Volume XII Issue XII

The intellectual puzzle exists to uncover whether the term entrepreneurial education has been defined in the existing literature more appropriately in today's business context. Moreover, a well-accepted definition and measurement for measuring entrepreneurial education must be needed. This paper attempts to develop a comprehensive definition of entrepreneurial education and a measurement of the construct. To do so, a desk research strategy is used. Initially, the study identified nine common characteristics through the content analysis of the explanations given by various scholars. Next, 29 items under three elements were developed using inductive and deductive approaches. Next, an online questionnaire was distributed among 163 randomly selected management university students. Finally, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) are performed. 22 items out of 29 loaded significantly on three factors. Finally, no validity concerns emerged, and all things were interpreted consistently across different situations according to the reliability results. As there is an absence of a comprehensive, timely definition and a measurement for the entrepreneurial education construct, this study bridges the knowledge gap in the entrepreneurial literature by providing a comprehensive definition and a measurement with 22 items.

The use of inflexible route schedules for garbage collection results in inadequate waste disposal, posing environmental risks and incurring high operational expenses, including fuel costs and landfill fees, even when the waste containers are not completely full. This study utilizes a cost-effective Internet of Things (IoT) monitoring system to facilitate dynamic routing. The aim is to enhance the efficiency and frequency of waste collection by optimizing it based on real-time fill levels, rather than following fixed cycles. The prototype employs an ultrasonic distance sensor in conjunction with a NodeMCU ESP8266 micro-controller to detect the fill level of a trash can. The collected data is then transmitted to the ThingSpeak cloud platform. Real-time visualization dashboards display live data on waste levels in different containers, providing guidance for collection scheduling. The estimated scope entails conducting circuit simulation using Proteus, optimizing PCB layout, and developing an integrated IoT prototype connected to ThingSpeak for IoT analytics. Ultimately, integrating cost-effective IoT edge sensors such as ultrasonic ranging with cloud analytics dashboards greatly enhances effectiveness, sustainability, and intelligent allocation of resources in public trash collection. This results in economic and environmental advantages by reducing landfill overflow through the digitalization of smart cities.

The co-channel interference problem in 5G wireless networks is the subject of this research project. Even with the improvements brought forth by 5G, co-channel interference still degrades network speed and signal quality. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is the method used in this study to minimize this interference and improve network performance by fine-tuning resource allocation settings. PSO-based interference mitigation, network modeling, simulation, an overview of the literature, and comparative analysis are all included in the study. The study is valuable for communication engineers since it explores PSO as a means of improving network quality and expanding our knowledge of wireless technology, even though it is restricted to co-channel interference and PSO. In the sphere of 5G wireless communication, this discovery represents a substantial advancement. The application of particle swarm optimization has shown to be innovative in addressing the complex problem of co-channel interference. Insights into the possibilities of clever optimization strategies for interference reduction can be gained from the applied models and results. With 5G networks set to revolutionize the digital environment, these findings provide a strong basis for future research efforts focused at refining interference avoidance techniques and ultimately boosting the performance and dependability of these networks.

The Wushishi clay deposit in Niger State, Nigeria, was examined to understand its possible industrial uses. The clay samples were randomly selected from different locations. They Clay samples appeared dry and had a dark gray color. The research focused on properties like drying and firing behavior, apparent porosity, bulk density, water absorption capacity, plasticity, modulus of rupture, shrinkage, and chemical composition. The Chemical screening revealed a composition of 59.8% SiO2, 17.08% Al2O3, 2.54% Fe2O3, 0.3% MgO, 4.39% Na2O, 2.54% K2O, and 1.5% CaO. The clay exhibited moderate plasticity of approximately 2.83 kgf/cm2, moderate shrinkage of 10.5%, and a modulus of rupture (strength) ranging from 22.56 to 34.86kgf/cm2 at different temperatures. The clay deposit equally demonstrated strong positive significant correlation (r=0.993, p=0.007) between apparent porosity and water absorption capacity of clay. The higher the apparent porosity of the clay deposit the greater the clay's ability to absorb water. Additionally, the clay's color changed from gray to red upon firing. These properties indicate that Wushishi clay can be classified as stoneware clay. It has potential applications in the production of flowerpots, as a silica source for floor tiles and brickmaking, and as a binder in the absence of standard binders like phosphoric acid.

This research examines the integration of animation and Spatial Augmented Reality (SAR) to create immersive artworks in gallery environments. As part of exploring the unexplored domain of SAR-animation convergence, the study looks at the spectators' responses towards this innovative approach in the limited gallery spaces, focusing on viewers' engagement and acceptance. By utilising a combination of research approaches—including audience surveys and creative experiments—the study uncovers the potentials of animation-SAR-based immersive experiences. The results highlight the potential of this growing area, notwithstanding obstacles such as high costs and implementation complexity. The research indicates that immersive art engages viewers to a deeper level and can have an emotional impact; it enriches the viewers' experiences and may contribute as a tool to other significant disciplines, such as art therapy.

Sub Saharan African countries experience low private investment compared to other developing countries in world. For instance, private investment in the region averaged 15% of GDP from 2010 to 2016, as compared to 22%, 18% and 17% for developing countries in Asia, Europe and Latin America respectively. This low investment level constrained the region’s ability to grow and improve social outcomes such as; increase in the real wages and poverty reduction. Low quality institutions could explain this phenomenon. Therefore, this study examined the effect of institutions on investment and economic growth of 37 SSA countries from 1996 to 2017 using dynamic panel data model. The data were retrieved from Worldwide Governance Indicators, World Development Indicators and the Chinn-Ito index. System Generalised Method of Moments was used to estimate the result. The key findings generated by the study confirmed that these measures of institutional variables and there interaction with investment yield a positive and statistically significant result. Indicating that strengthening the quality of these institutions could positively affect investment and economic growth of the region. For instance, unit increase in controlling corruption increases investment by 1.4%. Furthermore, there is evidence showing financial development slows investment growth, which can be attributed to the weak institutional arrangements, as the coefficient of financial development is negative and statistically significant. The study recommends that SSA countries should pay greater attention on institutional reforms particularly; control of corruption and political stability to drive a meaningful growth and development in the region.

This paper explores the transformative potential of blockchain technology in revolutionizing land security and management, with a focus on its applicability to Anambra State, Nigeria. Traditional land registry systems in the region face challenges such as fraud, inefficiency, and corruption. Blockchain technology, characterized by its decentralized and transparent ledger, offers solutions to these issues. The paper highlights the significance of transparent and immutable records, smart contracts, decentralization, efficiency gains, and global accessibility in leveraging blockchain for land security. Challenges specific to Anambra State, including technological infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and public awareness, are addressed. The conclusion emphasizes the collaborative efforts required from governments, industry stakeholders, and the international community to overcome challenges and create a regulatory framework conducive to the widespread adoption of blockchain technology, thereby enhancing land security and fostering sustainable development.

Characterization of cassava starch films strengthened with glass particulate composite was investigated in this study. Glass particulate starch composites was produced using solution casting process with weight percentage (wt.%) of the reinforcement phase ranging from 0% to 20% at 5wt.% interval. The mechanical and physical properties were determined out by standard methods. Themicrostructural analysis of the produced composites was carried out using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The density of the composites increased as the reinforcement content increases,the water absorption decreased as the reinforcement content increases. The SEM analysis showed good adhesion between the starch matrix and the reinforcement, the hardness of the bio-composites improved generally over the unreinforced starch and the biodegradibility of the thermoplastic polymer (starch) degrades faster when compared with the bio-composites.The development of the bio-composite will contribute to knowledge; helps convert waste to wealth and reduce environmental pollution. The bio-composite produced has light weight and can be used in food packaging applications.

The main components of reservoir rocks are hydrocarbons and immiscible water in varying ratios. It is essential to precisely identify, characterize, and divide the fluids in these reservoirs into distinct groups according to the characteristics of their rock properties to conduct a successful hydrocarbon exploration. For this reason, petrophysics and rock physics analysis were combined on the "NICK" field in the onshore Niger Delta. Through precise litho-fluid discrimination in the field, this study seeks to improve field hydrocarbon production, lower uncertainty, and mitigate risks related to hydrocarbon exploration. The suites of well logs (Gamma-ray neutron, bulk density, sonic, and resistivity logs) from three wells—NICK-1, NICK-3, and NICK-6—make up the data used. Gamma-ray log signatures were used to identify and correlate lithologies throughout the field. Potential reservoirs and fluid content were identified and delineated by high resistivity and adequate neutron-porosity log signatures. Hydrocarbon-bearing sands were recorded at low values of elastic attributes (acoustic impedance, rigidity, incompressibility, and others), which were computed to aid in the characterizations. Two potentialreservoirs’ Sands A and B delineated, constituted the correlated pay zones observed in three wells across the field at depths ranging from 1986.24 to 2599.82m. Petrophysics results generally revealed fair to good porosities of (11-25%) for easy accumulation of hydrocarbon. Permeability ranged from 210- 809mD for Sand A and 27 – 887mD for Sand B, showing that there are suitable permeabilitiesfor fluid movement/migration within the reservoirs. Cross plot of Lambdarho versus Murho, Lambdarho versus Velocity Ratio, and Velocity Ratio versus Acoustic Impedance gave four distinct clusters for litho-fluid zones identification given as gas-sand, oil-sand, brine-sand, and shale. This study has assisted in better characterization and distinguishing of the litho-fluid details for enhancement of hydrocarbon production in the field.

This paper sought to explore diaspora, gender and identity transformations in the context African philosophy and culture. The paper explored diaspora, gender and identity transformations of Zimbabwean society and the concomitant demise of socio-cultural practices, dissecting how diasporas have shaped its cultural identity. 20 participants were purposively drawn from adult Zimbabwean family members living in the diaspora or with diasporic lived experiences of more than three years. The author used a scoping review of literature related to African philosophy, diaspora, gender and identity using search engines. Questionnaires and interview schedule were also used to gather data. Results show that diasporic experiences produce fused, identity and gender modes of cultural dimensions marked by significant, negative transformations. Gender was found to be a central cog that affects every stage of the migration process, interactions and subsequent outcomes. Additionally, it was noted that men are the worst affected as they are faced with challenges of trying to model families within the philosophy or context of African gender, sex and identity whilst children born in the diaspora face a myriad of challenges trying to meet the desired or accepted status. From these findings it could be concluded that diaspora life and identity exist under highly toxic and polarized relations which harbours identity confusion, mental instability, altered gender roles and to some extent self-destructive behaviours like prostitution, drugs and substance abuse, mutilation and suicide. The researcher therefore recommends collaborative, large-scale researches with those in the diaspora. The government should establish Zimbabwean culture centres in countries where Zimbabweans are diaspora to preserve our philosophies. Another recommendation is to curb the diaspora ecstasy as well as provision of multicultural counseling to those in the diaspora.

The study adopted quasi-experimental design. The study was carried out in Secondary Schools in Niger State. The population of the study consists of seven Secondary Schools in Niger State. The sample of study was two hundred and forty seven (247) JSS II, Basic science and technology students in Secondary Schools in Niger State. Basic science and technology Achievement Test (BSTAT) and Basic science and technology Interest Scale (BSTIS) were used as the instrument. The two instruments were validated by three experts from the Department of Industrial and Technology Education, Federal University of Technology, Minna. Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient was used to compute results of the trial testing after test re-test instrument administration and the results indicated positive correlation coefficients of 0.85 and 0.88 for BSTAT and BSTIS respectively. The researcher administered the instrument with the help of two research assistants. Data for the study were collected through pre-test and post test using the Basic science and technology Achievement Test (BSTAT) and the Basic science and technology Interest Scale (BSTIS). Data collected were analyzed using Mean and Standard Deviation to answer the two research questions while Analysis of Co-variance (ANCOVA) was used to test the two null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. From the findings, the study revealed that Metacognitive instructional techniques enhances students’ achievement in Basic science and technology in junior secondary schools more than the lecture method. The finding also revealed that Metacognitive instructional techniques promotes students’ interest in Basic science and technology in junior secondary schools more than the lecture method among others. The study therefore concluded that students’ poor achievement and interest in Basic science and technology informed the need for the study on the effect of Metacognitive instructional techniques on students’ achievement and interest in Basic science and technology in Niger state.

This study explores the critical role of data analytics in enhancing business performance. The research delves into the evolving landscape of data analytics, examining how businesses can strategically integrate and apply analytics to gain a competitive edge. By investigating various tools and methodologies used in data analytics, the study aims to provide an understanding of the many approaches available to organizations. Focus on best practices that offers practical insights for optimizing the use of data analytics in different business contexts was also discussed. This research serves as a valuable resource for decision-makers, analysts, and practitioners seeking to navigate the complex terrain of data analytics and unlock its full potential for driving business success.

This study examines the relationship between the corporate governance (CG) mechanisms related to board size (BS), board independence (BI), board committees (BC), ownership structure (OS), and the market capitalization of companies listed in the Dhaka stock exchange (DSE). Secondary data from 41 listed firms in Dhaka Stock Exchange during the period of 2015 to 2022 is utilized in this study. The ordinary least square, regression techniques were applied on the panel data collated to estimate the model. The findings reveal a significant positive impact of board committees and board independence on the market capitalization of the companies, while ownership structure shows a significant negative effect on the market capitalization of the companies. Thus, the results suggest that board committees and board independence have a crucial role in determining the market capitalization of firms. This finding supports the hypothesis that corporate governance adds value to companies and that investments in effective governance systems have a net positive benefit and should be pursued.