Secure and Efficient Routing in Fog-Enabled VANETs: A Clustering-Based Approach

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Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs) play a crucial role in intelligent transportation systems (ITS) by enabling seamless vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication. However, VANETs face significant challenges related to security, routing efficiency, and dynamic load balancing. This paper proposes a novel approach integrating clustering-based routing, fog computing, and authentication mechanisms to enhance network performance. The article proposes a new method for node authentication and redistribution of loads in vehicular ad-hoc networks (VANETs). The proposed method is designed to do better for VANETs in all aspects related to secure node authentication and the efficient load assignment among fog nodes. The approach uses a polynomial-based node authentication protocol and balances the network load dynamically by evaluating two parameters: Network Availability Bandwidth (NAB) and request count. Simulation-based performance evaluation was carried out for comparisons with existing algorithms. Metrics of comparison included throughput, packet delivery ratio (PDR), and latency. The proposed method clearly shows all improvements over existing algorithms. Throughput increased by 8591.86 packets per second; PDR improved to 0.833; latency was cut down to 6.4951 seconds, which makes it a potential candidate for performance enhancement in VANETs.

Innovative Packaging Design to Empower Local SMEs: A Case Study on Honey Pineapple Products

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Innovative packaging design plays a pivotal role in empowering local SMEs by enhancing the marketability and competitiveness of their products. This study focuses on honey pineapple products in Pemalang, Central Java, where local producers face challenges such as low product value due to unattractive packaging and limited promotional efforts. Through a workshop conducted with SMEs and local women’s farming groups (Kelompok Wanita Tani), this program provided training on designing packaging that adheres to functional, aesthetic, and ecological standards. The results demonstrate significant improvements in packaging design, which boosted product appeal and market competitiveness. This study underscores the importance of packaging innovation as a strategic tool for SME growth, with implications for local economic development and sustainability.

The Role of Sino-Vietnamese Words in Reading Comprehension Texts of Literature Textbooks

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Sino-Vietnamese words play an extremely important role in the Vietnamese vocabulary system. Sino-Vietnamese words help the Vietnamese national language become refined and elegant. Besides, the expression in social communication is accurate, polite and cultural. The teaching of Sino-Vietnamese words in Vietnamese schools has achieved certain results, however, the teaching practice shows that the skills of recognizing and accurately using Sino-Vietnamese words are not simple for students. Therefore, we chose the research of the role of Sino-Vietnamese words in reading comprehension texts of Literature textbooks at the secondary school level, belonging to the book series Connecting knowledge with life to analyze the influence of Sino-Vietnamese words on the ability to identify, decode meaning and expand students’ vocabulary in the reading comprehension process. The study aims to evaluate the level of support of Sino-Vietnamese words in improving students’ linguistic thinking, reasoning ability and text perception.

A Model for Developing an Institutional Greening Action Plan (GAP) for TVET: Strategies for Adapting and Alignment with Global Green Policies and Mandated Trends in Sustainable Education

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The integration of sustainability into Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is essential for equipping a workforce capable of addressing contemporary environmental challenges and fostering a green economy. This article explores a comprehensive framework for Greening TVET, emphasizing the importance of curriculum development, stakeholder engagement, and the establishment of clear, actionable goals based on the UNESCO-UNEVOC Framework ESD-2030 for TVET. A concrete detailed developmental design and plan phases in congruence with the UNESCO framework are proposed and discussed in the light of the TVET’s specifics. Analytically it is examined the significance of engaging a diverse range of stakeholders—including educators, industry partners, students, and community members—to cultivate a collective understanding of sustainability’s importance. This collaborative approach facilitates the design and implementation of effective Greening strategies that are responsive to local needs and global trends. The necessity of plans and thorough needs assessments, developing strategic action plans, and implementing pilot programs are analyzed to ensure continuous evaluation and improvement of greening initiatives. By prioritizing sustainability in vocational education, institutions can play a pivotal role in shaping a workforce that is not only skilled but also socially responsible and environmentally conscious, thereby driving progress towards a more sustainable future.

EcoCycle: A Deep Learning-Based Waste Categorization and Management System for Sustainable Smart Cities

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Waste management is a critical environmental and economic issue worldwide. Existing waste segregation ac- tivities are inefficient, resulting in high landfill contributions and environmental contamination. In this paper, an artificial intelligence-based waste categorization and management system, EcoCycle, is proposed that utilizes deep learning models like VGG16, ResNet50, and DenseNet121 for automatic classification of waste materials. EcoCycle is equipped with a gamification system based on mobile, a marketplace for recyclables supported by blockchain, and an IoT-based network of intelligent bins for real-time monitoring. Experimental results show 92.36% classification accuracy with DenseNet121, which is improved compared to other implementation results. User survey with 500 users shows a 98% positive effect on user experience and increased awareness about sus- tainability issues. The proposed system contributes significantly towards processes related to circular economies and the goals of smart city initiatives, and it has high global applicability potential for urban waste management systems.

Different Learning, Learning Interests, and The Use of Technology in Learning on Economic Learning Outcomes: An Empirical Study with Family Support as Mediation on High School Students

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This study aims to analyze the influence of Differentiated Learning, Learning Interest, and Technology Utilization on Economic Learning Outcomes among students at SMA Negeri 11 Makassar, with Family Support as a mediating variable. Using a quantitative approach with a descriptive method, data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and documentation. The research sample consisted of 92 students, selected through stratified sampling from a population of 1,120 students using the Slovin formula. Data analysis was conducted using SmartPLS to examine the relationships between variables. The findings indicate that Differentiated Learning significantly affects Economic Learning Outcomes (β = 0.183; p = 0.018). Learning Interest has the strongest influence (β = 0.382; p = 0.001), followed by Technology Utilization (β = 0.171; p = 0.012). Family Support plays a crucial role in improving students’ learning outcomes (β = 0.293; p = 0.000) and mediates the influence of other variables on economic learning outcomes. The mediation effect of Family Support strengthens the impact of Differentiated Learning (β = 0.098; p = 0.042), Learning Interest (β = 0.177; p = 0.004), and Technology Utilization (β = 0.152; p = 0.008) on students’ economic learning outcomes. The results of this study emphasize that diverse learning approaches, strong family support, high learning interest, and optimal technology utilization significantly enhance students’ economic learning outcomes. These findings have implications for educators and parents in developing more effective learning strategies both in school and at home.

Demographic Characteristics and Family Challenges Among Widows and Widowers in South-South Geo Political Zone, Nigeria

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This research study is about demographic characteristics and family challenges among widows and widowers in South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. To carry on the study two research questions and two hypothesis was formulated for the study. The study employed survey research design. The study area were the six states of the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The population of the study was 630 widows and widowers in Federal Universities in South-South Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria based on information from the registrar, ASUU and widows and widowers. The sample of the study is 441 widows and widowers in the research area. The instrument used for data collection is titled” Widows and Widowers Demography and Family Challenges Questionnaire (WWDFCQ). Cronbach Alpha Coefficient was used to determine the instruments’ reliability. Bar chart, mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions. Independent t-test, were used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study unveiled that there is no significance difference in the characteristics of the widows and widowers in South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria and there is a significant difference in the mean responses of widows and widowers on family challenges faced by them in South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Among others it was recommended that Seminars and workshops should always be organized on behalf of widows and widowers in their different locations on issues that could help them get discernment on the alternative ways of coping with the family and cultural challenges.

Reading Comprehension Challenges Among First-Year Beed Students at Siargao Island Institute of Technology, A.Y. 2023-2024

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Reading Comprehension serves as a crucial foundation for academic success, particularly for aspiring educators. Mastering the ability to comprehend complex academic texts is essential. This study delves into the challenges that first-year Bachelor in Elementary Education (BEED) students encounter in reading comprehension, aiming to identify specific difficulties they experience. The researchers employed a quantitative approach using the descriptive survey method for data collection, analysis, and classification. The study was conducted with 55 respondents from Siargao Island Institute of Technology, located at Pob. Brgy 12, Dapa, Surigao del Norte.The first part of the questionnaire gathered respondents’ profiles and was analyzed using count and percentage distribution, while the second and third parts were analyzed using mean and standard deviation. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to assess significant differences in the factors affecting reading comprehension challenges.Findings revealed significant insights into the reading habits and attitudes of first-year BEED students at SIIT. The majority of respondents, aged between 18 and 19, were predominantly female, and books were the most common reading material available to them. Most students reported reading sometimes. Results indicated a concerning trend in their attitudes towards reading, reflecting a lack of motivation. Data analysis demonstrated that age, sex, reading materials, and frequency of reading significantly influenced reading comprehension.Variables were ranked based on their impact, with vocabulary being the least influential (mean of 3.33), followed by interest in reading (mean of 3.38), fluency in reading (mean of 3.39), and availability of reading resources as the most influential (mean of 3.44). Further analysis indicated no significant difference in the influence of age on the variables. While sex did not show a significant difference in vocabulary and fluency in reading, it significantly impacted the availability of reading resources. The type of reading materials and frequency of reading did not show significant differences in their influence.Regarding correlation, vocabulary and fluency in reading exhibited low correlations across all variables. Availability and interest in reading also showed low correlations when paired with vocabulary and fluency. Interestingly, an inverse correlation was observed between availability and interest when reciprocated. The most challenging aspect of reading comprehension was identified as the availability of reading resources, as indicated by the highest mean score.In conclusion, this study highlights the need for interventions to enhance the reading attitudes and habits of first-year BEED students, particularly by improving the availability of reading resources to support their reading comprehension.

Influence of Principal-initiated Motivational Speakers Strategy on Academic Achievement of Students in Kenya: A Study across Public Secondary Schools in Mbita Sub County

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The use of motivational speakers strategy in enhancing students’ academic achievement in schools in Kenya was adopted by many school administrators in the late 1980s after the introduction of private / holiday tuition in the late 1970s. By 2010, many charismatic professional motivational speakers were commonplace in schools on invitation. Currently many schools are utilising services of motivational speakers. This is based on the premise that worldover research has shown that motivation of the students enhance their academic achievement. There was therefore need to conduct a rigorous study to establish the actual position of this strategy in the 21st Century. Mbita Sub County was selected as the site for the study. This is because  despite the existence of principal-initiated motivational strategy put in place by principals, the Sub-County still performs least with results showing that between 2018 and 2020, the Sub-County was ranked last in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations compared to the five other neighbouring sub- counties in Homa Bay County. Mbita Sub-County was ranked position five with an average mean score of 4.886 compared to Rangwe which was position one with a mean score of 5.354, Rachuonyo South was second with a mean score of 5.022, Rachuonyo East was third with a mean score of 4.988 while Homa Bay town was fourth with a mean score of 4.958. The objective of the study was to establish the influence of Principal-initiated motivational speakers strategy on students’ academic achievement in public secondary schools in Mbita Sub-County, Kenya. The study established that Principal-initiated motivational speakers strategy significantly influenced students’ academic achievement in public secondary schools by enhancing frequent consultation with teachers. The study recommends that Principals should advise motivational speakers on the specific aspects to address as they talk to students targeting the aspect of optimum use of study time, discipline, examination answering skills, change of attitude about difficult subjects and other aspects that lead to students’ academic achievement. The findings are beneficial to policy makers and education administrators in improving students’ achievement.

Influence of Principal-initiated Goal Setting Strategies on Students’ Academic Achievement in Public Secondary Schools in Kenya: A Study across Secondary Schools, Mbita Sub County

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Goal setting is one of the most important principal initiated strategies that facilitate students’ academic achievement in schools. This is because it energizes the students’ participation in academic programs and as a result enhances their academic achievement. World over, research has shown that motivation of the students enhance their academic achievement. In Mbita Sub-County, despite the existence of motivation strategies put in place by principals, the Sub-County was still performing poorly as was revealed by the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination results of 2018, 2019 and 2020. The Sub-County was ranked last in KCSE Examinations compared to the five other neighbouring sub- counties in Homa Bay County. Mbita Sub-County was ranked position five with an average mean score of 4.886 compared to Rangwe which was position one with a mean score of 5.354, Rachuonyo South was second with a mean score of 5.022, Rachuonyo East was third with a mean score of 4.988 while Homa Bay town was fourth with a mean score of 4.958. The objective of this study was to establish the influence of Principal-initiated Goal Setting on students’ academic achievement in public secondary schools. The study established that Principal-initiated goal setting strategy significantly influenced students’ academic achievement in public secondary schools by promoting independent learning among students. The findings are beneficial to policy makers and education administrators in formulating policies that can be used to improve students’ achievement in KCSE as well as improve practices in the initiation of motivational strategies in schools.