CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en" dir="ltr"> <head>  <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-P63WKM1TM1"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-P63WKM1TM1'); </script>  <script type="text/javascript" > (function(m,e,t,r,i,k,a){m[i]=m[i]||function(){(m[i].a=m[i].a||[]).push(arguments)}; m[i].l=1*new Date(); for (var j = 0; j < document.scripts.length; j++) {if (document.scripts[j].src === r) { return; }} k=e.createElement(t),a=e.getElementsByTagName(t)[0],k.async=1,k.src=r,a.parentNode.insertBefore(k,a)}) (window, document, "script", "https://mc.yandex.ru/metrika/tag.js", "ym"); ym(55165297, "init", { clickmap:false, trackLinks:true, accurateTrackBounce:true, webvisor:false }); </script> <noscript><div><img src="https://mc.yandex.ru/watch/55165297" style="position:absolute; left:-9999px;" alt="" /></div></noscript>    <title>Search results for: Portia Opoku Boadi</title> <meta name="description" content="Search results for: Portia Opoku Boadi"> <meta name="keywords" content="Portia Opoku Boadi"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1, minimum-scale=1, maximum-scale=1, user-scalable=no"> <meta charset="utf-8"> <link href="https://cdn.waset.org/favicon.ico" type="image/x-icon" rel="shortcut icon"> <link href="https://cdn.waset.org/static/plugins/bootstrap-4.2.1/css/bootstrap.min.css" rel="stylesheet"> <link href="https://cdn.waset.org/static/plugins/fontawesome/css/all.min.css" rel="stylesheet"> <link href="https://cdn.waset.org/static/css/site.css?v=150220211555" rel="stylesheet"> </head> <body> <header> <div class="container"> <nav class="navbar navbar-expand-lg navbar-light"> <a class="navbar-brand" href="https://waset.org"> <img src="https://cdn.waset.org/static/images/wasetc.png" alt="Open Science Research Excellence" title="Open Science Research Excellence" /> </a> <button class="d-block d-lg-none navbar-toggler ml-auto" type="button" data-toggle="collapse" data-target="#navbarMenu" aria-controls="navbarMenu" aria-expanded="false" aria-label="Toggle navigation"> <span class="navbar-toggler-icon"></span> </button> <div class="w-100"> <div class="d-none d-lg-flex flex-row-reverse"> <form method="get" action="https://waset.org/search" class="form-inline my-2 my-lg-0"> <input class="form-control mr-sm-2" type="search" placeholder="Search Conferences" value="Portia Opoku Boadi" name="q" aria-label="Search"> <button class="btn btn-light my-2 my-sm-0" type="submit"><i class="fas fa-search"></i></button> </form> </div> <div class="collapse navbar-collapse mt-1" id="navbarMenu"> <ul class="navbar-nav ml-auto align-items-center" id="mainNavMenu"> <li class="nav-item"> <a class="nav-link" href="https://waset.org/conferences" title="Conferences in 2024/2025/2026">Conferences</a> </li> <li class="nav-item"> <a class="nav-link" href="https://waset.org/disciplines" title="Disciplines">Disciplines</a> </li> <li class="nav-item"> <a class="nav-link" href="https://waset.org/committees" rel="nofollow">Committees</a> </li> <li class="nav-item dropdown"> <a class="nav-link dropdown-toggle" href="#" id="navbarDropdownPublications" role="button" data-toggle="dropdown" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false"> Publications </a> <div class="dropdown-menu" aria-labelledby="navbarDropdownPublications"> <a class="dropdown-item" href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts">Abstracts</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="https://publications.waset.org">Periodicals</a> <a class="dropdown-item" href="https://publications.waset.org/archive">Archive</a> </div> </li> <li class="nav-item"> <a class="nav-link" href="https://waset.org/page/support" title="Support">Support</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </nav> </div> </header> <main> <div class="container mt-4"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-md-9 mx-auto"> <form method="get" action="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search"> <div id="custom-search-input"> <div class="input-group"> <i class="fas fa-search"></i> <input type="text" class="search-query" name="q" placeholder="Author, Title, Abstract, Keywords" value="Portia Opoku Boadi"> <input type="submit" class="btn_search" value="Search"> </div> </div> </form> </div> </div> <div class="row mt-3"> <div class="col-sm-3"> <div class="card"> <div class="card-body"><strong>Commenced</strong> in January 2007</div> </div> </div> <div class="col-sm-3"> <div class="card"> <div class="card-body"><strong>Frequency:</strong> Monthly</div> </div> </div> <div class="col-sm-3"> <div class="card"> <div class="card-body"><strong>Edition:</strong> International</div> </div> </div> <div class="col-sm-3"> <div class="card"> <div class="card-body"><strong>Paper Count:</strong> 18</div> </div> </div> </div> <h1 class="mt-3 mb-3 text-center" style="font-size:1.6rem;">Search results for: Portia Opoku Boadi</h1> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">18</span> A Bundled Approach to Explaining Technological Change: The Case of E-Estonia</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Andrew%20Adjah%20Sai">Andrew Adjah Sai</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Portia%20Opoku%20Boadi"> Portia Opoku Boadi</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Explaining change is an abstract endeavor. Many management scholars have adopted metaphors to explain change. In this paper, we deal with the drivers of technological change. We use a historical and theoretical approach to review and elaborate on the concepts and context about a specific case. We discuss the limitations of each approach proffered and the implications as a consequence on technological change. We present plurality and multiplicity of perspectives using a socio-technical approach to explain technological change contextually on an organizational level. We show by using our model how technology absorption and diffusion can be accelerated through artefactual institutions to enable social change. The multiplicity of perspectives and plurality of our arguments creates a fine explanation of the e-Estonia case as an example. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=artefactual%20institutions" title="artefactual institutions">artefactual institutions</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=e-Estonia" title=" e-Estonia"> e-Estonia</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=social%20change" title=" social change"> social change</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=technological%20trajectories" title=" technological trajectories"> technological trajectories</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/78808/a-bundled-approach-to-explaining-technological-change-the-case-of-e-estonia" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/78808.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">448</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">17</span> A Study of Recent Contribution on Simulation Tools for Network-on-Chip</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Muthana%20Saleh%20Alalaki">Muthana Saleh Alalaki</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Michael%20Opoku%20Agyeman"> Michael Opoku Agyeman</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> The growth in the number of Intellectual Properties (IPs) or the number of cores on the same chip becomes a critical issue in System-on-Chip (SoC) due to the intra-communication problem between the chip elements. As a result, Network-on-Chip (NoC) has emerged as a system architecture to overcome intra-communication issues. This paper presents a study of recent contributions on simulation tools for NoC. Furthermore, an overview of NoC is covered as well as a comparison between some NoC simulators to help facilitate research in on-chip communication. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=WiNoC" title="WiNoC">WiNoC</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=simulation%20tool" title=" simulation tool"> simulation tool</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=network-on-chip" title=" network-on-chip"> network-on-chip</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=SoC" title=" SoC"> SoC</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/70531/a-study-of-recent-contribution-on-simulation-tools-for-network-on-chip" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/70531.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">497</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">16</span> Syntactic, Semantic, and Pragmatic Rationalization of Modal Auxiliary Verbs in Akan</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Joana%20Portia%20Sakyi">Joana Portia Sakyi</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> The uniqueness of auxiliary verbs and their contribution to grammar as constituents, which act as preverbs to supply additional grammatical or functional meanings to clauses, are well established. Functionally, they relate clauses to tense, aspect, mood, voice, emphasis, and modality, along with the main verbs conveying the appropriate lexical content. There has been an issue in Akan grammar vis-à-vis the status of auxiliary verbs, in terms of whether Akan has auxiliaries or not and even which forms are to be regarded as auxiliaries. We investigate the syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic components of expressions and claim that Akan has auxiliary verbs that contribute the functional or grammatical meaning of modality, tense/aspect, etc., to clauses they occur in. Essentially, we use a self-created corpus data to consider the affix bέ- ‘may’, ‘must’, ‘should’; the form tùmí ‘can’, ‘be able to’; mà ‘to let’, ‘to allow’, ‘to permit’, ‘to make’, or ‘to cause’ someone to do something; the multi-word forms ὲsὲ sέ ‘must’, ‘should’ or ‘have to’ and ètwà sέ ‘must’, ‘should’ or ‘have to’, and assert that they are legitimate modal auxiliaries conveying epistemic, deontic, and dynamic modalities, as well as other meanings in the language. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Akan" title="Akan">Akan</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=modality" title=" modality"> modality</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=modal%20auxiliaries" title=" modal auxiliaries"> modal auxiliaries</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=semantics" title=" semantics"> semantics</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/172032/syntactic-semantic-and-pragmatic-rationalization-of-modal-auxiliary-verbs-in-akan" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/172032.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">77</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">15</span> Exploring Equity and Inclusion in the Context of Distance Education Using a Social Location Perspective</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Boadi%20Agyekum">Boadi Agyekum</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> In this study, a social location perspective is used to explore the challenges of creating opportunities that will foster lifelong education, inclusion, and equity for residents of rural communities in Ghana. The differentiated experiences of rural adults are under-researched and often unacknowledged in lifelong education literature and distance education policy. There is a need to examine carefully the structural inequalities that create disadvantages for residents of rural communities and women in pursuing distance education in designated cities in Ghana. The paper uses in-depth interviews to explore participants’ experiences of learning at a distance and to scrutinise the narratives of lifelong education. The paper reflects on the implications of the framework employed for educators and social justice in lifelong education. It further recommends the need to provide IT laboratories and fully online programs that would require stable and regular internet and access to ICT equipment for potential learning in rural communities. The social location approach presented a number of axes of diversity as comparatively more important than others; these included gender, age, education, work commitment, geography, and degree of social connectedness. This can inform lifelong education policy and programs to sustain quality education. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=equity" title="equity">equity</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=distance%20education" title=" distance education"> distance education</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=lifelong%20learning" title=" lifelong learning"> lifelong learning</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=social%20location" title=" social location"> social location</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=intersectionality" title=" intersectionality"> intersectionality</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=rural%20communities" title=" rural communities"> rural communities</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/168321/exploring-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-context-of-distance-education-using-a-social-location-perspective" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/168321.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">98</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">14</span> Time Series Analysis of Radon Concentration at Different Depths in an Underground Goldmine</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Theophilus%20Adjirackor">Theophilus Adjirackor</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Frederic%20Sam"> Frederic Sam</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Irene%20Opoku-Ntim"> Irene Opoku-Ntim</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=David%20Okoh%20Kpeglo"> David Okoh Kpeglo</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Prince%20K.%20Gyekye"> Prince K. Gyekye</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Frank%20K.%20Quashie"> Frank K. Quashie</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Kofi%20Ofori"> Kofi Ofori</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Indoor radon concentrations were collected monthly over a period of one year in 10 different levels in an underground goldmine, and the data was analyzed using a four-moving average time series to determine the relationship between the depths of the underground mine and the indoor radon concentration. The detectors were installed in batches within four quarters. The measurements were carried out using LR115 solid-state nuclear track detectors. Statistical models are applied in the prediction and analysis of the radon concentration at various depths. The time series model predicted a positive relationship between the depth of the underground mine and the indoor radon concentration. Thus, elevated radon concentrations are expected at deeper levels of the underground mine, but the relationship was insignificant at the 5% level of significance with a negative adjusted R2 (R2 = – 0.021) due to an appropriate engineering and adequate ventilation rate in the underground mine. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=LR115" title="LR115">LR115</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=radon%20concentration" title=" radon concentration"> radon concentration</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=rime%20series" title=" rime series"> rime series</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=underground%20goldmine" title=" underground goldmine"> underground goldmine</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/186013/time-series-analysis-of-radon-concentration-at-different-depths-in-an-underground-goldmine" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/186013.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">45</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">13</span> The Influence of Theories and Approaches to Educational Policy and Planning in Ghana’s Current Educational Developments</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Ruth%20Donkoh">Ruth Donkoh</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Wing%20On%20Lee"> Wing On Lee</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Solomon%20A.%20Boateng"> Solomon A. Boateng</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Portia%20Oware%20Twerefoo"> Portia Oware Twerefoo</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Josephine%20Donkor"> Josephine Donkor</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> In this paper we defend the value of theories and approaches to educational policy and planning in enhancing the educational developments in Ghana. This mission is achieved by enumerating the recent educational developments in Ghana and juxtaposing it with some educational theories, approaches to policy making, and policy planning to see if the educational developments conform with the theory principles as well as policy making and planning processes. Data collection for the research was made through textual analysis of policy documents as well as review of relevant literatures. The findings reveled that educational developments in Ghana are unable to attain its objectives due to the policies not conforming with the policy formation and planning principles. In addition, was that education planning in Ghana does not follow the policy-administration dichotomy theory principles and likewise the distribution of educational needs goes contrary to the equity theory. We recommend that educational policies in Ghana should be in conformity with the principles of theories as well as the approaches to educational policy making and planning to help meet the needs of learners, attain educational quality, and to help in the accomplishment of educational development objectives. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Ghana%20education" title="Ghana education">Ghana education</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=equity%20theories" title=" equity theories"> equity theories</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=politics-%20administration%20dichotomy%20theory" title=" politics- administration dichotomy theory"> politics- administration dichotomy theory</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=educational%20policies" title=" educational policies"> educational policies</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=educational%20planning" title=" educational planning"> educational planning</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/145080/the-influence-of-theories-and-approaches-to-educational-policy-and-planning-in-ghanas-current-educational-developments" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/145080.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">146</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">12</span> The Analysis of Female Characters in Shakespeare’s Work; Contrast between the Submissive and the Wicked</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Jeong%20Hwa%20Ryong">Jeong Hwa Ryong</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Numerous characters appear in the works of England’s most prominent play writer, William Shakespeare. Most of the time, his male protagonists possess various and complex characteristics throughout the storyline of his work, making it interesting for the readers to analyze their actions in many different aspects. However, some critics argue that unlike male characters, Shakespeare’s female characters are rather more flat and one-sided, pointing out that they are either the extreme version of good or evil. Especially, it is a significant topic to discuss in the modern days, considering the fact that gender stereotype is now a sensitive issue. Starting from such argument, it is important to address their purpose of being in the play and suggest their meaning to the modern readers of today. In this context, this paper analyzes several female characters of Shakespeare’s work by closely examining their actions and lines. The characters analyzed are Ophelia from Hamlet, Cordelia from King Lear, Katherine from The Taming of the Shrew, Goneril from King Lear and Lady Macbeth from Macbeth. Nevertheless, some female protagonists of Shakespeare’s work do not fall in to this category and exceed the limitations of others. Therefore this paper proposes alternative characters such as Juliet from Romeo and Juliet and Portia from The Merchant of Venice that are rather more complex and difficult to include in just one category. By doing so, this paper critically analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of many female characters in Shakespeare’s play. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=female%20characters" title="female characters">female characters</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=gender%20stereotype" title=" gender stereotype"> gender stereotype</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=William%20Shakespeare" title=" William Shakespeare"> William Shakespeare</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/58070/the-analysis-of-female-characters-in-shakespeares-work-contrast-between-the-submissive-and-the-wicked" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/58070.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">341</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">11</span> The Mediating Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Driven Customer Experience in the Relationship Between AI Voice Assistants and Brand Usage Continuance</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=George%20Cudjoe%20Agbemabiese">George Cudjoe Agbemabiese</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=John%20Paul%20Kosiba"> John Paul Kosiba</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Michael%20Boadi%20Nyamekye"> Michael Boadi Nyamekye</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Vanessa%20Narkie%20Tetteh"> Vanessa Narkie Tetteh</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Caleb%20Nunoo"> Caleb Nunoo</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Mohammed%20Muniru%20Husseini"> Mohammed Muniru Husseini</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> The smartphone industry continues to experience massive growth, evidenced by expanding markets and an increasing number of brands, models and manufacturers. As technology advances rapidly, manufacturers of smartphones are consistently introducing new innovations to keep up with the latest evolving industry trends and customer demand for more modern devices. This study aimed to assess the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) voice assistant (VA) on improving customer experience, resulting in the continuous use of mobile brands. Specifically, this article assesses the role of hedonic, utilitarian, and social benefits provided by AIVA on customer experience and the continuance intention to use mobile phone brands. Using a primary data collection instrument, the quantitative approach was adopted to examine the study's variables. Data from 348 valid responses were used for the analysis based on structural equation modeling (SEM) with AMOS version 23. Three main factors were identified to influence customer experience, which results in continuous usage of mobile phone brands. These factors are social benefits, hedonic benefits, and utilitarian benefits. In conclusion, a significant and positive relationship exists between the factors influencing customer experience for continuous usage of mobile phone brands. The study concludes that mobile brands that invest in delivering positive user experiences are in a better position to improve usage and increase preference for their brands. The study recommends that mobile brands consider and research their prospects' and customers' social, hedonic, and utilitarian needs to provide them with desired products and experiences. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=artificial%20intelligence" title="artificial intelligence">artificial intelligence</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=continuance%20usage" title=" continuance usage"> continuance usage</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=customer%20experience" title=" customer experience"> customer experience</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=smartphone%20industry" title=" smartphone industry"> smartphone industry</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/173354/the-mediating-role-of-artificial-intelligence-ai-driven-customer-experience-in-the-relationship-between-ai-voice-assistants-and-brand-usage-continuance" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/173354.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">80</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">10</span> Assessing the Suitability of South African Waste Foundry Sand as an Additive in Clay Masonry Products</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Nthabiseng%20Portia%20Mahumapelo">Nthabiseng Portia Mahumapelo</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Andre%20van%20Niekerk"> Andre van Niekerk</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Ndabenhle%20Sosibo"> Ndabenhle Sosibo</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Nirdesh%20Singh"> Nirdesh Singh</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> The foundry industry generates large quantities of solid waste in the form of waste foundry sand. The ever-increasing quantities of this type of industrial waste put pressure on land-filling space and its proper management has become a global concern. The South African foundry industry is not different when it comes to this solid waste generation. Utilizing the foundry waste sand in other applications has become an attractive avenue to deal with this waste stream. In the present paper, an evaluation was done on the suitability of foundry waste sand as an additive in clay masonry products. Purchased clay was added to the foundry waste sand sample in a 50/50 ratio. The mixture was named FC sample. The FC sample was mixed with water in a pan mixer until the mixture was consistent and suitable for extrusion. The FC sample was extruded and cut into briquettes. Water absorption, shrinkage and modulus of rupture tests were conducted on the resultant briquettes. Foundry waste sand and FC samples were respectively characterized mineralogically using X-Ray Diffraction, and the major and trace elements were determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy. Adding purchased clay to the foundry waste sand positively influenced the workability of the test sample. Another positive characteristic was the low linear shrinkage, which indicated that products manufactured from the FC sample would not be susceptible to cracking. The water absorption values were acceptable and the unfired and fired strength values of the briquette’s samples were acceptable. In conclusion, tests showed that foundry waste sand can be used as an additive in masonry clay bricks, provided it is blended with good quality clay. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=foundry%20waste%20sand" title="foundry waste sand">foundry waste sand</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=masonry%20clay%20bricks" title=" masonry clay bricks"> masonry clay bricks</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=modulus%20of%20rupture" title=" modulus of rupture"> modulus of rupture</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=shrinkage" title=" shrinkage"> shrinkage</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/105027/assessing-the-suitability-of-south-african-waste-foundry-sand-as-an-additive-in-clay-masonry-products" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/105027.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">230</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">9</span> Sustainable Project Management: Driving the Construction Industry Towards Sustainable Developmental Goals</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Francis%20Kwesi%20Bondinuba">Francis Kwesi Bondinuba</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Seidu%20Abdullah"> Seidu Abdullah</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Mewomo%20Cecilia"> Mewomo Cecilia</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Opoku%C2%A0Alex"> Opoku Alex</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Purpose: The purpose of this research is to develop a framework for understanding how sustainable project management contributes to the construction industry's pursuit of sustainable development goals. Study design/methodology/approach: The study employed a theoretical methodology to review existing theories and models that support Sustainable Project Management (SPM) in the construction industry. Additionally, a comprehensive review of current literature on SPM is conducted to provide a thorough understanding of this study. Findings: Sustainable Project Management (SPM) practices, including stakeholder engagement and collaboration, resource efficiency, waste management, risk management, and resilience, play a crucial role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the construction industry. Conclusion: Adopting Sustainable Project Management (SPM) practices in the Ghanaian construction industry enhances social inclusivity by engaging communities and creating job opportunities. The adoption of these practices faces significant challenges, including a lack of awareness and understanding, insufficient regulatory frameworks, financial constraints, and a shortage of skilled professionals. Recommendation: There should be a comprehensive approach to project planning and execution that includes stakeholders such as local communities, government bodies, and environmental organisations, the use of green building materials and technologies, and the implementation of effective waste management strategies, all of which will ensure the achievement of SDGs in Ghana's construction industry. Originality/value: This paper adds to the current literature by offering the various theories and models in Sustainable Project Management (SPM) and a detailed review of how Sustainable Project Management (SPM) contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Ghanaian Construction Industry. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=sustainable%20development" title="sustainable development">sustainable development</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=sustainable%20development%20goals" title=" sustainable development goals"> sustainable development goals</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=construction%20industry" title=" construction industry"> construction industry</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=ghana" title=" ghana"> ghana</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=sustainable%20project%20management" title=" sustainable project management"> sustainable project management</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/188967/sustainable-project-management-driving-the-construction-industry-towards-sustainable-developmental-goals" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/188967.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">23</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">8</span> Integrating Human Rights into Countering Violent Extremism: A Comparative Analysis of Women Without Borders and Hedayah Initiatives</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Portia%20Muehlbauer">Portia Muehlbauer</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> This paper examines the evolving landscape of preventing and countering violent extremism (PCVE) by delving into the growing importance of integrating human rights principles into violence prevention strategies on the local, community level. This study sheds light on the underlying theoretical frameworks of violent extremism and the influence of gender while investigating the intersection between human rights preservation and violent extremism prevention. To gain practical insight, the research focuses on two prominent international non-governmental organizations, Women without Borders (WwB) and Hedayah, and their distinct PCVE initiatives. WwB adopts a gender-sensitive approach, implementing parental education programs that empower mothers in at-risk communities to prevent the spread of violent extremism. In contrast, Hedayah takes an indirect route, employing capacity building programs that enhance the capabilities of educators, social workers, and psychologists in early intervention, rehabilitation and reintegration efforts. Qualitative data for this comparative analysis was collected through an extensive four-month internship at WwB during the fall of 2020, a three-month internship at Hedayah in the spring of 2021, a thought-provoking semi-structured interview with the executive director of WwB, personal field notes, and a comprehensive discourse analysis of the prevailing literature on human rights considerations in PCVE practices. This study examines the merits and challenges of integrating human rights into PCVE programming through the lens of both organizations, WwB and Hedayah. The findings of this study will inform policymakers, practitioners, and researchers on the intricate relationship between human rights protection and effective PCVE strategies. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=preventing%20and%20countering%20violent%20extremism" title="preventing and countering violent extremism">preventing and countering violent extremism</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=human%20rights" title=" human rights"> human rights</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=counterterrorism" title=" counterterrorism"> counterterrorism</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=peacebuilding" title=" peacebuilding"> peacebuilding</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=capacity%20building%20programs" title=" capacity building programs"> capacity building programs</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=gender%20studies" title=" gender studies"> gender studies</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/170298/integrating-human-rights-into-countering-violent-extremism-a-comparative-analysis-of-women-without-borders-and-hedayah-initiatives" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/170298.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">62</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">7</span> Upconversion Nanoparticle-Mediated Carbon Monoxide Prodrug Delivery System for Cancer Therapy</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Yaw%20Opoku-Damoah">Yaw Opoku-Damoah</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Run%20Zhang"> Run Zhang</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Hang%20Thu%20Ta"> Hang Thu Ta</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Zhi%20Ping%20Xu"> Zhi Ping Xu</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Gas therapy is still at an early stage of research and development. Even though most gasotransmitters have proven their therapeutic potential, their handling, delivery, and controlled release have been extremely challenging. This research work employs a versatile nanosystem that is capable of delivering a gasotransmitter in the form of a photo-responsive carbon monoxide-releasing molecule (CORM) for targeted cancer therapy. The therapeutic action was mediated by upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) designed to transfer bio-friendly low energy near-infrared (NIR) light to ultraviolet (UV) light capable of triggering carbon monoxide (CO) from a water-soluble amphiphilic manganese carbonyl complex CORM incorporated into a carefully designed lipid drug delivery system. Herein, gaseous CO that plays a role as a gasotransmitter with cytotoxic and homeostatic properties was investigated to instigate cellular apoptosis. After successfully synthesizing the drug delivery system, the ability of the system to encapsulate and mediate the sustained release of CO after light excitation was demonstrated. CO fluorescence probe (COFP) was successfully employed to determine the in vitro drug release profile upon NIR light irradiation. The uptake of nanoparticles enhanced by folates and its receptor interaction was also studied for cellular uptake purposes. The anticancer potential of the final lipid nanoparticle Lipid/UCNPs/CORM/FA (LUCF) was also determined by cell viability assay. Intracellular CO release and a subsequent therapeutic action involving ROS production, mitochondrial damage, and CO production was also evaluated. In all, this current project aims to use in vitro studies to determine the potency and efficiency of a NIR-mediated CORM prodrug delivery system. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=carbon%20monoxide-releasing%20molecule" title="carbon monoxide-releasing molecule">carbon monoxide-releasing molecule</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=upconversion%20nanoparticles" title=" upconversion nanoparticles"> upconversion nanoparticles</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=site-specific%20delivery" title=" site-specific delivery"> site-specific delivery</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=amphiphilic%20manganese%20carbonyl%20complex" title=" amphiphilic manganese carbonyl complex"> amphiphilic manganese carbonyl complex</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=prodrug%20delivery%20system." title=" prodrug delivery system. "> prodrug delivery system. </a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/124308/upconversion-nanoparticle-mediated-carbon-monoxide-prodrug-delivery-system-for-cancer-therapy" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/124308.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">112</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">6</span> Review of Consecutive Patients Treated with a Combination of Vancomycin and Rifaximin for Diarrhea Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-D)</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Portia%20Murphy">Portia Murphy</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Danica%20Vasic"> Danica Vasic</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Anoja%20W.%20Gunaratne"> Anoja W. Gunaratne</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Encarnita%20Sitchon"> Encarnita Sitchon</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Teresita%20Tugonon"> Teresita Tugonon</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Marou%20Ison"> Marou Ison</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Antoinette%20Le%20Busque"> Antoinette Le Busque</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Christelle%20Pagonis"> Christelle Pagonis</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Thomas%20J.%20Borody"> Thomas J. Borody</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that affects an estimated 11% of the population globally with the most predominant symptoms being abdominal pain, bloating and altered bowel movements. All age groups suffer from IBS although the prevalence of IBS decreases for age groups over 50 years. Women are more likely to suffer from IBS than men. IBS can be categorized into 3 groups based on the type of altered bowel movement: diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D), constipation-predominant IBS (IBS-C) and IBS with mixed bowel habit (IBS-M). The contribution of the gut microbiome to the etiology of IBS is becoming increasingly recognized with rising use of anti-microbial agents. Previous studies on vancomycin and rifaximin used as monotherapy or in combination have been conducted mainly on IBS-C and showed marked improvements in the symptoms. According to our knowledge, no studies reported using these two combinations of antibiotics for IBS-D. Here, we report a consecutive cohort of 18 patients treated with both vancomycin and rifaximin for IBS-D. These patients’ records were reviewed retrospectively. In this cohort, patients ages were between 24-74 years (mean 44 years) and 9 were female. Baseline all patients had diarrhea, 4 with mucus and one with blood. Patients reported other symptoms were abdominal pain (n=11) bloating (n=9), flatulence (n=7), fatigue (n=4) and nausea (n=3). Patients treatments were personalized according to their symptom severity and tolerability and were treated with combination of rifaximin (500 - 3000mg/d) and vancomycin (500mg - 1500mg/d) for an ongoing period. Follow-ups were conducted between 2-32 weeks’ time. Of all patients, 89% patients reported improvement of the symptoms, 1 reported no change and 1 patient’s symptoms got worse. The mechanism of action for both vancomycin and rifaximin involves the inhibition of bacterial cell wall and protein synthesis respectively. The role of these medications in improving the symptoms of this cohort suggests that IBS-D may be microbiome infection driven. In this cohort, similar patient presentations to Clostridium difficile, as well as symptom improvement with the use of rifaximin and particularly vancomycin, suggest that the infectious agent may be an unidentified Clostridium. These preliminary results offer an alternative etiology for IBS-D not previously considered and open the avenue for new research. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=clostridium%20deficile" title="clostridium deficile">clostridium deficile</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=diarrhea%20predominant%20Irritable%20Bowel%20Syndrome" title=" diarrhea predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome"> diarrhea predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=microbiome" title=" microbiome"> microbiome</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=vancomycin%2Frifaximin%20combination" title=" vancomycin/rifaximin combination"> vancomycin/rifaximin combination</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/155117/review-of-consecutive-patients-treated-with-a-combination-of-vancomycin-and-rifaximin-for-diarrhea-predominant-irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs-d" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/155117.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">130</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">5</span> Scaling Up Psychosocial Wellbeing of Orphans and Vulnerable Learners in Rural Schools in Lesotho: An Ethnopsychology Approach</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Fumane%20Portia%20Khanare">Fumane Portia Khanare</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> This paper explores strategies to improve the psychosocial wellbeing of orphans and vulnerable learners (OVLs) in rural schools in Lesotho that seem essential for their success, in anticipation of, and in the context of global education. Various strategies to improve psychosocial wellbeing are considered necessary in that they are inclusive and buffer other forms of conditions beyond traditional and Eurocentric forms in orientation. Furthermore, they bring about the local experiences and particularly of the learners and schools in rural areas – all of which constitute ethnopsychology. COVID-19 pandemic has enthused the demands for collaboration and responsive support for learners within rural and many deprived contexts in Lesotho. However, the increase of OVLs in the education sector has also sparked the debate of how many rural schools with a lack of resources, inadequate teacher training, declining unemployment and the detriment of COVID-19 throughout Lesotho affected the psychosocial wellbeing of these learners. In some cases, the pandemic has created opportunities to explore existing, forgotten or ignored resources dated back to the pre-colonial era in Lesotho, and emphasizing to have an optimistic outlook on life as a result of collaboration and appreciating local knowledge. In order to scale up the psychosocial wellbeing of OVLs, there is a need to explore various strategies to improve their psychosocial wellbeing, in which all learners can succeed during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, thereby promoting the agency of young people from the rural areas towards building supportive learning environments. The paper draws on qualitative participatory arts-based study data generated by 30 learners in two rural secondary schools in Lesotho. Thematic analysis was employed to provide an in-depth understanding of learners' psychosocial needs and strategies to improve their psychosocial wellbeing. The paper is guided by ethnopsychology – a strength-based perspective, which posits that in the most difficult situations, individuals including, young people have strengths, can collaborate and find solutions that respond to their challenges. This was done by examining how various facets of their environments such as peers, teachers, schools’ environment, family and community played out in creating supportive strategies to improve the psychosocial wellbeing of OVLs which buffer the successful completion of their secondary school education. It is recommended that ethnopsychology should recognise and be used under the realm of positive wellbeing in rural schools in Lesotho. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=arts-based%20research" title="arts-based research">arts-based research</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=ethnopsychology" title=" ethnopsychology"> ethnopsychology</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Lesotho" title=" Lesotho"> Lesotho</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=orphans%20and%20vulnerable%20learners" title=" orphans and vulnerable learners"> orphans and vulnerable learners</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=psychosocial%20wellbeing" title=" psychosocial wellbeing"> psychosocial wellbeing</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=rural%20schools." title=" rural schools."> rural schools.</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/139780/scaling-up-psychosocial-wellbeing-of-orphans-and-vulnerable-learners-in-rural-schools-in-lesotho-an-ethnopsychology-approach" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/139780.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">207</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">4</span> Scaling Up Psychosocial Wellbeing of Orphans and Vulnerable Learners in Rural Schools in Lesotho: An Ethnopsychology Approach</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Fumane%20Portia%20Khanare">Fumane Portia Khanare</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> This paper explores strategies to improve the psychosocial wellbeing of orphans and vulnerable learners (OVLs) in rural schools in Lesotho that seem essential for their success, in anticipation of, and in the context of global education. Various strategies to improve the psychosocial wellbeing are considered necessary in that they are inclusive and buffer other forms of conditions beyond traditional and Eurocentric forms in orientation. Furthermore, they bring about the local experiences and particularly of the learners and schools in rural areas – all of which constitute ethnopsychology. COVID-19 pandemic has enthused the demands for collaboration and responsive support for learners within rural and many deprived contexts in Lesotho. However, the increase of OVLs in the education sector has also sparked the debate of how much rural schools with lack of resources, inadequate teacher training, declining unemployment and the detriment of COVID-19 throughout Lesotho affected the psychosocial wellbeing of these learners. In some cases, the pandemic has created opportunities to explore existing, forgotten or ignored resources dated back to pre-colonial era in Lesotho, and emphasizing to have an optimistic outlook on life as a result of collaboration and appreciating local knowledge. In order to scale up the psychosocial wellbeing of OVLs there is a need to explore various strategies to improve their psychosocial wellbeing, in which all learners can succeed during COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, thereby promoting agency of young people from the rural areas towards building supportive learning environments. The paper draws on a qualitative participatory arts-based study data generated by 30 learners in two rural secondary schools in Lesotho. Thematic analysis was employed to provide an in-depth understanding of learners' psychosocial needs and strategies to improve their psychosocial wellbeing. The paper is guided by ethnopsychology – a strength-based perspective, which posit that in the most difficult situations, individual including, young people have strengths, can collaborate and find solutions that respond to their challenges. This was done by examining how various facets of their environments such as peers, teachers, schools’ environment, family and community played out in creating supportive strategies to improve the psychosocial wellbeing of OVLs which buffer their successful completion of their secondary school education. It is recommended that ethnopsychology should recognised and be used under the realm of positive wellbeing in rural schools in Lesotho. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=arts-based%20research" title="arts-based research">arts-based research</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=ethnopsychology" title=" ethnopsychology"> ethnopsychology</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=orphans%20and%20vulnerable%20learners" title=" orphans and vulnerable learners"> orphans and vulnerable learners</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Lesotho" title=" Lesotho"> Lesotho</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=psychosocial%20wellbeing" title=" psychosocial wellbeing"> psychosocial wellbeing</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=rural%20schools" title=" rural schools"> rural schools</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/153241/scaling-up-psychosocial-wellbeing-of-orphans-and-vulnerable-learners-in-rural-schools-in-lesotho-an-ethnopsychology-approach" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/153241.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">155</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">3</span> Comparative Analysis of Mechanical Properties of Paddy Rice for Different Variety-Moisture Content Interactions</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Johnson%20Opoku-Asante">Johnson Opoku-Asante</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Emmanuel%20Bobobee"> Emmanuel Bobobee</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Joseph%20Akowuah"> Joseph Akowuah</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Eric%20Amoah%20Asante"> Eric Amoah Asante</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> In recent years, the issue of postharvest losses has become a serious concern in Sub-Saharan Africa. Postharvest technology development and adaptation need urgent attention, particularly for small and medium-scale rice farmers in Africa. However, to better develop any postharvest technology, knowledge of the mechanical properties of different varieties of paddy rice is vital. There is also the issue of the development of new rice cultivars. The objectives of this research are to (1) determine the mechanical properties of the selected paddy rice varieties at varying moisture content. (2) conduct a comparative analysis of the mechanical properties of selected rice paddy for different variety-moisture content interactions. (3) determine the significant statistical differences between the mean values of the various variety-moisture content interactions The mechanical properties of AGRA rice, CRI-Amankwatia, CRI-Enapa and CRI-Dartey, four local varieties developed by Crop Research Institute of Ghana are compared at 11.5%, 13.0% and 16.5% dry basis moisture content. The mechanical properties measured are Sphericity, Aspect ratio, Grain mass, 1000 Grain mass, Bulk Density, True Density, Porosity and Angle of Repose. Samples were collected from the Kwadaso Agric College of the CRI in Kumasi. The samples were threshed manually and winnowed before conducting the experiment. The moisture content was determined on a dry basis using the Moistex Screw-Type Digital Grain Moisture Meter. Other equipment used for data collection were venire calipers and Citizen electronic scale. A 4×3 factorial arrangement was used in a completely randomized design in three replications. Tukey's HSD comparisons test was conducted during data analysis to compare all possible pairwise combinations of the various varieties’ moisture content interaction. From the results, it was concluded that Sphericity recorded 0.391 mm³ to 0.377 mm³ for CRI-Dartey at 16.5% and CRI-Enapa at 13.5%, respectively, whereas Aspect Ratio recorded 0.298 mm³ to 0.269 mm³ for CRI-Dartey at 16.5% and CRI-Enapa at 13.5% respectively. For grain mass, AGRA rice at 13.0% also recorded 0.0312 g as the highest score and CRI-Enapa at 13.0% obtained 0.0237 as the lowest score. For the GM1000, it was observed that it ranges from 29.33 g for CRI-Amankwatia at 16.5% moisture content to 22.54 g for CRI-Enapa at 16.5% interactions. Bulk Density ranged from 654.0 kg/m³ to 422.9 kg/m³ for CRI-Amankwatia at 16.5% and CRI-Enapa at 11.5% as the highest and lowest recordings, respectively. It was also observed that the true Density ranges from 1685.8 kg/m3 for AGRA rice at 13.0% moisture content to 1352.5 kg/m³ for CRI-Enapa at 16.5% interactions. In the case of porosity, CRI-Enapa at 11.5% received the highest score of 70.83% and CRI-Amankwatia at 16.5 received the lowest score of 55.88%. Finally, in the case of Angle of Repose, CRI-Amankwatia at 16.5% recorded the highest score of 47.3o and CRI-Enapa at 11.5% recorded the least score of 34.27o. In all cases, the difference in mean value was less than the LSD. This indicates that there were no significant statistical differences between their mean values, indicating that technologies developed and adapted for one variety can equally be used for all the other varieties. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=angle%20of%20repose" title="angle of repose">angle of repose</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=aspect%20ratio" title=" aspect ratio"> aspect ratio</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=bulk%20density" title=" bulk density"> bulk density</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=porosity" title=" porosity"> porosity</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=sphericity" title=" sphericity"> sphericity</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=mechanical%20properties" title=" mechanical properties"> mechanical properties</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/173547/comparative-analysis-of-mechanical-properties-of-paddy-rice-for-different-variety-moisture-content-interactions" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/173547.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">98</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">2</span> 3D Interactions in Under Water Acoustic Simulationseffect of Green Synthesized Metal Nanoparticles on Gene Expression in an In-Vitro Model of Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Nendouvhada%20Livhuwani%20Portia">Nendouvhada Livhuwani Portia</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Nicole%20Sibuyi"> Nicole Sibuyi</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Kwazikwakhe%20Gabuza"> Kwazikwakhe Gabuza</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Adewale%20Fadaka"> Adewale Fadaka</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease (MASLD) is a chronic condition characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver, distinct from conditions caused by alcohol, viral hepatitis, or medications. MASLD is often linked with metabolic syndrome, including obesity, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertriglyceridemia. This disease can progress to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), marked by liver inflammation and scarring, potentially leading to cirrhosis. However, only 43-44% of patients with steatosis develop MASH, and 7-30% of those with MASH progress to cirrhosis. The exact mechanisms underlying MASLD and its progression remain unclear, and there are currently no specific therapeutic strategies for MASLD/MASH. While anti-obesity and anti-diabetic medications can reduce progression, they do not fully treat or reverse the disease. As an alternative, green-synthesized metal nanoparticles (MNPs) are emerging as potential treatments for liver diseases due to their anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-obesity properties with minimal side effects. MNPs like gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been shown to improve metabolic processes by lowering blood glucose, body fat, and inflammation. The study aimed to explore the effects of green-synthesized MNPs on gene expression in an in vitro model of MASH using C3A/HepG2 liver cells. The MASH model was created by exposing these cells to free fatty acids (FFAs) followed by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce inflammation. Cell viability was assessed with the Water-Soluble Tetrazolium (WST)-1 assay, and lipid accumulation was measured using the Oil Red O (ORO) assay. Additionally, mitochondrial membrane potential was assessed by the tetramethyl rhodamine, methyl ester (TMRE) assay, and inflammation was measured with an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The study synthesized AuNPs from Carpobrotus edulis fruit (CeF) and avocado seed (AvoSE) and AgNPs from Salvia africana-lutea (SAL) using optimized conditions. The MNPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectrophotometry and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). The nanoparticles were tested at various concentrations for their impact on the C3A/HepG2-induced MASH model. Among the MNPs tested, AvoSE-AuNPs showed the most promise. They reduced cell proliferation and intracellular lipid content more effectively than CeFE-AuNPs and SAL-AgNPs. Molecular analysis using real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed that AvoSE-AuNPs could potentially reverse MASH effects by reducing the expression of key pro-inflammatory and metabolic genes, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), Fas cell surface death receptor (FAS), Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α, PPAR-γ, and Sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBPF)-1. Further research is needed to confirm the molecular mechanisms behind the effects of these MNPs and to identify the specific phytochemicals responsible for their synthesis and bioactivities. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=gold%20nanoparticles" title="gold nanoparticles">gold nanoparticles</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=green%20nanotechnology" title=" green nanotechnology"> green nanotechnology</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=metal%20nanoparticles" title=" metal nanoparticles"> metal nanoparticles</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=obesity" title=" obesity"> obesity</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/190338/3d-interactions-in-under-water-acoustic-simulationseffect-of-green-synthesized-metal-nanoparticles-on-gene-expression-in-an-in-vitro-model-of-non-alcoholic-steatohepatitis" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/190338.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">25</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">1</span> Evaluating Viability of Using South African Forestry Process Biomass Waste Mixtures as an Alternative Pyrolysis Feedstock in the Production of Bio Oil</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Thembelihle%20Portia%20Lubisi">Thembelihle Portia Lubisi</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Malusi%20Ntandoyenkosi%20Mkhize"> Malusi Ntandoyenkosi Mkhize</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Jonas%20Kalebe%20Johakimu"> Jonas Kalebe Johakimu</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Fertilizers play an important role in maintaining the productivity and quality of plants. Inorganic fertilizers (containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) are largely used in South Africa as they are considered inexpensive and highly productive. When applied, a portion of the excess fertilizer will be retained in the soil, a portion enters water streams due to surface runoff or the irrigation system adopted. Excess nutrient from the fertilizers entering the water stream eventually results harmful algal blooms (HABs) in freshwater systems, which not only disrupt wildlife but can also produce toxins harmful to humans. Use of agro-chemicals such as pesticides and herbicides has been associated with increased antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in humans as the plants are consumed by humans. This resistance of bacterial poses a threat as it prevents the Health sector from being able to treat infectious disease. Archaeological studies have found that pyrolysis liquids were already used in the time of the Neanderthal as a biocide and plant protection product. Pyrolysis is thermal degradation process of plant biomass or organic material under anaerobic conditions leading to production of char, bio-oils and syn gases. Bio-oil constituents can be categorized as water soluble (wood vinegar) and water insoluble fractions (tar and light oils). Wood vinegar (pyro-ligneous acid) is said to contain contains highly oxygenated compounds including acids, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, phenols, esters, furans, and other multifunctional compounds with various molecular weights and compositions depending on the biomass material derived from and pyrolysis operating conditions. Various researchers have found the wood vinegar to be efficient in the eradication of termites, effective in plant protection and plant growth, has antibacterial characteristics and was found effective in inhibiting the micro-organisms such as candida yeast, E-coli, etc. This study investigated characterisation of South African forestry product processing waste with intention of evaluating the potential of using the respective biomass waste as feedstock for boil oil production via pyrolysis process. Ability to use biomass waste materials in production of wood-vinegar has advantages that it does not only allows for reduction of environmental pollution and landfill requirement, but it also does not negatively affect food security. The biomass wastes investigated were from the popular tree types in KZN, which are, pine saw dust (PSD), pine bark (PB), eucalyptus saw dust (ESD) and eucalyptus bark (EB). Furthermore, the research investigates the possibility of mixing the different wastes with an aim to lessen the cost of raw material separation prior to feeding into pyrolysis process and mixing also increases the amount of biomass material available for beneficiation. A 50/50 mixture of PSD and ESD (EPSD) and mixture containing pine saw dust; eucalyptus saw dust, pine bark and eucalyptus bark (EPSDB). Characterisation of the biomass waste will look at analysis such as proximate (volatiles, ash, fixed carbon), ultimate (carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, sulphur), high heating value, structural (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin) and thermogravimetric analysis. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=characterisation" title="characterisation">characterisation</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=biomass%20waste" title=" biomass waste"> biomass waste</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=saw%20dust" title=" saw dust"> saw dust</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=wood%20waste" title=" wood waste"> wood waste</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/173500/evaluating-viability-of-using-south-african-forestry-process-biomass-waste-mixtures-as-an-alternative-pyrolysis-feedstock-in-the-production-of-bio-oil" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/173500.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">68</span> </span> </div> </div> </div> </main> <footer> <div id="infolinks" class="pt-3 pb-2"> <div class="container"> <div style="background-color:#f5f5f5;" class="p-3"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-md-2"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> About <li><a href="https://waset.org/page/support">About Us</a></li> <li><a href="https://waset.org/page/support#legal-information">Legal</a></li> <li><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://publications.waset.org/static/files/WASET-16th-foundational-anniversary.pdf">WASET celebrates its 16th foundational anniversary</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="col-md-2"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> Account <li><a href="https://waset.org/profile">My Account</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="col-md-2"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> Explore <li><a href="https://waset.org/disciplines">Disciplines</a></li> <li><a href="https://waset.org/conferences">Conferences</a></li> <li><a href="https://waset.org/conference-programs">Conference Program</a></li> <li><a href="https://waset.org/committees">Committees</a></li> <li><a href="https://publications.waset.org">Publications</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="col-md-2"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> Research <li><a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts">Abstracts</a></li> <li><a href="https://publications.waset.org">Periodicals</a></li> <li><a href="https://publications.waset.org/archive">Archive</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="col-md-2"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> Open Science <li><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://publications.waset.org/static/files/Open-Science-Philosophy.pdf">Open Science Philosophy</a></li> <li><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://publications.waset.org/static/files/Open-Science-Award.pdf">Open Science Award</a></li> <li><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://publications.waset.org/static/files/Open-Society-Open-Science-and-Open-Innovation.pdf">Open Innovation</a></li> <li><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://publications.waset.org/static/files/Postdoctoral-Fellowship-Award.pdf">Postdoctoral Fellowship Award</a></li> <li><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://publications.waset.org/static/files/Scholarly-Research-Review.pdf">Scholarly Research Review</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="col-md-2"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> Support <li><a href="https://waset.org/page/support">Support</a></li> <li><a href="https://waset.org/profile/messages/create">Contact Us</a></li> <li><a href="https://waset.org/profile/messages/create">Report Abuse</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="container text-center"> <hr style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:.3rem;"> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" target="_blank" class="text-muted small">Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License</a> <div id="copy" class="mt-2">© 2024 World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology</div> </div> </footer> <a href="javascript:" id="return-to-top"><i class="fas fa-arrow-up"></i></a> <div class="modal" id="modal-template"> <div class="modal-dialog"> <div class="modal-content"> <div class="row m-0 mt-1"> <div class="col-md-12"> <button type="button" class="close" data-dismiss="modal" aria-label="Close"><span aria-hidden="true">×</span></button> </div> </div> <div class="modal-body"></div> </div> </div> </div> <script src="https://cdn.waset.org/static/plugins/jquery-3.3.1.min.js"></script> <script src="https://cdn.waset.org/static/plugins/bootstrap-4.2.1/js/bootstrap.bundle.min.js"></script> <script src="https://cdn.waset.org/static/js/site.js?v=150220211556"></script> <script> jQuery(document).ready(function() { /*jQuery.get("https://publications.waset.org/xhr/user-menu", function (response) { jQuery('#mainNavMenu').append(response); });*/ jQuery.get({ url: "https://publications.waset.org/xhr/user-menu", cache: false }).then(function(response){ jQuery('#mainNavMenu').append(response); }); }); </script> </body> </html>