Sampling Procedure Research Articles

The Influence of Student Engagement and Student Satisfaction on Continuous Use of Paid Knowledge on Moocs Platform: A Survey Case Study of School of Management, Guangdong University of Technology

Background and Aim: Since 2012, the advent of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) has sparked a global revolution in digital education. As modern educational technology continues to advance rapidly, the sharing of educational resources and the establishment of online courses have become critical priorities. This research aims to analyze the current state of online course learning among students in management colleges, tackle the challenge of enhancing online learning environments, develop innovative models for online platforms, and meet diverse learning needs. Through investigation and research on students' understanding of online courses, usage patterns, and existing challenges, the study seeks to foster well-rounded management professionals equipped to meet the demands of contemporary society. Materials and Methods: This study involves seven variables that will be assessed through questionnaires to ensure reliability and validity in research measurement. To achieve this, we integrated previous questionnaire designs related to paid courses on knowledge payment platforms and conducted a pre-test to refine the questionnaire based on participant feedback and data performance. Following adjustments, a finalized version of the questionnaire was developed to enhance accuracy in data collection. The focus of this research is on users of paid knowledge platforms who either intend to purchase or have already made purchases. Therefore, screening questions were initially included in the questionnaire design to identify respondents familiar with paid courses. Respondents not aware of such courses were excluded from further questioning. Subsequently, additional inquiries were directed towards filtering out those unwilling to pay. The final sample analysis was conducted exclusively on users who were aware of paid courses and either expressed willingness or demonstrated behavior in paying for them. Results: The researcher will outline the study's subjects in this chapter, including the target population, sample units, sample size, and related sampling procedures. Additionally, they will establish the research instrument for this study and delineate the various sections of the questionnaire. The validity, internal consistency, and reliability of the research content will also be addressed. Internal validity is determined by two factors: prediction and Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Conclusion: The relevant research findings are presented, which are beneficial for learners in both courses, and the level of support provided by the course structure varies for different learners; Understanding the needs of learners for the course is essential. Based on the aforementioned research, the ultimate goal is to promote curriculum optimization and iteration and provide corresponding guidance and references for developing MOOC classes to enhance teachers' teaching abilities.

A Single-Loop Method for Time-Variant Reliability Sensitivity Analysis of Motion Mechanisms Using Bayes’ Theorem

Abstract Time-variant reliability sensitivity (TRS) analysis can measure the effect of input factors on the structure/mechanism failure. The traditional method for TRS analysis employs a nested sampling procedure, with computational cost depending on the number of input factors. To address the above weaknesses, a single-loop method is developed for TRS analysis. Based on Bayes’ theorem, the sensitivity measure is derived and expressed by the difference between the probability density function (PDF) and the failure-conditional PDF. This derivation allows for TRS analysis to be performed with just one set of samples, where the computational complexity does not depend on the number of inputs. Then, the procedures for Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) are listed based on the innovative estimation of the sensitivity index. Three examples involving numerical and engineering problems are employed to validate the proposed strategy, with the direct MCS introduced for comparison. The results reveal that the proposed strategy provides satisfactory TRS analysis while significantly saving computational resources.

Socio-Environmental Accessibility in Inclusive Schools in Buea Municipality by Students with Special Needs

Aim: The study sought to investigate socio-environmental accessibility in inclusive schools in Buea Municipality, Cameroon, emphasizing students with special needs. To accomplish this, the percentage of inclusive schools that fulfill accessibility requirements for students with physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities, the accessibility and use of assistive technology and learning resources tailored to diverse students' needs, and the degree of preparation and assurance of educators in applying inclusive teaching methods were investigated. Methods: Four major theories were employed to support the research. This study was conducted in four distinct inclusive schools in the Buea Municipality. A random sampling procedure was utilized to recruit a sample of 80 students with various types of disabilities, 20 from each school. A mixed-methods research design was used, combining quantitative and qualitative data. Data was collected through a questionnaire and interview guides and expressed using percentages and frequencies. Results: The study found that most respondents recognized that inclusive schools in the Buea Municipality of Cameroon meet accessibility requirements for students with disabilities. Many interviewees stated that inclusive schools in Buea Municipality have suitable assistive technology and learning tools. Also, respondents agreed that inclusive schools in Buea Municipality lacked suitable assistive technology and learning tools. Respondents agreed that educators' preparation and assurance using inclusive teaching approaches were appropriate. Other respondents believed that educators' preparation and confidence in utilizing inclusive teaching approaches were inadequate. Conclusion: Well-structured professional development activities greatly improve instructors’ readiness to apply inclusive practices, improving student engagement and learning results. Recommendation: Immediate legislative changes and investments in school infrastructure is needed to ensure that all students can thrive in an inclusive learning environment. Keywords: Accessibility, socio-environmental accessibility, assistive devices, inclusive schools, special needs

Contribution of Home Gardening to the Welfare of Rural Households in Osun State Nigeria

Purpose: This study describes the socio-economic characteristics of rural households, identifies the agricultural activities practiced in the home gardens, examines the respondents’ perception of home gardening, determines the contribution of home gardening to the households’ welfare, and investigates constraints to the practice of home gardening in the studied area.Research Method: A sample of 150 rural households from three Agricultural zones (Osogbo, Ife-Ijesha, and Iwo) was selected using a multistage sampling procedure. Data were collected through a structural interview schedule comprising both open and close-ended questions and the data were summarized using descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation; along with inferential statistics like Chi-Square and Pearson Product Moment Correlation.Findings: The result revealed that the mean age of household heads was 45.09±15.08 years. Additionally, the majority had received their first experience of home gardening in childhood (71.2%) and expressed willingness to continue home gardening practice (92.4%). Furthermore, they engaged in plantain cultivation (x = 2.50) always and fowl rearing (x = 2.16) often in their home gardens, among other activities. The majority (90.7%) was favourably disposed to home gardening and indicated a high contribution (86.4%) of home gardening to their households’ welfare. In addition, pilfering (x = 1.51) was identified as a serious constraint to the practice of home gardening.Research Limitation: The economic importance and marketing aspect of home gardening are not covered due to limited resources.Originality/ Value: The study provides insight into how home gardening could be incorporated into the extension activities of relevant organizations to enhance the full exploitation of the potentials inherent in the practice.

Quantitative Methodological Approach in Measuring Entrepreneurial Capabilities

Purpose: The paper seeks to develop and validate a comprehensive framework for measuring entrepreneurial capabilities across business contexts and organisational scales. Design/Methodology/Approach: Cross-sectional research involved 254 owners of SMEs from Sukuma and Chagga ethnic groups. The snowball sampling procedure was first adopted to obtain the list of the Sukuma and Chagga owners of SMEs. Then, proportionate stratified sampling was adopted to select a final subject. Data were gathered using a questionnaire, where factor analysis was performed to reduce the number of predictors. A logit model was thereafter performed to establish the influence of predictors on entrepreneurial capabilities. Further, using the Whitney U test, a comparison of ways to preserve drivers of entrepreneurial capabilities between the Sukuma and Chagga owners of SMEs was performed. Findings: Factor analysis reduced 52 predictors into six variables, which were further subjected to a logit model. The findings indicated that social factors, beliefs, norms, attitudes, and values were statistically significant while perception was insignificant. The difference in ways to preserve socio-cultural determinants between the Sukuma and Chagga was statistically significant, and the effect size was very high. Research Limitation: The research was limited by the use of the logit model and the Man Whitney U test. Other econometric models, such as multiple linear regression, Tobit, Probit, etc., should be considered in the future. Practical implications: The approach will help researchers and academicians to quantify socio-cultural studies and perform factor analysis step by step to reduce variables for further analysis using econometric models. Social Implication: This approach will have social implications. Social scientists will be able to forecast the effect of social variables on certain variables under study, thus enabling the setting of priorities during intervention. Originality: This research fills a significant gap in entrepreneurship literature by providing a validated, comprehensive framework for measuring entrepreneurial capabilities across different contexts and scales.

Workplace Discrimination and Organizational Growth in Exxonmobil Nigeria Unlimited, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

The researchers examined workplace discrimination and organizational growth in ExxonMobil Nigeria Unlimited, Akwa Ibom State. The core objective of the study was to determine the relationship between workplace discrimination and organizational growth in ExxonMobil Nigeria Unlimited, Akwa Ibom State. The researchers adopted survey research design. The study population centered on all the employees of ExxonMobil Nigeria Unlimited, Akwa Ibom State. A sample size of 95 respondents was selected for the study. The assembled sample had the same proportion of individuals as the entire population; thus, complete enumeration sampling procedures was used to obtain the data for the study. Questionnaire were the main instrument for data collection. Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) Analysis was used to analyse the data from the field. The result revealed a positive and significant relationship between the proxies of workplace discrimination (Gender Discrimination and Ethnic Discrimination) and organizational growth in ExxonMobil Nigeria Unlimited, Akwa Ibom State. The researchers concluded that promoting gender equality and reducing ethnic discrimination among employees will result in an increase in organizational growth. They further recommended that ExxonMobil Nigeria Unlimited, Akwa Ibom State should implement targeted gender sensitivity training programs and promote equitable opportunities for career advancement. Also, ExxonMobil Nigeria Unlimited, Akwa Ibom State should adopt policies that celebrate diversity, ensure fair recruitment practices, and foster inclusive teamwork.

VALIDATING THE INTERPERSONAL MINDFULNESS IN PARENTING (IM-P) SCALE FOR PARENTS IN INDONESIA

The concept of mindful parenting, derived from the broader framework of mindfulness, has gained increasing recognition in Indonesian parenting practices over recent years. However, the Interpersonal Mindfulness in Parenting (IM-P) instrument, which possesses strong psychometric properties, has not yet been available in Bahasa. The purpose of this study is to adapt the IM-P instrument into a valid and reliable Indonesian version. The IM-P was translated and adapted into Indonesian, involving a sample of 735 parents (M = 36.63; SD = 7.354) with children aged 3 to 17 years. Using a random sampling procedure, the first sample (n = 367) was used for Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), while the second sample (n = 368) was used for Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). The study revealed that the Indonesian version of the IM-P consists of 20 items and 4 dimensions: Emotional Awareness of Self and Child, Self-Regulation in Parenting, Non-judgmental and Compassion for Child, and Non-judgmental and Compassion for Self. Overall, the IM-P Indonesia demonstrated good reliability. Additionally, the IM-P Indonesia showed a significant negative correlation with parenting stress, except for the dimension of Non-judgmental and Compassion for Self. These findings suggest that the IM-P is a valid and reliable measure for use within the Indonesian population.

Development and comprehensive greenness assessment of HPLC method for quality control of β-sitosterol in pharmaceutical ointments with trio-color coded evaluation

A simple, rapid, and reproducible high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method has been developed and validated for the determination of β-sitosterol in the pharmaceutical dosage form of moist exposed burn ointment (MEBO). This method involved an effective sample procedure for extraction of β-sitosterol from MEBO using an alkali saponification agent composed of 0.8 N ethanolic NaOH and diethyl ether. The chromatographic separation was achieved on a C18 column (50 × 3.0 mm, 2.5 μm), using a mobile phase composed of methanol and acetonitrile (70:30 v/v) pumped in an isocratic mode at a flow rate of 0.7 mL/min. The column temperature was maintained at 40 °C, the injection volume was 10 µL, and the detection wavelength was 203 nm. Employing these conditions, the retention time was found to be 2.10 min. The developed method was validated for its specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, the limit of detection, the limit of quantification, robustness, and solution stability based on International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines Q2 (R1). Our proposed method demonstrated superior performance compared to other reported methods. It exhibited a linearity range of 30 to 500 µg/mL and improved detectability with a limit of detection (LOD) of 4.65 µg/mL, highlighting its high sensitivity. Additionally, the separation was achieved in a remarkably short analysis time of just 2.1 min, which not only enhanced throughput but also significantly minimized waste and solvent consumption, thereby making it a more sustainable and effective alternative for β-sitosterol extraction. Moreover, in the light of green and white analytical chemistry, a comprehensive ecological and sustainable tri-color coded assessment protocol was established. The proposed method has been successfully applied to quantify β-sitosterol in commercial products (MEBO®, Avomeb® and BISTROl®) demonstrating its suitability for routine quality control analysis of β-sitosterol in pharmaceutical ointment dosage forms.

Effect of School-Based Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation Program on the Serum Folate Status of Adolescent Girls in Sidama Region, Southern Ethiopia: Comparative Cross-Sectional Study.

In Ethiopia, a school-based weekly iron and folic acid supplementation (WIFAS) program is being implemented to reduce burden of anemia in adolescent girls. While the program's impact on iron levels is well-studied, there is limited evidence on its effect on folate status. The study was aimed at assessing the effect of the WIFAS on serum folate levels of school adolescent girls in Sidama Region, Southern Ethiopia. A school-based cross-sectional study that compared the serum folate concentration among adolescent girls (10-19 years) enrolled in schools with (n = 165) and without (n = 165) the WIFAS program was carried out. Adolescent girls from both groups were sampled using multistage sampling procedure. The serum folate was compared between the 2 groups using mixed effects linear regression model. The study presented significantly higher mean (±standard deviation) serum folate concentration among girls from schools implementing the WIFAS program (9.76 ± 4.02 ng/mL) than their counterparts (7.38 ± 4.53 ng/mL) (β = 2.28, P < .001). The mean hemoglobin level was also higher in the WIFAS arm (13.07 ± 1.81 g/dL) than the comparator group (12.4 ± 1.93 g/dL (β = 0.86, P = .034). The school-based WIFAS program showed positive association with serum folate and hemoglobin concentration in adolescent girls. This evidence should be used for advocating the scale-up of the program to areas with high prevalence of anemia and folic acid deficiencies.

Non-Invasive Determination of the Paternal Inheritance in Pregnancies at Risk for β-Thalassaemia by Analyzing Cell-Free Fetal DNA Using Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) has been widely adopted for the screening of chromosomal abnormalities; however, its adoption for monogenic disorders, such as β-thalassaemia, has proven challenging. Haemoglobinopathies are the most common monogenic disorders globally, with β-thalassaemia being particularly prevalent in Cyprus. This study introduces a non-invasive prenatal haplotyping (NIPH) assay for β-thalassaemia, utilizing cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from maternal plasma. The assay determines paternal inheritance by analyzing highly heterozygous single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) in the β-globin gene cluster. To identify highly heterozygous SNVs in the population, 96 randomly selected samples were processed using Illumina DNA-prep NGS chemistry. A custom, high-density NGS genotyping panel, named HAPLONID, was designed with 169 SNVs, including 15 common pathogenic ones. The AmpliSeq for Illumina assay was then applied to cfDNA to evaluate the panel’s efficiency in performing NIPT for β-thalassaemia. Analysis revealed 219 highly polymorphic SNVs, and the sequencing of 17 families confirmed successful paternal allele determination. The NIPH assay demonstrated 100% success in diagnostic interpretation. This study achieved the advancement of an integrated NGS-NIPT assay for β-thalassaemia, bringing it one step closer to being a diagnostic assay and thereby enabling a reduction in the number of risky invasive prenatal sampling procedures in Cyprus and elsewhere.

Extent and predictors of socio economic deprivation in urban geriatric subjects: evidence from Varanasi, India

Old age Socio Economic Deprivation (SED) is a significant issue because geriatric subjects (60 years and above) are more vulnerable to SED than the other age group. Socio-economic deprivation refers to deprivation in terms of economic parameters, food, water sanitation, shelter and information. The predictors of SED in geriatric subjects have been the least researched area. The objective of the present study was to find out predictors of SED. This study was carried out by adopting a cross-sectional study design on 616 (279 male and 337 female) geriatric subjects (60 years and above) selected by a multistage sampling procedure from urban Varanasi, India. Pre-designed, pre-tested proforma was used for assessing socio-economic deprivation in subjects by using interview techniques. Data was analyzed by using SPSS version 22.0. In order to find out predictors of all significant variables in bivariate analysis, viz., associates of socioeconomic deprivation were subjected to a logistic regression model. According to Rangrajan Committee criteria 38.0% subjects were below the poverty line. Food, water and sanitation deprivation were to the extent of 44.8%, 29.2% and 14.8%, respectively. As many as 32.6 % and 40.9% of subjects were deprived of shelter and education, respectively. There existed a significant association of gender, marital status, caste, religion, type of family and literacy status of study subjects with SED. However, the logistic model nullified the significant association of these variables with SED. In comparison to family size &lt; 3 risk of SED was 3.31 (CI: 1.13-9.68) and 10.17 (CI: 2.44-42.45) times more in subjects with family size 3-6 and &gt;6, respectively. When upper, upper middle and lower middle socio-economic status categories were considered as reference it was found that risk for SED was significantly (p&lt;0.01) more in lower and upper lower SES categories. Odds of SED for lower and upper lower SES were 84.13 (CI: 15.9-244.63) and 18.24 (CI: 8.69-38.24) times higher than their counterparts, respectively. People with socioeconomic deprivation need to have focused attention based on the predictors of SED. Limiting family size, ensuring income generation activities and economic security are key inputs for optimum dividends in tackling SED.

Technological evaluation of stones from the eastern region of the state of São Paulo, Brazil, for railway ballast

The correct choice of a stone aggregate for railway ballast is directly related to the stability, safety, efficiency, and maintenance costs of the track. The aggregate must meet several criteria to ensure it is the most appropriate material. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate four distinct stones: two granites, a diabase, and a basalt, all mined in the eastern region of the state of São Paulo, Brazil, regarding their applicability as ballast. Using Brazilian and ASTM procedures for stone samples, the tests were conducted on 55 and 75-mm specimens, in dry and wet conditions. As a result, all stones met the physical properties established by the standards. Among the mechanical properties, uniaxial compressive strength stood out, with all stones where the tested materials advantageously exceeding the 100 MPa required by the Brazilian standard. Regarding the accelerated weathering test with ethylene glycol, only basalt showed more significant changes, although its resistance to weathering was still lower than 10%. Our findings indicate that these stones perform adequately as ballast for railway applications. The study is expected to contribute to revisions of technical standards and the improvement of a database on Brazilian stone materials for use as railway ballast.

Toxic metals and other elements in Svalbard reindeer: Establishing baselines and assessing non-invasive sampling for biomonitoring.

Pollutants emitted from all over the world may reach pristine areas, such as the Arctic. The Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus) has been the subject of a few studies reporting toxic metal concentrations. However, these studies either date back a few decades or exclusively used non-invasive samples (e.g., faeces and fur), leaving us without an updated assessment of the concentrations in internal tissues and target organs. This study is the first to present the concentrations of the toxic metals mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in both invasive and non-invasive samples from female Svalbard reindeer. The highest concentrations of both Hg and Cd were found in the kidneys (x̄=0.68μg/g and 16.3μg/g dw, respectively). The highest concentration of Pb was found in faeces (x̄=2.62μg/g dw), followed by liver (x̄=0.28μg/g dw). While both Cd and Pb concentrations in Svalbard reindeer were comparable to levels reported in other reindeer subspecies or circumpolar wildlife, Hg concentrations were lower than those reported in most other studies on reindeer. Conversely, Hg levels in Svalbard reindeer were still higher than levels reported in wildlife from central Europe, demonstrating the influence of long-range transport of Hg to the Arctic. By comparing the toxic metal concentrations in different sample types, we confirm a relationship between Hg concentrations in invasive and non-invasive samples, with faeces being the most promising proxy for soft tissue Hg concentrations. Consequently, future Hg biomonitoring efforts may be carried out with relatively simple sampling procedures and without sacrificing Svalbard reindeer.

Synchronized Glioma Insights: Trends, Blood Group Correlations, Staging Dynamics, and the Vanguard of Liquid Biopsy Advancements.

Gliomas are the most frequent, heterogeneous group of tumors arising from glial cells, characterized by difficult monitoring, poor prognosis, and fatality. Tissue biopsy is an established procedure for tumor cell sampling that aids diagnosis, tumor grading, and prediction of prognosis. We studied and compared the levels of liquid biopsy markers in patients with different grades of glioma. Also, we tried to prove the potential association between glioma and specific blood group antigens. 78 patients were found, among whom the maximum percentage with glioblastoma had blood group O+ (53.8%). The second highest frequency had blood group A+ (20.4%), followed by B+ (9.0%) and A- (5.1%), and the least with O-. Liquid biopsy biomarkers included Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), lymphocytes, Urea, Alkaline phosphatase (AST), Neutrophils, and C-Reactive Protein (CRP). The levels of all the components increased significantly with the severity of the glioma, with maximum levels seen in glioblastoma (grade IV), followed by grade III and grade II, respectively. Gliomas have significant clinical challenges due to their progression with heterogeneous nature and aggressive behavior. A liquid biopsy is a non-invasive approach that aids in setting up the status of the patient and figuring out the tumor grade; therefore, it may show diagnostic and prognostic utility. Additionally, our study provides evidence to prove the role of ABO blood group antigens in the development of glioma. However, future clinical research on liquid biopsy will improve the sensitivity and specificity of these tests and confirm their clinical usefulness to guide treatment approaches. </p>.

Unraveling Plant Nuclear Envelope Composition Using Proximity Labeling Proteomics.

The nuclear envelope (NE) defines the eukaryotic cell and functions in a myriad of fundamental cellular processes including but not limited to signal transduction, lipid metabolism, chromatin organization, and nucleocytoplasmic transportation. Although the general structure of the NE is well-conserved across eukaryotic kingdoms, its composition and functions vary substantially between species and remain largely unknown in plants. In this chapter, we describe a proximity-labeling-based proteomic approach to profile novel NE components in the model organism Arabidopsis. This method is generally suitable for the identification of protein components in subcellular compartments or protein complexes that are poorly accessible to traditional mass spectrometry approaches and can be easily applied to other plant species. In addition to giving a step-by-step detailed description of the proximity labeling proteomics procedure in plant samples, we also provide guidelines on the appropriate use of controls and statistical analysis to achieve a highly specific selection of probed candidates.

Basics of high throughput sequencing Summary

Sequencing can provide genomic characterisation of a specific organism, as well as of a whole environmental or clinical sample. High Throughput Sequencing (HTS) makes it possible to generate an enormous amount of genomic data at gradually decreasing costs and almost in real-time. HTS is used, among others, in medicine, veterinary medicine, microbiology, virology and epidemiology. The paper presents practical aspects of the HTS technology. It describes generations of sequencing, which vary in throughput, read length, accuracy and costs ̶ and thus are used for different applications. The stages of HTS, as well as their purposes and pitfalls, are presented: extraction of the genetic material, library preparation, sequencing and data processing. For success of the whole process, all stages need to follow strict quality control measurements. Choosing the right sequencing platform, proper sample and library preparation procedures, as well as adequate bioinformatic tools are crucial for high quality results.

Unleashing ChatGPT: Revolutionizing Business Strategies in Saudi Arabia’s Financial Landscape

Introduction: ChatGPT in Saudi Arabia’s financial sector revolutionizes business strategies, enhancing innovation, streamlining decision-making, and empowering organizations to thrive in a competitive, rapidly evolving economic landscape with Artificial Intelligence AI-driven insights.Objective: The main objective of this study is to determine the interplay between training data bias, AI model fine-tuning, metrics, assessment methodologies, and AI usage in the financial markets of Saudi Arabia. Methods: Participants are from banking industry of Saudi Arabia. The data gathered from Jeddah, Riyadh, Makkah, and Madina region of Saudi Arabia. The data collected through a online survey via questionnaires. The research used a random sampling procedure, selecting a sample size of 323 participants. This research chose reliability analysis, factor analysis, correlation analysis and regression analysis.Results: The reliability analysis shows that the constructs are highly consistent with one another. Regression shows that ChatGPT, Training Data &amp; Bias, and Metrics and Evaluation have a positive significant effect on business strategies in the financial markets of Saudi Arabia (P&lt;0.05). While Metrics and Evaluation are not statistically significant on business strategies in the financial markets of Saudi Arabia (P&gt;0.05).

Achieving universal sanitation in Ghana: An analysis of key drivers of toilet ownership among property owners in Urban areas.

Access to safe sanitation facilities remains a critical public health concern, especially in rapidly urbanizing countries like Ghana. This study investigates the determinants of household toilet ownership among property owners in three urban districts in Ghana. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 1,256 property owners selected through a multi-stage stratified sampling procedure. Logistic regression analysis revealed that toilet ownership is significantly associated with the age and education level of property owners, community classification, building characteristics, and household income. Older property owners were more likely to own toilets (OR = 1.014 per year increase), as were those with higher education levels (OR = 1.752 for secondary, OR = 4.489 for tertiary education). Medium-class communities (OR = 2.013) completed buildings (OR = 2.625), and those constructed with sandcrete (OR = 12.755) were more likely to have toilets. Higher household income (OR = 1.00) correlated positively with toilet ownership. We conclude that enforcing building regulations requiring toilet facilities in all properties is crucial for improving sanitation in urban Ghana. Additionally, innovative sanitation financing interventions that subsidize the costs of sanitation facilities can be effective in addressing financial barriers and increasing household toilet ownership.

Assessing the Influence of Mobile Apps Betting Advertising on the Habit of Youth in Enugu Urban

The study assessed the influence of mobile apps betting advertisements on the habit of youth in Enugu urban. The objectives were to determine if the Enugu urban youth residents are exposed to the mobile apps betting advertisements; check the advertisements they are most often exposed to; ascertain whether the advertisement influenced their behavioural pattern and finally know if the betting companies fulfilled the desires of the Enugu urban youth as stated in their advertisements. Survey research design was used for the execution of the study. Taro Yamane statistical formula helped the researchers to get the sample size of 400 from the population of 1,138,918 validated by the National Bureau of Statistics. Systematic sampling procedure was used to administer 28 copies of the questionnaire in each of the 14 layouts in Enugu urban which equalled to 392 copies while eight (8) copies of the questionnaire were not useful for the analysis. Findings indicated that the youth are strongly exposed to such mobile apps betting advertisements, have more interest in sports betting, influenced their behavioural pattern greatly and betting companies did not fulfil the desires of the majority of the youth in Enugu urban yet the youth fail to understand the game of the business. In conclusion, the betting advertisements actually influenced the youth greatly which affected the youth behavioural pattern against positive thinking of creativity and hard work. The paper recommended the closure of betting shops in the metropolis, rehabilitate the youth with workshops and varied skills, as well as introducing entrepreneurship skills from the primary to the tertiary institutions in Enugu metropolis.

TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE VOLCANO TOURISM: UNDERSTANDING VISIT INTENTIONS AT MOUNT ANAK KRAKATAU THROUGH DESTINATION CREDIBILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MOTIVATION

This study aims to analyse the elements that affect people's intention to visit Mount Anak Krakatauthrough focusing on the influence of destination publicity, destination credibility, and environmental motivation in the context of volcano tourism. This study involves 225 tourists who were selected using a convenient sample procedure. The data underwent rigorous examination by exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modelling. The research results are as follows: The initial hypothesis demonstrated that a destination's sustainability significantly impacts its credibility. Whilst the second hypothesis confirmed that the sustainability of a destination substantially affects environmen tal motivation. The third hypothesis supported the notion that the credibility of a destination has a significant influence on environmental motivation. The fourth hypothesis established that the credibility of a destination has a considerable effect o n visit intention. Lastly, the fifth hypothesis affirmed that environmental motivation significantly impacts visit intention. Taken together, these findings enhance the comprehension of volcano tourism, destination marketing, and consumer behaviour.