School-wide publications
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Item Revolutionizing University Mathematics Education: The Impact of Deep Learning and Educational Technology(Muhammadiyah University of Malang, 2025-01-31) Budiarti, ErnaThe integration of deep learning into university mathematics education presents transformative possibilities. This study conducted a Systematic Literature Review (SLR), examining 80 studies from sources like IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The focus was on the application of deep learning in formal education, excluding non-educational contexts. Findings indicate that deep learning enhances learning through interactive visualization and simulation tools, with virtual reality applications improving geometry and statistics comprehension by up to 30% compared to traditional methods. Challenges such as limited infrastructure and resistance from lecturers were identified. To address these, the study advocates for regular technology-based training for lecturers and gradual curriculum integration of technology. Strengthening collaboration between universities, the technology industry, and policymakers is recommended to support implementation. Additionally, the proposal of an online evaluation platform is suggested to continuously monitor student competency improvements. A systematic approach to implementing deep learning is anticipated to optimize mathematics education effectiveness in universities, preparing students for complex workforce challenges.Item Recycling Pineapple Leaf (Ananas Comosus) Agro-Waste as an Alternative Raw Material to Produce Eco-Friendly Paper(Science Publishing Group, 2025-10-10) Yongai, IsaacThis study investigates the viability of recycling pineapple leaf agro-waste (PALF) as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to wood-based pulp for paper production in Sierra Leone. The research addresses the dual challenges of heavy reliance on imported paper products and the environmental problem of agricultural waste mismanagement. An experimental design was employed to compare two distinct pulping techniques: a chemical method using an 11% Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) solution and a traditional method using a locally sourced wood ash lye solution. Fibers were extracted from pineapple leaves, converted into pulp, and then formed into handmade paper sheets. The physical and mechanical properties of the resulting papers, including thickness, water absorbency, writing quality, tensile strength, and tearing resistance, were systematically analyzed. The findings indicate that the NaOH pulping method produced higher quality paper, exhibiting superior tensile strength (500 N/m breaking force), a smoother finish, and minimal ink feathering, making it suitable for writing and printing applications. In contrast, the wood ash lye method yielded a functional but lower-grade paper that was thicker, coarser, and possessed lower mechanical strength (410 N/m breaking force). The study concludes that pineapple leaf agro-waste is a highly promising non-wood fiber source for paper production. While the NaOH method is technically superior, the wood ash lye method presents a compelling, low-cost, and accessible alternative for small-scale, rural enterprises in resource-limited settings like Sierra Leone. This research demonstrates a practical model for waste valorization that aligns with circular economic principles, promoting environmental sustainability, green entrepreneurship, and import substitution. The study recommends scaling up production for pilot testing, optimizing chemical usage, and developing training programs to support local adoption of these sustainable technologies. This study, therefore, recommends that future researchers should explore optimal NaOH concentrations and environmentally friendly alternatives to reduce chemical use without compromising quality, and combining PALF pulp with other fibers (e.g., recycled paper, banana pseudo-stem pulp) could improve paper properties and reduce costs.Item Key Factors Influencing the Quality of Mathematics Education in Rural Communities. A case study on Lower Bambara Chiefdom - Kenema District - Sierra Leone(2025-10-24) Sandy, ChristianThe study examines key factors influencing mathematics education quality in rural Sierra Leone, highlighting persistent challenges such as resource shortages, inadequate teacher training, and low student performance. Using a mixed methods approach, data from 50 pupils and 10 teachers across ten schools revealed that most students underperform academically, with an average score of 31.5 out of 100. Teachers generally possess moderate experience, yet many are rated as poor performers, underscoring the need for professional development. Perception surveys indicated that both pupils and teachers recognize teacher quality and student engagement as crucial factors affecting learning outcomes. Statistical analyses, including ANOVA, identified teaching quality (p=0.008), resource adequacy (p=0.025), and pupil engagement (p=0.045) as significantly influencing mathematics instruction, while curriculum relevance was not statistically significant. The results underscore that improving teacher competence, increasing instructional resources, and fostering student motivation are vital for enhancing mathematics learning in rural contexts. Addressing infrastructural deficits and implementing targeted interventions can promote equitable access to quality education and booster academic achievement. Ultimately, the findings provide empirical evidence for policymakers and educators to prioritize resource allocation, teacher training, and student engagement strategies, fostering sustainable improvements in mathematics education and supporting broader socioeconomic development in Sierra Leone.Item Investigate the Radiation Safety Awareness Among Medical Workers at Government Hospital, Bo(Science Publishing Group, 2025-03-11) Massaquoi, Ibrahim**Background:** Radiation safety awareness among healthcare professionals was essential to protect both workers and patients in settings where ionizing radiation is utilized, such as government hospitals. This study focuses on assessing the level of radiation safety awareness among medical staff at the Government Hospital in Bo. **Methods:** Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study incorporated quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews targeting a diverse group of medical workers, including doctors, radiologists, nurses, and other healthcare personnel. **Results:** The results indicate considerable variation in radiation safety awareness across different professional roles, with significant gaps particularly noted among nursing staff. Although many participants acknowledged the importance of radiation safety, their understanding of specific protective measures and regulations was inconsistent. Awareness levels were significantly impacted by factors such as years of experience, educational background, and availability of training opportunities. The analysis showed a highly significant difference (p <.001) in awareness levels based on educational backgrounds, with a mean difference of 1.392 (95% CI: 1.32 to 1.46). Notably, a significant disparity (p <.001) existed between the awareness levels of doctors and nurses compared to lab technicians and other healthcare workers, with a mean difference of 3.223 (95% CI: 2.99 to 3.45). Overall, the total knowledge level was found to be low, with a mean score of 2. A mere 12.3% of respondents reported consistently adhering to safety protocols, and a considerable proportion of medical professionals displayed insufficient knowledge (58.1%) and inadequate practice (63.8%). Comparatively, a Swedish survey indicated that 59% of medical staff had "low knowledge" regarding X-ray radiation. **Conclusion:** The study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive radiation safety training programs and the incorporation of radiation safety education into medical curricula to foster a stronger safety culture within healthcare settings. Implementing effective radiation safety workshops and conducting continuous assessments are recommended to enhance knowledge and compliance among medical workers, ultimately safeguarding healthcare personnel and patients from the risks associated with radiation exposure.Item Heavy Metal Pollution in Kingtom and Granville Dump Sites in Freetown, Sierra Leone(Science Publishing Group, 2025-12-19) Conteh, DavidThe studies reported here were undertaken as part of a wider environmental study on the level of heavy metal pollution in the Kingdom and Granville dumpsites in Freetown. The use of the Kingtom and Grandville dumpsites to grow edible crops without checking the level of metal toxicity created concern to undertake such research with a view to ascertain a healthy environment for the growing of crops. Two sets of samples, one from each dumpsite, were taken for analysis. Soil, water, and plants (cassava and krain krain) were tested for Pb, Zn, Ni, and Co. The geological surveys tested physical parameters like pH, temperature, and electrical conductivity. The soil samples were collected at a depth of 10 cm by an auger, and water samples from up, middle, and down river/lagoon and plants of two widely grown varieties were analyzed using the principles of atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The levels of Pb, Zn, Ni, and Co obtained exceeded the recommended WHO permissible standards. The present study has been of short duration, but the data could serve as a baseline for more investigations that give a more complete picture of the seasonal patterns in the level of pollution of heavy metal in the Kingtom and Granville dumpsites. It will be helpful to the Ministry of Health and Sanitation to create policies or legislation on the use of these nearby streams, dump sites, and their immediate environments. It will also help the Ministry of Education to create mass pollution awareness in the school curriculum and society, and therefore, the researcher recommends that community people should prevent overloading, that is, sort for heavy and light debris, and ensure safe waste distribution management.Item Evaluation of Physico-Chemical Parameters of Drinking Water Quality in Magburaka Town, Tonkolili District, Sierra Leone(Science Publishing Group, 2025-10-09) Lebbie, SahrThis study evaluates the physico-chemical quality of drinking water from various sources in Magburaka Town, Tonkolili District, Sierra Leone, to identify potential health risks associated with water consumption. Water samples were collected from five sources, including hand-dug wells, taps, and streams, during a three-month period encompassing the dry and wet seasons. The samples were analyzed for key parameters such as pH, temperature, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and concentrations of heavy metals and other chemical contaminants. The results highlighted variations in water quality across different sources, with some samples exhibiting parameters outside the acceptable limits set by WHO guidelines. Specifically, concerns were noted regarding elevated levels of heavy metals like lead and zinc, which pose health risks upon prolonged exposure. The study emphasizes the impact of local environmental factors, such as mining activities and agricultural runoff, on water quality. Additionally, the research underscores the importance of adequate water treatment and proper sanitation practices to mitigate health risks associated with contaminated water. The findings advocate for improved water management policies, routine monitoring, and community education on water safety. This research contributes valuable data to inform interventions aimed at enhancing water quality and safeguarding public health in Sierra Leone, particularly in rural and semi-urban settings where reliance on untreated water sources remains high. Overall, the study underscores the critical need for sustainable water resource management and infrastructure development to address waterborne health hazards in the region, the research therefore recommends that further researchers should embark on a comparative study on the correlation and a clear cut of laboratory analysis on drinking water quality in other cities and its associated diseases.Item Assessment of the Quality of Sachet (Packaged) Water Consumed in Kono District, Sierra Leone(Science Publishing Group, 2025-10-09) Lebbie, SahrA significant priority in developing countries, including Sierra Leone, is access to clean and safe drinking water, which is largely unavailable. Packaged water, often sold in sachets, is increasingly filling this gap, particularly in urban areas. However, public health concerns persist due to a lack of stringent regulations and monitoring to ensure compliance with water quality standards. This study evaluated the physical, chemical, and biological quality of sachet drinking water from five companies in Kono District, Sierra Leone. Standard laboratory analyses were performed on water samples, and consumer perceptions were gathered via questionnaires. While the physical and chemical properties of the sachet water brands generally complied with Sierra Leone Ministry of Water Resources (MWR-SL) and World Health Organization (WHO) standards, bacteriological quality, specifically aerobic plate counts, exceeded these standards in most samples. Only Good Family Pure Water company met all MWR-SL and WHO permissible standards. Consumer preference analysis revealed Good Family Pure Water was favored by 54.5% of respondents, followed by Janneh Spring Water (15%), Diamond Pure Water (12%), Hali Fresh Water (10.5%), and Nimi Hills Spring Water (8%). Good Family Pure Water also ranked highest in perceived quality, aligning with laboratory results. The study recommended that sachet water companies in Sierra Leone adhere strictly to hygiene standards to prevent product contamination, ensuring public safety and a healthier population, thereby reducing the need for resource allocation towards disease control.Item Analysis of Physico-chemical Parameters to Evaluate the Drinking Water Quality Between Two Districts Kambia and Tonkolili in Sierra Leone(Science Publishing Group, 2025-02-10) Lebbie, SahrThe aim of the study was to compare the physico-chemical characteristics of drinking water quality in two districts in Sierra Leone. Water samples were collected for three months (September to November) across five sampling locations. These samples were then examined for a number of physico-chemical characteristics, including temperature, pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, salinity, total dissolved solids (TDS), nitrate, residual chlorine, aluminum, copper, fluoride, iron, arsenic, cadmium, lead, nickel, and mercury. The statistical values for the following parameters above were found to be within the WHO permissible values for both the Tonkolili and Kambia districts. However, some parameters exceeded the recommended WHO permissible limit for drinking water in the two districts: arsenic (2.36mg/l and 0.27mg/l), cadmium (3.69mg/l and 6.63), lead (3.03mg/l and 6.64mg/l), and mercury (1.21mg/l and 2.19mg/l) for Tonkolili and Kambia districts respectively, although the statistical standard deviation is very negligible for all four parameters. In terms of comparison between the two districts, the statistical values for salinity (0.00ppt and 0.00ppt) and iron (0.05mg/l and 0.35mg/l) for both Tonkolili and Kambia districts are within the WHO permissible limit for the samples collected in the Tonkolili district, while the samples collected in the Kambia district exceeded the recommended WHO permissible limit for the two parameters. Moreover, the statistical value for copper (4.44mg/l) exceeded the WHO standard for the samples collected in the Tonkolili district, while the samples collected from the Kambia district are found within the WHO standard for copper (0.002mg/l). conclusively, this study found that all water samples collected and examined in the two districts are safe and fit for drinking and domestic purposes. The author recommends that there should be regular monitoring and treatment (for instance, chlorinating) of the hand-dug wells and tap waters and also that other researchers undertake further studies in different seasons and also to consider other water quality parameters like the bacteriological parameters, radiological materials, etc.Item Novel Predictive Current Control of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine: DBC and FOC Algorithms(2026-06-15) Massaquoi, Ibrahim**Introduction:** This work presents a novel predictive current control methodology for Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM). The study develops a dq-model of the PMSM in the rotor reference frame and establishes discretized motor models to facilitate the implementation of advanced control algorithms. The primary focus was on designing and evaluating a Dead-Beat Predictive Control (DBC) algorithm and comparing its performance with the conventional Field-Oriented Control (FOC) algorithm, which was developed due to its technological maturity and similarities with predictive methods. **Methods:** A complete closed-loop control system for PMSM was constructed using MATLAB/Simulink, incorporating the DBC and FOC algorithms. The FOC relied on PI controllers, whose tuning was optimized through a first-principles tuning algorithm. Both control schemes aimed to ensure that the dq-currents accurately tracked their references, thus controlling speed, torque, and rotor position effectively. Additionally, Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation (SVPWM) was implemented with an optimized switching sequence to minimize losses and harmonic distortion. The inverter switching strategy involved dividing the switching period into segments, applying zero and active vectors symmetrically, and analyzing the rectifier operation across different angle regions. **Results:** Simulation results demonstrated that both the DBC and FOC models effectively tracked current and speed references with minimal transients. The DBC exhibited a faster response, settling within approximately 0.12 seconds, 40% quicker than the FOC, which settled in 0.2 seconds without overshoot. During speed reversals, the DBC maintained sinusoidal phase currents with minor drops, and the d-axis current remained effectively at zero with deviations near 10^(-17). The system achieved a rapid speed response, reaching 500 RPM within 0.2 seconds, with the phase currents remaining balanced and sinusoidal. The FOC showed about 16% overshoot but still provided a very fast response, making it suitable for applications where rapid response is critical. **Conclusion:** The developed DBC and FOC algorithms successfully controlled PMSM, with the DBC demonstrating superior speed response and quicker settling times. Both methods maintained stable, sinusoidal phase currents and precise current tracking during transient conditions such as speed reversals. The simulation results validate that the proposed predictive control approach (DBC) offers improved performance over the conventional FOC, making it a promising candidate for high-performance motor control applications requiring fast dynamic response and minimal transient disturbance.