20 Articles
Engr. Bernard C. Fabro, John Aarom P. Mina, Jose Alfonso P. Labrador, Kinnah Charish I. Torre, Mark Anthony A. Zamora, Mark Yancee P. Vicente, Ryan N. Gripon
The increasing number of vehicles on the road has led to a higher risk of accidents, especially during reverse parking and in congested traffic conditions. Many minor collisions occur due to limited rear visibility and the driver’s inability to accurately judge distance. As a response to this problem, this project research focuses on the development of a low-cost and reliable reverse parking assistance system using an Ultrasonic Sensor and an Arduino Uno R3. The background of this study is rooted in the need for an affordable alternative to commercial parking sensors that can still provide accurate and real-time obstacle detection. The main objective of this research is to detect obstacles located at the rear of a vehicle and provide timely warnings to help avoid collisions while parking or moving slowly in traffic. Specifically, the system aims to measure the distance between the vehicle and nearby obstacles and alert the driver through visual and audio indicators based on the detected distance. The methodology of the study involves integrating an ultrasonic sensor with an Arduino Uno R3 microcontroller. The ultrasonic sensor continuously measures the distance of objects behind the vehicle by emitting and receiving sound waves. Based on the measured distance, the Arduino processes the data and activates a buzzer and LEDs. The LEDs light up sequentially in green, yellow, and red to indicate safe, caution, and danger zones, respectively, while the buzzer provides an audible warning as obstacles get closer. The key results of the project show that the system is capable of accurately detecting obstacles in real-time and effectively providing distance-based alerts. In conclusion, the proposed system demonstrates a practical and efficient solution for reverse parking assistance, with potential for further improvement and application in advanced vehicle safety systems.
Engr. Bernard C. Fabro, John Aarom P. Mina, Jose Alfonso P. Labrador, Kinnah Charish I. Torre, Mark Anthony A. Zamora, Mark Yancee P. Vicente, Ryan N. Gripon
The increasing number of vehicles on the road has led to a higher risk of accidents, especially during reverse parking and in congested traffic conditions. Many minor collisions occur due to limited rear visibility and the driver’s inability to accurately judge distance. As a response to this problem, this project research focuses on the development of a low-cost and reliable reverse parking assistance system using an Ultrasonic Sensor and an Arduino Uno R3. The background of this study is rooted in the need for an affordable alternative to commercial parking sensors that can still provide accurate and real-time obstacle detection. The main objective of this research is to detect obstacles located at the rear of a vehicle and provide timely warnings to help avoid collisions while parking or moving slowly in traffic. Specifically, the system aims to measure the distance between the vehicle and nearby obstacles and alert the driver through visual and audio indicators based on the detected distance. The methodology of the study involves integrating an ultrasonic sensor with an Arduino Uno R3 microcontroller. The ultrasonic sensor continuously measures the distance of objects behind the vehicle by emitting and receiving sound waves. Based on the measured distance, the Arduino processes the data and activates a buzzer and LEDs. The LEDs light up sequentially in green, yellow, and red to indicate safe, caution, and danger zones, respectively, while the buzzer provides an audible warning as obstacles get closer. The key results of the project show that the system is capable of accurately detecting obstacles in real-time and effectively providing distance-based alerts. In conclusion, the proposed system demonstrates a practical and efficient solution for reverse parking assistance, with potential for further improvement and application in advanced vehicle safety systems.
Ajaz Ahmed Wani
The development of nuclear weapons added a new dimension to conventional conflict: The possibility that it could inadvertently escalate into a nuclear exchange. But when conflicts occur, they may be more aggressive and decisive. These results offer insight into the difficulty of substituting nuclear weapons for conventional arms. This era also sees the increasing impact of interconnected global challenges like resource competition and climate change, which fuel internal and international conflicts, alongside a growing trend of conflict types that may be more aggressive and decisive, demanding a renewed commitment to trust, cooperation, and disarmament to achieve global stability and prevent nuclear catastrophe. In this article author discussed the consequences of nuclear threat along with present scenario.
Guoping Fan, Harrison Daka, Mukuka Lydia Mulenga – Hagane
The expansion of Chinese language education in Zambia, primarily through the Confucius Institute at the University of Zambia (CI‑UNZA), represents a significant shift in the country’s linguistic and educational landscape. While Mandarin has gained prominence globally as a language of economic, diplomatic, and cultural influence, its integration into African education systems remains uneven and under-explored. In Zambia, learners increasingly perceive Mandarin proficiency as a gateway to scholarships, employment, and international mobility, reflecting the growing influence of China’s investment and soft-power strategies. Yet, despite substantial enrolments and programmatic expansion, questions persist regarding the effectiveness, sustainability, and broader lessons of these initiatives within the Zambian context. Understanding these lessons is important for multiple reasons. First, the rapid growth of Mandarin education raises concerns about institutional capacity, curriculum alignment, teacher preparedness, and the long-term viability of programs dependent on external support. Second, Zambia’s multilingual education system already contends with structural challenges, including limited instructional resources, teacher shortages, and policy inconsistencies, which may be exacerbated by the introduction of a high-demand foreign language. Finally, while global scholarship on Confucius Institutes and Chinese language education has documented trends in Asia, Europe, and other African countries, there remains a paucity of empirical evidence examining the practical lessons and policy implications emerging from Zambian learners’ experiences.
J. Senthilkumar, Tirupatirao Kalipindi, V. Mohanraj, Y. Suresh
Since cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the world's leading cause of death, it is critical to develop prediction frameworks that are reliable, accurate, and easy to understand in order to facilitate prompt clinical decision making. Although many studies have been conducted on traditional machine learning techniques for cardiac risk assessment, their efficacy is frequently constrained by their dependence on manually created features and their restricted capacity to identify intricate non-linear relationships in clinical data. Although deep learning techniques provide better representation learning capabilities, overfitting and interpretability issues limit their efficacy on structured, low-dimensional clinical data. This paper proposes a novel deep learning framework that uses sparse autoencoders as feature augmentation in conjunction with CNN classification to provide robust prediction of heart disease. The sparse autoencoder allows for generation of enriched latent representations, due to the application of sparsity constraints helping to reveal hidden clinically relevant patterns in tabular patient records. This augmented representation is then reshaped into a structured sequence and passed through a CNN to capture higher-order feature interactions. Furthermore, a multitask learning strategy optimally trains the model to simultaneously optimally reconstruct and classify disease, ultimately improving the model's generalization capability and predictive stability. The proposed framework has been successfully validated through ten-fold cross-validation with a benchmark dataset established for predicting heart disease. The experimental results demonstrated that the framework produced a classification accuracy of 92%; the proposed framework exceeds both traditional machine learning methods and each of the individual neural networks used previously by other authors. Furthermore, statistical method analysis showed that the improvement seen with the proposed framework was statistically significant. Additionally, the explainability analysis identified risk factors that are clinically relevant for predicting the outcome of the model and will therefore enhance transparency and clinical confidence. The proposed method provides a scalable, easy to understand, and clinically relevant way of detecting Early Heart Disease (CVD) and supporting decisions related to it.
Abdul Adamu, Adeola Oladapo Ojo, Ahmed A. Ibrahim, Blessing T. Abecan, Coker O. Victor, Duru John Chikwendu, Gabriel A. Sotade, Jegede A. Olorunbi, Oju Sunday Agboola, Olusegun Abel Oyinwola, Paulina Suleman, Rilwan A. Ajibade, Victor A. C. Biodun
Appraisal of the roles of youth in nation building is a major issues in any given community. The paper is to identify the indices of nation building in order to facilitate youth readiness to achieve them. This study is analyzed based on the inadequate financing by the government to the youth in nation building. The quantitative data were collected through questionnaire and interview conducted because of the need to look for commonly held attribute and to cover a large proportion in order to capture variation. Twelve (12) in-depth interviews were conducted in order to generate data from prominent politicians in the areas of study. Also, youth play a vital role or attribute in order to build or develop a nation. Recommendation based on the findings are; nation should invest in human capital of their society (especially the youth) by way of sound quality and affordable education. Parents, teachers, and government should provide avenue for youth to develop their potentials. Education and training should also be given.
Bagaloyos, Joy B., Barquilla, Manuel B., Coronado, Wenceslao A, Dadole, Ringo R., Duyaguit, Ma. Cristina L, Mariquit, Claire Joy G, Nabua, Edna B., Paňares, Nick C, Salic, Monera H.
Critical thinking is a core competency emphasized in senior high school science education. However, its relationship with academic performance remains inconclusive in local contexts. This study examined the levels of critical thinking skills and Biology achievement among STEM senior high school learners and determined the relationship between these two variables. This quantitative study used researcher-modified test and survey questionnaires and were participated by 269 senior high school learners from both public and private schools. Results showed that only 13% of learners demonstrated high levels of critical thinking skills, while the majority were classified as average (43%) or low (43%), indicating limited higher-order reasoning proficiency among most learners. In terms of Biology achievement, most students performed at a Satisfactory level (59.90%), followed by Very Satisfactory (19.00%), with only a minimal proportion attaining Outstanding performance (0.40%). A notable 20.80% of learners did not meet academic expectations. Pearson product-moment correlation analysis revealed a very weak and non-significant relationship between critical thinking skills and Biology achievement (r = 0.058, p = 0.342), suggesting that critical thinking did not significantly predict academic performance in General Biology 2. The findings imply that Biology achievement may be more strongly influenced by instructional practices, assessment methods, and contextual factors than by critical thinking skills alone. The study underscores the need to align teaching strategies and assessment practices with curriculum goals to ensure that the development of critical thinking is meaningfully reflected in academic outcomes among learners.
Bagaloyos, Joy B., Barquilla, Manuel B., Coronado, Wenceslao A., Dadole, Ringo R., Duyaguit, Ma. Cristina L., Mariquit, Claire Joy G., Nabua, Edna B., Paňares, Nick C., Salic, Monera H.
Critical thinking is a core competency emphasized in senior high school science education. However, its relationship with academic performance remains inconclusive in local contexts. This study examined the levels of critical thinking skills and Biology achievement among STEM senior high school learners and determined the relationship between these two variables. This quantitative study used researcher-modified test and survey questionnaires and were participated by 269 senior high school learners from both public and private schools. Results showed that only 13% of learners demonstrated high levels of critical thinking skills, while the majority were classified as average (43%) or low (43%), indicating limited higher-order reasoning proficiency among most learners. In terms of Biology achievement, most students performed at a Satisfactory level (59.90%), followed by Very Satisfactory (19.00%), with only a minimal proportion attaining Outstanding performance (0.40%). A notable 20.80% of learners did not meet academic expectations. Pearson product-moment correlation analysis revealed a very weak and non-significant relationship between critical thinking skills and Biology achievement (r = 0.058, p = 0.342), suggesting that critical thinking did not significantly predict academic performance in General Biology 2. The findings imply that Biology achievement may be more strongly influenced by instructional practices, assessment methods, and contextual factors than by critical thinking skills alone. The study underscores the need to align teaching strategies and assessment practices with curriculum goals to ensure that the development of critical thinking is meaningfully reflected in academic outcomes among learners.
Abraham, Atakpa Daniel Akoh, Chinanuife, Emmanuel, Idoko Eleojo Jeremiah, Inegbenehi Augustine Paul, Yakubu Suleiman
Globally, countries have adopted budget deficit as a means of improving the economy. However, the concern of many Nigerians as regard to budget deficit is on whether the upsurge of Budget deficit has contributed to the growth of Nigeria economy. This study examines budget deficit and economic growth: an empirical analysis of the real sectors’ performance in Nigeria. The objectives were to examine the effect of budget deficit on the agricultural sector, the industrial sector and the service sector contribution to economic growth. The study applied Generalised Method of Moment (GMM)model on secondary data from the period of 1981 to 2023 and the lags of the dependent variable were used as instruments. Augmented Dickey-Fuller unit root test was used to ensure the stationarity of the variables and bound test approach was used to ensure the existence of long run association among the variables in the model. The findings revealed that budget deficit crowds-out agricultural, industrial and service contributions to economic growth in the short run while in the long run, budget deficit crowds-out agricultural and service sectors contribution to economic growth. Also, the study shows that external debt crowds-in agricultural, industrial and service sectors contribution to economic growth in the long run. The institutional quality variable included shows that increase in corruption index increases industrial contribution to economic growth only in the long run. Exchange rate depreciation was found to favour industrial sector contribution to economic growth. The study therefore recommends that should endeavour to reduce budget deficit and whenever budget deficit occurs, measures should be adopted to cushion the short run effect of budget deficit on agricultural, industrial and service sector contribution to economic growth.
Dr Tafara Marazi
The study of marriage and weddings in Africa today necessitates a multidimensional approach that considers historical antecedents, cultural diversity, economic influence, legal frameworks, and the impact of global cultural flows. With Africa housing over 3,000 distinct ethnic groups and languages, marital practices are far from being homogenous. They are deeply embedded in specific social, ethnic, and religious traditions (Isiugo-Abanihe, 2020; Nwoye, 2019). There is growing evidence of convergence toward shared practices influenced by postmodernism and digital culture (Alhassan & Kwakwa, 2023). The article explores these dimensions in depth, examining how African societies are negotiating the evolving meanings and functions of marriage and weddings in the 21st century. The article begins by offering a historical overview of African marital traditions, then systematically unpacks the cultural, religious, economic, legal, and technological dimensions that shape marriage and wedding practices across different African regions in the 21st century. The article draws on recent scholarly literature and case studies to demonstrate both persistent cultural tenets and emerging transformations.
Adah Patrick Eneojo, Adah William Arome, Dr Emmanuel Bola Jonah K, Dr Hadiya Ismail, Fatimat Mohammed, Odaudu Deborah Anewn, Olorunmaiye Theophilus
Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) is a systems-based, Kaizen-inspired approach that strengthens Primary Health Care (PHC) through iterative Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles, routine data use, and stakeholder engagement. In Kogi State, Nigeria, a cross-sectional mixed-methods assessment of n=96 PHC facilities applied epidemiologic and implementation science methods to identify determinant risk factors for CQI performance. Data sources included IMPACT RISS supervision reports, DHIS2 extracts, and program documents (2023–2025), analyzed using chi-square tests, Pearson correlations, logistic regression, multilevel mixed-effects models, and MANOVA. Facility readiness was operationalized as a composite index of WASH, power, and cold-chain infrastructure was strongly correlated with immunization coverage (r = 0.62), and each 10-point increase in readiness raised the odds of high CQI uptake by ~35% (aOR ≈ 1.35). Cold-chain failure nearly doubled zero-dose risk (RR ≈ 1.90; aOR ≈ 1.8), functioning as a critical control point in the CQI pathway. Workforce stability, proxied by staff accommodation, was associated with a two-fold increase in CQI uptake (aOR ≈ 2.05), reinforcing its role as a sustaining factor. Process innovations such as geo-tagged supervision (aOR ≈ 1.6) and settlement-level monitoring emerged as mediators that translated readiness into improved service delivery. Environmental risk (aOR ≈ 0.70) and LGA-level clustering (ICC ≈ 0.16) moderated CQI effectiveness, highlighting the importance of context in shaping outcomes. These findings support a causal logic in which structural readiness enables process improvements, workforce stability sustains gains, and socio-ecological alignment enhances resilience. The study’s Theory of Change posits that CQI success is conditional on the interaction between readiness, process fidelity, and contextual adaptation. Translating these coefficients into program targets such as cold-chain uptime, staff retention, and geo-tagged supervision coverage can guide scalable, equity-focused CQI strategies. Institutionalizing the data-to-action loop, embedding environmental risk into microplanning, and formalizing PDSA cycles at the facility level are essential for sustaining improvements. This study offers a replicable framework for implementing Kaizen-based CQI in PHC systems across similar low-resource settings.
Jecelyn Sanchez, Lyndon Bermoy
Improper household waste segregation remains a persistent challenge that undermines recycling efficiency and sustainable solid waste management, particularly in urban communities. This study presents the development and evaluation of SegreSmart, an AI-enabled mobile application designed to improve household waste segregation behavior through real-time waste identification and actionable disposal guidance. Guided by a design-and-development research framework, the system integrates image-based artificial intelligence, a user-centered mobile interface, and behavioral analytics to support informed segregation decisions at the point of disposal. The application was evaluated using a quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test design involving urban household participants over a four-week intervention period. Behavioral outcomes were assessed in terms of segregation accuracy, frequency of correct segregation, and perceived behavioral control, complemented by system usage logs and AI performance metrics. Results indicated significant improvements across all behavioral indicators following the intervention, with users demonstrating higher accuracy and consistency in waste segregation and increased confidence in waste classification decisions. The AI model achieved high classification accuracy under real-world conditions, while the human-in-the-loop design, incorporating confidence indicators and manual overrides, enhanced user trust and learning. High usability and acceptance ratings further confirmed that the application was intuitive and suitable for routine household use. Overall, the findings demonstrate that Segre Smart is a functional, usable, and data-driven mobile intervention capable of supporting positive behavioral change in household waste segregation. The study contributes empirical evidence on the effectiveness of AI-enabled mobile applications as decision-support tools for sustainable household waste management. It provides a foundation for future large-scale deployment and longitudinal evaluation.
Jaffry B. Zakaria, Mohamad Azizul B. Mohamed Afandi, Omar Firdaus B. Mohd Said, Yasir Mohammed Said Al-Fathi
This study examines the key challenges faced by 13 Omani sports federations in promoting sustainability through SDGs 3, 4, 5, 8, 11, and 16 within the framework of Oman Vision 2040. Using a qualitative approach, researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with 13 officials from these federations and analyzed the data with Atlas.ti software through content analysis. The findings reveal significant barriers, including inadequate coordination and fragmented governance among stakeholders such as sports federations, the Ministry of Health, and the private sector; limited collaboration with the Ministry of Education and educational institutions; and a pronounced gender gap in participation, leadership, and program development. Contributing factors to this gap include underrepresentation of women in decision-making, restricted opportunities for female coaches and referees, and persistent cultural and structural obstacles. Financial instability, insufficient infrastructure, weak governance, and a lack of sustainability-focused strategies further hinder progress. Additionally, ineffective coordination with governmental bodies and local communities in urban planning and green space management highlights the need for structured policies, robust partnerships, and enhanced collaboration among federations, government entities, and civil society. To overcome these challenges, the study recommends that Omani sports federations strengthen governance, foster cross-sector collaboration, promote gender inclusion, invest in infrastructure, and develop clear sustainability strategies to fully realize sport’s potential in achieving the SDGs and Oman Vision 2040.
Jaffry B. Zakaria, Mohamad Azizul B. Mohamed Afandi, Omar Firdaus B. Mohd Said, Yasir Mohammed Said Al-Fathi
This study examines the key challenges faced by 13 Omani sports federations in promoting sustainability through SDGs 3, 4, 5, 8, 11, and 16 within the framework of Oman Vision 2040. Using a qualitative approach, researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with 13 officials from these federations and analyzed the data with Atlas.ti software through content analysis. The findings reveal significant barriers, including inadequate coordination and fragmented governance among stakeholders such as sports federations, the Ministry of Health, and the private sector; limited collaboration with the Ministry of Education and educational institutions; and a pronounced gender gap in participation, leadership, and program development. Contributing factors to this gap include underrepresentation of women in decision-making, restricted opportunities for female coaches and referees, and persistent cultural and structural obstacles. Financial instability, insufficient infrastructure, weak governance, and a lack of sustainability-focused strategies further hinder progress. Additionally, ineffective coordination with governmental bodies and local communities in urban planning and green space management highlights the need for structured policies, robust partnerships, and enhanced collaboration among federations, government entities, and civil society. To overcome these challenges, the study recommends that Omani sports federations strengthen governance, foster cross-sector collaboration, promote gender inclusion, invest in infrastructure, and develop clear sustainability strategies to fully realize sport’s potential in achieving the SDGs and Oman Vision 2040.
G. Shiyamala, M. Maghimaa, Prakash Balu, S. Selvakumar
Cissus quadrangularis salt (Pirandai uppu) is a traditional Siddha formulation widely used for gastrointestinal, inflammatory, and bone-related disorders, yet scientific validation remains limited. This study aimed to standardize and evaluate the formulation through physicochemical characterization, phytochemical profiling, chromatographic analysis, and assessment of antibacterial and antioxidant activities. The salt was prepared using traditional incineration and aqueous extraction methods. Physicochemical parameters such as pH, solubility, and water-soluble ash content were determined, while qualitative phytochemical screening and thin-layer chromatography (TLC) were employed for bioactive profiling. Antibacterial activity was assessed against clinically relevant intestinal pathogens using the agar well diffusion method, and antioxidant potential was evaluated using the DPPH free radical scavenging assay. The formulation exhibited a strongly alkaline pH (10.3) and high water-soluble ash content (92%), indicating enhanced mineral bioavailability. Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, saponins, and cardiac glycosides. The salt demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant Shigella dysenteriae and Proteus spp. and showed strong antioxidant activity (90.45% DPPH inhibition; IC₅₀ = 23.28 µg/mL). These findings scientifically support the traditional use of Pirandai uppu and provide baseline data for quality control and further investigations.
Criselda Alamo-Tonelada
This study examined the quality of front office services of selected hotels in Tarlac City using the SERVQUAL model. Specifically, it aimed to: (1) describe the profile of selected hotels in terms of selected operational characteristics; (2) assess hotel guests’ expectations and perceptions of front office service quality across the dimensions of tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy; and (3) determine the service quality gaps between guests’ expectations and perceived service performance. A descriptive research design was employed. The respondents consisted of 100 hotel guests from four purposively selected hotels in Tarlac City. Data were collected using a structured SERVQUAL-based questionnaire that measured both expectations and perceptions of front office services. Descriptive statistical tools, including frequency distribution, weighted mean, and SERVQUAL gap analysis, were used to analyze the data. Results revealed that guests’ expectations exceeded their perceptions across all five SERVQUAL dimensions, with responsiveness and reliability exhibiting the largest negative gaps. This indicates delays in service delivery and inconsistencies in fulfilling service commitments, while smaller gaps in tangibility, assurance, and empathy suggest generally satisfactory but improvable front office performance. The study concludes that front office services of selected hotels in Tarlac City require continuous improvement to fully meet guest expectations. The novelty of this study lies in its focused application of the SERVQUAL model to front office operations in a developing city context, providing department-specific insights that support more targeted service quality improvements.
Criselda Alamo-Tonelada
This study examined the quality of front office services of selected hotels in Tarlac City using the SERVQUAL model. Specifically, it aimed to: (1) describe the profile of selected hotels in terms of selected operational characteristics; (2) assess hotel guests’ expectations and perceptions of front office service quality across the dimensions of tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy; and (3) determine the service quality gaps between guests’ expectations and perceived service performance. A descriptive research design was employed. The respondents consisted of 100 hotel guests from four purposively selected hotels in Tarlac City. Data were collected using a structured SERVQUAL-based questionnaire that measured both expectations and perceptions of front office services. Descriptive statistical tools, including frequency distribution, weighted mean, and SERVQUAL gap analysis, were used to analyze the data. Results revealed that guests’ expectations exceeded their perceptions across all five SERVQUAL dimensions, with responsiveness and reliability exhibiting the largest negative gaps. This indicates delays in service delivery and inconsistencies in fulfilling service commitments, while smaller gaps in tangibility, assurance, and empathy suggest generally satisfactory but improvable front office performance. The study concludes that front office services of selected hotels in Tarlac City require continuous improvement to fully meet guest expectations. The novelty of this study lies in its focused application of the SERVQUAL model to front office operations in a developing city context, providing department-specific insights that support more targeted service quality improvements.
Jayeola Amoke Latifat, Joseph Oluwapelumi, Kate Katemboh, Mike Taiyese, Toyin Niyi Folurunsho
This study investigates the impact of portfolio management on the profitability of deposit money banks in Nigeria, with a specific focus on how key portfolio components influence financial performance measured by Return on Assets (ROA). Effective portfolio management is essential for banking institutions operating in volatile economic environments, as it determines their ability to balance risk and return while maintaining financial stability. The study adopts an ex post facto research design and relies on secondary data extracted from the audited annual reports of selected deposit money banks listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group. The sample comprises three major banks, namely Zenith Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank, and Access Bank, covering the period from 2017 to 2023. Portfolio management is proxied by investments in government securities, investment in subsidiaries, loans and advances, and dues from other financial institutions, while control variables include consumer price index and non-performing loans. Regression analysis is employed to examine the impact of portfolio management on bank profitability. The empirical findings reveal that investments in government securities and subsidiaries exert a positive and statistically significant effect on return on assets, indicating that well-managed low-risk and diversification-oriented investments enhance bank profitability. Conversely, loans and advances, non-performing loans, and inflation exhibit negative effects on profitability, highlighting the adverse role of credit risk and macroeconomic pressures. The study concludes that effective portfolio composition and prudent credit risk management are critical for improving bank performance. It recommends that deposit money banks strengthen portfolio diversification strategies, optimize investment in government securities and subsidiaries, and enhance credit risk management frameworks to sustain profitability and long-term financial stability.
Dr. Mahmood Mawlood Khalaf Almashhadani
Theater and politics are historically and socially connected to each other, politics is practically theatrical, and Theater has always been colored with Politics throughout the changing of the political movements. Both of these fields had been originated from the same fundamental sources which are (power and persuasion). They are completely different expressions of the same concept, and this can be seen in the shared (Theatrical-Political) focus on argument. Theater and Politics have the same target, which is "convincing people" and lead them to certain conclusions. Politics and Theater focus on getting people to believe what the speaker is saying. The speaker of Theater or Politics requires his audience to believe in his character and the world he creates. The politician, requires his followers to trust in his decisions, and delegate the authority to him. In this way, Politics and Theater are both principally regarded as tools of Persuasion, a functions of the power one person has in relation to his audiences. As representation of the power , Theater gives the permission for experimentation in human relationships, or an examination of the society and the power relationships contained within it. Theatre can be a tool for illuminating what the power structures exist now, or arguing for which structures should exist. By revisiting the theatre's history with a view informed in political theory, i attempt to outline the changing impacts implied by different theatrical movements throughout the development of English Theater. Unlike other kinds of literature, the result of the examination of the power through the use of theatre relies on what the spectators received from a piece of theatrical work and give this piece the capacity to be a useful political experience. One act of theatrical play can have a multitude messages and discoveries of power that are worth pursuing. Theater can fulfill this function by allowing the participants to live through whatever power struggle can be imagined and learn something about power through the experience. Audiences of the theater also live vicariously through the performers, and have some knowledge as well.
Daissa May Pagunsan-Fadriquela, MA, Dr. Iver Glenn U. Felix
Background: Adolescent mental health is a growing global concern, yet access to professional care is severely limited in many low- and middle-income countries, including the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). With a profound shortage of school counselors and mental health professionals, teachers are often the de facto frontline for identifying and supporting students in distress. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a low-resource, task-shifting mental health literacy program for secondary school teachers in Vientiane Capital. Methods: A quasi-experimental, mixed-methods design was employed. Eighty teachers from 20 secondary schools were recruited; 40 teachers from 10 schools received a culturally adapted, 5-module Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)-inspired training (intervention group), while 40 teachers from 10 matched schools served as a waitlist control. Quantitative data were collected at pre-test, post-test, and 3-month follow-up using validated scales to assess mental health knowledge, stigmatizing attitudes, and self-efficacy in providing support. Qualitative data were gathered through post-intervention focus group discussions to explore feasibility, acceptability, and perceived challenges. As a process measure, student disciplinary and referral records were tracked. Results: The intervention group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in mental health knowledge, reductions in social distance stigma, and increased self-efficacy from pre-test to post-test, with effects sustained at the 3-month follow-up, compared to the control group. Qualitative analysis revealed three major themes: (1) Empowerment Through Knowledge and Skills, (2) Navigating Cultural Contexts and Systemic Barriers, and (3) The Emergence of a Supportive School Environment. School records indicated a 25% increase in documented student referrals for psychosocial or behavioral concerns in intervention schools in the three months post-training (a process outcome indicating increased detection), compared to a negligible 2% change in control schools over the same period. Direct student mental health outcomes were not assessed.