to 110%) nominal power was determined. Data were also collected from the power plant through direct observation from the monitoring screen of the human machine interface, log-books and manufacturer’s manuals. The results showed that variation of temperature in different seasons of the turbine impacted performance, while lower temperatures increased air density and compressed mass flow and delivered more power. Variation in air ratio in the combustion chamber also enabled the regulation of the maximum temperature of the cycle and achieved specified power output. The results also showed that the power plant with higher design performance exhibited less efficiency degradation during part load operation. The efficiency of the turbine power plants was strongly affected by the pressure ratio, the air-fuel ratio, the ambient temperature, and the isentropic efficiencies.

EFFECT OF SACCO FINANCIAL SERVICES ON RURAL HOUSEHOLD WELFARE IN SACCO NZIGE OF RWAMAGANA DISTRICT, RWANDA []


This research was investigated the effect of Sacco financial services on rural household welfare in Rwamagana district, Rwanda, a case of Sacco Nzige. This research achieved the following objectives: to examine the effect of financial accessibility on the rural household welfare of Rwamagana District; to assess the effect of financial affordability on the rural household welfare of Rwamagana District and to find out the effect of financial education on the rural household welfare of Rwamagana District. The research also compared two variables which are independents and dependents variables. This study was designed as a case study of Sacco Nzige using the survey method; a case study is described as analysis of Sacco financial services on rural household welfare in Rwamagana district, Rwanda, assuming that the researcher acquired knowledge regarding the subject under review from in-depth exploration of a single case. It is a qualitative analysis that involves careful observation of a situation. All the respondents from the population of Sacco Nzige to respond to research questionnaires. The researcher used questionnaires to collect data, As far as this study was concerned, the population was comprised of employees of Sacco Nzige in different departments targeting 5531 Population . To describe target population of a study as the point of focus from which a generalization was made regarding the research findings. Thus a sample size of 376 respondents. Research used primary and secondary data to get all information needed in this study, the quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics after running the data collected through the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The strong mean and standard deviation of 4.09 and 1.072 respectively, implies that there is process of learning the skills and knowledge on financial matters related with rural household for welfare of Nzige sector. The majority of SACCOs have interest rates affected by the nation's inflation rate, which has resulted in high interest rates since they limit participants' ability to quickly improve their socioeconomic standing. The results indicated that financial education has a but insignificant effect of rural household welfare in Rwamagana District has positive but insignificant effect on financial education at rural household welfare in Rwamagana District (β1= -.430; t= -1.597; p-value < 0.05). This means that 1% change in Sacco financial services leads to the change in financial education. The researcher's findings show that entrepreneurship knowledge is lacking. Some of them fail to increase the welfare of rural households in the Rwamagana District and even lead to extreme poverty due to poor loan management. Interest rates are the issue that limits the effectiveness of SACCOs to their members. Before disbursing a loan, SACCOs should educate new members on the necessary knowledge and skills, particularly in the areas of entrepreneurship and loan management, to lower the risk of failure and promote the development of their active members. Another issue relates to how SACCO members perceive the organization. Financial institutions should educate their customers sufficiently about the organization's goals and workings in order to lower the likelihood that customers will view borrowing money from SACCOs as a chance to take advantage of government handouts.

RISK MANAGEMENT AND SUCCESSFUL NORRSKEN HOUSE PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION IN NYARUGENGE DISTRICT, RWANDA []


This research is investigating the effect of risk management and successful Norrsken house project implementation in Nyarugenge district, Rwanda. This research achieved the following objectives: to determine the effect of risk identification on successful implementation of Norrsken House Project; to examine the effect of risk analysis on successful implementation of Norrsken House Project; to establish the effect of risk mitigation on successful implementation of Norrsken House Project and to find out the effect of risk monitoring on successful implementation of Norrsken House Project.The research also was compared two variables which are independents and dependents variables. A case study was described as analysis of risk management and successful Norrsken house project implementation, the researcher acquired knowledge regarding the subject under review from in-depth exploration of single case. It is a quantitative analysis that involves careful observation of the situation. Results of regression analysis for the effects of risk management and successful Norrsken house project implementation. The results indicate that risk management have positive and significant effect on operational performance of one acre fund (β1= 0.376, t= 3.514, p = 0.002<0.05; β2= 0.243, t=2.382, p =0.023<0.05; β3= 0.267, t= 0.317, p = 0.003<0.05; β4= 0.29, t= 4.83, p = 0.29<0.05), respectively. This shows that 1 per cent increase in risk management will lead to 0.376, 0.243, 0.267 and 0.29 percent increase on successful Norrsken house project implementation. Based on the findings above the model one (1) is represented as follows: successful Norrsken house project implementation = 1.771+ .376X1 + .243X2 + 0.267X3+ 0.29X4 Thus, all hypothesis are below 0.05, it means that our hypothesis are rejected. The findings of this study mainly indicated that risk management indicators have positive and significant effect on successful Norrsken house project implementation by this study. Risk is identified throughout the project life cycle this is part of the monitoring and controlling. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct more studies in the construction projects targeting bigger number of population. The study was applied in construction industry in general, it was not made specific for any party such as focusing only on client side, contractor or consultant. It is recommended to carry out similar studies and focusing in only one part then we can predict which party in more aware about the risk management and it is influence on project success implementation.

IMPLEMENTATION OF ALGORITHMS FOR Zn RINGS IN PYTHON PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE. []


This research focuses on implementing algorithms for Z_n rings in Python programming language. Z_n Rings are important structures in abstract algebra, and the implementation of algorithms for these structures is essential in many areas of mathematics and computer science. The research includes the implementation of basic operations such as addition, subtraction, and multiplication in Z_n rings, as well as more advanced algorithms such as modulo exponentiation and the extended Euclidean algorithm. The implementation is done using object-oriented programming principles to ensure code reusability and maintainability. This research aims to provide a useful resource for researchers and students in mathematics and computer science who are interested in working with Z_n rings. In this research, it was found out that the mod_inv function is more efficient and reliable than the mod_mult_inverse function. It uses the extended Euclidean algorithm to find the inverse of a modulo n, which is faster than checking all possible values of b. additionally, it works correctly for all values of a and n. Based on the results and discussions presented, it was evident that the implementation of algorithms for Z_n rings in Python programming language is a viable approach. The findings have highlighted the potential of using this implementation for various mathematical applications. It is recommended that further research to be conducted to explore the full capabilities of this implementation and its possible applications in real-world scenarios.

HIGH INVOLVEMENT HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND ORGANISATIONAL RESILIENCE OF MULTINATIONAL OIL AND GAS COMPANIES IN SOUTH-SOUTH NIGERIA []


This study examined the relationship between high involvement human resource management practices and organisational resilience of multinational oil and gas companies in South-South, Nigeria. The researcher’s interest to investigate this relationship was necessitated by the prevalent operational and human resource challenges bedevilling this sector ranging from disparity in the terms and conditions of work of expatriate and Nigerian staff to low manifestations of adaptability, situation awareness and agility. A cross sectional research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study consists of five (5) registered multinational oil and gas companies domiciled in South-South, Nigeria. A census method was adopted and such accordingly represent the sample for the study. Ninety-two (92) copies of questionnaire were retrieved and analysed. Structural Equation Modelling was used for analysis of hypotheses. The findings revealed that the dimensions of high involvement human resource management practices such as employee empowerment practices, employee recognition practices, fair reward practices and competence development practices are significantly related to the measures of organisational resilience such as adaptability, situation awareness and agility. It was then concluded that high involvement human resource management practice statistically and significantly relate to organisational resilience of multinational oil and gas companies in the study area. Consequently, employees are able to have a shared purpose and knowledge, critical to increasing the organisation’s capacity to respond and recover quickly in difficult situations. The study therefore recommends and substantiates among others, the assertion that a resilient workforce is a resilient organisation, hence the need for management to adopt a holistic approach towards employees’ development. KEYWORDS: High Involvement Human Resource Management Practices, Organisational Resilience, Employee Empowerment Practices, Employment Recognition Practices, Multinational Oil and Gas.

ÉCONOMIE DE LA RDC EN CETTE PERIODE DE MONDIALISATION []


Résumé Le développement du secteur économique de la RDC doit etre renforcé à travers un nouveau système de developpement économique en tant que ligne directrice pour le développement économique juste et hautement compétitive, caractérisée par le développement croissant de la diversité industrielle sur l’etendue du territoire national. Astract The development of the economic sector of the DRC must aim to strengthen a new system of economic development as a guideline for the development of a fair and highly competitive national economy, characterized by the increasing development of industrial diversity across the breadth of the national territory. Key words : economic sector, economic relations, globalization, free trade, national economic development, international agreements…

Rethinking Time: The Non-Absolute Nature of Temporal Reality []


This research challenges the conventional view of time as an absolute entity going in a straight line at a constant speed by investigating its relativity. Employing the comparison of time between celestial bodies and open space-time, we present compelling evidence supporting the idea that time is not a universal constant. Our findings reveal that time is but a mere illusion, suggesting a paradigm shift in our understanding of temporal reality. This study contributes to seeing light as an entity of particle-wave duality rather than a body moving at very high speeds.

Review on Epidemiology of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia []


Abstract: Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia is an infectious and highly contagious respiratory disease of cattle caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides which is a non-sporulating, Gram-negative, non-motile bacteria. It is the only bacterial disease in the Office International des Epizooties list “A” diseases. The disease occurs primarily in Africa and in some parts of Asian countries. It is transmitted from animal to animal through respiratory aerosols and the organism occurs in saliva, urine, fetal membranes and uterine discharges. The disease may be occur in acute, sub-acute, or chronic forms and characterized by fever, anorexia, dyspnea, polypnea, cough, and nasal discharge. All ages of cattle are susceptible, but young cattle develop joint swelling rather than lung infections. Many cattle show no disease signs despite being infected and chronically infected animals might act as carriers and sources of infections. Diagnosis can be made based on history of contact with infected animals, clinical examinations, postmortem inspections, and laboratory analyses through culture and isolation procedures, and serological analyses. Samples taken from live animals are nasal swabs or nasal discharges, broncho-alveolar lavage or transtracheal washing and pleural fluid collected aseptically by puncture made in the lower part of the thoracic cavity. It also has a great economic importance to cattle keepers because of its high mortality rate, production loss, increased production cost due to cost of disease control, loss of weight and working ability, delayed marketing, reduced fertility, loss due to quarantine, loss of cattle trade, and reduced investment in livestock production. Control and prevention can be done through cattle movement control and quarantine, stamping out, test and slaughter, treatment and vaccination. Keywords: Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, Cattle, Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides virus, Epidemiology

Review on Epidemiology and Diagnosis of Lumpy Skin Disease []


Lumpy skin disease is an emerging infectious disease of cattle caused by lumpy skin disease virus. It is World Organization for Animal Health notifiable list A disease. The disease is endemic in most African countries. It is transmitted primarily by biting insects and its incidence is high during wet seasons. The course of the disease may be acute, sub-acute, chronic or subclinical. The clinical disease is characterized by a biphasic febrile reaction, depression, disinclination to move, inappetence, salivation, lachrymation, nasal discharge, which may be mucoid or mucopurulent. The superficial lymph nodes, especially prescapular, precrural and subparotid are usually enlarged. Skin nodules are classical manifestation of lumpy skin disease. These nodules are usually widespread and they may be very numerous and cover the entire body of the animal. The diagnosis of the disease is made based on characteristic clinical signs and it is confirmed by various diagnostic techniques including serological and molecular diagnostic methods. Restrictions to the global trade of live animals and animal products, costly control and eradication measures such as vaccination campaigns as well as the indirect costs because of the compulsory limitations in animal movements cause significant financial losses; especially it is important disease to the cattle industry due to chronic debility in infected cattle, reduction in milk production, abortion, temporary or permanent sterility, damaged hides and deaths. In endemic areas mass vaccination against lumpy skin disease is the only effective method to control the disease. Key Words: Lumpy Skin Disease Virus, Cattle, Epidemiology, Diagnosis

Economic Symphony: Orchestrating Stability Through Innovative Exchange Rate Strategies []


This article investigates innovative strategies for mitigating inflation by strategically manipulating exchange rates in international transactions. It explores the use of dual-currency contracts, flexible payment terms, and local currency transactions to attain economic equilibrium. Emphasizing the significance of fair international policies over traditional banking approaches, the article anticipates China's growing influence on exchange rates through its substantial global transactions. The comprehensive analysis underscores the potential of international cooperation and transparent practices in shaping the future of global economics for stability and prosperity.

THE IMPACT OF FRANC CFA ON THE DEVELOPMENT IN THE MEMBER’S COUNTRIES OF CFA ZONES []


When these countries of the CFA Zone gained independence at the dawn of the 1960s, France managed a formidable sleight of hand. It officially recognized the political sovereignty of the new states while maintaining control over their economies thanks to a weapon as powerful as it was invisible: their monetary system. Since its creation in 1945 of the franc of the French colonies of Africa (CFA), the acronym has evolved and now designates two currencies: that of the "African financial community" in West Africa and that of "financial cooperation in Central Africa". But it is always Paris that decides the external value of these currencies. And the franc zone, which ensured the economic control of the colonies, still guarantees the French economy a comparative advantage on the African continent. The authors dissect these monetary mechanisms and tell how French leaders fought all those, experts or African leaders, who rose up against this monetary servitude. In recent years, the CFA franc has also become the stake of popular struggles. Aware that economic issues are eminently political, more and more African citizens are demanding their full monetary sovereignty. Several organizations, economists, etc. anti CFA try to oppose this colonial currency which has a negative impact on the development of member countries of the CFA zone. On this paper we tried to analyze and evaluate this currency on its impact on the development of the 14 countries that make up the CFA zone. The problem is therefore as follows: Does this currency have an impact on the development of the member countries of the CFA Zone? To answer this problem, we have analyzed this problem through various comments of some economists or some President of the Republic on this problem which has become a primordial debate on the 14 member countries of this Monetary Zone which is the CFA in particular as well as on the continent in general. Keywords: CFA franc, CFA Zone, Development Impact , Mechanism .

Teachers’ Practices in Reading Lessons Towards Helping Learners with Reading Difficulties at Lower Primary: A Case of Selected Primary Schools in Lusaka District, Zambia []


The purpose of the study was to evaluate teachers’ practices in reading lessons in helping learners with reading difficulties in the four primary schools of Lusaka district The study employed a mixed method paradigm of an embedded method and descriptive survey design that used purposive and simple random sampling to select 4 Head teachers, 4 senior teachers, 12 teachers and 80 learners. Data was obtained from respondents by means of interviews, questionnaires and classroom observation schedules. Frequency, percentages, tables, graphs and pie-charts were used to analyze the quantitative and qualitative data obtained. Data was then analyzed by use of the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) computer package. The findings revealed significant differences in learners’ achievement in Reading between the two sets of schools. Findings showed differences in teachers’ practices in reading lessons, absence of adequate and appropriate teaching and learning materials in reading, lack of improvisation, inadequate internal and external monitoring, irregular CPD meetings, poor teaching methods and techniques, inadequate assessment and poor record keeping. The study recommended adequate internal and external monitoring, regular and compulsory CPD meetings.

Foreign Direct Investment and Environmental Sustainability in Botswana []


This article examines the relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) and environmental sustainability in Botswana, a nation celebrated for its rich diamond reserves and extensive wildlife sanctuaries. As Botswana navigates economic development, the potential environmental costs incurred by FDI pose a critical dilemma. This study is anchored in the Pollution Haven Hypothesis (PHH) framework, exploring whether Botswana's economic allure for FDI might encourage a migration of polluting industries to its jurisdiction. The analysis utilizes an Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) methodology, drawing on data from 1974 to 2020 to assess trends and correlations between CO2 emissions, FDI inflows, GDP, and population growth. The results reveal a significant positive relationship between FDI and CO2 emissions, suggesting that increased FDI correlates with heightened environmental impact, largely due to industrial activities. While GDP growth does not show a direct and significant effect on emissions, population growth is associated with an increase in CO2 emissions, indicating potential demographic challenges to environmental sustainability. The study also finds evidence of a long-term equilibrium relationship among these variables, which supports the possibility of co-integration. Botswana stands at a transformative juncture, seeking to attract non-polluting FDI while bolstering environmental regulations. The findings imply that, while FDI has been a driver of economic diversification, it has not been without environmental repercussions. Botswana must, therefore, forge a strategic path that aligns economic aspirations with ecological preservation, ensuring that the nation's natural wealth sustains future generations. In the broader discourse on sustainable development, Botswana's experience provides valuable insights into the global challenge of achieving economic prosperity without compromising environmental integrity. This study concludes with a call for policies that harmonize economic and environmental objectives, suggesting a future where these goals are balanced and synergistically aligned.

ENHANCEMENT OF BARANGAY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM []


The research culminates in the development of the "Barangay Management System (BMS)," an integrated software solution meticulously crafted to streamline governance and elevate service delivery in barangays—the smallest administrative units in the Philippines. This innovative system incorporates a range of features, including a resident database, document management, financial oversight, service request handling, inventory and asset management, as well as event and calendar management. One of the primary advantages brought about by the BMS is its ability to significantly streamline operations within barangays. Through the automation of various tasks and the introduction of efficient data management processes, the system facilitates smoother administrative workflows. This automation not only reduces the workload on barangay officials but also minimizes the likelihood of errors in record-keeping and information management. Furthermore, the BMS contributes to a marked improvement in service delivery. By offering a comprehensive platform for managing resident information, handling service requests, and coordinating community events, the system enhances the barangay's ability to respond promptly and effectively to the needs of its residents. The residents, in turn, benefit from more efficient and accessible services. Data-driven decision-making becomes a hallmark of governance with the implementation of the BMS. The system provides barangay officials with valuable insights derived from accurate and up-to-date data. This enables informed decision-making processes, fostering a governance approach based on evidence and real-time information. Enhanced transparency and accountability are among the transformative outcomes of the BMS. The system's functionalities allow for greater visibility into the barangay's operations, making it easier to track financial transactions, monitor service delivery, and assess the overall performance of community programs. This transparency contributes to increased accountability among barangay officials. The BMS plays a pivotal role in fostering community engagement. Through its features for event and calendar management, the system facilitates communication and collaboration within the barangay. Residents are informed about upcoming events, initiatives, and important announcements, creating a more connected and engaged community. The development of the Barangay Management System marks a significant milestone in local governance. Its multifaceted features not only streamline administrative processes but also contribute to improved service delivery, data-driven decision-making, enhanced transparency and accountability, and increased community engagement within barangays. Keywords: Administrative System for Barangays, Barangay Management System, Community Information System, Integrated Barangay Software, Local Governance Software, and Osmeña Colleges

A Case Study: Assessment of existing patient safety practices at Obstetrics Wards in DMH Sri Lanka and develop strategies to enhance patient safety concerning WHO six safety goals [IPSGs] []


Patient safety is the avoidance, prevention, and amelioration of adverse outcomes or injuries stemming from the processes of healthcare. These events include ‘errors’, deviations, and ‘accidents’ (i.e., Zero Harm or No Harm to the patient). This hospital is popularly known as the De Soysa Lying-in-Home [DMH] or De Soysa Maternity Hospital for Women (Teaching). It was opened on 9th December 1879 through the generosity of Charles Henry De Soysa, a great philanthropist of the era. It is the first Maternity hospital in Sri Lanka and the 2nd oldest Maternity hospital in Asia. It is a training institute for all categories of staff in Maternity care. A Director heads the hospital which consists of 868 staff members including 11 Consultants. The hospital has 7 Obstetrics wards and 3 Gynaecology wards. The bed strength is 277, BOR:78.73% and BTOR:62.43% (Annual Report 2022, De Soysa Hospital for Women). The methods used for the assessment were a self-administered structured questionnaire [SAQ] for doctors, nurses and midwives who work at obstetrics wards, key informant interviews [KIIs] with consultants, Special Grade Nursing Officers, Nursing sisters, document reviews and direct observation. The prioritized problem was Inadequate Patient Safety Practices. The prioritized root causes to be addressed are inadequate training on safety practices for healthcare staff, lack of a standardized protocol, insufficient monitoring, auditing, and feedback mechanisms to address safety issues. The recommendation is to develop and implement comprehensive training for all staff about patient safety practices and implementing and rolling out the patient safety protocol.

Energy Trading Using Blockchain Technology for Solar Energy []


This paper discusses about the recent technological application of using solar energy to trade with blockchain technology and the applications. The emerging technological application, processes and real time uses of this Technolocy is discussed. The energy market, blockchain technology, p2p energy trading system. This research was able to analyse the peer to peer blockchain technology and the trading mechanisms. It further highlighted how solar energy can be extracted and hannessed into energy trading using these blockchain methodology.

A Mathematical Model for Transmission Dynamics of Ebola Virus with Control Measures []


Abstract: Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a very deadly and highly infectious disease that affect human immune system, EVD is also known as Ebola Hemorrhagic fever (EHF) or called Ebola and also a human and other primates viral hemorrhagic fever caused by ebolaviruses, the incubation period of Ebola is between 2 – 21 days. In this paper we developed a deterministic mathematical model for transmission dynamics of Ebola virus disease control, that incorporating the constant the recruitment and numerical simulation of four control strategies: public enlighten campaign on personal hygiene, quarantine, isolation and proper burial. From the model we compute the effective reproduction number and numerical simulation of effective reproduction number was computed using different control strategies which verifies the existence of LAS of DFE if . it was observed that absence of control in a community the disease will persist within short period of time and also we observed that with moderate and high control strategies the disease will be curbed in a long run, we also verify that effective public enlighten campaign on personal hygiene is the best strategy in curbing Ebola followed by isolation strategy then quarantine and proper burial strategies. Keywords: Modeling, Effective Reproductive Number, Ebola, Virus, Disease