Volume 12, Issue 2, February 2024 Edition - GSJ Journal Publication

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PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL TREATMENT OF PRODUCED WATER FROM CRUDE OIL TO OBTAIN INJECTED WATER PROPERTIES SUITABLE FOR RESERVOIR []


The physicochemical characteristics of produced water from crude oil obtained from five oil wells in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria were determined using standardised methods of American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) to ascertain the baseline properties of the individual wells. Results obtained before any form of treatment shows that except for the Sulphate reducing bacterial (SRB) concentration, salinity and scale forming properties as shown in the sulphate, carbonate and bicarbonate concentrations, all the characteristics of the produced water from wells TA2 and CA9 were within specification as stipulated by Environmental Guidelines and Standards for Petroleum Industries in Nigeria (EGASPIN). All the physicochemical characteristics of wells TA1, CA7 and QA2 as well as those of the commingled produced water from the five wells were not within EGASPIN acceptable limit. Results obtained after physical treatment of the commingled produced water shows that the Total suspended solids (TSS), Silt density Index (SDI), Total dissolved solids (TDS), conductivity, chloride and salinity of the commingled produced water were 7.50 mg/l, 6.10 mg/l, 1251.67 mg/l, 1868.16 µs/cm, 166.00 g/l and 14536.67 mg/l respectively (within acceptable limit). Physical treatment of the produced water was made possible by installations and equipment within the oil and gas process facility such as separators, floatation packages, water injection tanks and filtration units. Continuous chemical treatment of the commingled produced water with at least 20 ppm of flocculant and oxygen scavenger respectively reduced the TOG, TPH, turbidity and dissolved oxygen to an acceptable level of 27.50 mg/l, 24.60 mg/l, 7.20 NTU and 25.00 ppb respectively while a 30 ppm concentration of continuous treatment with scale inhibitor reduced the sulphate, carbonate and bicarbonate concentrations to an acceptable level of 175 mg/l, 190 mg/l and 231 mg/l respectively. A batch treatment with 40 ppm of bactericide was required to reduce the SRB concentration to an acceptable level of 10 CFU/ml. The pH of the commingled produced water after physical treatment was 8.30 and 6.50 after chemical treatment with 40 ppm of each of the treatment chemicals which is still within acceptable limit. The use of produced water with inadequate physicochemical properties as injected water can cause a lot of damages to the reservoir ranging from Clogging or bridging of reservoir pore spaces by suspended solids, plugging challenges within the production formation, plugging of surface piping and downhole equipment as well as premature failure of formation and production equipment amongst other damages. .

MOLECULAR DETECTION OF HEPATITIS C VIRUS AMONG BLOOD DONORS AND DRUG ADDICTS IN JOS, NORTH CENTRAL, NIGERIA []


ABSTRACT Background: Hepatitis C virus infection is a global health problem associated with high morbidity and mortality rate. Prompt diagnosis of HCV is important for early detection, treatment and management of this disease. Aim: This study evaluated PCR-based detection method of HCV among blood donors and drugs addicts in Jos, Nigeria. Methodology: A total of 100 venous blood samples were examined from August 2018 to December 2018. Results: Of the overall blood samples, 15(15.0%) tested positive by PCR-Based detection method. Four with primary school education, 4(44.4%) and two with tertiary education 2(11.7%) tested positive by PCR,(P=0.074) which makes it insignificant. PCR recorded 15% among drug addicts and also zero percent among blood donors with 65.2% sensitivity and 65.2% Negative Predictive Value (NPV). The Chi-Square test shows hepatitis C virus infection is more associated with drug addicts than blood donors. Conclusion: The findings from this study concluded that, HCV is very prevalent among drug addicts in Jos and PCR method is recommended as a gold standard for effective detection of HCV infection in Jos, Plateau state, Nigeria.

Development and Evaluation of Medication Braille font Aid Slate Adaptation (BASA) in the Community Pharmacy among Visually Impaired (VI) in General Santos City and Koronadal, South Cotabato []


Introduction: Vision impairment imposes a massive financial burden on the global economy with the annual global costs of productivity losses (WHO, 2020). A visually impaired person faces numerous challenges in daily activities for instance, medication identification which compromises their safety and efficacy (Almukainzi, et. al 2020). This study was conducted to develop and evaluate a braille font aid slate adaptation to help visually challenged individuals to be independent, minimize the occurrence of medication-related problems, and improve patient compliance. Methods: The study utilized the pre-experimental design, specifically the one-group pre-test and post-test design. Non-randomized, self-selection sampling (volunteer sampling) was used in this study. Results: Based on the findings, the BASA has proven to be highly effective in enhancing knowledge levels, with a percentage of 91.30%. Survey results indicated that most of the participants suffered with cough (86.7%), and fever (73.3%) at the time. Results revealed that the level of problems faced among participants is found at a low level with a mean value of 2.47, which means that the problems presented were slightly experienced by the visually impaired participants. Based on the statistical test, results revealed a significant difference (p>0.05) on the level of perception before and after the BASA intervention. Conclusion: The researchers concluded that there is a significant difference between visually impaired patients before and after BASA intervention. This implicated that BASA was effective in terms of addressing the important issues concerning the management of conditions among patients.

TOPIC: THE IMPACT OF THE 2021 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION ON THE PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE OF PEOPLE IN THE GAMBIA []


ABSTRACT The main aim of this study was to investigate the Impact of the 2021 Presidential Elections on the Peaceful Coexistence of People in The Gambia. The scope of the study was limited to people residing in The Gambia. The sampling was based on The Gambia Bureau of Statistics Integrated Household Survey (IHS) 2015/2016. Samples of 440 (over sampled of 10%) households were selected from the sampling frame. The findings reveal that there was peaceful co-existence among people in The Gambia after the presidential election. A 1 to 10-point scale was used to determine this with 1 being the worst and 10 the best; and the mean response is 8 which is closed to 10 points. The majority of respondents (about 49%) on a cumulative basis agreed that multi-party system is a threat to the peaceful coexistence of society. Finally, the majority of the respondent on a cumulative basis agree on that political tolerance is high in The Gambia as which demonstrates the respect of other people’s right to association, diverse individual views, freedom and majority have trust in IEC. The study recommends the government of the Gambia to empower the National Council for Civic Education (NCCA) by allocation enough resources for the effective and efficient execution of their mandates of educating and sensitizing the citizenry on their political rights and electoral laws of the land. Also, community and religious leaders such as district chiefs, village heads, youth leaders, and heads of women groups, mosque leaders and church leaders should be enlightened on political issues and empowered to preach and communicate peaceful co-existence in their respective jurisdictions.

INFLUENCE OF SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT ON SUPPLY CHAIN PERFORMANCE OF RWANDA MEDICAL SUPPLY LIMITED []


The purpose of this study entitled “Influence of Supplier Relationship Management on Supply Chain Performance of Rwanda Medical Supply limited” was to examine the influence of Supplier Relationship Management on supply chain performance with a case of Rwanda Medical Supply limited and four specific objectives were used: to assess the influence of supply chain collaboration on supply chain performance in Rwanda Medical Supply ltd, to determine the influence of supplier development on supply chain performance in Rwanda Medical Supply ltd and to identify the influence of integrated communication technology on supplier chain performance in Rwanda Medical Supplier and to determine the influence of supply evaluation on supply chain performance in Rwanda Medical Supply ltd. The research used descriptive research survey. Population of the study was 268 employees and the sample size of the study was 268 employees of Rwanda Medical Supply ltd and census sampling technique was used to select employees. Data collection instruments to be used in this study were both questionnaire and interview. Methods of data analysis were descriptive statistics and inferential statistics such correlation and multiple linear regressions. The findings revealed that revealed that supply chain collaboration has significance positive influence on supply chain performance of RMS LTD as indicated by β= 0.097, p-value=0.000<0.05. The findings revealed that integrated communication technology has significance positive influence on supply chain performance of RMS LTD as indicated by β= 0.213, p-value=0.000<0.05. The implication is that an increase of one unit in integrated communication technology would lead to an increase in supply chain performance of RMS LTD by 0.213 units. terms. The findings revealed that supply evaluation has significance positive influence on supply chain performance of r as indicated by β= 0.615, p-value=0.000<0.05. The findings revealed that the level of supply chain performance was excellent with mean score of 4.38 and the standard deviation of 0.99 which implies that there is strong evidence of existing of fact and heterogeneity response. In conclusion, supplier relationship management can positively impact the performance of Rwanda Medical Supply Ltd by improving efficiency, reducing costs, ensuring quality, fostering innovation, managing risks, and enhancing customer satisfaction. It allows RMS LTD to build resilient and sustainable supply chains that are crucial for its mission of supplying vital medical supplies to healthcare providers in Rwanda even though, from the results, it was shown that supplier development was insignificant effect on supply chain performance of RMS LTD. The study therefore, recommends for more improvement on supplier development practices in place among RMS LTD to ensure that they significantly contribute towards supply chain performance.

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ADHERENCE TO MEDICATION AMONG HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS SEEKING CARE IN A DISTRICT HOSPITAL, NORTHERN PROVINCE, RWANDA []


Globally, half of cardiovascular deaths are related to hypertension. Good adherence to anti-hypertensive medications is the most successful measure to control and prevent the now-increased hypertension crisis and its complications. Sub-Saharan Africa is burdened with lower adherence to anti-hypertensive medications. Identifying factors associated with adherence, aimed at drawing solutions to improve the wellbeing of populations. The objective of this study was to assess factors associated with adherence to hypertensive medications among hypertensive patients in a district hospital of Northern Province in Rwanda. The study was conducted under a cross-sectional descriptive study with analytical features on hypertensive patients. The systematic sampling method was used and the data was collected by the researcher and his assistant on 272 participants, data was analyzed using SPSS version 21.0: descriptive statistics bivariate and multivariate analysis were used. The significance level p-value ≤ 0.05, and odds ratio and adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI) and significance of p < 0.05 were applied. Among 272 participants, 33 (12.1%) were Under 40 years, 90(33.1%) were 40-60 years, and 149(54.8%) were 60 years and above. There were 169 (62.1%) females and 103(37.9%) males. All 272 (100%) had health insurance. The self-reported adherence was 64.3%. Factors associated with adherence to hypertension medications were being female (AOR: 4.188, 95%CI [1.555-11.281], p=0.005); being diagnosed and be on treatment for 5 years and above (AOR: 33.35, 95%CI [5.016-221.2851], p<0.001); having good belief of medication (AOR: 16.867 95%CI [5.438-52.321], p<0.001), believing that it is important to take medication even when no symptoms (AOR: 24, 95%CI [4.831-119.281], p<0.001); and being once a smoker but stopped it after realizing health concerns (AOR: 9.348, 95%CI [2.594-33.686], p=0.001). To conclude, adherence was low, female sex, being on treatment for a long time, having good belief in medication and perceived susceptibility increased the chance of adherence to medications.

8-WEEK CURRICULUM: BASIS FOR INTERVENTION IN DEVELOPING LITERACY SKILLS FOR GRADE 1 PUPILS []


ABSTRACT 8-WEEK CURRICULUM: BASIS FOR INTERVENTION IN DEVELOPING LITERACY SKILLS FOR GRADE 1 PUPILS By Allian Balderama-Tee Master Of Arts in Education Major in Instructional Methods This study aims to determine the effectiveness of the implementation of the 8-Week Learning Recovery Curriculum (LRC) as the literacy intervention program based on the perception of the Grade 1 teachers in Bulan IV District. This endeavor identify how does this intervention affect Grade 1 learners in their reading literacy skills and the issues experienced by learners during the implementation of the program. This study sought to evaluate the pretest and posttest results in literacy of 111 Grade one learners of San Vicente Elementary School of the Division of Sorsogon. Given that all the Grade 1 learners underwent the intervention program and there was no random assignment of participant. Methodological triangulation through collection of pretest and post test results, survey, and interview with the Grade 1 teachers is used to establish the credibility of this study. The frequency count and rank are used to interpret the issues experienced by learners regarding the conduct of the LRC. To analyze the qualitative data, researchers employed narratives based on categories formed considering the basic themes of the research questions of this paper. This study found that the 8-week learning curriculum has had a positive effect on pupils' performance in reading. Results from the pre-assessment showed that 83.78% of learners belonged to full intervention. However, after the implementation of the 8-week learning curriculum, there is a decrease of 45.05 %. Moderate intervention results reveal an increase of 17.11 %, light intervention show an increase of 11.70 %, and grade-ready has an increase of 16.22 %. This is an encouraging result and shows the effectiveness of the LRC. Additionally, the study shows that these issues encountered by learners during the intervention make it difficult for pupils to complete the 8-week curriculum. Furthermore, post-assessment results serve as the bases of the teachers on what intervention to implement and further instruction to do to be able to achieve the expected skills of the pupils. This study proposed an intervention plan in developing literacy for Grade 1 Learners that may help the parents, teachers and other people who struggle major struggle is to identify the effective way to teach children how to read. Based on the findings, the researchers recommend that a reading intervention program must be tailored to meet the specific needs of the individual student and focus on their strengths and weaknesses. The researcher suggests that 8-Week LRP must be maintained and even enhanced by addressing the most prominent issues until all learners achieve grade-level reading proficiency. Keywords related to the study: 8-Week Learning Recovery Curriculum (LRC); Literacy; intervention program; reading profile; assessment

ASSESSMENT OF E-WAITBOX PILL ORGANIZER FOR MEDICATION ADHERENCE AMONG ELDERLY DIABETIC PATIENTS OF KORONADAL CITY, SOUTH COTABATO []


Introduction: Non-adherence to medications is a widespread issue that causes high costs all around the world (Cutler, 2018). Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease with a high prevalence rate due to lifestyle changes that result in less physical activity and increased obesity (Goyal 2022). Method: A quasi-experimental research design was used to evaluate the influence of the e-WAITbox pill organ-izer on prescription adherence among elderly diabetic patients in Koronadal City, South Cotabato. The elderly diabetes patients were identified using purposive sampling based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Result: No significant difference in FBS levels before, during, and after the intervention in both groups. In terms of medication adherence, before the intervention, majority reported diffi-culties in remembering medications, but after the intervention, there was a significant improvement in the treatment group. For the effect size, overall findings, highlight that the e-WAITBox pill organizer was effective in enhancing medication adherence but not in managing FBS level.Conclusion: According to the study's findings, both groups are not significant for FBS(fasting blood glucose) outcomes; however, for medication adherence, the treatment group is significant with the product. Furthermore, according to the study, the e-WAITBox pill organizer is ineffective at regulating FBS levels in both groups, except that it helps increase medication adherence among patients. Other methods/parameters, such as HbA1C, are suggested for further intervention.

THE IMPACT OF SRI LANKAN FREE EDUCATION ON SOCIETAL DEVELOP-MENT: BREAKING BARRIERS IN FINANCIAL ACCESSIBILITY AND PAREN-TAL OCCUPATION INFLUENCE []


Sri Lanka's free education system is pivotal for societal development, dismantling financial barriers and mitigating parental occupation's influ-ence on educational opportunities. This study explores its significance, ensuring universal access despite parental financial constraints. Objec-tives include analyzing its role in alleviating financial constraints, probing parental occupation's influence, and assessing broader implications for societal development. Research questions focus on how free education promotes equity and social mobility. The literature review spans Sri Lanka's educational history, policy evolution, socio-economic impacts, and education's role in societal progress. Methodologically, a quantita-tive approach uses surveys with 100 participants and the research onion framework. Positive results highlight parental approval, student achievements, and socio-economic benefits. Challenges include quality disparities, socio-economic barriers, and gender inequalities. Recom-mendations emphasize teacher training, curriculum modernization, socio-economic equality, and robust monitoring. In conclusion, Sri Lanka's free education system significantly promotes access, equity, and quality, with addressing challenges and implementing recommendations cru-cial for enhancing effectiveness.

Impact of Internet Usage and Video Gaming on the Academic Performance of Postgraduate Students in a Prestigious Taiwanese University []


The influence of technology usage on the growth and academic achievements of children, teenagers, and young adults is still a topic of ongoing discussion and debate. This study investigates the intricate relationship between internet usage, video gaming, and the academic performance of postgraduate students at a prestigious Taiwanese university. With a diverse sample of master's and Ph.D. students, research objectives guided a comprehensive analysis blueprint. According to the results, descriptive statistics provided nuanced insights into academic and lifestyle factors, revealing diverse engagement patterns in internet use and gaming. Correlation analyses explored relationships between Grade Point Average (GPA) and lifestyle factors, with modest associations noted, though statistical significance was not achieved. The regression model indicated that study hours, gaming hours, internet usage, and sleeping hours did not significantly predict GPA. The Chi-square test revealed a meaningful association between video game addiction and academic performance, emphasizing the need for further exploration. Friedman tests delved into negative impacts, coping mechanisms, and alternative leisure activities, offering valuable insights into students' experiences. Notably, female Ph.D. students exhibited a slightly higher GPA, and age-related variations in gaming habits were observed. These findings contribute to the discourse on digital well-being, shedding light on the multifaceted recreational landscape and academic challenges faced by postgraduate students. This study underscores the importance of addressing these concerns to foster balanced lifestyles and promote holistic well-being in the evolving digital landscape of postgraduate education.

Le technolecte de la mécanique automobile à Marrakech : approche sociolinguistique []


L’objectif du présent article est d’analyser dans le cadre d’une approche sociolinguistique les différents aspects de la production langagière propre au domaine de la mécanique automobile à Marrakech. Plus précisément il s’agit de voir de près les caractéristiques générales de ce technolecte et de dégager les procédés et les processus linguistiques permettant qui sont à la base de la génération de ce technolecte chez le groupe socioprofessionnel des mécaniciens marrakechis.

UNDERLYING FACTORS INFLUENCING BIODIESEL PRICE INCREASE AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS []


Biodiesel is a renewable alternative fuel that can help mitigate dependence on fossil fuels. However, barriers to the commercialization of biodiesel have led to increasing fuel, food, and biodiesel prices over the years. This study aimed to identify the root causes of biodiesel price hikes and offer solutions to encourage biodiesel production and commercialization. The biodiesel supply chain and production process were analyzed to pinpoint limiting factors like feedstock availability, logistics challenges, food crop competition, and regulatory uncertainties. Figures demonstrated rising biodiesel, diesel, and food prices from 2012-2022. Proposed solutions emphasized utilizing non-edible crops, strategic refinery locations, feedstock waste recycling, and technological innovation. Overall, this research highlighted critical obstacles hampering the biodiesel industry and provided feasible recommendations for growth. With refined policies, expanded production efficiency, and optimal use of resources, biodiesel can become a sustainably priced, scalable renewable fuel. Further analysis of logistics optimization, emerging feedstocks, conversion processes, infrastructure systems, and environmental impacts is warranted. The key findings, objectives, and recommended next research steps are clearly summarized while emphasizing the paper's focus on addressing real-world issues in the biodiesel field. Revising and condensing this further could make an effective abstract to give context for the full research paper.

BOOKS AND CAFFEINE: EXPLORING COLLEGE STUDENTS’ PERCEPTION OF LIBRARY CAFÉ []


This qualitative research aimed to explore the perceptions and opinions of college students at UM Peñaplata College regarding library cafés and their potential influence on students' views about libraries. The goal was to develop a comprehensive understanding of the students' perspective on library cafés and their role in promoting reading habits and engagement with books. Using a qualitative approach, the study employed a combination of an Interview Guide Questionnaire (IGQ), in-depth interviews of participants. Thematic analysis is used for data analysis to capture the salient themes of the responses of participants. Results revealed that college students perceive library cafés as conducive environments for concentration, productivity, and studying, while also providing a pleasant atmosphere. Students expressed a strong desire for a library café in Samal City, as it offers a unique combination of intellectual engagement, social interaction, and food options. The availability of food enhances the overall studying experience and fosters a sense of community among students. It was also revealed that there are several challenges associated with establishing a library café in Samal City, including logistics, cost management, sustainability, and effective marketing. However, locating the café near the beach in Samal District would be considered as a favorable option, as it would attract both residents and tourists, thereby positively impacting the city's economy and culture. This study provides implication for future research to explore similar businesses, such as library cafés, to support literacy and knowledge.

CYBERSECURITY IN HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY []


Ensuring the security of health information has started as a significant obligation for healthcare organizations across the board. While medical equipment and applications are crucial to patient care, they have also become main targets for malicious actors. Attackers illegally target healthcare data, often aiming to install ransomware software once they breach the network, they lock and encrypt data until a ransom is paid. Consequently, organizations often find themselves forced to pay large amounts to regain access to and decrypt their data. While the theft of healthcare equipment may be less publicized, attackers may steal network-connected equipment for alternative purposes. Thus, there is an urgent need to implement robust cybersecurity measures within the healthcare sector to safeguard all information. Breaches in information security can be accomplished through various passages, including laboratory and hospital records, insurance documentation, and physical records, as well as electronic medical records and tracking systems. Cybersecurity measures can effectively protect these records against unauthorized access. This paper demonstrates different types of cybercrimes that occur in medical information and strategies to miti-gate them, shedding light on numerous cybercrimes that have occurred over the past decade and what should be done to mitigate these crimes. Given the value of healthcare information, it has become a profitable target for cybercriminals.

MEDIATION EFFECT OF SYSTEMATIC RISK ON THE DETERMINATION OF COMPANY FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE ON LQ45 STOCK RETURNS IN 2022: A CONCEPTUAL MODEL []


The condition of Stock Returns in LQ45 companies during the period 2018-2022 experienced a significant decline. The average Stock Return graph of LQ45 companies shows that Stock Return increased in 2020 but experienced a decline after 2020-2022 in LQ45 companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX). The decrease in Stock Returns in 2022 is caused by factors such as current ratio (CR), debt to equity ratio (DER), return on equity (ROE), earnings per share (EPS), total asset turnover (TATO), market capitalization, and sales growth. Systematic risk also had a positive effect on stock returns. This quantitative study aims to examine the mediating effect of systematic risk on the determination of company financial performance on LQ45 stock returns in 2022.

ELEMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY OF THE AWAINAT WANIN FORMATION IN THREE SELECTED AREAS, MURZUQ BASIN, SW LIBYA []


Evaluating the elemental geochemistry of the exposed rocks of the Awainat Wanin Formation in the Idri, Sabha, and Al Fuqaha sheets, Murzuq Basin, SW Libya, was the goal of this work. The studied formation consists of clastic rocks (sandstone, claystone, siltstone, conglomerate (bone bed), and ironstone). The findings indicated that quartzarenite is the classification for the sandstones of the Idri Sheet, whereas the Sabha Sheet's sandstones are classified into several types, including litharenite, sublitharenite, subarkose, and quartzarenite. Both sublitharenite and subarkose sandstones are found in the Al Fuqaha Sheet. The ironstones are of the Clinton variety. They mostly originated from hydrogenous source. Phosphorite rock is the category for the conglomerate bed. The source of the Awainat Wanin Formation is a mixture of felsic, intermediate, and mafic rocks. It is possible that the studied formation originated from the igneous rocks exposed in the Al Haruj Al Abyad Sheet. The paleoweathering intensity in source area ranges from very slight to extreme. There were variations in both aridity and humidity throughout the deposition. Both immature and mature sediments are present. The deltaic environment with suboxic condition is the confirmed depositional setting for the formation. During deposition the water turned from brackish to fresh. The paleoproductivity varies greatly. The proven paleotectonic settings include active continental margin and passive margin.

DEVELOPING GLOBAL INDICOLLECTIVISM IN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SYSTEMS: MOVING FROM THE WESTERN INDIVIDUALISM AND EASTERN COLLECTIVISM []


In understanding social interactions and behaviors among communities, there are disparities in cognitive, perceptual, attentional and social psychological phenomena such as the role self in cultural interactions. Some social psychologists have developed a fundamental attribution error that generalizes human behavior across cultures. This minimizes individual cultural uniqueness and the role of an individual and his environment to a behavior. This could be a result of the failure to replicate many cultural findings in other regions of the world, thereby supporting the idea that behavior and the environment in which it occurs are interdependent. The model of Information Processing was used in this paper to explain the development of the western individualistic and eastern collectivism cultures, thereby ruling out homogeneous aspects. However, notably, due to globalization, there is significant growth in cultural cross-pollination. This emerging culture tends to have common sets of values, attitudes, norms, and behaviors, that overrule the diverse cultural backgrounds of the communities involved. This paper discusses how western culture differs from eastern culture in interactions and the effects of each in social, economic, and educational advancements. In addition, the paper will explore the future possibility of a blended ‘indicollectivist’ culture that will diffuse the cons of western and eastern culture to build a strong universal culture.

COMMUNICATION LINGUISTIQUE INSTITUTIONNELLE ET CLIMAT DES RELATIONS DE CLIENTELE DANS L’INDUSTRIE D’ACCOMPAGNEMENT ENTREPRENEURIAL A KISANGANI EN RDC []


Abstract This study starts from the observation that the entrepreneurial support industry in Kisangani has fairly good customer relations climate. A climate characterized by abuses between partners, in particular misappropriation of credits and non-compliance with the reimbursement of funds by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), misappropriation of SME savings by certain Financial Intermediaries (FIs). This situation leads, on the on hand, Fis to become increasingly selective when it comes to supporting SMEs. As for SMEs, they have become increasingly disinterested in the support offers presented to them by FIs. Thus, we are concerned to know the explanatory factors of the poor climate of customer relations between FIs and SMEs, on the one hand, and to propose mechanisms for improving this situation, on the other hand. To do this, two sections structure the present reflection: the first addresses the theoretical framework, and the second concerns the analysis of the data and discussion of the results. Keywords : Institutional linguistic communication, Customer relations climate, Entrepreneurial support industry.

PROBLEMATIQUE D’ACCOMPAGNEMENT DU DEVELOPPEMENT DES PETITES ET MOYENNES ENTREPRISES (PME) PAR LES INTERMEDIAIRES FINANCIERS (IF) A KISANGANI EN RDC []


Abstract Our research starts from the observation that the support of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) by Financial Intermediaries (FIs) poses both the problem of quantity and quality in Kisangani in the DRC. This problem is justified by the level of financing of SMEs by FIs and the low impact of credits granted by FIs on the development of SMEs. Thus, our analysis aims to understand the explanatory factors of the low level of support of FI credits on the development of SMEs in Kisangani. To do this, two points structure our reflection. The first returns, on the one hand, to the analysis of credit rationing as a theoretical basis explaining the exclusion of SMEs from the resources of FIs, and to the analysis of customer relations as a solution to the problem of credit rationing suffered by SMEs, on the other hand. The second point focuses on data analysis and discussion of results. Keywords : Supporting the development of Small and Medium Enterprises, Financial Intermediaries, Credit rationing for SMEs, Customer relations as a solution to credit rationing.

ENHANCING PRODUCTIVITY: THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES’ RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES []


ABSTRACT ENHANCING PRODUCTIVITY: THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES’ RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES By Alena Rose J. Arimado MBA 2023 The contemporary landscape of productivity demands a nuanced exploration beyond traditional paradigms, necessitating a holistic understanding of factors influencing human performance. The objective of this study was to determine the role of recreational activities in enhancing productivity of government employees. Through this exploration, the thesis aspires to contribute valuable insights that transcend conventional notions of productivity, advocating for the integration of recreational practices as an essential element in the pursuit of optimal performance and fulfillment. The study presents data from 68 selected government employees from 16 government agencies. The questionnaire were originally sent to 70 selected employees but only 68 were able to respond due to their busy schedules. The results imply that most government employees agree that engaging in recreational activities help enhance their productivity and improve their overall well-being. The implications of this research extend across various domains, offering actionable insights for individuals, workplaces, and educational institutions. For organizations, recognizing and promoting recreational activities may prove instrumental in fostering a more productive and satisfied workforce. Implementing policies that encourage breaks and recreational engagement during the workday could lead to enhanced creativity, job satisfaction, and, ultimately, improved organizational performance. In the light of the conclusions made, the following are hereby recommended: to conduct further research to meet Government employees most common interests and improve quality of work and life; a continuous assessment on how Government employees maintain the quality of work performance in relation to recreational activities and other forms of improving the overall well-being; identify challenges that government employees may encounter that affects productivity and overall job performance that maybe addressed by recreational activities considering the nature of work they have; learning about the benefits of recreational activities to employees may help in understanding its significance to the organization as well; and finally, future researchers may advance their understanding on the individual preferences in recreational activities relative to their nature of work. Keywords: productivity, recreational activities, government employees, work-life balance

Assessing the Relationship of Awareness and Availment of Student Services Among College and Graduate School Students []


This study explored the correlation between students' awareness and utilization of student services at the University of Baguio among those who persisted in their academic pursuits during the pandemic. The research addressed three key questions: (1) What is the level of awareness of student services among learners? (2) What is the level of availment of student services among learners? (3) Is there a significant relationship between the level of awareness of student services and students' availment considering their program? The respondents included 252 college and graduate students in their final year during the 2022-2023 academic year. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire, divided into two parts: assessing students' awareness of the available services and evaluating their utilization of said services. An expert validated the questionnaire and then it was administered online via Google Forms. The responses were placed in a Google Sheet, and the data collection period was until the end of April 2023. The collected data were then analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency counts and means, to determine student services' level of awareness and availment. Spearman's Rho was used to test the correlation between awareness and availment due to non-normal data distribution. The study found that University of Baguio students are well-informed about and utilize the student services. The utilization correlates with their awareness. Some services exhibited higher availment levels, but certain areas have room for improvement. The correlation analysis showed a significant positive relationship between awareness and availment of student services, underscoring the importance of effective communication and tailored approaches to enhance service utilization among students from different programs.