Peer-reviewed international research papers published open-access with EOI assignment and global indexing across engineering, computer science, environmental science, social sciences, and more.
Nuclear robots rely on electromechanical subsystems that are degraded by ionising radiation. Yet reported tolerances span several orders of magnitude in the literature, reflecting not only physical differences but inconsistent reporting of test conditions. This review analysed radia-tion tolerance across the major robot subsystems (vision, ranging sensors, processing, power, communication, actuation, and materials), assessed the literature against seven reporting pa-rameters, and proposed two frameworks: a Minimum Reporting Standard (MRS) and a Radia-tion Evidence Maturity Level (REML) scale. Across reviewed studies, the limiting subsystem was the least tolerant, most mission-critical peripheral: a ranging sensor, feedback encoder or unhardened control element failing in the 10² to 10³ Gy range. Processors and structural materi-als survived far higher doses, although boards carrying those processors failed earlier through their power-conditioning elements. Dose rate, bias conditions and failure criteria were incon-sistently reported, preventing comparison across studies and mapping to deployment condi-tions. Conformity with an existing test standard does not resolve this, since two tests may each satisfy a recognised standard while differing in dose rate by three orders of magnitude. The MRS establishes seven mandatory disclosure fields, aligned with existing aerospace and nucle-ar test standards, so that key test parameters are consistently and transparently reported. The REML scale, modelled after NASA’s technology readiness levels, grades the maturity of the evidence supporting a tolerance claim against a declared environment. Together they support systematic comparison of published tolerance claims and clearer assessment of the evidence underlying deployment decisions in nuclear decommissioning, remote handling and emergency response.
This article analyses the productive and economic performance of vegetable farming carried out by women in Bandundu-ville and discusses its potential contribution to women’s economic empowerment. The study is based on data from 100 women vegetable farmers. Socioeconomic, production, marketing and constraint variables were summarized using frequencies and percentages. Performance indicators for five crops—amaranth, eggplant, okra, sorrel and tomato—were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test followed, when appropriate, by Dunn’s post-hoc test with Holm correction. Two multiple linear regressions with robust standard errors were used to identify factors associated with yield and net income. A multiple factor analysis of mixed data complemented the analysis of farmer profiles. Amaranth accounted for 58% of the crops, 61% of respondents considered vegetable farming their main activity, and 80% considered their income sufficient. Lack of tools was the most frequently reported constraint (39%). Yield differed significantly across crops, with tomato reaching a median of 30 t/ha. Tomato also recorded the highest median net income, at 122,000 Congolese francs per cycle. After adjustment, production constraints were not independently associated with yield, whereas crop type was strongly associated with yield. Net income was mainly associated with cultivated area and crop type. The findings indicate substantial economic potential, while direct empowerment indicators such as control over income, assets and decision-making were not measured. Vegetable farming should therefore be considered a potential pathway to empowerment rather than proof of empowerment itself.
This article examines the role of urban and peri-urban vegetable farming in the livelihoods of women in Bandundu-ville and discusses its potential contribution to improved living conditions. The analysis uses data from 100 women vegetable farmers and covers socioeconomic, production, marketing and economic indicators. Five crops were studied: amaranth, okra, tomato, eggplant and sorrel. Crop performance was compared using Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn-Holm tests; multiple regressions with robust standard errors were used to identify factors associated with yield and net income; and multiple factor analysis of mixed data was used to describe farmer profiles. Amaranth accounted for 58% of production. Wholesalers were the main buyers for 68% of respondents. Lack of tools was the most frequently reported production constraint (39%). Median yield ranged from 20 t/ha for amaranth, okra and sorrel to 30 t/ha for tomato. Tomato also had the highest median sales revenue and net income, at 160,000 and 122,000 Congolese francs per cycle, respectively. Cultivated area was positively associated with net income, while crop type explained important differences. The findings confirm that vegetable farming is an income-generating activity and may be a potential pathway for improving living conditions. However, direct indicators of household expenditure, health, education, housing or multidimensional living standards were not available. Therefore, the article does not claim a causal improvement in living conditions but identifies the economic mechanisms through which such an improvement may occur.
Abstract
This study focuses on the cultural similarities observed in the sociological and anthropological behaviors of the peoples of the Aruwimi Basin, located in Tshopo Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo. It analyzes the mechanisms of cultural diffusion that have contributed to the emergence of a shared sociocultural identity among the different communities of the region, notably the Soo, Baboa, Popoie, Bangelema, Bamanga, Turumbu, Bakomo, and Babali peoples.
Cultural diffusionism in the Aruwimi Basin has developed through continuous interactions among these groups via trade, religious beliefs, as well as political and economic systems. These interactions have enabled the transmission and sharing of numerous common cultural traits. The main elements of cultural convergence include language, traditional dances and songs, oral traditions, agricultural and livestock practices, fishing, hunting, and the gathering of caterpillars, mushrooms, and wild fruits.
The study also highlights the role of internal and external migrations in shaping these cultural similarities. Several factors have encouraged population movements, including Arab slavery and the slave trade, wars and rebellions, local conflicts, and mining activities related to the exploitation of gold, diamonds, and iron.
Furthermore, the Aruwimi River constitutes a major factor of social and cultural integration. Originating from the confluence of the Nepoko and Ituri rivers in Bafwasende, it flows through the territories of Banalia and Basoko, facilitating exchanges, mobility, and intercommunity contacts. These dynamics have contributed significantly to strengthening cultural similarities throughout the basin.
Keywords: Cultural Diffusionism; Migration; Aruwimi Basin; Cultural Similarities; Anthropology.
Abstract
Introduction: Access to safe drinking water remains a major challenge in many African peri-urban communities. In Ségama district, Kisangani, residents largely depend on unprotected water sources, increasing household exposure to water-related health risks.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 household heads in Ségama district. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed through frequencies and percentages.
Results: The main sources of drinking water were unprotected wells (57.3%) and rivers (28%). Only 14.7% of households treated water before consumption, mainly through chlorination (90.9%). Water storage and handling practices were often inadequate, with 59.3% of households drawing water using containers handled with bare hands. Although 90% of households had latrines, 88.1% were unimproved, and only 28% had soap available for handwashing. Furthermore, 70% of households reported at least one water-related illness during the previous three months, including diarrhea (48.6%), typhoid fever (40.9%), and intestinal parasitic infections.
Conclusion: Heavy reliance on unprotected water sources, poor hygiene practices, and limited household water treatment contribute to the high prevalence of waterborne diseases in Ségama district. Urgent interventions are needed to improve access to safe drinking water and strengthen household hygiene practices.
Keywords: water supply, water storage, drinking water, health risks, waterborne diseases, Kisangani.
ABSTRACT
This study examines Mba wisdom and its socio-cultural evolution from its origins to the present day. It analyzes the cultural, social, and moral foundations that shape Mba society in Banalia Territory, Tshopo Province, Democratic Republic of Congo. Mba wisdom is expressed through oral traditions, proverbs, beliefs, customary practices, solidarity mechanisms, and the intergenerational transmission of knowledge.
The study reveals that this traditional wisdom has long served as a key factor in social cohesion, behavioral regulation, and the preservation of collective identity. However, historical transformations related to migration, colonization, Christian evangelization, urbanization, modern education, and intercultural contacts have gradually altered several traditional practices. Some cultural elements have disappeared or are endangered, while others have adapted to changing social realities.
Despite these transformations, fundamental values such as respect for elders, community solidarity, collective responsibility, and attachment to traditions continue to characterize Mba society. The study therefore highlights the need to preserve and promote Mba cultural heritage in order to ensure its transmission to future generations and strengthen the collective memory of the community.
Keywords: Mba wisdom, socio-cultural evolution, traditions, cultural identity, Banalia, Tshopo.
Community participation is increasingly being recognised as a key ingredient of good school management and improved educational performance. The study studied the impact of community participation in school management on the educational outcomes of public secondary schools in Tanzania. The study used a qualitatively dominant mixed-methods methodology with a convergent parallel design, collecting and analysing quantitative and qualitative data separately before integration. Data was acquired through surveys, interviews and document evaluations from teachers, school administrators, parents, community members and school management stakeholders. The findings demonstrated that community participation has a good impact on educational outcomes, especially in boosting students’ academic achievement, encouraging discipline, providing support to school resources and enhancing collaboration between schools and communities. However, the study also indicated that community participation in the core management tasks, including decision-making, school planning, monitoring of students' development and resource mobilization are still inadequate. Qualitative results suggested that stakeholders view effective communication, teamwork, and shared responsibility as key methods for enhancing community participation in education. The study indicates that there is great potential for community participation to improve educational quality when stakeholders are actively participating in school governance and development activities. Therefore, schools need to build strong relationships with parents, community leaders, and other stakeholders to foster meaningful participation and improve educational outcomes in public secondary schools in Tanzania.
Tugboats and self-propelled barges operate under a maintenance-demanding profile distinct from deep-sea cargo shipping: high engine utilization and load-factor variability from frequent towing, pushing, and manoeuvring duty; sustained near-full-power operation during transits; small crews, and in the case of many barges, effectively unmanned operation under tow; and harbour, river, or coastal conditions that expose hull, propulsion, and steering systems to sustained mechanical stress. This report examines two related but distinct developments being applied to maintenance on this fleet class: machine learning (ML) systems for condition monitoring and fault prediction, and autonomous maintenance, a term this report treats in its two operative senses the Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) concept of crew-performed first-line equipment care, and the emerging trend toward ML-enabled unmanned or remotely supervised condition monitoring associated with autonomous and remotely operated vessel concepts.
The report reviews the machine learning techniques (artificial neural networks, support vector machines, random forests, and deep learning architectures) that have been applied to marine engine and machinery condition monitoring, situates them within the broader prognostics and health management (PHM) framework used in marine systems research, and evaluates how both TPM-style autonomous maintenance and ML-based predictive maintenance address the specific operating constraints of tugboats and self-propelled barges — particularly small-crew staffing and, for towed or self-propelled barges operating with minimal crew, limited on-board technical capacity. A comparative evaluation framework and a harbour tug/barge fleet case application are presented, followed by adoption challenges and conclusions
Leadership is a critical determinant of organizational success, particularly within complex and dynamic industries such as the oil industry, where operational efficiency, safety, technological advancement, and workforce capability are essential to sustainable performance. This paper examines the role of effective leadership in strengthening organizational performance, developing human capital, managing organizational change, and achieving operational excellence within the oil industry. It explores how leadership practices influence employee engagement, collaboration, communication, innovation, and commitment to organizational goals. The paper further highlights the importance of effective leaders in establishing a positive organizational culture, fostering trust, developing employee capabilities, and aligning individual performance with organizational mission, vision, and strategic objectives. Particular attention is given to leadership's role in navigating industry challenges, responding to technological and environmental changes, and maintaining operational resilience in a highly competitive and continuously evolving environment. The discussion demonstrates that effective leadership extends beyond the supervision of routine operations; it involves inspiring people, encouraging innovation, supporting continuous learning, developing future leaders, and creating a shared sense of purpose across the organization. The paper concludes that strong and effective leadership can significantly contribute to organizational sustainability, workforce development, operational reliability, and long-term value creation in the oil industry.
This research aims to emphasize the role of decision making in different sectors with a combination of different processes and strategies to take the better choices among desirable alternatives one of these fields is Oil Terminal Company (OTC). According to Nutt (2008), a decision-making process based on the action that taking and indicating how to make a decision clearly through many processes sometimes called idea imposition. That leads to utilize the sources and to expect the current utility. In addition, making a decision based on the realistic options in order to fit with the goals, mission and vision of the organization’s values and to meet future expectations. Moreover, in this overview article, we highlighted the power of decisions making and the strategies that implemented in OTC by showing the progress of pipeline crude hubs based on the quality management illustrated through SWOT and the strategic management process aligned with mckinsey7s framework. As a result, OTC considers the power of decision making by implementing suitable strategies that lead to the best-in-class service and add value to all the consumers as it operates 24/7.
Cet article analyse la procédure minière en République démocratique du Congo (RDC) sous ses dimensions juridiques et institutionnelles, en suivant le parcours allant de l’exploitation à l’exportation des substances minérales. La RDC dispose d’un patrimoine minier exceptionnel, notamment en cobalt et en cuivre, qui confère au pays une position stratégique dans les chaînes de valeur mondiales liées à la transition énergétique. Toutefois, cette richesse ne s’est pas traduite par un développement proportionnel, en raison de défis persistants liés à la gouvernance, à la transparence et à la durabilité.
L’étude examine le cadre normatif instauré par le Code minier de 2002 et sa réforme de 2018, complétée par les arrêtés ministériels de 2021 sur la traçabilité, la commercialisation et le contenu local. Elle met en évidence les obligations environnementales, fiscales et sociales imposées aux exploitants, ainsi que l’articulation du droit congolais avec les normes OHADA et les standards internationaux (ITIE, OCDE, Processus de Kimberley). L’analyse institutionnelle souligne le rôle du Ministère des Mines, du Cadastre Minier, de la Banque Centrale, de la DGDA et du CEEC, tout en pointant les faiblesses liées à la corruption, au déficit de transparence et à la faible capacité administrative.
La procédure d’exportation est décrite comme une chaîne complexe mobilisant plusieurs acteurs nationaux et internationaux, avec des étapes allant de la déclaration de production à la certification et aux formalités douanières. L’étude critique révèle que, malgré un cadre juridique relativement complet, l’effectivité de la régulation reste limitée par des lenteurs administratives et des chevauchements institutionnels.
Enfin, une comparaison avec la Zambie, le Ghana et l’Afrique du Sud met en lumière des bonnes pratiques régionales : centralisation institutionnelle (Zambie), formalisation de l’or artisanal (Ghana) et obligations de transformation locale (beneficiation) en Afrique du Sud. Ces expériences offrent des pistes pour renforcer la gouvernance minière congolaise, notamment par la digitalisation des procédures, la formalisation accrue de l’exploitation artisanale et la promotion de la valeur ajoutée locale.
Mots-clés: procédure minière ; exploitation minière ; gouvernance minière ; institutions minières ; exportation des produits miniers ; traçabilité
The development of learning and innovation hubs represents an important approach to strengthening human capital, supporting entrepreneurship, and fostering sustainable regional development. This paper explores the potential of establishing Learning and Innovation Hubs in Al-Batinah Region, Oman, as a strategic mechanism for contributing to the objectives of Oman Vision 2040. The study examines how such hubs can provide integrated platforms for education, skills development, research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration among educational institutions, government entities, private-sector organizations, and local communities. Particular attention is given to the role of these hubs in developing future-oriented skills, encouraging knowledge exchange, supporting start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and promoting technology-driven solutions to regional challenges. The paper proposes a conceptual framework for designing and implementing interconnected learning and innovation hubs that respond to the socioeconomic characteristics and development priorities of Al-Batinah Region. By connecting education with innovation, industry, and community needs, the proposed model aims to enhance opportunities for lifelong learning, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic diversification. The study concludes that strategically planned learning and innovation hubs could serve as catalysts for regional transformation and contribute to Oman Vision 2040 priorities related to education, innovation, economic diversification, employment, and the development of a knowledge-based economy.
This paper examines the application of Six Sigma methodology to improve the quality and effectiveness of fire and safety services within the XXY company. The study provides a brief overview of the company’s background and focuses on the five key processes of Six Sigma: Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, and Control (DMAIC). The Define stage identifies customer requirements and quality expectations related to fire and safety services. The Measure stage focuses on assessing current performance and measuring each stage of the service and innovation processes. The Analyse stage identifies the main causes of problems, delays, and quality gaps that may affect service delivery. The Improve stage proposes suitable solutions and improvements to enhance operational efficiency, service quality, and customer satisfaction. Finally, the Control stage focuses on maintaining the improvements through continuous monitoring, performance measurement, and standardized procedures. Overall, the paper demonstrates how the structured application of Six Sigma can support continuous improvement, reduce process variation, enhance service reliability, and ensure that fire and safety services consistently meet organizational and customer requirements.
Résumé
Dans un contexte mondial caractérisé par la compétition géopolitique, la dépendance technologique et l'exploitation asymétrique des ressources naturelles, la sécurité économique ne peut plus être abordée sous le seul angle militaire ou financier. Elle repose désormais sur la maîtrise du savoir, des infrastructures logicielles et de l'innovation. Cet article examine comment les institutions d'enseignement supérieur et de recherche en République Démocratique du Congo (RDC) et en Afrique centrale intègrent la sécurité économique comme pilier de la souveraineté nationale. À travers l'analyse de cas empiriques — tels que la réforme LMD, la sécurisation des chaînes de valeur de minerais critiques, la formation en cybersécurité et l'émergence d'initiatives d'infrastructure comme le projet Kubaka —, l'étude démontre que la formation universitaire constitue le véritable levier stratégique de la souveraineté économique africaine.
L'articulation entre sécurité économique et formation universitaire s'inscrit au cœur des guerres d'information et d'influence contemporaines. En Afrique centrale, la préservation des intérêts stratégiques ne s'envisage plus uniquement par la défense physique des frontières, mais par la maîtrise intellectuelle des processus d'extraction, de transformation et de commercialisation des ressources. Sans une maîtrise doctorale et ingéniorale des savoirs complexes, les États de la sous-région restent vulnérables à l'imposition de modèles économiques extravertis.
En outre, la numérisation accélérée des administrations publiques — des régies financières aux systèmes bancaires centraux de la CEMAC et de la CEPGL — modifie radicalement la nature des risques. L'interconnexion globale, bien qu'offrant des opportunités de modernisation, expose les États à des formes d'espionnage industriel, de captation de métadonnées et de cyberattaques destructrices. La sécurité économique devient ainsi tributaire de la capacité du système éducatif à concevoir des architectures informatiques souveraines et résilientes.
Sur le plan méthodologique, cette étude adopte une démarche interdisciplinaire combinant l'économie politique, la sociologie des institutions éducatives et l'ingénierie des systèmes d'information. Elle s'appuie sur le dépouillement de documents stratégiques ministériels, l'évaluation des maquettes pédagogiques de la réforme LMD en RDC et l'analyse technique des initiatives d'infrastructures informatiques nationales. L'objectif est d'établir un diagnostic rigoureux des vulnérabilités actuelles et de théoriser le rôle protecteur de l'université.
Dans le contexte congolais, marqué par une abondance de minerais stratégiques (cobalt, coltan, lithium, cuivre) essentiels à la transition énergétique mondiale, la question du capital humain qualifié prend une dimension géopolitique prioritaire. L'absence d'expertise locale de haut niveau dans le traitement de ces ressources crée une rente d'incapacité que les acteurs transnationaux exploitent historiquement. L'enseignement supérieur se doit d'être le bras armé de la réappropriation nationale de cette valeur ajoutée.
Enfin, cet article démontre que la reconquête de la souveraineté économique exige une rupture épistémologique majeure : sortir d'une consommation passive des technologies étrangères pour entrer dans une phase d'ingénierie endogène. En enracinant les cursus académiques dans la résolution des problèmes locaux et la maîtrise des technologies critiques, la RDC et l'Afrique centrale posent les fondations durables de leur indépendance politique et de leur prospérité économique.
Résumé
La liberté académique — définie comme l'autonomie de recherche, la liberté d'enseignement et l'indépendance de la pensée critique — constitue le socle fondamental de toute institution universitaire légitime. Néanmoins, en Afrique subsaharienne et en République Démocratique du Congo (RDC) en particulier, cette liberté fait face à des pressions multidimensionnelles : ingérences politiques directes, dépendance financière vis-à-vis des bailleurs internationaux, conditionnement des agendas de recherche par des intérêts privés et vulnérabilités cybernétiques/numériques. Cet article examine les mécanismes d'influence subis par les grandes écoles et universités africaines. En croisant la sociologie des institutions avec l'économie politique de la recherche, l'étude met en lumière des cas d'ingérence avérés (évaluation des programmes, financement sur projets, gouvernance des jurys et fuite des données). Enfin, l'article propose un modèle opérationnel de sauvegarde de l'autonomie académique articulé autour du financement souverain, de la gouvernance éthique et de la souveraineté numérique.
Ce recul de la liberté d'enseignement ne s'opère pas toujours par des interdictions spectaculaires ou des interventions policières sur les campus, mais prend de plus en plus la forme d'une asphyxie douce et structurelle. En privant progressivement les universités de leur capacité d'auto-orientation budgétaire, les acteurs hégémoniques transforment les centres de savoir en simples laboratoires d'exécution de directives globales. L'Afrique se retrouve ainsi confrontée à un dilemme existentiel où ses institutions supérieures risquent de devenir des rouages de la mondialisation marchande au lieu de demeurer des sanctuaires de la pensée libre.
Sur le plan méthodologique, cette étude adopte une posture d'observation participante et d'analyse critique des politiques publiques éducatives en Afrique centrale. Elle s'appuie sur une déconstruction minutieuse des mécanismes de coopération universitaire inter-États et sur l'évaluation des programmes de formation financés par les agences d'aide au développement. L'objectif est de mesurer l'écart systématique entre les déclarations d'intention démocratiques et les contraintes opérationnelles réelles subies quotidiennement par les enseignants-chercheurs sur le terrain.
En outre, l'intégration des technologies de l'information et de la communication dans les processus académiques a ouvert un nouveau front d'ingérence invisible. La numérisation à marche forcée, lorsqu'elle est opérée sans contrôle souverain des infrastructures basales, soumet la production intellectuelle à des algorithmes d'indexation et à des serveurs d'hébergement soumis à des législations extraterritoriales. La question de l'autonomie académique ne peut donc plus être dissociée de celle de la maîtrise technique du patrimoine informationnel.
Dans le contexte spécifique de la RDC, pays caractérisé par des enjeux géostratégiques colossaux autour de ses ressources naturelles et de sa position géopolitique, l'université est le lieu où devrait se penser la souveraineté nationale. Lorsque les facultés de droit, d'économie, d'ingénierie et de sciences sociales voient leurs lignes de recherche orientées par des partenariats asymétriques, c'est l'ensemble de la trajectoire de développement du pays qui se trouve privée de ses outils conceptuels de protection et d'émancipation.
Enfin, cet article entend démontrer qu'une réaction est non seulement possible, mais urgente. En réinvestissant le champ de la gouvernance institutionnelle, en promouvant l'interconnexion solidaire des établissements africains et en sanctuarisant des budgets d'État dédiés à la recherche fondamentale, les grandes écoles du continent peuvent restaurer leur fonction de boussole éthique et scientifique au service exclusif des populations africaines.
The planning and evaluation of a three-stage mechanized scissor lift system that can raise a 2000 kg weight up to two meters is shown in this project. By using hybrid-shaped scissors arms with triangular ends and an elongated hollow mid-span, the mechanism minimizes overall weight in the structure while optimizing toughness at crucial pivot locations. Platform ascension is smooth and stable thanks to the lift's motor-driven actuators at the base, which transforms horizontal force into coordinated upward movement in all three levels. Important parts like the actuator, joint pins, and base plate are made to endure dynamic loads, offer structural stability, and guarantee long-term service dependability. The system is firmly secured by the reinforced steel base plate, and precision articulation and less wear are made possible by hardened stainless steel alloy needles with PTFE-lined bushings. Force and torque calculations are used to establish the power needed and motor requirements guaranteeing effective operation with sufficient safety factors. With uses such as material handling, servicing platforms, and industrial processes, the suggested design places a strong emphasis on efficiency, durability, and safety. This study shows how selecting materials and mechanics optimizations increase load capacity, save money on energy, and boost scissor lift equipment' efficiency of operation.
The paper emphasises on parental knowledge concerning the distinction between learning disability and slow learning. It aims to determine the degree to which parents are aware of the differences between learning disorders. The study was conducted using a questionnaire for thirty parents of children with certain learning difficulties. The test results were then scored and interpreted, revealing that the percentage of participants with less degree of awareness of the learning disorders were 33.33%, moderate levels of awareness were 46.67% while the percentage of parents with high awareness levels 20%, concluding that parental knowledge of learning disabilities, slow learning, and their differences is to a moderate extent.
Marginal Fields allocation program to indigenous operators is a Federal Government of Nigeria initiative to promote
local content by enhancing local participation in the petroleum industry. Critical evaluation has shown that some of
these indigenous companies are hitherto unable to effectively develop and harness the resources in the field, especially
associated gases. They therefore waste (flare) this precious resources primarily due to lack of processing
infrastructures and remoteness of the field. This work presents a cost effective Modular Gas Processing Plant (MGPP)
designed and produced by Pioneer Energy Inc. which is suitable for processing associated gases and monetize the
resources in marginal fields. Data were obtained on gas composition, total volume of gas produced, volume of gas
used for injection, volume of gas flared from three wells in a field in Niger-Delta. The data were used in generating a
regression model for total cost of methane and natural gas liquid from the field using MatLab. Discounted cash flow
analyses were used to evaluate the developed model for the utilization of Associate Gas for the marginal field. The
profitability of the project was evaluated at discount rates of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% for a project life cycle of
10 years. The total cost for methane and natural gas liquid was 287455442.00 for 1260086.43 of volume of natural
gas liquid processed and 13575117.72 for volume of methane processed for electricity. The payback period for each
scenario was approximately 2 years. Net Present Value (NPV) increase almost linearly with time until later periods
(about 5 years) which the non-linearity relationship was visible. This suggests that the project was approaching its
peak production, or/and there was a progressive decrease in the amount of gas flared. The Net Present Value (NPV)
and Return on Investment (ROI) of the project increased with reducing discount rate. All values of NPV were positive,
and the Profitability Index (PI) of the project was greater than one. The Internal Rate of Return (IRR) was also greater
than the discount rate, showing a good, favorable and profitable indication for investment. The regression model was
also compared with the observed data from the field and the percentage error in prediction was less than 5% for all
sceneries of discount rate. This work has shown that the modular gas processing plant was effective in processing gas
for utilization.
Insurance companies operate in an increasingly volatile risk environment characterized by regulatory reform, claims volatility, cyber exposure, fraud, macroeconomic instability, making organizational resilience a strategic priority. Although enterprise risk management is widely promoted to strengthen resilience, empirical evidence on how specific ERM dimensions influence resilience remains limited, particularly in emerging-market insurance sectors. This study examined the effect of ERM—risk governance structure, risk identification and assessment, risk appetite and tolerance, and risk monitoring and reporting—on organizational resilience among licensed insurance companies in Kenya. Anchored on dynamic capabilities theory and complemented by the resource-based view, contingency theory, and institutional theory, the study adopted an explanatory cross-sectional design. A census of 58 licensed insurers was targeted, with risk managers, internal auditors, and senior operations managers as key informants. Of 174 questionnaires administered, 148 valid responses were obtained, representing an 85.1% usable response rate. Data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The measurement model demonstrated acceptable reliability and validity. All four ERM dimensions had positive and statistically significant effects on organizational resilience, jointly explaining 86.3% of its variance (R² = 0.863; Q² = 0.802). Risk governance structure was the strongest predictor (β = 0.417), followed by risk monitoring and reporting (β = 0.374), risk appetite and tolerance (β = 0.225), and risk identification and assessment (β = 0.203). The findings demonstrate that resilience is substantially driven by governance-led, information-rich risk management. The study contributes theoretically, empirically, methodologically, and contextually, while providing practical implications for strengthening ERM-driven resilience among Kenyan insurers.
"The school uniform" is a key and main thing that comes to our mind with the use of the word "school". Since the 19th Century to today when school uniforms were introduced to Sri Lanka, many changes have taken place in the school uniform context. The purpose of this research is to have an idea on what basis these changes have taken place and how the school uniform should change over time when it is reformed in the future. Despite extensive work on the history of education, uniforms, and children’s clothing as distinct fields of study, the evolution of school uniforms has received little substantial academic attention to date. School uniforms are a visible expression of not just institutional norms, but also of a broader perspective, and they are a sign of cultural change.
The study is using qualitative approach and data is gathered through literature, observations and structured in-depth interviews. The participants for the interviews are selected from the purposive sampling method. After a thematic and narrative analysis with summarizing and establishing links between research objectives and the database.
This research uses archival, commercial and personal sources to explore tendencies in design, and change across a wide spectrum of an educational institutions. As a result, the significance of social variables and construction on the education system and school uniform look has become clear. This broad approach allows for the analysis of a broader range of variables and processes, as well as their impact over a long time period.
This paper examines whether spectral isometries preserves invertibility in locally
m-convex Fréchet algebras. We show first that spectral-radius preservation alone
forces a bijective correspondence between quasinilpotent elements, and we use this
to give a fully rigorous proof that every unital surjective spectral isometry out of a
commutative semisimple domain is injective; we illustrate, with an explicit matrix
example, why the same argument fails without commutativity. We then prove a
precise two-sided reduction theorem: invertibility preservation by such a map is
sandwiched between a necessary condition (the pulled-back functionals take values
in the domain’s spectrum) and a sufficient condition (the pulled-back functionals
are genuine characters), and we show that the gap between these two conditions
is exactly the unresolved extension of the Gleason–Kahane–Żelazko theorem to the
Fréchet setting . We conclude that invertibility preservation is not an easier, separable preliminary to the Jordan homomorphism question but is essentially equivalent
to its central open obstacle, and we record this precisely rather than assert a general
theorem that is not available
Urban expansion can transform vegetated and agricultural landscapes into built-up areas, with implications for ecosystem services and sustainable land management. This study assessed the impact of urban expansion on vegetation cover loss in Ntarama Sector, Bugesera District, Rwanda, from 2000 to 2025. The objectives were to examine the pattern and extent of urban expansion, assess changes in vegetation cover, and determine the relationship between urban growth and vegetation change. A descriptive and analytical design combined multi-temporal satellite imagery, GIS-based land-use/land-cover (LULC) classification, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) analysis, field observation, GPS mapping, interviews, and documentary review. The thesis results indicate that the proportion classified as urbanized increased from 0.55% in 2000 to 0.83% in 2008, 1.86% in 2016, and 9.70% in 2025. Forestland declined from 29.75% to 18.53% over the study period, while grassland declined from 15.99% to 9.14%. The thesis also reports a strong inverse relationship between urban expansion and vegetation condition (r = −0.82), and NDVI findings indicate the presence of both moderate-to-high vegetation condition and areas with low or negative vegetation index values. The results provide localized evidence of substantial landscape transformation in a rapidly developing peri-urban sector. The study recommends integrating vegetation protection into land-use planning, safeguarding wetlands and existing green spaces, expanding tree-planting and restoration programmes, and monitoring land-cover change with regularly updated satellite data. Before journal submission, the underlying classification tables, percentage totals, NDVI summaries, and correlation calculation should be checked against the original GIS outputs to ensure numerical consistency.
The growing data-centre sector in India is driving up demands for electricity, renewable energy and cooling capabilities. This review aims at understanding the feasibility of green Data centres in India through secondary data from the academic journals and scholarly articles. It is a study of quantitative metrics such as data-centre capacity, electricity consumption, integration of renewable energy, carbon emissions, Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE), cooling efficiency and water consumption. It has been suggested in the literature that the amount of data centre capacity and energy consumption will grow significantly over the coming years and years, causing major sustainability challenges. There are measurable ways, however, to help reduce environmental impacts through renewable energy, through battery storage, through improved PUE, through advanced cooling and water efficient infrastructure. In general, it seems that green Data Centres are technically possible, but at scale, coordinated investments in infrastructure and further efficiency gains must be made to make it sustainable.
The objective of this study is to collect and analyze the opinions of teachers and students regarding programming language courses in first-year undergraduate programs in Lubumbashi. The research aims to identify the gaps between pedagogical expectations and the didactic reality. Using a survey method, data were collected from 12 teachers and 514 students across 10 academic institutions. The results show that while a majority of participants (64-75%) initially find the courses "affordable," their learning experience is severely hampered by a lack of appropriate infrastructure and practical training. Students specifically point to the lack of practice (62.04%) and inadequate environments (70.60%) as major hurdles. The study concludes that stakeholder dissatisfaction is primarily rooted in the mismatch between the theoretical curriculum and the technical environment provided by institutions.
Abstract. Grounded in Joseph Schumpeter’s Theory of Economic Development (1934), this study explored micro-enterprises as key drivers of economic transformation in Población, Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, focusing on their contribution to socio-economic development. It specifically assessed three core dimensions of micro-enterprises: income generation, employment creation, and livelihood enhancement, which are widely regarded as essential mechanisms for stimulating local economic activity and improving community welfare. The study utilized a descriptive quantitative research design. Data were collected through structured survey questionnaires administered to 191 micro-entrepreneurs engaged in various small-scale businesses, including sari-sari stores, food stalls, printing services, and carinderia operations. Respondents were selected from a total population of 375 micro-entrepreneurs using stratified random sampling to ensure proportional representation across different enterprise types. The gathered data were analyzed using frequency distribution, weighted mean, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Pearson Correlation Coefficient, and multiple regression analysis to examine relationships and determine the predictive influence of the variables. Results revealed that the demographic profile of respondents had no statistically significant relationship with socio-economic development, indicating that factors such as age, gender, and educational attainment do not directly influence development outcomes within micro-enterprise participation. Conversely, the three micro-enterprise dimensions—income generation, employment creation, and livelihood enhancement—showed a statistically significant and moderately positive relationship with socio-economic development. Among these variables, multiple regression analysis identified employment creation as the strongest predictor, highlighting its critical role in improving household income stability and stimulating broader community economic activity. Based on these findings, the study recommends that micro-entrepreneurs prioritize sound financial management, efficient resource allocation, and product diversification to ensure business sustainability and competitiveness. It further encourages Local Government Units (LGUs) and stakeholders to strengthen entrepreneurial support programs, expand skills training initiatives, and enhance market linkages to promote inclusive local economic growth. Overall, the study underscores micro-enterprises as vital catalysts of socio-economic development and provides evidence-based policy directions for sustainable community advancement.
ABSTRACT
Background: Academic procrastination is a common challenge in higher education and may affect students’ academic performance, wellbeing and overall educational experience. Among nursing students, the demands of examinations, assignments, projects and clinical learning can make effective time management particularly important. This study assessed the level of academic procrastination among diploma nursing students and examined its relationship with selected demographic characteristics.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 180 diploma nursing students at College of Nursing, Galle. Participants were selected using a stratified proportionate random sampling technique. Data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire containing socio-demographic items and the 25-item Academic Procrastination Scale developed by McCloskey and Scielzo (2011). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test.
Results: The mean age of the participants was 22.87 ± 4.12 years. Most students (83.3%) had a low level of academic procrastination, while 16.7% had a high level. Academic procrastination was significantly associated with academic year (p = 0.044). No significant association was found with age, academic stream, area of residence, living arrangement, parental education, parental occupation or parental monthly income.
Conclusion: Although most participants reported low levels of academic procrastination, a meaningful proportion experienced high procrastination. The significant association with academic year suggests that students’ academic stage and the demands associated with it may be relevant to procrastination. Time-management education, academic counselling, appropriate support and coping-skills development may therefore be useful, particularly for students experiencing greater academic demands.
This study examines the speech delivered by Joseph-Désiré Mobutu on December 1, 1970, during the solemn opening of an extraordinary session of the National Assembly of the Republic of the Congo, then known as Zaire. Its main objective is to identify the linguistic, discursive, and communicative mechanisms employed by the speaker to convey his political, social, economic, administrative, and legislative vision to national parliamentarians. Situated within the fields of discourse analysis and sociolinguistics, the study approaches discourse as a form of linguistic production whose meaning depends not only on linguistic structures but also on the historical, social, and political conditions surrounding its production and reception.
The study explores communicative approaches, speech acts, enunciation modalities, discursive distance, tension, masking strategies, assimilation, connivance, and explicit and implicit meanings. The analysis highlights how lexical choices, pronouns, modal verbs, and argumentative strategies enable the speaker to assert authority, call upon elected representatives to fulfill their responsibilities, and promote values such as national unity, order, security, institutional cooperation, and economic development. It also emphasizes that the interpretation of political discourse varies according to the sociopolitical context and the positions of its recipients. Ultimately, the study demonstrates how linguistic analysis contributes to understanding the discursive strategies and social meanings conveyed through a historical political speech.
Purpose: This study examines whether blockchain-based decentralized identity management can scale across heterogeneous Internet of Things (IoT) environments without imposing computational and energy burdens that undermine practical deployment. It develops the MobiChain framework as a selective, edge-assisted identity architecture in which blockchain functions primarily as a trust, verification and audit layer.
Design/methodology/approach: The underlying dissertation used a mixed-methods, descriptive and design-oriented approach. Structured questionnaires were distributed to IoT administrators, developers, blockchain experts and industry specialists. Of 100
questionnaires distributed, 94 were returned and 92 valid responses were retained, producing a usable response rate of 92.0%.
Frequencies, percentages, Pearson correlation, multiple linear regression and analysis of variance informed the empirical assessment, while technical design analysis guided the MobiChain architecture.
Findings: Centralized identity management was associated with unauthorized access, weak device authentication, privacy exposure,
single points of failure and scalability constraints. Respondents recognized the security value of decentralization but reported
implementation reservations around latency, integration complexity, standardization, resource limitations, storage overhead and
energy consumption. The reported regression model explained 53% of the variance in adoption intention: perceived blockchain
benefits and privacy criticality were positive influences, whereas integration complexity, latency, lack of standardization, limited device resources and energy concerns were negative influences. MobiChain responds by combining decentralized identifiers, verifiable credentials, edge identity agents, off-chain storage and permissioned lightweight consensus.
Research limitations/implications: The condensed source article does not reproduce item-level percentages, regression coefficients or experimental benchmark results. This expanded manuscript therefore reports only statistics explicitly available from the
study and treats the architecture assessment as design-based rather than as a completed performance benchmark.
Practical implications: Organizations should introduce decentralized identity incrementally, beginning with hybrid integration, edge verification and selective blockchain anchoring. Performance should be evaluated using latency, throughput, energy per authentication, storage overhead, revocation speed and authentication success rate.
Originality/value: The framework shifts the design question from whether blockchain should replace identity infrastructure to where blockchain adds trust with the least operational cost. The resulting architecture separates high-frequency authentication from the ledger while retaining tamper-evident accountability and decentralized verification.
A general field survey was conducted between 2019 and 2021 to examine insect diversity, richness, and relative abundance in North Kordofan State, Sudan. The study aimed to establish a database for the Sudan semi-arid zone, assess the impacts of topography and climate, and analyze insect functional groups vulnerable to climate change.
Sampling occurred across two successive seasons (rainy/wet and dry) at three topographic sites: a Hilly site (592 m), a Depression/Valley site (527 m), and a Flattened site (561 m). Researchers used direct collection and butterfly netting methods.
The survey collected 1,746 insect individuals across 83 species, 38 families, and 11 orders. Insect numbers varied by topography and season. The Valley site recorded the highest insect counts, peaking during the wet season with 547 insects.
Key taxonomic findings include:
• Isoptera was the most abundant order (600 individuals), followed by Hymenoptera (322) and Lepidoptera (228).
• Coleoptera (22 species across 12 families) and Diptera shared the highest Shannon diversity index (\(H=1.10\)
• (\(H=1.10\)) and evenness (\(E=0.99\)).
• Mantodea demonstrated the highest dominance index (=1).
• The dragonfly Anax tristis (Aeshnidae) was recorded for the first time in Sudan at the Khor Taggat valley site.
Pearson correlation analysis revealed weak linear relationships between environmental factors and insect populations. Air temperature showed weak negative correlations with orders like Coleoptera and Lepidoptera, but positive correlations with Orthoptera and Hemiptera. Soil elevation showed positive correlations with Coleoptera, Diptera, and Neuroptera, but negative correlations with other orders.
This paper covers the entire project life cycle starting with pre-contract activities, moving into the construction phase, and then concluding with post-contract matters; specifically focusing on contract development, contract obligations, roles/responsibilities/liabilities of each party to the contract, and the use of relevant contract terms (Bunni, 2005). The FIDIC Green Book will be used as the applicable contract framework for the project, and its clauses will be analyzed relative to the responsibilities of the Employer and Contractor, contract administration, changes (variations), claims, liabilities, and potential dispute resolution mechanisms. This study will also address the relevant Omani contract law and statutory provisions to provide clarity regarding the Employer and Contractor's contractual acceptance, obligations, and rights.
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