Improving Link Reliability through Network Coding in Cooperative Cellular Networks

The paper proposes a XOR-based network coded cooperation protocol for the uplink transmission of relay assisted cellular networks and an algorithm for selection and assignment of the relay nodes. The performances of the cooperation protocol are expressed in terms of network decoder outage probability and Block Error Rate of the cooperating users. These performance indicators are analyzed theoretically and by computer simulations. The relay nodes assignment is based on the optimization, according to several criteria, of the graph that describes the cooperation cluster formed after an initial selection of the relay nodes. The graph optimization is performed using Genetic Algorithms adapted to the topology of the cooperation cluster and the optimization criteria considered

Inclusive Practices as Empowering Venture for Persons with Disabilities: The Case of ST Angela Vocational School for the Deaf in Mumias, Kenya

In Kenya, a disproportionate number of persons with special needs and disabilities are unable to access quality education and training. However, this is being reduced by the practice of inclusive education as outlined by the 2018 Inclusive Education Policy. The paper focuses on three persons with disabilities who have been empowered through inclusive practices in Education. They are: Benta, Julia and Agnes (not their real names). These people are self-employed and successful interacting with their non-disabled customers who acknowledge their contribution to the society. The paper established that inclusive practices enhances positive attitude among stakeholders. It also increases self-esteem and confidence. Furthermore, it creates a situation for comparison among stakeholders, hence empowering persons with disabilities Keywords: Inclusive practices, Empowering, Persons with disabilities, Non-disabled persons, attitude, equal opportunities. DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-9-05 Publication date:March 31st 2020

Gynaecological issues in Adolescence Do Paediatricians and Paediatric Residents feel comfortable about it?

info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Reduced Water Permeability of Biodegradable PCL Nanocomposite Coated Paperboard Packaging

In this work, we studied the properties of printed paperboard samples coated with biodegradable PCL polymer, which was considered to overcome the disadvantages (barrier properties) of a paper-based material. Additionally, the samples were coated with PCL modified with SiO2 and Al2O3 nanoparticles. The characterization of the coated paperboard (with print) samples was made by determination of water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), contact angle of water and its evolution over time, and mechanical and visual properties. The samples were also examined by SEM microscopy. The results show that PCL and PCL coatings modified with SiO2 and Al2O3 nanoparticles slow down the water vapor transmission rate when compared to the paperboard without coatings. The water contact angle measurements show an increase in hydrophobicity in paperboard coated with PCL-SiO2, while PCL-Al2O3 shows a decrease when compared to neat paperboard and paperboard coated with neat PCL. The studied coated samples also improve mechanical properties of paperboard while preserving the visual properties of print. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

Assessment of Institutional and Personnel-Related Challenges Facing Educational Programme for the Mentally Challenged Persons at Kaimosi Special School, Kenya

The Mentally Challenged child (MC) can achieve a lot if the right environment and curriculum are designed for him/her. However, the realization of the desirable outcomes faces many challenges. The objective of the study was to examine institutional and personnel-related challenges facing education programs for the MC persons at Kaimosi Special School. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The theoretical framework was based on Context, Input and Process Product Approach (CIPP) model of evaluation. Stratified sampling, purposive sampling and simple random sampling techniques were used to come up with the sample size. A total of 22 participants were selected comprising of one education officer, 3 administrators (2 male and 1 female), 8 teachers (5 female and 3 male) and 10 care givers. Questionnaires, interview schedules and document analysis were used to collect data. The study established that heavy workload, lack of motivation, poor staffing, high levels of stress, overcrowding in class, tiny classrooms, and inadequate resources were the most serious challenges facing Kaimosi Special School. It was recommended that the Special Education Department in the Ministry of Education should be strengthened with additional resources and trained personnel to handle issues of special education. There is need to engage all stakeholders in order to ensure that there are sustained efforts to provide quality programs for the mentally challenged. Keywords: Mentally challenged, Special educatio

Potensi Senyawa Minyak Sereh Wangi (Citronella Oil) Dari Tumbuhan Cymbopogon Nardus L. Sebagai Agen Antibakteri

Bakteri merupakan salah satu mikroorganisme yang secara alami terdapat pada tubuh manusia sehat dan normal, namun pada kondisi tertentu bakteri akan menjadi patogenik. Potensi patogenik bakteri dipengaruhi oleh beberapa faktor, antara lain: lemahnya imunitas tubuh inang (manusia), ukuran patogenitas bakteri (virulensi), dan jumlah bakteri yang mencapai quorum. Penyakit yang disebabkan oleh bakteri patogenik pada manusia merupakan salah satu masalah yang sering ditemui di kehidupan masyarakat. Pola hidup yang tidak teratur, kebersihan makanan dan minuman serta sanitasi lingkungan sangat mendukung untuk seseorang terinfeksi bakteri patogenik. Penggunaan antibiotika adalah salah satu cara yang dilakukan oleh manusia untuk mengobati penyakit akibat infeksi bakteri. Penggunaan antibiotika yang berlebihan dan pemberian dalam jangka waktu yang lama dapat menyebabkan terjadinya resistensi pada bakteri. Senyawa alam yang diperoleh dari tanaman yang berpotensi sebagai zat aktif digunakan untuk menggantikan antibiotika sintesis. Sereh wangi penghasil minyak atsiri Citronella Oil menjadi salah satu komoditas senyawa aktif yang dapat dijadikan sebagai sumber senyawa aktif dari alam yang berpotensi sebagai antibakteri. Sitronellal, geraniol, dan sitronellol adalah kandungan utama pada minyak sereh wangi yang dapat digunakan sebagai antibakteri