ISSN:2320-9186
Impact Factor:4.1
ISSN:2320-9186 Impact Factor:4.1
This study develops and evaluates a fault detection and classification framework for the 33kV New Heaven to Emene radial distribution feeder in Enugu State, Nigeria. Owing to the feeder’s overhead configuration and susceptibility to environmental and operational disturbances, a simulation-based approach was adopted to address the shortcomings of conventional protection schemes. The feeder was modeled in MATLAB/Simulink using the π-equivalent representation with distributed electrical parameters (R, L, G, C), while the Travelling Wave Technique was applied for high-resolution fault localization. Single Line to ground fault (Phase B-G) was simulated across fault distances ranging from 5km to 25km and fault resistances between 1.0Ω, 1.5Ω and 2Ω. Fault distances were determined by calculating the time difference between travelling wave arrivals at the sending and receiving ends of the line. The proposed method achieved a maximum distance error of 0.1% to 0.3% and fault detection response times below 0.15s. Symmetrical faults produced the most stable and accurate results, whereas asymmetrical faults showed slightly higher but still acceptable variations. Notably, the Travelling Wave Technique demonstrated strong robustness against fault impedance, making it effective in high-impedance fault scenarios. Overall, the findings highlight the suitability of the proposed framework as a computationally efficient, scalable, and real-time solution for fault detection, classification, and localization. Its application can significantly improve protection performance, minimize outage duration, and enhance the reliability of medium-voltage distribution networks in Nigeria.
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic triggered an overwhelmingly sharp contraction of economic activities and a substantial loss of jobs from the beginning of 2020. Objective: The aim is to examine the socio-economic repercussions of COVID, including changes in poverty rates and economic contractions. Methodology: The study used a quantitative research design with a positivist approach. The sample size (n= 402). The data used was secondary data collected and published in 2024. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS). The research considered the paradigm of positivism to establish the reality of the objectives. Findings: 51% of respondents indicate that COVID-19 has significantly impacted the economic landscape of Liberia. At the same time, an 83.8% observed in the poverty rate. 50% reported moderate contractions, while 45% reported moderate contractions. The research also shows that the health, tourism, manufacturing and service industries experienced the most significant contraction due to COVID-19, with 43.8% in the health industry alone. The elderly are the most vulnerable to the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19. The anticipated long-term effects will be severe, as reported by 46.0% of the respondents. Recommendations: Policy-makers and Health actors should strengthen the healthcare infrastructure and develop a strategy for economic recovery.
The reparative dimension of international criminal justice has historically been overshadowed by a focus on punishing perpetrators, leaving victims of mass atrocities without meaningful redress. The establishment of the International Criminal Court (ICC) signaled a shift toward incorporating reparative measures, yet over two decades later, the Court’s reparations regime remains limited. This study examines the ICC’s legal and procedural efforts to provide reparations, focusing on the Trust Fund for Victims (TFV) and the Court’s responsibilities under articles 75 and 79 of the Rome Statute. Despite mechanisms for individual and collective reparations, practical challenges such as limited funding, complex procedures, and inconsistent victim participation hinder the system’s effectiveness. Victims often face procedural barriers, and the ICC's reliance on state cooperation and the financial incapacity of convicted individuals further complicate reparations efforts. The research critically evaluates the ICC’s reparations framework, identifying structural and procedural obstacles while proposing strategies to enhance its victim-centered approach. By exploring how the ICC can streamline reparations, improve victim engagement, and clarify the TFV’s role, the study contributes to a broader understanding of how international criminal justice can incorporate restorative principles. Ultimately, it advocates for a justice system that not only punishes perpetrators but also delivers meaningful reparation to victims. Keywords: International Criminal Court, Reparations, Victims, Perpetrators, International Crimes, Victim Rights, Victim’s Reparations.
This study introduces a novel tire compound formulation in which carbon black (CB) and tackifier resins are completely replaced with surface-treated polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based carbon fibers (CFs) and silica–silane coupling systems. A medium carbon fiber content as an example (3 phr, CF-Mid) to be selected as the optimal balance between reinforcement, processability, and performance. Comparative evaluation with a conventional CB-containing industrial tire compound expected to demonstrate significant improvements in tensile strength, tear resistance, abrasion resistance, thermal conductivity, and rolling resistance, while maintaining acceptable wet grip and processability. Manufacturing challenges such as fiber dispersion, viscosity control, and cost to be identified and addressed through optimized mixing protocols, master batch preparation, and use of bio-based plasticizers. This work presents the first comprehensive proposal for a carbon-black-free tire system reinforced with chopped carbon fibers, offering potential for longer service life, improved sustainability, and enhanced fuel efficiency.
Abstract: Kinesthetic learners used body movement and interact with their environment because kinesthetic learning, sometimes called tactile learning, is learning by doing. For many, if not all, kinesthetic learners, physical actions are required in order for a lesson to be learned. Also, the more senses involved in learning process, the easier it will be for kinesthetic learners to remember the lesson learned. The purpose of this study to assess the role of kinesthetic learning in mixed-age English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classrooms in Laos. The study to demonstrate an approach to fostering motivation, engagement, and vocabulary and grammar learning, drawing on 15 years of teaching experience. The Rubik's Cube promoted spelling practice in an enjoyable and tactile way; Domino supported logical sequencing and grammatical application through collaboration; and the Slap game promoted quick thinking and attention in vocabulary and number identification. The findings support the notion that kinesthetic exercises are effective means of enhancing comprehension, encouraging teamwork, and connecting abstract ideas with practical applications, even if they are not directly related to learning style theory. By making language learning more dynamic, engaging, and learner-centered, this study demonstrates how incorporating movement into courses improves all students, not only kinesthetic learners. These teaching methods reinforce their importance in contemporary language instruction by encouraging independence, critical thinking, and joy in the classroom. Keywords: Slap- Domino and Rubik games, Kinesthetic, motivation, vocabulary/grammar teaching.
The study on assessment of vessel turnaround time among seaports of Nigeria was necessitated by the fact that port plays a critical role in development of Nigeria as a country. The role played by transportation in the movement of cargo from point of origin to destination is economical, social, and environmentally significant. This study examined the analysis of vessel turnaround time (VTT) among seaports of Nigeria. The study used secondary data on number of ships completed and the average vessel turnaround time for each of the six ports in the country from the period of 2018 to 2020. The hypothesis was tested using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the aid of SPSS version 24.0. The findings of the results among others showed that there is a significant difference in the turnaround time of seaports in Nigeria. It was concluded thereof that there is a statistically significant difference in the turnaround time of seaports in Nigeria. This led to our recommendation that policies that will change the character of the ports in terms of vessel and cargo handling to match up with world standards should be established as a matter of urgency if at all the government need any form of significant development of ports in the country. It was also recommended that port authorities should engage in proactive port investment policies to provide adequate port infrastructure for quick vessel handling, so as to cause declining trend in vessel turnaround time, improve vessel traffic volume, cargo throughput and port revenue.
This study assessed the heavy metals in aquatic organisms and surface water in Admiralty Creek, Bonny LGA, Rivers State, Nigeria. Water samples and aquatic organisms were collected at the five selected locations of at least 100 m apart along the Admiralty Creek. Two water samples were collected using composite sampling techniques into the distilled plastic bottles for laboratory analysis on Pb, Zn, Cd, Ni, and Fe while physical properties such as pH, salinity, conductivity, temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) were determined in situ. Drag net was used to catch the fish, crabs and prawns and preserved in the refrigerator before taken to laboratory for analysis on heavy metals namely Pb, Zn, Cd, Ni, and Fe. Descriptive statistics was used for the analysis while Spearman’s rank statistics was used to determine the significant relationship between the levels of heavy metal concentration of surface water and aquatic organisms while one sample t test was used to determine the significant variation in the heavy physico-chemical properties between the surface water, aquatic biota and WHO at p<0.05. Findings showed that the mean temperature was 27.20°C, total dissolved solid (TDS) was 11415 mg/l, nitrate was 1.21 mg/l and sulphate was 677.00 mg/l in the surface water. In addition, the mean Fe, Cu, Cd, and Zn was 0.1332 mg/l, 0.0039 mg/l, 0.0214 mg/l and 0.0580 mg/l respectively in the surface water. The concentrations of Fe and Zn were highest in the fish, Pb and TPH were highest in the prawn while Ni, Cr, Cu, and Cd were highest in the crab. There was a high correlation of Cd between the surface water and fish, prawn and crab at p<0.05. Furthermore, Pb, Ni, Cr, Fe, Cu, Cd, Zn, and TPH in fish, prawn and crab are significantly higher than the WHO standard permissible levels. The physico-chemical properties are less than the WHO except for the TDS and conductivity. The study concluded that most of the physico-chemical properties of the surface water are within the WHO standard and the heavy metals absorption by fish, prawn and crab varied as Pb, Cu, and TPH were absorbed mostly by prawn, Ni and Cd were mostly absorbed by crab while Cr and Fe were mostly absorbed by fish. However, there is significant relationship between heavy metal concentrations in surface water and Cd in fish, prawn, and crab. It is recommended that environmental education should be given in form of campaign and creating awareness on heavy metal concentration in Admiralty Creek.
La riziculture, pilier essentiel de la subsistance et de l’économie de Mopti, joue un rôle central dans le développement socio-économique de la région. Cependant, cette activité agricole fait face à des défis majeurs, tels que la gestion des ressources en eau, l’adoption de pratiques durables, et l’impact des produits chimiques. Dans ce contexte, cette étude vise à analyser des pratiques durables dans la production rizicole de la zone sud de l’Office Riz Mopti. Pour ce faire, une démarche méthodologique mixte a été utilisée intégrant les outils de collecte de données quantitatives et qualitatives. Les résultats mettent en évidence la prédominance des systèmes de submersion contrôlée (80 % des surfaces) et de maîtrise totale de l’eau (20 %), tout en soulignant la faible utilisation des systèmes traditionnels. La gestion des ressources en eau repose principalement sur les infrastructures de submersion contrôlée, mais leur dépendance aux crues limite leur efficacité. En parallèle, l’utilisation massive de produits chimiques, bien qu’améliore les rendements, provoque des effets négatifs sur les sols, l’eau, et la biodiversité. Cette recherche montre que la transition vers un système durable passe par la promotion de la maîtrise totale de l’eau combinée au système de Riziculture Intensive (SRI), accompagnée de politiques de soutien et d’investissements en infrastructures. Ainsi, elle aspire à contribuer à l’élaboration de stratégies visant à assurer la durabilité de la riziculture et le développement durable de la zone.
L’existence des changements climatiques ne fait l’ombre d’aucun doute selon le GIEC (2014) qui affirmait que la communauté scientifique s'accorde aujourd'hui à reconnaitre que les changements climatiques sont déjà une réalité. L’Afrique, bien que moins responsable de ce phénomène, est l’une des régions du monde qui subit plus les pires effets dévastateurs provoqués par ce fléau. Le Mali et le cercle de Diéma particulièrement, avec une économie à vocation essentiellement agropastorale, subissent ce phénomène. Ainsi, le présent travail a pour objectif d’analyser l’importance des pratiques agro-écologiques de conservation des sols face aux changements climatiques dans le cercle de Diéma. L’approche méthodologique adoptée a consisté à la recherche documentaire d’abord. Une méthode mixte a été utilisée intégrant les outils de collecte des données quantitatives et qualitatives. Ainsi, le questionnaire et le guide d’entretien ont été adressés respectivement aux populations et aux personnes ressources. Un échantillon de 420 Chefs d’Unités de Production Agricole a été retenu. Sa sélection a été faite par l’échantillonnage aléatoire systématique. Les résultats de cette recherche montrent que les paysans du cercle de Diéma, encouragés par les partenaires techniques et financiers, appliquent les pratiques de Zaï et de demi-lunes sur les sols dégradés. Ces techniques agro écologiques sont des mesures antiérosives en ce qu’elles réduisent la vitesse de ruissellement des eaux. Elles permettent aux cultures de survivre à des séquences sèches longues car elles stockent l’eau dans les excavations. Bien qu’utiles, ces pratiques sont actuellement modestes. Elles doivent être développées dans la localité pour mieux surmonter les impacts des changements climatiques.
This review paper synthesizes research on academic analysis of factors contributing to delays in the development of rural projects using Industrialised Building System (IBS) to address gaps in understanding multifaceted delay causes and rural-specific challenges in Malaysia. The review aimed to evaluate delay factors, benchmark logistical and technical challenges, analyze stakeholder and regulatory influences, assess hybrid construction impacts, and compare sustainability and cost-efficiency outcomes. A systematic examination of empirical and qualitative studies from Malaysia and international contexts was conducted, focusing on rural infrastructure projects employing IBS. Findings reveal that logistical constraints, including poor rural infrastructure and supply chain inefficiencies, are primary delay drivers, stakeholder collaboration and communication deficiencies exacerbate project postponements; technical complexities and limited contractor readiness hinder design coordination and hybrid construction methods introduce structural and scheduling challenges. Additionally, IBS demonstrates sustainability and quality advantages over conventional methods but faces cost and implementation barriers in rural settings. These findings collectively underscore the interplay of infrastructural, managerial, and technical factors in delaying rural development projects. The synthesis highlights the need for integrated strategies encompassing improved logistics, enhanced stakeholder engagement, targeted training, and standardized hybrid system protocols. The review informs policymakers and practitioners by delineating critical intervention points to optimize IBS adoption, reduce delays, and promote sustainable educational infrastructure development in rural areas.
L’enseignement des sciences physiques repose sur l’articulation entre la théorie et la pratique, notamment à travers les activités expérimentales. Cette étude analyse l’état des activités expérimentales dans les collèges de la ville de Zinder, en identifiant les problèmes liés à leur mise en œuvre et en proposant des solutions adaptées. Pour mener cette recherche, la méthodologie utilisée est la recherche documentaire, observation du terrain, enquête sur le terrain, la collecte des données et enfin l’analyse et le traitement des données. À travers une enquête menée auprès des enseignants, des élèves et des conseillers pédagogiques, l'étude révèle une insuffisance des laboratoires équipés dans les établissements, l’absence de formation continue des enseignants dans la plupart des établissements et l’inutilisation des TIC dans l’enseignement des sciences physiques. En plus les laboratoires équipés n’ont pas de laborantins qui peuvent apporter leur aide surtout aux enseignants novices à préparer les plateaux des expériences. Beaucoup d’enseignants des sciences physiques de la ville de Zinder n’ont pas suffisamment d’expérience dans la conduite des travaux pratiques et pensent que les travaux pratiques les retardent dans la finalisation des programmes surtout dans les classes d’examen. Les résultats soulignent l'importance des travaux pratiques pour améliorer la compréhension des concepts scientifiques et renforcer l'intérêt des élèves pour les séries scientifiques. Ce travail recommande le renforcement des infrastructures, la formation continue des enseignants et l'utilisation des outils numériques pour pallier au manque du matériel standard pour les travaux pratiques.
Abstract. The most popular building material worldwide is thought to be concrete. However, a variety of reasons, including overloads, temperature changes, shrinkage, earthquakes, and others, can cause concrete to crack. These fissures increase the concrete's permeability while decreasing the structure's strength and lifespan. As a result, the significance of "self-healing concrete" is increasingly emphasized, with particular focus on bioconcrete, a unique kind of concrete that has the capacity to self-heal microcracks caused by overloads. This capability stems from the unique properties of the bacteria employed in the concrete mix, which include the capacity to survive in severe environments that are comparable to those found in the concrete environment. in addition to their capacity to precipitate the substance that seals the fissures, calcite (calcium carbonate, or CaCO3). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of self-healing Bacillus mycoides added to Portland cement mortar. This bacterium was isolated from Geidam, Yunusari, Damaturu, Dapchi and Gashua soils. following seven days of curing, the load percentage concept caused the specimens to crack, and tests were conducted 21 days following the cracking. The mortar was tested using a compression test, an acid fizz test, and bacterial sporulation tests conducted inside mortar specimens. The results showed that one possible method for reducing cracking is the use of self-healing bacteria. Compared to the negative control without bacteria, the rate of healing with bacteria was higher. Key words: Bioconcrete, mortar, calcite, precipitation, self-healing, shrinkages, cracks, permeability and incorporated.
Sanitation workers in Zambia provide an indispensable public service, forming the backbone of public health and contributing directly to the nation's development and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6. Despite their critical role in managing waste and preventing disease outbreaks, particularly in densely populated peri-urban areas, these workers face severe and multifaceted occupational health and safety risks. A significant portion of the workforce operates informally, exacerbating their vulnerability due to a lack of legal protection, inadequate access to personal protective equipment (PPE), and limited healthcare services. This report comprehensively details the biological, chemical, physical, and psychosocial hazards encountered by sanitation workers, ranging from exposure to deadly pathogens and toxic gases to chronic musculoskeletal injuries and profound social stigma. It highlights systemic gaps in infrastructure, training, and regulatory enforcement that perpetuate these hazardous conditions. While various governmental and non-governmental initiatives are underway to improve sanitation infrastructure and public health outcomes, a targeted and holistic approach is urgently needed to formalize the sanitation workforce, provide comprehensive safety provisions, ensure access to healthcare, and dismantle the pervasive social discrimination they endure.Addressing these challenges is not merely a matter of worker welfare but a fundamental prerequisite for achieving sustainable sanitation and public health for all Zambians.
Abstract This work explores how transformational leadership and psychological safety are associated with employee resistance to adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in organizational contexts within Congo-Brazzaville. Based on the results obtained through a survey of 300 employees at both the public and the private sectors, the research conducted regression and mediation analysis to test the hypotheses. The findings demonstrate that transformational leadership is positively related to both psychological safety and AI resistance indicating that on the one hand, leaders can ensure an environment that is open to cooperate and trust each other, but on the other hand, such openness can further enhance AI resistance. Psychological safety which has traditionally been discussed as an incubator of innovation had a two sided coin effect in this case as it enabled the employees to express their resistance with greater confidence. These results demonstrate that leadership in high power-distance contexts operates differently and that leaders must use framing, reskilling, and engagement with the voice of employees to frame AI initiatives as organizational value supportive. The research adds to an emerging body of knowledge on leadership and digital transformation in Sub-Saharan Africa that has been explored by previous researchers, and it provides practical advice to aid leaders in addressing AI adoption in constrained environments in the region. Keywords: Transformational Leadership; Psychological Safety; Employee Resistance; Artificial Intelligence Adoption; Organizational Change; Congo-Brazzaville
ABSTRACT Background: This study examines the knowledge and practice of confidentiality of patient health records among healthcare professionals tertiary hospitals in Bayelsa State. Research problem: Confidentiality in healthcare is crucial for safeguarding intimate patient-provider relationships and preventing third-party disclosure. However, breaches of confidentiality often occur due to a lack of national guidelines, ethical practices, clear responsibilities, transparency, monitoring mechanisms, proper orientation, and data security measures hence investigation of the knowledge and practice of confidentiality in Bayelsa State's patient health records was necessary. The study examines the knowledge and practice of confidentiality of patient health records among healthcare professionals in Bayelsa state. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive research design focused on the total number of healthcare professionals with access to patient health records. A self-designed survey instrument was used, with a five-point Likert scale format. The study used the Taro Yamane formula and accidental sampling technique. Results: The results showed that most respondents believe confidentiality is an ethical and vital requirement, and adherence to ethical standards is crucial for trust-building between patients and healthcare professionals. They also believed that modern communication technologies, while offering safer methods for improving patient privacy, may also pose threats due to vulnerabilities in manual or electronic storage systems. Conclusion: The study concludes that healthcare professionals should be knowledgeable about the ethical and legal issues surrounding patient records confidentiality and should adhere to their professions' ethics and legal aspects. There should be a lay-down policies and procedure on the release of patient information to third party.