Managing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Programmes in a Challenging Economic Environment: Responses of Administrators of Selected TVET Colleges in Yaounde 3, Centre Region, Cameroon

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The study employed the survey research design for the collection of data from administrators of selected TVET colleges located in the administrative area of Yaounde 3, Centre Region of Cameroon.  The study involved the collection of data concerning the management problems or challenges confronting administrators of TVET colleges and the strategies that could be used in resolving them. The population consisted of all the administrators who have responsibility for the success of the school programmes – this included the principals, vice-principals, chiefs of work, and head of departments. No sampling was taken as the entire population was used since it was not large. A five-point Likert scale structured questionnaire developed by the researcher was used for data collection. The instrument was administered personally by hand.  Twenty-five (25) questionnaires were distributed and 20 were correctly completed and returned, representing a return rate of 80 %.  The data was analysed using the median as the measure of central tendency, and the Inter-Quartile Range as the measure of spread. The mean was thought to be unsuitable for this analysis since a composite score for a group of items on the questionnaire was not what was computed; and because Likert-type scales largely generate ordinal data. The findings have revealed a range of problems TVET administrators face in the course of managing their programmes, and the strategies that could be used in resolving them. Three of the problems, amongst others, include: 1) programmes run below acceptable limits because of insufficient funds; 2) absence of training materials in most programmes for students’ use; and 3) most machines are obsolete and out of use. Apart from identifying some of the management problems that TVET administrators encounter, some of the strategies that could be employed in resolving the problems were equally suggested. It was concluded that the manner in which the problems associated with the management of physical facilities, equipment and supplies; as well as of school finance and business management of TVET programmes are resolved could impinge on the success of the colleges.

Design of Constant Time Overcurrent Relay Single Phase Based on Arduino Uno

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This research aiming for build and design a single phase constant time overcurrent relay (COTR) system based on Arduino Uno. COTR is a device protection used for protect equipment electricity from overcurrent. This system designed for working on network single phase electricity with using Arduino Uno as component main controller. Principle COTR’s work is measure flowing current through load and decide connection electricity if current exceed the value that has been set in constant time. Design system covering making current sensor circuit, circuit conditioner signals, and control programs on the Arduino Uno. System this expected can become alternative cheap, reliable and reliable overcurrent protection applied to various type burden single phase electricity.

Arduino-Based Overcurrent Relay Design with Very Inverse Type

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The protection system is a very important system in the electric power system, because this protection system functions as a safety for electrical equipment from abnormal events or disturbances. In this study ever current relay is used as a protection system, over current relay works based on the current value measured by the PZEM-004T current sensor. The value of the current sensor will be output from the arduino to the relay module, so that the relay will work according to the current limit setting that will be progammed on the UNO arduino as a command to the relay module to break or connect the current in the circuit. The current value and the state of the overcurrent relay will be displayed on the LCD that receives input from the arduino Uno. Very inverse type overcurrent relay (OCR) is one type of OCR that has a longer trip delay time for smaller fault currents and faster at large currents. This allows the system to aperate again faster after a small disturbance. This research aims to design and build dan Arduino-based very inverse type OCR. The system uses PZEM-004T current sensor to detect the current and Arduino Uno microcontroller to process the data and control the relay. The characteristics of the trip delay time of the very inverse type OCR are programmed according to the IEEE C37.122 Standard. With TMS values ranging from 0.01 to 13 seconds. The programme is given setting current value of 2 Amperes and a TMS value of 0.05 seconds. In the test carried out, it was found that the current and trip time were directly proportional to the simulation experiments in ETAP although there was still a slight difference in the tiime difference in current disconnection based on the comparison curve.

The Influence of Non-Physical Work Environment, Work-Life Balance, and Work Discipline on Employee Turnover Intention: A Quantitative Study of Employees at PT Bhumi Phala Perkasa

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Human Resources (HR) play a pivotal role in the success and sustainability of a company amid the ever-evolving business dynamics. Effective HR management can positively impact employee turnover rates. One company experiencing a high rate of turnover intention is PT Bhumi Phala Perkasa. Based on the company’s turnover rate data, it was 13.01% in 2020, decreased to 10.98% in 2021, but increased to 13.51% in 2022. In 2023, with data obtained up to September 2023, the turnover rate was 12.77%. Given this phenomenon, this study aims to determine the influence of non-physical work environment, work-life balance, and work discipline on turnover intention. This research phenomenon was explored using a questionnaire method. Data collection was conducted by distributing questionnaires to several employees at the company. The analysis technique used is the SEM-PLS method. The analysis results show that the non-physical work environment, work-life balance, and work discipline have a significant negative impact on turnover intention. This means that the higher the influence of the non-physical work environment, work-life balance, and work discipline, the lower the level of employee turnover intention at PT. Bhumi Phala Perkasa. This research is expected to be useful for company management. The findings of this study can help PT Bhumi Phala Perkasa in efforts to suppress turnover intention through the non-physical work environment, work-life balance, and work discipline. In general, with the results of this research, the organization can understand and identify the needs and desires of employees, which can be used as a consideration and evaluation for the organization comprehensively in formulating human resource management policies in the organization in the future.

The Impact of Implicatures on the Interpretation of Indirect Speech Acts in “William Saroyan’s the summer of The Beautiful White Horse”

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This study explores “the impact of implicatures on the interpretation of indirect speech acts in William Saroyan’s The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse.”  Using qualitative literary analysis, the study explores how implicatures help readers comprehend the motivations and interpersonal dynamics of characters. To gather data, excerpts from the text that had instances of implicatures and indirect speech actions were chosen, and secondary sources such as academic journals and literary criticism were looked at to provide background information and provide support to the research. To determine the significance of implicatures, a thorough reading and comparison study with other works were part of the data analysis technique. The study reveals that implicatures provide the story with additional levels of meaning and encourage readers to actively participate in interpreting nuances. The references to different literary traditions, such as the Japanese “mono no aware,” highlight how indirect communication is a universal literary technique. The results imply that Saroyan’s storytelling style makes use of implicatures to portray difficult moral and emotional issues, pushing readers to consider interpersonal relationships and cultural quirks. This work adds to the field of literary pragmatics by elucidating the intricacies of human interaction and enhancing the reading experience through implicatures.

Energize Transformer 400kVA at State Polytechnic of Samarinda with Simulation

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The purpose of this study is to analyze the performance and effectiveness of the Energize 400kVA Transformer model which acts as a step-up transformer in the electric power distribution system. The focus of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of the transformer in increasing the voltage from medium to higher levels and the impact of this conversion on power stability, energy losses, and thermal resistance.Testing was carried out by operating the transformer at various load levels and measuring performance parameters such as copper and iron losses, voltage regulation, and cooling capacity. The results showed that the Energize Transformer 400kVA can operate optimally as a step-up transformer with high efficiency in the load range of 70-90% of full capacity and good voltage stability when the load changes. The transformer cooling system also proved effective in maintaining the operating temperature within safe limits, thus contributing to a longer service life and shorter maintenance intervals. Based on these results, the Energize Transformer 400 kVA model is suitable for use as a step-up transformer in medium to large distribution networks, supporting optimal power quality and high operational efficiency.

The Effect of Job Stress and Job Satisfaction on Organizational Commitment Mediated by Work Life Balance

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This study aims to analyze whether the influence of job stress and job satisfaction on organizational commitment mediated by work-life balance on employees at PT Pos Indonesia. The population consists of all Pos Indonesia employees at the Solo, Sukoharjo, and Sragen branch offices. By using simple random sampling technique, the number of respondents obtained was 215 to 430 respondents. Validity and reliability tests were used in this study, model suitability using the goodness of fit test and the t-test to test the hypothesis. Data analysis used Structural Equation Model (SEM) analysis and the software used was Smart PLS. The results of the study showed that job satisfaction had a significant effect on work-life balance, job stress had a significant effect on work-life balance, and work-life balance had a significant effect on organizational commitment. Then for the mediation role, the results showed that job satisfaction had an effect on organizational commitment moderated by work-life balance and work stress had an effect on organizational commitment moderated by work-life balance.

Bibliometric Analysis of Research on the Implementation of Stunting Prevention Programs in Indonesia through ProQuest

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This study conducted a bibliometric analysis and visualization using VOSviewer to examine the implementation of stunting prevention programs in Indonesia. Over the past five years, there has been a significant increase in publications related to this topic, totaling 447 documents. The analysis revealed fluctuating publication trends annually, reflecting evolving research interests and methodologies. Visual network mapping identified four main clusters: (1) policy focus on stunting prevention, program effectiveness, and risks; (2) database review, coverage assessment, and risk factors; (3) infant health, risk factors, and assessments; and (4) sanitation, meta-analysis, and policy implications. These clusters highlight diverse research focuses, including policy management, data analysis, risk factors, and sanitation impacts on stunting prevalence. Integration of various datasets through overlay visualization provided insights into complex interactions influencing stunting prevalence across Indonesian districts. This research offers deep insights into the dynamics of stunting prevention program research and development in Indonesia, serving as a foundation for evidence-based policymaking and guiding future research strategies. Based on the findings and discussions, this study suggests the need for further research focusing on the district-level effectiveness of interventions against child stunting by enhancing community engagement in intervention and policy implementation. Community engagement can significantly reduce stunting prevalence by enabling better adoption of local nutrition and sanitation practices, strengthening program sustainability through active participation in planning and implementation, and building community capacity to promote sustainable behavior change at the individual and family levels.

Evaluating the Academic Enhancement Program on Business Students’ Outcome

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This research examines the academic enhancement programs in the seven business programs conducted under the STREAM. Results indicate a statistically significant positive relationship between post-test performance and success in professional courses through the representation of χ² = 4.1670 (p = 0.0421). Overall, programs successfully resulted in volunteer students passing their professional courses by 84.73%, whereas post-test success reached 75.86%. Although the connection between post-test and professional outcomes was modestly strong (Phi Coefficient = 0.1051), it is established that reasonable passing rates in both tests indicate that these targeted interventions have done the job by building on essential business competencies, such as critical thinking, academic integrity, and data analysis skills. Recommendations include replication of best practices for the most successful program implementations, student monitoring, personalized support, and continuous expansion of the scope of enhancement offerings in response to emergent business education needs. The findings underscore the significance of these programs, which provide a lifelong trajectory of academic and professional development for business students.

A Comparative Review of Spine Surgeries in Two New Neurosurgery Centres in an Urban and Rural Environment in Southeast Nigeria

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Background: The Imo State University Teaching Hospital (IMSUTH) located in a rural setting commenced neurosurgical services in January 2016 with a spine procedure as the first case whereas the Imo State Specialist Hospital (IMSSH) located in an urban setting commenced neurosurgical services in April 2021 and spine procedures in August 2021. The presentation of surgically managed spine pathologies in both hospitals were compared.

Aims: The study aimed to descriptively compare the number of spine procedures performed in both hospitals including the age and gender distribution of the surgically managed spine patients, the spine pathologies and their distribution.

Methods: The surgical records of all spine patients who had surgical procedures at IMSUTH, Orlu, from January 2016 to May 2020 (42 months), and at IMSSH, Owerri, from August 2021 to July 2024 (36 months) were retrospectively reviewed.

Results: During the study periods, in IMSUTH, Orlu, there were 27 spine surgeries, giving an average of 1 spine procedure in 2 months whereas in IMSSH, Owerri, there were 157 spine surgeries giving an average of 4 spine surgeries per month. Interestingly the distribution of spine procedures revealed that the highest frequency of spine surgeries was performed in the lumbar spine (n=7, 26% in IMSUTH; n=43, 27.3% in IMSSH) followed by lumbosacral spine (n=6, 22.2% in IMSUTH; n=42, 26.8% in IMSSH) in both hospitals. And quite interesting also is that trauma (n=15, 55.6%) accounted for the highest number of spine surgeries in the rural environment of IMSUTH, Orlu, while degenerative spine diseases (n=113, 71.9%) accounted for the highest number of spine surgeries in the urban environment of IMSSH, Owerri.

Conclusion: The study revealed that spine pathologies are not uncommon in resource poor settings especially in the urban environment. There is a male preponderance for spine surgeries. Lumbar/lumbosacral spine pathologies are common in our resource poor settings but trauma related spine pathologies are more common factors for spine surgeries in rural settings.  There is need to improve access to spine care in the rural environments.