This article explores the transformative role of digital education in overcoming geographic and systemic challenges in the Maldives,an archipelagic nation facing unique educational constraints.Leveraging digital tools...This article explores the transformative role of digital education in overcoming geographic and systemic challenges in the Maldives,an archipelagic nation facing unique educational constraints.Leveraging digital tools offers a critical solution to bridge these barriers and ensure accessible,quality education across the islands.The Maldives National University(MNU)has undertaken initiatives to expand digital education offerings,accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic to facilitate online learning across the Maldives.Drawing on MNU’s 2021 study,“The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Higher Education Sector of Maldives:Responses and Challenges,”this paper examines challenges such as infrastructure limitations,digital literacy gaps,and student engagement,alongside MNU’s strategies to address these issues.This article also highlights MNU’s ongoing research initiatives,including participation in the EU Erasmus project DIGITAsia and a completed e-learning project with the EU,and discusses the value of international collaboration in advancing digital education.Furthermore,it outlines current government initiatives aimed at enhancing digital literacy among citizens.Future directions are discussed,including the integration of adaptive technologies to further personalize learning and prepare students for the demands of a global digital economy.展开更多
In this report,we aimed to analyze the prevalence of undernutrition and associated factors among children under 5 years of age in Lhaviyani Atoll,Maldives.A total of 800 children(under 5 years old) and their mothers w...In this report,we aimed to analyze the prevalence of undernutrition and associated factors among children under 5 years of age in Lhaviyani Atoll,Maldives.A total of 800 children(under 5 years old) and their mothers were selected for this study.Data was collected by using a pretested questionnaire and anthropometric measurements were taken from the hospital record book.Chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression were used to find the association between nutritional status and determinants.The distribution of height for age and weight for age in surveyed children in Maldives was skewed to the left compared with the WHO standard.The prevalence of undernutrition based on underweight(10.75%),stunting(13.5%),and wasting(9.60%) was estimated to be 23.85% among children.Child age,gender and mother’s education were significantly associated with undernutrition(P<0.05).Our survey highlighted that better nutritional interventions are needed to improve child health in this region.展开更多
Introduction: Despite its recent status of middle-income country in WHO’s South-East Asia Region, diarrhea remains an important yet unresearched public health issue in the Republic of Maldives. Methodology: We conduc...Introduction: Despite its recent status of middle-income country in WHO’s South-East Asia Region, diarrhea remains an important yet unresearched public health issue in the Republic of Maldives. Methodology: We conducted a one-month cross-sectional study in children and adults with acute diarrhea at three regional hospitals in Maldives in August-September 2007 to investigate the point-prevalence of diarrhea etiologic agents. Enteric Bacteria was identified by a standard microbiology technique and isolates were submitted for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Rotavirus, astrovirus and adenovirus were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to test for norovirus. Results: We enrolled 73 children and 57 adults with acute diarrhea. The most common pathogens detected in children were norovirus (43%) and rotavirus (18%). Vibrio parahaemolyticus (18%) and rotavirus (17%) were the most common pathogens found in adults. Multiple and mixed infections were common. All noroviruses were identified as genogroup II/type 4(GII/4). The genotype distributions of rotaviruses were G2P[4] (48%), G12P[6] (37%), G2P[6] (5%), G9P[8] (5%), and non-typeable G2 (5%). Conclusions: This study provides preliminary data on the importance of norovirus and rotavirus as diarrhea etiologic agents in Maldives. A systematic prospective diarrhea surveillance documenting disease burden, etiology, seasonal variation, as well as risk factors should be conducted for the development of public health interventions to reduce diarrhea morbidity and mortality in Maldives.展开更多
Maturity index（MI）, based on nematode life strategies, has been proposed in 1990 to assess the possible variations of the terrestrial and freshwater nematode assemblages induced by anthropogenic activities. It was s...Maturity index（MI）, based on nematode life strategies, has been proposed in 1990 to assess the possible variations of the terrestrial and freshwater nematode assemblages induced by anthropogenic activities. It was subsequently applied also to marine ecosystems and, even if comparatively not yet very popular, it offers a good method to assess the ecological quality in relation to a wide range of anthropogenic drivers. However, few data are available on its response to physical stress, a key factor especially in the coastal areas. In this study, marine nematode genera from two study cases carried out in Maldives are used to test both MI and life strategy traits（i.e.,c-p classes） for detecting the effects of physical disturbance. The results confirm that nematodes are well adapted to physical stress showing a general high rate of recovery. C-p scaling and MI did not seem to be appropriate for revealing this disturbance type probably because there are no empirical evidences on the life strategy of several genera, and a possible differential response to various disturbance types may be hypothesized.展开更多
Ⅰ.INTRODUCTION The Republic of Maldives is an archipelago of some 1200 coral islands which clustered in 26 atolls in the central Indian Ocean (Figure 1). The total area of the county is 10,800 km^2, however its land ...Ⅰ.INTRODUCTION The Republic of Maldives is an archipelago of some 1200 coral islands which clustered in 26 atolls in the central Indian Ocean (Figure 1). The total area of the county is 10,800 km^2, however its land area accounts for only 3% (298 km^2). Thus, the most of its resources are hidden in underwater. For a few thousands years tuna fishing has been the traditional industrial of the Maldives. Tourism becomes important in the national income only in the recent 20 years. Due to the coplexity of the underwater topography in the coral reef area, the investigation of the natural resources using conventional methods is difficult. To evaluate the potential applications of remote展开更多
This paper describes experiments with our self-built Wave Energy Convertor(WEC)monitoring system in the Maldives and demonstrates how we developed a horizontal-axis type,half-scale,wave energy converter(WEC)that gener...This paper describes experiments with our self-built Wave Energy Convertor(WEC)monitoring system in the Maldives and demonstrates how we developed a horizontal-axis type,half-scale,wave energy converter(WEC)that generates electricity in the coastal breaking wave zone.In order to measure this power generator and turbine’s efficiency,voltage and current were measured by pulling the generator with a 35 cm diameter turbine(half scale).We obtained data showing 400 W peak power in water speed of 3.1 m/s.Consequently,we assembled two sets of WEC,placed them near the shoreline on Kandooma Island in the Maldives in May 2018,and measured the wave energy at the breaking wave zone.A monitoring system was set up in one rack for the two sets of WECs,connected simultaneously.Two outputs of the generators were rectified and connected to power resistors and internal LED displays.The outputs could also be switched to connect to 24 electric double layer capacitors(EDLC),in order to perform a continuous lighting test of external high-power LED lights.The wave power data were continuously saved by an automated data logger and could be transferred from the installation site,to Japan via the Internet.The wave power was measured on Kandooma Island in the Maldives for a long period,and is still ongoing.Examples of the obtained data are shown in this paper.展开更多
One-third of the Maldives’economic output is generated by tourism.However,Maldivian tourism efforts are unevenly distributed impacting the socioeconomic developments in the north and south regions.This case study eva...One-third of the Maldives’economic output is generated by tourism.However,Maldivian tourism efforts are unevenly distributed impacting the socioeconomic developments in the north and south regions.This case study evaluates air transport barriers as one factor contributing to the sluggish tourism development in these regions and investigates how an air service subsidy scheme could be a potential solution to those barriers.Using 38 semi-structured questionnaires,perceptions on these two areas were collected from a selected group of senior-level management personnel in the Maldivian tourism and air transport industry in 2021.Barriers identified included factors such as geography,operations,market,air transfer cost,air transport policy,and infrastructure.The majority of participants supported an air service subsidy scheme as a possible solution to stimulate tourism activities in the north and south of the Maldives.Opportunities,challenges and implementation of an air subsidy scheme are discussed.Findings shed light not only on possible solutions for the Maldives but also on other island locations and contribute to the pool of knowledge of air connectivity economics.展开更多
Effective waste management is a major challenge for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like Maldives due to limited land availability. Maldives exemplifies these issues as one of the most geographically dispersed c...Effective waste management is a major challenge for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like Maldives due to limited land availability. Maldives exemplifies these issues as one of the most geographically dispersed countries, with a population unevenly distributed across numerous islands varying greatly in size and population density. This study provides an in-depth analysis of the unique waste management practices across different regions of Maldives in relation to its natural and socioeconomic context. Data shows Maldives has one of the highest population density and per capita waste generation among SIDS, despite its small land area and medium GDP per capita. Large disparities exist between the densely populated capital Male’ with only 5.8 km2 area generating 63% of waste and the ~194 scattered outer islands with ad hoc waste management practices. Given Male’s dense population and high calorific waste, incineration could generate up to ~30 GW/a energy and even increase Maldives’ renewable energy supply by 200%. In contrast, decentralized anaerobic digestion presents an optimal solution for outer islands to reduce waste volume while providing over 40%–100% energy supply for daily cooking in local families. This timely study delivers valuable insights into designing context-specific waste-to-energy systems and integrated waste policies tailored to Maldives’ distinct regions. The framework presented can also guide other SIDS facing similar challenges as Maldives in establishing sustainable, ecologically sound waste management strategies.展开更多
文摘This article explores the transformative role of digital education in overcoming geographic and systemic challenges in the Maldives,an archipelagic nation facing unique educational constraints.Leveraging digital tools offers a critical solution to bridge these barriers and ensure accessible,quality education across the islands.The Maldives National University(MNU)has undertaken initiatives to expand digital education offerings,accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic to facilitate online learning across the Maldives.Drawing on MNU’s 2021 study,“The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Higher Education Sector of Maldives:Responses and Challenges,”this paper examines challenges such as infrastructure limitations,digital literacy gaps,and student engagement,alongside MNU’s strategies to address these issues.This article also highlights MNU’s ongoing research initiatives,including participation in the EU Erasmus project DIGITAsia and a completed e-learning project with the EU,and discusses the value of international collaboration in advancing digital education.Furthermore,it outlines current government initiatives aimed at enhancing digital literacy among citizens.Future directions are discussed,including the integration of adaptive technologies to further personalize learning and prepare students for the demands of a global digital economy.
文摘In this report,we aimed to analyze the prevalence of undernutrition and associated factors among children under 5 years of age in Lhaviyani Atoll,Maldives.A total of 800 children(under 5 years old) and their mothers were selected for this study.Data was collected by using a pretested questionnaire and anthropometric measurements were taken from the hospital record book.Chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression were used to find the association between nutritional status and determinants.The distribution of height for age and weight for age in surveyed children in Maldives was skewed to the left compared with the WHO standard.The prevalence of undernutrition based on underweight(10.75%),stunting(13.5%),and wasting(9.60%) was estimated to be 23.85% among children.Child age,gender and mother’s education were significantly associated with undernutrition(P<0.05).Our survey highlighted that better nutritional interventions are needed to improve child health in this region.
文摘Introduction: Despite its recent status of middle-income country in WHO’s South-East Asia Region, diarrhea remains an important yet unresearched public health issue in the Republic of Maldives. Methodology: We conducted a one-month cross-sectional study in children and adults with acute diarrhea at three regional hospitals in Maldives in August-September 2007 to investigate the point-prevalence of diarrhea etiologic agents. Enteric Bacteria was identified by a standard microbiology technique and isolates were submitted for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Rotavirus, astrovirus and adenovirus were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to test for norovirus. Results: We enrolled 73 children and 57 adults with acute diarrhea. The most common pathogens detected in children were norovirus (43%) and rotavirus (18%). Vibrio parahaemolyticus (18%) and rotavirus (17%) were the most common pathogens found in adults. Multiple and mixed infections were common. All noroviruses were identified as genogroup II/type 4(GII/4). The genotype distributions of rotaviruses were G2P[4] (48%), G12P[6] (37%), G2P[6] (5%), G9P[8] (5%), and non-typeable G2 (5%). Conclusions: This study provides preliminary data on the importance of norovirus and rotavirus as diarrhea etiologic agents in Maldives. A systematic prospective diarrhea surveillance documenting disease burden, etiology, seasonal variation, as well as risk factors should be conducted for the development of public health interventions to reduce diarrhea morbidity and mortality in Maldives.
文摘Maturity index（MI）, based on nematode life strategies, has been proposed in 1990 to assess the possible variations of the terrestrial and freshwater nematode assemblages induced by anthropogenic activities. It was subsequently applied also to marine ecosystems and, even if comparatively not yet very popular, it offers a good method to assess the ecological quality in relation to a wide range of anthropogenic drivers. However, few data are available on its response to physical stress, a key factor especially in the coastal areas. In this study, marine nematode genera from two study cases carried out in Maldives are used to test both MI and life strategy traits（i.e.,c-p classes） for detecting the effects of physical disturbance. The results confirm that nematodes are well adapted to physical stress showing a general high rate of recovery. C-p scaling and MI did not seem to be appropriate for revealing this disturbance type probably because there are no empirical evidences on the life strategy of several genera, and a possible differential response to various disturbance types may be hypothesized.
文摘Ⅰ.INTRODUCTION The Republic of Maldives is an archipelago of some 1200 coral islands which clustered in 26 atolls in the central Indian Ocean (Figure 1). The total area of the county is 10,800 km^2, however its land area accounts for only 3% (298 km^2). Thus, the most of its resources are hidden in underwater. For a few thousands years tuna fishing has been the traditional industrial of the Maldives. Tourism becomes important in the national income only in the recent 20 years. Due to the coplexity of the underwater topography in the coral reef area, the investigation of the natural resources using conventional methods is difficult. To evaluate the potential applications of remote
文摘This paper describes experiments with our self-built Wave Energy Convertor(WEC)monitoring system in the Maldives and demonstrates how we developed a horizontal-axis type,half-scale,wave energy converter(WEC)that generates electricity in the coastal breaking wave zone.In order to measure this power generator and turbine’s efficiency,voltage and current were measured by pulling the generator with a 35 cm diameter turbine(half scale).We obtained data showing 400 W peak power in water speed of 3.1 m/s.Consequently,we assembled two sets of WEC,placed them near the shoreline on Kandooma Island in the Maldives in May 2018,and measured the wave energy at the breaking wave zone.A monitoring system was set up in one rack for the two sets of WECs,connected simultaneously.Two outputs of the generators were rectified and connected to power resistors and internal LED displays.The outputs could also be switched to connect to 24 electric double layer capacitors(EDLC),in order to perform a continuous lighting test of external high-power LED lights.The wave power data were continuously saved by an automated data logger and could be transferred from the installation site,to Japan via the Internet.The wave power was measured on Kandooma Island in the Maldives for a long period,and is still ongoing.Examples of the obtained data are shown in this paper.
文摘One-third of the Maldives’economic output is generated by tourism.However,Maldivian tourism efforts are unevenly distributed impacting the socioeconomic developments in the north and south regions.This case study evaluates air transport barriers as one factor contributing to the sluggish tourism development in these regions and investigates how an air service subsidy scheme could be a potential solution to those barriers.Using 38 semi-structured questionnaires,perceptions on these two areas were collected from a selected group of senior-level management personnel in the Maldivian tourism and air transport industry in 2021.Barriers identified included factors such as geography,operations,market,air transfer cost,air transport policy,and infrastructure.The majority of participants supported an air service subsidy scheme as a possible solution to stimulate tourism activities in the north and south of the Maldives.Opportunities,challenges and implementation of an air subsidy scheme are discussed.Findings shed light not only on possible solutions for the Maldives but also on other island locations and contribute to the pool of knowledge of air connectivity economics.
文摘Effective waste management is a major challenge for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like Maldives due to limited land availability. Maldives exemplifies these issues as one of the most geographically dispersed countries, with a population unevenly distributed across numerous islands varying greatly in size and population density. This study provides an in-depth analysis of the unique waste management practices across different regions of Maldives in relation to its natural and socioeconomic context. Data shows Maldives has one of the highest population density and per capita waste generation among SIDS, despite its small land area and medium GDP per capita. Large disparities exist between the densely populated capital Male’ with only 5.8 km2 area generating 63% of waste and the ~194 scattered outer islands with ad hoc waste management practices. Given Male’s dense population and high calorific waste, incineration could generate up to ~30 GW/a energy and even increase Maldives’ renewable energy supply by 200%. In contrast, decentralized anaerobic digestion presents an optimal solution for outer islands to reduce waste volume while providing over 40%–100% energy supply for daily cooking in local families. This timely study delivers valuable insights into designing context-specific waste-to-energy systems and integrated waste policies tailored to Maldives’ distinct regions. The framework presented can also guide other SIDS facing similar challenges as Maldives in establishing sustainable, ecologically sound waste management strategies.
