KOMUNITAS BINTANG LAUT (FILUM ECHINODERMATA) DI PERAIRAN PANTAI SABANG

ABSTRAKPenelitian tentang Komunitas Bintang Laut (Filum Echinodermata) di Perairan Sabang telah dilakukan pada bulan Maret 2017. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui struktur komunitas bintang laut (Echinodermata) di perairan sabang meliputi wilayah perairan pantai Ujung Sekendo, perairan pantai Gapang, perairan pantai Payah Kenekai, dan perairan pantai Pasir Putih, Kota Sabang. Metode yang digunakan adalah metode purposive sampling. Kawasan penelitian dibagi atas 4 stasiun, setiap stasiun terdiri dari tiga kali sampling sejajar garis pantai. Pengambilan data dilakukan dengan menggunakan petak kuadrat dengan ukuran 50 m x 50 m persegi pada setiap stasiun. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa kelimpahan Echinodermata di kawasan perairan Sabang berkisar antara 0.509 individu/m2 sampai 0,574 individu/m2. Keanekaragaman Echinodermata di kawasan perairan pantai Sabang termasuk pada kategori rendah berkisar antara 0,617 sampai 0,684. Dominansi Echinodermata di kawasan pesisir pantai Sabang adalah rendah berkisar antara 0,039 sampai 0,394.Nilai indeks kesamaan tiap stasiun sangat tinggi/mirip dengan nilai 100%. Kata Kunci: , Echinodermata Pisaster brevispinus, Linckia laevigata Perairan Pantai Sabang?ABSTRACTResearch on sea star community (phylum echinodermata) in Sabang waters has been conducted in March 2017. This study aims to determine the structure of sea star community (Echinodermata) in Sabang waters covering coastal areas of Ujung Sekendo, coastal waters of Gapang, coastal waters Payah Kenekai, and coastal waters of Pasir Putih, Sabang City. The method used is purposive sampling method. The research area is divided into 4 station, parallel to coastline. The data were collected using square plot with size 50 m x 50 m square on each station. The results of this study indicate that the abundance of Echinodermata in the waters of Sabang ranged from 0.509 individuals / m2 to 0.574 individuals / m2. The diversity of Echinodermata in the coastal waters of Sabang belongs to the low category ranging from 0.617 to 0.684. The dominance of Echinodermata in the coastal area of Sabang is low ranging from 0.039 to 0.394. The equality index value of each station is very high / similar to 100%.Keywords: Echinodermata, Pisaster brevispinus, Linckia laevigata Coastal waters of Saban

College Students and Smartphone Ownership: Symbolic meanings and Smartphone Consumption among Nigerian Students

The article aims to understand conception of Smartphones ownership among a sample of 65 Nigerian undergraduates aged 17-27years; and whether their construction of Smartphone ownership influences them to buy/carry one. A qualitative approach to data collection was adopted to elicit information among students of two federal (public) tertiary institutions in southwest region of Nigeria. The results show that Smartphone is not simply a technology for communication but, to a large extent, a social symbolic object for its carriers. Symbolic meanings are constructed and attached with Smartphone ownership beyond mere functional attributes. For my participants, carrying a Smartphone implies high-taste associated with ‘being cool’, trendy, wealthy. Many seem to believe only those with expensive taste could own Smartphones. This feeling was so strong that many would rather make friends with other Smartphone owners than be seen with students carrying regular phones. One of the themes that also emerged from participants’ narratives is pressure to fitting-in into groups that own Smartphone; which they say influence their purchase decision

Mitigating the Duck Curve Effects through Optimized Solar PV Orientation

The rapid expansion of solar energy has introduced significant challenges to grid stability, particularly with the emergence of the "duck curve" phenomenon. This curve represents the disparity between solar energy generation and electricity demand, leading to periods of overgeneration during midday and steep ramps in conventional power generation during the evening. These issues pose threats to both the reliability of the power grid and the efficiency of the solar energy generated. Traditional solutions, such as energy storage systems, demand response programs, and grid modernization, often require substantial investments and infrastructure development, which may not be feasible for all utilities.This thesis proposes an innovative and cost-effective approach to address these challenges by optimizing the orientation of utility-scale solar panels. Specifically, it explores the use of deterministic optimization to calculate the most favorable tilt and azimuth angles for solar panels within a given operational area. By adjusting the orientation of solar panels away from the conventional south-facing position, this method aims to better align solar energy generation with electricity demand, thereby reducing the need for curtailment and minimizing the steep net load ramp in the evening. The optimization model, formulated using the Pyomo library and solved with the Ipopt solver, ensures that the solution is both efficient and reliable, maximizing solar energy production while enhancing grid stability.The results demonstrate that optimized solar panel orientations not only contribute to a more stable grid but also reduce the strain on energy storage systems, leading to lower operational costs and extended system lifespans. Overall, this research provides a practical solution to the challenges of high renewable energy penetration, offering a strategy that enhances the integration of solar energy into the grid with minimal investments

Repair of Spinal Cord Injuries by Transplanting Olfactory Mucosal Ensheathing Cells

This thesis investigates spinal cord injuries' repair by transplantation of cultured olfactory ensheathing cells derived from the olfactory mucosa. This thesis's primary research aims to identify how olfactory ensheathing cells from olfactory mucosa can effectively treat spinal cord injuries. The questions raised in this study address the challenges when attempting to translate the lab research to clinical application. In our previous protocol, the number of olfactory ensheathing cells obtained from the olfactory mucosa is limited. Methods to increase the olfactory ensheathing cells population from the olfactory mucosa have been explored in this thesis. Conditions to expand the volume of the cell transplant were optimised by encapsulating the cells in collagen. In vitro assays of organotypic slice cultures and dorsal root ganglions were used to determine the ability of olfactory mucosa ensheathing cells encapsulated in collagen in recruiting axons. Spinal cord injury animal model with bilateral dorsal column lesion was used to test effects on promoting regeneration of damaged axons and restore the loss of motor and sensory functions by transplanting the cell-collagen scaffold into the lesioned area. The increase of the olfactory ensheathing cells population from olfactory mucosa culture was achieved using forskolin and N2 supplement. Cells were successfully encapsulated into a biomaterial (collagen type 1) for ease of use and cell transplant volume expansion. This study demonstrates that the olfactory ensheathing cells population in olfactory mucosa can be increased significantly. The increase contributes to restoring functions after a bilateral column lesion in rat spinal cord injuries models. The results of this study demonstrate: 1. Improvement of olfactory ensheathing cell cultures obtained from the olfactory mucosa can be achieved. 2. Improved olfactory mucosa - olfactory ensheathing cell cultures increases the therapeutic potential of using olfactory ensheathing cells to cure spinal cord injuries since olfactory ensheathing cells can be obtained from tissue biopsied from a region that is quickly and safely accessed. 3. Combination of improved olfactory mucosa - olfactory ensheathing cell cultures and collagen expands the transplant volume by more efficient use of the number of cells available for easy handling and bridging large cavity in spinal cord injuries

Diversity and response of Benthic Macroinvertebrates to Natural and Induced Environmental Stresses in Aiba Stream, Iwo, Southwestern Nigeria

Aiba stream, a tropical stream in southwestern Nigeria, was investigated on monthly basis from November 2012 to April 2013 with a view to comparing their response with the Biological Monitoring Working Party (BMWP) score system already in use in some eco-regions. The diversity and response of benthic macroinvertebartes were used in assessing the biological water quality and health status of the stream. Samples were collected from four different stations using the Kick Sampling Technique. All the specimens collected were preserved in 70% alcohol solution and later identified in the laboratory using relevant identification guides. Predatory invertebrates like water scorpions (Nepa and Rana spp.) and dragonfly nymphs (Macromia sp.) were sorted out in-situ and stored separately. Nineteen taxa of macroinvertebrates were recorded comprising three Phyla, four classes and 17 families. The overall Shannon-Weiner diversity and Margalef’s indices of the stream indicated that the stream was organically polluted, as evidenced by the presence of some pollution-tolerant macroinvertebrates (e.g. Families Stratiomyidae, Nepidae, Planorbidae, Chironomidae and Syrphidae). Although there were some similarities between the BMWP score system and the response of the benthic macroinvertebrate families to environmental stress, a disparity was also observed between the two which underscores the need to carry out intensive research in this regard and adapt a BMWP score system for regional freshwaters in the tropics

Professionalism and Staff Development in Managing Business Education Programme in South-South Nigerian Public Universities: A Comparative Relationship

This study investigated the relationship between professionalism and staff development in the efficient management of business education programmes at Nigerian universities in the South-South area. To do this, three research questions were addressed and three hypotheses were tested at a significance level of 0.05. A descriptive survey approach was used, with a population of 98 business instructors from five selected universities in the South-South geopolitical zone. Given the population's manageable size, the sample includes all 98 business educators. Data was collected using an instrument titled “Professionalism and Staff Development on Effective Management of Business Education Program Questionnaire” (PSTDEMBEPQ), which was validated by a business education expert. The correlation coefficient of the instrument was determined to be 0.736. The findings revealed a moderate overall level of professionalism among educators, although there were variations across the different assessed areas. These variations highlight the need for ethical training, effective workload management strategies, and professional development programmes to enhance the professionalism of business educators in the region. Furthermore, the results indicated a moderately positive and statistically significant relationship between staff professionalism and the effective management of business education programmes. The study concludes that professionalism and staff development are critical for the effective management of business education programmes in South-South Nigerian universities. It identifies an overall moderate level of professionalism, suggesting opportunities for improvement and emphasizing the necessity for targeted interventions. The study recommends that universities prioritize ongoing professional development by allocating funds and facilitating access to workshops, conferences, certifications, and online courses. Keywords: Professionalism, Staff Development, Effective Management, Business Education programme, South-South Universitie

Educational Qualifications, Partisanship and Vote-Buying in the 2014 and 2015 Governorship Elections in Ekiti and Oyo States

Though vote buying as an electoral practice obtains in both developed and developing democracies, comparative empirical research has shown that this phenomenon is most visible in transiting democracies and political parties operating in these contexts devote huge resources to fund the unethical practice. While many scholarly works have been produced on this subject, few studies have engaged the question of causality/ association among voters’ educational qualifications, partisan status and acceptance of inducement at elections. Thus, this study fills the scholarly gap by investigating the relationship among educational qualification, partisan status and acceptance of vote inducement among voters in Ekiti and Oyo states, Southwest, Nigeria. A total of 983 registered voters were sampled through a multi-stage sampling technique. The participants were selected randomly from the official voter registration list. The result reveals a widespread of voter inducement in the 2014 Ekiti and 2015 Oyo states governorship elections. We find a strong association between voters’ partisan status and acceptance of inducement. We also find a significant association between educational attainment and acceptance of inducement among the selected sample. Voting at the two elections was not considered a civic duty as voters were only motivated by pecuniary advantage they could draw from the election season.KeywordsEducational attainment, electoral culture, Nigeria, partisanship, voter inducemen

The Ulama Identity Politics in 2019 Presidential Election Contestation at the 4.0 Industrial Era in Central Kalimantan

The 2019 Presidential Election Contestation in the 4.0 Industrial Era is very interesting to be examined, specifically related to the Political Activities of Religious Identity. There are two presidential and vice presidential candidates appointed by the General Election Commission (KPU), namely the pair of Joko Widodo and K.H. Ma'ruf Amin with number 01 on one side; and the pair Prabowo Subianto and Sandiaga S.Uno with number 02 on the other side. The two pairs tried to win the hearts of the ulemas who were not only favored by the Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah, but also from the cultural ulama and the habaib. This research invesitages deeper analysis into whether the 2019 Presidential Election will still be exposed to the Politics of Identity, especially Ulama and Islamic figures. There are three research problems to be answered, namely how is the view of Central Kalimantan ulama on identity politics in the 2019 Presidential Election contestation? how is the roles of Central Kalimantan ulama in influencing voters on identity politics in the 2019 Presidential Election contestation? and how are the efforts of MUI in creating a conducive atmosphere for the post legislative election and the 2019 Presidential Election Data were elaborated by conducting field survey through in-depth interviews with Islamic leaders (ulama) who are members of Islamic organizations (MUI, NU, Muhammadiyah, LDII, Al- Wasliyah) as well as Traditional / non-structural figures in the community. Islamic boarding schools spread in 2 regencies and 1 city in Central Kalimantan, namely, Palangkaraya City, North Barito Regency and East Kotawaringin Regency The finding revealed that the Politics of Identity in Central Kalimantan still influenced the 2019 Presidential Election, although it was not in high intensity. Respondents said that Ulama structurally made Identity Politics as a place to attract voters. However, at the grassroots which were dominated by Traditional Ulemas, people were still in undecided condition. Some Ulama who active in Islamic Organizations as well as nonStructural Ulama use Identity Politics especially the issue of religion in giving advice, answering questions and even giving advice to Jamaah / Groups so that they can determine their Jama'ah choices in the 2019 Election. On the other hand, ulemas at every level, try to cool down the atmosphere after presidential election by cooperating together both Structural Ulama who are members of the MUI and Traditional Ulama. They come to society to reduce the tension and reduce friction due to the 2019 Presidential Election