Skyline University Nigeria

Knowledgebase & Articles

Introduction

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Quantum Computing are two transformative technologies shaping the future of science, industry, and information systems. AI focuses on developing intelligent systems capable of learning, reasoning, and decision-making, while quantum computing leverages the principles of quantum mechanics—such as superposition and entanglement—to perform computations far beyond the capabilities of classical computers. As the complexity of data and computational problems continues to increase, the integration of AI with quantum computing is emerging as a powerful interdisciplinary field that can revolutionize problem-solving across domains such as healthcare, finance, cybersecurity, and scientific research.

Innovation in Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence has advanced rapidly through developments in machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, and neural networks. These technologies enable computers to analyze massive datasets, detect patterns, and make predictions with high accuracy. Recent innovations in AI include generative AI models, reinforcement learning, and autonomous decision-making systems. AI systems are now capable of optimizing complex processes, improving automation, and supporting intelligent analytics in areas such as medical diagnosis, climate modeling, and smart infrastructure. The growth of AI has also increased the demand for faster and more efficient computing systems, which has opened new opportunities for quantum technologies.

 Relationship Between AI and Quantum Computing

AI and quantum computing are closely interconnected and mutually supportive. Quantum computers can potentially accelerate AI algorithms by processing large-scale data and performing complex optimizations at unprecedented speeds. For example, quantum machine learning algorithms can enhance pattern recognition, data clustering, and predictive analytics.

Conversely, AI can help improve quantum computing itself. Machine learning techniques are used to optimize quantum circuits, reduce noise in quantum hardware, and improve error correction methods. AI-driven models can also assist researchers in discovering new quantum algorithms and materials for building stable quantum processors. This symbiotic relationship creates a new research field known as Quantum Artificial Intelligence (QAI), where AI techniques are applied to quantum systems and quantum computing enhances AI capabilities.

Applications and Emerging Impact

The integration of AI with quantum computing has the potential to transform several sectors. In healthcare, quantum-enhanced AI can accelerate drug discovery and genomic analysis. In cybersecurity, quantum algorithms combined with AI can strengthen encryption and threat detection. Financial institutions may use quantum-AI models to optimize portfolios and risk analysis. Similarly, climate science, logistics, and materials science can benefit from faster simulations and predictive models enabled by this technological convergence.

Conclusion

The convergence of Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing represents one of the most promising frontiers in modern technology. AI contributes intelligent algorithms and data-driven decision making, while quantum computing provides immense computational power to solve complex problems that classical computers struggle to address. Together, these technologies have the potential to reshape scientific discovery, industrial innovation, and digital infrastructure in the coming decades. Continued research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and responsible technological development will be essential to fully harness the transformative potential of AI-driven quantum computing.

References

  1. Nielsen, M. A., & Chuang, I. L. (2010). Quantum Computation and Quantum Information. Cambridge University Press.
  2. Biamonte, J., et al. (2017). Quantum machine learning. Nature, 549(7671), 195–202.
  3. Schuld, M., & Petruccione, F. (2018). Supervised Learning with Quantum Computers. Springer.
  4. Preskill, J. (2018). Quantum computing in the NISQ era and beyond. Quantum, 2, 79.
  5. Dunjko, V., & Briegel, H. (2018). Machine learning and artificial intelligence in the quantum domain. Reports on Progress in Physics, 81(7).                                                                                Written by,Dr. A. Senthilkumar, Dean, School of Science and Information Technology,   Skyline University Nigeria

Advantages & Disadvantages of Nanotechnology

Understanding, shaping and combining matter at the atomic and molecular scale is called nanotechnology. Nanotechnology encompasses science, medicine, engineering, computing and robotics at this scale, called the Nano scale. Nanotechnology offers the potential for new and faster kinds of computers, more efficient power sources and life-saving medical treatments. Numerous studies suggest that nanotechnology will have major, long-term effects on agriculture and food production. Nanoparticles have enhanced reactivity due to enhanced solubility, greater proportion of surface atoms relative to the interior of a structure, unique magnetic/optical properties, electronic states, and catalytic reactivity that differ from equivalent bulk materials. The positive morphological effects of nanomaterials include enhanced germination percentage and rate; length of root and shoot, and their ratio; and vegetative biomass of seedlings along with enhancement of physiological parameters like enhanced photosynthetic activity and nitrogen metabolism in many crop plants. Additionally, this technology holds the promise of controlled release of agrochemicals and site targeted delivery of various macromolecules needed for improved plant disease resistance, efficient nutrient utilization and enhanced plant growth. Meanwhile, concerns have been raised about potential adverse effects of nanoparticles on biological systems and the environment such as toxicity generated by free radicals leading to lipid peroxidation and DNA damage. Under this scenario, there is a need to predict the environmental effect of these nanoparticles in the near future. Additional disadvantages include economic disruption and possible threats to security, privacy, health and the environment. Nanotechnology in Manufacturing Nanotechnology is already making new materials available that could revolutionize many areas of manufacturing. For example, nanotubes and nanoparticles, which are tubes and particles only a few atoms across, and aerogels, materials composed of very light and strong materials with remarkable insulating properties, could pave the way for new techniques and superior products. In addition, robots that are only a few nanometers in length, called nanobots, and nanofactories could help construct novel materials and objects. Nanotechnology in Energy generation Nanotechnology may transform the ways in which we obtain and use energy. In particular, it’s likely that nanotechnology will make solar power more economical by reducing the cost of constructing solar panels and related equipment. Energy storage devices will become more efficient as a result. Nanotechnology will also open up new methods of generating and storing energy. Nanotechnology in Electronics and Computing The field of electronics is set to be revolutionized by nanotechnology. Quantum dots, for example, are tiny light-producing cells that could be used for illumination or for purposes such as display screens. Silicon chips can already contain millions of components, but the technology is reaching its limit; at a certain point, circuits become so small that if a molecule is out of place the circuit won’t work properly. Nanotechnology will allow circuits to be constructed very accurately on an atomic level. Nanotechnology in Medicine Nanotechnology has the potential to bring major advances in medicine. Nanobots could be sent into a patient’s arteries to clear away blockages. Surgeries could become much faster and more accurate. Injuries could be repaired cell-by-cell. It may even become possible to heal genetic conditions by fixing the damaged genes. Nanotechnology could also be used to refine drug production, tailoring drugs at a molecular level to make them more effective and reduce side effects. Nanotechnology in Environmental pollution Some of the more extravagant negative future scenarios have been debunked by experts in nanotechnology. For example: the so-called “gray goo” scenario, where self-replicating nanobots consume everything around them to make copies of themselves, was once widely discussed but is no longer considered to be a credible threat. It is possible, however, that there will be some negative effects on the environment as potential new toxins and pollutants may be created by nanotechnology. Nanotechnology in Economic Upheaval It is likely that nanotechnology, like other technologies before it, will cause major changes in many economic areas. Although products made possible by nanotechnology will initially be expensive luxury or specialist items, once availability increases, more and more markets will feel the impact. Some technologies and materials may become obsolete, leading to companies specializing in those areas going out of business. Changes in manufacturing processes brought about by nanotechnology may result in job losses. Nanotechnology in Privacy and Security Nanotechnology raises the possibility of microscopic recording devices, which would be virtually undetectable. More seriously, it is possible that nanotechnology could be weaponized. Atomic weapons would be easier to create and novel weapons might also be developed. One possibility is the so-called “smart bullet,” a computerized bullet that could be controlled and aimed very accurately. These developments may prove a boon for the military; but if they fell into the wrong hands, the consequences would be dire. Nanotechnology in Phyto-toxicity Plants are an essential base component of all ecosystems and play a critical role in the fate and transport of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) in the environment through plant uptake and bioaccumulation (Xingmao et al. 2010). It is also important to mention that the bioaccumulation, biomagnification and biotransformation of engineered nanoparticles in food crops are still not well understood. Very few nanoparticles and plant species have been studied with respect to the accumulation and subsequent availability of nanoparticles in food crops. Most commonly encountered ENPs in the environment fall into one of the five following categories: carbonaceous nanoparticles, metal oxides, quantum dots, zero valent metals and nanopolymers. These ENPs closely interact with their surrounding environment and as a result ENPs will inevitably interact with plants and these interactions such as uptake and accumulation in plant biomass will greatly affect their fate and transport in the environment. ENPs could also adhere to plant roots and exert physical or chemical toxicity on plants. For interacting with plants ENPs have to penetrate cell walls and plasma membranes of epidermal layers in roots to enter vascular tissues (xylem) in order to be taken up and Trans located through stems to leaves. Cell walls, through which water molecules and other solutes must pass to enter into roots, are a porous network of polysaccharide fiber matrices. ENP aggregates with a

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Sun- Library Webinars During The First Wave Of Covid-19

Introduction Information resources have constantly been regarded as the lifeblood of any individual and organization. Unarguably, it is the fifth factor of production after land, capital, labour and entrepreneurship. Hence, its significance in keeping learning afloat during the current COVID-19 or Coronavirus pandemic (a large family of RNA viruses that infect birds and many mammals including humans, causing illness that ranges from the common cold to more severe respiratory diseases). While the pandemic has ravaged the world and shaken many organizations resulting in downsizing and pay cuts. Many libraries and information centres are not left out of this ugly trend (Aflia, 2020). During the first half of 2020, academic libraries across the world have been addressing unprecedented challenges brought on by COVID-19. A large number of these libraries, due to national legislation or institutional decision, had to close their doors and offer virtual services. Academic libraries have been reinventing their services to meet the teaching, learning, and research needs. Libraries around the world are facing hard choices around which services to offer, due to the restrictions in social distance. We are aware that governments themselves are taking different approaches, sometimes ordering the closure of all institutions, others indicating that life should continue as usual, and others simply leaving decisions up to library directors. In light of the above Skyline University Nigeria Library during the first wave of Covid-19 Era, joined the queue of other libraries in developed countries by providing virtual services to their patrons. The Coronavirus Pandemic may have caused many Public and Private institutions of higher learning to close in Nigeria and the World at large, but, has been an inspiring journey to see the level of creativity and dedication that Skyline University Nigeria’s Library have shown in the steps to continue service to its academic community beyond the four walls of the University’s library. The library has expanded access to e-resources such as e-Books, e-Journals, Video clips etc. Equally, the library has extensively mobilized its staff in organising relevant Webinars for effective information dissemination. The webinars were presented in 4-series and certificate of participation were shared among the participants which cut across several countries. 1. The first Webinar Series of Skyline University Nigeria Library was in collaboration with the National Digital Library of India. It was a live webinar with the theme ‘User Awareness of National Digital Library of India” which was conducted on Friday, 5th June 2020. This was part of the SUN library’s mandate to improve digital library opportunities and awareness in a global platform, to increase consumer education around information and resources as well as to develop community partnerships to broaden the scope of a digital library. The event was aimed primarily to improve the usage and impact of the digital library system into the mindset of Faculty, Librarians, Researchers, Students etc. The host presenters are Prof. Partha Pratim Chakrabarti – Principal Investigator – NDLI, Dr Vignesh Sornamohan – Chief Strategic & Outreach Officer – NDLI and Prof Partha Pratim Das – Join Principal Investigator – NDLI. The webinar had in attendance of over 167 participants including some high profile dignitaries from both Government and Private sectors as well as Universities and Polytechnics across Nigeria. 2. The second webinar was organized and conducted on Friday 10th July 2020. The webinar with the theme, ‘Journal Selection Considerations: Complexities and Solutions for Researchers’ was aimed at developing the concept, rationale, and purposes of an academic journal; it also includes the strategies on how to identify aims, scope, relevance and recognition of an academic journal and why there is a need to understand all these before submission; The Webinar was presented by renowned scholar Prof. Muhammad Kashif of GIFT University. The webinar featured over 196 participants (Sun, 2020). 3. The third webinar series was in collaboration with Elsevier and it was conducted on Tuesday 13th October 2020. The webinar has the theme, ‘Writing without Plagiarism and Proper Citations using Mendeley’ and was presented by Mr Khalid Shalan, who is a Core Research Consultant for Elsevier. The webinar was aimed to give a general overview of Elsevier Content and comprehensively discussed the effect of plagiarism and how to properly create citation by using Mendeley. The webinar featured over 150 participants from diverse academic and professional background (Sun, 2020). 4. The fourth webinar series was with the theme, ‘Digital Transformation Decoded: e-Library for Today and Tomorrow’. It was a collaboration with SUN Library and Knimbus – digital library company. The event was conducted on Wednesday 28th October 2020 and the host presenter of the webinar was Mr Vankatesh – Manager, Training and Customer of Knimbus and Mr Anurag – Senior Manager, Inside Sales. The overall presentation examines the growing imperative for Digital Library with remote access, virtual classrooms, web portal, mobile app (iOS & Android) virtual labs in the provision of successful research support services. The webinar featured over 93 participants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds. Conclusion  The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated sudden and radical changes in the delivery of library services, as strict social distancing and lockdown measures were imposed by Nigerian Government in the early phases of the first wave of the pandemic. The Internet and web technologies have created a new and unparalleled environment which enables SUN Library to enhance and strengthen the research, teaching and learning of the University through the online Webinar during the first wave of Covid 19. Skyline University Nigeria Library been the first International Private University in North-Western part of Nigeria has changed the narratives by providing the current trends which goes with International standard of other libraries in developed countries. References Aflia, (2020). African Library and information asscoiation and institutions. Retrieved from https://web.aflia.net/underscoring-the-importance-of-information-marketing-as-a-vital-skill-by-librarians-in-post-covid-19-era/ November 2nd Dadhe, P. P. (2020). Library Services  Provided During During COVID-19 Pandemic: Content andemic: Content. Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal). Retrieved from  https://www.ifla.org/covid-19-and-libraries#understanding  Sun, (2020). Skyline University Nigeria’s Library (SUNL) Holds 2nd Webinar Series. Kano, Nigeria. Retrieved from Skyline University Nigeria’s Library (SUNL) January 15) https://sun.edu.ng/news/skyline-university-nigeria-s-library-sunl-holds-2nd-webinar-series. Sun, (2020). Skyline University Nigeria

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Water as car fuel – how far we have reached

Running automobiles on pure water has been a dream of mankind. A water-fueled car is an automobile that hypothetically derives its energy directly from the water. Water-fuelled cars have been the subject of numerous international patents, newspaper, and popular science magazine articles, local television news coverage, and websites. These vehicles may be claimed to produce fuel from the water on board with no other energy input or may be a hybrid claiming to derive some of its energy from water in addition to a conventional source (such as gasoline). However, many of these claims and devices have been found to be pseudoscience [1]. Water is fully oxidized hydrogen. Hydrogen itself is a high-energy, flammable substance, but its useful energy is released when water is formed. Water will not burn. The process of electrolysis can split water into hydrogen and oxygen, but it takes as much energy to take apart a water molecule as was released when the hydrogen was oxidized to form water. Some energy would be lost in converting water to hydrogen and then burning the hydrogen because some waste heat would always be produced in the conversions. Releasing chemical energy from water, in excess or in equal proportion to the energy required to facilitate such production, would therefore violate the first or second law of thermodynamics. According to the currently accepted laws of physics, there is no way to extract chemical energy from water alone. Water itself is highly stable—it was one of the classical elements and contains very strong chemical bonds. Its enthalpy of formation is negative (-68.3 kcal/mol or -285.8 kJ/mol), meaning that energy is required to break those stable bonds, to separate water into its elements, and there are no other compounds of hydrogen and oxygen with more negative enthalpies of formation, meaning that no energy can be released in this manner either [2]. Most proposed water-fuelled cars rely on some form of electrolysis to separate water into hydrogen and oxygen and then recombine them to release energy; however, because the energy required to separate the elements will always be at least as great as the useful energy released, this cannot be used to produce net energy. At least as far back as 1980, Stanley Meyer claimed that he had built a dune vehicle that ran on water, although he gave inconsistent explanations as to its mode of operation. In 2002, the firm Hydrogen Technology Applications patented an electrolyser design and trademarked the term “Aquygen” to refer to the hydrogen-oxygen gas mixture produced by the device. Originally developed as an alternative to oxyacetylene welding, the company claimed to be able to run a vehicle exclusively on water, via the production of “Aquygen.” At present, the company no longer claims it can run a car exclusively on water and is instead marketing “Aquygen” production as a technique to increase fuel efficiency. Also in 2002, Genesis World Energy announced a market-ready device which would extract energy from water by separating the hydrogen and oxygen and then recombining them. In 2003, the company announced that this technology had been adapted to power automobiles. The company collected over $2.5 million from investors, but none of their devices were ever brought to market. In June 2008, Japanese company Genepax unveiled a car it claimed ran on only water and air, and many news outlets dubbed the vehicle a “water-fuel car”. The company did not reveal the core part of this invention but it disclosed that the system used an onboard energy generator, which it called a “membrane electrode assembly”, to extract the hydrogen. Also in 2008, Sri Lankan news sources reported that Thushara Priyamal Edirisinghe claimed to drive a water-fuelled car about 300 km (190 miles) on 3 liters of water. Like other alleged water-fuelled cars described above, energy for the car was supposedly produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using electrolysis and then burning the gases in the engine. Thushara was arrested a few months later on suspicion of investment fraud [3]. In December 2011, Pakistani doctor Ghulam Sarwar claimed he had invented a car that ran only on water. At the time the invented car was claimed to use 60% water and 40% Diesel. Many such claims of using water as fuel have resonated across the globe from time to time. However, as of today, we are yet to find a cost-effective method to harvest hydrogen from water and use it as fuel. On the other hand, some progress has been made on the use of hydrogen as a fuel. As of 2019, there are three models of hydrogen cars publicly available in select markets: the Toyota Mirai, the world’s first mass-produced dedicated fuel cell electric vehicle, the Hyundai Nexo, and the Honda Clarity. Several other companies are working to develop hydrogen cars [4]. As of 2019, 98% of hydrogen is produced by steam methane reforming, which emits carbon dioxide. The drawbacks of hydrogen use are high carbon emissions intensity when produced from natural gas, capital cost burden, low energy content per unit volume at ambient conditions, production and compression of hydrogen, the investment required in filling stations to dispense hydrogen, transportation of hydrogen to filling stations and lack of ability to produce or dispense hydrogen at home. Students at IIT Roorkee, India have developed a new electric car prototype that runs on water and aluminum, instead of fuel or electricity. The car is powered by water and an aluminum plate. The car can run 1,000 km on a single charge. It requires a liter of water every 300 km. Once the 1,000-km mark is crossed, one would need to change the aluminum plate that may take 15 minutes. As of now, these plates cost Rs. 5,000 but are likely to get cheaper in the future as demand goes up [5]. Another car mechanic Mohammad Raees Markani from Madhya Pradesh, India has invented a car that runs on water. The car runs on acetylene gas, which is formed from a chemical reaction between calcium carbide

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Antibacterial Activity of Commercially Available Essential Oils Against Some Bacterial Pathogens

Among compounds of natural origin, biological activities have been shown by essential oils from aromatic and medicinal plants and have received particular attention because of their radical-scavenging properties [De Sousa Barros A, et al]. Plant extracts and essential oils possess antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties and have been screened on a global scale as potential sources of novel antimicrobial compounds, agents promoting food preservation, and alternatives to treat infectious diseases [Safaei et al 2010, Astani et al 2010]. Essential oils have been reported to possess significant antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-parasitic, antifungal, and insecticidal activities. Therefore, essential oils can serve as a powerful tool to reduce the bacterial resistance [M.K et al 2013]. Essential oils (also called volatile oils) are aromatic oily liquids obtained from plant materials (flowers, buds, seeds, leaves, twigs, bark, herbs, wood, fruits and roots). They can be obtained by expression, fermentation or extraction but the method of steam distillation is most commonly used for commercial production. An estimated 3000 essential oils are known, of which 300 are commercially important in fragrance market. Essential oils are complex mixers comprising many single compounds. Chemically they are derived from terpenes and their oxygenated compounds. Each of these constituents contributes to the beneficial or adverse effects [Vande et al]. In the research about antimicrobial activity, the action mechanism and potential use of volatile plant oils have received prominence in recent decades in parallel with advances in traditional approaches to protecting the health of humans, animals and food against the presence of pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms. Thus, investigations on the antimicrobial activity of plant extracts against different pathogens have been performed worldwide (Dorman and Deans 2000). The study conducted on four commercially available essential oils (Eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree and Lavender) revealed that their antibacterial properties vary depending on the concentration used and the presence of secondary metabolites. The highest activity was observed with Eucalyptus on Staphylococcus spp at 50% concentration. This result is in accordance with the work of Traoré et al., who tested the antimicrobial activity of essential oils of Eucalyptus citriodora and Eucalyptus houseana by agar diffusion method. They found that they have some activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli; in addition, they are active against Candida albicans. Therefore, Essential oils have great medicinal benefits as they contain the essence of herbs and flowers in concentrated form. The aroma molecules are very potent organic plant chemicals that make the surroundings free from disease, bacteria, virus and fungus. Their versatile character of antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory nature along with immune booster body with hormonal, glandular, emotional, circulatory, calming effect, memory and alertness enhancer, is well documented by many scientists. It’s known to everyone that most antibiotics no longer work; infections are getting harder to cure. Hence, it is high time to find alternative to antibiotics from natural sources. References 1. De Sousa Barros A., de Morais S.M., Ferreira P.A.T., Vieira Í.G.P., Craveiro A.A., de Santos Fontenelle R.O., de Menezes J.E.S.A., da Silva F.W.F., de Sousa H.A. Chemical composition and functional properties of essential oils from Mentha species. Ind. Crops Prod. 2015;76:557–564. doi: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2015.07.004. [CrossRef] [Google Scholar] 2. Safaei-Ghomi J., Ahd A.A. Antimicrobial and antifungal properties of the essential oil and methanol extracts of Eucalyptus largiflorens and Eucalyptus intertexta. Pharmacogn. Mag. 2010;6:172–175. doi: 10.4103/0973-1296.66930.​[​PMC free article] [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar] 3. .Stefanakis M.K., Touloupakis E., Anastasopoulos E., Ghanotakis D., Katerinopoulos H.E., Makridis P. Antibacterial activity of essential oils from plants of the genus Origanum. Food Control. 2013;34:539–546. doi: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2013.05.024. [CrossRef] [Google Scholar] 4. Van de Braak SAAJ, Leijten GCJJ: Essential Oils and Oleoresins: A Survey in the Netherlands and other Major Markets in the European Union. CBI, Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries, Rotterdam. 1999, 116- 5. Reeds, P. J. (2000). “Dispensable and indispensable amino acids for humans”. The Journal of Nutrition. 130 (7): 1835S–40S. doi:10.1093/jn/130.7.1835S. PMID 10867060 6. . Tongnuanchan P., Benjakul S. Essential oils: Extraction, bioactivities, and their uses for food preservation. J. Food Sci. 2014;79:R1231–R1249. doi: 10.1111/1750-3841.12492. [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar] 7. Guillén MD, Cabo N, Burillo J. Characterisation of the essential oils of some cultivated aromatic Plants of industrial interest. J Sci Food Agric. 1996; 70: 359-363 8. Dobre AA, Gagiu V, Petru N. Anti-bacterial activity of Essential oils against food-borne bacteria evaluated by two preliminary methods. Romanian Biotechnology letters. 2011; 16(6): 119-125 9. Houtsma, M.Th. (1993). E. J. Brill’s First Encyclopaedia of Islam, 1913–1936. 4. Brill. pp. 1011–. ISBN 978-90-04-09790-2.   Ms. Maryam Muhammad, is a Lecturer II at Skyline University Nigeria. She has an MSc. in Medical Microbiology from the Bayaro University Kano. You can join the conversation on Facebook @SkylineUniversityNG and on Twitter @SkylineUNigeria

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Digital Content Creation; Making Money From Online Videos

Introduction One of the values of content creation is the financial reward that comes with it. While the digital world is fast developing into a money-making platform through content provision particularly of short online videos, using mobile phones has been used by many internet users to make money. In Nigeria and the rest of the world, social media handles such as Instagram, YouTube, Facebook etc have become an avenue for celebrities focus on making money. The point is to generate at least one million followers on their page to get a lot of traffic. As a content provider, you can make much money by monetizing your page whenever you upload interesting contents. Content creation, therefore, is the process of identifying a new topic you want to write about, deciding which form you want the content to take (formalizing your strategy (keyword or otherwise), and then actually producing it. Because content can take many forms – blog post, video, eBook, Tweet, infographic, advertisement, to name a few – the most advanced and popular content includes videos podcasts and infographics. For the purpose of the subject matter, this article is limited only to video content. What is Content Creation in Social Media? Content creation is the contribution or provision of information, such as; songs, drama play, comedy and short films to any media platform and most especially to digital media for an end-user/audience in relaxing contexts. Transforming your social media platform into money-making; is the process of generating income through the videos you share online. This is usually achieved through advertising, subscriptions, or direct transactions. To have great contents that will generate cool money; you have to produce content that will be appealing to all classes of viewers on the internet. These kinds of content should at will, make viewers laugh and also make them share your contents. Hence, videos that showcase comedy and information about current events will attract more audience and viewership which can be monetized into your private accounts. Video content monetization is getting paid for the videos or contents created. You get paid a sum of money for the number of people who watch, like or subscribe to your channel. The more people watch your content (or, the more subscribers you have), the more you can earn. When you monetize your videos online, you won’t get paid for the video creation process. Meaning, nobody is likely to pay you to go out with your camera and record. Instead, you’ll get paid for access to your videos; access to your audience and access to your platform. You can monetize your videos through the following channels. Create a Private Channel on Youtube The first process of monetizing video content is to create a private channel on youTube with an attractive name. You can look for someone to interview or that will talk about a current issue or shoot a short comedy video and upload it. After uploading it, try to share the link with your friends on your social media contact and even beg them to watch it through the links provided. Automatically a Google accent account will be created for you where you can see the traffic and money you make. Create a Standalone Space. This is your reserved spot on the internet where people can come to find your videos and access them. Ideally, this is going to be a video-on-demand optimized website where people can easily get to your content using any device. Having this space will allow you to: a. Set your prices b. Keep creative control of your videos c. Stay flexible and adjust your strategy based on your audience’s needs. The standalone space will also allow you to create your video monetization site, upload your videos, set your prices and manage your marketing from one easy-to-use dashboard, tailor-made for video creators like yourself. Create a Subscription Offer The best method to get money on your videos is the SVOD model. That is, creating your Netflix-style platform to sell videos. This model works well because of its scalability. You can generate limitless income for the videos you’ve already created, and you don’t need to create something new to increase your income. You’re only just adding to your library and growing the value for the viewer. Another benefit is this income is passive and monthly. You don’t need to be there at the point of sale, and when you do make a sale, you generate income over the long term. The more subscribers you have, the more this snowballs. But even with just a few people on board, you can generate a lot of income! Finally, you’re in full control of your prices. You can keep them low and accessible if that’s where your confidence level is, or you can charge a high-ticket offer if you feel up to it. However, most subscriptions sit between $9.99 and $19.99 per month. All of this leaves you to do more of what you love – creating. Creating interesting content has made a lot of people rich and it is possible that if the above steps are follower carefully you too can make a huge profit from your video content. REFERENCES  Amazon Advertising, (2018) “Growing Your Business and Increase Sales With Online Advertising Solutions that help you Find Attract and Engage Customer” Online Source, Retrieved 2020-11-27 Weber Design, (2017) “What is a content creator and why do I need one?”, Weber Design. Retrieved 2020-11-27 James Johnson, (2019) “Video Monetization: How to Make Money without YouTube” https://www.uscreen.tv. Retrieved 2020-11-26 Isaac Brown, (2018) “The Advantages of Individual Marketing”, (On-line Source). Retrieved 2020-11-26 Neil Patel, (2016) “8 Powerful Ways to Monetize a Blog That Generates Under 1,000 Visitors”. (Online Source). Retrieved 2020-11-26   You can join the conversation on Facebook @SkylineUniversityNG and on Twitter @SkylineUNigeria

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STRATAGEMS TO RESTART MSMEs OPERATION AFTER COVID -19

Introduction A new phase in the COVID-19 pandemic has arrived. It is a period for trust yet additionally for alert. The finish of the lockdown won’t spell a re-visitation of the old “normal”, nor will it be widespread. The initial will take various shapes, with various nations, various locales, and diverse business areas opening up in various manners and at contrasting paces. The infection actually hides and the capacity to contain its spread will direct what occurs straightaway; any resurgence will probably achieve recharged limitations. Large-scale testing and following, the expansive accessibility of covers, and adequate escalated care limit in medical clinics will decide the pace of recovery. By what method can organizations explore this troublesome climate, particularly in the following barely any weeks, as the limitations are released? Their energy to restart and reconstruct is justifiably huge, yet so are the issues that a re-visitation of business raises. What is the financial health—and state of mind—of suppliers and consumers? How can employees be motivated to return to work and reassured about their safety? How quickly will demand return? What will health and safety stipulations mean for the organization of operations and supply chain? Ten key stratagems for restarting MSMEs  Companies will need to take a holistic approach to restarting. This short paper is based on the secondary sources of information collected from news media – conversations and interview given by CEO and Chairman of large European and Asian companies from all sectors, who provided a broad view of their issues and concerns about the end of lockdown. 1. Creating a detailed re-launch map – The emergency has broken huge numbers of the presumptions and devices that business chiefs depend on for dynamic, however for the restart, they should characterize a strong structure for activity in a profoundly unpredictable climate. The best approach is to develop a detailed re-launch map—country by country, site by site, segment by segment, customer by customer, and product by product—in order to prioritize recovery opportunities. This guide will manage creation, flexibly chain, and advertising and deals endeavors, and help decide a recuperation timetable for each site. 2. Government’s economic responses to COVID-19 pandemic – have incorporated a variety of measures to help individuals and organizations endure the hardship. MSMEs are in a particularly troublesome position. Plunging request has constrained them to lay off laborers, and many don’t have the monetary assets to get by in this atmosphere. In numerous nations, up to 33% of MSMEs could become penniless inside a quarter of a year of when the pandemic started in their nations. MSMEs represent 66% of worldwide business and half of worldwide GDP. An inability to secure them could put the whole worldwide economy in danger. 3. Reshape customer experiences for the new normal – A change that won’t just be impermanent for a pretty much long period of restart, yet that will likely be authoritative. Presently it’s an ideal opportunity to reshape your customer experience, designing fast new products and services to be distributed through every channel, with communication plans coherent with these times. Answer aptitude and information in the plan of advanced encounters will uphold clients to comprehend and plan the new needs, issues and openings brought up in this absolutely new setting. 4. Providing customers with safety guarantees that restore trust In Asia, this has prompted the presentation of new practices, for example, temperature controls at the passage of stores, the arrangement of hydro alcoholic gel in retail outlets and on open vehicle, the summed up utilization of contactless strategies for both installment and conveyance. In the Middle East, the aircraft Emirates has presented thermal screening of all travelers getting onto its trips in Dubai and is requesting that they wear face covers ready. The carrier means to send similar measures on a more extensive scale. 5. Safeguarding the health of employees – Many employees are anxious to re-visitation of work, yet many are additionally stressed over having the option to do so securely. Organizations should both console workers about security and discover approaches to spur them in a post-lockdown world. Two simultaneous actions will be needed like- Ensure employee safety in the workplace Extend protection measures to employees outside the office, as has been done by multinationals in Southeast Asia and China. For example, provide employees with safety equipment (hydro alcoholic gel, masks, and gloves) for personal use. 6. Phases of resilient business from the COVID-19 crisis – Now is an ideal opportunity to turn your consideration toward Recover, to guarantee your business is prepared to Thrive. We accept that business systems in the recuperation stage will be best coordinated through three basic activities: reflect, restart, and revive. These activities can assist organizations with spanning the emergency reaction to an effective future, by establishing the framework to flourish in the fallout of the crisis. 7. Understand Investment Trade-offs – Lastly, understand risks of capital debt versus reinvestment. We suggest organizations apply for minimal effort credits on the off chance that they are strapped for cash. The assets, for instance, can be utilized to buy new equipment for a line that will set you up for accomplishment later on. In this way, so, it may be better to get the loan rather than fighting the good fight only to see moderate equipment gainfulness and confining development openings. 8. The plan of action for returning to work sites – 9. Embrace the cultural and behavioral shifts that COVID-19 introduced – While online sales and services were already growing rapidly in many countries, the pandemic has catapulted online retail into overdrive. Something other than food and home remedies, interest for administrations, going from instructional classes and amusement have all expanded. Organizations have a valuable opportunity to capitalize on the significant behavioral and social movements of the previous barely any weeks with the goal that they convey across into a non-COVID world. This may mean creating Omni-channel plans of action that join advanced and up close and personal contributions. 10. Establish credibility with your clients

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BACTERIA TO BIODEGRADABLE PLASTIC

What are Bioplastics? Bioplastics are biobased products which, because of their biodegradability and renewability, allow for greater product sustainability. As bioplastics that biodegrade to CO2 and H2O mitigate the adverse effects of standard plastics (litter and damage to aquatic environments), their use is attractive. Two of the biggest issues with conventional plastics are the fact that they are made from non-renewable petroleum, and once discarded, they remain around for decades Instead of petroleum, renewable feedstocks such as maize, sugarcane and algae can be used, decreasing global reliance on crude oil and decreasing the effects on the environment It can either be produced by extracting sugar from plants such as maize and sugarcane to be processed into polylactic acids (PLAs), or it can be produced from microorganism-engineered polyhydroxyalkanoates ( PHAs). It is also sometimes referred to as bio-based plastic. In food packaging, PLA plastic is widely used, although in medical devices such as sutures and cardiovascular patches, PHA is also used .Bioplastics currently account for just about 1 percent of the > 360 million tonnes of plastics manufactured annually, but with annual growth of 20-30 percent, despite rising global environmental awareness. Reduced prices, legislation, and growing demand for consumer awareness are increasing due to the production of advanced biopolymers and materials [1]. Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) In 1926, French researcher Maurice Lemoigne discovered that Bacillus megaterium, a bacterium much larger than E. coli was stressed, the microbe will generate polyhydroxybutyrate, or PHB. This can be used to create plastic that only CO2, water and organic biomass as it breaks down.Sadly, little is done with PHB because processing is up to 100 times costlier than other plastics, and cost is not anticipated to decrease in the future. In order to do something about these evidence, scientists have tried to change plants in a genetic way to generate pHB like fermenting bacteria [2]. Current Trends The recent pandemic have boosted the marked of bacteria PHA based bioplastic keeping in concern the degradation caused by conventional plastic. Scientists at the German Fraunhofer Institute for Production Systems and Design Technology began with industrial waste such as fats containing a high amount of residual minerals in order to manufacture ‘eco-friendly’ plastic. Genetically engineered bacteria then metabolised those minerals inside a fermentation chamber and transformed them into a biopolymer known as polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). The microbes processed it as an energy source in their cells in liquid form. Once the PHB was eventually dissolved from the bacteria, it was combined with patented chemical additives, which allowed the PHB to harden much faster than would otherwise have been the case, among other things. What resulted was a biologically derived polyester that is said to exhibit properties close to those of polypropylene. That said, if the polyester based on PHB is put in an ordinary landfill, it is reportedly completely broken down within six to 12 months by naturally occurring micro-organisms [3]. In order to replace conventional fossil-based raw materials, the EU-funded REFUCOAT project has successfully produced a new range of processes for manufacturing bioplastics for food packaging from renewable materials.REFUCOAT has developed three different bio-based active packaging systems using these bioplastics, which include polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and polyglycolic acid (PGA), specifically formulated for fresh chicken, breadcrumbs and crisps[4]. The market for polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) is forecast to hit an estimated volume of 45.49 tonnes by 2027, with a growth rate of 7.60 per cent for the forecast market Increased usage of polyhydroxyalkanoates in different COVID applications, one of which is expected to drive the demand for polyhydroxyalkanoates in the 2020-2027 forecast era [5]. Source:-Data Bridge Market Research We can’t get rid of conventional plastic at once and the era of bio plastic will definitely take time to come and flourish because of many challenges. Although we can contribute by minimizing our use and dependency. This is a field right now for entrepreneurial investors. There’s no shortage of incredible opportunity for alternatives. As biofuels are part of the broader sense of a renewable energy market, bioplastics can be seen as part of a systemic approach to the transition to a sustainable plastic industry. To identify the net contribution of these materials, detailed lifecycle analyses are also important, as their processing can require energy-intensive measures. Researchers and other stakeholders all have a role to play by closely analysing the usage of energy when importing biochemicals, maximising the use of water and energy during the production of bioplastics, and designing the final storage, recycling and selection of the commodity. References: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/2018/11/are-bioplastics-made-from-plants-better-for-environment-ocean-plastic/ .https://arstechnica.com/science/2020/01/are-bioplastics-all-hype-or-the-future-of-textiles/ https://newatlas.com/environment/bioplastic-waste-biodegrades-one-year/ https://packagingeurope.com/eu-funded-project-reports-success-with-bioplastic-projects/ https://aerospace-journal.com/coronavirus/299084/polyhydroxyalkanoates-pha-market-will-reach-an-estimated-volume-of-45-49-tons-by-2027-top-companies-danimer-scientific-biomatera-inc-bio-mer-international/   Mrs. Jyoti Rajwar, is a Lecturer II in Skyline University Nigeria. She has MSc in Microbiology from G.B.Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, India. You can join the conversation on Facebook @SkylineUniversityNG and on Twitter @SkylineUNigeria

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Useful Tricks & Career Opportunities for Every Computer Science Students

Computer science is one of the very popular major course/degree Programmeme among global students. There are several bases that computer science is very popular, including outstanding career security, especially high paid salaries, and also assorted job opportunities across various industries. In Skyline University Nigeria, we exclusively concentrate on these tricks for computer science student’s growth. Here are a few useful tricks to keep in mind to be an unbeaten Computer Science student. Focal point on enhancing practical Computer Science skills Most of Computer Science and Information Technology courses are not only theory-based compared to courses from other types of majors such as management, economics, social sciences, etc. Even though Computer Science (CS) and Information Technology (IT) degree include various theory-based classes, the approach of those courses are far more concentrated in practical skills. For instance, right after theoretical classes say for an example web design and development, you must have to apply the theoretical knowledge which is learnt through practical web development in a computer laboratory and also with various projects. Should learn more after the classes Most of Computer Science and IT courses are rocking interesting. But it won’t cover all the handiness the student might need in a job. For example, if you are learning the course called Software Engineering and you are planning to go into software development, the student should also learn significant Programmeming languages related to software development.  The student of computer science may need to update themselves and always should have a thirst to learn new Programmeming languages on their own, skyline university Nigeria is helping students to update their knowledge in these areas by giving various webinars, conferences, knowledge sharing lecture series etc. Also, students can start up with introductions to online Programmeming languages, some courses are offered for free (W3Schools, Linkedin), such as Python, MATLAB, Java, DART and much more. Time Planning and Test abilities tourism  Scheduling time properly is very important and after completing core assignments or projects, ICT students are advised to hit Google and find out what type of computing skills tech companies are looking for. Particularly, look into further details on the exact requirements at those specific companies you dream of working for. When you are learning Web design and development – The computer science student could also make simple websites or Programmes just for themself to test their abilities and push them further. If you want to study Computer Science and Information Technology (IT) at top-ranked universities, check Programmemes offered by some of the best universities ranked by UniRank, One of the best universities in Africa for a Computer Science degree, especially in Nigeria: Skyline University Nigeria (https://www.4icu.org/reviews/18431.htm) Some of the best universities in the USA for a Computer Science degree: California Institute of Technology  Massachusetts Institute of Technology  Georgia Institute of Technology Do not need to be an isolated guzzle Being able to work on your own and independently motivate yourself is great, and you’ll need that. But don’t forget that you’re not alone, and its’ highly unlikely you’ll be alone in the workplace as well. You’re likely to be part of a team. Teamwork takes some skills you’ll need to brush up on and work constantly. Once you’ll find a good study group, you’ll surely enjoy meeting with your peers, sharing ideas and working on interesting projects. After all, that’s just the classical way innovation starts: with a few genius minds that come together and work on a new invention until it becomes a trademark.[4] Skyline University Nigeria has MOU with Worldwide popular destinations for Computer Science Institutions: MOU with Top Institutions and Universities of Computer Science in India  MOU with Top Institutions and Universities of Computer Science in Malaysia Learn with life Learn Computer Science degree in Skyline University Nigeria, and Study-related courses involved in our day to day life. Students can spend their daily life with social networking such as Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp and they can learn how to develop it. The courses and offered may be tough to build the capacity in students but if you interconnect your life with your studies, it will be very easy to learn it. Some other courses will refresh your mind and increase your grades. Cheers, Rest, good luck! References: Education in Nigeria – https://wenr.wes.org/2017/03/education-in-nigeria Kano State – en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kano_State Skyline University Nigeria at the glance – https://sun.edu.ng/sun-at-the-glance 5 Study Tips that Will Make You a Successful Computer Science Student https://www.mastersportal.com/articles/434/5-study-tips-that-will-make-you-a-successful-computer-science-student.html   Dr. Vijay Arputharaj is a Lecturer I of Computer and Information Science in Skyline University Nigeria. He has a PhD. in Computer Science, from Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, India. You can join the conversation on Facebook @SkylineUniversityNG and on Twitter @SkylineUNigeria  

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Enhancing Computing Education in a Post Covid-19 Era

The contemporary convolutions of teaching and learning computer science/software engineering are increased in a diverse learning environment where students are diverse in their disciplinary backgrounds, language skills, and cultures. Some of the characteristics that are negatively impacting computer science students learning achievements are: the gap between the students’ and the teacher’s perspective of learning outcomes and task completion (Thompson, Hunt, & Kinshuk, 2006)1; the initial perception of students that “learning Programmeming is hard” (Tan et al., 2009). Computer Programmeming “requires the use of complex cognitive skills, such as reasoning, problem solving and planning” (Tie et al., 2010)2. “A Programmemer forms abstract representations of a process, expresses them in the form of logic structures, and finally translates them into correct code using the formal language” (Wiedenbeck et al., 2004)3. The three primary pedagogical goals in teaching a Programmeming language are therefore covering the language’s syntax, developing Programme design skills and creative thinking. The selection of the most suitable Programmeming language and the teaching approach are presented as two fundamental issues related to teaching Programmeming (Al-Imamy 2006)4. Computer science pedagogy varies from developing skills in design and implementation focusing on the understanding of the machine aspects or real world application aspects such as object-oriented design and development (Berglunda, et al., 2009)5. For this reason, I believe that students should be empowered with reflective lifelong learning skills to be successful in the highly dynamic field of ICT where Programmeming languages and tools constantly evolve. In general, with respect to computer science/software engineering, I realize any task that involve practical applications helps students become and remain engaged in a cognitive process. While traditional teacher-centric pedagogy is focused on the course content and transferring knowledge to the students whereas a learner-centric view is focused on assisting students to develop or build knowledge (Wright, 2011)6, but it is considered not effective in systematically guiding computer science students to be able to learn and feel very comfortable with new ideas and their applications. Bearing in mind the challenges that computer Programmeming represents to students, I believe that finding and implementing an appropriate teaching approach will be one of the crucial factors in students’ to be able to succeed in mastering the course content. Fortunately, one of the most rewarding aspects of an academic position is the opportunity to teach and interact with students. Whether or not they realize it, students have the freedom to explore and to think about problems in new ways. As teachers, we have the opportunity to guide students’ discoveries and learn a great deal in the process.  Hence, I have found several approaches helpful in systematically guiding computer science/software engineering students to be able to learn and feel very comfortable with new ideas and their applications; among the approaches are constructive alignment, collaborative learning theory, and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory. In constructive alignment: learner constructs his or her own learning through relevant learning activities, while teacher creates a learning environment that supports the learning activities relevant to achieving the desired learning outcomes (Biggs, 2003)7. Collaborative learning facilitates: cognitive constructivism where peer discussion leads to enhanced conceptual understanding (Crouch & Mazur, 2001)8; social construction of new knowledge by reflecting on the new material, cognitive rehearsal, and assimilation, through teamwork and deeper understanding, promoted by interaction among team members with varying levels of prior knowledge (Sangin, Molinari, Nüssli, & Dillenbourg, 2011)9. While Maslow’s theory (Maslow, 1943)10 is a motivational theory in psychology consisting of five hierarchy of human needs. For an individual to be self-actualized, all the five hierarchy of needs most be satisfied in a sequential manner as shown in figure 1. Figure 1: Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs By examining the literature related to this philosophy, I, however, have to argue with Maslow’s, 1943 theory of Humanism, for fact that most people reached self-actualisation without going through the hierarchy of needs in sequence (e.g. a person that came from a poor family but yet become successful in life). Hence, not everyone will move through the hierarchy in a uni-directional manner but may move back and forth between the different types of needs (McLeod, 2017)11. Consequently, I would like to propose a student-centered learning and teaching method that integrates constructive alignment (consistency), collaborative learning theory (collaboration, conception, and cognition), and bits of Maslows theory (love/belonging and self-actualisation) in a student-centered teaching pedagogy as shown in figure 2. Figure 2: Integration of Learning Theories into Student-Centered Teaching Pedagogy   Figure 2 is designed to transforms the traditional 2-hour lecture to a flipped classroom (by assigning recorded video lectures as homework, and use class time for active learning exercises/activity and direct engagement/discussion with students) but classified into five different sessions: 1. Explanation/ Elaboration Session: By explaining where necessary, elaborating on the concept to be taught using simulations and real-world examples, and referring back to previously-taught concepts (“teaching by facilitating” (Rogers, 1967)12, which is “driven by what learner’s need to know” (Knowles, 2005) 2. Conceive and Communication Session: Facilitating collaborative learning through this session, by taking 5 to 10 minutes to form some small group discussions. The group discussions are to be guided by questions related to the main concept and are intended to enable the social construction of new knowledge (“learners using their prior experience” (Knowles, 2005). These communication sessions will reduce the difficulties experienced by students in framing questions and expressing their doubts in the early stages of the course (“because learning is pervasive – involving the whole person” (Rogers, 1967). 3. Interaction Session: During the interaction session, students will raise questions or share their insights gained during their group discussions (“which is developing learner’s full potential” (Rogers, 1967). Based on this feedback, the new concept is further explained and linked to existing schemas in the knowledge construction process (“through identifying what needs to be learned, which is relevant” (Knowles, 2005). It will further enable the students to share their group learning experiences with the whole class. 4. Collective Problem Solving Session: During this session, students will work together in small teams in solving a

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