Higher College of Technology

About: Higher College of Technology is a based out in . It is known for research contribution in the topics: Higher education & Tourism. The organization has 369 authors who have published 379 publications receiving 729 citations.

Optimal Strategies for Control of COVID-19: A Mathematical Perspective

Abstract: A deterministic ordinary differential equation model for SARS-CoV-2 is developed and analysed, taking into account the role of exposed, mildly symptomatic, and severely symptomatic persons in the spread of the disease. It is shown that in the absence of infective immigrants, the model has a locally asymptotically stable disease-free equilibrium whenever the basic reproduction number is below unity. In the absence of immigration of infective persons, the disease can be eradicated whenever . Specifically, if the controls , are implemented to 100% efficiency, the disease dies away easily. It is shown that border closure (or at least screening) is indispensable in the fight against the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Simulation of optimal control of the model suggests that the most cost-effective strategy to combat SARS-CoV-2 is to reduce contact through use of nose masks and physical distancing.

The impact of festivalscape components on festivalgoers’ behavioral intentions: The case of the International Festival of Carthage

Abstract: This study aims to determine how festivalscape components (i.e., the festival program, staff, information, and atmosphere) affect the positive and negative emotions of festivalgoers. It also examin...

Influence of Solid Lubricant Addition on Friction and Wear Response of 3D Printed Polymer Composites.

Abstract: In this study, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and graphite powder—a solid lubricant—were filled and characterized for friction and wear responses. The fused deposition modeling (FDM) technique was utilized to synthesize ABS–graphite composites. A twin-screw extrusion approach was employed to create the composite filament of graphite–ABS that is suitable for the FDM process. Three graphite particle ratios ranging from 0% to 5% were explored in the ABS matrix. The wear and friction properties of ABS composites were examined using a pin on disc tribometer at varied sliding velocities and weights. As a result of the graphite addition in the ABS matrix, weight losses for FDM components as well as a decreased coefficient of friction were demonstrated. Furthermore, as the graphite weight percentage in the ABS matrix grows the value of friction and wear loss decreases. The wear mechanisms in graphite filled ABS composites and ABS were extensively examined using scanning electron microscopy and confocal microscopy.

In vitro properties of potential probiotic lactic acid bacteria originating from Ghanaian indigenous fermented milk products.

Abstract: Fermented milk products are a major source of health-promoting microorganisms known as probiotics. To characterize the probiotic properties of lactic acid bacteria isolated from Ghanaian traditionally fermented milk, thirty (30) isolates comprising Enterococcus faecium (1), Lactobacillus fermentum (14), Lb. plantarum (2) and Pediococcus acidilactici (13) identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, were tested for survival at low pH (2.5) and bile salts (0.3% (w/v)), hydrophobicity, co-aggregation, auto-aggregation and antimicrobial activities against selected pathogens. Safety of potential probiotic bacteria was assessed by hemolytic activity on blood agar and susceptibility to nine different antibiotics. Majority (90%) of the strains showed survival rates above 80% at pH (2.5) and in bile salts (0.3% (w/v)). Hydrophobicity ranged from 5 to 61% while cell auto-aggregation ranged from 41 to 80% after 24 h. Co-aggregation with E. coli (3.7–43.9%) and S. Typhimurium (1.3–49.5%) were similar for the LAB strains at 24 h. Cell- free supernatants of all LAB strains inhibited E. coli while S. Typhimurium was not sensitive to cell-free supernatants of five Pd. acidilactici strains: OS24h20, OS18h3, OY9h19, OS9h8 and 24NL38. None of the LAB strains showed β-hemolysis but 38% of strains showed α-hemolysis. Susceptibilities to antibiotics were strain-specific; only four strains, two Lb. fermentum and two Pd. acidilactici were susceptible to all nine antibiotics tested. Based on high survival rates in bile salts, low pH and generally good hydrophobicity, auto-aggregation, co-aggregation and inhibitory activities, 15 out of 30 strains tested were considered qualified candidates for development of probiotic cultures for fermented milk products in sub-Saharan Africa.