60 Articles
Advocate Mudit Agnihotri, Assistant Professor Ramangi Pandey, Dr. Sanchita Agarwal
India’s tribal communities have lived in harmony with forests for centuries, relying on them not just for survival but also for cultural identity and livelihood. Yet, despite strong constitutional safeguards, these communities continue to face challenges such as displacement, poverty, and limited access to fair markets—especially in the case of Minor Forest Produce (MFP). In this context, the ideas of constitutional morality and judicial activism have become important instruments of justice. Constitutional morality ensures that governance is guided by the values of equality, dignity, and justice, while judicial activism ensures that these values are actively enforced when institutions fail. This paper explores how these two concepts together have shaped the protection of tribal rights in India. It also examines how sustainable marketing of Minor Forest Produce can improve tribal livelihoods and reduce exploitation. The study argues that true transformation in the social arena requires not only legal recognition but also economic empowerment through inclusive governance systems
Cihan bedel, Fatih Selvi, ökkeŞ ZORTUK, Resmiye Nur Okudan
Background: Febrile neutropenia (FN) is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication in patients undergoing chemotherapy, associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and healthcare burden. Over the past two decades, research in this field has expanded considerably, reflecting advances in oncology and supportive care. Bibliometric analysis provides a systematic approach to evaluating the structure and evolution of scientific literature. Objective: This study aimed to analyze global research trends, key contributors, and emerging themes in febrile neutropenia using bibliometric methods.
Karthick Rajapandiyan, Sridhar L
The contemporary digital health environment features an abundance of applications and wearable technologies capable of monitoring a wide array of physiological parameters, including cardiac activity, energy expenditure, sleep architecture, stress levels, and critical vital signs such as ECG, SpO₂, and body temperature. However, specialized instruments, exemplified by LCM for respiratory symptom surveillance like cough, typically function in isolation from broader health tracking ecosystems. This technological proliferation has paradoxically created a significant lacuna in the integration of these disparate data sources into a cohesive, publicly accessible, and user-friendly platform. This paper presents a novel framework designed to address this challenge by employing Generative AI (GenAI) to synchronize data from discrete cough monitoring tools with wearable health device datasets. Through GenAI's capacity for multimodal data analysis, the system can discern intricate patterns and correlations between respiratory symptoms and other physiological metrics, thereby facilitating the early detection of nascent health conditions. The proposed solution is engineered to demystify health data interpretation for non-expert users by generating personalized, localized summaries and actionable insights. This integrated approach not only augments the accuracy of health assessments but also empowers individuals to exercise informed agency over their well-being. The framework holds substantial promises for advancing chronic disease management, expediting illness detection, bolstering preventive care, and informing post-care decisions, fostering a unified, intelligent, adaptive, and accessible paradigm for health monitoring [21]
Dr Pushpalata Patil, Gauri Khandve, Srushti Bhujbal, Yash Chaudhari
This project is about how to improve customer satisfaction in medical stores. Medical stores are very important because people depend on them for medicines and health products. When customers are happy, they trust the store and come back again. Customer satisfaction depends on many things like availability of medicines, behavior of staff, waiting time, price, and cleanliness of the store. If medicines are not available or staff behave badly, customers feel unhappy. This report explains simple ways to improve customer satisfaction. Medical stores should always keep important medicines in stock. Staff should be polite, helpful, and have basic knowledge about medicines. Waiting time should be less, and billing should be fast. Clean and well-organized stores also create a good impression. The report also suggests using technology like digital payments, online orders, and home delivery services. These make shopping easier for customers. Feedback from customers is also important to understand their needs and improve services. If medical stores focus on good service and customer needs, they can make customers happy, build trust, and grow their business successfully.
Dr. Priyanka Singh Jadon, Dr. Santosh Mishra
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play an essential role in economic development by supporting employment generation and income creation. However, limited access to formal finance often restricts their ability to grow and remain sustainable. Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) provide financial support to MSMEs that are unable to access traditional banking services. This study aims to analyze the effect of MFI funding on MSME performance with respect to business growth, profitability, employment creation, financial stability, and sustainability. The research is based on both primary and secondary data collected from MSME owners who have received microfinance support. The study seeks to understand whether microfinance funding contributes positively to business performance and long-term stability. The findings of this research are expected to be useful for policymakers, financial institutions, and entrepreneurs in improving financial inclusion and strengthening MSME development.
Dr. Dhiraj Saxena
This study presents a comprehensive investigation of the AC conductivity and dielectric behaviour of PDMS-PZT composites over a wide frequency range. The electrical response of the material system exhibits strong frequency dependence, characteristic of disordered polymeric structures and heterogeneous composites. The AC conductivity analysis reveals a transition from frequency-independent DC conduction at low frequencies to dispersive AC conduction at higher frequencies, which is well described by Jonscher’s universal power law. The observed power-law exponent suggests that the dominant conduction mechanism is governed by correlated barrier hopping (CBH), indicating thermally activated charge carrier transport between localized states. The dielectric properties of the system further support this conduction mechanism. The dielectric constant shows high values at low frequencies due to pronounced interfacial polarization arising from the Maxwell–Wagner–Sillars (MWS) effect, which originates from charge accumulation at interfaces with contrasting electrical properties. As the frequency increases, a gradual decrease in dielectric constant is observed due to the inability of dipolar and interfacial polarization mechanisms to follow the rapidly varying electric field. The dielectric loss behaviour demonstrates significant energy dissipation at lower frequencies, primarily due to electrode polarization and charge carrier migration, while reduced losses at higher frequencies indicate improved dielectric stability. The presence of broad relaxation peaks confirms non-Debye type relaxation, suggesting a distribution of relaxation times within the material system. Furthermore, a strong correlation between AC conductivity and dielectric loss highlights the coupled nature of charge transport and polarization phenomena. The incorporation of ceramic fillers such as PZT into the PDMS matrix enhances both conductivity and dielectric response by introducing additional interfacial regions and facilitating charge hopping pathways. Overall, the combined experimental and theoretical analysis provides valuable insights into the complex electrical behaviour of PDMS-based composites, making them promising candidates for applications in flexible electronics, capacitive sensors, and dielectric energy storage devices.
Suju C. Joseph
The Nuclear Overhauser Effect (NOE) remains one of the most insightful phenomena in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy for probing through-space spin–spin interactions. Its two-dimensional implementation, Nuclear Overhauser Effect Spectroscopy (NOESY), revolutionized molecular structure determination by allowing spatial correlation mapping at the atomic level. In recent decades, NOE-based methods have evolved from qualitative distance probes to quantitative tools integrated with computational modeling, dynamic analysis, and supramolecular chemistry. This research-oriented review consolidates theoretical foundations, modern experimental innovations, and emerging hybrid approaches combining NOE with hyperpolarization, relaxation dispersion, and molecular dynamics simulations. Emphasis is placed on the current research challenges, methodological improvements, and future opportunities for NOE-based spectroscopy in structural biology, materials science, and molecular engineering.
Linda Thornhill
Artificial intelligence is increasingly deployed in human resource management to enhance candidate selection and streamline recruitment processes. However, significant questions remain regarding the reliability and consistency of artificial intelligence-driven interview systems compared to traditional human resource management evaluations. Given the potential for intentional or unintentional bias in AI algorithms, there is a critical need to evaluate whether electronic interview systems produce candidate selections comparable to those of human evaluators when assessing a shared applicant pool. This research employs a comparative evaluation methodology to assess multiple electronic human resource information systems (HRIS) and their effectiveness in candidate selection. A comparison of the top 10 selections generated by various AI-driven interview platforms with those made by experienced human resource managers was conducted using a standardized pool of candidates. I examine the degree of overlap in candidate rankings and analyze patterns of disparity that may indicate systemic bias or inconsistency in artificial intelligence algorithms.
Damata Mohammed Yakubu, Dr. Mohammed Ali
The present study critically assessed artificial intelligence (AI) in nutrition science and dietetics for maternal and child health, focusing on the balance between innovation and ethical issues. A systematic narrative review of 50 peer-reviewed studies published between 2020 and 2026 was conducted across multiple databases. Results: Accuracy, scalability, and predictive ability of AI applications for dietary assessment, personalized nutrition guidance, and public health surveillance were significantly increased. Meanwhile, new ethical and equity challenges emerged, such as data privacy issues, algorithmic bias, inequitable access in low- and middle-income countries, and professional displacement. We found research gaps in long-term evidence, Low and Middle Income Country-specific datasets, as well as ethical frameworks. AI has the potential to drive better maternal and child health outcomes, but its responsible adoption depends on governance, inclusion, and professional accountability; the study concludes. Key recommendations include strengthening governance of data through global health agencies, addressing bias at research institutions, expanding digital infrastructure through development banks, securing professional roles through dietetic associations, and encouraging longitudinal research underwritten by international research councils. Limitations are restricted to English-language studies from 2020-26 and a narrative synthesis instead of a meta-analysis, leading to less generalizability.
Avwiri. G.O., Chad Umoren, Y. E., Chukwuemeka, S. O.
This study evaluates the activity concentrations of naturally occurring radionuclides (40K, 226Ra, and 232Th) and associated radiological hazard indices in water, soil, and sediment samples collected from the vicinity of God’s Little Tannery. The mean concentrations in water were 30.134 ± 10.959 Bq/kg for 40K, 27.464 ± 16.175 Bq/kg for 226Ra, and 26.002 ± 11.621 Bq/kg for 232Th. Soil samples recorded higher values with mean concentrations of 260.942 Bq/kg for 40K, 16.644 ± 6.833 Bq/kg for 226Ra, and 39.536 ± 7.445 Bq/kg for 232Th. Sediments showed moderate levels. Radiological hazard parameters such as absorbed dose rate, radium equivalent activity, external hazard index (Hex), internal hazard index (Hin), annual gonadal dose equivalent (AGDE), excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR), and committed effective dose were evaluated. The mean absorbed dose rates were 29.650 nGy/h (water), 42.450 nGy/h (soil), and 21.789 nGy/h (sediment). The calculated hazard indices (Hex and Hin) for all samples were below the recommended limit of unity, indicating minimal radiological risk. Additionally, ELCR values were below the UNSCEAR recommended threshold, suggesting no significant long-term cancer risk to the exposed population. However, the relatively higher radionuclide concentrations in soil compared to water and sediment indicate possible accumulation from industrial activities. Continuous monitoring is recommended to ensure environmental safety and public health protection.
Christian Dave A. Balasa, Helbert D. Benjamin, Leoname B. Gonzales
This descriptive- qualitative research was conducted with the aim of identifying the key barriers that hinder learners from accessing and attaining effective education. Purposive sampling was employed to select the participants from public elementary schools located in a geographically challenged area. Data were gathered through interviews and were analyzed through thematic analysis to extract recurring patterns and significant insights. Findings revealed that deterrents to quality elementary education include textbook shortage, low Socio-economic Status (SES), low parental education, learners’ negative attitude towards studies, and school location issues. Actions taken to overcome such deterrents include resorting to digital mobilization, engaging in sideline jobs, creating engaging learning experiences, building strong support systems, engaging in self-care practices, and practicing positive thinking, resourcefulness, adaptability, and resilience. The study concludes that these deterrents are interconnected and require comprehensive, multi- stakeholder interventions to promote inclusive and quality education. Hence, a Strategic Intervention Program is proposed to mitigate, if not eradicate, the identified deterrents and promote a more inclusive, equitable, and high-quality public elementary education system.
Anastasiah Nyamilu Kimeu, Felistus Nthambi Muinde, Ronald Obwoge
Background: Cadaveric dissection remains central to anatomy education, offering tactile and spatial understanding that builds student confidence. While widely used globally, access to cadavers varies by resources and culture. In Africa, support for cadaveric dissection is strong despite the constraints. Emerging tools like VR and 3D models increasingly complement dissection, creating a balanced, hybrid approach to effective training. Methods: A mixed-methods cross-sectional study was conducted among 260 students and 13 lecturers across multiple campuses. Quantitative data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using SPSS version 30 for descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Qualitative data were obtained through key informant interviews and were analysed thematically. Results: Most students (51.2%) reported participating in cadaveric dissection once per semester, although overall use was perceived as infrequent (78.1%). The majority (83.1%) considered cadaveric dissection very important for learning anatomy, citing benefits such as hands-on understanding, improved critical thinking, and enhanced knowledge retention. While awareness of alternative teaching methods was moderate, 53.8% of respondents preferred cadaveric dissection over these methods. Lecturers similarly reported limited but essential use of cadaveric dissection. Regression analysis showed a weak and non-significant relationship between study variables and participation in dissection (R²=0.048, p=0.084). Conclusions: Cadaveric dissection is underutilised but remains a critical and preferred method for teaching anatomy. Expanding its use, improving infrastructure, and integrating complementary teaching methods may enhance the quality and effectiveness of anatomy education.
Charles Roland Haruna, Edmund Ofei Ayeh, Kwame Opuni-Boachie Obour Agyekum, Maame Gyamfua Asante-Mensah, Obed Tettey Nartey, Pius Kwao Gadosey
Deep learning models remain susceptible to adversarial attacks, posing serious risks in safety-critical applications such as autonomous driving and medical diagnosis. This study introduces the Certified Robustness Differential Privacy (CRDP) framework, which integrates differential privacy (DP) with ensemble adversarial training to enhance robustness while preserving accuracy. CRDP employs DP noise mechanisms (Laplace and Gaussian) and dynamic adversarial mixing, optimizing the robustness-accuracy trade-off through principled noise calibration. Experiments on CIFAR-10 and MNIST demonstrate that the ensemble model achieves 99.12% accuracy under adversarial attack at ε = 0.5, surpassing single-model baselines by 1.84 percentage points. CRDP further attains a certified accuracy of 80% using Laplace noise (ε = 0.5), outperforming Gaussian noise alternatives under equivalent privacy budgets. Projected Gradient Descent (PGD)-based adversarial training additionally enhances resilience against iterative attacks. These findings confirm the advantage of Laplace noise in strengthening certified security guarantees while maintaining competitive model performance. This work unifies theoretical privacy guarantees with empirical validation, providing actionable strategies for deploying robust deep learning models in adversarial environments.
Anasooya S, Mr. Praveen S Kamath
Interaction (HCI) increasingly relies on multimodal interfaces that combine voice and gesture recognition to support natural and intuitive communication. However, most existing systems emphasize recognition accuracy and modality fusion while largely ignoring the user’s internal cognitive state. As a result, interaction breakdowns often occur when interfaces become cognitively demanding, leading to user frustration and reduced usability. This paper proposes a cognitive effort–aware HCI framework that adapts multimodal interaction strategies in real time based on inferred user mental workload. Cognitive effort is estimated using short-term behavioral cues, including speech pauses, command repetition, response latency, and gesture hesitation, and classified into low, medium, or high effort states. Based on this inference, the interaction layer dynamically adjusts interface complexity, modality prioritization, and feedback mechanisms to reduce mental strain. Experimental evaluation compares the proposed adaptive approach with static multimodal interfaces using task performance metrics and subjective workload assessment. Results indicate that incorporating cognitive effort as a design parameter improves interaction robustness, usability, and accessibility across diverse application domains, including automotive systems and assistive technologies.
Dr. Aparnaa Upadhyaya, Mary Grace Hilario
Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is a common clinical condition characterized by short, sharp pain arising from exposed dentin in response to thermal, tactile, osmotic, or chemical stimuli. Numerous desensitizing agents have been introduced to manage this condition, yet their comparative effectiveness remains unclear. This systematic review evaluates the clinical performance and mechanisms of action of commonly used desensitizing agents, including potassium nitrate, stannous fluoride, arginine calcium carbonate, nano hydroxyapatite, resin based sealants, and laser therapy.
Frederick Ngwangusem Yangnyi, Martin Adavize Bello, Sr. Dr. Ngozi Elizabeth Okpalaenwe
Grounded on Self-Determination Theory and Psychospiritual Theory, this study examined the relationship between Competition and Psychospiritual Well-Being among early-career priests, using an embedded mixed-methods design. A census approach was employed targeting 91 early career priests, of whom 52 participated in the quantitative phase. Data were collected using the Hypercompetitive Attitude Scale and Psychospiritual Well-Being Scale. Qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interviews with eight early career priests to provide in depth experiences. Pearson Correlation analysis showed a weak, negative and non-significant correlation between competition and psychospiritual well-being (r = -0.140, p = 0.321). Despite the statistically non-significant association, the qualitative findings indicated that experiences of comparison and subtle competition existed but were mediated through spiritual practices, community life and adaptive coping mechanisms. These findings suggest that psychospiritual well-being among early career priests may be sustained by internalizing spiritual resources and formation structures that mitigate potential effects of competition. This study contributes to the growing body of research on priests’ well-being by illuminating the complex interplay between psychosocial dynamics and spiritual integration. Implications for priestly formation and on-going pastoral support are discussed. Given the modest quantitative sample and the non-significant statistical association, the findings should be read as exploratory rather than conclusive. The qualitative strand strengthens the interpretation by explaining how spiritual practices, vocation-centred identity and communal support may buffer the potentially harmful effects of competition.
Isuru Anuraga Sri Kuruppu, Saravanapavan Nasiketha
The rapid evolution of autonomous vehicle (AV) technology has the potential to revolutionize the transportation industry, offering increased safety, efficiency, and accessibility. This thorough analysis explores the contemporary developments that are influencing the evolution of autonomous vehicles (AVs), such as breakthroughs in sensor technology, artificial intelligence, and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication. But even with these advancements, there are still a lot of challengers to overcome, like legal restrictions, moral dilemmas, and technological constraints. In addition to providing insights into the future trajectory of autonomous vehicle technology, this study attempts to present a comprehensive review of these emerging trends and problems, highlighting important areas for future research and development.
Dr. Shashi Shekhar Vidyarthi, Somaila Ambreen
Nonlinear acoustic wave propagation in high-velocity fluids is a complex phenomenon influenced by the combined effects of nonlinearity, convection, and viscous dissipation. The proposed analysis is essential due to the unique influence of high-speed flow on acoustic waves. We use a Burgers-type nonlinear acoustic model to account for waveform distortion, amplitude variation, and energy attenuation as the wave propagates. A finite difference method is used to solve the governing equations; we ensure numerical stability through careful selection of discretization parameters and the Courant–Friedrichs–Lewy (CFL) condition. An interactive simulation with a MATLAB-based GUI (Graphical user interface) is built that allows the physical parameters to be changed, and propagation variables to be visualized and updated in real time. The results show that linear effects are responsible for wave steepening and distortion, while viscous dissipation arises dispersion. In addition, it is found that not exploiting the parameters properly might lead to numerical issues or unphysical growth of the amplitude. These results demonstrate the necessity of balancing nonlinearity and dissipation to derive realistic and stable results. In summary, this research contributes significantly to the understanding nonlinear acoustic effects and presents a flexible computational framework for future studies in high-velocity fluid settings.
Dr. Chukwu Sunday
This article examines the tensions and complementarities between customary justice systems and formal court institutions in the context of rural conflict resolution. In many developing societies, particularly in Africa, rural populations rely heavily on customary mechanisms due to their accessibility, cultural relevance, and cost-effectiveness, while formal courts remain distant, expensive, and procedurally complex. The study adopts a doctrinal and comparative analytical approach to explore how these dual systems operate, the challenges they face, and the implications for justice delivery. Drawing on the framework of legal pluralism and insights from restorative justice theory, the paper argues that neither system, in isolation, sufficiently addresses the justice needs of rural communities. Customary systems, although flexible and community oriented, are often criticized for lacking codification and, at times, failing to uphold universally recognized human rights standards. Conversely, formal courts provide legal certainty and procedural safeguards but are hindered by delays, high costs, and limited rural reach. The article further evaluates case studies from Nigeria and other African jurisdictions to highlight both successful and problematic interactions between the two systems. It concludes that a pragmatic and context-sensitive integration of customary and formal justice mechanisms offers the most viable path toward effective rural conflict resolution. The paper recommends legal recognition of customary institutions, capacity building, and the establishment of hybrid dispute resolution frameworks that uphold fairness, accessibility, and human rights.
Nandita Mahanta, Pragnya Paramita Das
The current study aims at evaluating the hydrogeochemical characteristics of groundwater and its associate geochemical processes occur in different aquifer system in Kaniha Block of Angul District, Odisha, using graphical techniques, multivariate statistical techniques and ionic ratio analysis. The study is carried out by using 81 groundwater samples during premonsoon season. The groundwater in the study area is mostly alkaline, with moderately hard to hard. The order of dominance of the chemical parameters in the study area is Ca2+>Na+>Mg2+>K+ and HCO3->Cl-> SO42->NO3- respectively. The analysed data were plotted in Piper-trilinear, and Gibbs diagrams for the evaluation of hydrochemical facies and the geochemical processes responsible for the water chemistry. The water chemistry of the study area is varied from Ca2+-Mg2+-HCO3- type to Ca2+-Mg2+-Cl- type which controlled by rock-water interactions with the influence of evaporation, particularly in a shallow aquifer. The impact of mineral weathering and ion exchange reactions within the aquifer system is confirmed by Gibbs plots, molar ratios, bivariate plots, and chloro-alkaline indices (CAI-I & CAI-II). This study also utilizes chemometric methods (Correlation Coefficient, Principal component Analysis, Hierarchical cluster analysis) to explore the geochemical evolution and the key factors influence the groundwater chemistry. Three major processes, such as anthropogenic carbonate-sulphate dissolution, ion exchange with silicate weathering, and geogenic fluoride enrichment, which account for a total of 73.72% of groundwater chemistry variance, were extracted using Principal component analysis. Cluster analysis was performed to classify the parameters based on key hydrogeochemical processes occurring on the flow path.
Ananya C, Dr. E. Latha Mercy
In order to assess the steady state performance and dependability of the system, this project uses ETAP (version 19.0.1) software to offer load flow and fault studies of the industrial plant. The substation provides power to the facility (220/33 kV). This bus is connected to two transformers that feed Zone-I with a 25 MVA, 220/33 kV unit, and 60 MVA. A balanced load distribution and steady operation under typical circumstances are confirmed by the load flow simulation results, which show that all bus voltages stay within ±10% of their nominal values. The fault studies mimic single line-to-ground and three-phase faults at different bus locations in order to examine how the system responds to anomalous circumstances. Examined are the ensuing fault currents and bus voltages, especially during the sub-transient phase.
Raponzel C. Villaflor
This study was conducted to determine if significant relationships exist between dexterous support materials and cognitive and affective development of the learners according to teachers’ perceptions using the quantitative-descriptive and correlation methods. This was participated by 49 grade six teachers from the nine schools of San Roque District, Davao City. Results showed that the dexterous support materials in grade six curriculums was perceived evident in terms of printed materials, audio-visual and visual aids. The cognitive development and affective development of learners were also perceived evident. Therefore, significant relationship existed between dexterous support materials and students’ cognitive and affective development. It was also found out that dexterous support materials had significant influence to students’ cognitive and affective development
Cyril Abioye Charles OLOWOYEYE
The expansion of digitally mediated communication has significantly transformed how meaning is constructed, negotiated, and interpreted. This paper argues that classical pragmatic frameworks, largely developed for face-to-face interaction, are insufficient for explaining communication in contemporary digital environments such as WhatsApp, X, and TikTok. Drawing on digital discourse studies and pragmatic theory, the paper reconceptualises context, speaker intention, and interpretation as dynamic, multimodal, and technologically mediated processes. Using illustrative examples from Nigerian and global online interactions, it demonstrates how emojis, memes, silence, and algorithmic systems function as pragmatic resources. The paper proposes an integrative model of digital pragmatics that foregrounds platform affordances, sociocultural knowledge, and distributed audiences. The study contributes to ongoing debates in pragmatics, digital linguistics, and language pedagogy by offering a framework for understanding meaning-making in digitally networked communication.
Dr. Catherine Nguku, PhD, Dr. Rose Otieno, PhD, Malayi, Wattyson Alex
Drug rehabilitation facilities aim to provide a supportive environment for drug addicts’ commitment to sobriety. In Uasin Gishu County, there is a serious relapse among individuals who have gone through rehabilitation programs. The study sought to assess the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in developing commitment to sobriety among clients in selected rehabilitation centres in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. The study was guided by Cognitive behavioral theory. It employed a convergent parallel mixed methods design. The target population was 95 rehabilitees receiving rehabilitation from different rehabilitation centers in Uasin Gishu County. Census Survey was used to select the respondents. Questionnaire, Interview Guide and Observation gathering tools were used to collect data. The reliability and validity of research instruments were tested through pilot study. Quantitative data from the questionnaires was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data used a thematic analysis strategy to identify themes. The study results indicate that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy interventions significantly enhanced clients’ commitment to sobriety by improving emotional regulation, trigger management, cognitive restructuring, and coping skills development. Effectiveness was measured based on clients’ perceptions of improved coping skills, emotional regulation, trigger management, cognitive restructuring, and commitment to maintaining sobriety. The study concludes that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an effective evidence-based intervention for enhancing clients’ commitment to sobriety and supporting sustained recovery from substance use. The study recommends strengthening CBT-based interventions in rehabilitation centres through enhanced coping-skills training and continuous psychosocial support.
Dr. Bindiya Rahi Singh
As the Title Suggests, The Waste Land is an Area Where Nothing can Survive and Lose its Original Form, and Where People have Forgotten Their Social Duties Due To Their Involvement in the Materialistic World. They do not have Their Own Feelings and Emotions; in Spite of This, They Satisfy Only Their Own Self-Centered Desires, and Cultural Crises are the Main Point of Destruction. To Explain This Statement, John Xiros Cooper has Rightly Said That, Eliot’s Exploitation of Both Religious and Mythological Materials in the Poem has Often Been Cited as the Principal Factor in Marking the Poem’s Deeper Level of Thematic Unity. The Poem’s Scatter, however Cannot be so Easily Worked Out. The Dispersed or Horizontal Structure of the Text, the College Like Character of the Assemblage of Materials, Points; it is Said, To Eliot’s Critique of Modern Society. Fragmented, Emptied of Value, Sterile, the Modern Wasteland is Reflected in the Poem’s Artful Disarray. But at a Deeper Level, Eliot’s Fertility Symbolism and the End Wining of the Pagans (Tiresias, Cumean Sibyl, Adonis) and Christian (Grail, St Augustine, Dante) Materials Yield, so the Argument Goes, a Familiar, Compound Narrative That Moves From Experiential Failure, Guilt, Purgatorial, Suffering, and the Hope (but The Fact of Spiritual Rebirth… the Figure of Tiresias is Also the Product of a Highly Imaginative Cutting and Splicing of Given Mythological Materials. The Insistence of Critics on the Mythological Solution To the Poems Scatter can Probably be Set Down To Nostalgia For a Lost Unity, the Very Idea That the Poem Itself Seems To be Marking Out as the Central Failing of Modernity (Modernism and the Culture of Market Society 213) The Waste Land is a long poem by Thomas Stearns Eliot, and widely regarded as one of the most important poems of the 20th century and a central work of Modernist Poetry that published in 1922, contained 434-line (The Waste Land Web) poem first appeared in the United Kingdom in the October issue of under the journal The Criterion and in the United States in the November issue of The Dial. It was published in book form in December 1922. Among its famous phrases are April is the cruellest month, I will show you fear in a handful of dust", and the hindi mantra in the Sanskrit language with three pious words of self meditation Shantih Shantih Shantih
Aviral Pandey, Dr. Lakshmi Dhevi B, Navya Kumar
Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) improves Large Language Models (LLMs) by using external documents to support their answers. However, baseline RAG architectures are limited by single-modality retrieval, fixed-size chunking, and lack of hallucination monitoring. This paper introduces an advanced hybrid RAG framework for multi-document question answering, enhancing retrieval quality, contextual coherence, and response fidelity.The proposed system combines FAISS’s dense semantic retrieval with BAAI/bge-large-en-v1.5 embeddings and BM25Okapi’s sparse lexical retrieval. Reciprocal Rank Fusion (RRF) combines results from both modalities to improve recall without changing any parameters. A semantic chunking strategy is introduced to keep the meaning of documents. This strategy uses sentence-level embeddings and percentile-based breakpoint detection to adaptively split documents. A cross-encoder reranker (ms-marco-MiniLM-L-12-v2) is used to improve the relevance scoring of the retrieved candidates.To mitigate hallucination without additional computational overhead, a reference-free faithfulness score is calculated by comparing the cosine similarity of generated responses to retrieved context embeddings. A multiprovider LLM abstraction layer makes sure that different cloud models are all based on the same things. The system is evaluated using Recall@K, Mean Reciprocal Rank (MRR), Precision@K, faithfulness score, and end-to-end latency. This shows that it is better at retrieving information and generating grounded information than dense-only baselines.
ADESANYA Adetola Joel, AYOADE Akintayo Michael, Folarin Israel Bolaji
Background: Semantic search, driven by deep learning models like BERT and Sentence-BERT (SBERT), has greatly improved information retrieval. It has shifted from matching keywords to capturing the context of search and user intent. However, to evaluate how effective these systems are, traditional system-focused metrics such as precision, recall, Mean Reciprocal Rank (MRR), and Normalized Discounted Cumulative Gain (NDCG) are still used. These metrics do not adequately reflect user experience. They often overlook important behavioral and contextual factors such as user engagement, search satisfaction, relevance perception, and interaction quality in real-world environments. This review examines existing evaluation metrics for deep learning-based semantic search. It identifies their strengths and limitations, as well as how well they capture real-world user satisfaction. It also explores helpful ways to incorporate user-centered approaches into the evaluation of these systems. Method: A critical review approach was used, synthesizing literature from 2020 to 2025 across databases like IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Studies on semantic search evaluation, deep learning-based retrieval, and user-centered metrics were thematically analyzed for information. The reviewed studies were selected using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the analysis categorized evaluation methods into traditional and user-centered approaches. Findings: The review finds that while traditional metrics provide reproducibility and comparability, they fail to capture important aspects of user experience such as clarity, usability, and satisfaction. Emerging user-oriented alternatives like click-through rates, dwell time, and satisfaction surveys offer valuable insights, but they remain secondary, fragmented, and lack standardization. The review highlights an ongoing gap between the leaderboard performance of search systems and their real-world utility. The review further reveals that many high-performing semantic retrieval systems achieve strong benchmark scores while still failing to fully satisfy users in practical search scenarios. Conclusion: Semantic search evaluation must change from traditional, system-focused measures to hybrid metrics that integrate algorithmic precision with user-centered awareness. By combining these traditional metrics with behavioral signals and subjective feedback, future evaluation methods can ensure that semantic search systems are not only technically sound but also practical, usable, and satisfying for end-users. The study therefore recommends the development of standardized hybrid evaluation frameworks capable of balancing retrieval accuracy with measurable user experience indicators.
Dr. V. Bhikshma, Podeti Anil
Concrete is the most widely used construction material due to its high compressive strength, durability, availability and economy. However, conventional concrete contains capillary pores, micro-cracks and weak interfacial transition zones, which reduce its mechanical and durability performance. In recent years, graphene oxide has been studied as an effective nano-material for improving cement-based composites because of its high specific surface area, two-dimensional sheet structure and oxygen-containing functional groups. The present study investigates the effect of graphene oxide on the fresh, mechanical and durability properties of M20, M30 and M40 grade concrete. Graphene oxide was added in different dosages of 0%, 0.025%, 0.05%, 0.075% and 0.1% by weight of cement. The workability of fresh concrete was evaluated using slump and compaction factor tests. Hardened concrete properties were studied using compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural strength tests. In addition, durability-related performance was assessed through water absorption, water permeability and acid attack resistance tests. The results showed that the addition of graphene oxide improved the mechanical strength of concrete compared with the control mix. The maximum compressive strength for M20, M30 and M40 grade concrete was observed at 0.05% graphene oxide dosage. However, workability decreased with increasing graphene oxide content due to its high surface area and water demand. The durability performance also improved at optimum dosage due to pore refinement and densification of the cement matrix. The study confirms that graphene oxide can be used as a promising nano-additive in concrete, but proper dispersion, dosage control and cost feasibility must be considered for practical construction applications.
Dr. M Vinayaka Murthy, Madhulika
One of the biggest challenges faced by to-day’s healthcare system is the reliance on legacy systems which rely on paper-based data storage systems. Health practitioners tend to document critical details such as medication, lab reports, and discharge information manu¬ally within the current fragmented system. In the absence of an integrated digital system, there would be increased workload among clinicians to enter data manually. Manual data entry is prone to error as the process can be exhausting for clinicians and involves legible writing. To address this persistent challenge within our healthcare system, we present an intelligent system called CareTrack. In essence, the architecture of this prototype levarage the use of multimodal vision transformers along with a large language model. Most notably, it adopts the technique of retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) that supports contextual understanding of the medical record in question instead of basic text recognition. When tested on various medical documents, the results were highly encouraging. In particular, the proposed model was able to score 98.
Genelyn R. Baluyos, Georsie T. Sevilla
Inclusive, equitable, and quality education requires deliberate attention to foundational factors like gender equality and family-school partnerships, particularly within under-resourced rural settings. This study investigated the relationship between gender equality, parental involvement, and the perceived quality of education in secondary schools under the Labason District Cluster 5 in Zamboanga del Norte, during the School Year 2024–2025. A descriptive-correlational research design was employed, with 107 teachers and 254 students. Data were gathered using structured, validated questionnaires and subsequently analyzed using Mean, Standard Deviation, Spearman’s Rank-Order Correlation, and Multiple Linear Regression. Key findings revealed very high overall perceptions of gender equality, and quality of education, and a high level of perceived parental involvement. Significant positive correlations were identified, particularly between gender equality constructs such as school culture and policies and student outcomes. Regression analysis revealed that gender equality was a significant predictor of perceived quality education, whereas parental involvement was not a significant predictor in the combined model. Institutionalizing gender-responsive practices is a direct and crucial strategy for enhancing educational quality as perceived by stakeholders. School leaders may prioritize the strengthening of gender-sensitive curricula, and teacher training, while also designing targeted strategies to deepen the educational impact of parental engagement.
West Michael Ibinabo
This article examines the interconnections between godfatherism, the weaponization of state institutions, and the achievement of political goals in Nigeria’s democratic landscape. Godfatherism, understood as a system of patron-client relationships in which influential political actors sponsor and control candidates, has become a defining feature of Nigerian politics. The study argues that this phenomenon significantly contributes to the manipulation and instrumental use of state institutions including the judiciary, electoral bodies, security agencies, and anti-corruption institutions for partisan and personal objectives. Through a qualitative and analytical approach, relying on secondary data and existing literature, the paper demonstrates how political elites deploy institutional mechanisms to secure electoral victories, suppress opposition, and consolidate power. This dynamic undermines democratic norms, erodes institutional integrity, and weakens public trust in governance structures. The article further highlights the implications of these practices for political stability, rule of law, and sustainable development in Nigeria. While the study provides a robust conceptual and theoretical analysis, it identifies a gap in empirical validation within existing scholarship. Consequently, it recommends that future research adopt mixed-methods approaches, integrating quantitative surveys and qualitative case studies, to provide more comprehensive and evidence-based insights into the phenomenon. The paper concludes by advocating for institutional reforms, enhanced accountability mechanisms, and civic engagement as essential steps toward mitigating the adverse effects of godfatherism and restoring democratic governance in Nigeria.
Dr. Chima Onyebuchi Okoro, Dr. Collins Uchechukwu Anya, Dr. Nwabueze Michael Anosike, Godson Kelechi
This study examined identification and impact assessment of factors influencing cost performance of construction project delivery in Nigeria. The study is guided by two objectives, two research questions and two null hypotheses tested at a 0.05 level of significance. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The study population comprised 800 construction professionals, including quantity surveyors, architects, engineers, builders, and project managers, with a sample size of 421 respondents. A multi stage sampling technique involving stratified and simple random sampling was used to ensure fair representation. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire designed in sections to address the study variables. Face and content validation of the instrument was carried out by experts in construction management and related fields. The reliability of the instrument was determined using the Cronbach Alpha method through a pilot study, yielding an acceptable coefficient above 0.70. The collected data were analyzed using factor analysis, mean and standard deviation, to answer the research questions, and inferential statistics, one way analysis of variance, to test the null hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that economic and financial-related factors such as unstable economic conditions, economic recession, material price fluctuations, high land acquisition costs, and payment delays as major determinants of cost performance across Rivers, Imo, and Abia States, and these factors had a strong effect on budget adherence and project success. The study further revealed that there were no significant differences in the views of respondents. Based on the findings, recommends that construction stakeholders in Rivers, Imo, and Abia States should adopt effective project planning, realistic budgeting, and strong risk and cost management practices to reduce the impact of economic, managerial, technical, and institutional factors affecting construction cost performance.
Abiodun Olakunle Isreal, Adenekan Olujide Adeyinka, Adesiji Oladunni Philip
This study reports the development and pilot evaluation of an Internet-of-Things (IoT)-based fingerprint attendance system at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Nigeria. The system was designed to automate attendance monitoring and investigate its relationship with students’ academic performance, thereby addressing the inefficiencies and susceptibility to manipulation associated with manual roll-call methods. By integrating biometric fingerprint authentication with real-time cloud-based data storage, the system ensured accurate, secure, and tamper-resistant attendance records. The implementation was carried out over one academic semester across three engineering departments (Computer Engineering, Electrical/Electronics, and Mechanical Engineering), involving two hundred (200) students and ten (10) academic staff. Attendance data were captured using IoT-enabled fingerprint devices, while academic performance indicators were derived from quizzes, assignments, and examinations. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics alongside inferential techniques, including Pearson correlation, linear regression, and one-way ANOVA. The results revealed mean attendance rates of 85.4%, 78.2%, and 92.1% across the respective departments, with corresponding average academic scores of 75.6%, 68.3%, and 81.2%. A statistically significant and strong positive correlation (p = 0.001) was observed between attendance and academic performance. Regression analysis further established attendance as a significant predictor of academic outcomes, while ANOVA findings indicated that students with high attendance accounted for a substantial proportion (71.3%) of performance variance. In conclusion, the system significantly improved student engagement and established a reliable linkage between attendance and academic outcomes, thereby strengthening academic accountability. Although minor network and device-related constraints were encountered, the results offer a solid basis for extended validation across diverse, multi-institutional educational environments.
Ben Nyongesa, Job Wamalwa
This study investigates the influence of social context on code-switching (CS) among multilingual speakers in Kenyan marketplaces, with a specific focus on interactions in mid-sized markets in Bungoma County. While CS has been widely examined in global and African sociolinguistic scholarship, existing research has not sufficiently explored how moment-to-moment social variables shape switching patterns within naturally occurring commercial encounters. This study addresses that gap by integrating insights from Myers-Scotton’s Markedness Model and Gumperz’s Interactional Sociolinguistics to examine CS as both a strategic and interactional practice. Anchored in an interpretive paradigm, the research employs a qualitative, discourse-analytic ethnographic design to capture naturalistic data in authentic marketplace interactions. Purposive and convenience sampling are used to select bilingual sellers and their interactions with customers. Data collection relies on audio recordings of spontaneous buying-selling exchanges, supplemented by stimulated recall interviews, field notes, and brief demographic questionnaires. These methods enable triangulation and access to both the observable linguistic behavior and participants’ insider perspectives on their language choices. Data analysis follows a systematic, iterative process involving transcription, coding, categorization, and thematic interpretation. Code-switches are identified and classified by type, and their relationship to social context variables—such as negotiation phases, participant familiarity, and perceived customer status—is examined. Communicative functions, including referential, persuasive, directive, and expressive uses, are analyzed through both thematic coding and close discourse analysis. This combined approach illuminates how CS functions as a contextualization cue that shapes and reflects the unfolding dynamics of commercial interactions. Code-switching is systematic and socially motivated. It is not random but strategically deployed to achieve transactional and relational goals. The study found out that language choice indexes power and solidarity. Sellers use English to assert authority and local languages to foster community ties. Different phases of buying–selling interactions demand different linguistic resources. With regard to identity construction, speakers perform multiple identities through code-switching, balancing modernity (English) with cultural authenticity (Lubukusu/Kiswahili). In general, market discourse reflects broader sociolinguistic realities by blending of languages in everyday transactions mirrors Kenya’s multilingual ecology and the coexistence of global and local identities.
Dr. S. Nancy Lima Christy, K Sai Kiran Reddy, M Pavan Kumar Reddy, P Bala Yashwanth Reddy
Career planning plays a critical role in a person's ultimate success within their profession. Traditional career counselling approaches are usually generalised and therefore may not adequately address the individual's needs - making it difficult to come up with proper career decisions. This can lead to confusion, inefficient skill development, and limited job opportunities. This paper presents INSPIROSCOPE, a machine learning (ML) and data analytics-based approach to delivering personalized career recommendations through an Artificial Intelligence (AI) framework. INSPIROSCOPE analyses an individual's profile, which includes their skills/experience, level of education, interests, and additional factors such as trends within specific industries, and supply and demand within the labour force. This analysis is performed using predictor models as well as looking for trends across a number of variables. With INSPIROSCOPE, individuals are able to make an informed career choice based on data, thereby improving their chances of aligning their skills to what specific industries require. Additionally, INSPIROSCOPE provides individuals with a greater likelihood of successfully pursuing their personal and professional development through on-going education and ultimately enhancing their career development through intelligent and customised suggestions.
Can Gönenli, Kutay Baycu
In this study, high-filled polyethylene (PE)-based masterbatch formulations containing inorganic calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) at concentrations ranging from 72 to 81 wt.% were manufactured using an industrial-scale twin-screw extruder. To mitigate the rheological challenges associated with high filler loadings, specifically increased melt viscosity and particle agglomeration, a hybrid interfacial modifier system comprising calcium and zinc stearate was incorporated into the compounding process. This additive system was maintained at a fixed concentration of 1.2 wt.% to systematically evaluate its influence on both extrusion process stability and the optical characteristics of the final composite material.
Le Thi Giao Chi, Nguyen Hoang Nhi
Academic writing has always been a challenge for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners, particularly at the tertiary level where lexical accuracy and appropriateness are essential. Among the most recurring difficulties, lexical errors emerge as indicators of gaps in vocabulary knowledge and instability within learners’ interlanguage systems. Despite growing interest in L2 writing, relatively few studies have examined lexical errors in authentic, school-based contexts. This study investigates patterns of lexical errors in a learner corpus comprising 40 argumentative essays written by English majors at a public university in Vietnam. Adopting a descriptive, corpus-based approach, the analysis draws on a taxonomy adapted from Llach (2005), categorizing errors into semantic, syntactic, orthographic, and pragmatic types, with further distinction between interlingual and intralingual influences. The findings reveal that orthographic errors are the most prevalent, and that intralingual errors significantly outnumber those attributable to L1 transfer. These patterns indicate that learners’ difficulties are primarily developmental, reflecting incomplete lexical representations and unstable form-meaning mappings. The results further point to limited consolidation of word forms, morphological patterns, and context-appropriate usage. These findings highlight the need for pedagogical approaches that prioritize lexical stability through systematic vocabulary instruction with emphasis on morphological awareness, orthographic regularities, and contextualized lexical repertoire. Addressing these underlying dimensions of lexical competence may contribute to reducing recurrent errors and enhancing both the accuracy and fluency of academic writing in EFL contexts.
Jehcel L. Balayo, Ph. D
This study explored the lived experiences of Alternative Learning System (ALS) teachers in the Fourth District of Iloilo using a hermeneutic phenomenological approach. ALS teachers operate in complex and resource-limited non-formal education settings where they assume multiple roles beyond instruction, including community engagement, learner support, and coordination with stakeholders. Through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with purposively selected participants, the study generated rich narrative data that were analyzed using thematic interpretation. Findings revealed five essential themes of coping and resilience: (1) resilience rooted in a strong sense of calling and moral purpose, (2) learner-centered empathy as an emotional coping mechanism, (3) adaptive coping through experiential learning and acceptance of non-traditional teaching roles, (4) professional growth through reflective practice and innovation in constrained environments, and (5) hope-driven resilience anchored in belief in learners’ second chances and transformation. The results show that ALS teachers’ resilience is multidimensional, shaped by purpose, relational engagement, adaptation, continuous learning, and future-oriented hope. The study concludes that resilience in ALS is not only an individual trait, but a lived, evolving process embedded in the realities of non-formal education. These insights highlight the need for strengthened institutional support, professional development, and psychosocial interventions to sustain ALS teachers’ well-being and effectiveness.
Edwin Osoro, Vincent Kibet
Background: In the dynamic technological environment, telehealth platforms experience growing vulnerability risks that originate from increased connectivity and adoption. Intelligent threat detection methods, such as machine learning, promise rapid responses to manage complex data and device assets supporting life-critical care services prone to cybersecurity challenges. Methods: Six databases, IEEE Xplore, Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and CINAHL, were searched to retrieve studies for performance metrics comparisons. A systematic literature review identified 4220 studies, of which 18 were selected for machine learning cybersecurity approaches applied in telehealth environments. The methodology was strengthened through screening, risk-of-bias assessments, the CASP Qualitative Checklist (2019), and the Keele et al. (2007) accumulated list, with adherence to PRISMA guidelines. Results: Among the reviewed studies, 38.9% focused on supervised learning techniques, unsupervised learning methods at 21.74%, deep learning, at 22% and reinforcement learning at 13.04%. Conclusions: This study's findings supported upgrading to machine learning security implementations, immediate investments, and indispensable improvements for telehealth ecosystems to safeguard against increasing data breaches and service-disruption threats that endanger patient safety and care delivery services.
Dr. Bindu V V, Ms. Aleena P & Anju Pramod T V
Mangroves are one of the most productive and valuable coastal ecosystems, providing significant ecological, economic, and social benefits. In recent years, mangrove-based ecotourism has emerged as a sustainable approach to generate income for local communities while promoting environmental conservation. This project aims to study the potential of mangrove-based ecotourism in generating revenue among the local community while ensuring environmental sustainability. It also examines the major challenges faced by mangrove ecosystems due to human encroachment such as land reclamation, waste disposal, and unplanned developmental activities. Further, the study attempts to understand the role of the local community and government in the protection and conservation of mangroves. The study is based on both primary and secondary data. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered among local residents, while secondary data were gathered from books, journals, government reports, and official websites. The findings reveal that mangrove-based ecotourism has significant potential to enhance local livelihoods and create employment opportunities when managed sustainably. However, inadequate awareness, weak enforcement of regulations, and increasing human pressure pose serious threats to mangrove ecosystems. The study highlights the importance of community participation, government support, and effective policy implementation in achieving sustainable mangrove conservation. The project concludes that a balanced approach integrating ecotourism development and environmental protection is essential for the long-term sustainability of mangrove ecosystems and local economic development.
Dr Joshua Matanda, Dr Kimani E. Maina, Rhoda Wambui Kariuki
The study examined the relationship between marketing strategies and the financial performance of five-star hotels in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The variables investigated in the study included the adoption of digital marketing, segmentation, brand positioning, and loyalty programs, with other variables included in the analysis being the quality of service, customer satisfaction, competitiveness strategy, and economic environment. The research design was a mixed-methods design, which involved secondary data gathered hand in hand with primary data of 7 hotel managers and 70 customers. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, multiple regression, and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) were used to analyse data. The results indicated that the marketing strategies are strongly associated with financial performance, and the strongest positive correlation with financial performance was between digital marketing (r = 0.85), brand positioning (r = 0.87), and loyalty programs (r = 0.88). Primary data revealed that the majority of the respondents (85 and 92, respectively) stated that they actively utilize social media marketing and that digital marketing helped to generate more revenue. The results of the SEM also supported that loyalty program (β = 0.41) and digital marketing (β = 0.38) showed the best predictive values and all the variables were statistically significant. The research concludes that integrated marketing strategies play a vital role as determinants of financial performance in the hospitality industry. The study recommended that in the future more investment in data analytics should occur, a wider range of categories and regions of the hotels should be included in the research and more sophisticated methods of analytical techniques should be used. The research results are relevant to theory and practice as they have a context-specific understanding of marketing-performance relationships in emerging markets.
Bildad Awere, Daniel Mishael Masetu
This comparative research work investigated the issues of independence, political interference and institutional capture on anti-corruption agencies (ACAs) in Malawi, Nigeria and Kenya using a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework. Though the enabling legislation is strong in all the three ACAs, the results indicate that their practical autonomy is highly disenfranchised by structural, political and resource-related shortcomings. The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Malawi has a strong investigative law enforcement mandate that still relies on the Director of Public Prosecutions to conduct a prosecution, which presents a standing susceptibility of being subject to political pressure. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Nigeria has the broadest legal jurisdiction, including the ability to conduct internal investigations and prosecute, but is severely limited by the executive branch which dictates who gets leadership positions, which cases to prosecute and the severity of the prosecution. An advantage of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission of Kenya (EACC) is that the country has a strong legal system; however, it is evident that the force and its agencies are spread across a chain of command which is disjointed making it slow and open to bargaining with politics. Political interference is found to be a characteristic drawback in all three nations and impacts case proceedings, investigation resolution and political stability. These are manifested in different ways-procedural interference in Malawi, overt executive influence in Nigeria and decentralised political pressure in Kenya, but the effects are the same weakened impartiality, selective enforcement and stalled high-profile cases. Political settlements, elite networks and bureaucratic fragmentation also give rise to institutional capture of each ACA. These dynamics have a significant adverse effect on performance in enforcing the functions and on trust by the population. The research finds that the legal systems are not sufficient as assurance of ACA autonomy. The performance against corruption requires the political insulation, stable budgets, simplified mandate and greater prosecutorial independence. The results are relevant to comparative studies of anti-corruption practices because they show that political and institutional environment affects ACA performance of states in the Third World.
Aastha Binzani
The emergence of outer space as a key arena of competition in the ongoing geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China has raised serious concerns for space security, while also resulting in an intensification of competition between the two powers to shape the rules and norms for the governance of the domain. The changing geopolitical dynamics have led to strategic concerns among Middle Powers in space, namely, the European Union (EU), India, and Japan, resulting in a reconfiguration of their space policies, postures, and partnerships as they seek to deal with the implications of Great Power competition in space and safeguard their interests. In examining their evolving space strategies, the paper argues that the emerging security dilemma(s) in outer space, fueled by great power rivalry, have pushed these powers to place greater emphasis on the security dimension of space. Additionally, it has also led them to adopt a much more proactive and participatory stance in the ongoing contest for influence over rules and norms for space governance. Ultimately, the paper contends that the transition to a multi-polar space order intersecting with Great Power competition has not only intensified militarisation and weaponisation of outer space but has also hampered efforts at formulating international rules and norms for space governance.
Abiodun Sodamade, Dupe Lydia Abiona, Oluwayemi Olanike Esther Onawumi
Plants and their derivatives are essential to human and animal lives. They are used traditionally to treat various diseases. Crinum jagus (Amarylidaceae) plant is one of such plants. It is employed in the treatment of asthma, mental related illnesses, inflammation, diverse forms of convulsion etc. The most commonly used part of Crinum jagus plant for medicinal purposes is the bulb. Convulsive syncope is characterized by a sudden temporary loss of consciousness and involuntary muscle jerk due to reduced supply of oxygen to the brain. It is not the same as epilepsy, which normally occurs as a result of sudden electrical surge in the brain, but was reported to have cardivascular origin cause, and also leads to higher short-term mortality than epilepsy. This study screened Crinum jagus bulb crude aqueous extract for its phytochemicals namely alkaloids, saponnin, flavonoid, terpenoids, tannins, anthraquinones, phenols, steroids, cardiac glycosides, oxalates, and phytate; and also evaluated its antioxidant activity using different standard methods, in order to evaluate its anti-convulsive syncope potential as its being used locally. The results of the study revealed that Crinum jagus bulb is very rich in phenolic compounds, total flavonoids, cardiac glycosides and tannins. The terpenoids, oxalates, steroids, alkaloids, saponins, anthroquinone, and phytates were also present in appreciable proportion needed to support its anti-convulsive syncope property. The extract also displayed significant antioxidant activity in each of the different methods used, which also compliments its potential as an anti-convulsive syncope agent. Thus, Crinum jagus bulb crude aqueous extract could be developed into a potent anti-convulsive syncope agent that will be cheaper and readily available for the masses.
West Michael Ibinabo
Political patronage remains a defining feature of Nigeria’s political landscape, shaping both governance outcomes and the trajectory of political stability. This article critically examines the complex relationship between political patronage and political stability in Nigeria, interrogating whether patronage serves as a mechanism for cohesion or a catalyst for systemic fragility. Drawing on qualitative analysis and existing literature, the study situates patronage within broader frameworks of clientelism, prebendalism, and elite bargaining. It argues that while political patronage can foster short-term stability by facilitating elite consensus, resource distribution, and political inclusion, it simultaneously undermines institutional integrity, promotes corruption, and entrenches socio-economic inequality. The paper further explores how patronage networks influence electoral processes, weaken democratic accountability, and contribute to political violence, thereby threatening long-term stability. By examining both its functional and dysfunctional dimensions, the study highlights the dualistic nature of patronage as both a stabilizing and destabilizing force within Nigeria’s political system. The analysis also considers the structural conditions such as economic dependency on state resources and weak institutional frameworks that sustain patronage practices. In addressing prospects, the article emphasizes the need for comprehensive institutional reforms, including strengthening anti-corruption mechanisms, promoting meritocratic governance, and enhancing electoral transparency. It contends that transitioning from patronage-based politics to programmatic and ideology-driven political engagement is essential for sustainable democratic stability. Ultimately, the study contributes to ongoing debates in African political theory by offering a nuanced understanding of how informal political practices intersect with formal democratic institutions in shaping governance outcomes.
C. Gunasekaran, K. Sasikala, R. Mohammed Shahidh
Oxidative stress is a biological condition characterized by an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in living organisms. It is triggered by various factors, including environmental pollution, toxins, radiation. Prolonged accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the body leads to several chronic pathological conditions. Natural plant-derived polyphenolic compounds act as potent antioxidants by enhancing endogenous defense system and scavenging ROS, thereby reducing cellular damage. Resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound found in peanuts and berries, is known for its strong antioxidant properties. In the present study, the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, was selected as an alternative model organism to evaluate the effects of resveratrol under oxidative stress conditions. DPPH scavenging activity, oxidative stress markers (lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl) and cell viability were assessed in larvae oxidative stress induced by H₂O₂ for 24 h, followed by topical post treated with resveratrol (1mM). In-vitro DPPH assay showed lower IC50 for resveratrol (16.24 µg/ml) than ascorbic acid (25.96 µg/ml), indicating stronger antioxidant activity. In-vivo, DPPH scavenging activity significantly increased after resveratrol treatment (87.83%) compared to control (83.13%) and stressed larvae (81.37%) at 48 h (p < 0.001). There was a significant increase in lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl levels in stress-induced larvae compared to the control and resveratrol treated larvae (p < 0.001). MTT assay showed reduced cell viability in H₂O₂-exposed larvae, which was restored by resveratrol. Further studies are needed to elucidate genetic molecular mechanisms of resveratrol in preclinical models, at different concentration to ensure safety and minimize potential adverse effects.
Felimon S. Caingcoy
This study examined public trust and perceived police legitimacy among residents of Barangay Estefania, Bacolod City, and identified key policing factors influencing these perceptions. A total of 400 respondents participated in the study using a validated questionnaire with high reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.814–0.883). Results revealed very high levels of public trust (M = 4.70, SD = 0.30) and police legitimacy (M = 4.71, SD = 0.39), consistently observed across demographic groups. Pearson correlation analysis indicated a significant strong positive relationship between trust and legitimacy (r = 0.62, p < .01). Multiple regression analysis further revealed that professionalism and behavior were the strongest predictors of both public trust and legitimacy, followed by police visibility and crime prevention. The models explained 43% and 55% of the variance, respectively. Findings highlight that ethical conduct, fairness, visibility, and community engagement are critical determinants of effective policing. The study reinforces procedural justice theory, emphasizing that legitimacy is built not only through law enforcement outcomes but through respectful and transparent police-community interactions.
Dr. D.V.S. Ganapathi Raju
The education system is not a static factor rather objectively it is based on continuous evolution and progress as the human history progresses. This study critically examines the transformation of the Indian education system in the post-liberalization era, with particular attention to privatization, the dominance of STEM disciplines, and the marginalization of arts and humanities. It argues that contemporary discourse is shaped by two parallel tendencies: the commodification of education through market logic and the mythologization of ancient knowledge systems through exaggerated claims of scientific completeness. Using a qualitative and dialectical methodology, the study engages Panchagni Vidya from the Chandogya and Brihadaranyaka Upanishads as a process-oriented epistemological framework. The analysis demonstrates that the current crisis in Indian education is not merely structural but epistemic, rooted in fragmentation and loss of relational knowledge systems. The paper proposes that Panchagni Vidya offers a conceptual model for integrating scientific, philosophical, and ethical dimensions of learning. The study contributes to contemporary debates by presenting an alternative framework for holistic and interdisciplinary education grounded in Indian knowledge traditions without reducing them to technological claims.
Dr. Ayophika W. Pahsyntiew
Aim. The aim of this research was to determine the relationship between Self-concept and Academic Achievement and also to find out the difference in Self-concept and Academic Achievement between male and female Higher Secondary Students. Methods. The descriptive survey method was used and the sample was collected by stratified random sampling. The participants consist of 112 Higher Secondary Students which consist of both male and female studying in Higher Secondary Schools in West Jaintia Hills District of Meghalaya. The material used for this study is a self-constructed and standardised Self-concept Scale. Appropriate statistical technique like t-test and correlation method was used for analysing the data.
Aliza Shaikh, Divyal Vighe, Ms. Preethi Warrier, Sanika Patil, Yash Sawant
Tourist safety in unfamiliar urban environments remains a critical concern due to delayed emergency response, lack of continuous monitoring, and limited coordination between individuals and authorities. Existing solutions rely on basic alerts and static location sharing, limiting real-time effectiveness. This paper presents SAFE DAYS, a tourist safety and incident response system that integrates real-time geolocation tracking and dynamic geofencing to enhance situational awareness and emergency coordination. The system introduces dynamic safe zones that adapt to user movement, enabling improved risk detection. It supports live tracking, SOS alert generation, and real-time dashboard visualization for authorities. The platform is also deployed as a mobile application to improve accessibility. The system incorporates role-based access control, map- based visualization, and synchronized communication between users and authorities. Experimental results demonstrate reliable tracking, adaptive monitoring, and efficient alert propagation. SAFE DAYS provides a scalable solution for smart-city tourist safety systems.
Ganiyu S. Mustapha, Mojisola F. Olugbemi, Rilwan O. Oliyide, Sakiru T. Kehinde
Traffic control lights have being in use for more than a century and are positioned at road intersections and pedestrian crossings to control the flow of traffic. The operation of traffic lights has been time-based and therefore open-loop in nature. The traffic lights only change state after and according to the pre-set time intervals irrespective of traffic situation. Today, the number of vehicles, the volume of traffic, and human activities have made time-controlled traffic lights inadequate in many situations. In this work, traffic lights that operate based on the volume of traffic, that is one with a feedback system or sensor is developed for a four-way road intersection. Sensors are placed at the different roads of the intersection to gather traffic information on the roads. The controller, Arduino in this work, coordinates signals from the sensors and controls the traffic lights intelligently such that priority is given to the busiest road of the intersection and emergency vehicles.
Dr. Akhilesh Sahu, Dr. Murlidhar Kurrey, Dr. Nalini Bagarti
Churna preparations are an important and widely used form of Ayurvedic herbal formulations in India. These are prepared by mixing powdered form of single or mixture of several crude drugs meant to be dispensed as such. Churna is defined as a fine powder of drug or drugs in ayurvedic system of medicine. Drugs mentioned in patha are cleaned properly, dried thoroughly, pulverized and then sieved. The churna is free flowing and retains its potency for one year, if preserved in airtight containers. Churna formulations are similar to powder formulations in allopathic system of medicine. In recent days churna is formulated into tablets in order to fix the dose easily. These forms of medicament are prescribed generally because of their particle size. Smaller the particle size greater is the absorption rate from g.i.t and hence the greater is bioavailability. Aim of this article to give a detail account on some parameter use for standardization of churna.
Deepanjali Sahoo, Sadananda Nayak
Subarnapur and Balangir districts are two famous districts of Western Odisha. Both regions are proud of their glorious history and rich cultural values. Subarnapur district is situated at the confluence of the rivers Tel and Mahanadi. This is also known as Sonepur. This region’s history dates back to 850 C.E., when Sonepur (Subarnapur) was the capital of the Kosala region. The present royal palace of Subarnapur was established when Telugu Chodas started their rule over this region, between the period of 1070 to 1115 C.E.. The remnant of the Subarnapur royal palace can be seen on the banks of the Mahanadi River. The palace represents the glorious history of Subarnapur, but it is now a neglected part of the region, waiting for its last breath. Another royal palace in western Odisha is the Balangir royal palace, also known as the Patna royal palace or Sailashree Rajabati. This royal palace is a symbol of Chauhan rule in the Balangir area and a representation of Rajasthani architecture in western Odisha. The royal palaces are not just structures of the early period; they present a comprehensive knowledge of history, culture, and architecture. As national history cannot be complete without reconstructing regional history, regional history cannot be complete without visiting its royal palace. The royal palace is the heartbeat of any royal dynasty. This paper has highlighted the socio-cultural, economic and architectural contribution of these royal palaces to Odisha's history.
Adesegun Elisha, Adetokunbo O. Elisha, C.S.S Bello
workers (HCWs) to nosocomial infection, morbidity, and mortality. Objective: To synthesize ten years of evidence on LF burden among Nigerian HCWs, quantify HCW infections relative to confirmed national cases where data permit, and summarize clinical outcomes and key occupational risk factors. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using peer-reviewed studies, WHO outbreak reports, and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) Lassa fever situation reports. Descriptive statistics were extracted. Where national totals were available, we calculated HCW infection proportion among confirmed cases (HCW/confirmed), with 95% confidence intervals (Wilson method). A log-linear trend model estimated annual percent change in HCW proportion (2019, 2020, 2022–2025; excluding partial year 2021). Results: In early 2016, the WHO reported 10 HCWs infected and 2 deaths in Nigeria (Aug 2015–May 2016). [1] During the 2016/2017 season, Nigeria recorded 788 suspected cases, 247 confirmed cases, and 117 deaths by epi week 34, with an AAR emphasizing IPC strengthening.[2] During the 2018 outbreak, a two-treatment-center HCW series documented 21 laboratory-confirmed HCW infections with CFR 23.8%, delayed testing (median 12 days), and IPC gaps.[3] In 2019, a national investigation described 19 HCW infections (2 deaths; CFR 10.5%), most linked to clinical care exposures and inadequate IPC training. [4] In national surveillance reports, HCW infections represented 2.1–5.3 per 100 confirmed cases (2019–2025), with no significant linear trend (annual percent change) 2.77%; 95% CI −22.42 to 21.87; p=0.75; calculated) [4–10] Conclusion: LF remains a sustained occupational hazard for Nigerian HCWs. Preventable exposure, especially in outpatient/emergency and procedural settings, persists. System-level IPC programs, early triage and suspicion, reliable PPE supply, and rapid diagnostics are essential to reduce HCW infections and deaths.
Kosygin Leishangthem
The landslide at Tupul, Manipur (June 29-30, 2022) is one of the most catastrophic geo-disasters in Northeast India, causing 54 to 61 casualties and extensive damage to the Jiribam-Imphal railway project. Four main academic contributions from this systematic review were synthesized to identify the various drivers of the slope failure. Recent studies have pointed to the extreme meteorological triggers (June rainfall was 130% greater than the decadal average), in addition to the destabilizing effects of human "yard-cutting" for the Tupul railway station platform[1], [2]. This review adds a key and often ignored factor from recent field observations: a massive historic landslide scarp has been identified by high-resolution satellite imagery and field investigations 350 meters uphill from the project site and is approximately 1100 meters long and 300 meters deep, showing that the slope was inherently unstable and had fractured and weakened soil masses long before construction began, and that the railway engineering removing the "toe" of the slope and saturating these weakened masses during the monsoon resulted in reactivation of a pre-existing geohazard. This review compares different methodologies, including geospatial remote sensing, finite element analysis, and regional susceptibility mapping, and highlights a critical gap in standard geotechnical survey protocols that did not adequately account for the surrounding geomorphology, arguing for a new paradigm in Himalayan infrastructure planning that mandates 1km-radius geohazard assessments, includes historical academic hazard warnings, and incorporates real-time monitoring systems. In the end, the Tupul event becomes a case study in the outcomes of "slope-unfriendly" development in geologically susceptible mountainous landscapes [1], [3].
Lou A. Picardal, Virgilio P. Rapada Jr.
This study examined the effects of using visual and podcast technology materials on the academic performance of Grade 4 learners in English at Alugan Elementary School during the School Year 2023–2024. A quasi-experimental pretest–posttest control group design was employed involving 46 learners selected through purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and t-test. Findings revealed that both control and experimental groups significantly improved from pretest to posttest, with performance levels increasing from “Satisfactory” to “Outstanding.” While a statistically significant difference was observed within groups, only a minimal difference was found between the posttest scores of the control and experimental groups. Moreover, no significant difference in learning gain scores was identified (p = 0.228), indicating comparable effectiveness of both instructional approaches. The study concludes that visual and podcast technology materials enhance learner engagement and support academic performance, but do not produce significantly greater gains compared to traditional methods. It is recommended that future studies employ larger, randomized samples and further validate instructional tools.
Vincent Kibet
This study presented the survey results on the attitudes towards the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. A convenience sample of 15 participants was drawn to answer a 10-question survey, which was designed using a combination of multiple-choice, drop-down menu, Likert scale, rating scale, and rank questions in Google Forms. In this study, it was found that the use of AI is high, with 53% of participants reporting using it either frequently or regularly. The mean rating of the impact was 4.13 5 (SD = 0.72). While 73% agreed that AI enhanced their learning performance, 87% of the students also implied that they have concerns about the ethics of AI. Using personalized learning was considered the most beneficial feature of AI. The results demonstrated the benefits and issues of incorporating the use of AI in education, and the need for institutional policies regulating the use of AI.
Dr. Aparnaa Upadhyaya, Mary Grace Hilario
Panoramic radiography plays a critical role in comprehensive dental diagnosis by providing a broad overview of the maxillofacial skeleton. In contrast, intraoral radiography, while essential for the diagnosis of dental caries and periapical pathology, offers a limited field of view and may fail to detect extra‑alveolar or skeletal abnormalities [1–3]. This case report describes a 35‑year‑old male who presented with left mandibular pain and swelling. Panoramic imaging revealed a non‑displaced mandibular angle fracture adjacent to tooth #17 that would not have been identified using intraoral radiography alone. Early recognition facilitated appropriate referral and surgical management, underscoring the importance of panoramic radiographs in improving patient safety and clinical outcomes [4–6].
Anazia Eluemunor Kizito, Jeroh Eseoghene, Ojei Emmanuel Obiajulu
This study examines the role of digital technologies in reshaping Nigeria’s economy and their contribution to sustainable economic growth. Against the backdrop of increasing digitalization across developing economies, the research investigates how key digital indicators, including internet penetration, fintech development, digital infrastructure and human capital, influence economic performance in Nigeria. The study adopts a quantitative research design, utilizing secondary data obtained from reputable sources such as the World Bank, International Telecommunication Union, Central Bank of Nigeria and National Bureau of Statistics Nigeria, covering the period 2019–2024. Using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, including regression analysis, the findings reveal that digital technologies exert a significant positive effect on Nigeria’s economic growth, both directly and indirectly, through improved financial inclusion, innovation and productivity. The results further highlight the mediating role of digital infrastructure and human capital in strengthening the impact of digital adoption on sustainable development outcomes. However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, digital divide and policy inconsistencies continue to constrain the full realization of digital transformation benefits. The study concludes that while digital technologies present a viable pathway to sustainable economic growth in Nigeria, their effectiveness depends on strategic investments in infrastructure, inclusive digital policies and capacity development. It recommends that policymakers prioritize broadband expansion, strengthen regulatory frameworks for fintech and digital innovation and promote digital literacy to enhance inclusive participation in the digital economy. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on digital transformation and provides empirical evidence to inform policy and development strategies in emerging economies.
Bildad Awere, Daniel Mishael Masetu
This study examined how professional ethics and fear of retaliation shaped whistleblowing on corruption in the civil service of third world countries. Many developing states had introduced anti-corruption bodies, ethics codes and whistleblower protection frameworks, yet reporting of wrongdoing by civil servants remained limited. The study focused on four objectives: to assess awareness and perceptions of whistleblowing mechanisms; to examine the relationship between professional ethics and willingness to report; to analyse the effect of fear of retaliation on whistleblowing intentions and behaviour; and to identify legal, organisational and cultural factors that hindered or facilitated whistleblowing. The research adopted a descriptive and explanatory design based entirely on secondary data. It drew on cross-national survey evidence, legal and policy documents, and analytical reports on corruption, ethics and whistleblowing in third world contexts. The analysis was guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior and Prosocial Behaviour Theory. Findings indicated that awareness of whistleblowing mechanisms was present in general terms, but confidence in accessibility, confidentiality and institutional follow-up remained weak. Professional ethics and integrity climate showed a positive association with willingness to report, particularly where ethical leadership and active ethics management were evident. Fear of retaliation emerged as a central deterrent, with civil servants anticipating career sanctions, workplace victimization and, in some settings, security threats. Legal frameworks on whistleblower protection had expanded in several countries, yet enforcement gaps, limited awareness and strong loyalty norms reduced their practical impact. The study concluded that effective promotion of whistleblowing in third world civil services required aligned reforms in law, organisational practice and administrative culture.