Theveli-2018-Program-And-Abstracts.Pdf

Theveli 2018: New Horizons in Higher Education: Synergies, Innovation and Development The 2nd International Conference on Multidisciplinary Research 12-13 August 2018, the Maldives National University, Malé, Maldives Honorary Committee Dr. Mohamed Latheef Professor Tony Townsend Professor Kinshuk Professor Hassan Ugail Steering Committee Dr. Ali Fawaz Shareef (Chair) Dr. Raheema Abdul Raheem Dr. Muaviath Mohamed Dr. Fazeela Waheed Aishath Shaheen Dr. Aishath Naila Organising Committee Dr. Raheema Abdul Raheem (Chair) Dr. Aminath Riyaz Dr. Muaviath Mohamed Rifaath Hassan Aishath Shaheen Hawwa Afra Dr. Fazeela Waheed Zeenaz Hussain Dr. Aishath Naila Asiya Ibrahim Program Committee Dr. Fazeela Waheed (Chair) Dr. Ahmed Ibrahim Dr. Raheema Abdul Raheem Dr. Khadeeja Ibrahim Didi Dr. Shazla Mohamed Dr. Mahmood Shougee Fathimath Shougee Dr. Aminath Riyaz Dr. Mohamed Mursaleen Dr. Mariyam Suzana Mariyam Fizana Rasheed Support Committee Hafeeza Ibrahim Hushama Saeed Abdul Rasheed Ali Azha Abdulla Aishath Sidhuna HussainAfzal Aminath Shahidha Usman Saeed Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Haadhee Pavithran Puthyapurayil Finance, Facilities Mangement, & IT Committee Dr. Muaviath Mohamed (Chair) Hassan Malaz Aishath Neem Mohamed Zahir Hussain Shinan Ahmed Ameen Mohamed Publication Committee Dr. Aishath Naila (Chair) Dr. Fazeela Waheed Dr. Shazla Mohamed Dr. Mariyam Suzana Dr. Raheema Abdul Raheem Dr. Aminath Riyaz Publicity Committee Aishath Shaheen (Chair) Najumulla Shareef Ahmed Shareef August 2018 The Maldives National University Contents

Conference Program at a Glance ...... 2 Keynote Speakers ...... 5 Professor Steve Flint ...... 5 Professor Colleen Fisher ...... 6 Professor Rozhan M. Idrus ...... 7 Professor David Preen ...... 8 Abstracts ...... 9 Theme 1: Education, Employment and Poverty Reduction ...... 10 Theme 2: Medicine, Nursing, Health and Nutrition ...... 24 Theme 3: Social and Behavioural Science and Psychology ...... 31 Theme 4: Politics and Policy ...... 36 Theme 5: Sharia’h, Law and Islamic Studies ...... 39 Theme 6: Business, Management, Finance and Governance ...... 55 Theme 7: Tourism and Hospitality ...... 69 Theme 9: Science and Environment ...... 75 Theme 10: Engineering, Computer Science and Technology ...... 84 Theme 11: History, Language, Art and Culture ...... 95 Theme 12: Media and Communication ...... 107 Index of presenters ...... 110

Conference Program at a Glance

Day 1: 12 Aug 2018 07:00-09:00 Registration 09:00-09:25 Opening ceremony 09:25-10:15 Refreshments 10:15-10:45 Keynote speech 1, Foundation Auditorium 10:45-11:15 Keynote speech 2: Foundation Auditorium

Concurrent Sessions Session 1 Session 2 Session 3 Session 4 FHTS Room 1 FHTS Room 4 FHTS Room 5 FHTS Room 6 11:30 – Theme 9: Theme 6: Theme 10: Theme 7: 11:45 Abdulla Maumoona Soenke Ziesche Athula Naseer Abdulla Gnanapala

11:45 – Theme 9: Theme 6: Theme 10: Theme 7: 12:00 Ibrahim Dona Kalyani Muhammed Abuzar Ali Khan Mohamed Lokupitiya Yousoof Ismail

12:00 – Theme 9: Theme 6: Theme 10: Theme 7: 12:15 Sanduni Muhandiramlage Ibrahim Adam Ismail Shiyar Dilanka Lalith Warnasuriya

12:15 – Theme 9: Theme 6: Theme 10: Theme 7: 12:30 Fathimath Lilani Randika Pavithran Ibrahim Fairooza Kapuge Puthiyapurayil Zuhuree

12:30 – Theme 9: Theme 6: Theme 10: Theme 7: 12:45 Thuhufa Malith Damith Ibrahim Thorig Shifnaz Ismail Abdullah Amarasinghe

12:45 – Lunch break 14:00

Concurrent Sessions Session 1 Session 2 Session 3 Session 4 FHTS Room 1 FHTS Room 4 FHTS Room 5 FHTS Room 6 14:00 – Theme 9: Theme 6: Theme 10: Theme 11: 14:15 Haneef Ur Rehman Vithiyalani Sadat Ali Khan Aminath Muthusamy Neena 14:15 – Theme 9: Theme 6: Rishan Theme 10: Theme 11: 14:30 Thangadurai Sampath Fathimath Ahmed Devarajan Hewage Nasiha Abdul Hashim Muhaimin 14:30 – Theme 9: Theme 6: Theme 10: Theme 11: 14:45 Sangeetha Manori Ibrahim Adam Aaidha Jeyabalan Pathmalatha Hammad Kovilage 14:45 – Theme 2: Theme 6: Theme 10: Theme 11: 15:00 Asiya Ibrahim Manori Aishath Leeza Sudha Ahmed Pathmalatha Kovilage 15:00 – Theme 2: Theme 6: Theme 10: Theme 11: 15:15 Gulisthan Easa Devundara Mohamed Azeeza Afeef Gedara Lasantha Shihab Rasika 15:15 – Theme 2: Theme 6: - Theme 11: 15:30 Aminath Shiuna Nasira Moosa Mohamed Didi 15:30 – Theme 2: Theme 6: - Theme 11: 15:45 Humaira Jamal Dinesh Devindra Aminath Fernando Naushaan 15:45 – Tea break 16:30 16:30 – Theme 2: Theme 6: - Theme 11: 16:45 Nasreena Waheed Manori Hameeza Pathmalatha Afeef Kovilage 16:45 – Theme 2: - - Theme 11: 17:00 Ibrahim Mustafa Aminath Zahir

Day 2: 13 Aug 2018 08:00-08:30 Keynote speech 3, Foundation Auditorium 08:30-09:00 Keynote speech 4, Foundation Auditorium 09:00-09:30 Morning Tea Concurrent Sessions Session 1 Session 2 Session 3 Session 4 FHTS Room 1 FHTS Room 4 FHTS Room 5 Foundation Auditorium 09:30 – Theme 1: Theme 3: Theme 5: 09:45 Mariyam Fizana Khadheeja Shakir Mohamed Mansoor Rasheed Adam 09:45 – Theme 1: Theme 3: Theme 5: 10:00 Hidaya Mohamed Subburaj Syed Imran Zahir Alagarsamy

10:00 – Theme 1: Theme 3: Theme 5: 10:15 Mariyam Shazna Nimal Mohamed Mohamed Mursaleen 9:30-17:00

10:15 – Theme 1: Theme 4: Theme 5:

10:30 Shama Moosa Aishath Hassan Batool Zahoor Qazi Environmental 10:30 – Theme 1: Theme 4: Theme 5: Research: 10:45 Shirmeena Faheem Mohamed Rauf Mohamed Iyaz Issues, Abdul Latheef Challenges 10:45 – Theme 1: Theme 4: Theme 5: and Strategies 11:00 Shifna Moosa Hanan Shafyq Fayyaz Ali Manik for 11:00 – Theme 1: Theme 4: Theme 5: Sustainable 11:15 Hasma Waheed Aminath Shazly Ahmed Abdul Development Matheen and Livelihood 11:15 – Theme 1: – Theme 5: Security 11:30 Aishath Adhila Aishath Azdha 11:30 – Theme 1: – Theme 5: 11:45 Shimna Shakeeb Asif Moosa Ibrahim 11:45 – Theme 1: – Theme 5: 12:00 Fathimath Riyaza Abdullah Jameel Mohamed 12:00 – Theme 1: – Theme 5: 12:15 Leela Waheed Ali Zahir Saeed Qasim 12:15 – Theme 1: – – 12:30 Waseema Fikuree 12:45 – Lunch break 14:00 14:00 – – – Theme 5: 14:15 Usman Yoosuf Ali 14:15 – Theme 5: Abdul 14:30 Sattar Abdul Rahman Detailed program will be distributed seperately

Keynote Speakers

Professor Steve Flint Professor in Food Microbiology and Safety, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Steve Flint joined Massey University after 20 years with Fonterra (New Zealand’s largest dairy manufacturer) as a food microbiologist. There he learned much about New Zealand’s leading food industry, participating in problem-solving and evaluating rapid methods for microbial analysis covering aspects of food safety and food spoilage. He developed specialist research interests in biofilms, (which he studied for his PhD), spore formation, alternative methods for cleaning, sanitation and new processing technologies. He enjoys teaching along with his passion for science. He continues to develop his research in the fascinating world of biofilms (the origin of most microbial problems in food) and dairy microbiology. His research team consists of 10 PhD students investigating various aspects of biofilm development and control. In 2015, his team was involved in publishing a book “Biofilms in the Dairy Industry” which covers 15 years of biofilm research. His team was awarded the Massey University Team Research Award in 2017. He has published 157 journal articles, 20 book chapters and given160 conference presentations.

Professor Colleen Fisher Head of School, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia, Australia

Professor Colleen Fisher is a teaching and research academic in the School of Population and Global Health where she teaches at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Her research expertise is in the areas of women’s health, inequality and family and domestic violence. Her research includes intervention and program evaluations as well as researching across the lifespan and cross-culturally, including in refugee and international contexts. Professor Fisher has delivered invited presentations at national and international conferences, has been successful in obtaining nationally competitive research grants and has published widely. She has also been an invited member on a range of related government and non-government committees and advisory bodies. Professor Fisher has supervised PhD and Masters students to completion, both within her content area and those students who utilized qualitative and mixed methods research.

Professor Rozhan M. Idrus Professor of Open and Distance Learning & Technology, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Malaysia

Professor Rozhan M. Idrus is currently the Dean of the Centre for Graduate Studies (CGS) in the Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia. He is a Professor of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) & Technology with 30 years of experience as an e-learning analyst, consultant, presenter and workshop facilitator. He has presented 48 keynote addresses in 17 different countries and has published more than 190 publications in international citation-indexed journals, books and handbook chapters. Professor Idrus also spearheaded the first home- grown electronic portal (2003) and pioneered use of SMS in the teaching of physics (2008) while in the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). He has also garnered awards in mobile learning in the World Education Summit 2011, e- INDIA Awards 2010 and the Asia Pacific Mobile Learning & Edutainment Advisory Panel (APACMLEAP) Mobile Learning Initiatives Recognition 2009, Gold Medal Award in the Innovation and Invention in Education Competition 2016 in the Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris in Malaysia, and more recently Gold Medal Awards in the 3rd World Invention Innovation Contest 2017 (Korean Invention News) and the 2nd International University Carnival on eLearning 2017. He has given a definition to the term ‘technology’ and is passionately promoting it. He is the founding Chief Editor of the Malaysian Journal of Educational Technology, Video Journal of Innovative Pedagogies (VJIP, 2017) and the International Journal of Excellence in e-learning of the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University Dubai, UAE.

Professor David Preen Chair in Public Health, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia, Australia

Professor David Preen is the Chair in Public Health at the School of Population and Global Health, the University of Western Australia (UWA). He was the Director of the UWA Centre for Health Services Research from 2006-2015 and holds honorary positions at the University of South Australia and the College of Medicine, Swansea University (UK). He has been involved with conducting health services research using population-based linked data, for over 15 years to study areas including: i) cancer service delivery, ii) pharmaco- epidemiology, iii) chronic disease management, iv) morbidity of marginalized populations, and v) methodological advances using medical record linkage.

Professor Preen has been awarded 60 research grants as a chief investigator totalling $32 million and has published over 185 scientific works, most of which have used whole-population linked administrative health data. He has been awarded prizes at a national and international level for his work, including the Peter Reizenstein Prize from the International Journal of Quality in Health Care, the Editor’s Choice Award from the Medical Journal of Australia, and prizes from multiple scientific conferences.

Abstracts

“Theveli 2018”, the 2nd international conference on multidisciplinary research, organized by the Maldives National University is presented under the theme “New Horizons in Higher Education: Synergies, Innovation and Development”.

The meaning of the Dhivehi word, “Theveli” is, the sun’s rays that are spread on the sea when the sun or moon rises and sets. The Maldives National University acts as the platform which will spread the light rays of knowledge. Our aim is to bring together the best intellectuals from around the world to disseminate their priceless knowledge via this conference.

For Theveli 2018, we sought paper and poster presentations for the following broad subthemes.

1. Education, Employment and Poverty Reduction 2. Medicine, Nursing, Health and Nutrition 3. Social and Behavioural Science and Psychology 4. Politics, and Policy 5. Sharia’h, Law and Islamic Studies 6. Business, Management, Finance and Governance 7. Tourism and Hospitality 8. Architecture and Built Environment 9. Science and Environment 10. Engineering, Computer Science and Technology 11. History, Language, Art and Culture 12. Media and Communication 13. Other

We are very pleased for having received more than 100 abstracts across these themes, and based on the peer review process we were able to accept 83 abstracts. In addition to the abstracts included in this booklet for the main conference, we also have a group of experts from Sri Lanka holding a concurrent session with Theveli 2018 with over 20 research papers. These are great achievements given that this is our second year of this annual conference.

The abstracts on the proceeding pages are arranged in alphabetical order of the surname of the first author, within the corresponding theme of the abstract. The abstracts compiled in this booklet were prepared and submitted well in advance of the conference, and therefore, preliminary findings presented in the abstracts are subject to change.

Theme 1: Education, Employment and Poverty Reduction

A study of listening difficulties faced by the ESL secondary students and ways to improve their listening comprehension Aishath Adhila; Mariyam Leeshan Amjad; Samira Alifulhu; Bishara Adam Islamic University of Maldives

Abstract The contribution of listening strategy used in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) listening classes to improve English listening comprehension has been empirically studied and reported in the literature. However, there has been relatively no analysis of the current situation of English as a second langauge (ESL) students regarding listening and ways to improve listening comprehension of secondary students in the Maldives. Moreover, listening skill is not taught as frequently as vocabulary, reading and writing skills. Consequently, many ESL students find comprehension of listening materials as a barrier for their language learning. Therefore, this paper aims to explore learners’ listening difficulties at the secondary level and the different methods they could use to overcome the problems by being able to comprehend recorded texts, especially in their IGCSE listening paper. In order to achieve these objectives, a study was conducted including six participants from a local school in Malé. Two methods were used, including observation while they are in their regular class and an interview using a semi-structured interview-guide to collect qualitative data through purposeful sampling. For the analysis of the data, the interviews were coded deriving themes and patterns from the responses each participant contributed. It was found that they faced challenges during regular listening sessions and in exams which hindered them from performing well. Furthermore, it was found that the high achieving students utilise different methods outside school hours to improve listening skill and use strategies taught by teachers in attempting listening exercises in class and exams. This information is presented in the appendix of the paper and a map is drawn in order to connect the findings to the actual purpose of the research.

Writing srategies used by English as a second language learners in secondary schools Shirmeena Faheem; Shama Moosa; Aminath Naushaan; Shifna Moosa Islamic University of Maldives

Abstract The language being the medium of communication plays a vital role in everyday life. Language learners should make the most out of their schooling in order to use language skills once they start to function in the society. In this regard, writing is one of the skills that is widely used for various purposes ranging from writing letters to writing reports or news or even commercial advertisements. When the need of writing is at demand, it is imperative for learners to become proficient in their writing skill and for this, learners are required to use different writing strategies to develop their writing. Thus, the study aimed to investigate the writing strategies used by Maldivian Second Language Learners in secondary school. Using a qualitative research design, this study was done using semi-structured interviews with four students randomly selected from one of the secondary schools in Male’, the capital of Maldives. The qualitative data collected through the interviews were analysed using coding. The students interviewed reported the adoption of various writing strategies. At the axial stage of coding, it was also found that there were six areas that were common to all participants and that four writing strategies were significant which are namely planning, drafting, revising and using teacher feedback. The study also revealed that awareness of metacognitive strategies is evident in more proficient learners than less skilled learners. Limitations of the study are discussed along with recommendations for future research. The study also presents implications for the development of writing skill using various strategies. Therefore, it is concluded that for second language learners, the adoption of various writing strategies is vital to keep their writing level at a proficient level.

Challenges that A’Level students of higher secondary schools faced in essay writing. Shama Moosa; Aminath Naushaan; Shifna Moosa; Shirmeena Faheem Islamic University of Maldives

Abstract Whether writing to inform others on a particular area of expertise or looking upon writing as an enjoyable way to escape into a fictional world, language teachers aim to help their students to improve their writing skills. Writing is one of the language skills that is considered as a powerful mode of communication. It is a valuable investment for young language learners in their future studies. In this regard, teachers provide a variety of writing techniques with exercises specially designed in order to make the students become more effective writers. This qualitative study was intended to find out the challenges that the students of grade 11 and 12 face when writing their essays in the CAE examination and to examine the causes behind these difficulties in order to overcome these challenges. Four ESL learners from one of the higher secondary schools in Male’ were purposefully selected as participants for the study. A semi-structured interview was used as an instrument. The interviews were transcribed and this data was analysed by coding. The findings revealed three major challenges in the learners’ essay writing skill namely, language accuracy and appropriacy (reliance on other languages taught in school), comprehension and conception of ideas (lack of ideas and confidence, expressing their thoughts) and lack of apprenticeship (formalized English and grammar not taught well). Additionally, the results revealed that there were other factors such as lack of reading and listening to native speakers and ineffective teaching methods and lack of time that hinder students’ writing skill.

Factors that influence speaking anxiety in English as a second language learners in secondary schools Shifna Moosa; Aminath Naushaan; Shama Moosa; Shirmeena Faheem Islamic University of Maldives

Abstract Speaking is the action of conveying information or expressing one's feelings in speech. Among the four language skills in English, speaking seems to be the most significant skills to be developed for effective communication. Researchers have indicated that language anxiety is a unique form of anxiety experienced in the course of learning a second or foreign language. Speaking in front of other people using a foreign language seems to contribute the most to language classroom anxiety. More than half of foreign language learners experience some kinds of anxiety in their learning. Learners who feel anxious about their foreign language learning may find their study less enjoyable. One of the important problems that cause students not to perform well in spoken English is language anxiety. The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that influence speaking anxiety in English as a Second Language (ESL) learner in one of the secondary schools in Malé, the capital of Maldives. A total of four secondary learners were included in this study as participants. That is two boys and two girls aged between 15 to 16 years. A qualitative research method with semi-structured interviews is employed in the study. Moreover, purposeful sampling is used to get the rich, descriptive data. The interviews were analyzed using coding. Through axial coding, it was revealed that students have speaking anxieties because of fear of making a mistake, wrong pronunciation, lack of experience and not having enough practice. Therefore, the study also proposed some implications for language teachers to help ESL students to overcome speaking anxiety.

Storytelling, a pathway to enhance native language and culture of Maldives: An action research Mariyam Fizana Rasheed The Maldives National University

Abstract The main objectives of the study are to find out whether the process of storytelling, integrated with cultural literature, enhances the writing and speaking skills of young learners in their native language. This study will attempt to answer the following question. How does the process of storytelling integrated with cultural literature enhance writing and speaking skills of the young learners in their native language? This study focuses on integrating storytelling in Dhivehi language teaching in grade 1 classes. The form of inquiry in this study is an action research which helps Dhivehi language teachers to change their way of teaching or adapt storytelling as a teaching strategy to improve Dhivehi language. The study uses purposive sampling, selecting three primary schools with grade 1 classes, including all the student and the Dhivehi language teachers of those classes. The research instruments include classroom observation and interview of selected students and teachers from Majeediyya School, Thaajuddin School and Imaduddin School / Malé.

Multidimensional poverty in Maldives: The construction of a national child focused Multidimensional Poverty Index Fathimath Riyaza National Bureau of Statistics, Maldives

Abstract The Maldives has experienced vast social and economic changes over the past three decades. These developments have made a positive impact on the livelihood of many Maldivians, with a few people being vulnerable in the country. The results of income poverty have shown improvement in the status of poor where the poverty decreased from 22 percent.in 2003, to 15 percent in 2009/2010 according to the national poverty line of MVR 22.

Following Goal 1.2 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which states “by 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions”, we consider poverty a multidimensional phenomenon. According to the Global MPI, 2.0 percent of the Maldivian population is multidimensionally poor while an 8.5 percent are vulnerable to multidimensional poverty (Human Development Report, 2016). These results are based on the Demographic Health Survey (DHS), 2009.

In this paper, we highlight the importance of a national and Maldives-specific MPI which takes into account indicators and indicator-specific cut-offs relevant to the country context. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) together with UNICEF Maldives country office and OPHI are taking the initiative to develop the first-ever National Child focused MPI for the Maldives. For this purpose, we use the DHS 2009 to develop several trial measures.

Preliminary findings show considerable variation in multidimensional poverty profiles across atolls and household profiles. The results will be presented for different atolls/regions and dis-aggregation by socioeconomic characteristics such as household size, gender, age-groups, and wealth quintiles.

Exploring in-service teachers’ experience of studying in a blended learning environment: A qualitative case study Shimna Shakeeb The Maldives National University

Abstract Teacher professional development is an important national developmental need for the Maldives; especially, with the changing demands of the new educational landscape and the requirements of the New National Curriculum. Providing higher education to a geographically dispersed group of in-service teachers using the conventional mode of course delivery is a challenge and thus, technology-enabled learning model is adopted as an alternative mode of delivery to provide access to students. Blended Learning Model (BLM) is a hybrid learning model which combines the potential offered by face-to-face classes and online learning to support teaching and learning for this unique group of students. The aim of this research is to investigate the characteristics of the in-service teachers enrolled in a Social Science Module of a Bachelor of Teaching Primary course offered through BLM. The qualitative case study also seeks to explore the perceived benefits and challenges experienced by these students, using a semi-structured interview questionnaire delivered online. 53 students participated in this research. The findings offer important insights into the characteristics of the student cohort and significant aspects related to the blended learning design; including, material/content, structure, learning environment, communication, cooperation and interactivity, student assessment, flexibility and adaptability, support related to the BLM. These insights are useful antecedents for planning and implementing an e-learning system, using a platform such as Moodle, to enhance student-learning effectiveness.

Teachers’ attitude towards inclusive education in the Maldives: A qualitative study Mariyam Shazna Centre for Higher Secondary Education, Maldives

Abstract The main purpose of this study was to explore the attitude of regular teachers towards inclusive education and to determine the factors influencing their attitudes towards inclusion. In particular, the factors under investigation in this study were child characteristics such as the type of disability and teacher characteristics (such as awareness and knowledge about inclusive practices, background & training, as well as understanding and perception of role). A qualitative research approach based on semi-structured interviews was employed. Six regular teachers participated in the study and the data was analysed with a thematic approach. The findings indicated that teachers have a positive attitude towards inclusive practices and are aware of inclusive education and their role as a teacher in an inclusive classroom. However, factors such as the increased number students per classroom and absence of a shadow teacher does affect their attitude towards inclusive education. Child characteristics such as the type of disability is a factor which influences regular teachers’ attitudes towards inclusion. Teachers prefer students with physical disabilities to be in inclusive classes with normal students. However, they believe that students with emotional disabilities who are aggressive should be kept in a separate classroom. Other challenges faced by teachers include insufficient time for preparation of classes due to excessive workload and lack of a shadow teacher to help during classroom activities. In order to overcome these challenges, teachers suggest to have a shadow teacher in each inclusive class to help the children with special education needs.

Teachers’ perspectives: Perceived impacts of tablets on students learning at Maldivian classrooms Mohamed Shihab The Maldives National University

Abstract Technology is occupying every facet of human lives in an exponential speed; making the old chalkboards as history and embarking on interactive digital devices. Similarly, the new tablet policy (a tablet for every pupil and teacher) initiated by the Ministry of Education in 2018, require tablets to be used in classrooms for both teaching and learning. However, allowing such an influential device many people including teachers and students are inquisitive to see its impact on teaching and learning. Therefore, this study aims to find out teachers’ perception of the introduction of tablets in Maldivian classrooms and discusses those pre-conceptions in the light of literature. In this mixed method study, 93 teachers and students were surveyed using an adapted questionnaire. The outcome of the study is expected to inform the stakeholders on possible challenges and opportunities, and consider the factors related to the successful integration of tablets in teaching and learning. The results of the study revealed that most (59.3%) of the teachers accept the potential of the tablets for enhancing learning. However, most (82%) of the teachers are in doubt and do not believe that they are ready to uptake tablets in classrooms. The majority (60%) of teachers believe that the gadget can have a positive impact only if the teachers are given additional preparing time at school to learn to use the device effectively to prepare and practice teaching and learning activities using it, with a reliable Internet connectivity. Except for a very few (17%), all participants raised concerns on tablet management issues, possible health-related issues and the high chance of students’ addictive behaviour to tablets, and the danger of decreasing the students’ handwriting ability.

A Rasch-derived measure of university introductory programming (CS1) Leela Waheed Curtin University, Western Australia

Abstract The purpose of this study is to develop a widely applicable interval-measure (CS1 measure) to assess the student competence level of first-year CS1 students at the completion of a typical CS1 course.

The methodology employed was a positivistic quantitative approach of methods, techniques, and procedures embodied in Wilson’s (2005) construct modelling approach. First, a construct characterising CS1 student competence variable was proposed. The model consists of the four fundamental skills which are hypothesised to form a hierarchy with the rank order defined by the four levels of the Structure of the Observed Learning Outcome (SOLO) taxonomy, and five fundamental programming concepts. Next, based on this model, a 20-item test (CS1 measure) was developed and administered to a sample of 85 students. Next, the item responses were numerically coded according to the predefined scale. The coded data were then tested for fit to the Rasch Unconstrained Partial Credit Model to examine whether the data accorded with the requirements of the Rasch model -unidimensionality, local stochastic independence, monotonicity and sufficiency. Then the resulting Rasch analysis outputs and displays were used to demonstrate that the scores produced from the measure satisfice the requirements for measurement.

The 20-item instrument data analysed using RUM2030 demonstrated excellent Person Separation Index (PSI) with no evidence of Differential Item Functioning (DIF), or misfit of the items or persons. However, two of the polytomous items showed disordering of thresholds. Hence, the middle two categories (categories with lowest response rates) of two other questions were collapsed into one and the data were again analysed with RUM2030 to examine the fit of the data with Rasch model requirements. The Principal Component Analyis of the Rasch residual data and t-test procedures demonstrated strict unidimensionality of the CS1 measure. Similarly, none of the pairs of items in the residual correlation matrix showed a correlation >0.3 above the average correlation of items demonstrating local independence of items. The DIF analysis with the selected demographic groups showed no bias supporting invariance of the measure.

The reasonable fit of the data to Rasch model requirements means a linear scale of persons and items calibrated on a logit scale has been achieved.

School administrators’ view on value education programs: perceptions and challenges Hasma Waheed Aminiyya School, Maldives

Abstract The aims of this research were to find out the school administrators’ perception regarding value education and their perceived challenges when conducting value education programs. In addition, this study aimed to find out the types of value education programs conducted in Malé schools.

A qualitative, phenomenological study was conducted in nine government schools of Malé, to identify which types of programs they run to achieve this purpose and the school administrators’ perception regarding value education and their perceived challenges when running such programs. The data for this study was collected through semi-structured interviews conducted with the school administrators’ as they were the authorities who take the major decisions on the programs conducted in the schools.

As per the findings of this study, school administrators highlighted that it is mandatory to conduct value education programs in schools to teach values. According to them, the objective of value education was to develop responsible, well-mannered citizens for the country and values like respect, honesty, punctuality, integrity and Islamic values were essential values for students. They mentioned that the programs which instilled values in students were mainly the daily activities conducted in schools. Value education was incorporated into the lessons taught in different subjects. Extra-curricular activities such as sports, clubs, and competitions were identified as value teaching programs. Further to this, some specialized programs were also developed in some of the schools.

The school administrators’ perceived challenges to value education include the busy curriculum, limited teaching time along with teacher’s incompetence and lack of concern. They also stated that parents and the society negatively influenced these programs by not being good role models for students which created an imbalance in the values taught in schools and values practised at home.

Some solutions were proposed which include conducting training for teachers and awareness programs for parents along with using media to give value- based messages to the society. This study implies to the policymakers of the need to creat awareness on value education for teachers, parents and the society to effectively conduct these programs in schools.

Principal task effectiveness and student achievement: Perceptions of principals, deputy principals and lead teachers of principal task effectiveness Waseema Fikuree University of Auckland, New Zealand

Abstract The purpose of this research is to explore the task effectiveness of principals, as perceived by principals themselves, their deputy principals and lead teachers. It further aims to determine the relationship between perceived principal task effectiveness and student achievement in lower secondary schools in the Maldives. Additionally, this study also intends to identify specific sets of principal tasks that are linked to student achievement.

This study will employ a quantitative methodology of surveys to collect self and other ratings of principal task effectiveness. This means, principals, deputy principals and lead teachers will be asked to complete the same survey regarding principal task effectiveness. Thus, the survey completed by principals will be a self-assessment which will be triangulated with rest of the senior management. All of the 189 public secondary schools offering International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) in the Maldives will be invited to participate. The study aims for a sample size of 100 schools. Survey results will be utilised to examine how perceived principal effectiveness varies across leadership tasks, both as measured by self and other rating. Furthermore, in combination with the grades from IGCSE Mathematics and English Language, the survey data will be used to investigate how principal task effectiveness correlates with student achievement. Through these measures, this study will explore the relationships between principal task effectiveness and principal experience, academic qualification, tenure in school, and school size.

As there is dearth of research examining principals’ effectiveness in specific leadership tasks, and the relationship of task effectiveness and student achievement, this research is pertinent for the broad field of Educational Leadership. Additionally, in the Maldivian context, student achievement is persistently low and focus on principal leadership is just developing. In the United States, Grissom and Loeb (2011) found that organisational management skills of principals enhance student achievement. As this research was conducted only in one location, there is a need to explore how principals’ effectiveness in a range of leadership tasks is impacting on student achievement in different contexts.

Innovative teaching: Getting students to learn differently Hidaya Mohamed Zahir Villa College, Maldives

Abstract This paper presents an impact evaluation of factors that educators ought to consider while adopting technology-supported gadgets and educational toys to improve students’ learning outcomes, such as the development of higher- order thinking skills, learning opportunities available to students of preschool and primary school of Male’. This is achieved by analyzing four factors, namely: learning by doing, student engagement, student motivation and leadership support for innovation.

Innovation does not indicate only technology, it also implies that educational innovation can be found in the processes and programmes conducted in schools for improving learning. The education system of every country plays a pivotal role in promoting economic growth and shared prosperity. In fact, Maldives has achieved the first generation objective of providing universal access to basic education through rapid expansion of enrollment. However, evidence from a variety of sources reveals that the pedagogies utilized by the Maldivian teachers are inadequate and needs urgent improvement.

A cross-sectional survey design was employed in this study. The population comprised of two schools where technology supported gadgets are being utilized since 2008. Two key factors, learning by doing and the motivation of students were taken as factors which have a direct impact on innovative education. At the same time, student engagement and leadership support for innovation that directly influence the implementation of innovative education were also explored. All the relationships tested were significant and positive with substantial to strong relationship manifested between all the four factors.

Theme 2: Medicine, Nursing, Health and Nutrition

Reasons for non-compliance with Iron Chelation Therapy among adult Thalassaemia Gulisthan Easa1; Asiya Ibrahim2 1 Maldives Blood Services 2The Maldives National University

Abstract Background: Thalassaemia is a genetic disorder which affects the production of haemoglobin and this leads to repeated blood transfusion. Repeated blood transfusion causes iron to accumulate in their body. As the human body has no proper mechanism for elimination of excess iron in the body, it piles up in the body causing damage to vital organs of the body leading to a toxic level where death is inevitable due to cardiac failure. Therefore, iron chelation therapy is the main therapy used to remove excess iron and it is believed many factors affect the patients’ compliance with iron chelation therapy.

Aim: Therefore, the aim of this qualitative study is to explore the reasons for non-compliance with iron chelation therapy among adult thalassaemia patients who are living in Malé.

Method: Case study method was used to explore the reasons for non- compliance with iron chelation therapy of adult thalassaemia patients. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling. Three participants expressed their views about the reasons for non-compliance.

Result: Findings of the study showed that age, family cohesion, and support and support from society are influencing factors for compliance. A significant finding of the study is depression affects the compliance of thalassemia patients to iron chelation therapy.

Conclusion: As evident from this study, many factors were identified as contributing factors for poor compliance. A strong thalassaemia management protocol needs to be developed which will address patient education, education for healthcare professionals and parents. Psychological support is critical in improving compliance. This study also calls for another similar study to be conducted in the islands to explore the factors contributing to poor compliance among patients living in the islands.

Newly graduate nurses’ perception of knowledge-practice gap: A descriptive qualitative study Asiya Ibrahim; Sizna Mohamed The Maldives National University

Abstract Background: Delivery of high quality, evidence-based, patient-centred nursing requires both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. However, knowledge-practice gap among new graduate nurses has been widely debated in the literature for a long time and has been a challenge for nurse educators as well as healthcare institutions.

Objective: The overall aim of this research was to explore new graduate nurses’ perceptions of the knowledge-practice gap.

Design and methods: A descriptive qualitative study design was utilized to gain an understanding of newly graduated nurses’ perception of knowledge practice gap during the first year of practice. Six newly graduated nurse of the Maldives National University were recruited through purposive sampling. Data was collected from in-depth interviews which lasted approximately one hour each. The interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. The transcripts were read multiple times to gain an understanding of newly graduated nurses’ perception of the knowledge-practice gap. Manual content analysis was done to analyze the data.

Results: Five main themes emerged from for the study. Themes generated included a difference in what is taught and what is practised; unclear expectations of the professional role; mentor’s readiness to supervise; inadequate strategies to enhance learning; and lost opportunities to practice. There is a lot of anxiety and stress among newly graduated nurses when there is a lack of smooth transition to professional practice.

Conclusion: Findings of the study highlight urgent need to develop strategies to enhance clinical learning skills as well as evidence-based transitional programs that ease the journey of becoming a professional nurse. Additionally, the collaboration between nursing educational institutions and healthcare providers need to be strengthened to support the clinical learning and to narrow the knowledge-practice gap perceived by the new graduate nurses.

Maldivian married men’s perception towards family planning: A qualitative study of men visiting Reproductive Health Center, Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital Humaira Jamal Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Maldives

Abstract Background: Family planning (FP) has been given a lot of importance from countries in the world because it acts as one of the major components of reproductive health and improves the health status of families. Male involvement in FP and support from men can improve FP and its continuation. Yet, in countries with high unmet need, men have often been regarded as unsupportive of their wives’ use of FP methods. The aim of this study was to explore Maldivian married men’s perception towards FP and their perceived role in making FP decisions.

Methods: A qualitative descriptive phenomenological study was conducted in 2016 at the Reproductive Health Center (RHC) of Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH). In-depth interviews were held with purposively selected seven men aged 18-40 years. A semi-structured open-ended questionnaire was used to explore men’s perceptions towards FP and their experiences of their wives using a FP method and how it impacts reproductive health. All interviews were recorded, translated, and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were coded and analyzed using Colaizzi’s (1978) phenomenological method of data analysis.

Results: The findings from the study revealed that men had a sense of responsibility in making FP decisions. They also expressed FP as a “responsibility” and was not able to take FP decisions on their own due to limited knowledge on FP methods available. It was also revealed that time constraint experienced as a result of limitations in service provision times, and breach of confidentiality resulting from FP service setup at RHC were other factor contributing to a lack of men’s involvement in FP. Men expressed a genuine concern for their wives’ health which was resulting from a knowledge deficit and showed reluctance to personally attend RHC, IGMH to get information. It was further revealed that the FP services provided in RHC of IGMH need to be more conducive to cater all sets of people across the country.

Effect of combine iron chelation therapy on zebrafish larvae with secondary iron overload like beta thalassemia major Ibrahim Mustafa; Nadin N. Younes; Missbah H. Baji; Gheyath K. Nasrallah Qatar University

Abstract Objectives: Thalassemia is the most common genetically inherited blood disorder in the world arisen from a defect in haemoglobin production, resulting in severe anaemia. While transfusion therapy corrects the anaemia, it gives rise to secondary iron overload. Current iron chelation therapy using Desferal® is challenging. Tlo address these issues, new iron chelating agents and improved iron chelation therapy were proposed using a combination of iron chelators.

Methods: To test the efficacy of different iron chelators, in vivo studies were performed on iron loaded zebrafish larvae (100 µM Fe3+; ferric ammonium citrate (FAC); 3dpf -6dpf). Iron chelation studies utilised either single or combinational treatment with Deferiprone (L1) or Deferroxamine (DFO) for 7dpf-10dpf on zebrafish iron loaded model. The efficacy was assessed by measuring total tissue iron using three different assays: inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, colorimetry, and microscopy. Results were expressed as means ± SD. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the results between the groups, followed by Tukey's posthoc test by SPSS 24.0. p < 0.05 was the established level of significance.

Results: Treatment with iron chelators either L1 or DFO alone demonstrated modestly decreased total iron. Importantly, combination therapy (L1+ DFO) resulted in a significant decline in FAC-driven iron levels after 96 hours of treatment. As expected, iron chelators (e.g., 100 µM DFO or L1) reduced the level of iron. The combined treatment with both clinically approved iron chelators, DFO and L1, display an ameliorate decline in FAC-driven iron levels after 96 hours of treatment in comparison to using the single drug.

Conclusions: These studies confirm that cellular iron utilization requires one chelator to have the properties to enter cells, chelate intracellular iron and subsequently go to another chelator with higher affinity for iron binding. Results obtained from this study has allowed us to establish that zebrafish are prodigious research model to study iron overload conditions such as transfusion-associated secondary iron overload.

Health effects of energy drink consumption: A systematic review Aminath Shiuna; Aminath Nahooda The Maldives National University

Abstract Background: Energy drinks are non-alcoholic beverages that contain caffeine as the major ingredient along with vitamins, taurine, ginseng, and guarana. Caffeine is sought for its central nervous system stimulant effects. Hence, the energy drinks are typically marketed as energy boosters which increased physical and mental performance. Consequently, the energy drinks consumption has become widespread among youth over the last decade. World Health Organization has raised concern that the increase in energy drink intake may pose a threat to public health. Consumption of sugary beverages, mainly energy drinks, is considered a significant problem among Maldivian youth and young adults.

Objectives: To review the health effects of energy drink consumption.

Search methods and selection criteria: An electronic search using relevant terms was conducted through EBSCO/CINAHL, Hinari and Google Scholar. 16 randomised control trials (RCTs) and a pseudo-RCTs and a quasi-experimental study conducted to identify the health effects of energy drinks were included. RCTs done for energy drink consumption with confounders such as smoking, exercise, alcohol and drug consumption were excluded from our study.

Data analysis: Findings from all the studies were tabulated for analysis.

Results: The systematic review includes 16 RCTs and pseudo-RCTs, and 2 experimental studies with a total of 459 study participants. Most of the studies identified a significant increase in blood pressure in young healthy adults when energy drink is consumed. In addition, heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac output and myocardial contractility were increased with energy drink consumption. However, these findings were less severe when a sugar-free version of the energy drink was consumed.

Conclusion: Energy drink consumption is found to have detrimental effects on the health of individuals. These acute hemodynamic and adrenergic changes may predispose to increased cardiovascular risk. Actions should be taken to increase the awareness of the general public on health impacts of consuming energy drinks.

How does IGMH ensure best practice in nursing? Nasreena Waheed Charles Darwin University, Australia

Abstract Objectives: With the recent developments in the health sector which resulted in restructuring and re-orientation of public hospitals to be more health promoting, this study sought to describe the policies and procedures in place to ensure evidence-based nursing care in the largest public hospital in the Maldives. It also aimed to identify barriers if any for evidence-based nursing practice in the studied institution.

Methods: A cross-sectional design with face to face interviews with the managerial nursing staff was used to collect information on the procedures in place to ensure evidence-based practice, along with a survey of nurses to assess their knowledge, attitude and practices of evidence based-practice. Other publicly available documents such as policy documents and procedure guidelines were also used to see how they reflect current research findings and evidence-based practice.

Results: At three stages the hospital has policies and procedures in place to ensure a healthy public policy is observed in the provision of nursing care. These are: before recruitment, during induction, and in service. However, these policies or procedures are not always followed due to different reasons and the hospital does not have a strategy or means of evaluating the outcome or performance.

Conclusions: The study found that having specific policies or protocols in place does not necessarily ensure the implementation of them. There needs to be a way of measuring the outcomes and providing feedback to the practitioners so that the hospital’s mission of promoting the health of the Maldivian population on the basis of equity and equitable outcomes can be achieved. Such a program is also necessary to produce evidence specific to the population.

Theme 3: Social and Behavioural Science and Psychology

Assessing the psychometric properties of the brief COPE translation and validation among Tamil Police Constables Subburaj Alagarsamy Villa College, Maldives

Abstract The coping concepts are the core dimensions of psychology studies, particularly stress studies. Coping is defined as "cognitive and behavioural efforts to master, reduce, or tolerate the internal and/or external demands that are created by the stressful transaction". Brief COPE inventory has widely been used to measure coping traits (the unique way people cope with a specific stressful situation). The brief COPE inventory includes 28 items with 14 scales all measuring different coping dimensions. Brief COPE inventory was translated, validated and used in Anglophone countries for clinical and non- clinical purpose. This study aims to translate and validate brief COPE inventory in a Tamil population. Two-way translations were done (English- Tamil-English) with the help of language experts. For this study, the sample was taken from Tamilnadu police constables. 443 police constables were selected using stratified random sampling technique with three independent sampling group based on the grade of the police constables. This COPE inventory asks respondents to indicate what they generally do and feel when they experience stressful events, ranging from 1 (I usually don’t do this at all) to 4 (I usually do this a lot). Structural equation modelling and confirmatory factor analysis using IBM SPSS version 24 were used to check the reliability and validity of the instrument. Construct validity (Content validity, Convergent validity and Discriminant validity), and Reliability analysis (Cronbach alpha reliability, Composite reliability and MaxR(H)) were tested on different factor models (One-factor model, 2-factor model, 7-factor model and 14-factor model). It concludes that 14-factor and 7-factor models are superior and better fits the data than the one-factor model and 2-factor model. Therefore, Tamil version of COPE inventory would allow a comprehensive assessment of psychological and mental health research for copings concerning every kind of pathologies.

ުރަސައ ާރުކ ްށަޤާލްޚައ ެގްނިރަދ ްނުމުހެޖުނަމަހ ީލިއާޢ

ުދަމްއަޙުމ ުލާމިނ ީޓިސރަވިނުޔ ީމުއަޤ ެގޭޖްއާރިހެވިދ

ްޓްކެރްޓްސްބެއ ސްކޫލް މަދުރަސާތަކުގައި ކިޔަވަމަންދާ ދަރިވަރުންގެ އަޚްލާޤު ގޯސްވެ، ނޭދެވޭ ބަދަލުތައް އަންނަމުންދާ ވާހަކައަކީ މި ފަހަކަށް އައިސް، އަބަދުވެސް ތުންތުންމަތިން ދެކެވެމުންދާ އެއް ވާހަކައެވެ. މިފަދަ ވާހަކަތައް ދައްކާ ބައެއް މީހުން ބުނާ ގޮތުގައި، ސްކޫލް މަދުރަސާތަކުގައި ،ކިޔަވާކުދިންގެ އަޚްލާޤަށް ބޮޑުބަދަލުތައް އައިސް، އެކުދިންގެ އަޚްލާޤާއި ސުލޫކު ެގުމުހެޖްނާލިތަމިރުކ ާކަތްނުވްނުރިއަރައ ިއާކަތްނުހެޖުނަމަހ ީލިއާޢ ީނަދްނެގެވްސޯގ ސަބަބުންނެވެ. އޭގެތެރެއިންވެސް، މަންމައާއި ބައްޕަގެ ދެމެދުގައި ހިނގާ ދެބަސްވުންތަކާއި އަރައިރުންވުންތަކާއި ހަމަނުޖެހުންތަކަކީ، ކުދިންގެ އަޚްލާޤަށް އެންމެ ބޮޑަށް ނޭދެވޭ އަސަރުކުރާ ކަންތައް ކަމުގައި ބައެއް މީހުންދެކެއެވެ. މިކަމުން ދޭހަވެގެންދަނީ، އަޅުގަނޑުމެންގެ މި ކުޑަކުޑަ ދިވެހި މުޖްތަމަޢަށް، މިފަދަކަންތައްތަކަށް ޙައްލު ހޯދައިދިނުމަކީ މުޖުތަމަޢުގެ އިޖްތިމާޢީ އަދި ފަރުދީ ދިރިއުޅުމަށް ވަރަށް މުހިއްމު ކަމެއްކަމުގެއެވެ. އެހެންކަމުން، މިފަދަ ކަންތައްތަކުގެ ޙަޤީޤަތް ދެނެގަތުމަށްޓަކައި ދިރާސާކޮށް، ކަންއޮތްގޮތް ޢާއްމު އަފްރާދުންނާ ހަމައަށް .ެވެއެވެރުކުލޫބަޤ ްށަޘިޙާބ ްށަމަކްއެމަކްއެމަކުމްއިހުމ ްށަރަވ ީކަމުވާސްއިޙ

ކަންމިހެން އޮތްކަމުގައި ވިޔަސް، މިކަމުގެ ޙަޤީޤަތް ދެނެގަތުމަށްޓަކައި، މާގިނަ ދިރަސާތަކެއް ކުރެވިފައިވާކަމަށް ބާޙިޘަށް ޤަބޫލުނުކުރެވޭހިނދު، "ޢާއިލީ ހަމަނުޖެހުމުން ދަރިންގެ އަޚްލާޤަށް ިއާމުހެޖަމަހ ީލިއާޢ ީކަޒާމައ ްއެއ ުޑޮބ ެމްނެއ ެގުމުދެހ ާސާރިދ ިމ "ުރަސައ ާރުކ .ެވެމުތަގެނެދ ިއަދޯހ ިއަލަބ ޯތިރުހްއެމުޅުގ ިއާޤާލްޚައ ެގްނުރަވިރަދ ިއާމުހެޖުނަމަހ

އެ ގޮތުން، މި ދިރާސާގެ އެންމެ ބޮޑު މަޤުޞަދަކީ، ޢާއިލާތެރޭގައި ޚާއްޞަކޮށް، އިމީޑިއެޓް ފެމިލީ ތެރޭގައި، ހިނގާ ނުތަނަވަސްކަމާއި ހިތްހަމަނުޖެހުމާއި ދެބަސްވުންތަކުން ދަރިވަރުންގެ .ެވެމުދޯހ ިއަލަބ ޯތޭދާއ ުލަދަބ ުޅަގނަރުނ ްށަލޫކްސިއ ިއާޤާލްޚައ

އެހެންކަމުން، މިދިރާސާ ބިނާކޮށްފައިވާނީ، މާލޭގެ ދެ އިސްކޫލަކުން ފަނަރަ ކުދިންނާ، ދިރާސާއަށް ހޯދަންބޭނުންވާ މަޢުލޫމާތުތައް ލިބޭނެފަދަ ސުވާލުތަކެއް ހަދައި، އިންޓަވިއުކޮށް، އެ ުނުދޯހ ްނެގްށޮކްނުނޭބ ްޑަތެމ ްވިޓޭޓިލޮކ ްށަޗްއަމ ެގުތާމޫލުޢަމ ުނުބިލ ްނުތާރަފ ެގްނިދުކ .ެވެށަޗްއަމ ެގުތާމޫލުޢަމ

މި ދިރާސާއަށް، ކުދިން އިޚްތިޔާރުކޮށްފައިވާނީ، އިންޓަވިއުކުރުމަށް އިޚްތިޔާރުކުރި ދެ ސްކޫލްގެ ކުދިންގެ ތެރެއިން، އަޚްލާޤު ގޯސްކަމަށް ރިކޯޑު އޮތް ކުދިންގެ ތެރެއިން 15 ކުދިން ހޯދުމަށްފަހު، އެކުދިންނާ އިންޓވިއުކޮށް ސުވާލުކޮށްގެންނެވެ.

ްވިޓޭޓިލޮކ ީނަވިއަފްށޮކ ްނުނޭބ ްޘިޙާބ ިރުކާސާރިދ ިއަކަޓްށަމުރުކ ަމަހިރުފ ާސާރިދ ިމ .ެވެއެނާވިއަފްށޮކްނާޔަބ ްނުބީތުރަތ ްށޮކީޢޫޟްވުމ ާޖީތަނ ިދައ .ެވެޖަހްނަމ

Struggle to “fit in”: Experiences on community reintegration by people who have had treatment for substance abuse in Maldives Khadeeja Shakir The Maldives National University

Abstract Illicit substance abuse is one of the major social issues faced by the Maldives. This study was aimed to explore the experiences and struggles of people who have been treated for substance abuse as they seek to reintegrate into the community in the Maldives. The researcher is focused on identifying barriers and facilitators to their reintegration and how their experience shaped their identity formation or who they understand themselves to be. Data in the form of in-depth exploratory interviews with four men, who were currently in the court-mandated community reintegration phase of their treatment, were collected and analyzed using thematic analysis. These men struggled to find an identity for themselves that existed outside their dominant identity of a drug addict and the consequent stigmatism from the community. They struggled to hope for a better future for themselves, drawing motivation from counsellors, family and significant others. They struggled to fit in, though held hope for themselves through religious inspirational stories and rituals and becoming aware of their spirituality and reconnecting with the sort of person they were, are and hoped to be. These men also sought for their community to understand their struggles with alcohol and drugs as an addiction and disease rather than through assumptions that they were bad and or criminals. Implications for treatment and future research are discussed.

Theme 4: Politics and Policy

From limelight to oblivion: Departing from politics in the Maldives Aishath Hassan; Tholhath Raufuddeen The Maldives National University

Abstract While there is an abundance of research on the making of leaders and on how they exercise leadership, “the subject of ex-office holders is under-theorised, under-researched, underappreciated, and in many cases under-regulated (Keane, 2009, p. 9)1. While these leaders play an instrumental role in transforming the livelihoods of the citizens of the country, only a few studies clearly demonstrate the role and activities of leaders when they are ‘put out to pasture’. Through archival research, executive interviews and direct and indirect witnesses, this paper analyses the roles, activities, and influence of the former heads of state in the Maldives, namely Mohamed Amin Didi, Ibrahim Naseer, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Mohamed Nasheed and Mohamed Waheed Hassan. It concludes by determining whether or not these former Heads of State conform to the existing models on the roles and activities of former presidents after they depart from politics as identified by Schenker (1982), Belenky (1989), Schaller & Williams (2003) and Keane (2009). These writers indicate that democracies enable leaders to leave office peacefully, and highlight the expanding nature of post-presidential power in the modern political system to influence politics and policy through various roles. In the Maldives, although there is an Act on the Protection and Benefits to Former Presidents (Act No. 9/2009), it is limited to the privileges and immunities that are accorded by the state to former presidents and their families. There is no existing political doctrine that describes the roles and activities of former heads of state. Thus, this paper proposes a framework for understanding the role and activities of former presidents in the Maldives and provides policy recommendations on the introduction of a law on former presidents that would provide them with a formal status and recognition for their invaluable service, besides the continuation of their contribution to the development of the nation.

1 Keane, J. (2009). Life after political death: The fate of leaders after leaving high office. Dispersed Democratic Leadership: Origins, Dynamics and Implications, 279-298. 37

Special Economic Zone and human rights violations in India: Issues and challenges Mohammad Rauf The Maldives National University

Abstract Introduction: India has witnessed significant changes in the field of development by introducing Special Economic Zone (SEZ). SEZ laws and policies have often resulted in human rights violation of the right to property and livelihood. The SEZ induced development. The SEZ policy in 2000, provides for the setting up of SEZs in public, private and joint sector supplemented by the SEZ Act, 2005, and SEZ Rules, 2006. The legal outcome is an enormous relaxation of licensing, taxation and tariff concessions in the guise of generating additional economic activity, triggering flow of investment from domestic and foreign sources, promoting the export of goods and services, creating enhanced employment opportunities and developing infrastructure facilities.

Aims and Objectives: The aims and objective of the paper is to bring to the fore the underlying conflict between industrialization and human exploitation, by delving into the legal aspect regarding violation of human rights, labor rights within the SEZs, right from restriction of Trade Union to banning of strikes, to the deprivation of minimum wages and inhuman working conditions, also the exploitation of women workforce.

Method: The present study is based on doctrinal research. In the present study, books, law journals, case laws, reports of committees and commissions, dictionaries, statutes, magazines, comprehensive manual and newspapers are extensively used, surfing on the internet has also been done.

Results: In results, SEZ has failed in human rights protection, labour rights, minimum wages, livelihood security, food security, and environment protection. On the ground of reality, the economic benefits of SEZs outweigh the socio-economic impact due to the displacement of landowners, landless farmers and artisans remain unaddressed.

In conclusion, the paper appraises the nature and magnitude of human rights violation in SEZ induced development from the international and domestic legal perspective by examining socio-economic deprivation and human rights violations.

Theme 5: Sharia’h, Law and Islamic Studies

ްއަތުބަބަސ ުނުހެޖ ްނެދެފުއ ުފާލިތްޚިއ ިއަގުދެމ ެގްނިރެވުމްލިޢ

ްފީތަލ ްލުދްބައ ްޒާޔިއ ުދަމްއަޙުމ ީޓިސރަވިނުޔ ީމުއަޤ ެގޭޖްއާރިހެވިދ

ްޓްކެރްޓްސްބެއ ިއަގުތިހ ެގްނުހީމ ުކަޔަބަނިގ ީނާވިއަފްށޮކ ްތަކްއަސަމ ިއަގްއެތޮގ ުޑނަގިއަމ ިއަގްސުހަބ ިމ އުފެދިފައިވާ ވަރަށް ބޮޑު ސުވާލަކަށް ޖަވާބު ދެވޭތޯ އެވެ. އެއީ، ﷲ ގެ ދީން ބަޔާންކޮށް ދިނުމުގައި އެކި ޢިލްމުވެރިން އެކި ގޮތް ގޮތަށް ވާހަކަ ދައްކަވަނީ ކީއްވެގެންތޯއެވެ؟

ުކެއ ިއާލާސިމ ްއަތުބަބަސ ުނުހެޖ ްނާވުތާފަތ ުލާޔިޚ ިއަގުދެމ ެގްނިރެވުމްލިޢ ިއަގްސުހަބ ިމ ެގްނުލަކޭބެއ ްސެވިއަގްއެރަހަފ ީއެއ ްނުވުތާފަތުލާޔިޚ ެއ ިދައ .ެވެއެނާވިއަފީދްށޮކްނާޔަބ ހަވާނަފްސަށް ތަބަޢަވެވަޑައިގަތުމުގެ ސަބަބުން ވެފައިވާ ކަމެއް ނޫން ކަމާއި، އެކަމަށް މެދުވެރިވި ީކަމުރުހ ްނުވ ުތާފަތުލާޔިޚ ަދަފިމ ިދައ .ެވެއަފިވެރުކ ްނާޔަބ ީނާވްނަކިރުހ ްއެކަތުބަބަސ ފަހަރެއްގައިވެސް ދީނައް ލިބޭ ނިކަމެތި ކަމެއް ނޫން ކަމާއި، އެއީ އޭގެ ފަހަތުގައި އެތައް ބައިވަރު ހެޔޮކަންތަކެއް ހިމެނިފައިވާ ކަމެއްކަން ބަޔާން ކުރެވިފައިވާނެއެވެ. މީގެ ސަބަބުން، .ެވެއެނާދްނެގެވ ްށަކަދްއަރ ަދަގުރަވ ްށަންނުހީމ ާރުކ ްތަކްއަސަމ ްނަޓްއަވުގައ ެގުނީދްމާލްސިއ ހަމައެއާއިއެކު، ޢިލްމުވެރިންގެ މެދުގައި ޚިޔާލު ތަފަތުވުމުގެ ސަބަބުން ޢާއްމުން ޢަމަލު ކުރަންވީ ެގުނީދްމާލްސިއ ީކަތަހޭސަނ ެގުޑަގުޅައ .ެވެއެނާދްނެގިގނެއ ްށަންނުހީމިއަބެއ ްނަކިއަބޮކ ީކަތޮގ ހުރިހާ ބޭފުޅުންވެސް މިކަންތައްތަކުގެ ފުރިހަމަ މަޢުލޫމާތު ހޯއްދަވާ، އިސްލާމްދީނާއި .ެވެމުވްއެދުދްއަރ ިއަގުތޮގ ަމަހިރުފ ްށަންނުހީމ ާރުކްތަކްއަސަމ ްނަލާޓްއަވުގައ ެގްނުމިލްސުމ

ުޤީޤްޙަތ ްއަތަލަސްއަމ ީޤާލުޚައ ުދަބ ިއާކަތަލަސްއަމ ެގޭނިޒ ްއެއަބ ހެޖްނަލަބޭ ިއަގުމުރުކްމުކުޙ ްށަކަތަލަސްއަމ ެއ ިއާޔްއަގުމުރުކ ްއަތްއަތްނަކ ުމްއިހުމ

ްނާމްޙަރްއުދްބަޢ ުރާތްއަސްއުދްބަޢ ީޓިސރަވިނުޔީމްވަޤ ެގޭޖްއާރިހެވިދ

ްޓްކެރްޓްސްބެއ އޮބްޖެކްޓިވްސް: މިދިރާސާގެ މަޤުޞަދަކީ މާތް ﷲގެ ޙައްޤުތަކާ ގުޅުންހުރި ސުރުޚީގައި ިއަގުމުރުކްމުކުޙ ްށަކަތަލަސްއަމ ަދަފެއ ިއާޔްއަގުމުރުކ ުޤީޤްޙަތ ްއަތަލަސްއަމ ަދަފްނުވެރުކްނާޔަބ ްނަކެއ ިއާމުލެބ ތޭވިއަފިޓްއެހެފިހޯ ުޑަގްނިމ ާވިއަފިޅެއަޑނަކ ިއަގީލައ ެގުކަތުޞްއަނ ެގުތަޢީރަޝ ުޑަގްނިމ ގުމުރުކުމުކުޙެ ިއާޔްއަގުމުރުކ ުޤީޤުޙަތ ްއަތަލަސްއަމ ަދަފެއ ަމަނާދުނ ްށަތގެއޮ .ެވެމުޅެއުރާބ ްށަމުރުކުލަދަބ ްއަތުދިޢާވަޤ ްށަޑަގްނިމ ީޢުރަޝ ްށޮކުލަދަބ

ީއާރުޤިތްސިއްލައ :ްސްޑަތެމ

ރިސަލްޓްސް: މާތް ﷲ ގެ ޙައްޤުތަކަކީ މުޖުތަމަޢުއާ ގުޅިފައިވާ ޙައްޤުތެކެވެ. މާތް ﷲ ގެ ެގްއެމިލްސުމ ްއެނައ ްށަކަމިލްސުމ ްސެވްއެއ .ެވެށަޗްއަމ ެގުފާޢަމ ީނަވިއަފެވާނިބ ްއަތުޤްއަޙ ޢައިބުތައް ހޯދުމަކީ މާތް ﷲ ޙަރާމްކުރައްވާފައިވާ ކަމެކެވެ. މައްސަލަ ތަޙުޤީޤު ކުރާއިރު ނުވަތަ ްނާވ ްށަމަކުރަވްނިމ ަޑުކ ެމްނެއ ޭޅުގ ާމަކެއ ީކަކަތުލާވުސ ޭވެރުކ ާއުމަހަތްއުމ ުރިއާރުކްމުކުޙ ްނުރްއިސ ުމަހަތްއުމ ުރިއާރުކްމުކުޙ ަތަވުނ ުރިއާރުކ ުޤީޤުޙަތަލަސްއަމ .ެވެއެނޭހެޖ ަތަވުނ ުރިއާރުކ ޤީޤުޙަތަލަސްއަމު .ެވެއެނޭވެރުކުނ ްއެލާވުސ ްށަމުދޯހ ްށަރުތިއ ްއެމަކާވިއަފްށޮކ ަލަސްއަމ .ެވެއެނޭހެޖ ްނެވެރުކުލޫބަޤ ުރާކްނިއެއ ްށަރިއާރުކުރާކްނިއ ުމަހަތްއުމ ުރިއާރުކްމުކުޙ ަމަނިފްށޮކުރާކްނިއ ުހަފްށަމުވުފާރިތުޢިއ ުމަހަތްއުމ ުރިއާރުކްމުކުޙ ަތަވުނ ިއަގުމުރުކުޤީޤުޙަތ ަތަވުނ ްއެމަކުދެތ ީދެހ ުރިއިވުފާރިތުޢިއ ާނޭއ ީކަބަބަސ .ެވެޓްއުހ ޭވެރުކުލޫބަޤ ްސެވްނަކެއ ްއަތަލަސްއަމިމ .ެވެއީތޭޅުއ ުހުބުޝ ިއަގުފާރިތުޢިއ ެގާނޭއ ީތޭގނެއުނ ްނަކްއެމަކުދެތ ީދެހ ްނުހަފ .ެވެށަކަތޮގ ެނޭވެލްށޮކުއީރަބ ުމަހަތްއުމ ީނޭހެޖްނަލަބ ުރިއާރުކްމުކުޙ ަތަވުނ ުރިއާރުކުޤީޤުޙަތ އެއީ އެކަމަކީ އޭނާއާ މާތް ﷲ އާ ދެމެދުވާ ކަމަކަށް ވާތީއެވެ. އަދި އެހެން މުސްލިމެއްގެ .ެވެއީތާވުނ ިއަފިޅުގާކައުޤްއަޙ

ާވިއަފީދިބިލ ުމާރިތުޙިއ ްސެވ ްށަނެމްނެއ ާހިރުހ ީކަތަޢީރަޝ ީމާލްސިއ :ްނަޝޫލުކްނޮކ .ެވެކެބިޖާވ ިރުހްށަޗްއަމ ެގްނުހީމ ާރުކުލޫބަޤ ްތަޢީރަޝެއ ީކަމުރުކުމާރިތުޙިއެއ .ެވެކެތަޢީރަޝ

ޭހެޖްނަރުކާދައ ިއަކަޓްށަކައުޤޫލުޚަމ ްއެނައ ުކަޤޫލުޚަމްއެއ ިއަގުތަޢީރަޝިމ ްއަތޮގިމ ަމަހ ިދައ .ެވެންނުމަނ ެގުކަތުޤްއަޙ ެގްނުޅައ ީނަވިއަފިވެދްނަނ ްށަކަތުޤްއަޙިމ .ެވެއެވ ސެވްއެކަތުޤްއަޙް ހަމަ މިގޮތައް މަޚުލޫޤުން އެމީހުން ހެއްދެވި ފަރާތަށް އަދާކުރަންޖެހޭ މާތް ﷲ ގެ ޙައްޤުތައްވެއެވެ. މާތް ﷲ ގެ ޙައްޤުތައް ބިނާވެފައި ވާނީ މަޢާފުގެ މައްޗަށެވެ. މިފަދަ ޙައްޤުތަކަކީ އެމީހަކަ މާތް ﷲ އާ ދެމެދުގައިވާ ކަމެކެވެ. ނަމަވެސް އަޅުންގެ ހައްޤުތައް ަކަހާވ ަދަފޭޓްއެވުގައ ެގްއެމިލްސުމ ްއެނއަ ްށަކަމިލްސުމ ްސެވްއެއ ިދައ .ެވެވެނޫނ ްއެއަދަފިމ .ެވެކެމަކާނަމ ިއަގުތަޢީރަޝ ީމާލްސިއ ްސެވ ީކަމުކްއެދ

އިސްލާމީ ޝަރީޢަތުގައި ޤާޟީގެ ކިބައިން ފިސްޤު ފާޅުވުމާއި عام ންގެ .ްނުރުކ ުލުޒައ ްނުމަކީޟާޤ ްނުމުވަނިގ ާވުކަޝ

ީލަޢ ުފުސޫޔ ުނާމްޘުޢ ީޓިސރަވިނުޔ ީމުއަޤ ެގޭޖްއާރިހެވިދ

ްޓްކެރްޓްސްބެއ އޮބްޖެކްޓިވްސް: މިދިރާސާގެ މަޤްޞަދަކީ އިސްލާމީ ޝަރީޢަތުގައި قاضيން ވަކި ކުރުމަށް ކަނޑަ އަޅުއްވާފައިވާ މިންގަނޑު އެކަމާއި ގުޅުންހުރި ފަރާތްތަކަށް އަންގައި ދިނުމާއި، قاضيން ވަކިކުރުމަށް ހަދާ قواعد ތަކާއި أصول ތައް شريعة ގެ މިންގަނޑާ އެއްގޮތަށް ހެދުމަށް ބާރުއެޅުމެވެ. އަދި قاضيންގެ ކިބައިން ފިސްޤު ފާޅުވެއްޖެނަމަ، ނުވަތަ އެމީހުންނާމެދު عام ންގެ ޝަކުވާތައް ގިނަވެއްޖެނަމަ شريعة ގެ މިންގަނޑާ އެއްގޮތަށް ފިޔަވަޅު އެޅުމަށް ބާރު .ެވެމުޅެއ

ީއާރްޤިތްސިއްލައ :ްސްޑަތެމ

ީނަދްނެގިގނެއ ްނިއާސާރިދ ިމ ްށޮކާނިބ ްށަކަތުލީލަދ ެގްނިރެވްލިޢ ިއަގާލަސްއަމ :ްސްޓްލަޒިރ ްނުމަކީޟާޤ ްނުމުވުޅާފ ުޤްސިފ ިވިނަރުކާނަމ ްނުރުކްނަކީޟާޤ ްނިއަބިކ ެގީޟާޤ .ެވެމަކެނާވުލުޒައ

- ހަމައެފަދައިން ޤާޟީންނަކީ ކުށްކުރުން މަޢުޞޫމު ބައެއްކަމަށްދެކި، ޝަކުވާކުރުމުގެ ދޮރު .ެވެއެނާވުނ ްސެވްނެގިވެރުކ ުދްނަބ - ޤާޟީއާ ބެހޭގޮތުން عام ންގެ ޝަކުވާތައް ގިނަނަމަ، حاكم އަށް ލާޒިމް ވަނީ ކުރެވިފައިހުރި ިއަގުދްޞަޤ ީނަވިއަފާގނިހ ްނިއަބިކ ެގީޟާޤ ްނަކިމ .ެވެމުރުކީޤުޙަތ ިއަލަބ ްއަތާވުކަޝ ކަމުގައިވާނަމަ، މަޤާމުން ޢަޒުލުކުރުން ވާޖިބުވާ ހުއްޓެވެ. އެކަން ޤާޟީގެ ކިބައިން ހިނގާފައިވަނީ ގަސްދަކާއިނުލައި ކުށަކުންނަމަ، ޙައްޤު ގެއްލިފައިވާ ފަރާތްތަކުގެ ޙައްޤު .ެވެއެނޭހެޖ ްނަންނެގ ްނަކެއ ްށަމަކުލާމަސ ެގީޟާޤ ްށޮކަޢޫޖުރ

ްނުމުވުޅާފ ުޤްސިފ ްނިއަބިކ ެގްއެއީޟާޤ ީނާވިއަފިވެރުކްނާޔަބ ިއަގާސާރިދ ިމ :ްނަޝޫލުކްނޮކ ޤާޟީކަމުން އަޒުލު ކުރުމާއި ގުޅޭގޮތުން ޢިލްމުވެރިންގެ މަޒުހަބުތަކާއި، އެ މަޒުހަބުތަކުގެ ިދައ .ެވެތޮގ ުޅަގނަރ ެމްނެއ ިއަގުމަކެއ ިއާކަތުދްއަރ ާވިއަފިވެދ ްށަކަތުލީލަދ ެއ ިއާކަތުލީލަދ ޤާޟީއާ ގުޅޭގޮތުން عام ންގެ ޝަކުވާ ގިނަވުން ޤާޟީކަމުން އަޒުލު ކުރުމާއި ގުޅޭގޮތުން ުޅަގނަރ ެމްނެއ ިއަގުމަކެއ ިދައ ިއާކަތުލީލަދ ެގުކަތުބަހުޒަމ ެއ ިއާކަތުބަހުޒަމ ެގްނިރެވުމްލިޢ .ެވެތޮގ

ިއާކަތްނުހެޖްނޮގ ާވާމިދ ްށަންނިހެވިދ ިއަގުމުރުކ ުތަޔްއިބުރަތ ްނިރަދ ުލްއަޙ ީޢުރަޝ ެގުމަކެއ

ްމަދާއ ުރޫސްނަމ ުދަމްއަޙުމ ީޓިސރަވިނުޔ ީމުއަޤ ެގޭޖްއާރިހެވިދ

ްޓްކެރްޓްސްބެއ އަގުޢަމަތުޖުމި ެގޭޖްއާރިހެވިދ ީނާވިއަފިއަލާވުޅައިލައ ުޑަގނުޅައ ިއަގްސުހަބ ިމ ުލްއަޙ ްށަކަތްނުހެޖްނޮގ ެއ ިދައ ިއާކަތްނުހެޖްނޮގ ާވާމިދ ިއަގުމުރުކ ުތަޔްއިބުރަތްނިރަދ ްށޮކްއެއ ުތާމޫލުޢަމ ްނުކަދްއަޙަރަސ )3( ްނިތ ެގޭޖްއާރ ިހެވިދ ްނުތޮގިމ .ެވެށަކަތްތޮގ ެނާދޯހ ްށަކަތަލަސްއަމ ުނުވެރުކ ަގަހާފ ްނުދްއަޙަރަސ ްނިތިމ ިދައ .ެވެއެނާވިއަފްށޮކ ާސާރިދ ުތަޔްއިބުރަތ ްނިރަދ ްނުޑނަގްނިމ ުމްއާޢ ްނުރުތިއ ެގުމުނިދ ިއަދޯހ ުލްއަޙ ިއަގީލައ ެގުތަޢީރަޝ ްނުތޮގިމ .ެވެއެނާވިއަފިވެރުކ ްނާޔަބ ްސެވްއަތްއަތްނަކ ޭހެޖ ްނާވުލާމަސ ިއަގުމުރުކ ްއަތުލާސިމ ްށަމަކެއ ްށޮކަގަހާފ ްނަކުމްއިހުމ ެގުމުކްއެދ ާނޫމަނ ިއަގުމުރުކ ުތަޔްއިބުރަތްނިރަދ .ެވެއެނާވިއަފީދްސެނެގ

ްނުތޮގިމ .ެވެޖަހްނަމ ީލީލުޙަތ ިދައ ީނާދިއަމ ީސާރިދ ީނާރުކްނުނޭބ ިއަގާސާރިދިމ ުޑަގނުޅައ .ެވެށަކަތުޖަހްނަމ ިވިނަންނައ ީނާވިއަފްށޮކުލަމަޢ ިއަގާސާރިދިމ

.ްނުރުކްއެއ ުތާމޫލުޢަމ ްށޮކުރާޔްއަތ ްސާދުރަކ ުލާވުސ ްށަމުތަގެނެދ ަލަސްއަމ .1 .ްނުނިދްށޮކަމާހ ްތަޤީޤަޙ ެގިއަލަސްއަމ ިއަޔިކާޅައ ްއަތަލަސްއަމ .2 3. މައްސަލަތަކަށް ޙައްލު ހޯދުމުގައި ނަބިއްޔާ صلى هللا عليه وسلم ގެ ޙަޔާތްޕުޅުން .ްނުނިދްސެނެގ ްއަތުލާސިމ 4 .قرآن އާޔަތްތަކުގެ ނަންބަރާއި ސޫރަތް ހާމަކޮށްދިނުން. ަހްއަޞ ާވިއަފެވުދިރާވ ިއަގުމިލްސުމ ިއާއ ީރާޚުބ ިއަގުމުނިދްސެނެގ ްއަތްޘީދަހ .5 ހަދީޘެއްނަމަ އިތުރު ފޮތަކަށް ރުޖޫޢަ ނުވުމާއި އެދެފޮތުގައި ނުވާ ހަދީޘެއްނަމަ، އެޙަދީޘްގެ .ްނުނިދެނުބ ްމުކުޙ ާވިއަފްށޮކ ްނިރެވުމްލިޢ ުދެމ ިއާޘީދަޙެއ ީދާލާވަޙ ްށަރަދްޞަމ

Unfair dismissal cases: Analysis of Maldives employment tribunal awards Aishath Azdha The Maldives National University

Abstract An unfairly dismissed employee in the Maldives has the right to approach the Employment Tribunal of Maldives to quash and nullify the employer’s decision of dismissal. The Employment Act 2/2008 mandates fundamental principles relating to employment and prohibits employee dismissal without reasonable cause. Every year, hundreds of dismissal cases are registered at the Employment Tribunal of Maldives. This is quite a huge number compared to the job market of Maldives. Hence, this becomes a major concern. Statistics reveal that the majority of the cases are about dismissal from employment and notice of dismissal. This paper examines what factors were taken into consideration by the Employment Tribunal of Maldives to justify unfair dismissal cases. In addition, this paper examines the reasons employers lost their cases in the Employment Tribunal. This is a qualitative exploratory research where the research focuses on gaining an understanding of underlying reasons, opinions and motivations of unfair dismissal from employment. This research begins by analyzing the decided cases of Employment tribunal of Maldives from their website and identifying dismissal cases in the year 2016. The cases are limited only to the state organizations. Data gathered from the cases will be analyzed in the legal context. The main focus will be on the legal provisions that have been considered in deciding the cases. Moreover, cases will be studied in the context of the Employment Act 2/2008. Verdicts of Employment Tribunal will be examined to derive the grounds for justification and nature of remedies awarded. It is vital for the organizations to know the underlying reason for the verdicts in favour of employees. This will particularly help the organizations to improve their procedures and management systems, particularly in termination action. Overall, this research would help to strengthen the job market of Maldives by adding value to the employment contract.

ދީނަށް ގޮވާލެއްވުމުގައި ރަސޫލާ صلى هللا عليه وسلم ބޭނުން ކުރެއްވި ްއަތުބޫލްސުއ ިއާކަތްތަލީސަވ

ްމިސާޤ ުދީޢަސ ުރިހާޒ ީލަޢ ީޓިސާވިނުޔ ީމުއަޤ ެގޭޖްއާރިހެވިދ

ްޓްކެރްޓްސްބެއ މި ބުހުސްގެ މަޤުޞަދަކީ ދީނަށް ގޮވާލެއްވުމުގައި ރަސޫލާ صلى هللا عليه وسلم ގެންގުޅުއްވި ުތަވުޢަދ ެގުނާފެގޭލަކެއ ުރުތިއ ީއެއ .ެވެމުރުކ ަމާހ ްއަތުބޫލްސުއ ިއާކަތ ްތަލީސަވ ުތާފަތ ކާމިޔާބުވެ، މުޅި ދުނިޔޭގައި އެކަލޭގެފާނު ގެންނެވި ރިސާލަތު ފެތުރިފައިވާއިރު އެމަސައްކަތުގައި .ެވެއީތާވްށަކަމަކ ުމްއިހުމ ްށަންނެމުޑނަގުޅައ ީކަމުގނެއ ްށަތްތޮގ ިވްއުޅުގްނެގ ުނާފެގޭލަކެއ

މި ބަހުސްގައި އެންމެބޮޑު ސަމާލުކަމެއްދެވިފައި ވަނީ ދީނަށް ގޮވާލެއްވުމުގައި ރަސޫލާ صلى هللا عليه وسلم ގެންގުޅުއްވި ތަފާތު ވަސީލަތް ތަކާއި އުސްލޫބުތައް ޤުރުއާނާއި ސުންނަތުގެ ަތަވުނ ޯތްއެޗްއެއ ީފީޤްވަތ ީކަތަލީސަވ ާރުކްނުނޭބ ްށަމުލާވޮގ ްށަނީދ .ެވެށަމުރުކ ަމާހ ިއަގީލައ ިއަފިވެރުކްނާޔަބ ުތާފަތ ެގުބޫލްސުއ ިއާތަލީސަވ ްނުރުތިއ ެގުމުލާލަބ ޯތްއެޗްއެއ ީދާހިތްޖިއ ްއަތުބޫލްސުއ ިއާކްތްތަލީސަވ ިވްއުޅުގްނެގ ުނާފެގޭލަކެއ ުރުތިއ ްނުރުތިއ ެގީމ ިދައ .ެވެއެނާވ .ެވެއެނާވ ިއަފިވެރުކަމާހ ްސެވްށަތްތޮގ ެނާދިވެރުކ ްނުނޭބ ިއަގުނާމަޒިމ ުރާހިމ

ބަހުސްގެ ޚުލާސާ އަކީ ރަސޫލާ صلى هللا عليه وسلم ދީނަށް ގޮވާލެއްވުމުގައި އޭރު އެޒަމާނުގައި ިއާތަލާޙ ިއާމަކާވުނ ިއަފާވްއަރުކޫދ ާވަޕްއިހުނ ްނުނޭބ ްއެތަލީސަވ ްސެވްއެއ ިރުހްނެވެރުކްނުނޭބ ެއ ިދައ .ެވެމަކ ާވިއަފާވްއަރުކްނުނޭބ ްއަތުބޫލްސުއ ުތާފަތ ްށަތޮގ ާވްނެގީށަކެއ ިއާތުގަވ ިއާނަތ ިރެތްނުނޭބްށަރަވ ްށަމުރުކުބާޔިމާކ ުތަވުޢަދ ްސެވިއަގުނާމަޒިމ ީކަކަތުބޫލްސުއ ިއާކަތްތަލީސަވ .ެވެކަތްއަތްނަކ

ިއާއ ީއާރްޤިތްސިއ ްލުޖަހްނަމްލައ ީކަޖަހްނަމ ާވިއަފިވެރުކްނުނޭބ ިއަގްސުހަބ ިމ ީކަމުދެހ ްއަތާސާރިދ ްށޮކްނުފ ްށަކަތުޢޫޟުއަމ ިރެތްނުނޭބ ަދަފިމ .ެވެއ ީލީލްޙަތްއުޖަހްނަމްލައ .ެވެއެރުކްޑްނެމަކެރ ްށަމަކެއ ާޗާސިރ ީތާވްށަކަމަކ ިރެތްނުނޭބ

ްނުރުކުތިބާސ ުދނަހ ްނެގްށޮކ ްނުނޭބ ުބާސިހ ީކަލަފ

ްމިޙާރްބިއ ާސޫމ ްފިޞާޢ ީޓިސރަވިނުޔ ީމުއަޤ ެގޭޖްއާރިހެވިދ

ްޓްކެރްޓްސްބެއ

ްމުކުޙ ެގުމުރުކ ުތިބާސ ުދނަހ ްނެގްށޮކްނުނޭބ ުބާސިހ ީކަލަފ ީކަދަޞްޤަމ ެގާސާރިދ ިމ :ްސްވިޓްކެޖްބޮއ ދެނެގަތުމެވެ. އަދި މި މައްސަލާގައި ޢިލްމުވެރިންގެ ރައުޔުތައް ޖަމާކޮށް، އެ ެބޭކަލުންގ ދަލީލުތަކަކީ ކޮބައިތޯ ބަލައި، އެ ދަލީލުތައް މުނާޤަޝާ ކުރުމެވެ. އަދި އެއަށްފަހު އެ ރައުޔުތަކުން އެންމެ ރަގަޅު ރައުޔު، ދަލީލުތަކުގެ ޢަލީގައި ރާޖިޙު ކުރުމެވެ.

ްނުތޮގިމ .ެވެޖަހްނަމ ީލީލުޙަތ ިދައ ީއާރުގިތްސިއ ީނާރުކްނުނޭބ ިއަގާސާރިދިމ ުޑަގނުޅައ :ްސްޑަތެމ :ީނާވިއަފްށޮކުލަމަޢ ިއަގާސާރިދިމ

.ެވެއެނާވިއަފާހަޖ ުރަބްނަނ ްތަޔާއ ިއާތަރޫސ ެގުކަތްތަޔާއ ެގުނާއްރުޤ ިތިރީކ (1 2) ޙަދީޘްތަކާއި، އަޘަރުތައް ތަޚްރީޖުކޮށް، ވާރިދުވެފައިވާ ފޮތްތަކަށް މަރުޖިޢުދެވިފައިވާނެއެވެ. ާލާވަޙ ިއަގްޓޯންޓުފ ްށަކަތުރަދްޞަމ ާވިއަފެވުދިރާވ ްއަތުޅުފްސަބ ެއ ްއަތުޅުފްސަބ ެގްނިރެވުމްލިޢ (3 .ވެއެނާވިއަފިވެދެ ިއަފިވެރުކ ްނާޔަބ ްއަތްނަކ ާވްއަލެވުފާލިޚ ިއާކަތްނަކ ާވްއަލެވްސަބްއެއ ްނިރެވުމްލިޢ ިއަގާލަސްއަމ (4 .ެވެއެނާވ

ުޑނަގިއަމ ެގްނިރެވުމްލިޢ ުދެމާމުކުޙ ެގުމުރުކ ުތިބާޘ ުދނަހ ްނެގްށޮކްނުނޭބ ުބާސިޙ ީކަލަފ :ްނަޝޫލުކްނޮކ ދެ ރައުޔު ވެއެވެ. އެއީ ފަލަކީ ހސާބަށް ބިނާކޮށް ހަނދު ސާބިތުކުރުން ހުއްދަ ކަމަށް ާބުނ ރައުޔާއި، ެގުޔުއަރ ެދ މި .ެވެޔުއަރ ާނުބ ްށަމަކްނޫނ ަދްއުހ ްނުރުކުތިބާސ ުދނަހ ްށޮކާނިބ ްށަބާސިހ ީކަލަފ ިދައ ތަފުސީލާއި ދަލީލުތައް، އަދި އެ ދަލީލުތަކަށް ދެވިފައިވާ ޖަވާބު މި ބަޙުޘްގައި ތަފްޞީލުކޮށް ބަލާލެވިފައި .ެވެއެނާވ

Trade related aspects of Intellectual Property Law and its impact on the Republic of Maldives Syed Imran The Maldives National University

Abstract It is realized that intellectual property (IP) is a door to enhance international trade between different jurisdictions all over the world. Similarly, ideas and knowledge are an increasingly important part of trade. The value of innovative medicines and other high technology products lies in the expanse of invention, innovation, research, design and testing involved. This is an area where the creator spends their skills and labour to create something novel and original. Thus, it is fair for them if their work can be protected legally in the sense refraining others from making the replica or any other way of consumption of it without his knowledge to get a commercial benefit out of it.

The Maldives has been a member and signatory to TRIPS agreement and WTO since May 31, 1995 and a member of WIPO treaties and convention since May 2004. The Maldives has also established an IP unit in the trade ministry since 2005. Hence, as a signatory member to TRIPS agreement, the Maldives has the mandate to comply with the agreement. As per the TRIPs mandate many other laws pertaining to Intellectual Property Laws should be enacted in the Maldives.

Even though at the present Maldives isn’t a producing but a consuming country, having IP might enhance the opportunity to enrich technology in the long term perspective, such as introducing pharmaceutical products. IPR serves as an incentive for the investment of time and capital in the research and development which are required to produce inventive and creative works.

Indeed, as developing countries have implemented the intellectual property protections in TRIPs, they have begun to benefit from increased technology transfer and investment; two key factors in long-term economic growth.

The present study is based on doctrinal research. Comparative Intellectual property law legislative analysis of SAARC countries is made to propose the need for Intellectual Property law legislation in the Maldives. In the present study, Books, Law Journals, Case Laws, Reports of Committees and Commissions, Dictionaries, Statutes, Magazines, Comprehensive Manual and Newspapers are extensively used, surfing on the internet has also been done.

As to conclude, it is likely justified to say that not so much of legal protection is awarded for intellectual property in the Maldives. Nevertheless, it is important to realise that, the local enactment of Copyright Act has made a drastic implication on the IP regime. Moreover, it is strongly believed that the potential enactment of the Industrial Act with the compulsion of all the IP laws would make the country more favourable to the international trade market. Thus, it can be stated that IPL

48 is necessary for the Maldives for its development and for a positive reflection in the international trade market.

Consent to treatment, discretion of medical practitioners in treating patients, and patients’ autonomy: Analysis on the Maldivian law Ahmed Abdul Matheen Civil Court, Maldives

Abstract It is an offence in the Maldives to touch anyone without consent. Doctors attend patients in emergencies. At such times, consent cannot be obtained, however, the doctors will be required to provide the best treatment. In the famous US case, Schloendorff v Society of New York Hospital (1914), Cardozo J stated that every human being of adult year and sound mind has a right to determine what shall be done with his own body; and a surgeon who performs an operation without his consent commits an assault. Also, the case of State v Conrad Murray, one could perhaps question why not the patient’s autonomy be outweighed over the discretion of the doctor.

It is a fundamental right in the Maldives to do anything which is not prohibited under the Law or in Sharia. These rights cannot be intervened by any incompetent authority.

The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyse the position of Maldivian law in consenting to medical treatment of adults, incompetent adults, persons in state care and prisons, and children. Moreover, this paper will be identifying whether the statutory mechanisms are sufficient to protect the autonomy of patients and whether it needs reform. Finally, the importance of power balance on the autonomy of patients and doctors’ discretion will be discussed.

This is a doctrinal research. There are no recorded papers on this area in the Maldives. The Health Care Professionals Act (Law No: 13/2015) and Medical Services Act (Law No: 29/2015) specified the general outline on obtaining consent. However, it does not specify the application of consent in detail.

ްއެއަބ ީނާމަޒ ްއަތިއަބ ޭނެމިހ ިއަގިއަކިރަތ ިއަގުތަޢީރަޝ ީމާލްސިއ ިއަގީލައ ެގުކަތަލަސްއަމ

ުކިނަމ ީލަޢ ުޟާޔްއަފ ީޓިސރަވިނުޔ ީމުއަޤ ެގޭޖްއާރިހެވިދ

ްޓްކެރްޓްސްބެއ الحمد هلل والصالة والسالم على رسول اهلل وعلى آله وصحبه وسلم.

އިސްލާމުދީނުގައި މުދާ ބެހުމުގެ ނިޒާމަކީ هللا سبحانه وتعالى އެކަލާނގެ ކަލާމްފުޅުގައި ވަރަށް ީކައ ަކިރަތ ިއަގާލަސްއަމ ެގުމުހެބާދުމ .ެވެކެމާޒިނ ާވިއަފިއަވްއަރުކްނާޔަބ ްށޮކުލީސުފަތ ިއަބ ޭނެމިހ ިއަގޭރެތ ެގިއަކިރަތ ްނިއަދަފެއ ަމަހ ިދައ .ެވެއެވުމްނިހުމ ްނަންނަގެނެދ ްނަކިއަބޮކ .ެވެއެހެޖްނަންނަގެނެދ ަބެއ ްސެވްނަކިއަބޮކ ީކަކަތ

ިއާކަތްއަތްނަކ ެނާވ ަތުރާވ ިއަގުހިރައ ެގްނިރެވުމްލިޢ ުހްޤިފ ީނާލިއަލަބ ަމަތަރުފ ިއަގުހާދުރަކ ިމ :ީއެއ .ެވެއެނާވިއަފިނެމިހ ްއެޔަބ ްނިތ ިއަގޭއ .ެވެށަކަތްއަތްނަކ ެނާވުނ ަތުރާވ

)ހ( އެ ވާރުތަ ވާނެ ކަމަށް ހުރިހާ ِع ْلم ވެރިން اتفاق ވެލައްވައިފައިވާ ކަންތައް ތަކެވެ.

)ށ( އެ ވާރުތަ ވާނެ ކަމަށް ِع ْلم ވެރިން ދެބަސްވެލައްވައިފައިވާ ކަންތައް ތަކެވެ.

)ނ( އެ ވާރުތަ ނުވާނެ ކަމަށް ހުރިހާ ِع ْلم ވެރިން اتفاق ވެލައްވައިފައިވާ ކަންތައް ތަކެވެ.

ދެވަނައަށް މި ކަރުދާހުގައި ބަލައިލާނީ، ޒަމާނީ ބައެއް ކަންތައް ތަކަށެވެ. އޭގެ ތެރޭގައި މުވައްރިޘު މަރުވުމުގެ ކުރީގައި ޙައްޤުވެފައިވާ އިނާމާއި، އޭނާ މަރުވުމުގެ ކުރިން ހުށަހަޅައިފައިވާ ްނުމުވުރަމ ާނޭއ ިއަގުކަތަލަސްއަމ ަދަފިމ .ެވެއެނާވިއަފިވެލިއަލަބ ްށަކަތްނުޅެހަށުހ ަދަފ ުޑިބ އޭނާގެ އެ ޙައްޤު އޭނާގެ ވާރުތަވެރިންނަށް ވާރުތަ ވާނެތޯ ނުވަތަ އެ ޙައްޤު ގެއްލޭނެ ތޯ، ެނާދިވެރުކުޠުރަޝ ްށަތޮގ ޭލްއެގ ުޤްއަޙ ެއ ްނުމުވުރަމ ާނެއ ިއަގުކަތްނުޅަހަށުހ ާޅަހަށުހ ަތަވުނ .ެވެއެނާވިއަފިވެލިއަލަބ ްސެވ ޯތ

ތިންވަނައަށް ބަލައިލާނީ، މަރުވުމުން އަޤުދު ނިމުމަކަށް އައުމުގެ މައްސަލައަށެވެ. އެހެނީ، ީނޭވެރުކްތަޔާމިޙ ްނިރެތެގޭއ ުޤްއަޙ ެގްނިރެވ ަތުރާވ ަމަނާވިއަގުމަކ ަންނައ ްށަކަމުމިނ ުދުޤަޢ .ެވެއަގުމުނޭބ ެގުމުތަގެނެދ ްނަކްއެނިހިކ

ޭނެމިހ ިއަގޭރެތ ެގިއަކިރަތ ިއަގުތަޢިރަޝ ީމާލްސިއ ީކަމުނޭބ ެގާސާރިދ ިމ :ްސްވިޓްކެޖްބޮއ ޯތޭތެފ ްށަކަތަމަހ ެގުތަޢީރަޝ ްއަތަލަސްއަމ ޭދެފުއ ށ ަލައ ެނަގެނެދ ްނަކިއަބޮކ ީކަކަތިއަބ .ެވެމުނިދިއަށޮކުގަމ ްށަމުލެބ ޯތްނޫނ ަތަވުނ

ްށޮކަޞްއާޚ ްނިކަވ ިދައ .ެވެންނެގްށޮކްނުނޭބ ްޑަތެމ ްވިޓޭޓިލޮކ ީނޭވެރުކ ާސާރަދީމ :ްސްޑަތެމ .ެވެޑަތެމ ީއާރްޤިތްސިއ

ްށަޅަގނަރ ްށަރަވ ްއަތިއަބ ޭނެމިހ ިއަގޭރެތ ެގުލަދުމ ަތުރާވ ިއަގީލައ ެގާސާރިދ ިމ :ްސްޓްލަޒިރ .ެވެއެނާދ ްނެގެވަމާހ ިގނެއ ްސެވްއަތިއަބ ެނާދ ްނެގިތެފ ްނަކްނަކ ީނާމަޒ ިދައ ެވުފާސ

ކޮންކްލޫޝަން: އިސްލާމީ ޝަރީޢަތުގެ ދަލީލުތަކުގެ އަލީގައި، މީހަކު ދުނިޔޭގައި ހުރެ އޭނަށް މުދަލުގެ ގޮތުގައި، ނުވަތަ މުދަލާ ގުޅުންހުރި ޙައްޤެއެއްގެ ގޮތުގައި، ނުވަތަ މަންފާއެއްގެ ގޮތުގައި ްއެޗްއެއ ެއ ިދައ .ެވެމަކެނާވުނ ްނެގިވެރުކ ުމޫރްޙަމ ްނިރެވަތުރާވ ެގާނޭއ ްނުކަޗްއެއ ިވުޤްއަޙ .ެވެއަގުތޮގ ެގްއެކްލިމ ެގްނިރެވ ަތުރާވ ީނާދ ްނެގެވ

ްމުކުޙ ެގުމުކްއިވާދުމ ްށަޓްނެމްލޯޓްސްނިއ

އަބްދުﷲ ޖަމީލު މުޙައްމަދު ީޓިސރަވިނުޔ ީމުއަޤ ެގޭޖްއާރ ިހެވިދ

ްޓްކެރްޓްސްބެއ ްއަތްނުނޭބ ިކެއިކެއ ާވާމިދ ިއަގުމުޅުއިރިދ ެގްނުހީމ ުރަވްސަވުދިމ :ުދަޞްޤަމ ެގާސާރިދިމ ިދައ ުރާކ ަތަވުނ ުލަކިއަސ ްށަކަލާސިމ( ިތެކަތ ެގުތަވާބްތަވާބިކެއ ްނުތޮގ ެގުމުދްއުފ ުޑނަގާދުމެއ ަތަވުނ ްއެލަދުމެއ ުރިއާކްއިވ ްށަޓްނަމްލޯޓްސްނިއ )ިތެކަތ ްއެއަބ ްސެވްނޫނިމ ޯތްއެޗްއެއ ަދްއުހ ީކަޗްއެއާގަނ ްށަރުތިއ ެރުވްށަގައާކްއިވ ުރިއަންނަގ ިއަފީދާސިއަފ ްނުތުގަވ ްށަމަކްއެތާލަމާޢުމ ެގާބިރ ީއެއ ްނުހީމްއެއަބ ިދެފުއުލާވުސ ިއަގުދެމ ެގްނުކަތްސީމ ޯތްނޫނ ަތަވުނ ެގާސާރިދިމ ްނުމަކްނެހެއ .ެވެއެކެދިއަގުމަކ ްއެތާލަމާޢުމަދްއުހ ީއެއ ުކަޔަބްއެނައ ިދައ .ެވެއެކެދ .ެވެމުޅެއަޑނަކ ްނުކުހ ްށޮކުޤީޤުޙަތ ްނުކަޑނަގްނިމ ީޢުރަޝ ަލައްސަމިމ ީކަމުނޭބ

ީއާރުޤިތްސިއްލައ :ްސުޑަތެމ

ރިޒަލްޓްސް: ކީރިތި ޤުރުއާނާއި ރަސޫލުﷲ ޞައްލަﷲޢަލައިހިވަސައްލަމަގެ ސުންނަތުގެ އަލީގައި، ޯތްނޫނ ަތަވުނ ޯތްއެމަކަދްއުހ ިއަގުތަޢީރަޝ ީމާލްސިއ ީކަމުކްއިވާދުމ ްށަޓްނެމްލޯޓްސްނިއ ީކަމުކްއިވާދުމ ްށަޓްނެމްލޯޓްސްނިއ ީއަޔިދްނެގިގނެއ ްނިއާސާރިދ ުނުވެރުކ ާވްއެމުޅުގްސެވްއެއ ިއާކަތުރަތްއަވ ެގާބިރ ީކަތާލަމާޢުމ ިމ ިދައ .ެވެއަގުމަކްއެމަކަދްއުހ ްށަމުނިދާވުލިފ ްއަތޫގަދނުއ ިތަދ ާވާމިދ ްށަންނުކަތްސީމ ީކަތާލަމާޢުމ ިމ .ެވެނޫންއެތާލަމާޢުމ ްށަކަތާރަފ ްސެވްއެއ ިއަކަޓްށަތަޙަލްޞަމ ެގްނުކަތްސީމ ްނިތަމެގުތޮގ ާވިއަފާވަގްނައ ްނީދްމާލްސިއ .ެވެކެތާލަމާއުމ ޭވެރުކްށަތޮގ ާވުންނުލްއެގ

ކޮންކްލޫޝަން: މުދަލެއް ނުވަތަ މުދާގަނޑެއް ވަގުތުން ފައިސާދީފައި ގަންނައިރު، ުދެމިއިއާޓްނެސަޕ ޭވެރުކުރުތިއ ްށަރުތިއ ެރުވްށަގައާކްއިވ ްށޮކުމްއާޢ ުރިއޭދ ްށަޓްނެމްލޯޓްސްނިއ ްތަޤީޤަޙ ެގިއަލަސްއަމ ްށަމުރުކުރުދ ްނުވުޑޮބްނަކ ާވިއަފިދެފުއ ިއަގުދެމ ެގްނުކަތްސީމ ްށަމުރުކ ްތާލަމާޢުމ ިއަގުމަކްނަކ ަދަފިމ ްށަންނުކަތްސީމ ީކަމުނިދިއަވުލިފްނުޅޮއ ްށަންނުކަތްސީމ ެނަގާދުމ ްށަޓްނެމްލޯޓްސްނިއ ީނާވިއަފިވެލާލަބ ިއަގާސާރިދ ިމ ްނުމުވްށަކަމަކ ެނާދްނެގެވަހޭސަފ ވިއްކުމަކީ ކޮބައިކަމާއި، އިންސްޓޯލްމެންޓަށް މުދާގަނެ ވިއްކާއިރު އަގަށްއިތުރުވާ ބައިގެ ހުކުމަށާއި، ޚާއްޞަކޮށް އިންސްޓޯލްމަންޓަށް ވިޔަފާރި ކުރުން ބައެއް ޢިލްމުވެރިން ާވިއަފިދެފުއ ިއަގުދެމ ެގްނުލަކޭބެއ ީތާވްއަރުކްމާރަޙ ްނިރެވުމްލިޢ ިއަބްއެނައ ުރިއާވްއަރުކަދްއުހ .ެވެށަމުކުހ ެގީރާފަޔިވިމ ިއާށަކަތުފާލިޚ 52

تمكين المرأة في ضوء القرآن الكريم والمؤتمرات الدولية المنعقدة من قبل األمم المتحدة: دراسة تحليلية نقدية

محمد مرسلين محمد إسماعيل جامعة المالديف الوطنية

يهدف هذا البحث إلى توضيح المراد بتمكين المرأة في ضوء القرآن الكريم عموما وفي المؤتمرات الدولية المنعقدة من قبل األمم المتحدة خصوصا. يتناول البحث نشأة تمكين المرأة وأسبابها في الدول الغربية وإثارة هذه القضية بإصدار القوانين واللوائح في المؤتمرات الدولية المنعقدة من قبل األمم المتحدة. يتطرق البحث إلى أهداف تمكين المرأة في المؤتمرات الدولية وأضراره على المجتمع اإلسالمي. يقوم البحث بتسليط الضوء على أبرز وأخطر القرارات التي صدرت في هذه المؤتمرات الدولية المنعقدة من قبل األمم المتحدة باسم تمكين المرأة وكذا موقف القرآن الكريم من هذه القرارات، وذلك من خالل دراسة تحليلية نقدية في ضوء القرآن الكريم. وقد خلص البحث إلى أن مفهوم تمكين المرأة في المؤتمرات الدولية المنعقدة من قبل األمم المتحدة يقوم على نزعة فردية أنانية تسودها روح الفكر الغربي بمدارسه وفلسفاته المادية المتنوعة، وأن الهدف األساسي بإثارة قضية تمكين المرأة في هذه المؤتمرات الدولية ليس إصالح وضع المرأة وإعالء شأنها، وإنما هو تمكينها في صراعها مع الرجل، وإتالف النظام المجتمعي المستمدّ من الشريعة اإلسالمية فيما يتعلق بالمرأة، وتدمير كيانها األساسي.

From clinical to digital: The shifting paradigms of the legal education in the Maldives Batool Zahoor Qazi The Maldives National University

Abstract Introduction: The unfathomable impact of technology has resulted in considerable changes in the legal profession. Consequently, a new trend termed ‘digital lawyering’ is rapidly gaining prominence in the field of law and legal services. It is quite obvious that in this era of technology the legal education cannot remain in oblivion of these developments. In order to meet the changing demands of the legal profession, the law schools worldwide are responding by incorporating the techno-legal components in myriad forms in their curricula.

Objectives: The objective of the research was to assess whether the legal education in the Maldives is awakening to the changing nature of the legal profession. The research further seeks to identify and suggest a model for incorporating digital legal education in the Maldvies.

Method: For this purpose, an extensive review of the literature (scholarly articles) based on the digital legal experiences and experiments of the global law schools was carried out. The study involved an examination of those models and exploring how that could be applied in the context of Maldives.

Findings/Conclusion: The legal education in the Maldives is gradually adhering to the global standards by incorporating the elements of clinical legal education. However, this by itself is not enough to meet the global standards. This paper posits that in the Maldives there is little evidence that the modern concept of digital legal education is employed. It is argued that there is a need for a paradigmatic shift from traditional legal pedagogy to the modern digital modes of learning and teaching.

Theme 6: Business, Management, Finance and Governance

Teachers’ perception on the implementation of the combined business syllabus at Key Stage 3 in Malé schools Maumoona Abdulla The Maldives National University

Abstract This study aimed to investigate lower secondary teachers’ perception in the implementation of the combined business syllabus at Key Stage 3 as part of the new National Curriculum. Qualitative research methodology was used to generate answers for the three research questions. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews. The sample was selected through purposive sampling and the sample included six teachers from three different schools in Malé. Two teachers who teach for Key Stage 3 from each school were interviewed. The data collected was analyzed by generating common themes. The research findings indicated that shortage of time, heavy content, and insufficient facilities as the system related problems, and lack of training and large classroom size as teaching related problems. It was found that the majority of the teachers agree that subjects making up combined business studies are well integrated although some teachers are not comfortable teaching some topics. In addition, the findings indicated that majority of the teachers have attended training programs before the implementation of the combined business syllabus, however very few opportunities were created and given for in-service course on business studies. Furthermore, it was found that the implementation of the combined business syllabus at Key Stage 3 is a good initiative and opportunity for students to deepen their basic foundation of the subjects, though some of the concepts in the syllabus is too heavy for students to grasp at this level.

Testing the static trade-off theory of capital structure: evidence from plantation sector in Colombo stock exchange Malith Damith Amarasinghe Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka

Abstract The capital structure refers to the way that a firm finances its assets through some combinations of financing sources. Based on different kinds of financial decisions, the capital structures of firms could be shaped differently. Eventually, it is an important issue for managers how to minimize financial costs and maximize shareholders’ equity. Trade-off theory implies that firms adjust their capital structure in response to the temporary shocks that cause their leverage to deviate from the target. This paper aims at testing the Static Trade-off Theory of Capital Structure in Plantation sector firms in the Colombo Stock Exchange. Panel Data Regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses derived from the static trade-off theory. Total debt to total asset ratio was used as the dependent variable and six independent variables were used to measure the impact on debt ratio. These variables include orofitability, tangibility of assets, non-debt tax shield, firm size, growth opportunities and business risk. The analysis was performed using secondary data collected from annual reports of the selected 18 plantation companies for the period from 2012 to 2017. Moderate support has been found for the theory. Growth opportunities were significantly negatively impacted on the firm leverage in accordance with trade-off framework. Profitability ratio showed a strong negative relationship with firm leverage. The tangibility of assets ratio failed in describing the firm leverage while business risk showed a significant positive relationship between firm leverage. Firm size also showed a significant positive relationship with firm leverage. And non-debt tax shield represents an insignificant result with firm leverage. According to the findings of the study, the choice should be done in a proper way to determine the optimal capital structure. If a company can optimize their capital structure, it can lead to superior profits and it will be a competitive advantage to survive in the industry.

Good governance on insurance market development in the Asian region Dinesh Devindra Fernando Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka

Abstract After the socio-economic revolution and the establishment of the free market institutions, the development and improvement of living standards in economies have become more diverse. Since the reforms in which good governance has been playing a vital role in making paw for the sustainable development in prime need. On the other hand, the involvement of insurance markets in protecting the lives and physical assets is deemed to be a core pillar of the growth requirement. The aim of this study is to explore the impact of good governance on insurance sector development in the Asian region using a panel of 29 countries from 2008-2016 applying the dynamic panel data estimation in System-Generalized Method of Moment (GMM). The researcher creates a composite governance index (CGI) that summarizes the existing six governance measurements in the Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI), using the Principal Components Analysis (PCA). Life insurance and non-life insurance penetrations were included as proxies for the insurance market development. According to the results, Sargan-test and Arellano and Bond serial correlation tests confirmed the validity of instruments and the serial correlation of the disturbances in the models. Moreover, governance has influenced significantly and positively in the development of both life and non-life insurance market. Therefore, good governance is a vital requirement in developing insurance industry in the Asian region. Authorities must take decisions to implement good practices in the insurance sectors to safeguard the interest of the policyholders and insurance ventures to overcome the future challenges in the insurance industry for the sake of crisis in the overall finance sector.

Macroeconomic determinants of the balance of payment in Sri Lanka Rishan Sampath Hewage Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka

Abstract The balance of payments is one of the key macroeconomic indicators which reflect the net financial position of a country result from the international transactions. A positive balance of payment shows the net gain from the international transactions. However, the continual deficit in the balance of payment in many countries has created many issues. It leads to economic instability and an unstable exchange rate of the country. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the macroeconomic determinants of the balance of payments in Sri Lanka. Crude oil price, exchange rate, fiscal balance, GDP growth rate, inflation and interest rate were used as the main independent variables while balance of payments was the dependent variable. Data were gathered for thirty-seven (37) years from 1980 to 2016. Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) was developed to analyze the macroeconomic determinants over the balance of payment and Johansen’ Co-integration test was done to examine whether there is a long-run or short-run relationship. Results of the VECM model proved all the independent variables significantly influence the balance of payment. Moreover, all the variables show a long- run relationship with the balance of payment. Further, crude oil price, fiscal balance and inflation rate shows a positive relationship whereas exchange rate, GDP growth rate and interest rate have a negative relationship with the balance of payment

The factors affecting mobile banking adoption: Special reference to Generation Y individuals in Sri Lanka. Lilani Randika Kapuge Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka

Abstract Members of Generation Y had enormous access to technology including mobile technology since their youth, at the same time they are one of the main contributors to improve financial inclusiveness, and especially play a focal role in the financial services sector worldwide. Rapid growth in the mobile phone usage has positively impacted on many sectors in the economies worldwide. Yet, mobile banking adoption is at a destitute level in Sri Lanka, it is highly debatable with reliability and confidentiality, and it is differing from one generation to other. As Sri Lanka has a high mobile penetration, it is vital to find out what determines the intention to use mobile banking by the Generation Y individuals in Sri Lanka.

The aim of this paper is to examine the factors which impact on intention to use mobile banking by the generation Y individuals in Sri Lanka by employing Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. Data were gathered through 540 respondents from the Western Province of Sri Lanka using a multistage sampling procedure. The main research instrument used was a questionnaire based on a Seven-point Likert Scale. Descriptive Analysis, Multiple Linear Regression and Stepwise Regression Models were used to analyze the data.

Research findings revealed that while perceived credibility, performance expectations, social influence, facilitating conditions and effort expectations are significantly and positively impact on intention to use and perceived self- efficacy, perceived financial cost does not significantly impact on intention to use mobile banking by the generation Y individuals in Sri Lanka. As Sri Lanka is persuading green banking, bankers need to focus improving mobile banking adoption by articulating appropriate strategies in improving performance expectations, effort expectations and facilitating conditions while prioritizing strategies to improve perceived credibility as to improve mobile banking adoption from the generation Y individuals in Sri Lanka.

Barriers to sustainable lending in Sri Lanka: A hierarchical framework Manori Pathmalatha Kovilage; Herath Mudiyanselage; Sunanda Herath Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka

Abstract Sustainable initiatives in a bank are in two-folds: as sustainable practices within the institution, and encouraging others to be sustainable through lending. The sustainable lending in Sri Lanka remains at an early stage and few Sri Lankan commercial banks are already practicing it facing different kinds of barriers. Hence the main objectives of the study were to examine the critical barriers for practising sustainable lending in Sri Lankan commercial banks and develop a conceptual Interpretive Structural Model of these barriers. Barriers to the execution of sustainable lending were found through the literature survey and interviewing 20 banking experts. Following this, the dominant barriers were decided through a questionnaire survey among 50 banking experts.

While, structured interviews were conducted with 20 banking experts to identify the interrelationships among these dominant barriers and the MICMAC analysis was conducted to identify the dependence and driving power of the barriers. The researchers found unavailability of policy framework for sustainable lending, lack of regulatory pressure for sustainable lending and lack of global concern of Sri Lanka on sustainability issues as driver variables. Then long lending cycle time, lack of strategic focus of borrowers, difficulty to convince short term benefits of sustainable lending, political influences and lack of skillful employees for sustainable lending were identified as linkage variables.

Lack of understanding by borrowers, peers’ conventional lending, lack of coordination among institutions which involves in sustainable lending and informal lending institutions & methods were found as the dependent variables. Also, lack of strategic focus of lenders were concluded as an autonomous variable. Similarly, a hierarchical Interpretive Structural Model which consisted of ten levels were developed to conclude the interrelationships among the barriers for sustainable lending execution in Sri Lanka. Finally, the researchers emphasized the requirement of preparation of a policy framework for sustainable lending in Sri Lanka, concerning the sustainable lending as a mandatory requirement for lending institutions and improving the global concern of Sri Lanka on sustainability issues for expand the sustainable lending in Sri Lanka.

Influence of lean and green paradigms on supply chain performances: An interpretive structural modelling approach Manori Pathmalatha Kovilage Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka

Abstract The main objective of the study was to explore the possibility of simultaneous implementation of lean and green paradigms in Sri Lankan apparel industry supply chain. With this key concern, the researcher aimed to: identify the critical lean and green practices affecting apparel supply chain performance; determine the interrelationships among lean, green practices and Supply Chain Performance Measures (SCPM); observe their driving and dependence power and suggest a conceptual interpretive structural model (ISM) of lean, green practices and SCPM of the apparel industry supply chain. Here, literature was reviewed to identify critical lean, green practices and SCPM that influence apparel industry supply chain. A questionnaire survey among 50 experts on lean, green and supply chain management was conducted to identify key lean, green practices and performance measures. Next, structured interviews were conducted with 20 experts, to identify the relationships among these key practices and performance measures. Afterwards, they were classified based upon dependence and driving power with the help of MICMAC analysis. The reduction of greenhouse emissions, water consumption, water pollution, material and ensuring energy efficiency, were identified as linkage variables. Continuous improvement, pull flow, set up time reduction, preventive maintenance and employee involvement were recognised as the driver variables and monetary cost, inventory level, customer satisfaction, profitability and lead time, were identified as the dependent variables. Similarly, a hierarchical interpretive structural model which consisted of eight levels were developed to conclude the interrelationships among lean, green and SCPM. Finally, the researcher concluded that the green practices were affected by lean practices and supply chain performance measures were affected by both lean and green practices and there was a possibility to simultaneously implement lean and green paradigms in Sri Lankan apparel industry supply chain.

Lean implementation challenges in Sri Lankan State universities: An interpretive structural modelling approach Manori Pathmalatha Kovilage Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka

Abstract Currently the concept ‘lean’ has become popular in Sri Lankan state universities as a mode of improving the operational efficiency through waste elimination. Meanwhile, most lean projects of state universities in Sri Lanka have failed to achieve the expected outcomes. Thus, the main objective of the study was to explore the challenges for lean implementation in Sri Lankan state universities. With this primary concern, the researcher aimed to: identify the dominant challenges for lean implementation in Sri Lankan state universities, determine the interrelationships among these dominant challenges, observe their driving and dependence power and suggest a conceptual interpretive structural model (ISM) of these challenges.

Here, challenges for lean implementation were found through the literature survey and dominant challenges out of them were selected through a questionnaire survey among 50 lean experts. Following this, structured interviews were conducted with 20 lean experts to identify the relationships among these dominant challenges and the MICMAC analysis was conducted to identify the dependence and driving power of the challenges. The study found that: lack of commitment and support by the university administration, lack of resources, lack of team-based culture, less personal empowerment and misbelief that a university composes of only non-standard operations were linkage variables.

Poor communication and relationships among students and university employees, difficulty to convince benefits of lean and absence of national policy with recommendations to lean implementation in universities were recognized as the driver variables. Poor support by the students and university employees, resistance to change by university employees, lack of skills and technical knowledge related to key lean principles and poor integration of top-middle-bottom levels when setting objectives were found as the dependent variables. Similarly, a hierarchical interpretive structural model which consisted of nine levels were developed to conclude the interrelationships among challenges for lean implementation in Sri Lankan state universities. Finally, the researcher concluded that keeping a better communication and favourable relationship between students and university employees, convincing the benefits of lean strategically and developing a national policy for lean implementation in the higher education system in Sri Lanka was crucial for better implantation of lean in state universities.

The factors affecting on the job performance of middle-level administrative staff in the apparel sector in Sri Lanka Dona Kalyani Lokupitiya Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka

Abstract The Apparel industry has assumed a great significance in Sri Lanka’s economy in many ways such as employment generation; increase the government earning, foreign exchange earnings and developing infrastructure facilities in regional areas. The main objective of this study was to investigate the factors affecting (work attitude such as job satisfaction, organizational commitment and job involvement) on the perceived job performance of middle-level administrative staff in apparel sector in Sri Lanka. The sample was selected according to the simple random sample. The sample size was limited to 168 middle-level administrative staff from apparel sectors in the western province of Sri Lanka. Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of sampling adequacy and Bartlett’s test was used to measure the validity of the sample size. Reliability of the variables was measured through alpha Chonorbach value. Primary data collected through administering a questionnaire. Univariate, Bi-variates techniques and Multivariate Regression were used to analyze the data. Hypotheses were tested using Correlation and Regression analysis. The results concluded that all the variables such as job satisfaction, organisational commitment and job involvement can positively contribute towards job performance. On the whole, the independent variables accounted for almost 48% of the variance in the perceived job performance. According to the results of the correlation analysis and hypotheses testing, it is revealed that job involvement and job satisfaction have positively correlated with dependent variable job performance. Therefore, a considerable attention is required to improve the job involvement and job satisfaction to improve the job performance of middle-level administrative staff in apparel sectors in the Western province of Sri Lanka.

Small and medium enterprises in the Maldives: Challenges and prospects Nasira Moosa The Maldives National University

Abstract Objectives: The objectives of this research are to identify the main challenges faced by the Maldivian small and medium enterprises (SMEs), identify the growth opportunities available to Maldivian SMEs’ and to study the impact of financial inclusion on the growth of SMEs.

Methods: This is a qualitative, exploratory study for which data was obtained through various secondary sources such as reports, research articles, e-books, and the government’s policy statements. The study attempts to identify the main challenges faced by the Maldivian SMEs due to various factors such as unavailability of finance and lack of managerial skills. The impact of financial inclusion (or exclusion) on the growth and expansion of SMEs are also explored.

Results: SMEs are a major contributor to a nation’s economy in terms of job creation and facilitates the growth of new industries. Nevertheless, there is empirical research which asserts that the sustainability and growth of SMEs are hindered due to many challenges. Hostile business environments, lack of managerial skills, lack of access to and an unfamiliarity with modern technology, financial literacy, strict and accommodative regulatory requirements and access to finance are some of the key constraints affecting the SME sector. Unavailability of finance is cited as a major constraint faced by SMEs. Financial inclusion is a key driver of economic growth as it reduces the gap between the poor and the rich.

Conclusion: The opportunities and prospects available for Maldivian SMEs are abundant. However, there are far greater challenges that need to be overcome. Nevertheless, the future of Maldivian SMEs looks promising and prosperous as the government of Maldives recognizes the potential contribution of SMEs in building a more resilient, diversified and an inclusive economy. It is imperative, that in order to alleviate the constraints faced, the SMEs be provided with access to reasonable financial services.

Impact of trust on online relationship banking: A study in Colombo District Sri Lanka Vithiyalani Muthusamy; Dona Vindya Thathsarani Vithanawasam Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka

Abstract Consumers’ trust is one of the most important concepts in online relationship banking. The research study was conducted to examine the impact of trust in the online relationship banking in Srilankan context. This research focused on the antecedents that may influence consumers’ trust in online banking transactions. The major objective of this study is to investigate how trust impact to generate online relationship commitment. Communication, opportunistic behaviour, security, and privacy are used as the antecedents of trust. Colombo district online banking customers were used as the population of this study, hence the population was unknown. The researcher selected a non-probability sampling method under the convenience sampling method. The researcher used 290 respondents as the sample and survey method was used as the research strategy. A self-administered standard structured online questionnaire was distributed to collect data for this study and 384 completed questionnaires were used for the analysis of this study. The hypothesis was tested by using the multiple and simple linear regression model and the result showed that: communication, security and privacy have a positive and significant effect on consumer’s trust in online banking transaction. Further to this, opportunistic behaviour has a significant negative effect on consumers’ trust. This study found a higher perceived trust to enhance customers’ commitment to the online banking transaction. The study had a limitation in terms of its population, as it addresses the users of online banking service in Colombo District. The customers of other areas who acquire online banking transaction were not considered in this research. Findings of this study provide an implication for the Board of Directors and future researchers to identify how trust is developed and sustained over different levels of customer relationships in online banking.

Impact of the assets and liability management on financial performance: Evidence from listed commercial banks in Colombo stock exchange Devundara Gedara Lasantha Rasika; Herath Mudiyanselage Tharangani Kumari; E. A. P. Sisira Kumara Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka

Abstract Assets and Liability Management (ALM) is an important concept for every bank. ALM deals with the optimal investment of assets in view of meeting current goals and future liabilities. It is related to the management of the risks associated with liquidity mismatch, interest rates and foreign exchange movements. Therefore, ALM is concerned with an attempt to match assets and liabilities in terms of maturity and interest rate sensitivity to minimize interest rate and liquidity risks. Financial performance is a measure of how well a firm can use assets from its primary mode of business and generate revenues. The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of the ALM on Financial performance of licensed commercial banks in Sri Lanka. The secondary data were obtained from 10 licensed commercial banks listed at Colombo Stock Exchange for the period of eleven years from 2006 to 2016. Return on Assets, return on equity and net profit ratio were used to measure the financial performance. Under ALM that affect financial performance was based on the CAMEL approach which includes Capital Adequacy, Asset Quality, Management Efficiency, Liquidity and Operational Efficiency. The data was tested using panel regression methods to inference the results through Pool Ordinary Least Square using Fixed Effect and Random Effect models. The findings reveal that Capital Adequacy, Liquid Asset Ratio and Earnings have a significant positive impact on the financial performance whereas Assets Quality and Management Efficiency have a negative significant impact on the financial performance. It can be concluded that Assets and Liability Management has a statistically significant effect on the financial performance of the commercial banks. It is recommended to follow the policies that would encourage revenue diversification, increase operational efficiency, minimize credit risk and encourage banks to minimize their liquidity holdings.

Investigation of factors influencing perceived internal service quality of administrative staff of state universities in Sri Lanka. Muhandiramlage Lalith Warnasuriya Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka

Abstract State universities play a vital role in the national development by providing required human resources and skills training for the labour force of the country. Service performance of the universities depends on the performance of the staff (administrative, academic, and non-academic) of the university Though the internal service quality of universities is mainly related to the performance of the academic faculty of universities, services provided by the other sectors cannot be undermined specially the service of the administrative staff of the university system. Presently more attention has been drawn to the internal service quality and to quality assurance of the program of universities. Employee attitudinal factors and organizational learning culture can be considered as an important element that determines the service quality provided by the individuals which collectively leads to attaining the organizational internal service quality objectives encompassed in the organizations’ visions. The objective of the present study is to empirically evaluate four factors that could have an impact on the perceived internal service quality, namely: job satisfaction, organizational commitment, job involvement and organizational learning culture. The study involved 124 administrative staff of state universities who were selected from fifteen state universities in Sri Lanka. Reliability analysis was conducted to determine the internal consistency of the scales. Univariate, Bivariate, Multivariate analysis and Factor analysis were carried out. Hypotheses were tested using Correlation and Regression analysis. The results indicated that all the independent variables were positively and significantly correlated with the perceived internal service quality. However, regression output showed that job satisfaction, organizational commitment and organizational learning culture are strong predictors of perceived internal service quality while job involvement variable excluded from the model. On the whole, the independent variables accounted for almost 72% of the variance in the perceived internal service quality. The finding of this study can be applied to improve the internal service quality of the administrative staff of state universities in Sri Lanka.

Theme 7: Tourism and Hospitality

Beach Boys and their impacts on healthy tourism operations in coastal regions of Sri Lanka Athula Gnanapala; C. N. R. Wijesundara Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka

Abstract Beach tourism is one of the significant segments in tourism and it is the focal motive to have a vacation in a tropical climate during the winter season in host countries. The beach holiday is facilitated by numerous stakeholders who may be formally accepted and unaccepted. Among them, beach boys make substantial impacts and generally, it is defined negatively. Therefore, the study is to identify the influence of beach boys towards healthy tourism operations in the coastal areas of Sri Lanka. Further, it investigates tourists' perception of beach boys and their behaviours. The study is carried out using both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods using beach boys, tourists, hoteliers etc. The results revealed that there is a divergent influence of beach boys for healthy tourism operations. The majority of the hoteliers believe the beach boys are a threat for the beach tourism since they involve in malpractices. However, some hoteliers voice the beach boys are inevitable and they work in mutual understanding. The tourists bear different perception about the behaviour of beach boys. The majority hate them and others like them too much and they revisit the country because of them and, therefore, beach boys have become a pull travel motive. The beach boys also have identified the criticism they get and make efforts to play their role without affecting the sustainability of the industry. However, the behaviour of the beach boys has negatively affected the sustainability of tourism. The beach boys are inevitable in beach tourism since tourism operates in the traditional homelands of beach boys. Therefore, there is a need for effective programs to rehabilitate the existing beach boys by providing alternative income sources in tourism, and it is also necessary to daunt the new entrance.

The relationship between service quality and customer satisfaction to retain visitors: A study on Vilu Rest, White Harp and Three Inn, Hulhumale, Maldives Shifnaz Ismail; Raheema Abdul Raheem The Maldives National University

Abstract Objectives: The primary purpose of the research is to identify the relationship between guest satisfaction and service quality based on the services provided in guest houses by using the SERVQUAL model. This is to identify the factors for repeat service.

Method: a quantitative cross-sectional survey was used in the research, hence a multi-stage cluster sampling was employed to choose the guest houses to be included in the research, by choosing three clusters: a beachfront guest house (White Harp), a guest house from the rural area (Vilu Rest), and one guest house from the barbecue area (Three Inn).

Findings: The study showed distinguished results for the relationship between service quality and customer satisfaction based on the five dimension of service quality. There is a significant relationship between service quality and satisfaction. The respondents highlighted that, out of the five dimensions of SERVQUAL, empathy, and tangibility with scores of 26% and 24%, respectively, are most essential variables which should be incorporated in the guest house. Amenities, food choices, elimination of language barrier, quality service and several other aspects were identified as the factors considered for a repurchase.

Conclusions: The findings suggest that to provide a quality service, the guest houses need to improve on the dimensions of service quality. To do this, the guest houses should focus on managing guest relationships through CRM or other channels. Furthermore, specific strategies such as three-pronged responses, managing guest expectation, staff training, and managing the premises can be included in the service plan.

Innovative tourism cluster driven to faster economic growth in Maldives: A causal relationship and implications to the society. Abuzar Ali Khan CYRYX College, Maldives

Abstract Theoretically, the innovation-based economic growth over the time has ascertained that there is a positive linkage between innovative tourism and economic growth. The study examines the causal relationship and implications to the country’s wealth. However, the growth-oriented policy changes have driven to the environmental and social issues. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to review the literature on innovative tourism and reveal the concern towards both positive and negative impacts. It is expected that this study will help in creating awareness about innovative tourism and economic growth in masses and help the tourism industry to develop relevant standards and a comprehensive set of framework for best practices concerning human resource development and sustainable economic growth.

Workforce localisation in the tourism industry of Maldives Ismail Shiyar; Mohamed Shafy Rasheed; Hashma Adnan; Hussain Naseer; Aishath Shirumeen; Nafiz Mohamed; Mohamed Faisal The Maldives National University

Abstract The inception of the tourism industry in the Maldives back in 1972, has certainly played a vital role in contributing towards the small island nation’s development. Particularly, in the scope of economic growth, societal values, culture enrichment, environmental sustainability, and political regulations. Ministry of Tourism of Maldives classifies the tourism industry as the industry which has the most number of employees in the country.

Referring to the data published by The National Bureau of Statistics (2017), there are 15,017 expatriates working in the hospitality and tourism industry. This, however, contradicts whereby, the Ministry of Higher Education, Employment and Social Security allows expatriate employment only in situations where local talent is scarce. According to the Employment Act 2008, it is specified that an employer is conditioned to give preference to locals over expatriates, and it does not account towards employment discrimination. (Labour Relations Authority, 2008). Even with firm laws set to prioritise local employment, there is ambiguity regarding the data published towards the number of locals employed in the hospitality and tourism industry.

Given the current employment situation in this industry, exploring the employment opportunities which can be localised, is one area which needs to be addressed. Identifying these opportunities can help to develop policies and strategic action plans towards formulating a human resource development framework. Hence it will contribute towards developing a more competent local workforce.

The research aims to explore the situational challenges and issues concerned with workforce localisation in the tourism industry of Maldives, through exploring the knowledge and attitudes of key stakeholders in the industry. Based on the data collected, we will be developing and recommending strategies regarding building a competent local workforce.

An empirical analysis of hotel room prices of the guesthouse segment in the Maldives Ibrahim Zuhuree Villa College, Maldives

Abstract Since the 1950s, international tourism has played a major role in economic development in the developing world in general and small island developing states (SIDS) in particular. The Maldives, for example, has transformed itself from sleepy fishing villages into a luxury destination for rich tourists and has achieved the status of an upper-middle-income country. This study extends the scope of empirical analysis of international tourism by covering supply side factors (e.g. environmental amenities and skilled labour). Primary data from a survey of guesthouses in the Maldives is used to examine the extent of congestion, the relationship between service quality and prices and the problem of free-riding on others’ efforts to preserve the natural environment. Its findings, especially the ones about the externality problems, are interesting and offer some policy implications.

Theme 9: Science and Environment

Urban composting: A comparison of Bin Method and Box Method of composting in an urban setting Thuhufa Abdulla; Mariyam Thuhufa; Aishath Afa The Maldives National University

Abstract Increase in population and consumerism has led to an increase in the generation of waste in the Maldives. As the land area is limited, there are limitations associated with using commonly used methods such as landfills and open burning for the management of waste in the Maldives. Hence, one of the more feasible and environmentally friendly methods of waste management that could be used in the Maldives is composting as a large amount of waste generated in the Maldives consists of organic waste. In order to find out how feasible it is to carry out composting in an urban setting, an experiment was carried out with the objective of identifying a method both fast and efficient. Two methods were used to prepare compost to compare the time taken using each method for the composting process to be completed. The first method used was the bin method and for the second method, a wooden box of approximately 2ft by 2ft was prepared. Materials were collected and were equally distributed between the bin and the box. Temperature, pH and moisture levels were monitored for 6 weeks. The readings for these parameters were recorded once every week and the following were observed. The compost which was in the bin matured within a period of 4 weeks, while the compost in the box matured within 3 weeks. Throughout the experiment, the temperature of the compost was found to be constant, between 35-36 C.ͦ It was observed that the compost pile in the box matured faster and were finer in texture compared to the compost pile in the bin. Based on the experiment, it was observed that using the box was an efficient and fast way to carry out composting in an urban environment.

Physicochemical characteristics and antioxidant potential of fruits and wines from Flacourtia montana, Carissa spinarum and Opuntia dillenii Thangadurai Devarajan1; Abhishek Mundaragi1; Sangeetha Jeyabalan2 1Karnatak University, India 2Central University of Kerala, India

Abstract Fruit and fruit-based products are often considered to be most essential part of human diet. Subsidiary to grapes multiple other fruits including minor fruits are extensively used for wine production. Nowadays because of multiple factors such as nutrients, flavour and colour, fruit wines have received considerable attention. Nevertheless, several other fruits are being explored for good quality acceptable wine. In this context, the present study was aimed to evaluate minor fruits for the production and development of wine and their physicochemical and therapeutic characteristics. Flacourtia Montana J. Graham., Carissa Spinarum L. and Opuntia Dillenii (Ker Gawl.) Haw. were found to be excellent fruit source for the quality wine production. Optimization of dependent variables such as pH (3.5), temperature (25ºC) and inoculum size (10 %) found to be the best conditions for wine production. Various physicochemical properties such as pH, total soluble solids, total acidity, total sugars, reducing sugars, total phenols and flavonoids revealed the nutritional composition of fruit juices and wines. Further, their bioactive constituents and the antioxidant potential thereof confirmed the therapeutic nature of these wines. Wine was chemically profiled for sugar, organic acids and polyphenols for further confirmation of nutritional efficacy. In vitro antioxidant assays such as total antioxidant capacity, reducing power assay, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging assay and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) free radical scavenging assay demonstrated their therapeutic nature. Sensory analysis conducted among ten trained panelists following quantitative descriptive analysis method indicated that all the three wines received average score with respect to overall acceptability. Thus, the present study demonstrates the suitability of minor fruits for winemaking which could potentially minimize postharvest losses and generate rural revenue.

Factors affecting on green purchase intention of Sri Lankan market Sanduni Dilanka Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka

Abstract Objectives: The main objective of the current research is to determine the factors affecting Green Purchase Intention of the consumers in Sri Lanka.

Research Methods: The green purchase intention was taken as the dependent variable and environmental concern, self-image and social influence were considered as the independent variables. For this research, 195 questionnaires were distributed initially but only 140 questionnaires were returned. The questionnaire consisted of 24 question items and the collected data was analyzed through SPSS 21.0 software and basically the reliability, validity, correlation, regression tests and model adequacy tests were done.

Result: The results of the reliability test indicate that the Cronbach’s Alpha values of all the variables are above 0.6 and the validity is 0.764. There are positive relationships among the dependent variable and the independent variables since the significance values are less than 0.005. The R2 value of 0.554 indicates that 55% of the variance in the dependent variable is explained by the independent variables considered in the model. The coefficient values of Environmental concern, Self-image and Social influence are 0.207, 0.073 and 0.537 while all the values are significant except self- image. Therefore, both environmental concern and social influence impact on the Green purchase intention while the highest impact is from social influence.

Conclusion: The analysis emphasized that the environmental concern and social influence are the major determinants of Green purchase intention and the highest impact is from social influence. The research emphasized the importance of having an intention for green product purchase and additionally, this research provides an insight for the marketers also about the strategies and approaches that should be used in order to maximize organization’s wealth.

A comparison between the decomposition rate of fruit waste and vegetable waste using bin composting method Fathimath Fairooza; Fathimath Ishana Shareef; Fazeela Jaufaru; Ahmed Leevan; Aishath Ifa; Fathmath Shuhaina The Maldives National University

Abstract Waste management is the biggest issue in the Maldives due to change in lifestyle and consumption patterns, therefore it is important to explore different ways of composting to minimize the amount of organic waste that ends up in landfills. The Maldives being a country with a limited available land, there is an urgent need to find ways to increase the lifetime of the available landfills. With this objective in mind, an experiment was carried out to compare the composting rates of fruit and vegetable using bin composting method. For the experiment, two plastic bins were selected which were labelled as bin A, where only rotten vegetables were used and for bin B, only rotten fruits were used. The fruits and vegetables were segregated to prove the hypothesis that the decomposition rates would differ. Two bins of measurement 68x55x45cm were selected for this study with holes punctured at the bottom for the outflow of leachate. For each bin, along with other raw materials such as soil, sawdust, green leaves and brown leaves, 5kg of organic waste was added. The ratio of materials added was kept to 30:1 ratio which is the Carbon:Nitrogen (C:N) ratio required for optimal production of compost. Parameters such as moisture level, pH, temperature and the amount of aeration were kept constant. Moisture content was measured by squeezing the compost to see if droplets were visible, if not, water was sprinkled twice-a-week. The result showed that within 3 weeks, the bin with vegetable peels (bin A), turned into compost, while the bin with fruits (bin B) took 4 weeks to turn into compost. The experimental results also showed that the yield of the compost from vegetables and fruits were different even though the same amount of vegetables and fruits were used for composting. While bin A gave a yield of 13kg of compost, bin B gave 19kg of compost. It was also noticed that the compost in bin A was much darker in colour compared to compost in bin B. The study proved the hypothesis that fruits and vegetables have a different decomposition rate. The results revealed that it is possible to carry out bin composting within a duration of 3 to 4 weeks in an urban setting like Male’ City. The final product can be used as a supply to the local farmers and gardeners thereby reducing the expenditure on importing artificial fertilizers which would, in turn, boost the economy of the country.

Effect of Flubendiamide Insecticide on physiological and biochemical properties of Capsicum annum L Sangeetha Jeyabalan 1; P. P. Athira1; S. M. Steffi1; Thangadurai Devarajan2 1Central University of Kerala, India 2Karnatak University, India

Abstract The application of pesticides is the main strategy to limit these biotic stresses. Pesticides have both sides as benefits and impacts. It is playing an important role in agriculture by controlling pests and weeds to increase the yield. Flubendiamide is an insecticide that has been found to give excellent control of pests especially lepidopterous and it is the first member of a new chemical class the pthalic acid diamides, with a novel chemical structure. The present investigation was carried out to study the effect of different concentrations via. 0.001 gm/L, 0.002 gm/l, 0.003 gm/l, 0.004 gm/l, 0.005 gm/l of flubendiamide insecticide on Capsicum annum L. in terms of various physiological and biochemical parameters such as germination, seed vigour, plant height, leaf size, biomass, chlorophyll content, total carotenoid, total protein, total soluble carbohydrate, total phenol and flavanoid content. The result showed that higher concentrations of flubendiamide insecticide increased chlorophyll content (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll), total carotenoid content, biomass (shoot fresh and dry weight, fruit weight per plant), leaf size (leaf length and breadth) and total phenol and flavanoid contents in Capsicum annum L. But total amount of protein in fruits and leaves of both plants and plant height were decreased with increasing concentration. And also seed germination and seed vigour was reduced, while increasing the concentration. Total phenol, total flavonoid, carbohydrates, total carotenoid, Chlorophyl content were increased while increasing the concentration of flubendiamide. Protein degradation resulting from oxidative stress, increasing the content of chlorophyll was due to increasing the grana, it shows the application of flubendiamide have both negative and positive impact on biochemical properties of Capsicum annum L. Application of flubendiamide is showing positive impact on the physiological properties of the plant and fruits growth.

Adaptive capacity of islands of the Maldives to climate change Ibrahim Mohamed James Cook University, Australia

Abstract In today’s world, exposure to unprecedented impacts of global climate change, and the robustness of small islands to adjust and cope is based on the capacity of their social-ecological system. Research on adaptive capacity has gained momentum within the last decade, grounded on assets based theories, correlating adaptive capacity to the utilisation of available opportunities and resources. While such methodologies have major limitations, there is a dearth of studies on the adaptive capacity of small islands at the forefront of global climate change. The small island nations are threatened with loss of culture and disruptions to livelihoods, as well as ability to support human habitation from the predicted future effects of climate change. This thesis filled these gaps by identifying the potential for, and limits to, climate change adaptive capacity in the islands of the Maldives through a lens of islandness. This thesis is based on a multidisciplinary theoretical framework and contributed to a holistic understanding of the adaptive capacity of small islands. The results of this study demonstrated that the adaptive capacity of islands is a predicament of the biogeophysical characteristics, socio-politics and governance, socio-cultural, and socio- economic factors. The results of this thesis offer a significant contribution for policymakers and adaptation practitioners on how climate change policies and strategies need to commensurate with the context of the socio-ecological system of the islands. The present study offers an insight of strengths, limitations and challenges on islands in adapting to future climate change.

Fishing for Bigeye Scad (Selar crumenophthalmus) using fish weirs on coral reefs: Expressions of traditional fishing knowledge in the Maldives Abdulla Naseer The Maldives National University

Abstract Historical and traditional fish weirs have been studied worldwide. Some discovered from post-glacial to medieval periods display complex construction and designs. Early fish weirs built on shallow coastal waters are perhaps indicators of historical establishments of coastal small scale fisheries in parts of the world. Fisherfolk communities seem to have observed and learned about basic fish movements and migration from traditional knowledge and have designed weirs to suit their needs and convenience based on their experiences of fish behaviour. This study reports for the first time on the large scale use of coral based fish weirs to trap and harvest bigeye scad (Selar crumenophthalmus) in the Maldives. Although this was a traditional method widely used to catch bigeye scad in the Maldives for generations it has never been documented or recorded to date. The author discovered the scad-targeted weirs (now discarded and discontinued) by chance while analyzing coral reef satellite imagery over the Maldives as part of another atoll-wide study. Detailed field analysis shows that fish weirs at this scale were used by fishermen of Faafu and Dhaalu atolls only to catch bigeye scad. The design, construction and operation of the fishing weirs are described in relation to the biology and ecology of bigeye scad. This is a case of a fishery where local fishermen have competently devised and adopted a traditional fishing method which closely follows the fish biology ecology and life history strategies of the targeted fish without actually knowing anything about the biology or the ecology of the fish and fishery. Analysis and descriptions are given on the extent of the scad fishery and their habitat and ecology to shed light on weir based fishery successfully over many generations. The socio economic and environmental issues around the fishery are discussed with possible consequences for coral reef fisheries management.

Immobilization of Pectinase from Bacillus licheniformis KIBGE- IB21 using Polyacrylamide gel as a support Haneef Ur Rehman; Granaz Baloch University of Turbat, Pakistan

Abstract Pectinase as a biocatalyst plays a significant role in the food and textile industries. In this study, the pectinase from Bacillus lichenifromis KIBGE-IB21 was immobilized within polyacrylamide gel to enhance its catalytic properties and ensure the reusability for continuous industrial processes. Maximum immobilization of enzyme was achieved when 9.5% acrylamide and 0.5% N, N’- methylenebisacrylamide were used. The catalytic properties and kinetic parameters of immobilized pectinase were determined with the comparison of free enzyme. It was found that free and immobilized pectinase showed maximum pectinolytic activity at 45°C and pH 10. The Michaelis-Menten kinetic behaviour of free and immobilized pectinase was determined by using different concentrations of pectin. The immobilized pectinase showed excellent thermal stability against different temperatures ranging from 30°C to 50°C as compared free enzyme. The gel entrapped enzyme showed great reusability and retained 80% of its original activity even after 3 cycles in batch reactions.

Theme 10: Engineering, Computer Science and Technology

Active learning in a Web-based synchronous learning environment: An action research Fathimath Nasiha Abdul Muhaimin The Maldives National University

Abstract An action research is used to identify the enabling and disabling factors for active learner participation related to lesson design and to explore the pedagogical implications of conducting lessons via web-based synchronous learning environments. The researcher is following the Kemmis and McTaggart (1988) action Research Spiral/Cycle: plan, act, observe, and reflect. A qualitative questionnaire informed by principles of instructional design and active learning experience was used to gather data about the situation, the participants, current professional practices and initial thematic concern and focus, in the reconnaissance stage of the action research cycle. The researcher identified several key areas for consideration in understanding the situational factors, aligning learning goals, feedback and learning activities that would promote active learning in a blended synchronous platform.

Interactive digital user manual as a guide to Moodle Ibrahim Adam The Maldives National University

Abstract Technology is among the major factors contributing to student satisfaction in blended learning. Learning Management Systems (LMS) serve as the core technology platforms for the online environment. Lack of knowledge or skills required to use an online LMS for the first time is considered as one of the biggest challenges. The Maldives National University (MNU) being a higher education institute implementing blended learning and uses Moodle as its LMS, is currently facing the same issue. With the current user manual provided by MNU, students still require additional guidance in using Moodle. Interactivity and digital media have been proven to enhance learner understanding and engagement. Hence, an interactive digital user manual was developed and a study was conducted to determine the intention of students towards accepting it as a hands-on guide to Moodle. Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) together with Uses and Gratification (U&G) Theory was adapted and a questionnaire-based survey was conducted among the first year students who joined the blended learning courses in MNU. Results shown conclude that students have a positive intention towards accepting the interactive digital user manual. Among the factors identified, except for perceived ease of use, all others show a positive influence on their intentions as hypothesized.

Technology enabled learning in the Maldives National University: Faculty acceptance and institutional preparedness Ibrahim Adam; Fathimath Nasiha Abdul Muhaimin The Maldives National University

Abstract The study was conducted to review the existing environment and the preparedness of the university prior to the expansion of university-wide Technology-Enabled Learning (TEL). The Objective of the baseline study is to assess the Technology-Enabled Learning environment and enabling policies, including understanding teachers’ access to media and technology, and their nature of use; teachers’ perceptions and beliefs about the use of technology for teaching and learning; and the use of digital resources, including open educational resources, for teaching, learning and research at MNU. The study was conducted using a detailed questionnaire developed by Kirkwood and Price (2016). Results show that the majority of the faculty members are aware of OERs in their disciplines but never used or created teaching materials using current technologies. Also, the majority agrees that the University should adopt more TEL for the benefit of their students as they provide several advantages. They also identified that regular training on new technologies was lacking which affected the motivation to develop a positive attitude in using TEL. Furthermore, with respect to the institutional preparedness for TEL, interpretation of results show that the institution has put in place some of the aspects of a technology-enabled learning system, policies and infrastructure, and is in the process of developing a robust system. Findings of this baseline study would provide essential information with the associated aspects of implementing TEL at MNU.

Properties of slurry infiltrated fibrous concrete (SIFCON) produced using Mineral admixtures and waste plastic fibers Sadat Ali Khan The Maldives National University

Abstract SIFCON or Slurry infiltrated fibrous concrete is one of the recommended types of concrete to be used in the construction industry particularly for structures carrying cyclic loads. Use of Slurry infiltrated fibrous concrete imparts higher impact strength, flexural strength, ductility and crack resistance property to the structure. However, the cost of production of Slurry infiltrated fibrous concrete is higher due to the high volume of cement and use of steel fibers. Presently a lot of efforts are being put to reduce the cost of construction by different ways. Reducing the cost of concrete is one of the important criteria. The best way to reduce the cost of concrete production is by replacing a part of cement by a material which is cheaper than cement and would not affect the performance of concrete. In this work, some efforts are made to replace a part of the cement by mineral admixtures such as Silica fume, metakaolin and Ground granulated blast furnace slag. And a part of steel fibers was replaced by waste plastic fibers. Tests were conducted on hardened concrete produced with these mineral admixtures and waste plastic fibers and the results were compared to that of ordinary Slurry infiltrated fibrous concrete. The results show that the SIFCON produced by replacing 20% of cement by mineral admixtures and replacing 25% steel fibers with waste plastic fibers possess equivalent strength as the ordinary SIFCON, whereas the higher percentage of replacement reduced the strength.

Technology enabled learning implementation: Learning use of technology at the Maldives National University Aishath Leeza; Niuma Mohamed The Maldives National University

Abstract The main objective of this study was to review the existing environment and the preparedness of the university prior to the expansion of university-wide Technology-Enabled Learning (TEL). The findings of this baseline study would provide essential information with the associated aspects of implementing TEL at the Maldives National University (MNU). This includes data on infrastructure, faculty and learner perception, and use of TEL that would enable necessary and required action.

This study is based on the data collected from three adapted survey questionnaires. This report will present the findings of the baseline study conducted to examine the existing environment and the preparedness for Technology-Enabled Learning (TEL) at MNU.

The key finding shows that the majority of students and teaching faculty have access to a device that can be used to access information communication technologies (ICTs) either through ownership or through resources provided by the University. The majority of students and teaching staff can access and use the Internet at home and at the University. Also, the majority of students and teaching staff have a profile/account on social media and spend between 1 to 5 hours on social media daily. However, only a few resources/ spaces/services related to TEL provided by the University are rated as good by both students and faculty. Overall, student and faculty perception toward TEL is positive in terms of teaching and learning, training and research.

The response rate for faculty use of TEL is not sufficient to determine baseline findings, and therefore a repeat of the survey is recomended, with a different set of data collection tools if necessary. The baseline study focused on several aspects and contains responses to a large number of questions, therefore, it is recommended that this data be related to information collected by other means; for example, identify the current teaching and learning schedule, assessment design, and workload at individual faculty levels. Review of existing policies, infrastructure and other resources can be done by focusing on specific aspects separately. For example, key findings show a disparity in Wi-Fi access across the institution. As Wi-Fi access is important for learners in a TEL environment, it is recommended that this aspect is studied further.

Wireless power transmission through solar power satellite: recent technological developments Pavithran Puthyapurayil The Maldives National University

Abstract Global energy demand continues to grow along with worldwide concerns over fossil fuel pollution, the safety of nuclear power and waste, and the impact of carbon-burning fuels on global warming. As a result, space-based, solar power generation may become an important source of energy in the 21st Century. According to a study by the Space Studies Institute (SSI), the nonprofit foundation founded by the late physicist and visionary Gerard O'Neill (1992), over 99% of the materials needed for building solar power satellites (SPS) can be obtained from lunar materials. This would reduce the cost of SPS construction by almost 97% compared to the alternative of use materials launched from Earth. The Solar Power Satellite has been hailed by proponents as the answer to future global energy security and dismissed by detractors as impractical and uneconomic. Promoted as early as 1968 by Peter Glaser, then a NASA scientist, solar power satellites can be built to convert direct solar radiation received in the full, unobstructed intensity possible in space to direct current (DC), electrical power. Free of atmosphere or dust or clouds, such photovoltaic arrays would collect at least eight times more solar energy than they could on the ground and would work 24 hours a day, practically all year. Peter Glaser (1968) introduced the concept of a "solar power satellite" (SPS) system with square miles of solar collectors in high geosynchronous orbit for collection and conversion of sun's energy into a microwave beam to transmit usable energy to large receiving antennas (rectennas) on Earth for distribution. Solar cells in orbit are not hindered by weather, clouds, or night. The energy generated by this process is clean and pollution-free. The paper presents a review of recent Technological developments and researches in the field of wireless power transmission and also about the solar energy conversion technology by satellite to microwaves using an external device called magnetron. The methods applied to wireless power transmission are also discussed. The solar power wireless transmission of energy is completely based on solar energy resources widely available through the outer environment. Satellites in the earth’s atmosphere receive the ultraviolet rays from the sun in the form of photons and then transmit them to the broadcast center in the form of converted microwaves. These microwaves travel a long area to reach the device in the receiving station on earth called rectenna. These rectenna will convert those microwaves into the required energy source and distributes them to all available places. Today, however, the situation is changed because of the very large number of communications satellites in low orbits. It might be possible to make these satellites dual purpose—solar-energy collectors as well as communications devices. Because 90 of the much lower orbits, the antennas on the satellites and on the ground need not be nearly so large. Today, the viability of solar-power satellites as a long-term solution to our energy needs is being investigated by government agencies and individual companies in many countries.

Public sector procurement mechanism in the Maldives: An enhanced conceptual model Ibrahim Thoriq The Maldives National University

Abstract Procurement processes practised in the Maldives are based on the regulation R-20/2017. All the government organizations and public companies have to follow chapter 10 of the regulation without exception. Based upon the amount of the cost, the regulation has categorized the purchasing of goods and services into three basic categories. This study is focused on revising the current procurement procedure practised in purchasing goods or services which are less than 35,000 MVR. The objective of this research work is to integrate technology into existing procurement procedure to enhance the current process in terms of efficiency, accountability and transparency. The artifact of the study will be a technological solution which mitigates misuse of the procurement procedure practised in the Maldives and depicts an efficient and reliable solution for clients and service or goods suppliers (business organizations). The product of the study would be an acceptable model which could reduce the limitations encountered in the existing procedure and effortlessly could be adopted by the government and the public sector.

Challenges in learning computer programming and a proposal to improve the learning experience: An Omani perspective Muhammed Yousoof Dhofar University, Oman

Abstract Higher education has started blooming in Oman with the advent of opening of many new universities and higher education institutes in the last two decades. There is an increased awareness on the importance of higher education among the younger generation Omanis which is evident from the number of graduates surging year after year. However, there is a gulf between the skill requirements for technological specific jobs and the skills of the graduates. One such area is the computer programming. This paper reviews on the difficulties faced by the learners while learning computer programming. The learners in Oman also face difficulty in understanding the concepts of programming to become proficient in the programming. Often, they fail to achieve the course learning outcomes. This second part of the paper establishes that the students engage in rote learning through our study conducted in Oman. The testbed consists of students doing an introductory programming course with a basic proficiency of MS Office applications studied in the pre-university program. The introductory programming is offered as a core major course for the Management Information systems students in the second semester of the four-semester diploma in MIS program. There were twenty-five students in the class considered for the study. The difficulties result in students adapting rote learning or memorization instead of understanding the concepts based on our previous studies conducted in Malaysia. The current study was conducted during the academic year 2017-18 in a private university in Oman during the fall semester. At the end of the semester the students were given a questionnaire on the achievement of the learning outcomes based on the syllabus. Most of the students have given high scores on the achievement of the learning outcomes. The assessments of the students do not reflect what they claimed. There were three main assessments namely two mid exams and one final exam. In each assessment there were two questions emphasising the same concept. Item analysis on each question given in the assessment showed that out of the two questions of the same concept, the example that was discussed in the class was solved by most of the students however similar question with a slight variation and involves critical thinking is not done by the majority of students. One such reason for rote learning is to achieve higher grades which may result in better career prospects. However, the learning without understanding poses the challenges to the graduates from applying the knowledge in the workplace and thus results in unemployability after graduation This work relates the role of cognitive load experienced by novice programmers with the difficulties in learning programming which results in 92 learning without understanding. Finally, the paper proposes ways to enhance the learning experience to avoid rote learning based especially visualizations and self-paced learning tools as learning support in addition to the traditional method of teaching and learning based on the experiences adapted in different universities of the world. Subsequently as a result of the previous study in the fall semester, another pilot study was conducted in the spring semester 2017-18. In a class of twenty-five students studying introductory programming course the instructor randomly selected eight students which comprised of a mix of high, average and low achievers. This experimental group was given support using visualization tools by the instructor outside the class hours and it is found that these students could answer the questions which involves critical thinking. It clearly indicates the improvement of the learning process for the students using visualization tools whereas the scenario remained the same with the other students who did not use visualization tool as a learning support.

Formalization of methods of Designometry as a contribution towards AI safety research Soenke Ziesche The Maldives National University

Abstract Objectives: Yampolskiy (2016) introduced the field of designometry as a two- stage process, which looks successively at the following two questions: (1) is it an object an artifact? and (2) if yes, is it possible to identify the creator of this artifact? Yampolskiy (2016) highlighted the importance to determine the creators of a specific group of artifacts, which are (malicious) artificial intelligences.

Methods: In this research project designometry has been formalized through one axiom and general heuristics, some of which are innovative and some of which were partly applied before in other sciences, which tackle the quest for the creator of artifacts, e.g. archaeology, stylometry or synthetic biology.

Results: Proposed axiom to determine whether an object is an artifact:  An object is an artifact if it contains writing.

Writing is defined as a means of communication that uses signs. Therefore, if written signs can be found in an object, the object is an artifact. Proposed heuristics to identify the creator of this artifact:  Check for an intentional signature.  Check for an unintentional signature.  Check who has a motive, goal or drive to create this artifact.  Check who has the necessary skill set, education and intelligence to create this artifact.  Check who was able to be at the location of the production of the artifact.  Check for witnesses, testimonies, logfiles or sensor data of the creation of the artifact.

Conclusion: Given current technological developments Designometry is especially relevant for a subset of artifacts, which are artificial intelligences. Methods to identify unknown creators of artificial intelligences can be seen as a contribution to the field of AI safety, which involves the classification of originators of malicious artificial intelligences as a critical step to curtail such systems.

Theme 11: History, Language, Art and Culture

ަލުމުޖ ިވުކެއ ިއަގުހަބިހެވިދ

ޢަޒީޒާ ުޢަފީފ، ދިވެހިރާއްޖޭގެ ޤައުމީ ޔުނިވަރސިޓީ މަރިޔަމް މާރިޔާ، ޔުނިވަރސިޓީ އޮފް ވައިކަޓޯ، ނިއުޒިލެންޑް

ްޓްކެރްޓްސްބެއ .ެވެތެނ ްއެއަބ ާވިއަފިވެދްނަނ ިއަޔިކ ޭއަލުމުޖ ިވުކެއ ިއަގުތޮފްތޮފ ުދިއާވަގ ެގުހަބިހެވިދ ނަމަވެސް 2000ވަނަ އަހަރު ދިވެހިރާއްޖޭގައި އަލަށް ދިވެހިބަހުގެ ޑިގުރީ ކޯސް ތަޢާރަފުވެ، ދިވެހިބަހަށް އެކުވި ޖުމުލަ މި ލަފުޒު ތަޢާރަފުވިއެވެ. އެއަށްފަހު، އިނގިރޭސި compound“ ްނޭދިއަވަޔިކ ްށޮކަގަހާފ ްސެވ ްނުހަބިހެވިދ ަލުމުޖ ެގުރަތްއަވ ެއ ްނެގިއަލަބ ްށައsent ence” ފެށުނެވެ. އެހެންކަމުން، ދިވެހިބަހުގައި އެކުވި ޖުމުލަ ހިމެނޭކަމަށް ބަލައިގެން ކިޔަވައިދޭތާ މިހާރު 17 އަހަރުވީއެވެ. ނަމަވެސް 2015ވަނަ އަހަރުން ފެށިގެން، ދިވެހިބަހުގައި އެކުވި ޖުމުލަ ކަމަށް މި ބަލަމުން އައި ޖުމުލައިގެ އޮނިގަނޑާ މެދު ދާރިސުންގެ މެދުގައި ބަހުސްކުރެވި، ްސަވުދ ާހިމ .ެވެނުށެފ ްނެވެރުކާރަވްޝަމ ްށަމަކ ްނޫނ ަލުމުޖ ިވުކެއ ީރިހިމ ިއަގުހަބިހެވިދ ވަންދެން ކިޔަވައިދެމުން އައި އެއްޗެއް މިހެން މަޝްވަރާކޮށްފައި ދޫކޮށްލުމަށްވުރެ، ޢިލްމީ ްށަމުދެހ ާސާރިދ ިމ ްނެގިނެފ ިއަގަމަކުމްނިހުމ ްނުމްނިނ ްއެތޮގ ުހަފ ްށަމުދެހ ްއެއާސާރިދ ގަސްދުކުރީއެވެ. ވީމާ، މި ދިރާސާއަކީ، ދިވެހިބަހުގެ ޖުމުލައިގެ އޮނިގަނޑުގައި ހިމެނޭ ޯތިރުހ ަލުމުޖ ިވުކެއ ިއަގޭރެތ ެގުކަތިއަބ ޭހެބ ަލުމުޖ ިއަލަބ ްށަކަތުޑނަގިއަމ ިއާކަތިޅޯކްސަބ ބެލުމަށް ކުރި ދިރާސާއެކެވެ. މި ދިރާސާކުރީ، 1970ވަނަ އަހަރުން ފެށިގެން 2016ވަނަ 2300 ްނުކަތްނުޔިލ ީބަދައ ިދައ ީމްލިޢ ާވިއަފިވެރުކުޢިއާޝ ިވެޔިލ ްނުހަބިހެވިދ ުދެމެދ ާރަހައ ޖުމުލަ ހިމެނޭ ކޯޕަސްއެއް އެކުލަވައިލައި، އެ ކޯޕަސް ބޭނުންކޮށްގެންނެވެ. ޖުމުލަތަކުގެ ބަސްކޯޅިތައް ވަކިކޮށް، ބަސްކޯޅި ގުޅުވާފައިވާ ގޮތް ވަކިވަކިން ދިރާސާކުރީ، މައިކްރޯސްފޮޓް އެކްސެލް ޝީޓެއް ބޭނުންކޮށްގެން، މި ދިރާސާގެ ދިރާސާވެރިންނަށް ލިބިފައިވާ ބަހަވީ ުޑނަގިނޮއ ެގިއަލުމުޖ ެގުހަބިހެވިދ ީނުވެރުކަގަހާފ ްނިއާސާރިދ ިމ .ެވެއަގީލައ ެގުތާމޫލުޢަމ ިއަގުމުވުޅުގ ްއަތިޅޯކްސަބ ެގުހަބިހެވިދ ިދައ .ެވެމަކުތާފަތ ްށަޑޮބ ްށަރަވ ާހަބ ިސޭރިގނިއ .ެވެނުވެރުކަގަހާފ ްސެވ ްނަކ ްނުކަލޫސުއ ުތާފަތ ާހަބ ިސޭރިގނިއ ީނެޅުގްނެގ ްއަތުރުކައ ާވުޅުގ އެހެންކަމުން، މި ނަތީޖާއަކީ، ދިވެހިބަހުގެ ގަވާއިދުގެ ދާއިރާއިން މުޅިން އަލަށް ހޯދުނު ހޯދުމެކެވެ. ވީމާ، މީގެ ސަބަބުން، ދިވެހިބަސް ކިޔަވައިދެއްވާ ދާރިސުންނާއި ޓީޗަރުންނަށް ވެސް ްށަމުންސިވ ްށަކަތޮގ ާއ ުދެމ ާކަތަލުމުޖ ެގުހަބިހެވިދ ިބިލ ްއެމުންސިވ ާއ ްނިޅުމ ިވިނަރުކާފްނަމ ްނުބަބަސ ެގާސާރިދ ިމ ްސެވްށަންނީވަހަބ ީސޭދިބ ިދައ .ެވެއެނޭދްށޮކިހަފުގަމ .ެވެމެކެދ ްށަމަކ ެނޭބިލ ްއެކަތުތާމޫލުޢަމ ިރެވުޤުއަޝ 96

ިހެވިދ ުދެމާމުރުކްނުނޭބ ުޒުފަލ ިމ "ޭލަކ" ިއަގުމުރުކ ުބަތާޚުމ ްނުހަބިހެވިދ ްތޮގޭކެދ ުޢަމަތުޖުމ

ހަމީޒާ ޢަފީފު؛ ޢަޒީޒާ ޢަފީފު ީޓިސރަވިނުޔ ީމުއަޤ ެގޭޖްއާރިހެވިދ

ްޓްކެރްޓްސްބެއ ްނުޅުގ ަލަހަކ ިކެއ ެގުރަވްނެފ ިކެއ .ެވެށަތޮގ ިކެއ ީނަރުކްނުނޭބ ްސަބ ިއަގުޢަމަތުޖުމ ިކެއ ިމ .ެވެއެރުހ ުތާފަތ ްސެވ ިއަގުކަތުލޫސުއ ާރުކްނުނޭބ ިއަގުމުރުކުބަޠާޚުމ ާންނުހީމ ަންނޮއ ިހެވިދ ުދެމާމުރުކްނުނޭބ ުޒުފަލ ިމ "ޭލަކ" ިއަގުމުރުކ ުބަތާޚުމ ްނުހަބިހެވިދ ީކައާސާރިދ ްނުހަބ ިހެވިދ ީކަޒުފަލ ިމ "ޭލަކ" .ެވެކެއާސާރިދ ުނުވެރުކ ްށަމުލެބ ްތޮގ ޭކެދ ުޢަމަތުޖުމ ުބަތާޚުމ ްސެވަމަނ .ެވެކެމަނ ުލަދަބ ޭވެރުކްތަބްސިނ ްށަތާރަފ ަނަވެދ ުރިއާރުކ ުބަތާޚުމ .ެވެތާފަތ ްށަރަވ ްތޮގޭކެދ ްނުހީމ ިކެއ ެގުޢަމަތުޖުމ ިހެވިދ ުދެމާމުރުކްނުނޭބ ުޒުފަލ ިމ ިއަގުމުރުކ ިމ "ޭލަކ" ްނުބަބަސ ެގުމުޅުގ ަންނޮއ ިއަގުދެމެދ ެގުތާރަފެދ ޭވެކެދަކަހާވ ްށޮކަޞްއާޚ ްނިކަވ ްނަމްލިގ ްޑްނެއ ްނުއަރްބ ީދެހ ާސާރިދ .ެވެއެވުލަދަބ ްތޮގ ިއާރަވްނިމ ޭވެރުކްނުނޭބ ުޒުފަލ (ެގުމަކިހަދަބ ިއާރާބ) "ެގްނަޝްނެމިއަޑ ީޓިރަޑިލޮސ ްޑްނެއ ރަވަޕ" ެގ )1961( ިދައ )1960( މައްޗަށް ބިނާކޮށެވެ. މިއަށް ބަލައި، ސާމްޕަލްގެ ގޮތުގައި ނެގީ ކޮންވީނިއެންޓް ްސާމްޕލިންގގެ އުސޫލުން، ދިވެހި ޖުތަމަޢުގައި 5 ވައްތަރެއްގެ ގުޅުން ހިމެނޭ 5 ކެޓެގެރީއަކުން ކޮންމެ ކެޓަގަރީއަކުން 10މީހުން، ޖުމުލަ 50 މީހުންނެވެ. މި ގޮތުން ފާހަގަކުރި ގުޅުންތަކަކީ، އަނބިފިރިވަންތަ ގުޅުން، މައިބަފައިވަންތަ ގުޅުން، މުދައްރިސްވަންތަ ގުޅުން، ރަސްމީ ގުޅުން، ްސަފ ިމ ިއަގުމޯފ ޭވާސ ިރުކުރާޔްއަތ ިއަކަޓ ްށަމުރުކްއެއ ާޓާޑ .ެވެއަބްސަފ ިމ ްނުޅުގ ެގީބޯލ ގުޅުން ހިމެނޭ ފަސްބަޔާއި އިންފިރާދީ ގުޅުމާއެކު، ހަ ކެޓަގަރީއިން މަޢުލޫމާތު އެއްކުރެވުނެވެ. ެމްނޮކ ްނިއިމ .ެވެއިރުކަމަހިރުފ ްސެވ ްނިރެވިއަބ ާހިރުހ ިއަބ ޭނެމިހ ްނުޅުގ ީދާރިފްނިއ ެގާސާރިދ .ެވެއަގީހެއ ެގްއެކަތުޓާޗ ީޅެހަށުހ ާޖީތަނ ްށޮކްޒިއަލަނެއ ްނިކަވ ްއެއީރަގަޓެކ ުޒުފަލ ިމ "ޭލަކ" ިއަގުމުރުކ ުބަތާޚުމ ްނުހަބ ިހެވިދ ިއަގުތޮގ ުނުވެރުކަގަހާފ ނިއާޖީތަން ބޭނުންކުރުމާމެދު، ތަފާތު ގުޅުންތައް ރަމްޒުކޮށްދޭ ފަރާތްތަކުން ދެކޭ ގޮތުގައި ބޮޑެތި ތަފާތުތަކެއް ހުއްޓެވެ. އެހެނީ، ބައެއް ގުޅުންތަކަށް ނިސްބަތްވާ ފަރާތްތަކުން "ކަލޭ "އެއްގޮތަކަށް ވެސް ބޭނުންނުކުރާ އިރު، އަނެއް ބައި ގުޅުންތަކުގައި ހިތްހަމަޖެހުމާއެކު، "ކަލޭ" ބޭނުންކޮށްގެން ވާހަކަދައްކައެވެ. ވީމާ، މި ދިރާސާގެ ސަބަބުން، ކިޔަވައިދެއްވާ މުދައްރިސުންނަށާއި ދިވެހިބަހުގެ

ދިރާސާތައް ހައްދަވާ ބަހަވީންނަށް މުހިންމު މަޢުލޫމާތުތަކެއް ލިބި، މަންފާތަކެއް ކުރާނެކަމަށް .ެވެމެކެދ

ESL learners’ perception of the writing exercises given by English as a second language teacher Sudha Ahmed The Maldives National University

Abstract This study on students’ attitudes towards writing exercises used by English as Second Language teachers was conducted to answer the research question “What are ESL learners’ perceptions of the writing exercises used by the teacher in English periods?” Students’ attitude towards this issue was qualitatively examined in this study. The participants for this study were selected using extreme case sampling technique. A total of 9 students from the target school were selected from grades 8, 9 and 10, for the study. The participants were selected by considering the marks they achieved from the English test they did in the last semester. Hence, one student who achieved high marks, one student who achieved low marks and a student who scored average marks from each grade were selected for the study. The data for the study was collected using a semi-structured interview, which was analyzed using a thematic approach which followed two steps. These two steps were; coding and categorizing, and interpreting patterns and deriving themes. The finding of the study showed that the type of writing activity conducted by the teacher plays a huge role in students’ preference to write. It was found out that most students are not content that they only write two type of writing for three years and wish to have more varieties of writings in their class.

ރާއްޖެއިން އެންމެ ފުރަތަމަ އިސްލާމްވީ ރަށަކީ ކޮބައިތަ؟

މުޙައްމަދު ދީދި؛ އަޙްމަދު ޒަކީ، ދިވެހިރާއްޖޭގެ ޤައުމީ ޔުނިވަރސިޓީ ޞަފްވާން ޝަފީޤު، ޝަރަފުއްދީން ސްކޫލް، ދިވެހިރާއްޖެ އަޙްމަދު ނަޒްވާން، މޯލްޑިވްސް ނެޝަނަލް ޑިފެންސް ފޯސް

ްޓްކެރްޓްސްބެއ ުލާޔިޚ ިއަގުދެމ ެގްނިރެވުމްލިޢ ުޚީރާތ ުދެމިއާމަކިއަބޮކ ީކަޅުފޭބ ިވްއެރުކ ްމާލްސިއ ެޖްއާރިހެވިދ ުލާޔިޚިމ .ެވެއެވަހޭދ ްށަޅަގަރ ްނުކަތްތޮފ ުޚީރާތ ިހެވިދ ްނަކިރުހ ްއެކަތްނުވުތާފަތ ަމަތަރުފ ެމްނެއ ިއަގޭޖްއާރ ީކަމަކްއެއ ާވިއަފެވުރުތިއ ުދައިމ ްށައެރެތ ެގުކަތްނުވުތާފަތ ްނުމަކްނެހެއ .ެވެމުނުބާނުބ ްނުހީމ ެގުށަރެއ ްށަމަކ ޫދީމ ުޅޮތައ ޫޑްއައ ީވްމާލްސިއ މިދިރާސާއަކީ، އައްޑުއަތޮޅު މީދުއަކީ ރާއްޖެއިން އެންމެ ފުރަތަމަ އިސްލާމްވި ރަށްކަމަށް .ެވެކެއާސާރިދ ުނުވެރުކ ްށަމުތަގެނެދ ޯތްއެތަޤީޤަޙ ީކަމުނުބާނުބ

ދިވެހިތާރީޚު ޢިލްމުވެރިންގެ މެދުގައި ޚިޔާލު ތަފާތުވުން އުފެދިފައިވާ، އެއްކަމަކީ ދިވެހިރާއްޖެއަށް ްށައެޖްއާރިހެވިދ ީނެހެއ .ެވެމަކިއަބޮކ ީކަޅުފޭބ ިވްއެދްސެނެގ ުތަޔާދިހ ެގުނީދްމާލްސިއ ިއަގުކަތްނުޔިލ ިކެއ ެގުޚީރާތ ްށަކަތޮގްނިތ ުތާފާތ ްނަނ ެގުތާރަފ ިވްއެދްސެނެގ ުތަޔާދިހ ީމާލްސިއ ބަޔާން ކުރެވިފައިވެއެވެ. މިދެންނެވި ތިން ގޮތަކީ "އަބުލްބަރަކާތުލް ބަރުބަރީ އަލްމަޣްރިބީ"، "އަބުލްބަރަކާތު ޔޫސުފުއް ތަބްރޭޒީ"، "މައުލާނައްޝައިޚް ޔޫސުފު ޝަމްސުއްދީނުއް ތަބްރޭޒީ" ިއަގުނުކެދ ްނުޠްއަޚ ީކަމަކްއެއ ޭވެރުކ ަގަހާފ ްށަރުތިއ ެގުމުވުތާފަތުލާޔިޚ ިވެންނެދ ިމ .ެވެއ އޮތް ރާއްޖޭގެ ދެ އަތޮޅުގެ މީހުން، އެދެއަތޮޅަށް އިސްލާމްދީން ގެނެސްދެއްވި ބޭކަލަކީ ޔަމަނުގެ ެގްނުހީމ ޫދީމ ޫޑްއައ .ެވެމުނުބާނުބ ްށަމަކުނާފެގޭލަކ ުރިދާޤ ުފުސޫޔ ުޡިފާޙްލައ ުހީޤަފްލައ ުބިއާނ ުފުސޫޔ ުޡިފާޙްލައ ުހީޤަފްލައ ީނަވިއަފެވުރޫހްޝަމ ުނާފެގޭލަކިމ ްނުހަފ ިއަގުދެމ .ެވެންނުމަނ ެގުނާފެގޭލަކ

މީލާދީން 1153 ވަނަ އަހަރު، ރާއްޖޭގައި ހުންނެވި ރަސްގެފާނު އިސްލާމްދީން ޤަބޫލުފުޅު ިއަފްށޮކުލޫބަޤ ްނީދްމާލްސިއ ީނަވްނުހީމ ޫދީމ ުޅޮތައުޑްއައ ްނިރުކ ްއެކަތުރަހައ ެގުމުވްއެރުކ ޫދީމ ޫޑްއައ ާރުކުލޫބަޤ ްށަތޮގިމ ެރުސްއުނާމަޒ .ެވެއެރުކުލޫބަޤ ުކަޔަބަނިގ ެގުށަރެއ ްށަމަކ ިވެބްއިތ ްނެގިއަވްއަރުކ ްލިޞާޙ ްމީލުޢަތީތަމ ިއާންނުލަކޭބަންނަދ ީއަނިގ ިއަގޭރެތ ެގްނުހީމ ޢިލްމުވެރިންނެވެ. މިދެންނެވި ޢިލްމުވެރިން ލިޔުއްވާފައި، ޝާއިޢުނުކޮށް ހުރި ލިޔުންތަކުގައި ްނުޔިލެއ .ެވެޓްއުހަބެއ ްނެގނެއ ްށޮކްލީޞްފަތ ްށަރަވ ުތާމޫލުޢަމ ެގުތޮގިވްމާލްސިއ ޫދީމ ޫޑްއައ ީކަކަތ ުތާމޫލުޢަމ ިރުހ ިއަގޭއ ްސަޔިވ ިއަގުމަކްނޫނ ްއެކަތްނުޔިލ ިރުހ ިއަފިވެރުކުޢިއާޝ ީކަކަތ 99

ދިވެހިރާއްޖޭގެ ތާރީޚާއި ގުޅުންހުރި، އަދި ތާރީޚަށް އިތުރު މުއްސަނދިކަމެއް ގެނެސްދޭނެ ޫދީމ ަންނައ ްނުމަކްއަދ ެރުސްއުނާމަޒ ްނުހީމ ޫދީމ ުޅޮތައޫޑްއައ ްނުމުވ ްށަކަކަތުތާމޫލުޢަމ ިއަގުމަކ ްއެމަކ ުމްނިހުމ ީކަމުރުކާސާރިދ ިއަލަބ ޯތްއެތަޤީޤަޙ ީކައަކަހާވ ެގުތޮގ ިވްމާލްސިއ .ެވެމެކެދ

ޫޑްއައ ކަލާވުސީ ްނިތިމ .ެވެއެވިއަފާދޯހ ުބާވަޖ ްށަކަލާވުސ ްނިތ ުޑނަގިއަމ ިއަގާސާރިދިމ މީދުއަކީ ރާއްޖެއިން އެންމެ ފުރަތަމަ އިސްލާވި ރަށް ކަމަށް ބުނާ ސަބަބަކީ ކޮބައިތޯ އާއި، މީދޫ ެޖްއާރ ިދައ ިއާއޯތިއަބޮކ ީކަތާރަފ ްނިދްސެނެގ ުތަޔާދިހ ީމާލްސިއ ްށަންނުތިޔްއަރ ްށަމަކ ިވްއެދްސެނެގ ްނީދްމާލްސިއ ްށަންނުހީމ ޫދީމ ޫޑްއައ ީކަޅުފޭބ ިވިރެވުދެމ ްށަމުވްމާލްސިއ ބަޔާންކުރާ ފަރާތްތޯ، ނުވަތަ އެހެންފަރާތެއްތޯއެވެ؟

މިދިރާސާ ހަދާފައި ވަނީ، ނެރޭޓިވް-ފްރޭމްވާރކް ބޭނުން ކޮށްގެން ކޮލިޓޭޓިވް-ޑިސްކްރިޕްޓިވް ދިރާސާއެއްގެ ގޮތުގައި، ކޮންވީނިއެންޓް-ސާމްޕްލިންގ ބޭނުން ކޮށްގެންނެވެ. މިދިރާސާއިން ިވްމާލްސިއ ަމަތަރުފ ެމްނެއ ްނިއެޖްއާރ ީކައުދީމ ުޅޮތައުޑްއައ ިއަގީލައ ެގުކަތްނުދޯހ ުނުދޯހ .ެވެއަފިވެނަގެނެދ ީނަވ ްއަތުބަބަސ ާނުބ ްށަމަކްށަރ

100

ގުރޭޑ1ް ގެ ކުދިންނަށް ހިސާބުގެ ވިޔަ ޢަދަދުތައް، ދިވެހި ބަހުން ބުނަން ެގާސުރަދަމ ްށަންނިދުކ ިމ ިއަގުމުނުގ ްނުހަބީރަދާމ ިދައ ުރަވްނިމ ޭގނެއ ްއަތްނުހެޖްނޮގ ާވިތަމިރުކ ްނުލުއަޙާމ

ްމިޝާހ ުދަމުހައ ީޓިސރަވިނުޔ ީމުއަޤ ެގޭޖްއާރިހެވިދ

ްޓްކެރްޓްސްބެއ މިއީ ހިސާބުގެ ވިޔަ ޢަދަދުތައް ދިވެހި ބަހުން ބޭނުންނުކުރާ ދިވެހިން، ޚާއްޞަކޮށް ޒުވާނުން، ްށަމަކާދްނުމެތެނ ްއަތުޒުފަލ ުރަބްނަނ ިއާއީތޭވެރުކަގަހާފ ްށަމަކ ަނިގ ުދައިމ ފާހަގަކުރެވިފައިވުމުން، ގުރޭޑް 1ގެ ކުދިންނަށް ނަންބަރު ލަފުޒުތައް ދިވެހި ބަހުން ބުނަން ްނުލުއަހާމ ެގާސުރަދަމ ްށަންނިދުކ ިމ ިއަގުމުނުގ ްނުހަބީރަދާމ ިއާށަމުތަގެނެދ ުރަވްނިމ ޭގނެއ ިއަގާސާރިދ ިމ .ެވެކެއާސާރިދ ަޔިދްނެގ ްށަޔިރުކ ްށަމުތަގެނެދ ްއަތްނުހެޖްނޮގ ާވިތަމިރުކ ާރުކްލިޞާޙ ްމީލުޢަތ ިއަގްއެކެއ ްޑޭރުގ ެގުކަތުލޫކްސިއ ުރާކުރަސ ެގޭލާމ ީރުކިރެވިއަބ ުރާކުރަސ ެގޭލާމ ިއާންނުރަވިރަދ 100 ުނުވެލާވޮހ ްށޮކްމަޑްނެރ ްލަޕްމިސ ްނިއެރެތ ެގްނުރަވިރަދ ެގ 1 ްޑޭރްގ ެގްއެލޫކްސިއ ިއަހިރުހ ޭދިއަވަޔިކ ްށަމައިޑީމ ިސޭރިގނިއ ްނިއެރެތ ެގުކަތްލޫކްސ ްނަރުކުތާލަމާޢުމ ިއަގްއެތޮގ ާދީސ ާންނިދުކެއ ިއާންނުރަޗީޓ ިއަހިރުހ ޭދިއަވަޔިކ ްށަންނުރަވިރަދ ިއަގާސާރިދ ިމ ީނަވ ްނުފަޒްއަވުމ 73 ަލުމުޖުކެއ ްނުތޮގެއ .ެވެންނުފަޒްއަވުމ ީންނަފ ޭހެޖ ްށަމުލެބ ޯތޭގނެއ ްނަނުބ ްނުހަބ ިހެވިދ ްއަތުދަދަޢ ުރަބްނަނ ްށައަމަހ ާއ50-1 .ެވެއަފެވިރެވިއަބ ްނިތ ުތާފަތ ްށަންނުރަވިރަދ ްނެހެނާރާނުށުފ ާރަރްއަގުމ ެގާދްއާމ ުބާސިހ ެގްއެކެއ ްޑޭރުގ ޓެސްޓެއް ދިނީމެވެ. ހަމައެހެންމެ، މާދަރީބަހުން ގުނުމުގައި މި ކުދިންނަށް މަދަރުސީ މާހައުލުން ކުރިމަތިވާ ގޮންޖެހުންތައް ދެނެގަތުމަށް، މި ދިރާސާގައި ބައިވެރިވި 73 މުވައްޒަފުންނަށް ާޖީތަނ ެގުމޯފ ޭވރަސ ިއާޓްސެޓ ިދްއެހ ާވްއަލ ްނުރަވިރަދ .ެވެނުވެދ ްއެމޯފޭވރަސ ީނާވ ިއަފްށޮކުޓޯޕިރ ާޖީތަނ ެގާސާރިދ ިމ ިއަގީހެއ ެގުތާމޫލުޢަމ ުނުބިލ ުހަފްށަމުރުކުފާސ ީނާންނޮއ ިއަފެވާނިބ ާސާރިދ ިމ ިޅުމ ްނުތޮގެއ .ެވެންނުކަތްނުހެރުކ ަދަފ ްފާރްގ ިއާބާސިހްސާފަތ ުޒުފަލ ުރަބްނަނ ިއާމުނުގ ްނިދުކ ްނުބަބަސ ެގާސާރިދ ިމ .ެވެށަޗްއަމ ެގާޓޭޑ ްވިޓޭޓިޓްނައުކ ުރަބްނަނ ިއާށާނުގ ްނުހަބ ިހެވިދ ިއާމަކ ްށަކަހަބ ްނޮކ ީނެދ ްނަކްސިއ ްށަޑޮބ ިއަގުމުރުކްނުނޭބ ިއަގުމަކ ްސަބ ަނަވެދ ީކަހަބ ިސޭރިގނިއ ްނުތޮގެއ .ެވެއިވަމާހ ުރަވްނިމ ާރުކްނުނޭބ ްއަތުޒުފަލ ީނަވ ްނަކ ްނުހަބ ީރަދާމ ީށަދ ްނުރަވިރަދ ްނަނުބ ުޒުފަލ ުރަބްނަނ ިއާށާނުގ ްސަޔިވ ހާމަވެފައެވެ. މީގެއިތުރުން، ފާހަގަކުރެވުނު ގޮތުގައި މާދަރީ ބަހުން ގުނުމުގައި މި ކުދިންނަށް

101

ީނަވ ިއަފިޅުގ ްނަކްނަކެއ ިއާމަކިރުހަބެއ ްއެކަތްނުހެޖްނޮގ ާވިތަމިރުކ ްނުލުއަހާމ ުލޫކްސިއ ިއަގާދްއާމ ުބާސިހ ްށަރުތިއ ެގުކަތްތާރަފ ޭހެޖ ްނަރުކުތާލަމާޢުމ ާންނިދުކެއ ިއަގުލުއަހާމ ުލޫކްސިއ ިހެވިދ ްނުބަބަސ ެގާސާރިދ ިމ .ެވެއާމައިޑީމ ޭދްމީލުޢަތ ިއާތޮގ ޭވެދިއަވަޔިކ ިއަބ ެގުމުނުގ ިހެވިދ ާރުކްނުނޭބ ްނުހަބ ިހެވިދ ްށަކަތުދަދަޢަޔިވ ެގުބާސިހ ާދްނުމެތެނ ްނިއެރެތ ެގުހަބ ްނާވުލާމަސ ްށަރުތިއ ްށަމަކިމ ިއަގުމުނިދިއަންނަގނުއ ިއާށަމުރުކާލާއ ާވުރިދ ްއަތުޒުފަލ ޖެހިފައިވާ މިންވަރު ހާމަވިއެވެ. އެހެންކަމުން މިއީ ތަޢުލީމީ ދާއިރާއަށް، ޚާއްޞަކޮށް މުގައްރަރު .ެވެނުވެރުކަގަހާފ ްސެވ ިއަގުމަކ ްއެއާސާރިދ ުމްއިހުމ ްށަހަބ ިހެވިދ ިއާށަކަތްތާރަފ ާލާވަލުކެއ

Reasons for code-switching on Facebook by Maldivian bilingual teenagers Aaidha Hammad The Maldives National University

Abstract Research has shown that codeswitching is a common phenomenon in bilingual communities. Most of the studies on code-switching, over the last two decades, focus on face to face spoken conversations and few have been focused on electronic speech or Computer Mediated Communication (CMC). Therefore, this study investigates the practice of code-switching in CMC, particularly about the reasons for code-switching among Maldivian bilingual teenagers when they chat on Facebook. In this regard, from three different Facebook chat logs of teenagers, a total of 300 utterances were collected as the data. They were then analysed and classified. The classification of the reasons for code-switching was based on “Ten Reasons for Code switching” by Malik (1994) and “Six Function of Code switching” by Appel and Muysken (2006). Findings indicate that bilingual teenagers code switch in CMC for a number of reasons such as: for habitual expressions, expressive function, referential function, phatic function, poetic function, due to the lack of facility, lack of registral competence, to emphasise a point, depending on the mood of the speaker, and to show identity within the group. However, the directive function, metalinguistic function, semantic significance, to address different audiences, pragmatic reasons and to attract attention were not observable as they seem not applicable to the code-switching situation in this study.

102

Factors influencing the reading comprehension level of English as a second language (ESL) learners in secondary schools Aminath Naushaan Islamic University of Maldives

Abstract Reading is one of the fundamental skills that an individual need to acquire to a considerable extent both in their native language and their second language. As reading is not a skill which can be acquired naturally or in an automatic way, a conscious effort is required in order to analyse and comprehend the ideas within the continuous development of a text. Therefore, reading also becomes an important skill, specifically for students. The process of reading helps to acquire more knowledge, as it is an essential skill for learners. Students’ comprehension of a text relies on several factors that influence their reading comprehension level. These factors determine whether the students understand a text in an easy or difficult way and they help the students in their academic achievement at large. This qualitative study aimed to investigate the factors that influence the reading comprehension level of ESL secondary students. As a research method, a case study was used in the study. The research was conducted in one of the secondary schools of Male’, Maldives. Four secondary ESL learners of the school were purposefully selected as participants for the study. As an instrument, semi-structured interviews were used to collect data for the study. The data gathered from the interviews were analysed through coding. The result of the study showed that factors such as vocabulary, prior knowledge, reading strategies, interest in reading and genre are the most influential factors which affect the reading comprehension level of ESL secondary students. Therefore, it is concluded that these factors have a huge impact on the reading comprehension level of ESL secondary students.

103

The effects of using literature in English language teaching Aminath Neena Maldives National UNiversity

Abstract Using Literature in the language classroom to enhance students’ language competency and motivation is not alien to the academic world anymore as the role of literature as a legitimate tool to teach language had been tested and thus has been gaining momentum.

The purpose of this research is to evaluate and identify the effects of using different literary genre in a highly exam-oriented English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classroom, with regard to the competency level and motivation of students. It is also based exclusively on the theoretical exploration of the benefits of literary genre, hand in hand with the theories of language learning and motivation. Hence the research questions were as follows: (1) does the use of literature in EFL classrooms enhance the intrinsic motivation of students at secondary level; (2) can the use of literature attribute a positive effect on the performance level of students; (3) what particular type of literary genre is perceived by students as the most beneficial to enhance their language learning and motivation?

In order to do this, a mixed method research design has been incorporated and both qualitative and quantitative data collected over a period of three and a half weeks, in a secondary EFL classroom, are used in this paper. Quantitative data, of test scores of pre and post-tests are used to measure the competency level using T-tests while two types of qualitative data of focused group interviews and personal narratives, on the other hand, are triangulated and used to analyse motivation levels. The results have indicated that literary texts enhance both language competency and motivation of students and that short stories were preferred by most students over other types of genre being tested. Overall, this research entails the significance of Literature in language teaching and confirms that it does make a difference even in a highly-exam oriented EFL environment.

104

ެގްނިދުކ ެއ ިދައ ާކަތުބޫލްސުއ ާރުކްނުނޭބ ްސަބ ްނުރަވިރަދ ްތޮގ ޭދްށޮކްނާޔަބ ްނަކަތްނަވަލްއިމައ

އާމިނަތު ޒާހިރު، ދިވެހިރާއްޖޭގެ ޤައުމީ ޔުނިވަރސިޓީ ނާޝިއާ މުޙައްމަދު، ޔުނިވަރސިޓީ އޮފް އޯކްލޭންޑް

ްޓްކެރްޓްސްބެއ ުމްނިހުމ ެގުތަޔްއިމުއަޤ ެގްއެއަބ ެއ ީކަމަކަތްނަވަލްއިމައ ްސެވ ިއަގްއެއުޢަމަތުޖުމ ެމްނޮކ ީކަހަބިހެވިދ .ެވެއެނެމިހ ްތަފާގަސ ިއާރުކައ ިއާހަބ ެގްއެއަބެއ ިއަގޭރެތ ެގާހަބ ިމ .ެވެކެއާހަބ ިމ ީތާވ ްށަމަކ ާހަބ ާރުކާދައ ްއެއާސްއިހ ުޑޮބ ެމްނެއ ެގުމަކަތްނަވަލްއިމައ ެގްނިހެވިދ ިއާމުވަނަވަބ ެޔިނުދ .ެވެއެނާވިއަފްށޮކުޒާމައ ްށަޑޮބ ްށަޗްއަމ ެގުހަބ ްސެވ ިއަގާސާރިދ ިއާމުރުކްނުނޭބ ަސްއަބަނިގ ިއަގުކަތުޢަމަތުޖުމ ުކެއާއީގްއަރަތ ާދްނުމަންނައ ްށައީޖޮލޮންކެޓ ެގްނިހެވިދ ުކެއާނާމަޒ .ެވެތަގީޤަހ ާކްއަދ ެޔިނުދ ީއެއ ްނަކާދްނުމަވިނުހްސަމ ްތަފާގަސ ާހަބިހެވިދ ީތާވިއަފާށަފ ްނަރޯފ ުޒޫފުނ ެގުހަބިސޭރިގނިއ ްށަޗްއަމ ެގުހަބިހެވިދ ަތްނަވަލްއިމައ ްށަމުނިދިއަވަޔިކ ިއަގުކަތާސަރުދަމ ެގޭޖްއާރ .ެވެއަފެވުލަދަބ ްށަޑޮބ ްށަރަވ ީނަވިމ ްތޮގ ޭކެދ ުދެމ ްށައާއިޑީމްސީމ .ެވެނަތ ޭދްނަކްސިއ ްށަހަބީސޭރިގނިއ ީނަންނެފ ްނުކަތުރަރްއަޤުމ ާރުކ ްނުނޭބ ބަލައިލުމުން ދިވެހި ިދަރން ފާޅުކުރާ ޚިޔާލުތަކުން އަންގައި ދެނީ އެމީހުން ދިވެހިވަންތަ، ހަޤީގީ ްނެގްށޮކިނުހްސަމ ްސަބ ްނުމަކްނެހެއ .ެވެމަކާވުނ ްނުނޭބ ްނެބިތ ިއަގުތޮގ ެގްނިހެވިދ ިއަހިކ ީނެގނެއ ުމްލިޢ ެގުހަބަލްއިމައ ިއާތަފާގަސ ްށަންނުރަވިރަދ ިއަގްއެލުއަޙާމ ޭވެދިއަވަޔިކ ަދަފިމ ްނުހަބިހެވިދ ްސެވަމަނ .ެވެކެމަކ ުމްނިހުމ ުނަހުނ ީކަމުތަގެނެދ ްނަކްށަކަރަވްނިމ ެގާސާރިދ ިމ ީތާވުނ ިއަފިވެރުކަގަހާފ ްށަކަމަކްތޮއ ިއަފިވެރުކ ްށަނަތާހީވިމ ްއެއާސާރިދ ްސެވްއެއ މަޤުޞަދަކީ، ދިވެހި ފުރާވަރު ކުދިން ބަސްބޭނުން ކުރާ އުސްލޫބާއި އެކުދިންގެ އަމިއްލަވަންތަކަން ދެނެގަނެ ވަޒަންކުރަނީ ކިހިނެއްކަން ދެނެގަތުމެވެ. މިކްސްޑްމެތަޑަށް ފަރުމާ ކޮށްގެން، ކުރި ާސާރިދ .ެވެމުތަގީދްސަބ ިއާޑަތެމ ޭވރަސ ީރުކްނުނޭބ ްށަމުރުކްއެއ ާޓޭޑ ިއަގާސާރިދިމ ީގެނ ިއަގުތޮގ ެގްލަޕްމާސ .ެވެށަންނުރަވިރަދ ާރުކލިޞާޙު މީލުު އަތ ިއަގ8 ްޑޭރްގ ީރުކުޒާމައ ަލުމުޖ .ެވެޒަކުރަމ ީމީލުއަތުޅޮތައ ެގްއެޅޮތައ 4 ިއާކަތުލޫކްސ ާހިރުހ ޭނެމިހ 8 ްޑޭރްގ ގެ ޭލާމ .ެވެއިވިރެވިއަބ ިއަގުތޮގ ެގްލޕްމާސަ ެގޭވރަސ ެގާސާރިދ ްނުރަވިރަދ 1587 ްނުކަލޫކްސ 19 ިއަގޭވރސަ ީރުކިރެވިއަބ ިއަގުމުތަގީދްސަބ .ެވެކެއްލަޕްމާސ ރަޓްސަލްކ ީރުކްނުނޭބ ްށައޭވރސަ ޭވރަސ ެގާސާރިދ .ެވެންނުރަވިރަދ 40 ގެނި ްށޮކްމަޑްނެރ ްނިއެރެތ ެގްނުރަވިރަދ ިވިރެވިއަބ ިދައ .ެވެނެގްށޮކްނުނޭބ ްސްކިޓްސިޓެޓްސ ްވިޓްޕިރްކްސިޑ ީނާވ ިއަފްށޮކުލީލުހަތ ާޓޭޑ

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ްށަމުދެހ ްއެއްސިސިލޭނެއ ްކިޓެމީތ ްށޮކްލައުނެމ ީރުކުލުލީލުޙަތ ްއަތާޓޭޑ ެގުމުތަގީދްސަބ ެރުވ ްށަހަބިހެވިދ ްނުރަވިރަދ ްނުތޮގާކްއަދ ާޖީތަނ ެގާސާރިދ ިމ .ެވެންނެގްށޮކްޑޯކ ިއަގުތޮގ ޭކެދ ްނުރަވިރަދ ަނިގ ެގާސާރިދ ީނެހެއ .ެވެޑޮބ ްއެލޭދްނަކްސިއ ްށަހަބީސޭރިގނިއ ެގްނުރަވިރަދ .ެވެއެހެޖުނ ްށަކ ާކްއަދަކަހާވ ްނުހަބިހެވިދ ީތީވ ްށަކަސްއެވިދ ްނެހެމްނޮކ ްނުހަބިހެވިދ ިދައ .ެވެންނުހަބީސޭރިގނިއ ީނަކްއަދަކަހާވ ްސެވ ްށޮކުމްނާއ ާންނިހެޓްއަރ ވާހަދައްކާ އިރު، ދިވެހިބަހާއި އިނގިރޭސިބަސް މަސްހުނިކޮށްގެން ވާހަކަދެއްކުމަކީ ވެސް ގިނަ ަޅުކިއަބްނިތ ްނިއެރެތ ެގްނިރެވިއަބ ެގާސާރިދ .ެވެނޫނ ްއެއަލަސްއަމ ިއަގުތޮގޭކެދ ްނުރަވިރަދ ްނުނޭބ ްނޭދްށޮކްސަދ ްތަފާގަސ ިހެވިދ ްށަންނިރަދ ެގްނުރަވިރަދ ެއ ީކަންނުރަވިރަދ ިއަބްއެއ ނުވާ ދަރިވަރުންނެވެ. އަދި ދިރާސާގެ ދެބައިކުޅަ އެއްބަޔަކީ ދިވެއްސަކަށްވާން ބޭނުންނުވާ، އަދި ގިނަ ދަރިވަރުންނަކީ އެއަށް ވަކި ޖަވާބެއް ވެސް ދޭން ނޭނގޭ ދަރިވަރުންނެވެ. އެހެންކަމުން، ްނަކަތްނަވަލްއިމައ ެގްނިހެވިދ ިއާހަބިހެވިދ ްނިއެރެތ ެގުމުނިދިއަވަޔިކ ިއަގުކަތުލޫކްސ ކުރިއެރުވުމަށް މި ދިރާސާގެ ހޯދުންތައް، އެހީއަކަށް ވެގެންދާނެ ކަމަށް ޤަބޫލުކުރެވެއެވެ.

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Theme 12: Media and Communication

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Standardized baseline data and information for disaster preparedness in the Maldives Hanan Shafyg; Maryam Humra; Soenke Ziesche; Fathimath Nistharan The Maldives National University

Abstract Accurate and comprehensive baseline data are a critical tool for disaster preparedness since they are the prerequisite for calculating after a disaster the impact, which then informs an adequate response. Previously, some of the relevant data were either not available or inconsistent or not in a standardised format.

Objectives: The objective of this project is to compile standardized baseline data for the Maldives.

Methods: The United Nations Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) developed and endorsed so-called Common operational data sets (CODs) to support technical standards, to improve the quality of data and to ensure interoperability. The last requirement is important for two reasons:

1. International dimension: After large disasters usually international organizations support and they are only able to grasp the required information efficiently if they are in a well-known format. 2. Technical dimension: Only interoperable formats ensure efficient exchange of data.

Results: After gathering data from various sources in Maldives, which included the National Bureau of Statistics, the Land and Survey Authority, the National Disaster Management Centre and UNDP Maldives, and adjusting their formats for the first time comprehensive CODs were made available for Maldives on the UN Humanitarian Data Exchange website according to the obligations of international frameworks. Moreover, Maldives is the first country where also data from the DesInventar system, which documents losses caused by disasters through natural hazards, were incorporated into the CODs.

Conclusion: A significant amount of the required baseline data for efficient disaster information management is spread over different institutions in the Maldives. Therefore, a central repository and custodian are required to ensure standardisation and maintenance. The appropriate institution in the Maldives for such endeavour is the National Disaster Management Centre. This project not only contributes to obligations of international frameworks such as the Sendai Framework but will also enhance disaster resilience and preparedness for an effective response in the Maldives.

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Social Media: A communicator for disaster Aminath Shazly The Maldives National University

Abstract The objective of this research is to identify which social media outlet is used as a source of information during disaster. The research also identifies the social media preference of Faculty of Science (FSc) students and how often this social media is used to get information about disaster.

A quantitative survey was conducted using a questionnaire. The number of participants in this research is 135. The data was analysed using SPSS 20 and Microsoft Excel.

Study results conclude that climate change plays a role in frequent disasters happening in the Maldives and so affects most of the participant’s daily life. The findings also highlight that the participants are aware that online news disseminates more accurate information relating to disasters, but the most preferred social media among the students of the Faculty of Science (FSc) during disaster is Facebook

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Index of presenters Aaidha Hammad, the Maldives Sheikh Ali Zahir Saeed Gasim, the National University 102 Maldives National University 46 Dr. Abdulla Jameel Mohamed, the Aminath Nahooda, the Maldives Maldives National University 52 National University 29 Dr. Abdulla Naseer, the Maldives Aminath Naushaan, Islamic National University 82 University of Maldives 12,13,14,103 Dr. Abdul Sattar Abdul Rahman, the Aminath Neena, Maldives National Maldives National University 41 University 104 Abhishek Mundaragi, Karnatak Aminath Shazly, the Maldives University, India 77 National University 109 Abuzar Ali Khan, CYRYX College, Aminath Shiuna, the Maldives Maldives 72 National University 29 Ahmed Abdul Matheen, Maldives Aminath Zahir, the Maldives National Civil Court 49 University 105 Ahmed Hashim, the Maldives Asif Moosa Ibrahim, the Maldives National University 101 National University 47 Ahmed Leevan, the Maldives Asiya Ibrahim, the Maldives National National University 79 University 25, 26 Ahmed Nazwan, MNDF 99 Athula Gnanapala, Sabaragamuwa Dr. Ahmed Zaki, the Maldives University of Sri Lanka 70 National University 99 Azeeza Afeef, the Maldives National Aishath Adhila, Islamic University University 96, 97 of Maldives 11 Batool Zahoor Qazi, the Maldives Aishath Afa, the Maldives National National University 54 University 79 Bishara Adam, Islamic University of Aishath Azdha, the Maldives Maldives 11 National University 45 C. N. R. Wijesundara, Sabaragamuwa Aishath Hassan, the Maldives University of Sri Lanka 70 National University 37 Professor Colleen Fisher, the Aishath Ifa, the Maldives National University of Western Australia 6 University 79 Professor David Preen, the University Aishath Leeza, the Maldives National of Western Australia 8 University 89 Devundara Gedara Lasantha Rasika, Aishath Shirumeen, the Maldives Sabaragamuwa University of Sri National University 73 Lanka 67

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Dinesh Devindra Fernando, Hanan Shafyg, the Maldives National Sabaragamuwa University of Sri University 108 Lanka 58 Dr. Haneef Ur Rehman, University of Dona Kalyani Lokupitiya, Turbat, Pakistan 83 Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Hashma Adnan, the Maldives Lanka 64 National University 73 Dona Vindya Thathsarani Hasma Waheed, Aminiyya School, Vithanawasam, Sabaragamuwa Maldives 21 University of Sri Lanka 66 Herath Mudiyanselage Tharangani E. A. P. Sisira Kumara, Kumari, Sabaragamuwa University of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Sri Lanka 67 Lanka 67 Herath Mudiyanselage, Fathimath Fairooza, the Maldives Sabaragamuwa University of Sri National University 79 Lanka 61 Fathimath Ishana Shareef, the Hidaya Mohamed Zahir, Villa College, Maldives National University 79 Maldives 23 Fathimath Nasiha Abdul Humaira Jamal, Indira Gandhi Muhaimin, the Maldives National Memorial Hospital, Maldives 27 University 85, 87 Hussain Naseer, the Maldives Fathimath Nistharan, the Maldives National University 73 National University 108 Ibrahim Adam, the Maldives Fathimath Riyaza, National Bureau National University 86, 87 of Statistics, Maldives 16 Ibrahim Mohamed, James Cook University, Australia 81 Fathmath Shuhaina, the Maldives National University 79 Dr. Ibrahim Mustafa, Qatar University 28 Sheikh Fayyaz Ali Manik, the Maldives National University 50 Ibrahim Thoriq, the Maldives National University 91 Fazeela Jaufaru, the Maldives National University 79 Dr. Ibrahim Zuhuree, Villa College, Maldives 74 Gheyath K. Nasrallah, Qatar University 28 Ismail Shiyar, the Maldives National University 73 Granaz Baloch, University of Turbat, Khadeeja Shakir, the Maldives Pakistan 83 National University 35 Gulisthan Easa, Maldives Blood Leela Waheed, Curtin University, Services 25 Western Australia 20 Hameeza Afeef, the Maldives Lilani Randika Kapuge, National University 97 Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka 60 111

Malith Damith Amarasinghe, Dr. Mohammad Rauf, the Maldives Sabaragamuwa University of Sri National University 38 Lanka 57 Dr. Muhammed Yousoof Ismail, Manori Pathmalatha Kovilage, Dhofar University, Oman 92 Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Muhandiramlage Lalith Warnasuriya, Lanka 61, 62, 63 Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Mariyam Fizana Rasheed, the Lanka 68 Maldives National University 15 Dr. Nadin N. Younes, Qatar Mariyam Leeshan Amjad, University 28 Islamic University of Maldives 11 Nafiz Mohamed, the Maldives Dr. Mariam Mariya, University of National University 73 Waikato, New Zealad 96 Dr. Nashia Mohamed, University of Mariyam Shazna, Centre for Higher Auckland, New Zealand Secondary Education, Maldives 18 Nasira Moosa, the Maldives National Mariyam Thuhufa, the Maldives University 65 National University 76 Dr. Nasreena Waheed, Charles Maryam Humra, the Maldives Darwin University, Australia 30 National University 108 Nimal Mohamed, the Maldives Maumoona Abdulla, the Maldives National University 33 National University 56 Niuma Mohamed, the Maldives Dr. Missbah H. Baji, Qatar National University 89 University 28 P. P. Athira, Central University of Mohamed Didi, the Maldives Kerala, India 80 National University 99 Pavithran Puthyapurayil, the Mohamed Faisal, the Maldives Maldives National University 90 National University 73 Dr. Raheema Abdul Raheem, the Dr. Mohamed Iyaz Abdul Latheef, the Maldives National University 71 Maldives National University 40 Rishan Sampath Hewage, Sheikh Mohamed Mansoor Adam, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri the Maldives National University 44 Lanka 59 Dr. Mohamed Mursaleen Mohamed Professor Dr. Rozhan M. Idrus, Ismail, the Maldives National University Sains Islam Malaysia 7 University 53 S. M. Steffi, Central University of Mohamed Shafy Rasheed, the Kerala, India 80 Maldives National University 73 Sadat Ali Khan, the Maldives Mohamed Shihab, the Maldives National University 88 National University 19 Safwan Shafeeg, Sharafudheen School, Maldives 99

112

Samira Alifulhu, Islamic University of Professor Steve Flint, Massey Maldives 11 University, New Zealand 5 Sunanda Herath, Sabaragamuwa Dr. Subburaj Alagarsamy, Villa University of Sri Lanka 61 College, Maldives 32 Sanduni Dilanka, Sabaragamuwa Sudha Ahmed, the Maldives National University of Sri Lanka 78 University 98 Dr. Sangeetha Jeyabalan, Central Syed Imran, the Maldives National University of Kerala, India 77, 80 University 48 Shama Moosa, Islamic University Dr. Thangadurai Devarajam, of Maldives 12, 13, 14 Karnatak University, India 77, 80 Shifna Moosa, Islamic University of Tholhath Raufuddeen, the Maldives Maldives 12, 13, 14 National University 37 Shifnaz Ismail, the Maldives National Thuhufa Abdulla, the Maldives University 71 National University 76 Shimna Shakeeb, the Maldives Sheikh Usman Yoosuf Ali, the National University 17 Maldives National University 42 Shirmeena Faheem, Islamic Vithiyalani Muthusamy, University of Maldives 12, 13, 14 Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Sizna Mohamed, The Maldives Lanka 66 National University 26 Waseema Fikuree, University of Dr. Soenke Ziesche, the Maldives Auckland, New Zealand 22 National University 94, 108

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