Virtual OHS Training in Saudi Arabia [PDF] Mansour Faisal Algethami
In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, OSH training programs provide professional employees with the skills and knowledge needed to contribute to safe work. While traditional training programs are conducted in training rooms, advanced technology makes remote training programs more effective and accessible to companies of all sizes, contributing to the faster and more efficient transmission of occupational safety and health information. Virtual Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) training in Saudi Arabia is widely available, with options like NEBOSH and OSHA courses offered through online platforms. These virtual courses provide the flexibility of learning from anywhere, while still offering the same recognized qualifications as traditional classroom settings. In this work, remote training is focused wherein some of the remote training tools commonly used in Saudi Arabia in OSH training programs are discussed. Further discussion looks into the benefits of these programs in improving OSH performance in the companies in Saudi Arabia and their contribution to reducing accidents.
THE LEVEL OF AWARENESS AND PERCEPTIONS OF MERANAW ON THE BANGSAMORO ORGANIC LAW AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF BANGSAMORO COMMUNITIES [PDF] Fahad B. Ali
The study was conducted for the purpose of determining and analysing the level of awareness and perception of Meranaw on the Bangsamoro Organic Law. It specifically investigates the socio-economic and demographic of the respondents, level of awareness on the important provisions in the Bangsamoro Organic Law; identified the beneficial and not beneficial provisions in the Bangsamoro Organic Law. It also looked into the implications of Bangsamoro Organic Law in the development of Bangsamoro communities. Municipality of Balindong, a Moro Islamic Liberation Front Camp and Municipality of Bubong, a Non-Moro Islamic Liberation Front camp in Lanao del Sur are the locale of the study. The gathered data from this study were obtained through the use of a structured questionnaire that was administered among a randomly selected sample of 200 respondents.
The results stated that the level of awareness and perceptions also of Meranaw on the Bangsamoro Organic Law is relatively high. Moreover, the results stated that the general perception of Meranaw on the contributions of the Bangsamoro Organic Law to the development of Bangsamoro communities is generally average to high.
Due to the high level of awareness on the Bangsamoro Organic Law, it is indicated that Meranaw perceived the law as highly beneficial to the Bangsamoro communities. Most of the Meranaw agree on the possible positive contributions of the Bangsamoro Organic Law to the development of Bangsamoro communities.
Based on the findings of this study, the following are hereby recommended: (1) Provisions on territory, general principles and policies, powers of government, justice system and public order and safety should be properly implemented, observed and monitored in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao; (2) If the Bangsamoro Organic Law will not properly be implemented then it can create another conflict and so the effective implementation of the BOL must be ensured to prevent conflict and violence in Mindanao; (3) Bangsamoro government should establish and implement programs and projects which are considered really beneficial to the Bangsamoro communities; (4) For the BOL to succeed, all Bangsamoro Professionals should help in whatever ways to ensure that the BOL will work for the Moro people and communities; (5) A similar study must be carried out to other Muslim tribes in Mindanao to determine their level of awareness and how they view BOL’s implementation; and (6) Further studies on the implication of the Bangsamoro Organic Law to the Bangsamoro communities should be done to fully understand the impact of the law and to explore more actions to address issues and problems encountered during the implementation of the law.
Keywords: Bangsamoro, Bangsamoro Organic Law, Bangsamoro Community, Meranaw
HETEROSCADASCITY DETECTION METHODS IN THE PRESENCE OF MULTICOLLINEARITY ON TYPE 1 ERROR RATE OF A MULTIPLE LINEAR REGRESSION MODEL [PDF] Akinlade Yemisi Omolara, Agboluaje Saheed Abidemi, Adelodun Felicia Ojiyovwi
ABSTRACT
Econometrics data encounter three major problems which are heteroscedasticity, multicollinearity and autocorrelation. When either of these problems exist, Ordinary Least Square (OLS) estimator will not give best linear unbiased, efficient and consistent estimator. This study examined the presence of Heteroscedasticity and Multicollinearity problems in econometrics which persist in the model as a result of violating the assumptions of equal variance between the error terms and that of independence between the explanatory variables of the model. The data used were diagnosed of effects of multicollinearity on type I error rates of some methods of heteroscedasticity detection in linear regression model on Inflation Rate and its determinant in Nigeria.
The study determines the best method of heteroscedasticity detection to use when both problems exist in the model. Nine heteroscedasticity detection methods were considered on a multiple linear regression model with five explanatory variables.
Five levels of multicollinearity with three different sample sizes were used. The performances of the methods used were compared with the aids of Confidence Interval (C.I.) criterion.
The results showed that whenever multicollinearity exists in the model with any forms of heteroscedasticity structures, Glejser test is the best method to determine the existence of heteroscedasticity at all chosen levels of significance. Therefore, Glejser test is recommended as the most reliable and effective method for heteroscedasticity detection in the presence of multicollinearity on type 1 error rate.
Keywords: Multiple Linear Regression Model, Heteroscedasticity, Multicollinearity, Inflation Rate, Glejser Test.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Anemia among Antenatal Care Attendees at Health Centers under Jurisdiction of Rwamagana Level II Teaching Hospital, Eastern Province Of Rwanda [PDF] Jules Cesar MUNYABUGINGO 1, Japheths Ogendi 2, Michael Habtu 2
Background: Anemia, defined as hemoglobin levels less than 11g/dl during pregnancy, remains a significant public health concerns in both high and low-income countries, with persistent increase, estimated to be 32 million, which is equivalent to 38 % of prevalence (Stevens et al., 2022). Pregnancy-related anemia harms both mother and child, with a greater burden seen in developing nations. Around 510,000 women die each year from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth, with nearly one in five of these deaths occurring in developing regions, frequently associated with anemia (Mussa Abdilahi et al., 2023). In Rwanda, approximately one in four pregnant women are found to have low hemoglobin level less than 11g/dl in their blood. However, the magnitude and factors contributing to it are not well documented across different localities and regions of Rwanda.
Aim: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with anemia among Antenatal Care Attendees at Health Centers under jurisdiction of Rwamagana Level 2 Teaching Hospital, Eastern Province in Rwanda.
Method: A facility based, cross-sectional study design was conducted in 15 health centers from 25th October to 25th December 2023. A total of 448 pregnant women seeking antenatal services were selected using systematic random sampling technique. The information on the participants’ sociodemographic, dietary, clinical and obstetrical characteristics were collected using pretested structured questionnaire through face-to-face interview and review of medical records. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between dependent and independent variables. A p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The prevalence of anemia among antenatal care attendees was 23.9%, with 48.6% of cases classified as mild anemia and 51.4% as moderate anemia. The factors independently associated with anemia included being in the second trimester (AOR: 2.03; 95% CI: 1.03–4.01), being in the third trimester (AOR: 2.56; 95% CI: 1.24–5.29), a history of antepartum hemorrhage (AOR: 3.12; 95% CI: 1.676–5.79), a history of intestinal parasites (AOR: 2.54; 95% CI: 1.30–4.96), consuming fewer than three meals per day (AOR: 4.08; 95% CI: 1.66–10.01), eating animal products less than twice a week (AOR: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.08–3.33), and consuming fruits and vegetables less than twice a week (AOR: 2.99, 95% CI: 1.72–5.19).
Conclusion: The prevalence of anemia among pregnant women was high, mainly influenced by clinical factors and dietary practices. Therefore, providing nutritional counseling and promoting increased consumption of iron-rich foods, fruits and vegetables are essential public health measures are important measures to prevent anemia among pregnant women. In addition, strengthening deworming program is key strategies in prevention of parasitic infection among women of reproductive age.
Keywords: Anemia, Pregnancy, Prevalence, Women, Rwanda
School-Based Management Practices and Performance of School Heads and Teachers in Southwest I District [PDF] Alma Baguion- Penonia, Dr. Gerlinda G. Corpuz
This study explored the level of school-based management (SBM) practices and the performance of school heads and teachers in the Southwest I District, Division of Cagayan de Oro City during the school year 2021–2022. Using a descriptive-correlational design, the study employed purposive sampling of 243 respondents. Data were collected through a structured survey and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s product-moment correlation. Findings revealed that SBM practices were implemented at an advanced level, particularly in leadership, curriculum, accountability, and resource management. Both school heads and teachers demonstrated high performance levels, with a significant positive correlation found between SBM practices and performance. The study concluded that effective SBM practices enhance the instructional and managerial performance of educators. It recommended the strengthening of accountability mechanisms, continuous professional development, and stakeholder engagement to further improve educational outcomes. A school improvement plan was proposed to guide future interventions in SBM implementation.
Keywords: accountability, performance, school-based management, school heads, teachers
Maintenance and Management of Electrical Installation Public Facilities: Secondary Schools in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria as Case Study [PDF] OYELADE AbdRasheed O., BELLO, Saheed A, SHITTU, Kamarudeen A.
Adequate provision of facilities is imperative for quality and effective teaching and learning. The cost implication and at time scarcity of some facilities make their maintainability and maintenance so important. This study investigates facility maintenance in public schools in Nigeria with a view to identify and establish the qualities of the available facilities and their efficiencies to the users. Public secondary schools are selected in Ondo state, Nigeria are selected at random and the users (students and staffs) positions were gathered through well-structured questionnaires and analysis. The findings indicates that facilities in public schools have significant advantages to the student’s success and staff’s performances though the level of maintenance is not adequate enough to support students and staff safety, wellbeing and academic performances.
Effect of Addition Waste Wood in Physical Property of Ceramic [PDF] Hassan F. Habib, Muntadher A. Hassan, and Hussein A. Jaber
Waste of wood was used as additive materials to enhance the porosity and physical properties of ceramics. The experimental laboratory work documented in this research involved four stages: the first involved preparing ceramics from kaolin at 1100°C, by Molding Process. The second stage required further development of the ceramic composition by adding wood waste (1,2,3, and 4%wt). Sections 3 and 4 required studies of the physical and mechanical properties of ceramics after and before modification and that were done by using scanning electron microscopy, apparent porosity, water absorption, bulk density, the linear shrinkage and the fracture strength. According to the results have shown that waste wood succeeded in increasing the porosity of synthesized ceramic.
Using the Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the way of Synthesis and Structural Elucidation of Pyrrolo-benzimidazol-benzodiazocine derivative with Expected Experimental & Predicted Spectroscopic Results [PDF] Dr Salib Gad
Using the artificial intelligence (AI) , a novel pyrrolo-benzimidazol-benzodiazocine derivative to be synthesized through a triple condensation reaction between benzo[1,2-c:3,4-c']difuran-1,3,6,8-tetrone and benzene-1,2-diamine. The reaction is expected to yield a highly conjugated, planar, and nitrogen-rich heterocyclic compound with potential applications in organic electronics and photo luminescent materials. Using the results from the spectroscopic techniques predictions to confirm the chemical structure of the targeted molecule, and a plausible reaction mechanism is also to be proposed. The synthetic method is predicted to be efficient, with low-yield, and environmentally benign.
Effect of stakeholder’s management on Rehousing Projects Performance: A case of Mpazi Rehousing Project. [PDF] BAYERA Ruth1; Dr. Thomas Tarus 2
In this study, we analyze the effect of stakeholder’s management on Rehousing Projects Performance: A case of Mpazi Rehousing Project. Despite the high efforts made by the rehousing projects in Rwanda, where Mpazi rehousing projects are included in terms of identification of stakeholders, stakeholder analysis, as well as engagement and communication with them, the performance of this project remains of critical concern due to inappropriate stakeholder management practices done in this project. The study was also guided by the following objectives, including to analyze the effect of stakeholders’ identification and engagement on Mpazi Rehousing Project performance, to determine the effect of stakeholder’s analysis on Mpazi Rehousing Project performance, to assess the effect of stakeholders’ communication on Mpazi Rehousing Project performance, and to analyze the effect of stakeholders’ risk management on Mpazi Rehousing Project performance. Four theories were aligned with this research, including stakeholder’s theory, planning theory, as well as theory of change. Data was collected from 61 employees of Mpazi rehousing Project. Both the descriptive and correlation research design were used, also the data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics The results showed that if all stakeholders' management was held to a constant zero, the performance of the rehousing project would be 720 percent; increasing the use of stakeholder identification and engagement by one unit would increase the performance of the rehousing project by 20%; increasing the use of stakeholder analysis by one percent would increase the performance of the rehousing project by 20%; increasing the use of stakeholder communication by one percent would increase the performance of the rehousing project by 53.1%; additionally, increasing the use of stakeholders' risk management by one percent would result in a 16.2% increase in the performance of the rehousing project. Therefore, from the above findings obtained, building and sustaining positive relationships with stakeholders will facilitate the achievement of project outcomes, regardless of their nature. Also, the study recommended that to learn about stakeholders' requirements and expectations for the project and the organization, Mpazi Rehousing Project should gather data from them, furthermore, Mpazi Rehousing Project may consistently choose accessible communication channels that satisfy the requirements of all parties involved.
Redevelopment of Port Harcourt, the Garden City; Fueling Rural Underdevelopment in Rivers State, Nigeria [PDF] Kio-Lawson. D., Eyenghe.T., Kpunpamo.O.B
The major objective behind the National Development Plan of 1981-1985 was to control the astronomically rising population of Nigerian cities like Ibadan, Kano, Kaduna, Lagos, Port Harcourt etc. Proponents of Secondary City development had seen it as the best option to take some population and investment pressure away from the primary cities. The choice of Port Harcourt as the state capital when Rivers State was created was not surprising as it was the only urban centre in the newly created state that had the socio-economic infrastructure to function as a state capital. It was expected that with the population of the city rising at a horrifying dimension coupled with the investment pressure, successive government in the state would have developed other urban centres with high population concentration through the distribution of socio-economic infrastructure. Their failure to do that has left the state today with the status of a ‘one-city-state’. The near neglect in the provision of social and economic infrastructure in other urban centres has left them in a continuous state of ‘backwardness’ and also portraying them as areas lacking in the necessary opportunities for investment to strive. There is therefore skewed development in the urbanization process in Rivers State thus leaving Port Harcourt with a primacy status. This primacy status is not without its own attendant challenges. These challenges have been left unattended to over the years by successive administration and had grown to assume a horrifying dimension today. Over-population, housing famine, expanding slums and squatter settlements, excessive pressure on available public infrastructure, crime, joblessness, scarcity of valuable land for physical development, lack of adequate development control etc are some of the challenges living daily with this primate city. The question of ‘what is to be done’ is one question urban planners can no longer avoid today.
In the face of these challenges, this paper suggests that a well-tailored policy of industrialization that will take some economic investments to other urban centres with high population concentration will help reduce the threat of these challenges. Another step should be administrative decentralization on the part of government.
This paper is a product of an intensive research work that took several months to conclude. Both primary and secondary sources of data were adequately used to add quality to the final work.
Bagasse Ash as A Sustainable Supplementary Cementitious Material for Reducing the Carbon Footprint of Concrete [PDF] Uche Christian Ajah1, Charles Kennedy2, Okabi Ifeanyi Sunday3
ABSTRACT
Concrete is one of the most widely used construction materials, however its production contributes significantly to global carbon emissions due to the large quantities of cement required. As concerns about climate change and sustainability increase, reducing the environmental impact of concrete through the use of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) has become a priority. This study investigated the potential for utilizing bagasse ash—a waste product of the sugar industry—as a partial cement replacement in concrete. A series of control mixtures and bagasse ash-blended concretes were produced with ash contents ranging from 0-20% as replacements for cement by mass. The chemical and physical properties of the ash were characterized and found to meet requirements for an effective natural pozzolan, containing high percentages of silica dioxide and aluminum and iron oxides indicative of cementitious properties. Standardized tests were performed to evaluate the fresh properties, compressive strength, and flexural strength development of the concretes at curing periods of 7, 14, and 28 days. Initial results from workability and strength tests indicated higher ashes contents increased water demand and delayed early strength gain. However, with adequate curing time for the pozzolanic reactions to occur, bagasse ash mixtures achieved equivalent or improved compressive and flexural strengths compared to the control concrete. Mixtures containing up to 15% ash replacement attained strengths within 10% of the plain cement concrete after 28 days. The findings align with a review of existing literature, validating bagasse ash's ability to participate in cement hydration reactions and densify the microstructure through supplemental calcium silicate hydrate formation over time. By demonstrating bagasse ash concretes can meet structural strength requirements while sustainably utilizing an abundant agricultural residue, this research supports the potential for bagasse ash to serve as a supplementary cementitious material reducing the environmental impacts of cement production. Further studies are still needed to fully assess long-term properties such as alkali-silica reactivity.
Keywords: Supplementary cementitious materials, Bagasse ash, Concrete properties, Compressive
strength, Sustainability
EFFECT OF CORROSION ON THE BOND STRENGTH AND FAILURE LOAD OF CONCRETE STRUCTURES [PDF] Ugo Kingsley1, Charles Kennedy2, Sarogoro Ndenebari Samuel3
ABSTRACT
The study investigated the effect of corrosion on the bond strength and failure load of concrete structures. The results of the study demonstrated that corrosion has a negative impact on the bond strength and failure load of concrete structures. Non-corroded control cube specimens showed higher failure loads and bond strength compared to corroded concrete cube specimens. The application of Parkinsonia aculeata exudate/resin coating was found to significantly improve the bond strength and failure load of corroded specimens. The findings of the study suggest that natural inhibitors such as plant extracts, exudates, and resins can improve the durability of concrete structures by inhibiting corrosion. The study also compared the bond strength and maximum slip of non-corroded control cube specimens, corroded concrete cube specimens, and Parkinsonia aculeata exudate/resin-coated steel bar specimens. The results showed that the bond strength values of the non-corroded control cube specimens increased over time, while those of the corroded concrete cube specimens decreased. The exudate/resin-coated steel bar specimens showed the highest bond strength values among the three types of specimens. The maximum slip values remained relatively constant over time for all three types of specimens. The study concluded that corrosion significantly reduces the bond strength and increases the slip of reinforcing steel and surrounding concrete. However, the use of corrosion inhibitors, such as exudates/resins and coatings, can significantly improve the performance of reinforced concrete structures. The results suggest that the use of Parkinsonia aculeata exudate/resin can be an effective and eco-friendly approach to prevent corrosion in concrete structures. The coated specimens did not experience significant corrosion and had similar rebar diameters to the non-corroded and corroded specimens. Furthermore, the weight loss/gain of steel and rebar weights after corrosion decreased in the exudate/resin-coated specimens compared to the corroded concrete cube specimens. The study demonstrates that the use of exudates/resins extract as a corrosion inhibitor can significantly reduce the weight loss/gain of steel and rebar weights after corrosion in concrete structures. These findings suggest that natural extracts like Parkinsonia aculeata exudate/resin can be a potential solution for inhibiting corrosion in concrete structures and can be a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution for maintaining the structural integrity of concrete. Further research is needed to optimize their use and study their long-term effectiveness.
Keywords: Corrosion Protection, Bond Strength, Steel Reinforcement, Eco-friendly Coatings, Mechanical Properties
Electro-Mechanical Evaluation of Strength and Chloride Corrosion Resistance of Buried Steel Pipes Coated with Exudates and Exposed to Corrosive Media [PDF] Charles Kennedy1, Nwinuka Barinor2, Kanee Sorbari3,
ABSTRACT
This study investigates the electro-mechanical performance and chloride corrosion resistance of buried steel pipes coated with Terminalia avicennioides exudates as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional corrosion protection methods. Grade X52 steel pipes (100mm diameter, 6mm wall thickness) were subjected to aggressive chloride environments (5% NaCl solution) with soil chloride concentrations reaching 8,950 mg/kg. The plant-based coating was applied using spray technique with optimized thickness ranging from 50-300 μm, with optimal performance achieved at 150-200 μm thickness. Comprehensive testing over 210 days revealed exceptional protective performance, with coated samples maintaining corrosion rates as low as 0.012 mpy throughout the exposure period, representing a 98.5% reduction compared to non-coated samples (0.785 mpy initial rate). The Terminalia avicennioides exudates demonstrated dual protection mechanisms combining barrier properties with active inhibition through phytochemical interactions. Chloride penetration resistance testing showed that aggressive ions were limited to the outer 20-30% of coating thickness after extended exposure, indicating excellent barrier performance.
Electrochemical characterization revealed that the plant exudates function as mixed-type inhibitors, affecting both anodic and cathodic reactions with charge transfer resistance values 2-3 orders of magnitude higher than non-coated samples. Mechanical properties evaluation confirmed that coating application did not compromise steel substrate integrity, with tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation values remaining within acceptable tolerances.
Statistical analysis validated experimental reliability with strong correlations between key parameters (R² = 0.928-0.965), enabling predictive coating design capabilities. The phytochemical composition revealed active compounds including tannins (18.5%), flavonoids (12.3%), alkaloids (8.7%), and saponins (6.2%) responsible for the protective mechanisms. This research establishes Terminalia avicennioides exudates as a highly effective, environmentally sustainable solution for buried steel pipe protection, offering significant potential for industrial applications while supporting green chemistry principles and reduced environmental impact compared to synthetic alternatives.
KEYWORDS: Terminalia avicennioides exudates, Chloride corrosion resistance, Plant-based corrosion inhibitors, Buried steel pipes, Green corrosion protection
Multi-Engineering Approaches to Strength and Chloride Resistance in Underground Buried Steel Pipes Coated with Ficus Trichopoda Exudates [PDF] Kpegara Saana Nwinle1, Des-Wosu Azubuike George2, Charles Kennedy3
ABSTRACT
The corrosion of underground buried steel pipes is a critical issue affecting infrastructure durability, particularly in oil and gas, water supply, and sewage systems. This research investigates the use of Ficus trichopoda exudates as a sustainable corrosion inhibitor for underground buried steel pipes. The multi-engineering approach employed in this study includes systematic material selection, controlled coating application, standardized exposure conditions, and rigorous testing protocols to evaluate the effectiveness of Ficus trichopoda exudates in enhancing strength and chloride resistance of buried steel pipes. The results demonstrate that the optimal 200 μm coating thickness provides a 93% reduction in weight loss, a 95-97% decrease in corrosion current density, and 99% preservation of the original mechanical properties after 210 days of aggressive chloride exposure. The comprehensive characterization of electrochemical, chemical, and electrical properties validates the dual protection mechanism involving both barrier effects and active corrosion inhibition through the phytochemical compounds in Ficus trichopoda exudates. This research represents a significant advancement in the field of sustainable corrosion protection, as it provides a thorough investigation of the performance and protective mechanisms of a natural, eco-friendly material, Ficus trichopoda, as an alternative to traditional synthetic chemical inhibitors. The multi-engineering approach employed in this study, which integrates various testing protocols and characterization techniques, offers a comprehensive understanding of the coating's performance under aggressive corrosive conditions. The results demonstrate the exceptional protective capabilities of the Ficus trichopoda coatings, which outperform uncoated steel and challenge the preconceptions about the limitations of natural materials in corrosion mitigation. This research paves the way for the widespread adoption of Ficus trichopoda and other plant-based inhibitors in the protection of underground buried infrastructure, addressing both environmental concerns and the need for long-term durability.
Keywords: Ficus trichopoda, Corrosion inhibitor, underground buried steel pipes, Chloride resistance, Sustainable materials
Structural Integrity Assessment of Corroded Underground Steel Pipeline Networks Coated with Commiphora Pedunculata Bio-Inhibitor Approach [PDF] Charles Kennedy1, Ugo Kingsley2, Uche Christian Ajah3,
ABSTRACT
This study investigates the effectiveness of Commiphora pedunculata exudates as a green corrosion inhibitor for buried steel pipes, addressing the critical need for environmentally sustainable pipeline protection. ASTM A106 Grade B carbon steel specimens were coated with varying thicknesses (0.5-3.0 mm) of Commiphora pedunculata exudates and exposed to both non-corroded and aggressive corroded environments for 210 days. Comprehensive evaluation included weight loss measurements, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, potentiodynamic polarization, chloride penetration testing, and mechanical property assessment. The phytochemical composition of the exudates, rich in terpenoids (35-42%), phenolics (18-25%), and flavonoids (12-18%), provided multi-mechanism protection through barrier formation, active inhibition, and environmental modification. Optimal coating thicknesses of 1.5-2.5 mm achieved inhibition efficiencies exceeding 85%, comparable to synthetic inhibitors while maintaining environmental compatibility. The natural inhibitor successfully preserved structural integrity, maintaining tensile and yield strength while providing superior corrosion protection. Electrochemical analysis demonstrated enhanced charge transfer resistance and reduced corrosion kinetics, while chloride penetration resistance and coating adhesion strength supported long-term durability. The soil resistivity modifications indicated environmental benefits beyond direct substrate protection. The research validates Commiphora pedunculata exudates as a viable green alternative for pipeline corrosion protection, offering competitive performance with synthetic alternatives while contributing to sustainable infrastructure preservation.
KEYWORDS
Commiphora pedunculata, green corrosion inhibitor, buried steel pipes, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, sustainable pipeline protection
Open-Source Innovation as a Strategic Lever: A Case Study of DeepSeek's AI Model Democratization [PDF] LYDIA ELLEN MAIZONI
This paper analyzes how DeepSeek, a new Chinese AI firm, leverages open-source innovation as a strategic enforcer of technological advancement and ecosystem leadership. Inspired by Open Innovation Theory and the Resource-Based View, the study unpacks the manner in which DeepSeek blends community-based development, academic collaboration, and streamlined architectures in the pursuit of competing with the incumbents' proprietary giants. The article sheds light on measurable innovation effects, for example, intense GitHub activity, development of a talent pipeline, and spillovers towards startups, while cushioning risks such as IP leakage, quality fragmentation, and regulatory friction in the emerging AI regulation in China. With a case-based conceptual framework, the article provides a theoretical understanding of open-source tactics within high-risk AI sectors and provides managerial and policy implications for openness-control balancing. Findings put emphasis on open-source not just as an option for distribution but also as a dynamic model of innovation for expanding under scarcity conditions. Constrictions and directions for future research on cross-firm benchmarking and long-term models of governance are also discussed.
SUPPORT-SYSTEMS FOR SMOOTH TRANSITIONS OF CHILDREN FROM HOME TO SCHOOL: A POLICY DILEMMA IN KENYA [PDF] Ong’ang’a H. Ouko; Murungi C. Gakii; Ng’azike T. John
Transition from home to school marks a critical phase in a child's educational journey. In Kenya, the implementation of Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) presents both opportunities and challenges in supporting young learners during this early transition. This paper leverages existing literature to vindicate curricula support strategies available to bridge this gap. The objectives include; to analyze the challenges faced by learners transitioning from home to school, evaluate the existing curricula provisions and support systems for early transitions, to identify effective support strategies that enhance early learners' adaptation to school and to make recommendations for policy and best practices for early childhood transitions. The review highlights the importance of stakeholder-collaboration, teacher preparedness, parental engagement, and policy alignment to enhance smooth and holistic early transitions. Findings of this study reveal in each objective distinct challenges including but not limited to lack of preparedness, lack of requisite resources and unclear inclusive policies on transitions from home to school under the CBET framework Kenya. The findings reveal complexities in transitions and the critical role of supportive structures, indicating a the need for cohesive policies. The findings underpin key roles played through collaborative and multi-sectoral approaches geared towards synergism of all stakeholders and resources in enhancing children’s smooth transition from home to school. The study recommends among others, a multi-sectoral approach that enhances children’s smooth transitions especially from home to school. Further, it recommends the need for clear policy frameworks based on best practices to institute effective home to school systems to ensure children's smooth transitions from home to school, especially for the 3-year old children.
Key Words: CBET, Parental-Engagement, Policy, Stakeholder-Collaboration, Strategies, Teacher-Preparedness, Early Transitions
DIFFICULTES DE PRELEVEMENT DE L’IMPOT SUR LE BENEFICE ET PROFIT DU SECTEUR AGRO-PASTORAL DES FERMES FAMILIALES EN REPUBLIQUE DEMOCRATIQUE DU CONGO [PDF] KADIMA NZUJI Jean - Marie & MUKENDI KABONGO Sylvain
L’objectif de cette étude était d’analyser les difficultés de prélèvement de l’impôt sur le bénéfice et profit du secteur agro-pastoral des fermes familiales en République Démocratique du Congo afin d’implémenter une politique idoine. Il est montré de manière claire que l’imposition à 20% de l’exploitant de type familial est considéré comme une charge pour les familles, cela n’est pas incitative ; donc l’Etat doit assouplir sa politique et mettre en place des politiques incitative pour donner la chance aux familles à investir dans ce secteur qui est aussi porteur de croissance.