Higher College of Technology

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

Rock fracture characterization and discrete network modeling and its implication for groundwater flow in crystalline rocks of south-eastern Ghana

Abstract: Information on the role fracture properties plays in groundwater flow and solute transport in crystalline rock masses abound. This study uses the discrete fracture network (DFN) modeling approach from 1128 fractures spanning along 238 m of linear scanline, and 14 circular scanlines to determine mean porosity and permeability of some crystalline rocks in the Togo structural units of south-eastern Ghana. Linear intensity (P10) and areal intensity (P21) were determined, while spatial fracture intensity (P32) and hydraulic properties were estimated from the DFN modeling. The estimated mean porosity is 0.38 for a representative elemental volume of 8000 m3, while the horizontal and vertical permeability values range from 10–3 to 10–4 and 10–4 to 10–6 m/s, respectively. The study concludes that scanline mapping data can be effectively used to project field information at outcrop scales to produce 3D models of discontinuity networks in the crystalline rocks. Results from the study can be of relevance during the siting of waste dumps and water supply sources. The approach would be suitable for the characterization of similar terrains for water resource supply and waste disposal site selection.

Stimuli-responsive polymer composites for fabric applications

Abstract: Stimuli-responsive polymers are materials that can display remarkable changes in their properties with slight change in environmental conditions. Substantial change in the structure and properties can be made to the textiles by the incorporation of smart polymers into them. The following characteristics for intelligent polymers viz., thermal-, moisture-, and light-responsive polymers, and thermal- and pH-responsive hydrogels, have been incorporated into the fabrics to improve or achieve smart fabric functionalities. The functional components include esthetic appeal, comfort, drug release, fantasy design (color changing), wound monitoring, smart wetting properties, and protection against tough environmental alterations. In this chapter, the applications of stimuli-responsive polymer/composites in fabrics and the clothing field have been deliberated upon; the related issues on the fabrication of clothing and their potential applications in the years to come are elucidated.

A study of factors affecting customers purchase intention for online shopping of fashion products among omani customers

Abstract: Online fashion retailers in Oman are facing challenges such as high competition from traditional retailers and moderate customer interest in making online purchase. The present study investigated this issue with the aim to identify and test the factors which can influence customer online purchase intention. Based on customer-oriented and technology-oriented perspectives, we tested the influence of four factors namely trust, perceived risk, shopping enjoyment, and web-site design quality on customer’s online purchase intention. We utilized quantitative approach and convenience based non-random sampling to collect data from customers who are engaged in online transactions (n=170). Our findings indicate that trust (Beta=.255, P<.05); perceived risk (Beta=-.276, P<.05); and website design quality (Beta=.118, P<.05) exert significant influence on customer’s online purchase intention. The four factors together explain 58% variation in the dependent variable of customer online purchase intention. Based on these results, we concluded that both customer as well as technology related factors are important in online context. Keywords: Trust, Risk, Shopping Enjoyment, Website Quality, Purchase Intentions, Online, Fashion, Oman.

The Perceived Risks of Western Women Towards Traveling to Oman

Abstract: Tourists perceived different types of risks towards different tourism destinations. There is limited research highlighted the perceived risks of western tourists towards Arab destinations in general and towards Oman in particular. Therefore, this chapter focuses on understanding western women’s perceived risks associated to travel to Oman. Interviews were conducted with western tourists (women) who visited Oman in October 2016 and January 2020. Content analysis and thematic analysis were conducted. The findings revealed that the main risks associated towards Oman by Western women were; facing some difficulties related to following the local customs and respecting the Omani culture, laws, tradition, and religion, facing some difficulties related to following the dress code for each area in Oman and how much skin should be covered, facing some difficulties in interacting and communicating with locals in Oman, finding that the locals have a negative stereotype of western tourists, and being cheated or asked to pay over the rate by people in Oman (e.g., taxi driver and shops).

Banking Outreach: A Geographic and Demographic Analysis for Countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council:

Abstract: Financial system development and growth share a two-way relationship. A developed financial system enterprises real growth and a growing economy’s demand leads to the development of the financial s...