16 Articles Published

1. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: LOCAL ECONOMIC GROWTH STRATEGY POST- COVID-19 IN SOUTH AFRICA

Authors: Robert Walter Dumisani Zondo

Abstract: The local economic challenges facing South Africa, so far, have been addressed by the introduction of policies. Hence, there are major policy reforms that have taken place pre- Covid-19 era, including the protection of rural producers, consumers and the markets. However, the spread of COVID-19 novel coronavirus around in 2020 was fast and dramatic. With the death toll experienced by various countries around the world, the effect had tremendous impact on the general economy and local communities in rural areas (in specific). The economic effects were also exacerbated by emergency strategies (like lockdowns) by different countries around the world. Nonetheless, it has been established that rural institutions are viewed as having a potential role in rural poverty alleviation and sustainable development. Hence, the enforcement of local institutions in rural areas and capacity building as fundamental elements of strategies for rural poverty alleviation are necessary. Local economic growth,

Keywords: Covid-19, environmental management, governance, local community, local economic development, South Africa, sustainable development

Pages: 1 - 6 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-190-0-01

2. INVESTIGATION OF BALTIC STATES STOCK MARKET LISTED COMPANIES'S FINANCIAL RATIOS

Authors: Aija Pilvere-Javorska

Abstract: Financial statement analysis is used by investors, creditors, security analysts, bank lending officers, managers, auditors, taxing authorities, regulatory agencies, labour unions, customers, and many other parties who rely on financial data for making economic decisions about a company. Growth of companies is therefore essential for the development process. One of the ways how companies attract external financing for development is to list them on the stock market. The stock markets in the Baltic States has not extensively analysed in detail on listed companies's financial statement level. Therefore, the aim of this study is to analyse in the Baltic States stock market listed companies’ financial ratio variables. Research results reveals the portrait of Baltic States listed company based on their financial ratios and discovers which ratios and on what level explain variability in their financial statements. Financial ratio variables indicate strong correlations between debt to equity

Keywords: companies, stock market, financial ratio, analysis.

Pages: 7 - 14 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-190-0-02

3. COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND ADOPTION OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY IN LEARNING AND TEACHING

Authors: Abayomi Oluwaseyi Ikumoro , Samuel Adeyinka-Ojo

Abstract: Introduction: The aim of this paper is to share the first author's online teaching experiences during COVID- 19 pandemic. This paper was written in the first person that is, the first author as he positioned himself within the case studies. I was engaged with students's cohorts using the software's Blackboard Collaborate Ultra live during semester 1, 2020 for (UG) and Trimester 2, 2020 for (PG) at the offshore campus of an Australia University in Malaysia. This paper is a reflective account of the (first author and students) in four undergraduate (UG) and one postgraduate (PG) teaching units during pandemic era. Methods: This reflective work on digital learning and teaching adopted a combination of extant literature, online resources, and personal experiences to demonstrate and reflect on engagement with UG and PG students to achieve specific learning outcomes. For this study five teaching units were involved and subsequently categorised into case studies to provide commentary and shar

Keywords: COVID-19, Digital Technology, Reflection, Learning and Teaching

Pages: 15 - 19 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-190-0-03

4. WIRELESS MEDICAL SENSOR NETWORKS SECURITY ISSUES FOR E-HEALTH APPLICATIONS

Authors: Kozeta Sevrani , Romina Muka

Abstract: E-health appears to be a highly interesting field expanding nowadays, as an indispensable utility for doctors to facilitate the process of tracing electronic healthcare records. The increased use of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) for healthcare applications has improved the life quality of patients and has increased the physician-patient efficiency. A main concern regarding WSN for e-health applications is related to security issues, dedicated to the sensitiveness and criticism of patient related data, tending to become even more serious as wireless networks are involved. The majority of these applications rely on the use of wireless sensor networks, interacting with a database, transferring the data collected from patients in distributed locations. The distributive nature of these systems represents a greater challenge in securing data, by making the individualization of security solutions a field of interest and further research. In this paper will be given a brief insight of securit

Keywords: e-health, security, wireless medical sensor networks, electronic health records

Pages: 20 - 24 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-190-0-04

5. PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDY ON THE ONSET OF SIGNIFICANT VOID IN WATER SUBCOOLED FLOW BOILING AT LOW PRESSURE

Authors: Hideki Takahashi , Hongji Li , Tomio Okawa , Yuya Endo

Abstract: Visualization of bubble's dynamics in vertical upward subcooled flow boiling was carried out to investigate the mechanisms causing the onset of significant void (OSV). It was found that formation of large bubbles is a key phenomenon since they were large in size as well as their lifetime was remarkably longer than those of the smaller bubbles. Most bubbles were detached from the heated surface to disappear immediately after nucleation or during rise along the vertical heated surface. Therefore, for the large bubbles to be formed, it was necessary to coalesce with other bubbles during the growth period at the nucleation site and the rising period along the heated surface. However, when the bubble size exceeded the critical value, the bubbles rose along the heated surface stably. Thus, the bubble lifetime was elongated substantially to contribute to the rapid increase of the void fraction.

Keywords: subcooled flow boiling, void fraction, onset of significant void (OSV), net vapor generation (NVG), bubble coalescence

Pages: 25 - 28 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-190-0-05

6. THE IMPACT OF UNEMPLOYMENT ON HOUSING PRICE INDEX: EVIDENCE FROM SAUDI ARABIA: A VAR APPROACH

Authors: Dirar Elmahi Elobaid Ahmed

Abstract: The causality link between house prices and the rate of unemployment presents an attractive area for research as the two variables are key macroeconomic indicators for any economy. This paper intends to investigate how the house price index (HPI) is varying under the impact of Unemployment (UNEMP) in Saudi Arabia. Quarterly secondary data for a period of six years extending from 2014Q1 – 2019Q4 was compiled from the publications of Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA). The paper employs the VAR model. Granger causality tests, variance decomposition, and impulse response functions are also used. The results reveal that UNEMP has an insignificant negative relationship on housing prices in KSA. Results also reveals a two-way Granger causality between (UNEMP) and (HPI). Variance decomposition exhibits that (UNEMP) is taking a low explanatory power over the variations of house price index both in the short and long run. The results have deep implications for future studies of other macroe

Keywords: house price index, unemployment, VAR, Saudi

Pages: 29 - 42 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-190-0-06

7. INNOVATION & ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT OF SME FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN SULTANATE OF OMAN

Authors: Dr. Mohammed Al Haziazi , Dr. Rengarajan Veerasamy , Subrahmanian Muthuraman , Nasser Al Yahyaei

Abstract: SMEs are recognized as a driving force for innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and competitiveness, which are seen as keys to achieving sustainable development. The development and performance of SMEs have a positive impact on economic development. In most of the developing economies, SMEs not only contribute significantly to improved living standards, employment generation, and poverty reduction but they also bring about substantial domestic or local capital formation and achieve high levels of productivity and capability. Since the world today has become more complex, innovation has been considered as a prerequisite for competitive advantage for SMEs. In today's dynamic and uncertain economic environment, SMEs and organizations are trying to find new ways of achieving their strategic goals and ensuring long-term success. The current state of development shows that there are many opportunities for synergy between sustainable development and entrepreneurship. As the Omani economy moves

Keywords: Innovation, Entrepreneurship Development, Small & Medium Enterprise, Competitiveness, Sustainable Development

Pages: 43 - 48 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-190-0-7

8. NATIONAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AND CHALLENGES FOR WASTE MINIMIZATION IN PALESTINE

Authors: Suleiman Abu Mfarreh , MITSUO YOSHIDA

Abstract: Although there are politically unresolved issues such as Israeli occupation in Palestine, an appropriate solid waste management is inevitable requirement for daily lives and is necessary to be conducted under given conditions. Palestinian Authority has been working for improving the solid waste management with various supports by donor agencies. In this regard, the "National Strategy of Solid Waste Management (2017-2022)" has been formulated. Presently, the top priority issue is the minimization of waste amount through introducing the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) practice

Keywords: Palestine, Joint Service Council (JSC), National Strategy, Waste Minimization, 3Rs Policy

Pages: 49 - 55 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-190-0-08

9. A STUDY ON TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY OF SMALL-SCALE FARMERS OF KEY MANGO VARIETIES IN VIETNAM

Authors: Nguyen Thi Kim Thoa , Pham Thi Nguyen , Truong Hong Vo Tuan Kiet

Abstract: The paper employed a Cobb-Douglas stochastic production frontier function to estimate of technical efficiency (TE) with 770 observations of the cooperative farmer group (272, 243, and 255 in seasons 1, 2 and 3, respectively), and 900 observations of the non-cooperative farmer group (300, 324, and 276 in seasons 1, 2, and 3, respectively). The findings showed that TE of the cooperative farmer group was greater than that of the non-cooperative farmer group in season 1, while TE of cooperative group was lower than that of non-cooperative group in seasons 2, and 3. More so, the positive determinants of TE of the cooperative farmer group were the land area and plant density in three seasons, while the negative factors were the market access in season 1, the age and credit access in season 2. In the non-cooperative farmer group, the positive determinants were the plant density and land area in three seasons, the market access in season 2, whereas the negative elements were the wrapping bag i

Keywords: Technical efficiency, cooperative, noncooperative, key mango varieties

Pages: 56 - 60 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-190-0-09

10. OSCILLATORY WAVEFORM AND SPECTRAL POWER ANALYSIS OF QUANTITATIVE EEG (QEEG) SIGNALS DURING LISTENING TO THE FATIHAH CHAPTER

Authors: Mohammed Faruque Reza , Mohd Ariff Sharifudin , Rabiatul Adawiyah Abdul Rohim

Abstract: Brain oscillations are the prevalent features that may reflect the underlying physiological processes. Quranic sound stimulus which gained high attention in neuroimaging studies shows that the brain oscillations changed during perceiving the stimulus. Its rhythmic structure was assumed to interact with brainwaves rhythms producing neural entrainment. Hence this study was performed to investigate the oscillatory waveforms and spectral power changes to uncover the underlying neuronal mechanisms. Brain electrical data were measured by using the Electroencephalography followed by waveform analysis and Discriminant Analysis. Results showed that the waveforms amplitude were reduced, and a rhythmic and symmetrical pattern were found during listening to the Fatihah Chapter acoustic stimulus. Spectral power analysis showed that listening to this stimulus activate greater neural population associated with behavioral and cognition enhancement.

Keywords: Brain oscillation, Brain waveform, Cognitive neurosciences, quantitative Electroencephalography, Quranic therapy, Spectral power

Pages: 61 - 64 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-190-0-10

11. STUDY OF THE PINE TREE THERMAL BEHAVIOUR NEARBY A FOREST FIRE ENVIRONMENT

Authors: Domingos Xavier Viegas , Eusébio Conceição , João Gomes , Jorge Raposo , Maria Manuela Lúcio , G. Aranda-Bojorges , aria Manuela Lúcio, Maria Teresa Viegas

Abstract: In this work a numerical model of the pine tree thermal behaviour, nearby a forest fire environment, is developed and applied. The pine tree thermal behaviour numerical model is based on energy balance integral equations for the tree elements and mass balance integral equations for the water in the tree elements. The numerical model considers the heat conduction through the tree elements, heat exchanges by convection between the external tree surfaces and the environment, heat exchanges by radiation between the flame and the external tree surfaces and water heat loss by evaporation from the tree to the environment. The numerical simulation applied in this study considers the mean fire front temperature of 500ºC, the air temperature of 40ºC, the air velocity of 10 m/s and the air relative humidity around the pine tree of 50%. The Mean Radiant Temperature (MRT) and the external surface temperatures, that each element (trunks, branches and leaves) of the pine tree is subjected, were cal

Keywords: Pine Tree, Fire Front; Thermal Response; Heat Fluxes; MRT; Numerical Simulation.

Pages: 65 - 69 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-190-0-11

12. DEVELOPMENT OF A VIRTUAL PINE TREE GEOMETRY USED IN THE RADIATION HEAT EXCHANGES WITH A FIRE FRONT

Authors: Domingos Xavier Viegas , Eusébio Conceição , João Gomes , Jorge Raposo , Maria Manuela Lúcio

Abstract: In this work the geometry of a virtual pine tree was developed. This geometry, applying mesh generation, is used to evaluate the view factors, used to calculate the heat exchanges by radiation, between the virtual pine tree and a fire front. The virtual pine tree geometry, developed using a three-dimensional tree model, has a height of 7.5 m and is constituted by 8863 cylindrical elements. The virtual pine tree geometry is built by trunks, branches and leaves. The fire front has 10 m long and 1 m high. The distance between the virtual pine tree geometry and the fire front is 5 m. The virtual pine tree geometry is divided in four levels. Each level is built with 8 radial trunks, 24 branches and 2160 radial leaves. Between each level a vertical trunk is considered. In the top of the last level a vertical branch with 90 radial leaves is considered. The numerical results of the geometry, mesh generation and the view factors are represented and calculated. The view factors between the virtu

Keywords: Pine Tree, Fire Front; Mesh Generation; Tree Geometry ; View Factor, Numerical Simulation

Pages: 70 - 75 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-190-0-12

13. SPECKLE DENOISING IN IMAGES USING 3D FILTER BASED ON MAXIMUM A POSTERIORI PROBABILITY ESTIMATOR

Authors: G. Aranda-Bojorges , R. Reyes-Reyes , V. Ponomaryov

Abstract: Image denoising is considered as an effective initial processing step in different sophisticated imaging applications. Over the years, numerous studies have been conducted filtering of different kinds of noise. The Block Matching with 3D filtering added a new dimension to the study of denoising techniques. The main motive of this work is to establish a novel denoising method for multiplicative noise (speckle), with the ideology of the sparse representation in filtering via Maximum a Posteriori (MAP) estimator approach that is used in 3D array performed by grouping similar patches. Experimental results justified a good performance of novel framework that appears to demonstrate better denoising performance against state-of-art algorithms according objective criteria (PSNR, SSIM, EPI) values as well as subjective visual perception.

Keywords: Denoising, 3D filtering, MAP estimator

Pages: 76 - 83 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-190-0-13

14. EFFECT OF INTER-LAYER PLACEMENT DELAY ON PERMEABILITY PROPERTIES OF ROLLER COMPACTED CONCRETE

Authors: Ali-Mardani Aghabaglou , Kambiz Ramyar , SULTAN HUSEIN BAYQRA

Abstract: Roller compacted concretes are generally applied in layers. These layers are known as the weakest part of the structures. One of the most important factors affecting the exact interlocking of the layers is the prolongation of the placement time between the layers. In this study, the effect of delayed placement of layers on the permeability properties of RCC mixtures was investigated. For this purpose, CEM 1 42.5 R type Portland cement and crushed limestone aggregate having three different particle sizes (0-5, 5-12, 12-22 mm) were used for preparing of the mixtures. The 15 cm cube specimens were placed as two layers and compressed. After the first layer was placed and compacted, the second layer was placed with a delay of 0, 60, 120, and 180 minutes. The prepared specimens were kept in the mold for 24 hours, then removed and subjected to water curing for 28 days. The 28-day Depth of penetration of water under pressure of the mixtures was performed according to the EN 12390-8 Standard. T

Keywords: Roller compacted concrete, Permeability, Depth of penetration of water under pressur

Pages: 84 - 84 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-190-0-14

15. ARCHAEOLOGY OF ACARCHAEOLOGY OF ACUPUNCTURE SONGS AND ODESUPUNCTURE SONGS AND ODES

Authors: Jaung-Geng Lin , Yen-Hsi Lee

Abstract: The rise of acupuncture and moxibustion can be traced back to more than two thousand years ago. Usually the knowledge of both medical skills has been accumulated and handed down to later generations by four ways. The first way is family heritage. The second way is disciple heritage. The third way is common practices found among people. The fourth way is the heritage of acupuncture literature and canons. Of course, the most influential legacy of acupuncture and moxibustion comes from canons. Earliest canons such as Foot and Arm Eleven Meridian Moxibustion Classic, Ying Yang Eleven Meridian Moxibustion Classic, Huangdies Internal Classic, Classic of Difficult Issues, and A-B Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion have the greatest impact on later generations. The later acupuncture and moxibustion literature just follow, revise, and add extra information and data to make this ancient medical technique more colorful and better. This essay is to concentrate on acupuncture rhymed songs and o

Keywords: acupuncture, moxibustion, canon, rhymed songs and odes

Pages: 82 - 89 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-190-0-15

16. ARCHAEOLOGY OF ACUPOINT NUMBER AND INSERTION DEPTH IN ACUPUNCTURE TECHNOLOGY

Authors: Yen-Hsi Lee , Jaung-Geng Lin

Abstract: The history of acupuncture and moxibustion can be traced back to more than two thousand years. The number of current acupoints is 361. However, 1800 years ago, 349 acupoints were listed and used. This means that in the past 1800 years, only 12 acupoints have been added to the commonly used acupoints in acupuncture technology around the whole world. Besides, the insertion depth of acupuncture needles was also formulated more than 1800 years ago. Not until this century do modern acupuncturists use hi-tech methods to fathom the safe and useful insertion depth of acupuncture needles. Since insertion depth is highly concerned with the safety of patient's health, it is of great necessity to see how insertion depth has been discussed in the past centuries. This essay concentrates on the gradual development of both acupoints and insertion depth chronologically by analyzing Chinese medical canons to have a thorough understanding of both developments.

Keywords: acupuncture, moxibustion, canon, depth of inserting needles

Pages: 90 - 96 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-190-0-16