Cyprus International University Research Articles

Energy Consumption Analysis, Efficiency Measures and Renewable Energy Investments Towards a Nearly Net-Zero Campus: The Case Study of Cyprus International University

According to the International Energy Agency, energy and process emissions from buildings are responsible for nearly 33 % of global CO2 emissions in 2021; with two other leading sectors; transportation and industry with emissions of 22 % and 30 %, respectively. As a result, parallel with global signs of progress, the topic of energy efficiency and energy management in buildings has come to be a rule of energy policy in Cyprus International University (CIU) buildings. In Cyprus, similar to the reference of IEA, nearly 30% of the energy consumption is from the buildings, which is the most open to energy-saving measures. Since 2017, Sustainable Energy Research Centre in CIU has been working on the energy measures of CIU on both supply and demand sides. To increase the university’s sustainability further in the Energy and Climate section of both UI GreenMetrics and contribution to UN Sustainable Development Goals, conscious energy steps are taken both in energy saving and alternative renewable energy sources in the whole campus which resulted in making CIU a leading example of a sustainable university campus in the Middle-East as it holds the 3rd place for the most sustainable university campus in the region according to UI GreenMetrics World Sustainable University Ranking in 2022. In this paper, an energy audit study will be presented which evaluates the total energy load and energy-saving potential on campus and propose measures that should be taken. In order to conduct this study, Education and Humanities (EH) Building is taken as the pilot study which considers a detailed audit and actions to minimize energy consumption. Then the findings obtained from this energy efficiency study are generalized to all existing buildings on the campus and the expected effect of energy efficiency attempts is projected. These results are joined with the future alternative energy projects planned on the campus and the roadmap to nearly net-zero campus is discussed at the end of the study.

Cover, Content, and Editorial Note from Borneo J Pharm Vol. 6 No. 3 August 2023

Assalamu’alaikum Wr. Wb.
 Alhamdulillahirabbil ‘alamin. The next edition of Borneo Journal of Pharmacy (Borneo J Pharm), has been published at August 2023. This edition contains ten articles: Pharmacology-Toxicology, Analytical Pharmacy-Medicinal Chemistry, Natural Product Development, Microbiology Pharmacy, and Clinical-Community Pharmacy. This edition includes writings from five countries: Cyprus, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The authors come from several institutions, including University of Maiduguri, Cyprus International University, Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia, Ahmadu Bello University, Adamawa State Polytechnic, Modibbo Adama University, Politeknik ATI Padang, Universitas Andalas, Politeknik Teknologi Kimia Industri Medan, Université de Kinshasa, Universitas Airlangga, Universitas Ahmad Dahlan, Universitas Islam Negeri Maulana Malik Ibrahim, Universitas Udayana, Institut Teknologi dan Kesehatan Bali, Sekolah Tinggi Farmasi Mahaganesha, and Universitas Gadjah Mada.
 Editorial boards are fully aware that there are still room for improvement in this edition, hence with all humility willing to accept constructive suggestions and feedback for improvements to the publication for the next editions. The editorial board would like to thank all editors and reviewers, and contributors of the scientific articles who have provided the repetoire in this issue. We hope that all parties, especially the contributors, could re-participate for the publication in the next edition on November 2023.
 Wassalamu’alaikum Wr. Wb.

Assessment of pharmacy students' knowledge about breast cancer and colon cancer in Northern Cyprus universities.

Colon and breast cancer are the most common types of cancer in cancer patients worldwide. Therefore, health students, especially pharmacy students, should be well-educated about colon and breast cancer. Adequate education and knowledge provide significant benefits from early diagnosis to treatment. This study was conducted as a cross-sectional study for 3 months between 1 November 2022, and 31 January 2023, in Northern Cyprus. The aim of this study was to assess pharmacy students' knowledge of breast cancer and colon cancer in North Cyprus Universities. A total of 494 pharmacy students participated in this study. Twenty-three incompletely filled questionnaires were excluded from the study. Regarding Near East University and Cyprus International University pharmacy students' knowledge of colon cancer, 298 out of 494 had good knowledge and 196 out of 494 had poor knowledge. Regarding Near East University and Cyprus International University pharmacy students' knowledge of breast cancer, 317 out of 494 had good knowledge and 177 out of 494 had poor knowledge. The total score of knowledge of Near East University and Cyprus International University pharmacy students about breast cancer was 10 ± 3.43 and 11.40 ± 3.67, respectively. The total score of knowledge of Near East University and Cyprus International University pharmacy students about colon cancer was 7.54 ± 3.67 and 9.19 ± 4.08, respectively. The findings of the study indicate that most of the pharmacy students have good knowledge about the risk factors and symptoms of breast and colon cancer, but are not at the ideal knowledge level expected in the fight against cancer after graduation.

THE EFFECT OF CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT ON STUDENTS’ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AND MUSCULOSKELETAL DISCOMFORT

Nowadays green buildings have become popular due to their efficiency in utilising energy and resources. While green construction is concerned, it is equally critical to establish a comfortable, healthy, and productive work environment. The classroom’s physical environment is widely known to effect academic performance and musculoskeletal discomfort. A two-part questionnaire was used to ascertain students' perceptions of the effect of the physical environment in classrooms on their reported musculoskeletal discomfort and academic performance at Cyprus International University in the green building. The results demonstrated that students' perceptions of the physical environment of the classrooms were completely appropriate for getting an education. A Kruskal-Wallis H test and a Post hoc analysis were involved in determining whether there was a relationship between demographic data and categorical variables. The results showed that age, weight, height, education level, and GPA are influenced the effect of classroom design on musculoskeletal discomfort. Likewise, height, education level, and GPA are found to be influential factors of the effect of classroom design on academic performance. The findings indicated that students' physical discomfort in the classroom is concentrated in the neck, right shoulder, upper back, and right forearm region.

Impact of Smoking on Academic Performance Among Students; A Case Study in Pakistan and Turkey

The data for this study was collected from two universities in Pakistan and North Cyprus. The researchers selected University of Agriculture Faisalabad in Pakistan and Cyprus international university in North Cyprus (Turkey). There is no right or wrong with smoking. On a busy day, navigating a lecture hall with smoke practically pouring out in all directions could cause some psychological damage. For some people, this is sufficient justification for subpar performance; for everyone, it is a sure sign of a limited life span. Unfortunately, foreigners who up until this point had not smoked actively or passively may experience a more significant cultural shock in a place where unrestricted smoking is a part of life. The possible impacts of smoking on students' academic performance at Cyprus International University and University of Agriculture Faisalabad are clarified by this study. By advocating the establishment of smoking zones for improved outdoor air quality in the institution, findings, and recommendations are generated using data gathered for quantitative empirical research. Keywords: Academic, Education, Health, and Smoking

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Business Management and Strategy, Vol. 13, No. 1

Business Management and Strategy (BMS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether BMS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 13, Number 1Halimahton Borhan, Universiti Teknologi Mara, MalaysiaIman Aghaei, Cyprus International University, TurkeyIzabella Manukyan, Russian-Armenian University, ArmeniaJawon Kim, Chung-Ang University, KoreaPraveen Kumar S, Panimalar Engineering College, IndiaSoolakshna Lukea Bhiwajee, University Of Technology, Mauritius, MauritiusSulaiman Sheik Abdullah, Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar College, IndiaVenugopal Gubbi, RV Institute Of Management, India Jean LeeBusiness Management and StrategyMacrothink Institute*************************************Add: 5348 Vegas Dr.#825Las Vegas, Nevada 89108United StatesTel: 1-702-953-1852 ext.508E-mail1: bms@macrothink.orgE-mail2: bms@macrothink.comWebsite: http://bms.macrothink.org

Challenges of Writing Theses and Dissertations in an EFL Context: Genre and Move Analysis of Abstracts Written by Turkish M.A. and Ph.D. Students.

Writing a thesis or dissertation is a challenging procedure as it is one of the requirements of getting a graduate and postgraduate diploma. Writing an abstract like other parts of a thesis or dissertation has its criterion. For this reason, due to globalism, those abstracts written by non-native English speakers may lack some of the features of the abstract genre and move that must be included. This study examines the moves of M.A. and Ph.D. abstracts written by Turkish students between the 2009 and 2019 academic years on foreign language education at Cyprus International University. The data consisted of 50 abstracts chosen randomly from the ELT department. For the analysis, Hyland’s five-move model has been used. The study results reveal that 40 abstracts did not follow the five moves that Hyland has put forward. Moreover, it can be stated that the absence of some moves in the abstracts may cause restraint for readers to comprehend these studies in terms of communicative purposes.

Antidiarrheal and Antioxidant Activities of the Aerial Parts of Caralluma dalzielii N. E. Brown

Pharmacognosy Research,2022,14,1,82-88.DOI:10.5530/pres.14.1.12Published:December 2021Type:Original ArticleAuthors:Chinenye J. Ugwah-Oguejiofor, Halilu E. Mshelia, Junaidu Bello, Isah Inuwa, and Abdullahi Sulaiman Author(s) affiliations:Chinenye J. Ugwah- Oguejiofor1,*, Halilu E. Mshelia2,3, Junaidu Bello1, Isah Inuwa1, Abdullahi Sulaiman1 1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Sokoto, NIGERIA. 2Department of Faculty of Pharmacy, Cyprus International University, Nicosia, Mersin 10, TURKEY. 3Department of Pharmacognosy and Ethnopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, P.M.B. 2346 Sokoto, NIGERIA. Abstract:Background: Caralluma dalzielii N.E. Brown is commonly referred to as “Karan massalanci” in the Northwest Nigeria where it is used in treating several ailments including pain, diarrhea and stomach issues. Objectives: This study was aimed to investigate the antidiarrheal and antioxidant activities of aqueous aerial parts extract of Caralluma dalzielii. Materials and Methods: The aqueous aerial parts extract of Caralluma dalzielii (CDE) (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) was evaluated for antidiarrheal properties against gastrointestinal motility, castor oil-induced and prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2) enteropooling models in Wistar rats. Its antioxidant properties were studied by determining the total phenolic content (TPC) using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, its free radical scavenging activity using 1, 1-Diphenyl-2-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and its ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays using potassium ferrocyanide ferric chloride methods. Ascorbic acid was used as the reference. Spasmolytic effect was studied in isolated rabbit jejunum preparations in an organ bath experiment using acetylcholine (ACh). Results: CDE significantly (p<0.05) reduced gastrointestinal transit of charcoal meal and the total number of diarrheal feces in the animals. The total phenolic content was determined to be 36.67±3.33 mg GAE/g. IC50 value of 63.44 mg/mL was calculated in DPPH assay. The FRAP value was found to increase as the concentration of the extract increased. CDE inhibited acetylcholine-induced contraction of the rabbit jejunum in a concentration dependent manner with complete inhibition at 20.48 mg/mL of the extract. Conclusion: The extract of Caralluma dalzielii possesses antidiarrheal activities which may be related to its antimotility, antioxidant and antispasmodic properties. Keywords:Antioxidant, Antispasmodic, Caralluma dalzielii, Gastrointestinal motility, Rabbit jejunum.View:PDF (543.04 KB) Full Text

Synthesis and Application of Ternary Nanofluid for Photovoltaic-Thermal System: Comparative Analysis of Energy and Exergy Performance with Single and Hybrid Nanofluids

The amelioration of photovoltaic (PV) and photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) systems have garnered increased research interest lately, more so due to the discovery of the thermal property augmentation of nanofluids. The overarching goal of this study is to conduct a comparative analysis of mono, hybrid, and ternary hybrid nanofluids utilized as fluids for heat transfer applications and particularly as cooling mediums in PV/T applications. Al2O3, ZnO, Al2O3-ZnO, and Al2O3-ZnO-Fe3O4 nanofluids are synthesized at 1% volume concentration using the two-step method. The zeta potential tests carried out showed that the fluids have high stability. The numerical model developed in this study was validated using real data culled from Cyprus International University. The findings in this study showed that the Al2O3-ZnO-Fe3O4 ternary hybrid nanofluid and ZnO mono nanofluid were more efficient heat transfer fluids for the PV/T system. The optimum relative electrical PV/T efficiency against that of the PV is 8.13% while the electrical and thermal enhancement recorded in this study was 1.79% and 19.06%, respectively, measured for the ternary hybrid nanofluid based PV/T system. This present study shows that despite the limitation of pumping power and pressure drop associated with nanofluid in thermal systems, the close performance evaluation criterion values as compared with water is positive for practical utilization of nanofluid in PV/T systems.

The Role of Technology in ELL Classes in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

In the contemporary English language classroom, technology keeps an important role to support language learning. The present research focuses only on the tools, i.e., Smart Boards, tablets/laptops, and LMS (online learning management system), which English language teachers utilize in their class at the level of English Preparatory School, BS and Master in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Moreover, the present qualitative and observational research examines the role of technology, which is utilized at the English Preparatory School in Cyprus International University to teach English to the learners who learn English as a Second Language. For the present research, the researchers collect the data through 2 interviews of the teachers who teach at Cyprus International University (CIU) and from an in-depth literature review. Through the findings of the present research, the researchers observe that: a) all the teachers in TRNC utilize technology, i.e., Smart Boards, tablets and LMS during the teaching of English language and English subjects, i.e., Multimedia (only for PowerPoint presentations); b) in TRNC, the technology helps the English Language Learners (ELLs) to enhance their language skills and make them independent language learners; c) in TRNC, teachers, and students who utilize technology in language learning process face technical challenges due to lack of knowledge or less familiarity with the technology. Hence, the present research would explore the pros and cons of technology and intends the knowledge of a teacher who would take an interest in teaching language through technology.

Effect of hybrid nanofluids mixture ratio on the performance of a photovoltaic thermal collector

Solar photovoltaic-thermal (PV/T) collectors, are hybrid collectors used to convert solar radiation into usable thermal and electrical energy. Recently, the field of research on PV/T is has focused on improving the efficiency of the PV/T collector by replacing the conventional heat transfer fluids (HTFs) with nanofluids. This article investigates the effect of hybrid nanofluids mixture ratio on the useful energy and overall efficiency of a PV/T collector operating with Al2O3-ZnO water nanofluid as the HTF. Experiments to measure the thermophysical properties of the hybrid nanofluids were conducted for various temperatures, volume concentrations, and mixture ratios, furthermore, accurate correlation models were proposed. Metrological data and energy output readings collected from the PV solar farm at Cyprus International University were used to validate our model. The study observed that at the optimum mixture ratio (0.47 of Al2O3 in the hybrid), the electrical, thermal, and exergy efficiencies of the PV/T collector are 13.8%, 55.9%, and 15.13% respectively. Also, the cell temperature drops by 21% when the mass flow rate is 0.1 kg/s as compared to when it is 0.01 kg/s. Finally, the study concludes that by using the Al2O3-ZnO hybrid nanofluid an overall peak thermal efficiency of 91% can be attained, and this represents a 34% enhancement in the collector's performance when compared to water.

“I am interested in the metaphysics of being and existence”: Chigozie Obioma in conversation with Kunle Ajibade

On Sunday, 24 March 2019, P.A.G.E. Book Connoisseurs organized an evening of reading and conversation with Chigozie Obioma whose second novel, An Orchestra of Minorities, was just published in Nigeria by Parresia. It was a very rewarding encounter with Obioma, who was born in Akure, Ondo State, to an Igbo family of 12 children. He read English Literature at Cyprus International University (CIU), Northern Cyprus. Because he made a first class in his set, he was chosen as the student commencement speaker on 23 June, 2011. In his speech, Obioma spoke eloquently about the necessity for courage, diligence, hard-work, and gratitude. He made a solemn promise to make good use of all he had learnt at CIU. As a story-teller, he has been steadily fulfilling that promise. He was 27 years old in 2015 when his first novel, The Fishermen, was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize. Among other prizes, the novel has won NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work, The Los Angeles Times Award for First Fiction, and Nebraska Book Award for Fiction. Before then, he was in Ledig House in New York for a residency and at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he completed an MFA in creative writing. He writes occasionally for The Guardian of London and New Statesman, among other publications. Chigozie Obioma is an Assistant Professor of Literature and Creative Writing at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA. In the course of our conversation, Professor Wole Soyinka, the 1986 Nobel Laureate in Literature, made a video call to the gathering, congratulating the author on his second novel, and his literary achievements so far. Obioma was grateful for Soyinka’s kind words. The edited transcript has been supplemented with an earlier email interview conducted on 10 March 2019.

How Student Information System Influence Students’ Trust and Satisfaction Towards the University?: An Empirical Study in a Multicultural Environment

The Student Information System (SIS) has increasingly gained popularity among universities for various reasons. However, evaluating student’s trust and satisfaction of the system are not fully investigated. In this research, a sample of 634 students participated in the study from Cyprus International University, Cyprus. The Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) technique was employed with AMOS 23 software to identify the trust and satisfaction of students’ SIS usage. The study model, which include subjective norm, image, output quality, result demonstrability, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, trust and satisfaction, was developed based on extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM II). Results obtained from the analysis indicated that image, output quality, result demonstrability and perceived ease of use had a significant impact on perceived usefulness. Trust was found to be significantly correlated with satisfaction; however, subjective norm, Perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use did not have a significant influence on satisfaction. Furthermore, the finding confirmed that several constructs in the TAM II that were important in previous studies were not significant in the SIS. The students’ behavior aspects are essential for the effective use of the system. It provides valuable information for university management in understanding the challenges of student’s trust and satisfaction about SIS usage.

Determining the learning preferences of the students of the faculty of health sciences in Cyprus International University

The purpose of the study is to examine the learning preferences of students at the Cyprus International University of Health Sciences and determine whether these preferences have changed according to department and sex. A total of 150 students participated in the study. While 61 of the students were female and 89 were male, the mean age was 22.06 ± 1.23 years. VARK [Visual, Aural, Read-write, Kinesthetic] Learning Preferences Inventory was used to determine students’ learning preferences. As a result of the study participants mostly found "Kinesthetic" style (4.84 ± 2.13). However, there were no significant differences in terms of department and gender factors in any dimension (p&gt; 0.05). Based on the results of this study, we think that determining the learning style that students are likely to lead to the selection of suitable techniques for the trainees.

Assessment of problem solving proficiencies with self-efficacy perceptions of students in faculty of health sciences of cyprus international university

The aim of this study is to evaluate the self-efficacy perceptions and problem solving competencies of students of Health Sciences Faculty. The study included 150 students studying in 4th grade who completed the questionnaire completely. Self-efficacy-competence scale was used to evaluate students’ self-efficacy perceptions, and Problem Solving Inventory was used to evaluate problem solving proficiencies. The mean age of the students included in the study was 22.26 ± 1.27 years and 59.3% [n = 89] were female students. It was determined that the self-efficacy perception scores of the students were 82.30 ± 14.37 and the problem solving ability scores were 103.65 ± 19.31. There was a significant relationship between self-efficacy perception and problem solving ability [r = -0,328, p: 0.01]. According to the results, it was determined that the students had a low level of self-efficacy perception and problem solving competencies.

Perceptions and attitudes of preschool teacher candidates towards mathematics

This study aims to explore perceptions and attitudes of pre school teacher candidates towards mathematics. 200 students who are studying in Cyprus International University, Girne American University and Near East University have participated in this research. Data gathering tool was developed by inspiring Macnab and Payne’s scale, that was developed in 2003. SPSS 18.0 statistical programme and content analyses methods were used to analyze the data. Results were evaluated under different headings and disscussed. Keywords: Mathematics teaching, pre school, perception and attitude

A guide in installing large-scale PV power plant for self consumption mechanism

The objective of this study is to optimize the design of a large scale photovoltaic power plant. A methodology is proposed to guide the investors and technical staff in the design of such a system, with core emphasis on self-consumption policy. A flowchart of the process, that uses site survey, system components, associated costs, meteorological data, load analysis, is created. The optimum capacity of a large-scale PV power plant is determined by an iterative approach as stated in the flowchart, which considers the payback period as the decision criterion. A case study is carried out in Cyprus International University (CIU) in order to support the proposed methodology. The dynamics of this study is unique, in that, the policy governing Renewable Energy Sources in Northern Cyprus does not allow the electricity authority to provide value for the electricity fed into the grid by self-consumption renewable energies. Simulations are performed by PV∗SOL for different capacities varying from 450 to 1250kWp. Two different analyses have been conducted by considering the current and the predicted electricity demand of CIU. As a result, two optimum system sizes for current and predicted demands are obtained as 850kWp and 1200kWp respectively.

Determination of Critical Thinking Dispositions of the University Students in Terms of Demographic Features

This study aims to assess the critical thinking dispositions of the students studying in the last year of educational faculties of the TRNC universities in terms of different variables. The study has been completed with 874 participants of teacher candidates studying in educational faculties of the University of Eastern Mediterranean, Girne American University, Lefke European University, Cyprus International University and Near East University. During the study which was conducted in accordance with the scanning model and data gathering tool of California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory Scale (CCTDI) that has been adopted into Turkish by Kökdemir (2003), meaningful differences have been seen in accordance with the following up of the cultural-artistic and economic-political agenda and cinema visits of the candidate teachers with their critical thinking dispositions.

Predicting university students’ life satisfaction by their anxiety and depression level

The aim of this study is to determine to what extent the university students’ level of life satisfaction can be predicted by their anxiety and depression level, sex, socio-economic level, satisfaction with their department, patents’ education level and living quarters. The sample of the study comprises 348 students studying in different faculties in Cyprus International University in the academic year 2008-2009. The data collection tools employed in the study were the Life Satisfaction Scale, the Trait Anxiety Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory. Data were analyzed by using progressive regression analysis. The results of the analysis revealed that the students’ level of life satisfaction could be significantly predicted by their anxiety, depression, satisfaction with their department and socio-economic level. “anxiety, depression and socio-economic level” were found to be the most important predictors of their life satisfaction of students.

Affective characteristics of university students about English course and their attitude and thoughts toward the course

The aim of this research is to search affective characteristics of the students of Cyprus International University Foreign Languages School Preparatory Classes about English Course and their attitude and thoughts toward the course. The other aim of this research is to search affective characteristics of the students, their attitude and thoughts toward the course according to their faculty, gender, socio-economic level, high school type and high school success. 228 students at Preparation Classes of Cyprus International University in 2009-2010 Academic year form the sample of the research. The sample was chosen by suitable sampling method. “Attitude Scale about English Affective Area”, which is used for measuring affective characteristics of the students, their attitude and thoughts toward the course, was developed by Gömleksiz (2003). Data collected in the research will be evaluated by “SPSS 15.0 for Windows”. In the analysis of data, Kolmogorov-Sminornov test, non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal Wallis H-test and Scheffe Meaningfulness Test are applied to test whether the score means show normal distribution or not. Meaningfulness is accepted as .05 in the interpretation of the findings. As a result of the research it was found that attitude toward English of the students were not affected by gender, high school type, socio-economic level, on the other hand their attitude was affected meaningfully by faculty, and high school success (FacultyChi-Square=11,947 df=4 p<0,05; High School Success Chi-Square=11,728 df=2 p<0,05).