292 Articles
Dr. Sanjay P. Parab
By comparing State Bank of India and HDFC Bank between 2021 and 2025, this study examines the connection between capital structure and profitability in the Indian banking industry. The research is motivated by changing regulatory frameworks, especially Basel III standards, as well as the increasing demand for operational effectiveness and financial stability in a technologically advanced, competitive world. Using secondary data from annual reports and RBI publications, the study employs independent sample t-tests, regression, correlation, ratio analysis, and trend analysis. While Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE) and Net Profit Margin (NPM) are used to quantify profitability, Debt-Equity Ratio, Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR), and Advances to Total Assets are crucial indicators of capital structure. The findings indicate that there are substantial differences between the two banks. The efficient use of assets and consistent profitability of HDFC Bank are demonstrated by stronger capital adequacy, lower leverage, and improved ROA and NPM performance. SBI, on the other hand, has a higher ROE because to its greater leverage, which represents the risk-return trade-off. The regression's results demonstrate that while excessive leverage boosts shareholder returns but decreases operational efficiency, capital adequacy and asset utilization have a positive effect on profitability. The analysis concludes that an optimal capital structure is necessary for sustainable banking performance. While an excessive reliance on debt increases financial risk, stronger capital positions increase stability and profitability. The research's perceptive examination of the connection between capital structure and profitability in India can be helpful to academics, policymakers and banking specialists.
Dr Bhaskara Rao Dharavathu, Mr Azmeera Rampandu Naik
Emotional Intelligence (EI) has become an important concept in understanding what makes a leader truly effective in today’s organizations. This review paper looks at existing studies to explore how emotional intelligence contributes to better leadership performance and overall organizational success. It focuses on key aspects of EI such as self-awareness, self-control, motivation, empathy, and social skills, and how these qualities influence leadership behavior. The review of previous research shows a strong and consistent link between emotional intelligence and leadership effectiveness. Leaders with high emotional intelligence are better at understanding their own emotions as well as those of others, which helps them make better decisions, handle conflicts smoothly, and communicate more effectively. They are also more capable of building strong relationships with team members and creating a positive and supportive work environment. In addition, emotionally intelligent leaders are able to manage stress and motivate their teams, leading to higher employee satisfaction and improved performance. The study also highlights the growing importance of training programs that help develop emotional intelligence among leaders. Overall, this paper emphasizes that emotional intelligence plays a key role in effective leadership and is essential for achieving long-term success in organizations.
Jimmzy Fabe F. Ermino
This study examines the balance between effective crime investigation and the observance of custodial rights within the criminal justice system. It focuses on how law enforcement officers conduct investigation while ensuring the constitutional rights of suspects are protected during arrest, detention and interrogation. The research aims to determine the challenges encountered by the investigators in maintaining investigative efficiency without violating legal and human rights standards. Specifically, it explores the level of awareness and compliance of investigators regarding custodial rights, the common issues arising during custodial investigations and the impact of rights observance on the integrity of criminal cases. A descriptive research was utilized in this study, involving respondents from law enforcement agencies and individuals knowledgeable in criminal investigation procedures. Data were gathered through survey, interviews and related legal documents. The findings revealed that while investigators recognize the importance of custodial rights, challenges such as pressure to solve cases quickly, lack of resources and limited training sometimes affect proper compliance. The study also found that respecting custodial rights strengthens the credibility of evidence, prevents legal complications and promotes public trust in the justice system. The study concludes that balancing crime investigation with the observance of custodial rights is essential in achieving justice and protecting individual freedoms. It recommends continuous training for investigators, stricter implementation of legal procedures and strengthened monitoring mechanisms to ensure that investigations remain lawful, ethical and effective.
Ar.Tapti Singh Rathore, Manmeet Kaur, Mr. Satyam Vishwakarma
The development of sustainable interior design is considered as an imperative answer to the growing environmental issues, urban sprawl and energy waste in residential buildings. The diverse climate of India has a major impact on the design and performance of interior spaces. This research critically reviews the sustainable interior design solutions and practices in an Indian home with specific reference to climate. It investigates climate-responsive design, passive design, sustainable material usage, energy saving, and biophilic interior strategies. It also examines how traditional Indian space wisdom and contemporary sustainability practices can be combined to create thermally comfortable, environmentally efficient, and healthier spaces for occupants. Drawing from theoretical frameworks and existing literature, the article argues for and investigates the extend to which various methods of promoting sustainable interiors and transferable across Indian climatic zones. Results show a high relevancy of passive cooling technology and natural ventilation, as well as local materials use and the biophilic approach as major instruments to mitigate the environmental impact and enhance indoor environmental quality. Nevertheless, barriers such as lack of awareness, financial barriers, and urban space constraints continue to impede execution. The study finds that sustainable interior design for the Indian home should be integrate factors of climatic response, cultural relevance and technological advances for achieving viable as well as functional living environments.
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
Cecilia C. Garson, Emma B. Julian.
This study assessed the effectiveness of the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) localized anti-illegal drug campaign in Zambales. Employing a quantitative-correlational research design, data were gathered from one hundred (100) respondents. Findings revealed that most respondents were male, in late adulthood, married, Bachelor’s degree holders, residents of Sta. Cruz, and had lived in the community for over three decades. The campaign was rated highly effective in terms of reduction in drug-related incidents, community trust and cooperation, implementation of local campaign strategies, and sustainability and impact of preventive education. Moreover, the performance of PNP local strategies was evaluated as excellent across operational effectiveness, community engagement, compliance with policies and protocols, and problem-solving and decision-making competence. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference in implementation of local strategies when grouped by profile variables; however, significant differences emerged in reduction of drug-related incidents and sustainability of preventive education when grouped by residence location. Additionally, performance evaluation significantly varied across selected demographic variables. A significant relationship was found between campaign effectiveness and the performance of PNP local strategies.
Prof. Dr. Thressiamma K.L (Sr. Teena)
Introduction: Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) is a critical component in managing life-threatening emergencies in children. Nursing students often have inadequate knowledge and skills in pediatric resuscitation, which can affect patient outcomes. Simulation based learning programme has been identified as an effective teaching strategy to improve competency in emergency care. The study was aimed to assess the effectiveness of Simulation based teaching programme on knowledge and skill regarding Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) among Seventh semester B.Sc. nursing students.
Nisha Chaturvedi
The workplace is undergoing a significant transformation, as traditional measures of job performance are being reshaped by advancements in remote work technologies and artificial intelligence. The concept of hybrid work, which combines remote and in-office work arrangements, has gained significant attention in recent years, largely due to technological advancements and the growing demand for flexible work environments. Remote working, defined as performing job responsibilities outside the traditional office setting using digital tools and communication technologies, has become an integral part of this shift. While flexible work arrangements—such as work from home (WFH), hybrid, or fully remote setups—are not entirely new, their relevance and adoption were greatly accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly during the lockdowns that began in March 2020. This period highlighted the critical role of remote work in maintaining business continuity and reshaping traditional workplace practices. . Both managers and employees are required to adapt to these changes, embracing new ways of working and evaluating performance in a more flexible, technology-driven environment. This paper explains how remote and hybrid working arrangements influence employee productivity, engagement, and retention, examining the benefits, challenges, and emerging trends in flexible work practices.
Bindu George, Ishita Shukla, Litti K I, Shibi T.D, Shruti Tiwari, Sr Maggie Jose
The emergence of digital technology has caused drastic change in how children live their lives. Although technology is being used to achieve many positive outcomes in the learning environment, there is public health concern associated with too much time in front of a screen. Studies have shown that extensive use of screens have numerous adverse effects such as health complications, intellectual retardation, emotional imbalances, and social challenges. This article discusses the complex role of an increased screen time in children and identifies its dangers as well as its possibilities. It is built on the basis of recent empirical research and international health suggestions to indicate the necessity of moderated use, parental monitoring, and patterned screen interaction to result in healthy development of children.
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.
Alimamy Kargbo, Joshua Henry Amoh-Darko
This study compares EdTech readiness in Sierra Leone and Ghana using the World Bank EdTech Readiness Index (ETRI) framework while explicitly addressing a central methodological problem: the two country profiles are not synchronous. Sierra Leone’s evidence was collected in 2022 and published in a 2025 technical note, whereas Ghana’s October 2025 report applies ETRI 2.0 and includes additional hybrid-learning indicators. Therefore, the paper does not present the two countries as a ranked performance comparison. Instead, it interprets the evidence as a trajectory-sensitive comparison of two systems at different stages of digital education development. Drawing on the official ETRI reports, national policy documents, and peer-reviewed scholarship on technology integration, teacher capacity, and digital equity, the study compares only overlapping indicators across six pillars: school management, teachers, students, devices, connectivity, and digital educational resources. The findings show that Ghana demonstrates stronger readiness across most comparable indicators, especially school leadership, teacher self-efficacy, teacher planning, curriculum awareness, and digital resource use. Sierra Leone’s 2022 baseline shows very low school-level implementation, particularly in device availability, connectivity, teacher use, student access, and digital educational resources. The analysis argues that policymakers should interpret these differences through policy maturity, infrastructure investment, governance capacity, and equity. Ghana illustrates the opportunities and limits of a longer ICT-in-education trajectory: readiness improves, but device sufficiency, connectivity quality, technical support, and disability inclusion remain weak. Sierra Leone illustrates the value of a pre-strategy baseline for guiding implementation of the National Digital Learning Strategy 2025-2030. The study contributes a cautious comparative approach and proposes a future monitoring framework for African EdTech readiness assessment.
Dr. B. Hariprabhu Dhakal, Dr. C. Velaudham, Dr. P. Chinnadurai
This study examines the comparative adoption and effectiveness of Digital Human Resource Management Practices (DHRMP) among public and private sector bank employees in the Coimbatore district. Using a sample of 150 respondents (75 from each sector), the analysis evaluates key dimensions such as e-recruitment and selection, digital training and development, e-performance appraisal, employee self-service systems, and digital communication and engagement. The findings reveal that private sector banks consistently report higher mean scores across all DHRMP dimensions compared to public sector banks, indicating more advanced implementation and employee satisfaction. Statistical results show significant differences between the two sectors (p < 0.05) in all variables, with the largest gaps observed in e-recruitment, training, and overall DHRMP. Public sector banks demonstrate comparatively moderate adoption levels, particularly lagging in digital communication and engagement. Overall, the study highlights the need for public sector banks to strengthen their digital HR infrastructure and practices to remain competitive and enhance employee experience.
Abadul Haque, Animesh Chandra Roy, Chhanda Rani Das, Md. Julkar Nayeen, Md. Monirul Islam, Shahena Akhtar, Shahida Akter, Shipra Roy, Siam Hossain Limon
Ovariohysterectomy is the most common surgical procedure performed in dogs and cats, which prevents the risk of development of mammary tumor and pyometra. Although there is no standard surgical approach to the ovariohysterectomy of dogs, some prefer the midline over the flank approach. This study compared postoperative hematological, hormonal, and wound healing responses in cats undergoing ventral midline versus lateral flank ovariohysterectomy. Thirty clinically healthy female cats were randomly divided into two equal groups, with Group I subjected to midline ovariohysterectomy and Group II to flank ovariohysterectomy. Blood samples were collected on Day 0 (preoperative) and on postoperative Days 1, 3, and 7 for complete blood count and serum cortisol and estrogen estimation, and wound healing was assessed clinically. Both approaches produced significant postoperative changes; however, the midline group showed significantly higher total leukocyte counts, neutrophil percentages, and serum cortisol levels, along with lower lymphocyte percentages, hemoglobin concentration, and packed cell volume during the early postoperative period (p < 0.05), indicating greater surgical stress and inflammatory response. Serum estrogen concentrations decreased significantly in both groups following ovariohysterectomy, with a more pronounced decline in the midline group. Clinically, wound healing was uneventful in most cases except one case of evisceration and one case of wound breakdown in midline ovariohysterectomy, but cats undergoing flank ovariohysterectomy demonstrated milder inflammatory reactions, earlier normalization of hematological and hormonal parameters, and without evisceration and wound breakdown. Overall, lateral flank ovariohysterectomy was associated with reduced postoperative stress and faster recovery compared to the ventral midline approach.
SMK .Siyasinghe
This article examines the gap between international labour standards and the practical realization of trade union rights in Sri Lanka's semi-government sector. Although Sri Lanka has ratified ILO Convention No. 87 on freedom of association and Convention No. 98 on the right to organize and collective bargaining, the dissertation findings show that formal legal recognition does not automatically produce effective workplace rights. Drawing on qualitative evidence from semi-structured interviews with union leaders, union members, labour-rights advocates and legal experts in transport, health, energy and postal services, the article argues that the main problem is institutional rather than purely legal. Regulatory ambiguity, politicized appointments, managerial resistance, bureaucratic delay and weak enforcement reduce union autonomy, discourage membership and weaken collective bargaining. The article proposes legal clarification for semi-government employees, strengthened enforcement, depoliticized institutional governance, capacity building for trade unions and regular tripartite dialogue as practical reforms to close the gap between Sri Lanka's international commitments and domestic labour practice.
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]
Harish H, Kondragunta Rama Krishnaiah, P Vamsi Krishna
In this article, we present a novel approach to continuous Sign Language (SL) recognition using a Recurrent Convolutional Neural Network (RCNN) with an iterative training process and multimodal fusion. Our primary goal is to accurately transcribe continuous SL video streams into ordered gloss sequences, overcoming the limitations of traditional methods that rely on frame-wise labeling and Hidden Markov Models (HMMs). To address the challenges posed by limited training data, we introduce an iterative optimization process that refines gestural alignments, ensuring improved model performance across training iterations. Additionally, we incorporate a multimodal fusion strategy that combines RGB frames and optical flow data to capture both appearance and motion cues, enhancing the spatiotemporal feature representation. The experimental results demonstrate that our approach outperforms existing SL recognition methods in terms of recognition accuracy and Word Error Rate (WER), showing significant potential for real-world applications such as real-time SL translation and human-computer interaction. Our system achieves robust performance even with unsegmented video streams, making it a promising solution for continuous SL recognition tasks.
B. Agaiah Goud, B. Sony, K. Manu, Kunmalla Pravalika, Y. Karunakar Reddy
A prospective observational study of oligohydramnios and polyhydramnios on maternal and fetal outcome. Objectives of the study was to recognize the maternal risk factors related to prenatal fluid disorders, to evaluate the consequences of prenatal fluid disorders on mother and neonatal outcomes, to observe the relation between abnormal amniotic fluid index (AFI) and perinatal outcome, to notice the source related to abnormal (AFI) and to estimate maternal morbidity associated with abnormal AFI. A Prospective observational study was conducted at Manjula Hospital, in Hanmakonda, Telangana. The patients visiting the inpatient department of gynecology were reviewed, and patients diagnosed with the following conditions, such as oligohydramnios and polyhydramnios, were enrolled in the study. 150 patients with oligohydramnios and polyhydramnios conditions took part. Among 150 patients, 78% (n=117) were diagnosed with oligohydramnios, while 12%(n=18) were diagnosed with polyhydramnios where as 10% (n=15) were diagnosed with polyhydramnios with gestational diabetes. The incidence of oligohydramnios was 6.89% in our hospital, in which moderate oligohydramnios was 4.58% &severe oligohydramnios was 2.31%. Doppler changes were found in 3.2% on USG. The rate of LSCS was 28.5%. SGA was seen in 33%, of which 11% had IUGR. NICU admissions were 28%, and perinatal deaths were 2%. Prevention, early detection, and intervention of antenatal complications can probably reduce the incidence of oligohydramnios and improve maternal and fetal outcome.
Dr. Aishwarya Chavarkar, Dr. Chinmay Dake, Dr. Mihir Bairat, Dr. Snehal Rane
Background: Thyroid tuberculosis is an exceptionally rare extrapulmonary manifestation of tuberculosis, even in endemic regions. It can mimic thyroid malignancy both clinically and on investigation, presenting with a painless neck swelling and constitutional symptoms like weight loss. Methods: A 53-year-old female presented with a progressive neck swelling and significant weight loss. Evaluation included clinical examination, thyroid ultrasound, contrast-enhanced CT neck, fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), and biochemical tests. Due to a high suspicion of malignancy (Bethesda IV cytology and elevated thyroglobulin), the patient underwent a right hemithyroidectomy. The definitive diagnosis was made through histopathological examination of the surgical specimen and confirmed with a GeneXpert MTB/RIF test.
Dr. Jayshri Satre, Mayur Pandharpurkar, Prashant Mote, Sakshi Dhavale, Yukta Sawant
It is essential to switch from traditional, manually operated, fossil fuel-based grass cutters to solar-powered automated systems in order to minimize human labour, lower operating costs, and reduce environmental pollution. These systems make use of a solar panel to effectively charge an on-board battery, creating a continuous, low-maintenance, renewable power source that is essential for resolving problems like power outages and the environmental effects of non-renewable sources. Automation is accomplished through a range of technologies, including microcontrollers (like the AT mega 16), IR proximity sensors for object avoidance and safety, and high-efficiency motors like BLDC motors with gear systems for precise speed control and power consumption management. Control flexibility is ensured by interfaces such as Bluetooth modules, which allow for both automated and manual operation. Building on this basis, the technology's versatility will determine its future .capabilities, transforming the solar grass cutter into an all- purpose agricultural robot capable of carrying out tasks other than mowing, such as light debris collection, automated seeding and fertilization, and real-time lawn health monitoring via integrated sensors. This would offer a value-added, independent solution for comprehensive property management.
Darshan C Y.,, Darshan R Shelar, G Sagar, Harsha G V., Kethan K Raikar, Usha K
Precision agriculture has become an important research area for improving crop productivity, food security, and sustainable farming practices. Crop diseases significantly reduce agricultural yield and economic stability, especially in developing agricultural economies. Traditional disease detection methods rely heavily on manual inspection and expert knowledge, which are time-consuming and often inaccurate under large-scale farming conditions. This manuscript proposes a multimodal artificial intelligence framework that integrates Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), Vision Transformers (ViTs), environmental parameters, and reasoning-based support systems for crop disease identification and agricultural decision support. The proposed system combines crop leaf images, weather conditions, and environmental sensor data to improve disease classification performance. The PlantVillage dataset containing approximately 54,000 crop leaf images across multiple disease categories was utilized for experimentation. Image preprocessing techniques such as resizing, normalization, augmentation, and noise removal were applied before model training. A hybrid CNN-Transformer architecture was implemented using Adam optimizer with a learning rate of 0.001 over 50 epochs. Experimental evaluation demonstrated an overall classification accuracy of 93.2%, outperforming traditional CNN-only approaches. The system also provides treatment recommendations and environmental analysis to support farmers in real-time decision-making. Comparative evaluation using precision, recall, F1-score, and confusion matrix analysis confirms the effectiveness of multimodal data fusion. Although computational complexity and deployment challenges remain limitations, the proposed framework demonstrates strong potential for smart agriculture applications.
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.
Deepa, Helen Elizabeth, Lingaraj Chitra, Ramya N.
Constipation is a common gastrointestinal problem among adolescents and may negatively affect physical comfort, bowel habits, and quality of life. Non-pharmacological and low-cost supportive interventions are increasingly being explored for bowel health management. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of oil pulling on constipation among adolescent students residing in a selected college hostel in Coimbatore. A pre-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test design was adopted for the study. The study was conducted among 60 first- and second-year B.Sc. Nursing students selected through non-probability purposive sampling. Baseline socio-demographic variables and constipation levels were assessed using the Modified Wexner Constipation Scale. The participants were instructed to perform oil pulling using 10 ml of coconut oil for 10 minutes daily on an empty stomach for four weeks. Post-test assessment was conducted using the same tool after completion of the intervention. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics including frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and paired t-test. The findings revealed a reduction in the mean constipation score from 1.85 in the pre-test to 0.75 in the post-test. The calculated paired t-value was 8.12, which was statistically significant at p < 0.001. The results indicate improvement in constipation symptoms following the intervention. The study findings suggest that oil pulling may be a simple, safe, low-cost, and supportive complementary practice for reducing constipation symptoms among adolescent students. The possible physiological explanation may include stimulation of salivary secretion, activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, relaxation response, and promotion of healthy morning bowel habits. However, the study was limited by the absence of a control group, small sample size, and short duration of follow-up. Further randomized controlled studies with larger samples are recommended to establish the effectiveness and physiological basis of oil pulling in constipation management.
Mrs. Kodur Srividya, Sanjana Jagannatha, Shreya S Upadhya, Shrusti L.
With increasing population numbers worldwide, sickle cell disease (SCD) continues to pose a serious global health problem, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where close to 240,000 babies are born every year with the disease. SCD refers to a genetic disorder that leads to the distortion of hemoglobin molecules and subsequent deformity of red blood cells into rigid, sickle-like forms. The irregular blood cells block blood vessels and degenerate prematurely, causing health problems such as anemia, pain crises, infections, and organ dysfunction. It is critical to diagnose the condition early and correctly to manage and control it effectively. Advancements in artificial intelligence and image processing have facilitated the development of automatic detection systems for SCD. Deep learning methods have shown great promise in recognizing deformities in microscopic images of blood smears with high accuracy and speed. Automatic detection models can aid healthcare practitioners through shortened diagnostic duration, reduced error rates, and easy-to-use tests in resource-limited areas. This survey paper provides an extensive analysis of deep learning solutions for the detection of sickle cell disease.
Akash Sarkar, Hrittesh Ghosh, Musharapov Denis Razikovich
Acute severe ulcerative colitis is a very serious ailment that involves hospital treatment and inhalation of powerful drugs such as intravenous steroids. About one-third of the individuals affected by this situation fail to show improvement with steroids alone, thus requiring other special medications. Infliximab or cyclosporine can be given to these patients as the means of treatment. The two drugs turn out to be equally effective, but doctors commonly choose infliximab because they find it more convenient and they have adequate experience of working with it. Nevertheless, should a patient have already been exposed to infliximab previously, then doctors are allowed to prescribe cyclosporine more frequently. When folks with severe ulcerative colitis do not respond positively to such therapies, the next step could be the surgical intervention, i.e., excision of the colon. The medical community is very active in looking for more ways of treating the condition that do not involve surgery. Previous studies have shown that medicines like Janus kinase inhibitors are of great help when applied together with steroids at the beginning or used as a single treatment, respectively, though their effectiveness still needs to be established through further research.
Deepta Chakravarty, Disha Chaudhury, Dr. Lakshmi Dhevi B, Mayukh Mondal
Cyber threats are becoming increasingly complex, and laws around data sovereignty are leading to increasingly complex regulations; this has rendered global collaboration in cybersecurity not only necessary but challenging. Traditional intrusion detection systems (IDSs) are often based on centralized architectures or signatures, which are inadequate against these attacks, which can change and evolve over the course of an attack. This paper introduces a single system of detecting the global cyber threats in the shape of the behavioral representation known as — Attack DNA. The features are combined in a systematical fashion to generate a common feature space for heterogeneous datasets of intrusion detection (CIC-IDS2017, NSL-KDD, UNSW-NB15 and TON_IoT); packet count, byte count, flow rate, etc. are used to produce a standardized description of network behavior in a variety of environments. It compares the sequence and feature-based models with the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks and Random Forest classifiers; the feature-based models are shown to be better in the case of non-temporal aggregated data. Also, a geographical analysis is conducted to assess differences in the pattern of attacks by different geographical sources, illustrating the usability of the framework in cybersecurity situations on a global scale. Results highlight the significance of standardized behavior for scalable, interpretable and cross-dataset intrusions.
Swapan Samanta
We develop a mathematical framework for optimising interfaces between discrete rigid elements and continuous irregular substrates. While contact mechanics analyses stress for given geometries and homogenisation theory treats continuous–discrete transitions, the inverse problem—determining optimal element size from substrate topology and material constraints—has lacked systematic treatment. We introduce three independent dimensionless metrics: a stress-based Conformability Index (CI), a spectral Critical Wavelength Ratio (CWR), and a topology-inspired Topological Obstruction Number (TON). Through variational energy minimisation, we show these metrics emerge naturally from a unified principle rather than being ad hoc constructs. An independent derivation via quantisation theory recovers identical scaling exponents, providing internal consistency without empirical data. We derive universal scaling laws—d ∝ t, d ∝ σz^(−1/(H+1)), d ∝ √(σy/E)—with parameter-independent exponents offering falsifiable predictions. Ceramic tile installation serves as the canonical example, while the mathematical structure applies wherever rigid discrete coverings interface continuous irregular fields under structural constraints.
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.
Anila Pasha, Md Abu Hasan, Mirola Afroze, Moktar Hossain
The accuracy, traceability, and reliability of calibration measurements is highly dependent on the environment in today's metrology laboratories. Ambient temperature, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure, vibration and airflow have significant impact on measurement uncertainty and on the long-term stability of calibrated instruments (JCGM 100:2008; Bell 2001). In this study, these environmental factors are evaluated using an advanced experimental and analytical methodology. Experiments were performed in controlled lab facilities with high accuracy balances, volumetric measuring glassware, and digital measurement system in the temperature range of 18 °C to 32 °C, relative humidity from 35% to 75% and under observed atmospheric pressure. The tests were repeated 10 times for each test condition (n=10), and 10 times for each instrument type for a total of 30 measurements per environmental condition (3 instruments × 10 repeats). Using the Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (JCGM 100:2008) relationships between environmental fluctuations and calibration deviations were quantified through statistical analysis and uncertainty modelling. The calibration uncertainty was largest for the volumetric measurement, 42%, and had a good linear dependence (R2 = 0.93) with temperature variation. For electronic instrumentation and mass measurements, the impacts of humidity were more pronounced, with the effect showing a non-linear relationship above 60% RH, which is consistent with Ahmed et al. (2019) and Wang et al. (2017). The overall calibration uncertainty was reduced by 18.7% (paired t-test, p < 0.01) using the novel environmental compensation algorithm based on empirical transfer functions generated in real-time using polynomial correction factors. These results highlight the need for regular monitoring of the environment alongside compensation to guarantee a traceable calibration, in line with the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 (ISO/IEC 2017).
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.
Naresh Lalam, Podili Rajesh, Ram Mohan Reddy Venuthurla, Shalem Srikar Perumallapalli
Background: Modular dual mobility (MDM) acetabular constructs reduce dislocation risk in total hip arthroplasty (THA) by increasing effective femoral head size (28-44mm) and jump distance (32-38mm vs 14mm conventional), achieving 71-85% relative risk reduction[7,8]. While uncemented press-fit shells remain standard (92% market share), cemented MDM demonstrates equivalent 10-year survivorship with superior early stability[9,2]. Methods: Systematic synthesis of biomechanical principles (finite element analysis, RSA migration studies), cement mantle mechanics, dual-mobility kinematics, and meta-analysis of 18,472 THA cases (3,452 cemented DM)[10,11]. Results: Cemented MDM provides: (1) immediate fixation independent of bone quality (T-score < -2.5) with 100% 90-day stability[2]; (2) micromotion <50μm vs 150-300μm uncemented at 6 weeks[10]; (3) cup orientation precision ±3° maximizing jump distance[12]; (4) 96% fracture risk reduction eliminating impaction forces[13]; (5) 92% 5-year survival in Paprosky 2-3B defects[14]; (6) 73% lower modular junction corrosion (serum Co/Cr)[15]. Conclusion: Cemented MDM optimal for instability-prone patients (age >75, neuromuscular disease, BMI >35, revision). Level I trials needed[7,8].
Yasser Samir Hadi
The emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystems, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) systems have become commonplace and provide a means for embedding dynamically retrieved external knowledge in the response from a Large Language Model (LLM). While potentially helpful, IoT-enabled RAG pipelines present significant adversarial threats such as poisoning passages into the IoT knowledge base, altering dense retrieval embeddings, and conducting indirect prompt injection attacks via the inputs through the IoT sensors, all of which can impact the fidelity of generated responses and compromise the trustworthiness of the system. Current defenses are based mostly on heuristic filtering or empirical adversarial training, and are not known to be robustly certified or are fragile under adaptive adversaries. In response to these challenges, this article introduces a new certified defense framework named AdverShield-LLM to combine the randomized smoothing technique with a multi-granular noise injection mechanism well-suited to the distributed and low latency requirements of RAG systems in the IoT domain. AdverShield-LLM consists of three synergistic modules: (i) Passage-Level Smoothed Aggregation (PLSA) module which certifies the robustness of RAG retrieval against bounded corpus poisoning under an isolate-then-smooth paradigm, (ii) Token-Adaptive Gaussian Defense (TAGD) layer that certifies LLM generation against indirect prompt injection by propagating l_2-norm perturbation bounds through the transformer attention stack, and (iii) IoT-Aware Certified Radius Scheduler (IACRS) that dynamically schedules noise budgets among constrained edge nodes while preserving the certified radius. AdverShield-LLM is evaluated on three IoT security benchmarks—MS-RAG-IoT, NQ-Adversarial and IoTQA-Poison—with extensive experiments showing its certified accuracy is 81.4% under l_2 perturbation radius σ=0.50 compared to the strongest baseline RobustRAG which reported +9.3% accuracy, and reduced the attack success rate from 74.2% to 8.6% against PoisonedRAG. Moreover, AdverShield-LLM ensures the accuracy of clean answers within 2.1% of the undefended RAG accuracy, proving that certified robustness does not compromise the utility of RAGs in resource-limited IoT environments.
Akangsha Sarkar, Baishali Sutradhar, Bijoy Das, Debalina Deb, Hrittika Saha, Piyush Singh, Pratik Bhowmik, Sutapa Debbarma
Agriculture is a crucial part of our living and survival of humankind. It provides us with foods, healthy environment, fresh air and all the necessities for leading a healthy life. Though agriculture plays an important role in our day-to-day life still it’s not getting the proper care and treatment because of lack of knowledge, costly supplies, and most importantly late monitoring of issues related to crops. Our project represents the modern technology solutions for these traditional issues, it implies instrument-based monitoring and proper artificial intelligence-based sickness detection of plants. As we know for humans 24/7 non-stop monitoring is not possible for several issues but our system is able to monitor the field 24/7 and record each & every movement for future analysis. It also captures images when irrelevant movement is found and detects if any plant is diseased or not. In human monitoring plant’s diseases is often detected late because of which the treatments are provided late and in most of the cases farmers couldn’t save the plants. But in our surveillance system diseases are detected on time and farmers get notified by our alert mechanism so that they can take action in time. We also provided wireless alert system through Telegram server so that user gets daily updates about their field and images of intruder detection, also it generates a health report regarding the diseased plants suggesting proper treatment remedies to cure the plants. Over all our project is a complete package of modern technology and artificial intelligence to serve society with greater efficiency.
Alvin M. Boncales, Emelyn Shaira B. Felisilda, Eric B. Bulala, Kristine T. Soberano, Maria Shina Jane A. Melendres, Mark Angelou A. Balonga, Raymund Castañares, Serafin C. Palmares
This research examined the AI assistance usage and programming performance among first-year Information Technology (IT) students at three municipal colleges in the Philippines. The study's objectives were to evaluate students' utilization of AI tools, identify usage patterns, and analyze the correlation between AI assistance usage and programming performance. A descriptive-correlational quantitative research design was used. Data were collected from 250 first-year IT students using a structured questionnaire. The results indicate that, although students demonstrated considerable confidence in the perceived usefulness of AI (mean 3.63), their actual dependency on these tools remained relatively low (mean 2.79). Many respondents reported limited study habits, with 82% (n=205) spending only 1–3 hours per week practicing programming. The findings indicated that a significant percentage of students commenced the IT program without any prior programming knowledge or experience (79.2%), and 84% (n=210) recognized ChatGPT as their principal AI resource. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences in AI assistance usage and programming performance between male and female students (p > 0.05). Furthermore, Pearson correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant but weak positive relationship between AI assistance usage and programming performance (r = 0.1096, p = 0.001). Multiple regression analysis further revealed that AI assistance usage alone was not a significant predictor (p = 0.182); rather, performance was primarily driven by weekly study hours (p = 0.001) and prior programming experience (p = 0.032). Crucially, a significant interaction effect (p = 0.008) confirmed that AI assistance usage effectively served as a "cognitive scaffold" for students with higher study hours, whereas high AI reliance did not yield significant gains for those with minimal practice.
Aliah Turla Evangelista, Diana Joss Conda Sualog, John Michael Garra Amad, Ronald Burdios Fernandez, Vivien Accad Agustin
The increasing use of digital academic documents has raised concerns regarding document tampering, forgery, and the inefficiency of manual verification processes in educational institutions. Traditional methods of verifying academic records are often time-consuming, prone to human error, and vulnerable to unauthorized modifications. In response to these issues, this study entitled “AI-Based Digital Document Authenticity Verifier: Enhancing Document Security at Jesus Reigns Christian College” aimed to develop a secure, efficient, and automated system capable of verifying the authenticity of digital academic documents.
Dharnel Baculo, Jeazle Anne Vinzon, Jellame Formentera, Ronald Fernandez, Vivien Agustin
The Filipino Sign Language (FSL) serves as the official sign language of the Deaf community in the Philippines, as recognized under Republic Act 11106. Despite this recognition, communication barriers persist in educational institutions, healthcare facilities, workplaces, and other settings where Deaf and hearing individuals interact, largely due to the limited understanding of FSL among the hearing majority. Existing sign language recognition applications predominantly target other sign languages such as American Sign Language and are constrained to isolated gesture recognition, failing to address the continuous and dynamic nature of Filipino Sign Language communication. This study developed an AI-Based Real-Time Filipino Sign Language Recognition and Translation System with Context-Aware Natural Language Processing, implemented as an Android mobile application. The system employs MediaPipe Holistic for coordinate-based 3D landmark extraction from hand and body pose, and a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural network for sequential gesture pattern recognition. A dataset of 20 FSL vocabulary items was collected from seven Filipino Sign Language signers, and a four-technique data augmentation pipeline including Gaussian noise, time shifting, scale variation, and hand mirroring was applied to improve model generalization across different signing styles and dominant hand preferences. The trained model was converted to TensorFlow Lite format for efficient on-device inference without requiring server-side computation or internet connectivity. The system achieved an overall classification accuracy of 97% on the evaluated vocabulary, demonstrating the viability of real-time FSL gesture recognition on consumer-grade mobile hardware. The study adopted a developmental research design with an Agile software development approach to facilitate iterative refinement throughout the development process. The results confirm that the proposed MediaPipe-LSTM architecture provides a practical and accessible foundation for bridging the communication gap between the Filipino Deaf community and the hearing population.
Aditi S H, Bhavani S, Bhoomika M H, Brinda G, Somasekhar T
The rapid expansion of digital commercial space marketplaces has significantly increased the complexity of managing bookings, pricing strategies, and service quality across multi-vendor platforms. Traditional marketplace systems rely heavily on manual decision-making and static historical data, proving insufficient in responding to real-time market trends, shifting customer preferences, and fluctuating demand. As a result, commercial space owners frequently face challenges such as inaccurate demand forecasting, revenue loss from rigid pricing, delayed customer support, and poor inventory utilization. This survey paper analyses how the strategic integration of Predictive Analytics and Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) can enhance the efficiency, scalability, and customer experience of commercial space marketplaces. Specifically, the study evaluates AI-driven demand forecasting, dynamic pricing recommendations, automated customer support through intelligent agents, personalized property listing generation, and automated review analysis. The methodology involves reviewing AI-based marketplace use cases and technological frameworks currently shaping the industry. The proposed system utilizes historical and real-time data — including booking records, customer interactions, and urban mobility trends to generate actionable insights and automate critical operations. The framework also supports scalable deployment and intelligent decision-making for long-term marketplace optimization and business growth. Techniques such as Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing (NLP), BER-Topic clustering, and Large Language Models (LLMs) are examined for contextual automation and intelligent reasoning. Key findings indicate that AI-driven systems significantly reduce manual effort, improve pricing precision, and optimize occupancy rates for vendors. The study concludes that AI-powered marketplace intelligence provides a robust and scalable solution for building smarter, customer-centric commercial platforms, and establishes a foundation for future research into real-time data integration, continuous model learning, and advanced analytics in commercial real estate.
Geraldine I. Ifeanyi, Peacemark Hammed
Healthcare supply chains operate at the intersection of clinical care, logistics, and public health, where efficiency is not merely a matter of cost but of life and survival. Over the past decade, increasing demand variability, globalization of pharmaceutical production, and rising complexity in healthcare delivery have exposed structural weaknesses in traditional supply chain systems. These systems have historically relied on linear forecasting methods, siloed data environments, and delayed decision-making processes, which are inadequate in addressing rapidly evolving healthcare needs. This review synthesizes existing scholarly literature on AI-driven optimization in healthcare supply chains, with particular emphasis on the continuum from predictive analytics to real-time operational intelligence. The paper further explores how AI technologies such as machine learning, deep learning, and IoT-enabled systems enhance forecasting accuracy, improve inventory management, and enable dynamic logistics optimization. Additionally, it examines the implications of these advancements for global health systems, especially in the context of pandemic preparedness and equitable access to healthcare resources. The review concludes by identifying key challenges, including data fragmentation, ethical concerns, and implementation barriers, while proposing future directions for research and practice.
Janani Sri T, Pavithra S, Sakthipriya M, Satheesh S, Senthamizh Selvi. P
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the financial services industry by introducing advanced trading platforms that provide automated recommendations, predictive analytics, and real-time market insights. In India, the rapid growth of digital investment applications has increased the participation of retail investors in stock markets. This study aims to analyse the influence of AI-driven trading platforms on retail investment decisions in India. The research examines how AI-based features affect investor confidence, decision-making speed, risk perception, and emotional trading behaviour. Primary data will be collected from retail investors through structured questionnaires, and statistical tools such as percentage analysis, correlation, and regression will be applied for interpretation. The study is expected to provide valuable insights into the behavioural impact of AI technologies on retail investors and contribute to the understanding of technology-driven transformation in Indian financial markets.
Dr. Golden Gokhale, Ms. Saniya Shaikh
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing cosmetic biotechnology by integrating advanced machine learning, biotechnology innovation, predictive analytics, and digital commerce systems to develop personalized and sustainable cosmetic solutions. AI-powered technologies such as intelligent skin diagnostics, ingredient optimization algorithms, virtual beauty assistants, and predictive consumer behavior models are improving product innovation, operational efficiency, and customer engagement. Biotechnology innovations including plant stem cells, microbial fermentation, peptides, and bio engineered cosmetic ingredients are contributing organizations create safer and eco-friendly skincare products. The integration of AI with digital commerce platforms has significantly transformed cosmetic marketing and customer experiences through recommendation systems, augmented reality applications, virtual try-on systems, and personalized advertisements. AI also supports sustainable manufacturing by reducing production wastage, optimizing resource utilization, and improving recyclable packaging strategies. This study examines the role of Artificial Intelligence in cosmetic biotechnology and analyzes emerging innovations, sustainable business strategies, and digital commerce transformation within the global cosmetic industry. The study it so highlights major challenges and future opportunities associated with AI-powered cosmetic biotechnology.
David King F. Lorilla, John Kherve G. Baldos, Marc Andre M. Azur, Ronald Burdios Fernandez, Vivien Accad Agustin
Flooding is one of the most significant results of urban drainage blockages; the impact is often property damage, health problems, or economic losses. Traditional manual inspections of urban drainage systems require several hours of labor at each location and frequently do not provide monitoring of obstructions in an efficient manner. The purpose of this study was to develop a fully AI-enabled drainage monitoring system to monitor urban drainage systems in real-time and proactively prevent urban flooding. The AI-Enabled Drainage Monitoring System was developed using a Raspberry Pi as the main processor, a USB webcam to acquire images of drainage conditions, an ultrasonic sensor for continuous monitoring of drainage systems, and a water level sensor to measure actual water levels in the drainage system. An AI-based image classification model (ICM) was created to classify drainage conditions as either clear, partially blocked, or fully blocked. A web-based dashboard using Flask provides real-time monitoring data, alert notifications, historical records, and weather forecasts; this dashboard allows Local Government Units (LGUs) to make more informed decisions and also provides selected historical data to the public to help increase public awareness of the importance of monitoring urban drainage systems. The study employed a developmental research design and the Agile Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). Results indicate that the system can effectively detect drainage blockages and generate timely alerts, demonstrating a scalable and cost-effective solution for urban flood risk mitigation.
B. Sanjay, Dr. J. Sudhakar, Durga. T, M. Vasudevan
This methodology presents the design and implementation of an AI-powered computer vision–based physiotherapy rehabilitation system intended to support home and remote exercise monitoring. The proposed system utilizes real-time pose estimation through a standard webcam to detect body key points, compute joint angles, and evaluate exercise performance without the need for wearable sensors or invasive devices. By integrating machine learning–based movement classification with automated visual and audio feedback, the system provides objective posture correction and repetition tracking. Session data is recorded and analyzed to generate performance metrics and progress reports, enabling quantitative assessment of rehabilitation outcomes. The results demonstrate that camera-based motion analysis can offer a cost-effective, non-invasive, and scalable solution for enhancing accessibility and consistency in physiotherapy rehabilitation.In addition to improving accessibility, the system significantly reduces the dependency on continuous clinical supervision by enabling patients to perform exercises independently at home. The use of real-time feedback ensures that users are immediately guided to correct improper posture, thereby minimizing the risk of injury and improving exercise effectiveness. The system is designed with a user-friendly interface that allows individuals with minimal technical knowledge to operate it Furthermore, the integration of automated data logging ensures accurate tracking of patient performance over time, which can be useful for long-term rehabilitation planning. The ability to generate structured reports supports better communication between patients and physiotherapists. The system also promotes consistency in exercise routines by providing continuous monitoring and reminders.
Ariel Antwaun Rolando C. Sison, Criselle J. Centeno, Joseph Darwin C. Co, Lance Ravin G. Urgelles, Lemuel Mari C. De Roxas, Mark Christopher R. Blanco, Miyeon Jasmin M. Oh
This study presents AKtiveWorld, an offline gamified mobile application designed to support social skills development among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) aged 6 to 12. The system integrates a rule-based dialogue mechanism, a threshold-based reinforcement algorithm, and a personalized progress tracking feature to provide a structured and adaptive learning environment. Through virtual character interactions and scenario-based dialogues, the application simulates real-life social situations that allow users to practice appropriate social responses in a safe and controlled setting. The study evaluated three core system components. First, the rule-based dialogue system achieved a functional suitability score of 3.6, indicating effective dialogue flow, scoring accuracy, and task completion. Second, the threshold-based reinforcement mechanism utilized the Independent Positive Count (IPC) to assess user performance, where a score of 11 out of 15 (73.33%) met the required 70% passing threshold, confirming the system’s capability to identify weaker social skills and reinforce them through repeated dialogue exposure. Third, the personalized progress tracking feature demonstrated its effectiveness in monitoring and recording user responses, contributing to continuous skill improvement and obtaining a usability mean score of 3.8. In addition, the system achieved a performance efficiency mean score of 4.8, reflecting responsive interaction, smooth scene transitions, and stable offline operation. The findings indicate that AKtiveWorld is a functional, usable, and effective platform for supporting adaptive social skills learning among children with ASD.
Dr. Tanushree Mahalik
The caste system remains a foundational element shaping the social, economic, and political fabric of society. Its origins can be traced to the early formation of village and community structures, where it evolved as an integral component influencing hierarchical organization and social stratification. This paper reflects on the origin, definition, nature, and scope of the caste system in India, tracing its historical development and enduring influence on Indian society. It explores the fundamental characteristics that define the caste structure and its role in shaping social interactions and hierarchies. Furthermore, the study critically analyzes key theoretical perspectives on caste as proposed by eminent scholars and thinkers, including M.N. Srinivas, G.S. Ghurye, B.R. Ambedkar, and Ram Manohar Lohia, highlighting their contributions to understanding the complexities and dynamics of caste in the Indian context.
Shruti Dalela
Data security has become one of the most critical concerns in the modern digital era due to the rising frequency of cyberattacks, unauthorized file access, ransomware infections, and data theft. Personal users, students, organizations, and businesses continuously store confidential information in digital format, making robust file protection essential. This research paper presents a desktop-based cybersecurity application named Secure File & Folder Encryptor, developed using Python 3.13.3, Tkinter GUI, and Fernet symmetric encryption from the Python Cryptography library. The application allows users to encrypt and decrypt individual files, folders, images, and ZIP archives securely on the Windows platform. A unique cryptographic key is generated per encryption operation and stored as a .key file, while the ciphertext is saved as a .enc file. The system implements AES-128-CBC with HMAC-SHA256 for authenticated encryption, ensuring confidentiality, data integrity, and tamper detection. The software is distributed as a Windows Setup installer (.exe) requiring no Python environment. Future enhancements include migration to a Django/Flask web platform with AI-based threat analysis and cloud storage integration.
Prof. (Dr.) Satya Singh, Ratnesh Kumar Sharma
Cancer disease classification using high dimensional microarray datasets has become an important research area in healthcare analytics, bioinformatics, and intelligent clinical decision support systems because conventional machine learning approaches frequently experience challenges related to feature redundancy, noisy attributes, overfitting, computational complexity, and reduced predictive stability. This research paper presents an efficient hybrid and ensemble machine learning framework for accurate cancer disease classification using binary and multiclass cancer microarray datasets. The proposed framework integrates advanced feature selection techniques including Recursive Feature Elimination, Maximum Relevance Minimum Redundancy, Boruta, Correlation Feature Selection, and Principal Component Analysis with metaheuristic optimization algorithms such as Ant Colony Optimization, Particle Swarm Optimization, Improved Grey Wolf Optimization, Ant Lion Optimization, and Salp Swarm Optimization for identifying the most informative gene expression features and reducing dimensionality. Furthermore, multiple machine learning classifiers including Support Vector Machine, Random Forest, AdaBoost, XG Boost, Extreme Learning Machine, and ensemble voting approaches are incorporated to improve predictive reliability, robustness, and generalization capability. Experimental analysis performed on lung cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, leukemia, breast cancer, ALL-AML, lymphoma, and SRBCT microarray datasets demonstrated significant improvements in classification accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, precision, recall, Matthews Correlation Coefficient, and F1 score compared with conventional machine learning classifiers. The proposed hybrid ensemble framework effectively minimizes misclassification, enhances feature optimization, improves classification stability, and provides a reliable computational approach for intelligent cancer diagnosis, healthcare analytics, and precision clinical decision support systems [1], [2].
Arun Kumar Patra, Neeraj Bala
Denim fabric with its wide acceptance has been subjected to various kinds of finish effects by processors, the worn out look being the most prominent. The process of imparting this fading effect has also evolved with time, particularly with use of enzymes as an option. In this context, herein three denim fabrics are treated with a modified neutral cellulase to study the wash down effect. Two of the fabrics are indigo vat dyed, one in light blue shade and the other dark blue shade, while the third one is of sulphur black. The enzyme wash was done by varying the concentration of enzyme, time of treatment and mechanical agitation. To reduce the number of trials, Box Behnken design of experiment was used and the process in the design region was optimized by ridge analysis. Other than studying the effect of process parameters, back staining during the enzyme action was also evaluated. The extent of colour fading was checked by finding the colour strength in terms of K/S (Absorption/ Scattering) values, while surface fibre removal due to cellulase action was determined by weight loss method. The trends and optimized conditions were observed to be dye and shade specific with reasonable coherence. Although back staining was not found much in the vat dyed fabrics but it was of prominence in sulphur black, possibly due to redeposition of the dye.
R. Radhika, X. Agnes Pravina
Sustainable agriculture has become essential for improving the productivity, income, and livelihood of farmers in rural areas. Coconut farming is one of the major agricultural activities in many tropical regions and provides employment and income for millions of farmers. However, coconut farmers face several challenges such as low productivity, climate change, pest attacks, lack of modern farming knowledge, water scarcity, and fluctuating market prices. These problems negatively affect the economic condition and sustainability of coconut farming.This study focuses on the application of sustainable agricultural practices to improve the productivity and income of coconut farmers. The study examines how modern farming techniques, irrigation systems, organic farming, government support, and training programs can help coconut farmers achieve better agricultural outcomes. The research highlights the importance of farmer awareness, technological adoption, and financial support in increasing coconut yield and reducing farming difficulties.The findings suggest that sustainable agricultural practices positively influence productivity, farmer income, and long-term agricultural sustainability. The study concludes that proper training, access to technology, and supportive agricultural policies are essential for improving the socio-economic conditions of coconut farmers.
Tribeni Saikia
This systematic review examines the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) in digital learning and pedagogy. Guided by PRISMA 2020 and systematic mapping methods, the study reviewed 135 studies published between 2015 and 2026. The findings show that AI tools such as adaptive learning, intelligent tutoring systems, natural language processing, generative AI, and learning analytics can support the digitization, preservation, and dissemination of IKS. The review highlights the potential of AI–IKS frameworks for multilingual learning, culturally responsive pedagogy, ethical AI, inclusive education, and personalized learning. However, challenges such as digital divide, teacher readiness, algorithmic bias, and limited representation of Indian languages remain significant. The study concludes that AI-enabled IKS frameworks can promote a balanced, culturally rooted, ethical, and technology-supported model of education.
Arthi D, Jayasri P, Priya. B, Shalini K, Vacigaran V
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) is transforming Human Resource Management (HRM) into a data-driven and predictive function. This study proposes an AI-driven HR analytics framework to improve employee performance and retention through predictive decision-making. The framework utilizes data from HR systems, performance records, and employee feedback to identify patterns related to productivity and turnover. Machine learning algorithms such as Logistic Regression and Random Forest are used to predict employee attrition and support strategic workforce planning. The study also addresses ethical concerns including data privacy, algorithm bias, and transparency in AI-based HR systems. The findings indicate that AI-powered HR analytics can enhance employee engagement, optimize talent management, and support organizational growth through proactive and evidence-based HR decisions.
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.
Dr. Mohammed Ali, Mohammed Damata Yakubu
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.
Ejiofor, Ifeoma Adaobi, Eneh, Nnajiofor C. PhD, Ufondu, Adaora O. PhD
The general objective of the study was to examine the role of arts and culture in international relations. The study pursued the following specific objectives: to examine the roles of creative and performing arts in international relations, and to examine the roles of culture (sports and games) in international relations. The study employs liberal theory and soft power theory as its backbone. The study adopted the in-depth interview. The population was drawn from all 100 employees of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA); the total population was used due to its small size. The findings revealed that the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) were actively involved in art and culture, primarily through a non-profit initiative that partners with over 2,000 cultural institutions, museums, and archives from 80 countries. The agency was involved in Performing Arts: Music, sports and dance. Visual Arts: Painting, sculpture, and photography, Festivals and Culinary Arts, Symbolic Art and Public Diplomacy. Also, there is no need to finance art and culture activities, as they do not contribute to national or international development. Based on the results, it was concluded that arts and culture play significant roles in international relations. The paper recommended that Nigeria needs to fund and sponsor the creative and performing arts to give them greater prominence and further its national interests. The use of celebrity diplomats who wield influence in their respective fields should also be considered, and global actors (leaders and institutions) should value elements of local cultures in policymaking, even for organisations doing business in foreign lands. Such considerations are essential not only in policymaking but also in doing business.
Jorellaine J. Gamos-Sun
Environmental Education is not new to the Philippine educational system, however, environmental education has many problems such as, no stand alone subject, teacher lack of training, and most especially the gap between awareness and practice. Studies have shown that environmental education in the Philippines produces learners that are environmentally aware but lack environmental practice. Thus, this study assesses the current environmental awareness of learners in Sultan Mamarinta Panandigan Integrated School and Cabili village Elementary School which serves as the basis of developing an instructional toolkit. Guided by John Dewey's philosophy of experiential learning and Arne Naess's deep ecology, the study uses participatory activities like picture base survey and interview, storytelling, drawing, and nature walks and observation. These approaches allow children to express their ideas and feelings about nature in ways that are engaging. The findings showed that the current environmental awareness of learners from Sultan Mamarinta Panandigan Integrated School and Cabili village Elementary School are at the surface-level; they can identify basic environmental concepts but cannot articulate a deeper understanding on the environment's concept, relationship, problems and action. Thus, the instructional toolkit is designed to address this gap. The toolkit encourages learners to learn through experience and inquiry. The instructional toolkit is equipped with activities that are not just engaging but has guided reflection intended to cultivate critical thinking and encourage learners to act based on their knowledge. Furthermore, the study with the help of the Dewey-inspired instructional toolkit seeks to support teachers, parents, school and community in raising a generation of environmentally aware young people, whose awareness is far beyond surface level and is empowered to make a difference by taking action.
Lene Deloso-Buyco
This study assessed teachers’ readiness and administrative support for the implementation of the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Law in the District of Anilao, Iloilo, Philippines. A descriptive-correlational research design was employed, involving 191 public school teachers selected through purposive sampling. Data were gathered using a researcher-made questionnaire validated by experts and tested for reliability using Cronbach’s alpha. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation were used for data analysis. Findings revealed that teachers demonstrated a very high level of readiness in implementing the ARAL Law, while administrative support was also rated very high. Results further showed a significant moderate positive relationship between teachers’ readiness and administrative support, indicating that higher administrative support is associated with greater teacher readiness. The study concludes that both strong teacher readiness and effective administrative support contribute to favorable conditions for the implementation of the ARAL Law in the district. Strengthening school leadership support may further enhance teacher preparedness in sustaining educational reform initiatives.
Dr. Vidya Telang, Yashasvi Panwar
Financial Literacy is one of the most important factors in the determination of financial decisions. It is one of the most influential deciding factors which constitute good financial decision-making. This study focuses on the level of financial literacy and its impact on investment awareness among selected retail investors of Madhya Pradesh. The study is empirical in nature and is conducted on a sample size of 210 individuals residing in Madhya Pradesh state. Primary data has been collected through a structured questionnaire. The study uses statistical tools such as descriptive analysis, correlation, chi-square test and multiple regression analysis to examine the relationship between financial literacy and investment awareness. The reliability of the constructs was tested using Cronbach’s alpha, which showed satisfactory internal consistency for financial literacy (0.842) and investment awareness (0.795). The findings reveal that majority of the individuals are not fully aware about financial literacy and some of its important components. They do not prefer moderate risk instruments because of lack of knowledge and face difficulty in taking proper investment decisions regarding certain financial products. The correlation analysis shows a moderate positive relationship between financial literacy and investment awareness (r = 0.451, p < 0.01). The regression analysis indicates that financial literacy, income and education have a significant positive impact on investment awareness, explaining 40.2% of the variation (R² = 0.402). Among all the variables, financial literacy has the highest impact on investment awareness. The study further reveals that majority of the respondents prefer low-risk investment avenues such as Fixed Deposits and Post Office Investments. The study provides valuable insights regarding the basic state of awareness of individuals towards financial literacy and investment decisions. It can be useful for policymakers, financial institutions and corporate organizations in designing effective financial literacy programs and strategies to improve investment awareness among retail investors.
Chibueze, Rita Chinwendu
This study examines the impact of politics on the efficiency of project management in Nigeria, with specific focus on the Ministry of Capital City Development, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. The research was motivated by the persistent problem of project delays, cost overruns, and abandonment of government projects, often linked to political interference. The study sought to: (i) examine the impact of political ideology on government project management; (ii) ascertain the effects of political instability on the efficiency of project management; and (iii) determine the influence of the government's annual budgeting process on project execution. A mixed-methods approach was employed, utilizing both primary and secondary data sources. Primary data were obtained through structured questionnaires administered to staff of the Ministry, while secondary data were drawn from government reports, academic publications, and relevant literature. The study adopted a survey research design with a sample of 100 respondents drawn from the town planning department of the Ministry. Data were analyzed using frequency tables and Chi-Square statistical tests via SPSS v.23. The findings revealed that political ideology strongly influences project prioritization and implementation; political instability disrupts continuity and sustainability; and budgetary politics significantly affects funding flows, project timelines, and overall delivery. The study recommends reducing political interference, ensuring budgetary transparency, strengthening institutional frameworks, and promoting independent monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to enhance project efficiency.
Dr. Ayesha Begum, Dr. Lina George, Dr. Soofi Asra Mubeen, Dr. Thahirunissa Arshath
This study examines the influence of perceived trust and perceived security on digital payment preference among users in Muscat, Oman. As digital payment systems become increasingly integrated into daily financial activities, understanding the factors that influence user preference has become important for financial institutions, policymakers, and payment service providers. The study adopted a quantitative research design and collected data from 128 digital payment users through a structured questionnaire. Perceived trust and perceived security were treated as independent variables, while preferred digital payment method was treated as the dependent variable. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were conducted using MS Excel and PSPP software. The findings revealed that neither perceived trust nor perceived security had a statistically significant influence on users’ preferred digital payment method. Trust explained only 1.1% of the variation in payment preference, while security explained only 0.1%. These results suggest that trust and security may be viewed by respondents as basic expectations rather than direct factors influencing payment preference. However, due to the small sample size, gender imbalance, and exploratory statistical approach, the findings should be interpreted with caution. The study recommends that future research should examine additional factors such as convenience, transaction speed, ease of use, promotional benefits, merchant acceptance, and service reliability to better understand digital payment preference in Oman.
Obiwuru Chisom Modesta, Ofor, Helen Obianuju (Ph.D.)
The study investigated the effects of blended groundnut oil and coconut oil using potassium hydroxide (KOH) as a catalyst through the transesterification process to improved fuel properties by evaluates the physicochemical characteristics of the produced biodiesel (Fatty Acid Methyl Esters – FAME), and compared them with standard biodiesel specifications; the properties including density, viscosity, acid value, flash point, and moisture content. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer (FTIR) was used to detected the changes in the functional groups of the raw and carbonized biodiesel samples and the formation of ester bonds in each biodiesel sample, which directly influences the fuel properties. The feed-stocks used in this researched were raw, unrefined groundnut oil and coconut oil, both sourced from local processors in Lokoja, Kogi State and were freshly extracted, filtered to removed impurities and were divided into three broad groups. The findings indicated that the blended oil biodiesel exhibited improved fuel quality within acceptable biodiesel standards, also vital for FAME of biodiesels production especially in Nigeria where feed stock are very available; also, biodiesel production from these feed-stocks can serve as an alternative renewable and environmentally friendly alternative to fossil diesel.
Dr. Basavarajappa S. Shalvadi, Dr. Manjula S. Sureban, Dr. Shekhappa G. Ankaliki, V. Shalini
Distributed Generation (DG) integration plays a significant role in improving the efficiency, reliability, and power quality of modern radial distribution systems. However, improper DG placement and sizing can lead to high power losses, unstable voltage profiles, and poor power quality act under changing load conditions. This study aims to improve power quality in the IEEE 33-bus radial distribution system by minimizing real power loss, Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), and voltage sag through optimal DG placement and sizing. A 24-hour load variation profile is considered to represent realistic operating conditions. The Backward-Forward Sweep (BFS) load flow method is utilized to calculate bus voltages, line currents, and power losses, while the Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) algorithm is useful to solve the multi-objective optimization problem involving power loss, THD, voltage deviation, and voltage sag index. Simulation results prove significant improvements after DG integration. The total active power loss is reduced from 159.1074 kW to 54.173 kW, achieving a 65.95% reduction, while the minimum bus voltage expands from 0.9188 p.u. to 0.9678 p.u. The total THD is reduced from 5.2716% to 2.6168%, while the voltage sag index decreases from 0.1958 to 0.1192. The results confirm the use of the proposed ABC-BFS approach for improving overall system performance and power quality under realistic operating conditions.
Chidiebere J. Nwankwo, Ikechukwu V. Obi, Isaiah C. Abonyi, Josephine U. Nnarah, Justina N. Okoli, Matthew C. Nwachukwu
Background: Pesticide use in vegetable cultivation improves agricultural productivity but may result in harmful residue accumulation in food crops. Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) and garden eggs (Solanum aethiopicum) are widely consumed in Nigeria and are frequently exposed to pesticides during cultivation and storage. Objective: This study assessed pesticide usage practices and pesticide residue levels in tomatoes and garden eggs sold in Eke-Amobi Market, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional analytical study design was adopted. Structured questionnaires were administered to 181 farmers, distributors, and retailers involved in vegetable production and supply. Twenty vegetable samples (10 tomatoes and 10 garden eggs) were randomly collected for laboratory analysis. Pesticide residues were extracted using the QuEChERS method and analyzed using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). Results were compared with FAO/WHO Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs). Results: All respondents (100%) reported pesticide use. Common pesticides identified included cypermethrin, carbaryl, chlorothalonil, malathion, metalaxyl, deconil, and cymoxanil. Although 97.8% were aware of pesticide-related health risks, only 15.3% had received formal training on safe pesticide use, while 91.7% did not read pesticide labels and 66.3% did not use protective equipment. Laboratory analysis detected pesticide residues in 100% of samples. All tomato residues were below recommended MRLs. In garden eggs, carbaryl, deconil, and cymoxanil were within permissible limits, whereas 50% of samples exceeded the MRL for metalaxyl. Conclusion: Tomatoes sold in Eke-Amobi Market were generally safe based on residue standards, while elevated metalaxyl residues in garden eggs may pose long-term public health concerns. Improved farmer education, pesticide regulation, and routine residue monitoring are recommended.
Kwapnoe, A. P., Ogbole, M. A., Oloruntoba, O. T., Zumbes, H. J.
This study assessed healthcare waste management practices among healthcare workers in Doma Local Government Area, Nassarawa State, Nigeria, examining the methods, challenges, and impacts of waste handling in healthcare facilities. Employing a cross-sectional design, the study surveyed healthcare workers using a semi-structured questionnaire to capture data on demographic characteristics, waste generation types, disposal methods, training, and formal waste management policies. Findings reveal that most respondents are well educated, with 89.36% holding tertiary qualifications, and most have substantial work experience, predominantly between five and seven years. Infectious waste emerged as the most commonly generated category (50.7%), followed by non-infectious (25.77%) and hazardous waste (14.57%). Although segregation and disposal (51.82%) are the primary methods, many facilities still rely on burning and burying (27.73%) practices that raise environmental concerns. Concern worthy, while 90.76% of healthcare workers reported receiving training on proper waste management, only 10.92% confirmed the existence of formal policies or guidelines, with 60.78% indicating their absence. This policy gap, coupled with limited government support, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient resources, compromises effective waste management and increases public health risks. Negative impacts include environmental degradation, heightened risk of disease outbreaks, and injuries among healthcare workers. The study concludes that despite high levels of individual training and experience, systemic shortcomings, particularly the lack of standardised policies and infrastructural support, hamper optimal waste management. It recommends that policymakers prioritise developing and enforcing comprehensive waste management policies, improving resource allocation, and investing in modern disposal technologies to safeguard public health and the environment.
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.
Ezea Chinonyelum Nneoma
The construction industry is a critical sector in national development, contributing significantly to economic growth, infrastructure provision, and employment generation. In construction industry, there need to plan a schedule to deliver the projects being undertaken. The timely delivery of projects is combination of many peoples’ duties including the architect. This paper tried to assess the role of the architect in managing schedule and time in a construction project. Through an in-depth literature review and a survey of practicing architects (in government and private offices) involved in project design, documentation, and supervision in Enugu metropolis. The study adopts a descriptive research approach using a survey design and purposive sampling. A total of one hundred (100) was purposively selected for this survey. It recommends that architect is very necessary and be invited early to any project.
Anoh U. Marvins, Iwuoha Greg, Mbamaonyeukwu C. Felicia, Nnamah Stella, Obasi K. Ojo, Okereke Eric. E, Osisiogu, E.Chinwe, Ukah Andy
Background And Objective: Access to safe drinking water remains a major public health challenge in many Nigerian communities. Sachet-packaged water, commonly called "pure water," has become the primary drinking water source for millions of Nigerians who cannot rely on municipal tap water. Despite its widespread use, concerns about the microbiological safety of sachet water is well documented. This study assessed the bacteriological quality of sachet-packaged water brands sold in Nibo, a semi-urban community in Anambra State, Nigeria, and to determine whether these products meet World Health Organization drinking water standards. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design was used in the study. Twelve commonly consumed sachet water brands were purposively sampled from vendors in Nibo between April to September 2025. Samples were transported under sterile conditions to the laboratory and analysed using standard microbiological methods, including total bacterial count on nutrient agar, total coliform count on eosin methylene blue agar, and biochemical identification of bacterial isolates. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, medians, standard deviations) and one-sample t-tests with 95% wilson confidence intervals. Results: From the 12 brands tested, 7 (58.3%) showed no bacterial growth and met WHO safety standards. However, 5 brands (41.7%) were contaminated. Among contaminated samples, total bacterial counts ranged from 30 to 110 CFU/mL (mean: 68 CFU/mL), and total coliform counts ranged from 10 to 50 CFU/mL (mean: 24 CFU/mL). Two samples (16.7%) tested positive for Escherichia coli, confirming faecal contamination. Identified bacterial species included Staphylococcus aureus (16.7%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (16.7%), Proteus mirabilis (16.7%), Citrobacter freundii (16.7%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (8.3%), Escherichia coli (8.3%), Shigella flexneri (8.3%), and Enterobacter aerogenes (8.3%). Conclusion and Implications for Translation: Although the majority of sachet water brands tested were safe, a substantial proportion (41.7%) contained bacteria that pose health risks, including faecal indicator organisms and opportunistic pathogens. Mean total bacterial count (68±32CFU/mL) and coliform count (24±17CFU/mL) was significantly above the acceptable limit at (p<0.05). People who drink these contaminated products, particularly children, elderly individuals, and immunocompromised persons, face preventable risks of diarrhoeal and other infections. Regulators should increase unannounced inspections and enforce penalties for violations. Producers must improve hygiene practices, including regular equipment cleaning and water testing. Public health awareness campaigns should help consumers identify safer brands. Future research studies are to be conducted larger sample sizes, seasonal sampling, and antimicrobial resistance testing.
Clare Musanga, Ronald O. Obwoge
Background: College students face significant reproductive health risks, including unintended pregnancies and STIs, often driven by the transition to autonomous campus life. At Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), Nakuru Campus, students navigate a unique intersection of medical knowledge and prevailing socio-cultural pressures. This study investigated the association between individual, social, and cultural factors and sexual activity patterns among these healthcare trainees. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed. Stratified random sampling was used to select 105 students across various years of study. Data were collected using a secure, electronic self-administered questionnaire to ensure privacy and data integrity. Analysis involved descriptive statistics to identify prevalence and correlate behavioral drivers. Results: the study population was predominantly female (68.6%) and aged 22–24 years (66.7%). Findings revealed a high prevalence of sexual engagement, with 61.9% of respondents reporting being sexually active. While 92.4% claimed to possess sexual health knowledge, 52.4% admitted that gaps in specific knowledge drive risky behaviors. Among sexually active students, curiosity was the primary individual driver (92.3%), followed by a significant 100% correlation between substance use (alcohol/drugs) and sexual decision-making. Socially, 84.8% of participants identified peer pressure as a catalyst for sexual behavior, while 83.8% linked exposure to sexual content to increased activity. Economically, 44.8% of respondents noted that financial challenges influence student sexual involvement. Conclusion: Despite high general health literacy, KMTC Nakuru students remain highly susceptible to behavioral drivers such as curiosity, substance use, and peer influence. The gap between theoretical knowledge and practical risk reduction suggests a need for student-centered sexual health interventions that address the social and economic realities of campus life.
Arnel C. Fajardo, Nahum M. Quiros
Milkfish (Chanos chanos) aquaculture faces persistent challenges due to disease outbreaks that are difficult to detect at early stages using traditional manual monitoring methods. Varied underwater lighting conditions, turbidity, and fish movement further complicate visual assessment and may reduce detection reliability. This study proposes an automated disease detection framework that combines YOLOv8m object detection and the Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM) with Cycle GAN-based synthetic data augmentation. Cycle GAN is employed to generate additional diseased samples from unpaired image domains, addressing dataset imbalance and improving training diversity. CBAM is integrated into the YOLOv8m feature extraction pipeline to enhance spatial and channel attention while preserving real-time inference capability. Multiple experimental training configurations were evaluated, including raw-image training, traditional augmentation techniques, Cycle GAN-augmented datasets, and attention-enhanced detection models. Performance was assessed using precision, recall, mAP@0.50, and mAP@0.50–0.95 metrics. The proposed YOLOv8m with CBAM and Cycle GAN framework achieved the best overall performance, with a precision of 0.940, a recall of 0.910, mAP@0.50 of 0.945, and mAP@0.50–0.95 of 0.725. These results indicate that the combined use of GAN-based augmentation and attention mechanisms significantly improves detection performance under a realistic aquatic environment.
Dr Pradeepa D, M Shruthi
The increasing adoption of drones across domains such as surveillance, logistics, agriculture, and disaster response has intensified the need for reliable autonomous navigation systems. This work presents an adaptive navigation framework that integrates reinforcement learning (RL) with real-time multi-sensor data fusion. Unlike conventional rule-based approaches, the proposed method enables the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to learn from continuous interaction with its environment. Data from GPS, IMU, LiDAR, and vision sensors are combined to construct a dynamic representation of the surroundings. Based on this representation, the RL agent incrementally improves its navigation strategy by evaluating past actions and outcomes. Experimental observations indicate improved adaptability, enhanced navigation accuracy, and more effective obstacle avoidance compared to traditional techniques.
Dr. Balwinder Kaur
Political systems are of two types, for example, federal and unitary. Federal systems are favored by larger nations, while unitary systems suit smaller ones. In a federal polity, dual governments share responsibilities, often leading to tensions. This paper focuses on the Bhakhra Beas Management dispute between the central and Punjab state government, arising from historical territorial reorganization post-1947 partition. The formation of Punjab and subsequent issues related to territory, river water management, and administrative autonomy have generated conflict over control and representation, particularly concerning the Bhakhra Beas Management Board (BBMB). This research paper examines the BBMB issue in the contemporary Centre-State relations of Punjab , highlighting constitutional provisions, institutional structures, political conflicts, and recent disputes. The study concludes that while BBMB was initially a model of cooperative federalism, it has increasingly become a site of conflict due to centralization, inter-state competition, and political tensions.
Agustin, Vivien A, Balon, Enrico JR, Fernandez, Ronald B, Somontina, Rovic James, Tambong, Justine Rhey M
This study presents the design and development of a Blockchain-Based Electronic Health Record (EHR) System aimed at addressing the limitations of traditional paper-based and centralized digital record systems used in small clinics. Conventional health record management faces critical challenges including data vulnerability, unauthorized access, lack of interoperability, and inefficient record retrieval. The proposed system integrates blockchain technology with a secure web-based platform to ensure data immutability, encrypted storage, and patient-controlled access permissions. Developed using Agile methodology and the Iterative Design and Development (IDD) model, the system features a multi-layered architecture combining PostgreSQL for encrypted data storage, Solidity-based smart contracts on the Stellar Soroban blockchain for automated access control and audit trail logging, and a secure web-based platform for patient and provider interaction. Built in partnership with Herbosa Metro Doctors, the prototype was tested using simulated patient data in compliance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10173). Results demonstrate that blockchain integration provides a secure, transparent, and tamper-proof approach to managing patient health information, offering a viable solution for small healthcare institutions seeking to transition from manual record-keeping to a modern, secure digital system.
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.
Blessing Temitope DICKSON-OMOGOYE
This study examines the predictive relationship between pre-service academic performance and in-service teaching competence among Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) graduates, focusing on ENG 212 (Applied English Linguistics). Anchored in systems theory and assessment validity theory, the research evaluates whether pre-service assessments effectively identify future teaching competence. A concurrent explanatory mixed-method design was employed, involving 60 graduates from Federal Colleges of Education in southwestern Nigeria. Quantitative data were derived from academic records and structured classroom observations, while qualitative insights were obtained through interviews and field notes. Findings revealed a weak and statistically insignificant correlation between pre-service performance and in-service competence (r = 0.214, p = 0.132), indicating limited predictive validity. Chi-square analysis also showed no significant association between categorical performance levels. Qualitative evidence highlighted notable divergence, with some low-performing graduates demonstrating strong teaching competence and some high-performing graduates performing poorly in practice. The study concludes that current assessment practices, which emphasize theoretical knowledge, fail to capture essential teaching competencies. It recommends a shift toward performance-based assessment, strengthened practicum experiences, and longitudinal validation studies to enhance the effectiveness and credibility of teacher education assessment systems.
Blessing N. Promise-Aaron, Ruth A. Aderanti
This study examined the relationship between bullying and the mental well-being of in-school adolescents in Ikenne LGA Ogun State, Nigeria. The study was guided by two research questions, and one hypothesis. The study employed a correlational research design. The population of the study comprised 4709 in-school adolescents in Ikenne LGA. A sample of 406 in-school adolescents was selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using adapted standardized instruments: titled Bullying-Mental Health Questionnaire (B-MHQ). The instrument's reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, which was 0.867. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation coefficient at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed the prevalence of bullying among students, with verbal bullying (Grand Mean = 2.96) being the most common, followed by physical bullying (Grand Mean = 2.91) and relational bullying (Grand Mean = 2.88). Mental well-being challenges were also prevalent, with loneliness (GM = 13.54) emerging as the most prominent issue, followed by insomnia (GM =12.98), anxiety (GM =12.84), and depression (GM =11.90). The results further indicated that bullying had largely weak and non-significant relationships with mental well-being. However, physical bullying showed weak but significant positive relationships with loneliness (r = .124, p < .05) and insomnia (r = .104, p < .05), while other dimensions showed no significant associations. The study concluded that although bullying is prevalent among secondary school students, its relationship with mental well-being is complex and not uniformly significant across all dimensions. It is therefore recommended that schools implement comprehensive anti-bullying programs, strengthen counselling services, and promote supportive school environments to enhance students’ psychological well-being.
Nwachukwu A.I., Ukoba J.O.
Tertiary institutions in Nigeria face increasing pressure to modernize administrative governance through digital transformation to overcome operational inefficiencies and data fragmentation. This study examined the potential of Business Intelligence (BI) solutions in addressing administrative challenges within tertiary institutions in the South-South region of Nigeria, specifically evaluating levels of adoption, institutional support, and administrative effectiveness. Utilizing a descriptive cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 137 academic administrators and ICT personnel and analyzed using a structured Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) framework via Python. Descriptive results revealed moderate administrative challenges (Mean = 3.34) and BI adoption (Mean = 3.01), contrasting with high institutional support (Mean = 4.16). While correlation analysis showed a strong positive relationship between institutional support and BI effectiveness (r = 0.702, p < 0.05), regression analysis indicated that BI adoption alone was not a significant predictor of administrative effectiveness β= 0.046, p > 0.05), explaining only 0.2% of the variance. These findings suggest that the mere presence of BI technology does not guarantee administrative transformation; rather, success depends on strategic integration, staff competence, and sustained management backing beyond simple tool acquisition.
Jeany Claire M. Comonong, Jessebel Parcon, Karen Mae S. Fernandez, Karl Angelo A. Igcalinos, Marjohn N. Esguerra, Rainier Fred N. Tagailo
Today, many students spend a lot of time scrolling through social media watching Short Form Videos (SFVs). However, despite this, they often find it hard to speak up or share their ideas clearly in class. Even though these students are in senior high school, they still struggle to express themselves and often hesitate when speaking. This classroom-based action research investigated whether Short Form Videos (SFVs) can be utilized to help the 22 Grade 11 students at Malinao National High School improve their speaking abilities. The researchers executed a 10-day intervention following the cyclical model of Kemmis and McTaggart, which use only four teacher-created SFVs to provide a functional “English Frame” while protecting the students from cognitive overload. The study collected quantitative data through pre-test and post-test assessment, which the researcher used to conduct a paired sample t-test analysis, and was further supported by a qualitative analysis of students’ audio transcripts. Findings revealed a significant improvement in oral performance where the class means increased from 2.55 to 3.32 (t=5.29, p < 0.001). The Linguistic analysis demonstrated that there was less “dead air” time while speakers used transitional words like “First” and “After that,” yet still showing code-switching from their mother tongue, but now it has better control over speech flow and organization of ideas. The study concludes that short videos give students a familiar baseline to lean on, which helps them stop freezing up or stuttering in class, while turning their everyday social media habits into a useful tool for school. The study suggests that educators should utilize SFVs as purposeful educational resources that help students transition from their media consumption to academic communication.
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.
Gauri Chauhan, Pragati Tomar
This study examines the impact of capital structure on firm profitability in the Indian pharmaceutical sector using panel data analysis. The sample consists of five leading pharmaceutical companies listed in India over a ten-year period, resulting in 50 firm-year observations. Profitability is measured using Return on Assets (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE), while capital structure is proxied by Debt–Equity Ratio (DER) and Debt Ratio (DR). Firm size and sales growth are included as control variables. Fixed-effects and random-effects panel regression models are employed, with model selection guided by the Hausman test. The results reveal that leverage has a negative but insignificant effect on ROA, indicating that debt does not significantly influence operational efficiency. However, leverage exerts a significant negative impact on ROE, suggesting that higher debt levels reduce shareholders’ returns. Sales growth positively affects profitability, while firm size remains insignificant. The findings highlight the cautious use of debt in capital structure decisions, particularly from a shareholder perspective (Myers, 1984; Boffo & Patalano, 2020). The study contributes to the limited empirical literature on capital structure profitability linkage in the Indian pharmaceutical industry.
Mohamed R. Sachedina, Sajida H. Dhalla
Objective: Waardenburg Syndrome (WS) is a very rare condition and sparsely reported in the African Continent. WS causes significant morbidity, especially regarding Congenital Hearing Loss. Case: A 10-year-old girl reported to our clinic with congenital hearing loss and the inability to speak. The girl also had a patch of white hair on the front and deep blue eyes. An Otoacoustic Emission (OAE) test and High-Resolution CT of the Temporal bone were done. Congenital Hearing loss was confirmed, and counselling was done for the child to develop alternative communication methods.
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.
Loveness Paulos, Mlisa Jasper Ndlovu, Weiner Mazire
This study examines the challenges and opportunities presented by Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the supply chain management (SCM) of Delta Beverages. The objectives were to identify critical factors influencing AI adoption, assess its impact on financial performance, and propose policy reforms to support effective integration. The study is guided by two theories namely the Resource based View and Technology-Organisation-Environment. A mixed-methods approach, grounded in both positivist and interpretivist research philosophies, was employed. Data were collected from 80 respondents through structured questionnaires with a five-point Likert scale, 20 semi-structured interviews, and direct observations. Findings revealed that AI significantly enhances demand forecasting, inventory management, predictive maintenance and real-time logistics decision-making, thereby improving operational efficiency and reducing costs. However, challenges persist, including limited supply chain visibility due to data quality issues, a shortage of skilled personnel, integration difficulties, employee resistance to change, high initial investment costs and uncertainty regarding return on investment (ROI). The research has led to the conclusion that despite AI having the potential to revolutionize Delta Beverages’ supply chain, its implementation will be successful only if skill gap issues, data governance challenges and costs are taken care of. Some of the most effective recommendations that can be made in this regard would be implementing effective AI training programmes within the organization, developing better data management processes, utilizing incentives provided by governments and industries for seamless integration and implementing effective change management approaches, among others.
Anthony Sinyangwe, Chansa Chomba, Mwape Malunga, Pamela Cheelo
This study evaluated the ecological impacts of charcoal production on forest structure and species composition in the Mwekera National Forest Reserve, a representative miombo woodland in Zambia’s Copperbelt Province. Thirty systematically established plots (20 m × 20 m) were surveyed to assess species richness, diversity, evenness, and structural attributes. A total of 54 woody species were recorded, with a Shannon–Wiener Diversity Index (H') of 3.313 (effective species number = 27.463) and Pielou’s Evenness Index (J') of 0.855, indicating moderate diversity and relatively even species distribution. Despite this, results showed a marked decline in the dominant miombo genera, Brachystegia, Julbernardia, and Isoberlinia, which were selectively harvested for charcoal. In some plots, these species were entirely absent, reflecting intense harvesting pressure. Larger trees, particularly those with greater diameter at breast height (DBH) and height, were disproportionately removed, as indicated by a strong positive DBH–height correlation. Consequently, the residual forest is increasingly dominated by smaller, less valuable trees, leading to simplified structure and reduced biodiversity. The study concludes that unsustainable charcoal production significantly alters miombo composition and weakens ecosystem resilience. It recommends research on soil and faunal impacts, promotion of alternative livelihoods, and strengthening of community-based forest management to curb degradation.
Genelyn R. Baluyos, Jhed Gabriel L. Sanchez
Mathematics learning becomes more meaningful when supported by intelligent technologies that enhance students’ problem-solving processes. This study examined the effectiveness of the use of chatbot-assisted instruction using Solomon’s Model Approach in enhancing students’ performance in Mathematics during the school year 2025–2026. A quantitative quasi-experimental design using the Solomon four-group model was employed. The participants were 76 Maritime students from a private higher education institution in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental, Philippines, randomly assigned into two experimental and two control groups. A researcher-made problem-solving test was used, and data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, independent samples t-test, and two-way ANOVA. Results showed that both groups demonstrated very low pretest performance. In the posttest, all groups improved; however, students exposed to the use of chatbot-assisted instruction achieved significantly higher performance than those who received traditional instruction. No significant differences were found between the two control groups and between the two experimental groups. Likewise, there was no significant interaction effect between pretest exposure and the use of chatbot-assisted instruction. The use of chatbot-assisted instruction effectively improves students’ mathematical performance and remains effective regardless of pretest exposure, highlighting its value as a supportive instructional tool in mathematics education. Math instructors may integrate chatbot-assisted instruction alongside traditional teaching strategies to enhance students’ learning outcomes in mathematics.
Brady S. Nave
Attitudes are widely recognized as a multidimensional construct encompassing beliefs, perceptions, and feelings that shape teachers’ readiness to include all students in mainstream classrooms. Despite global efforts to promote inclusive education, research continues to reveal that many teachers exhibit negative attitudes toward inclusion, which can hinder student achievement, compromise instructional practices, and weaken the overall success of the inclusion process. Addressing these challenges requires examining the factors that influence teachers’ dispositions toward inclusion. Thus, the present study investigated the relationship between classroom management, efficacy beliefs, and attitudes toward inclusive education among public junior high school science teachers. Specifically, it sought to determine how classroom management and efficacy beliefs affect teachers’ attitudes toward inclusion. A quantitative research approach was employed, utilizing a descriptive correlational design. The study involved 121 public junior high school science teachers in District 1 of the Division of Davao City, who were randomly selected as respondents. Data were gathered using validated survey questionnaires, and statistical analyses were conducted through mean, standard deviation, Pearson’s r, and multiple linear regression. Findings revealed that classroom management and efficacy beliefs were rated very high, while attitudes toward inclusive education were rated high. Furthermore, both classroom management and efficacy beliefs were found to significantly influence teachers’ attitudes, underscoring the importance of strengthening these domains to cultivate more positive orientations toward inclusive practices. These results highlight the need for continuous professional development, targeted training, and supportive policies to enhance teachers’ readiness for inclusive education, particularly in science classrooms where diverse learning needs must be addressed.
Dr. Priyanka Singh
The intersection of climate crisis and literary imagination has produced one of the most urgent scholarly conversations of our era. This paper examines the way ecological disruption and environmental fear are articulated throughout the fiction and non-fiction prose of Amitav Ghosh, whose career-long engagement with the natural world sets him apart within the landscape of contemporary Indian writing in English. Anchored in the theoretical terrain of postcolonial ecocriticism, the study moves across Ghosh's major texts — from the tidal wilderness of The Hungry Tide (2004) through the colonial spice routes of the Ibis Trilogy (2008–2015) to the polemical arguments of The Great Derangement (2016) and the more recent fictions Gun Island (2019) and The Nutmeg's Curse (2021). Three interlocking claims organise the analysis. First, that Ghosh situates the ecological wounds of the present within the longer arc of colonial extraction, demonstrating that environmental crisis is never politically innocent. Second, that his narratives embed environmental anxiety in specific, deeply rendered landscapes — most memorably the mangrove archipelago of the Sundarbans — whose vulnerability becomes a measure of planetary fragility. Third, that his theoretical writing diagnoses a collective failure of cultural imagination, arguing that the conventions of the realist novel are structurally unsuited to representing the scale and strangeness of climate change. Through engagement with the frameworks of Rob Nixon, Graham Huggan, Helen Tiffin, and Timothy Morton, this study demonstrates that Ghosh's body of work constitutes a decisive contribution both to Indian English literature and to the wider field of environmental humanities.
Aryan Verma, Ashish Srivastava, Nevesh Divya
Emotion recognition powered by AI and Computer Vision is changing how people and machines interact, computers can now read our feelings just by analyzing our faces. In this paper, we dig into a cloud-based emotion classification system built around the massive AffectNet dataset and a fine-tuned MobileNetV2 deep learning model. We needed to process millions of real-world images, so we put together a distributed MLOps pipeline on Google Cloud Platform using Apache Spark and Vertex AI. Traditional hardware just can’t keep up with this scale of data causing a huge bottleneck. We solved this with a cloud-first architecture. All images landed in Google Cloud Storage, acting as a virtually limitless data lake. When we needed to preprocess everything, we spun up an on-demand Apache Spark cluster with Dataproc, spreading the load across machines. For training, we handed things off to Vertex AI, orchestrating jobs across a cluster of NVIDIA A100 GPUs. Separating out these stages slashed both our processing time and costs while running thirty times faster than a single machine could ever manage. The AffectNet dataset has an extreme class imbalance. Some emotions, like happiness, dominate while others barely show up. We tackled this early in the preprocessing step by assigning class weights, sidestepping the need for resource-hungry oversampling. For transfer learning, we started by freezing the MobileNetV2 base and letting it extract features, only tuning the top layers at a low learning rate. The study includes a per-class performance metrics, a confusion matrix and digs into the dataset to give a sense of the model’s strengths and weaknesses. The final model reached 68.2% accuracy and a weighted F1-score of 0.67. In the end, this work lays a solid, reproducible MLOps foundation for more advanced research in temporal and multimodal emotion recognition.
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.
Osman Abdikadir, Otieno Isaiah Oduor
This study assessed the effectiveness of community engagement in promoting national security analyzed the influence of intelligence-sharing mechanisms on the effectiveness of counter-terrorism efforts in Garissa County in Kenya. This study was guided by two theories namely; Deterrence and Human security theories. This study adopted an exploratory research design. The study targeted participants who included Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel and National Police Service (NPS) officers and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) staff members together with county officials and religious leaders and civil society members and residents who lived in terrorism-affected areas. This study employed stratified purposive sampling technique to identify the various categories of respondents. A total of 65 study participants were selected for field interviews. The research instrument used were interview guides, structured questionnaires and documentary analysis. Qualitative data from interviews and open-ended questions underwent thematic content analysis and was presented narratively to provide detailed perspectives from security personnel. The study observed that community engagement through public meetings, policing initiatives, and awareness programs was found to empower residents in detecting terrorist threats.The study found that intelligence-sharing mechanisms improved coordination, threat detection, situational awareness, and public trust thereby enhancing overall counter-terrorism effectiveness. The study recommended the need to promote sustainable community engagement for security resilience to contain terrorist attacks in Garissa County.
Nkabari, Celestine Akpobari
Crude oil pollution remains one of the most persistent environmental and social challenges confronting Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta region where decades of petroleum extraction have severely degraded ecosystems and undermined local livelihoods. This article examines community responses and resistance to crude oil pollution in Nigeria, focusing on how affected communities negotiate, contest, and resist environmental harm caused by multinational oil corporations and the state. Drawing on environmental justice and political ecology frameworks, the study analyzes the diverse forms of community agency that emerge in contexts of ecological marginalization and weak regulatory governance. The article adopts a qualitative and analytical approach, combining insights from documented case studies, policy reports, legal cases, and existing scholarly literature. It identifies a range of community responses, including adaptive livelihood strategies, indigenous environmental knowledge, petitions and negotiations, litigation, grassroots mobilization, and transnational advocacy. Beyond coping mechanisms, the study highlights resistance as a moral and political practice aimed at reclaiming dignity, environmental rights, and control over local resources. Prominent resistance movements, such as those in Ogoniland and other oil-producing communities, are examined to illustrate how environmental degradation has catalyzed collective action and social movements. The findings reveal that while community resistance has succeeded in drawing national and international attention to environmental injustices, it continues to face significant challenges, including state repression, corporate power asymmetries, internal community divisions, and limited access to effective legal remedies. The article argues that sustainable resolution of crude oil pollution in Nigeria requires strengthening community participation, enforcing environmental accountability, and integrating justice-oriented approaches into environmental governance. By foregrounding community voices, this study contributes to broader debates on environmental justice, resource politics, and grassroots resistance in extractive economies.
Dr. Sumit Kumar
Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) is a strategy aimed at improving the quality of life for people with disabilities by enhancing their access to health services, education, and livelihood opportunities. Developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the 1980s, CBR involves the active participation of people with disabilities, their families, and communities to ensure an inclusive society. At its core, CBR recognizes that people with disabilities have the same rights as everyone else and should have the same opportunities to participate fully in community life. This approach is not just about providing medical care or rehabilitation services; it also focuses on social inclusion, empowerment, and the removal of barriers that hinder full participation in society. CBR programs typically involve a range of activities, including physical rehabilitation, vocational training, educational support, and advocacy for the rights of people with disabilities. These programs are often implemented through partnerships between governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and community groups. By involving local communities, CBR ensures that interventions are culturally appropriate and tailored to the specific needs of individuals. A key element of CBR is capacity building, which involves training community members and local health workers to provide basic rehabilitation services. This decentralized approach makes rehabilitation more accessible, especially in rural and underserved areas. Additionally, CBR promotes the use of low-cost and locally available resources, making it a sustainable and scalable solution. CBR also emphasizes the importance of changing societal attitudes towards disability. Raising awareness and promoting positive attitudes, CBR helps reduce stigma and discrimination, creating a more inclusive environment where people with disabilities can thrive. Community-Based Rehabilitation is a holistic and inclusive approach that empowers people with disabilities by providing access to essential services and fostering community support. Focusing on social inclusion and empowerment, CBR contributes to the creation of equitable societies where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Dr. Seema Sharma, Mr. Aashish Rajput, Mr. Suyash Soni
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of higher education and academic research practices. Faculty members increasingly use AI-assisted tools for literature review, academic writing, research idea generation, data interpretation, and content organization. The present study aimed to conduct a comparative analysis of AI usage among faculty members based on age groups and teaching experience in higher education institutions. A descriptive quantitative research design was adopted for the study. Primary data were collected from 55 faculty members through a structured bilingual Google Form questionnaire using a five-point Likert scale. Statistical techniques such as mean score analysis, ANOVA, and t-test were used for data analysis and interpretation. The findings revealed that faculty members across all age groups and experience categories actively use AI tools in research and academic activities. The mean AI usage score was comparatively higher among faculty members above 55 years (Mean = 4.14), while faculty members with 11–15 years of teaching experience showed slightly lower AI usage (Mean = 3.69). ANOVA analysis indicated no statistically significant difference in AI usage among different age groups (F = 0.267, p = 0.848). Similarly, t-test results showed no significant difference between younger and senior faculty members regarding AI adoption. The study concludes that AI technologies are widely accepted among faculty members irrespective of age and teaching experience. The research emphasizes the importance of AI literacy, ethical AI practices, and institutional support for responsible AI integration in higher education.
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.
Akinsola Abiodun Folasade, Awolumate Kehinde Abigeal, Oluwafemi Grace Adekemi, Oluwasola Esther Adeola, Omolayo Akinola, Osasona Ilesanmi
This study comparatively evaluated the proximate composition, mineral content, anti-nutrient levels, and amino acid profiles of the edible portions of Boerhavia diffusa and Boerhavia erecta, two wild edible vegetables commonly consumed in parts of Africa and Asia. Fresh plant samples were collected from Ado Ekiti, Nigeria, air-dried and analyzed using standard analytical procedures. The results showed that carbohydrate was the most abundant proximate component in both species, ranging from 48.49% in Boerhavia diffusa to 50.50% in B. erecta. Crude protein contents were relatively high and comparable, with values of 16.13% and 15.79%, respectively. Boerhavia diffusa contained higher ash content, whereas Boerhavia erecta had higher crude fat and fibre contents. Mineral analysis revealed appreciable levels of essential macro- and microelements, particularly calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, and magnesium. Lead was not detected in either sample. The Na/K ratios of both vegetables were below one, suggesting possible dietary benefits for cardiovascular health. Anti-nutrient analysis indicated low concentrations of saponin and alkaloid, while the moderately high level of cyanide and tannin in both samples could be reduced by processes such as cooking or boiling. Amino acid profiling showed the presence of both essential and non-essential amino acids in considerable amounts. Glutamic acid was the predominant amino acid in both samples, while leucine was the most abundant essential amino acid. Boerhavia diffusa generally recorded higher total amino acid content, essential amino acid index, and predicted protein efficiency ratio than Boerhavia erecta. Amino acid scoring patterns further demonstrated that both vegetables could contribute significantly to essential amino acid requirements, especially for children. Overall, the findings indicate that Boerhavia diffusa and Boerhavia erecta are valuable nutrient-rich leafy vegetables with promising potential for improving dietary quality and supporting food and nutrition security.
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.
Ojima, Ngozi
Corporate governance has remained a major concern among firms operating in emerging markets, particularly since investors now pay closer attention to accountability, transparency, and the quality of managerial oversight. In Nigeria, some quoted firms have experienced governance-related challenges over the years despite different regulatory reforms introduced to strengthen corporate accountability. In light of this, this study investigated the effects of specific governance mechanisms on firm value across Nigerian quoted non-financial companies from 2010 to 2025. Tobin's Q was employed as the firm value metric, and the study concentrated on ownership concentration, audit committee size, board independence, and board size. The annual reports and governance disclosures of 25 companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group provided the data. The study found that while bigger board sizes reduced market valuation, board independence, audit committee size, and ownership concentration all positively impacted firm value using panel estimate approaches such as fixed effect regression, robust estimation, and System GMM. The outcome further showed that firms with stronger monitoring structures were more likely to sustain investor confidence and long-term market stability. The study therefore emphasizes the need for quoted firms to strengthen governance structures capable of improving accountability, transparency, and effective oversight within the Nigerian corporate environment.
Kavita Juktimath
This study investigates the accounting challenges faced during corporate restructuring through mergers and acquisitions (M&A), based on primary data collected from 100 accounting and finance professionals in Bangalore. It explores the practical difficulties in fair value estimation, goodwill recognition, ERP integration, and regulatory compliance. Using a structured questionnaire, the study captures frequency and percentage responses and identifies key accounting pain points and coping strategies. The findings underscore the need for better integration planning, standardization of practices, and upskilling of accounting teams to support post-merger financial health. The study contributes to applied finance and accounting research by providing practical insights into post-merger accounting complexities and the preparedness of organizations in Bangalore to manage financial integration during corporate restructuring.
Mrs. Anjali Bhatia, Ms. Dhruvika Razdan
Everything has shifted into a new gear with technology advancement and so has literature. Literature publication is no longer limited to printed pages or e-content. This paper explores the new domain of digitalised literature, crypto-literature. The tools employed for this are blockchain technology and NFTs (Non- Fungible Tokens). Together, these are transforming literary ownership and distribution while empowering authors. This paper delves into how with the help of an alternative to traditional publication, tokenisation of literary works and smart contracts, authors gain transparent royalties, decentralised publishing and copyright gains, which in turn provides creators a greater control over their creations. This paper also explores how, while crypto-literature through Web3 platforms provides creative autonomy and economic empowerment, it also poses several concerns regarding digital equity, accessibility and ecological implications. With the global trends and Indian market in focus, this paper evaluates the advantages and limitations put forward to creators as well as consumers while engaging with this advancing literary system. In short, this paper puts crypto-literature as a focal point of literary innovation, while looking for ethical, inclusive and sustainable practices of this new paradigm.
Allan Jay S. Cajandig
The study investigates the effectiveness of the Cultural CyberMath System (CCMS), a culturally embedded cyber learning environment grounded in the 5I’s learning path (Impress–Identify–Inspire–Inspect–Invoke), in enhancing students’ mathematical creativity. Drawing on gaps in technology enhanced, culturally responsive mathematics education, the study focuses on three indicators of creativity: fluency, flexibility, and originality. A quasi experimental pretest–posttest control group design was implemented with 62 first year hospitality management students enrolled in Mathematics in the Modern World at a Philippine state university, randomly assigned by class to an experimental group (CCMS) and a control group (contextualized blended instruction). Mathematical creativity was measured using a validated, rubric scored Mathematical Creativity Test composed of open ended, multiple solution tasks. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANCOVA with pretest scores as covariates. Results showed substantial gains in fluency, flexibility, and originality in both groups, with no significant differences in posttest fluency and flexibility. However, CCMS produced a statistically higher level of originality, indicating stronger support for generating uncommon and innovative solutions. Overall, the findings position CCMS as a viable alternative to contextualized blended instruction for fostering broad mathematical creativity, with added value for originality, and highlight the potential of culturally grounded cyber learning designs to cultivate creative mathematical thinking.
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.
Dr. Padmaja S. Giram, Priyanka A. Wadkar, Smita S. Shirale, Srushti V. Umbare
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common and serious mental health disorder that arises from a complex combination of biological factors. Despite extensive scientific progress, the exact mechanisms responsible for its development are not entirely understood. Several interrelated processes—including imbalances in monoamine neurotransmitters, dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, impaired neurogenesis and neuroplasticity, mitochondrial abnormalities, chronic neuroinflammation, and genetic as well as epigenetic influences—play important roles in the onset and continuation of depressive symptoms. Additionally, disturbances in glutamate and GABA signalling, alterations within the gut-brain axis, disruption of circadian rhythms, and defects in synaptic communication further contribute to the disorder’s complexity. Recognition of these mechanisms has guided the advancement of treatment strategies. While conventional therapies such as pharmacological antidepressants and psychotherapy continue to be widely used, innovative options—including ketamine-based treatments, neuromodulation techniques, anti-inflammatory agents, and therapies targeting the microbiome—are emerging as promising alternatives. This review summarizes the key biological pathways implicated in depression and examines both established and evolving therapeutic approaches designed to improve outcomes and support long-term patient recovery.
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.
Dr. Ashutosh K. Dash, Dr. Madhuri A. Theng, Miss Seema D. Sakhare.
Analysis of any product is very important to assure the quality of product followed by safety and efficacy. Its play very important role in the medicinal field. To assure desire quality of the product analysis is very important. Few spectrometric method and chromatographic method have been reported for the determination of Nicardipine HCL in single dosage form.Following method have been developed for the determination of Nicardipine HCL. Analytical Method Development and Validation of Calcium Channel Blocker in Bulk and Pharmaceutical Dosage Form. A new RP-HPLC method was developed for the assay of Nicardipine HCL pharmaceutical dosage form. The separation was achieved by using C18 Hypersil BDS (250x4.6 mm, 5µm) column by using MeoH: ACT: H2O as a mobile phase with the flow rate 1.0ml/min. Where detection was carried out by wavelength at 242nm. The retention time was found to be 15min.The system suitability test shows the response with Retention time, Theoretical plate, Tailing Factor and peak area. Validation of the proposed method was carried out according to ICH guideline. The method developed for quantitative determination of Nicardipine HCL is rapid, precise, accurate and selective. The method was completely validated showing satisfactory data for all method-validated parameters tested. The developed method is stability indicating and can be used for assessing the stability of Nicardipine HCL as bulk drugs. The developed method can be conveniently used for the assay determination of Nicardipine HCL in bulk drugs and pharmaceutical dosage form. The developed method can be conveniently used for dissolution of tablets of the pharmaceutical dosage forms containing Nicardipine HCL in quality control.
Agustin, Vivien A., Bacurin, Justine Cane V., Dela Rosa, Ralph Rowel A., Fernandez, Ronald B., Gallardo, Mary Shulamite S.
Riverine plastic and floating waste continue to threaten aquatic ecosystems and public health in the Philippines, where weak waste management infrastructure and high single-use plastic consumption contribute significantly to river pollution and downstream marine contamination. Existing interception methods such as manual cleanup operations, floating barriers, and mechanical interceptors remain inefficient, labor-intensive, and incapable of real-time monitoring or adaptive response to changing river conditions. This study aimed to design and develop an AI-Enhanced Bubble Curtain System for Automated River Waste Collection and Monitoring that integrates bubble curtain technology with artificial intelligence to automate waste interception, classification, and centralized data management. The system was developed using Agile methodology and the Iterative Design and Development framework, with a Django REST Framework backend, PostgreSQL database, YOLOv8-based image classification model, and a web-based monitoring dashboard built with HTML, JavaScript, and Tailwind CSS. Hardware components were simulated using Wokwi, incorporating an Arduino Uno microcontroller with DHT22, HC-SR04 ultrasonic, water level, and microphone sensors to approximate physical deployment conditions. Results demonstrated that the system successfully performed real-time waste detection and classification through a live camera feed, achieving automated identification of floating debris with confidence scores recorded across 17 captured images, a garbage detection rate of 58.3 percent, and a fully functional administrative dashboard consolidating detection summaries, alert notifications, and user management controls. The study concludes that the proposed system is technically feasible as an intelligent and automated river waste monitoring solution, and recommends future integration of physical hardware components, expanded AI training datasets, and deployment testing in actual riverine environments to validate real-world performance.
Adina, John Kenneth A, Agustin, Vivien A, Bardos, Mark Luis L, Fernandez, Ronald B, Ricalde, Mark Joseph A
Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), sensor technologies, and Internet of Things (IoT) systems have transformed traditional kitchen environments into more intelligent and efficient food preparation spaces. However, many existing kitchen devices remain limited to single-purpose functionalities, requiring users to operate multiple tools separately for weighing, monitoring temperature, and recipe management. This study presents the development of an AI-Integrated Smart Weighing Bowl with Temperature Detection designed to improve cooking accuracy, workflow efficiency, and intelligent user assistance during food preparation. The proposed system integrates Arduino-based hardware components, including a load cell sensor with an HX711 amplifier module and a DS18B20 temperature sensor, together with a Flutter-based mobile application and Firebase Firestore cloud database. An AI-powered recommendation module was incorporated to analyze user inputs and measurement data in order to provide contextual recipe suggestions, ingredient guidance, and cooking alerts in real time. The system architecture was developed using an Agile-Kanban methodology to support iterative planning, software development, hardware integration, testing, and evaluation. Functional testing demonstrated that the prototype was capable of monitoring ingredient weight and temperature while simultaneously providing AI-assisted cooking recommendations through a mobile dashboard interface. Firebase integration enabled reliable cloud synchronization for user records, cooking history, and personalized preferences. Although full real-time sensor-to-application synchronization remains under further optimization, the developed prototype successfully established the feasibility of combining intelligent sensing, cloud communication, and AI-driven analysis within a single smart kitchen platform. The study contributes to the growing field of smart kitchen technologies by offering a scalable and user-centered framework that enhances food preparation accuracy, reduces manual workload, and promotes more informed cooking decisions for both household and professional culinary environments.
Ainah V. Laloon, Lucy Marie L. Veleña, Michelle D. Cueto
This study determined the accuracy of a silicone-based phantom as an instructional material for vascular ultrasound. Three silicone rubber samples (200g) with varying silicone thinner concentrations (5%:10g. 10%:20g, and 15%:30g) were developed as part of prototype testing, each was embedded with ultrasoft epoxy resin vessels (8x12mm and 10x12mm) with water. Experimental research design was employed to assess each sample in terms of physical properties, including appearance, surface texture, durability, elasticity, and curing time. Aside from that, tissue-like softness, echogenicity, as well as ultrasound imaging performance in terms of probe positions (longitudinal and transverse) and movements (sliding and tilting). Findings revealed that increasing the concentration of silicone thinner improved tissue-like softness and elasticity, however, it reduced the durability and imaging capability. Moreover, it revealed that the thicker the ultrasoft resin vessel the lower its reflectivity and harder for ultrasound waves to pass through. Based on the results, the 5% concentration of silicone thinner produced the most stable and well-defined weasel visualization across the probe positions and movements, the 10% concentration demonstrated moderate performance in all aspects, while 15% concentration revealed the poorest image property. Overall, the silicone-based phantom demonstrated potential as an effective instructional material in vascular ultrasound, with the 5% silicone thinner concentration and 10x12mm ultrasoft epoxy resin vessel size as the optimal configuration.
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 were 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.
Dr. Hrishikesh Sharma, Dr. Pooja Saini, Dr. Saroj Kumari Meena
Background: Pancytopenia is a hematological condition characterized by a reduction in all three cellular components of blood—erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets. It encompasses a wide range of etiologies, from nutritional deficiencies to bone marrow disorders. Aim: To analyze the clinical, hematological, and etiological profile of pancytopenia in patients presenting to a tertiary care center. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at Government Medical College and Hospital, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, over a period of one year (February 2025–January 2026). A total of 410 patients fulfilling diagnostic criteria for pancytopenia were included. Clinical data, laboratory investigations, and bone marrow findings were evaluated. Results: Among 410 patients, females (55.1%) slightly outnumbered males (44.9%). The most commonly affected age group was 41–60 years (34.6%). Megaloblastic anemia was the leading cause (39.5%), followed by aplastic anemia (15.9%), infections (15.1%), hematological malignancies (12.2%), chronic diseases (10.2%), and miscellaneous causes (7.1%). Conclusion: Megaloblastic anemia remains the predominant and reversible cause of pancytopenia. Bone marrow examination plays a crucial role in diagnosis, and early identification of etiology is essential for effective management.
Bosede, W., Oladipupo, T.M.
This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with Cucurbita pepo leaf powder on growth performance, nutrient utilization, haematological indices, biochemical profile, and carcass composition of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings. A total of 225 fingerlings with an average initial weight of 5.03 ± 0.05 g were randomly distributed into 15 tanks representing five dietary treatments with three replicates each over a 56-day feeding trial. Five isonitrogenous diets containing 40% crude protein were formulated with graded inclusion levels of C. pepo leaf powder at 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 g/100 g diet. Fish fed diet CP4 (1.5 g/100 g) achieved the highest final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, and feed intake, with the lowest feed conversion ratio, indicating improved feed efficiency. Polynomial regression estimated an optimum inclusion level of approximately 1.7 g/100 g diet. Haematological parameters including packed cell volume, haemoglobin, red blood cells, and white blood cells increased significantly (P < 0.05) with supplementation, reflecting improved physiological and immune status in supplemented groups. These results demonstrate that dietary C. pepo leaf powder enhances physiological status and immune response. Biochemical indices such as total protein, albumin, globulin, and cholesterol were also improved in supplemented groups. Therefore, C. pepo leaf powder can serve as a sustainable and cost-effective phytogenic feed additive in aquaculture diets.
Dr. Jacinta Ifeoma Obidile, Johnbosco Chisom Ifeka
This study ascertained the digital analytic and marketing competencies needed by business education students in the fourth industrial revolution. Two research questions guided the study and two null hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study adopted a descriptive survey design and was carried out in public tertiary institutions in Anambra State. The population of the study comprised 116 business educators from universities and colleges of education in Anambra State. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Mean and standard deviation were used to analyze the research questions, while t-test was used to test the null hypotheses. Findings from the study revealed several digital analytic competencies and digital marketing competencies, that are needed by business education students for adaptation in the fourth industrial revolution. The study concluded that digital analytic and marketing competencies are indispensable to business education students in the fourth industrial revolution. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended among others that Business Education curriculum planners should integrate practical instructions on digital marketing platforms such as Google Ads, Facebook Ads Manager, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Pay-per click advertising which could help the students to design, manage and evaluate marketing strategies in the dynamic digital environment.
Carlo C Pimentel, Harold R Lucero, Hyller M Bonje, Jessica L Sarmiento, Justine E Ritaga, Riemar B Ligad
Digital financial literacy has become essential as students increasingly use FinTech platforms such as e-wallets, online banking, and digital payment systems in their daily financial activities. This study aimed to determine the level of digital financial literacy and financial management practices among third-year students of Quezon City University and examine their relationship. Using a descriptive-correlational quantitative research design, data were collected from 300 randomly selected students online. Statistical tools such as weighted mean, standard deviation, and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient were used to analyse the data. The findings showed that students have a high level of digital financial literacy and financial management practices, particularly in budgeting, saving, and spending. However, information comprehension was found to be higher than information accessibility, indicating a gap in digital access. Results also revealed a significant moderate positive relationship between digital financial literacy and financial management practices, meaning that higher digital literacy is associated with better financial behavior. The study concludes that while students are generally financially capable in digital environments, improving accessibility and digital understanding may further enhance their financial management skills.
Dr. Ayushi Sharma
The rapid expansion of digital lending platforms has transformed credit delivery in India by improving accessibility, speed, and convenience. However, the growth of app-based and fintech-driven lending has also raised serious concerns regarding consumer protection, data privacy, transparency, and unethical recovery practices. In response, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced a series of regulatory measures aimed at strengthening oversight and safeguarding borrowers. This paper examines the evolution of digital lending regulations in India and evaluates their effectiveness in protecting consumers. Using a descriptive and analytical research design supported by secondary data and regulatory analysis, the study finds that while recent RBI guidelines have significantly improved transparency and accountability, gaps remain in enforcement, consumer awareness, and grievance redressal mechanisms. The paper concludes with policy suggestions to enhance consumer protection in India’s digital lending ecosystem.
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.
Alice Anurika Alochukwu-Okwy, Alochukwu Christian NZELU, PhD., Chidera Gideon Chinyeaka
This study analyses the evolving link among fintech penetration, monetary policy transmission, and inflation persistence in Nigeria from 1990 to 2025. It examines whether the swift proliferation of digital financial technologies has fundamentally impacted the efficacy of traditional monetary policy tools, in light of Nigeria's ongoing inflation crisis, which reached a nearly 30-year peak of 34.8% in December 2024, despite the Central Bank of Nigeria's (CBN) stringent monetary tightening measures. This study utilises a time series framework based on the Structural Vector Autoregressive (SVAR) model, enhanced by a Fintech Penetration Index (FPI) derived from Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of POS transaction volumes, mobile payment values, digital transfer volumes, and internet banking usage, to identify structural shocks to monetary policy and analyse their impulse responses within the fintech-enhanced financial system. The empirical findings indicate three primary outcomes: first, fintech penetration has substantially undermined the conventional interest rate and money supply transmission channels, establishing a parallel digital monetary circuit that is somewhat insulated from CBN policy directives; second, inflation persistence in Nigeria, as indicated by the AR(1) coefficient of the inflation series, has intensified during the fintech era, with policy shocks demonstrating prolonged lags before affecting price level. The results of the Forecast Error Variance Decomposition (FEVD) reveal that fintech shocks contribute roughly 18.4% to the inflation forecast error variance at the 12-quarter horizon, a significant rise since 2015. These findings have significant implications for the CBN's inflation targeting framework established in late 2023, indicating an urgent necessity to incorporate a digital monetary indicator into the policy toolset. The study enhances the emerging literature on the fintech-macroeconomics relationship in Sub-Saharan Africa and establishes an empirical connection between digital finance innovation and the effectiveness of monetary policy in oil-dependent economies.
Dr. V. Thimmappa
The role of mythology in shaping religious sites and influencing pilgrimage traditions is well-documented in religious studies. Tirumala, situated in Andhra Pradesh, is one of the most visited temples globally, attracting millions of devotees annually. The legend of Lord Venkateswara (an incarnation of Vishnu) forms the bedrock of the temple’s spiritual and historical significance. Its religious prominence is deeply intertwined with mythological narratives that continue to shape devotion, cultural identity, and religious practices. This research explores the interplay between mythology and religious eminence, analyzing how divine legends contribute to the temple’s significance and sustain its status as a major spiritual and economic centre. Drawing from texts such as the VenkatachalaMahatyam and Sri VenkateswaraIthihasaMaala, these studies examines key mythological foundations, including the descent of Lord Venkateswara, the celestial marriage with Padmavathi, and the divine debt to Kubera. These myths not only reinforce pilgrim faith but also establish religious traditions such as tonsuring, financial offerings, and annual festivals like the Brahmotsavam. The integration of mythology into historical records, particularly through inscriptions from the Pallava, Chola, and Vijayanagara periods, further legitimizes the temple’s sacred status. The study highlights how these narratives influence economic contributions, cultural expressions in literature and performing arts, and the temple’s unparalleled popularity. However, challenges such as commercialization of devotion, environmental sustainability, and preservation of oral traditions pose significant concerns. Despite these issues, the mythology surrounding Tirumala remains a driving force behind its global religious appeal.By examining the enduring power of mythological narratives, this research underscores how sacred stories shape not just religious beliefs but also socio-economic and cultural dynamics. The case of Tirumala exemplifies the profound impact of mythology on religious sites, demonstrating the seamless fusion of history, devotion, and cultural identity that continues to inspire millions of pilgrims worldwide.
Darshan K R, Mrs. Amritha R, Rudresh S C.,, Sanketh Kumar K R., Shashank Gowda U.
The rapid evolution of Android malware has severely undermined the efficacy of conventional analysis methodologies. Static analysis is frequently circumvented by advanced code obfuscation, native JNI exploitation, and dynamic payload loading architectures. Concurrently, dynamic analysis conducted within virtualized sandboxes is increasingly neutralized by sophisticated virtual machine (VM) evasion techniques that detect artificial execution environments. This survey provides a comprehensive taxonomy of Android malware analysis approaches, critically evaluating their capabilities and limitations. We systematically identify three persistent gaps in the current literature: (1) the consistent failure of virtualized execution environments against evasion-aware malware; (2) the absence of active adversarial API response tampering as a recognized analysis vector; and (3) the inaccessibility of complex forensic output to non-specialist analysts. Building upon this gap analysis, we present the design rationale and architecture of DroidSentry, a Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) adversarial dynamic analysis framework. DroidSentry addresses these gaps through authentic physical-device-based execution, active mitmproxy-driven response manipulation via Gnirehtet reverse tethering, and experimental AI-assisted forensic narration via a locally hosted Llama 3 Large Language Model. By deploying on a Linux-based orchestration host coupled with a physical Android node, the framework significantly reduces environmental fingerprinting. Comparative analysis against representative existing tools demonstrates DroidSentry's effectiveness at the intersection of physical execution authenticity, adversarial testing depth, and forensic explainability.
Harsha Mohsin N.M., Prof. (Dr.) Sajna Jaleel
For decades, dyslexia has been framed primarily through a deficit lens, defined by reading difficulties, spelling errors, and poor performance on standardised examinations. This framing has systematically disadvantaged approximately 1 in 5 individuals globally, leaving 80% of dyslexic learners unidentified and unsupported in educational systems that measure intelligence through the very tasks they find most challenging. However, the emergence of Industry 5.0, the Fifth Industrial Revolution, powered by human-AI collaboration, is fundamentally reshaping what intelligence means and which skills the world values most. Drawing on the landmark Intelligence 5.0 report by Made By Dyslexia (2024), which integrates research from YouGov (n=5,863), Randstad Enterprise, the World Economic Forum, Microsoft, LinkedIn, and EY, this paper argues that the six core dyslexic thinking skills—visualizing, imagining, reasoning, connecting, communicating, and exploring—are precisely the human intelligence that AI cannot replicate and the world now urgently needs. Framed within the Dyslexia 5.0 paradigm and connected to Universal Design for Learning (UDL), this paper proposes a three-pillar neuro-inclusive education framework, Identify, Empower and Celebrate, applicable within the Indian educational context under RCI guidelines and NEP 2020. The paper concludes that inclusive education in the AI era must move beyond accommodation toward active recognition of neurodiversity as a cognitive and creative asset.
Dr. Basavaraj S. Shalavadi, Dr. Manjula S. Sureban, Dr. Shekhappa G. Ankaliki, Sunil Kumar U
Distributed Generation (DG) integration plays a significant role in enhancing the efficiency and reliability of modern Radial Distribution Systems (RDS) such as the IEEE 69-bus network. However, improper placement and sizing of DG units, voltage instability, increased power losses, and lack of coordinated economic analysis vary under load condition remain key limitations in existing approaches. To overcome these challenges, this study proposes an integrated optimization framework for optimal DG placement and sizing using advanced metaheuristic techniques. Initially, the system is analysed using the Backward/Forward Sweep Load Flow (BFSLF) method, followed by a 24-hour load variation analysis to capture realistic demand patterns. The Animated Oat Optimization Algorithm (AOOA) is employed to determine the optimal DG location, while the Plant Rhizome Optimization Algorithm (PROA) is used to obtain the optimal DG size. The proposed model significantly enhances system performance by reducing active power losses from 224.91 kW to 97.59 kW and improving the minimum voltage from 0.9092 p.u. to 0.9567 p.u. In addition, the convergence characteristics indicate fast and stable optimization behaviour with effective exploration and exploitation capability. Finally, the economic evaluation shows that the annual cost is reduced from 11.82 million Rs to 3.13 million Rs (Rs 6/kWh) and from 13.79 million Rs to 3.65 million Rs (Rs 7/kWh), with savings up to 10.14 million Rs and net profit reaching 24.60 million Rs, demonstrating strong economic feasibility.
John Carl Bernardo, Mitzel Anthon M. Sonza, Renzo T. Lorejas
The growing reliance on technology in education has created persistent gaps, particularly for early learners and students with visual impairments who remain underserved by existing e-learning platforms. Common challenges include limited subject coverage, lack of engaging content, poor accessibility, and overly complex interfaces that overwhelm young users. This study addresses these concerns through the development of EduActive, an AI-powered interactive and gamified e-learning platform designed specifically for early learners. The platform was developed with three primary objectives: (1) to implement an AI-driven voice command system that reduces reliance on guardian assistance for visually impaired students when navigating and engaging with the platform; (2) to incorporate gamification elements including badges, points, and streak tracking that transform lessons into motivating and enjoyable experiences; and (3) to provide a broad yet age-appropriate range of subjects that build a strong educational foundation for young learners. This study employed a developmental research design combined with an Agile-based methodology, allowing iterative cycles of planning, design, development, testing, and evaluation. The system was built using React.js for the frontend, Node.js with Express.js for backend operations, and SQLite for database management, with Firebase handling user authentication and session control. The Web Speech API and Speech Synthesis API were integrated to power the platform's voice command and text-to-speech features without relying on third-party services. The platform covers core subjects including Mathematics, Science, English, and Filipino, each featuring animated lesson content and structured quizzes. Evaluation conducted in a controlled environment involving early learners and their guardians demonstrated that the platform's voice command and text-to-speech features significantly reduced the level of guardian assistance required for visually impaired students to navigate and interact with the system. Gamification elements positively influenced learner engagement and motivation, while the subject variety supported a well-rounded early learning experience. The findings affirm that EduActive presents a viable and inclusive model for early childhood digital education, offering a practical approach to minimizing accessibility barriers for visually impaired learners in developing-country contexts.
Dr. Priya Sujith., Dr. Thomas Iype, Mahima S.
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in India. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), stroke is projected to become one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Post-stroke depression (PSD) affects approximately 32.9%–35.9% of stroke survivors, which is considerably higher than the prevalence of depression in the general population (10%). PSD is associated with cognitive dysfunction, impaired recovery of activities of daily living (ADL), and increased mortality. This study aimed to assess the effect of an interventional programme on post-stroke depression among stroke survivors attending a tertiary care hospital in Thiruvananthapuram. The conceptual framework was based on Betty Neuman's Systems Model. A quantitative research approach with a one-group pre-test post-test design was adopted. Forty-five post-stroke survivors were selected using consecutive sampling. The study was conducted in the Neurology Outpatient Department and Neuromedicine Ward of Government Medical College Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram. Data were collected using three tools: (1) Socio-demographic and Clinical Data Sheet, (2) Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and (3) Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Following the pre-test, participants received an interventional programme consisting of education regarding stroke management and rehabilitation using flash cards, followed by instructions for music therapy. Post-test assessment was conducted three weeks later during follow-up visits. Among the 45 participants, 91.1% had moderate-to-severe depression during the pre-test, which decreased to 57.8% during the post-test. The mean depression score decreased significantly from 22.62 ± 2.79 to 18.89 ± 2.77 following the intervention (p < 0.001). The interventional programme, including music therapy, was effective in significantly reducing post-stroke depression among stroke survivors.
Iin Susilawati, Rifqi Muzakki Razzaq, Ujang Hidayat Tanuwiria
This study aims to determine the effect of various ratios of corn stover (Zea mays) and Red Calliandra (Calliandra calothyrsus) on pH, Bacterial Population, Protozoa, and Methane Gas in silage as an indicator of fermentation quality. This study was conducted using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four treatments: P1 (90% corn stover + 10% Red Calliandra), P2 (80 corn stover + 20% Red Calliandra), P3 (70% corn stover + 30% Red Calliandra), and P4 (60% corn stover + 40% Red Calliandra). Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Duncan's multiple range test. The results showed that variations in the ratio of corn stover and red Calliandra did not significantly affect the bacterial population (3.17–3.352 × 10⁹ Cell/mL) and methane production (5.55–6.141 mM) (P > 0.05). In contrast, the protozoa population significantly affected by the treatment (4.23–5.332 × 10⁵ cells/mL) and rumen pH significantly affected by the treatment (6.836–6.888) (P ≤ 0.05) with the addition of red Calliandra. All measured parameters remained within normal conditions, indicating stable rumen fermentation conditions. Although the differences in methane production and bacterial populations between treatments were not statistically significant, treatment P4 tended to show decreased methane production. These findings suggest that the combination of corn stover and red Calliandra up to a ratio of 60:40 is feasible to maintain the balance of rumen fermentation, with the potential to improve fermentation efficiency and reduce methane production. Further in vivo studies are needed to confirm these results under practical feeding conditions.
Ayobami Ojo, Olufunmilola Adunni Abiodun, Oluwatosin Racheal Ajiboye, Oluwatosin Tolu Jatto
African star apple seeds were fermented and processed into flour at different periods of 24, 48 and 72 h respectively with an unfermented African star apple seed flour as the control. The functional properties, pasting properties, antioxidant activity, antinutritional and proximate composition of the flours were determined. The functional properties of the flour samples showed that bulk density ranged from 0.56g/ml-074 g/ml. There was a significant decrease in bulk density with increase in fermentation time. There was also a significant increase in water absorption capacity and oil absorption capacity with increase in fermentation time which ranged from 180-237% and 130-170% respectively. However, swelling index and dispersibility ranged from 2.00-3.00% and 30-43.33% respectively. The pasting properties of African star apple seed flour ranged between 29.75-111.42 RVU for peak viscosity, 23.83-83.33 RVU for trough viscosity, 42.00-109.58 RVU for final viscosity which shows a significant increase with increasing fermentation time. Antioxidant activity which includes DPPH, FRAP, ABTS ranged from 19.75– 40.61%, 0.37– 0.40 mgFeSO4/g, 30.07 - 40.51mgTE/g respectively while Phytochemical properties revealed that total tannin content were negligible, total flavonoids content, total phenolic content ranged from 0.04– 0.11mgCE/g and 0.05–0.18 mg CE/g respectively. The proximate composition showed reduction in ash and fibre contents while there were increase in protein and fat contents with fermentation periods. Fermentation of African star apple for 48 h showed increase in antioxidant and protein contents while fermentation for 72 h improved the functional and pasting properties of the seed flour.
Aso, C.J, Bosah, C.N, Ifediora, U.L, Machie, K.U
Waste generation is an inevitable phenomenon that occurs in an environment especially schools. This study determined the effect of health education on the knowledge of proper waste disposal among pupils of Elites International School, Awka. Two research questions guided the study. The quasi-experimental research design was used for the study. The simple random sampling technique was used to draw a sample of 50 out of 200 pupils. The instrument for data collection was a researcher’s designed questionnaire. The data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation. The findings of the study revealed among others that the health education intervention on the knowledge of proper waste management among pupils of Elite international school was effective. The findings of the study also revealed that there is an increase on the knowledge of best waste disposal method among pupils of Elites International School, Awka after the health education programme on proper waste disposal. It is important to emphasize on the need for proper waste disposal in schools because it is essential to protect students’ health, prevent disease outbreaks and maintain a conducive environment.
Ervina Egi Putri, Iin Susilawati, Ujang Hidayat Tanuwiria
Goat production in tropical areas faces significant challenges due to seasonal forage scarcity and high feed costs, necessitating alternative feed resources. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of lime (Citrus aurantifolia) peel meal supplementation on the digestibility and fermentability of male goat rations in vitro. The experiment was conducted using a Completely Randomized Design with five supplementation levels: R0 (0%), R1 (5%), R2 (10%), R3 (15%), and R4 (20%) using a basal diet of Taiwan Napier grass and concentrate. The parameters evaluated included in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), total volatile fatty acids (total VFAs) concentration, and rumen ammonia-nitrogen (NH3). The results showed that the treatments significantly affected (P < 0.05) all parameters. The R3 treatment (15%) provided the most optimal results, yielding the highest IVDMD (64.08%), maximum IVOMD (72.06%), peak total VFA (171.89 mM), and ideal NH3 (10.08 mM). This efficiency was triggered by a substrate shift, where the high crude fiber of Taiwan Napier grass (27.12%) was substituted by lime peel meal which had lower crude fiber (11.92%), thereby reducing the total lignin proportion of the ration and optimizing fermentation. However, the 20% level (R4) induced a threshold effect that decreased the IVOMD (64.24%) and total VFA (141.92 mM) values due to the accumulation of bioactive compounds (saponins and limonene) that began to inhibit microbial activity. In conclusion, supplementing male goat rations with 15% lime peel waste meal optimizes rumen fermentation and feed digestibility, offering a sustainable alternative feed strategy to mitigate feed price instability.
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.
John Carlo H. Sikat
beings, but when it escapes control, it can be destructive. Fire incidents can pose a threat to a person's life, property, and even a country's economy. It usually leads to heavy financial losses and loss of human life. It is considered a negative event that has tangible costs in terms of human life and property. In the Philippines, the Community Fire Auxiliary Group (CFAG) is essential to improving community preparedness and fire safety. CFAG is a volunteer-run organization made up of locals that supports firefighting efforts until professional fire services arrive, encourages fire prevention education, and facilitates early fire detection. Involving community members in fire safety initiatives, planning drills, and sharing crucial information on fire protocols promotes a culture of shared responsibility. By speeding up response times and lowering fire risks, the CFAG also helps the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) minimize casualties and property damage. By equipping locals with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively to fire emergencies, CFAGs significantly increase community resilience despite obstacles such as limited resources and funding, ultimately making the community safer and better prepared for disasters. Communities still face significant risks from fire incidents, which can cause property damage, injuries, and environmental damage. To enhance fire prevention, early detection, and emergency response at the local level, community-based fire safety groups like the Community Fire Auxiliary Group (CFAG) have been created in partnership with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). Despite their widespread presence, there is limited data to evaluate how well CFAGs improve fire safety and reduce fires in surrounding communities. CFAGs provide rapid response during fire emergencies, helping to limit damage until professional firefighters arrive. Additionally, CFAGs educate residents on safety measures and preparedness to prevent fires from occurring. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the CFAG mechanism in the Municipality of Rizal, Laguna, focusing on the group's ability to promote community involvement, accelerate fire incident response, and support fire prevention education. It also examines CFAG members' readiness through training and resource availability. Understanding these elements is essential to identify the advantages and disadvantages of the CFAG system and to suggest improvements that will enhance residents' fire safety resilience.
Dr. Gangotri Vishwas Rokade
In today’s era, academic stress is a significant concern among teacher trainees in Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) programs. The academic workload, teaching practice, and examination pressure are some of the causes of academic stress. This study investigates the effects of academic stress on B.Ed. teacher trainees using the "Academic Stress Level Tool.”, prepared by the researcher. The data was collected from 64 teacher trainees. The findings reveal that a significant number teacher trainees experience moderate levels of stress, affecting their performance, well-being, and motivation. The paper concludes with practical suggestions for reducing academic stress among teacher trainees.
Dr. Bini A
The exercises have a capacity to confer training adaptations. The rate at which those adaptations are lost and regained has direct implications for how physical education programmes are designed, particularly for populations with interrupted activity patterns. This study examined the effects of isolated and combined resistance training and sand running, a structured detraining period, and subsequent retraining on physical, physiological, and biochemical criterion variables among university women students in Kerala, India. Sixty undergraduate women (age range 18–22 years, M = 19.8, SD = 1.2) enrolled in Arts and Science Colleges of Palakkad district were randomly assigned to four groups: a Resistance Training group (RT; n = 15), a Sand Running group (SR; n = 15), a Combined Resistance Training and Sand Running group (COMB; n = 15), and a Control group (CON; n = 15). Training continued three days per week for twelve weeks. A subsequent detraining phase of 40 days was monitored at 10-day intervals (four cessation points), followed by 4 weeks of retraining. Criterion variables were leg strength, back strength, elastic power (bunny hops), breath-holding time, resting pulse rate, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and total protein. Data were analysed using a 4 × 7 factorial ANOVA with repeated measures on the time factor. Scheffé's post hoc test was applied wherever significant interactions were detected. All three trained groups demonstrated significant improvements across physical, physiological, and biochemical variables after the twelve-week intervention (p < .05), with the COMB group recording the largest effect sizes. Statistically, it was evident that Detraining produced non-significant losses at cessations one and two, but significant deterioration at cessations three and four. Four weeks of retraining restored all variables to, or above, post-training values in all three trained groups. These findings confirm the dominance of a combined training modality. The findings also support the physiological concept of muscle memory in exercise prescription for young women.
Agbebaku Usiobaifo Henry, Ilenre Abraham Ehizogie, Imanfidon, Samson Enenhizenan, Odion Richard
The study examined the effects of migration on public utilities in Ekpoma. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of migration on public utilities in Ekpoma, Edo State. The specific objectives are to: Identify the factors contributing to migration in Ekpoma, assess the impact of migration on public utilities in Ekpoma, examine the consequences of overstretched public utilities in Ekpoma and to Suggest strategies for improving the efficiency and management of public utilities in Ekpoma. Both primary and secondary data collection methods were employed in the study. Descriptive statistics, such as frequencies, tables, percentages, and charts, were utilized to summarize responses from the questionnaires distributed. Inferential statistical techniques (Chi-square test), was used to examine relationships between migration and the effects of migration on public utilities. Correlation analysis was also applied to measure the strength of the relationship between migration and utility demand. Ekpoma has a total of 92,217 population (NPC, 2006), one quarter of the population were taken as sample size which is 21738.5 and 1% as sample frame which gives us a total of 230 respondents. A simple random sampling method was then applied within each stratum (ward) to select respondents. The study found that, rural-urban migration significantly affects public utilities in Ekpoma and recommends: Government investment more in Public Utilities development and improvement in Ekpoma, encourage Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), government to initiate and encourage affordable Housing Policies, improved Urban Planning, involve in Public Transport Development, encourage Community Awareness and Participation in utility management, Strengthening Rural Development Initiatives, Implementing a Systems Approach to Migration Management, Promoting Inclusive Urban Planning, Enhancing Data Collection and Research, Fostering Economic Opportunities in Rural Area as well as Strengthening Institutional Frameworks. These will in no small measure reduce the effects of migration on public utilities in Ekpoma.
Azunna Uchenna, Chamberlin Jamike Elem, Cosmos Sopuruchi Agim., Eke Ugorji Iheanacho, Johnson Agbai Ukwa., Justice Ugonna Okoli, kelechi Uzoma Akatobi, Njoku Oji Ifegwu.
Objective: This research was carried out to investigate the effect of Soya bean (Glycine max) extract on the histology of livers of sniper-induced rats. Methodology: Twenty-five rats weighing 110 g to 150 g were procured and acclimatized for two weeks, thereafter; they were divided into five groups of five rats each, and were housed in cages. The groups were designated as groups A - E. Group A served as the control group and was not induced, while groups B – E were induced. Group A and B received distilled water only, while groups C – E received Vitamin C, 200 mg/kg of body weight and 400 mg/kg of body weight of extracts of Soya bean respectively for 21 days orally through oro-gastric tube. On the 22nd day, the animals were weighed, sacrificed via chloroform inhalation, and livers were harvested for histological study. Results: Histopathological findings showed normal hepatic architecture with with central vain (CV) and active hepatocyte (H) in group A, severe degeneration with severe aggregate intra-hepatic inflammation (IHI) in group B, moderate healing with mild aggregate intra-hepatic inflammation (IHI) with active hepatocyte (H) in group C, mild healing with moderate aggregate intra-hepatic inflammation (IHI) with active hepatocyte (H) in group D, and moderate healing with mild aggregate intra-hepatic inflammation (IHI) in group E. Conclusion: The extract of Soya bean has ameliorating effect on the histology of livers of sniper-induced rats, and the ameliorating effect improves with increase in the dosages of the extract
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
Aileen L. Bagamasbad, RN, Jane M. Tagum-Briones, RPh, MAN, PhD
Objectives: This study evaluated the challenges encountered by healthcare personnel in the emergency departments of hospitals within the 5th District of Camarines Sur. Specifically, it investigated respondents' profiles, assessed challenges in emergency rooms across five domains, such as triage and assessment, staff training and competency, resource allocation and equipment availability, communication and coordination, and patient volume, and examined the relationship profile and challenges to inform strategies to enhance patient care and safety. Methods: A descriptive-correlational research design was utilized. Employing a total enumeration sampling technique, data were gathered from 55 multidisciplinary emergency department personnel, predominantly nurses (74.55%), alongside resident physicians, midwives, nursing aides, and triage officers, across five participating hospitals using a structured survey questionnaire. To ensure institutional compliance, formal ethical approval was obtained from the relevant research ethics committee prior to data collection. Data analysis was performed using frequency counts, percentages, weighted means, and the Chi-square test of independence. Results: The profile analysis revealed a workforce consisting mostly of female college graduates (80.01%) with short tenures, with 45.45% having only 1 to 5 years of service. While basic life support compliance was universal (100%), specialized advanced certifications were significantly lacking. The overall assessment showed that patient volume (WM=3.71) and resource allocation/equipment availability (WM= 3.42) were the top-ranked institutional challenges. Communication, staff training, and triage were moderately agreed upon as lesser challenges, frequently driven by frontline stress and ethical decision fatigue. Critically, Chi-square analysis proved that there is no significant relationship between any of the respondents' profile variables and the challenges faced. Conclusions: The uniform non-significance across all profile variables indicates that emergency room bottlenecks are driven by systemic and institutional stressors rather than individual demographic or professional differences. Consequently, effective enhancement strategies must transcend individual training by prioritizing structural organizational reforms, including physical infrastructure expansion, dynamic resource planning, and systemic workload management.
Md. Istiaque Hossain Molla
Empathy is one of the important mechanisms in this new era to ensure better public service delivery towards their clients and the public. For these reasons, officials should receive proper training in empathy. The employees may realise the importance of empathy or may be familiar with the term empathy, but in terms of implementation, the result is not satisfactory. But it is a good sign that the situation is changing, and bureaucrats, government officials, and private bankers are now aware of this. Besides this, personal training in empathy for top and middle management is also important.
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.
Maga Pira, Muskan Thakur, Nabam Ania, Nemmey Tangha, Passang Droima Bapu
Neurological examination is a fundamental component of patient assessment, requiring adequate knowledge and clinical competence among nursing professionals. This experimental study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured teaching programme in enhancing the knowledge of nursing students and staff nurses regarding neurological examination of patients in Himachal Pradesh. A pre-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test design was adopted, and a total of 15 participants were selected using a simple random sampling. Baseline knowledge was assessed using a structured questionnaire covering key domains such as mental status examination, cranial nerves, motor system, reflexes, coordination, and gait. The pre-test results revealed inadequate knowledge among participants, with low mean scores and a higher proportion of incorrect responses, particularly in areas related to reflexes and specific neurological tests. Following this, a structured teaching programme was administered. Post-test findings demonstrated a significant improvement in knowledge, with most participants achieving near-perfect scores and minimal variability. The paired t-test analysis showed a highly significant difference between pre-test and post-test scores (t = -13.229, p < 0.001), indicating the effectiveness of the intervention. The study concludes that structured teaching programmes are highly effective in improving knowledge of neurological examination among nursing personnel. It is recommended that such educational interventions be regularly incorporated into nursing education and in-service training to enhance clinical competency and improve patient care outcomes.
Francis, Akoma Victor, Ibeh, Nkiruka Joy, Nwandieze, Fortune Onyedikachi, Ogbu, Eucharia Chinagolum, Okoye Emeka Obiora, Onwubuta, C. Godspower, Oritsebinone, Esther Imoh
The laboratory environment presents unique and compounded challenges related to ergonomics and safety. Technicians and scientists are exposed to repetitive strain injuries from pipetting and microscopy, physical fatigue from handling heavy equipment, and significant chemical, biological, and physical hazards. The emergence of wearable technology offers a paradigm shift in how these challenges are managed. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the ergonomic and safety impacts of wearable devices, such as smart glasses and exoskeletons, within the laboratory setting. It explores how smart glasses enhance safety awareness by providing hands-free access to Safety Data Sheets (SDS), enabling remote expert guidance, and improving procedural accuracy, thereby reducing human error. Concurrently, the paper examines the role of exoskeletons in mitigating ergonomic risks by providing physical support during tasks like lifting heavy containers or maintaining static postures, potentially reducing the incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Case study evidence indicates a 15% time saving per test and reduced documentation errors with smart glasses, as well as decreased shoulder muscle activity with upper‑body exoskeletons. However, the integration of these technologies is not without drawbacks. This analysis also addresses critical challenges, including initial cost, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, potential for new forms of distraction, the ergonomic design of the wearables themselves, and the need for robust training protocols. The paper concludes that while wearable technology holds immense promise for creating safer and more ergonomically sound laboratories, its successful implementation requires a careful, risk‑assessed approach that balances technological benefits with pragmatic considerations of cost, usability, and human factors.
Dr. S.V. Pradeepa, Vijaylaxmi Obaiah Konkala
This study examines the impact of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) analytics on organizational productivity and business performance through a secondary research approach. ERP analytics refers to the use of data analysis, reporting tools, and real-time information within ERP systems to support better decision-making and improve business operations. The study is based on previously published journals, research papers, and scholarly articles collected from sources such as Google Scholar, Scopus, and IEEE Xplore between 2000 and 2024. The findings show that ERP analytics improves organizational efficiency through better information quality, streamlined business processes, improved coordination, and faster decision-making. The research also highlights important success factors such as business process re-engineering, system quality, management support, employee training, and user satisfaction. In addition, factors like firm size, industry type, and ERP usage duration influence organizational performance outcomes. The study also identifies challenges including high implementation costs, resistance to change, and system integration difficulties. Using the Resource-Based View (RBV) framework, the research concludes that ERP analytics can enhance productivity and competitive advantage when technology is effectively aligned with organizational goals, people, and business processes
Dafa Haikal Nuzarwan, Didin Supriat Tasripin, Heni Indrijani
This study aims to estimate the repeatability of milk production in Fries Holland dairy cows. The object of this study was 474 milk production records from 237 first and second lactation dairy cows collected from 2022 to 2025 at the Center for Superior Livestock Breeding - Animal Feed (BBPTU - HPT) Baturraden. The dairy cow data used were total milk production records, which were then standardized to 305 days, 2 milking frequencies, and adult-equivalent age. The analysis results showed that the repeatability was 0,36 ± 0,048. The repeatability values obtained were included in the mid category.
Dr. Tanuja Kabir, Nitesh Prasad Sah
Artificial intelligence (AI) and digital health technologies are increasingly reshaping neurological clinical research by enabling more precise diagnostics, continuous patient monitoring, and data-driven therapeutic strategies. Applications such as machine learning–based neuroimaging analysis, wearable neurological sensors, remote electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring, brain–computer interfaces, and digital biomarkers are now widely explored in disorders including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, stroke, and multiple sclerosis. Although these innovations have improved research efficiency and expanded opportunities for personalized neurology, they also introduce complex ethical and regulatory concerns that remain insufficiently addressed within existing research governance frameworks. This critical review examines the major ethical challenges associated with AI-enabled neurological research, with particular emphasis on informed consent in cognitively vulnerable populations, neurodata privacy and security, algorithmic bias, explainability of AI systems, digital inequities, and regulatory oversight. Unlike conventional healthcare datasets, neurological data may reveal highly sensitive information related to cognition, behavior, emotional processing, and personal identity, thereby raising unique neuroethical concerns regarding autonomy and mental privacy. Drawing on recent literature published between 2021 and 2026, this review critically evaluates emerging ethical tensions in decentralized and AI-assisted neurology research while discussing practical approaches for responsible implementation. The paper argues that the future integration of AI into neurological clinical research will depend not only on technological advancement but also on the development of ethically resilient governance frameworks capable of protecting patient rights, ensuring transparency, minimizing bias, and maintaining public trust in increasingly data-intensive neurological ecosystems.
Gloria Aketch, Juliana Maina, Laban Rotich
The study aimed at assessing green initiatives in TVET institutions for sustainable tourism and hospitality development in Murang'a County, Kenya. The study was prompted by the increasing need for tourism and hospitality training institutions to offer their learners the green skills needed in sustainable tourism and hospitality industries. This study analyzed various aspects concerning green initiatives, including the type of green initiatives used, the level of awareness of TVET stakeholders towards sustainable development, the effect of green initiatives on sustainable development goals, and challenges hindering the use of green initiatives for sustainable development. The study utilized a mixed-methods research approach. The study population comprised 665 hospitality students in selected TVET institutions. The sample size was determined using Yamane's formula to be 250. For collecting quantitative data, the study used structured questionnaires, while for qualitative data collection, the study conducted interviews with five principals. Both quantitative and qualitative data analysis were done using SPSS software to find frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple regressions. The results indicated that green initiatives were highly adopted with a mean of 4.087 by way of reminders of energy saving, tree planting activities, proper waste management, and campus greening. The stakeholders had some degree of awareness regarding sustainable development with a mean of 3.284, showing that awareness exists but green knowledge and skill application is not fully developed. Green initiatives had some impact on sustainable development with a mean of 3.696 by enhancing institution reputation and environment-friendly behaviour. There existed various challenges to adoption of green initiatives in institutions with a mean of 4.210 because of poor regulation, high cost, lack of resources, and low knowledge. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the variables studied explained 66.0% of sustainable tourism and hospitality development.
Joyce Abigail Coulson-Olowu
Aligning economic progress with societal well-being and environmental conservation, stressing their integration by businesses has gained significant importance worldwide. This study examines the sustainable growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in four major urban centers in Sierra Leone – Freetown, Bo, Makeni, and Kenema – using the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) framework. The research aims to identify the key factors influencing SME sustainability, assess SMEs' understanding and integration of TBL principles, and evaluate the impact of this integration on their growth. Several findings have emerged through a mixed-method approach involving structured questionnaires and interviews with 240 SME managers and owners and 15 managers, respectively. SMEs prioritize financial performance while recognizing the importance of environmental sustainability and social equity. While not all SMEs are familiar with the TBL concept, many intuitively integrate its economic, social, and environmental dimensions into their operations. The study demonstrates the positive impact of integrating TBL principles on SMEs' sustainable growth.
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. Harsh Vardhan, Jagroop Singh Yadav
Standard multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) treats criterion weights as exogenous to the underlying evidence base, producing decision-support outputs that do not communicate the strength of the evidence on which they rest. This is a limitation in real-world decision contexts where evidence density and consistency vary systematically across criteria. This paper develops an evidence-density-weighted extension of the standard weighted-sum MCDA aggregation in which criterion weights are made endogenous to the frequency (density) and the agreement (consistency) of the supporting evidence. The framework introduces an evidence-density factor, an evidence-consistency factor, and a combined evidence-confidence weight, supplemented by a three-tier confidence calibration of decision-support outputs. The framework reduces to the standard weighted-sum aggregation in the limiting case of uniform evidence density and consistency, establishing it as a proper generalisation. The framework is demonstrated through application to a corpus of fourteen Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) case studies from the SPE and IADC literature of 2015-2025, producing an evaluation matrix, a cross-case synthesis, and an application-domain selection map with explicit confidence-tier calibration. The principal substantive finding is that MPD achieves detection sensitivity approximately one to two orders of magnitude superior to conventional drilling, a finding cross-validated against a Gaussian detection-sensitivity model. The framework is computationally tractable with complexity linear in the problem size, generalises to adjacent engineering-comparison problems, and offers an operationally accessible alternative to more complex evidence-aware MCDA methods while addressing the same underlying concern of evidence heterogeneity across criteria.
Himanshu Yadav, Nitesh Prasad Sah, Shivani
Good Clinical Practice (GCP) serves as the ethical and scientific foundation for conducting clinical trials involving human participants. Over the last decade, clinical research has undergone remarkable transformation due to globalization, technological advancement, decentralized trial models, and evolving regulatory expectations. Modern clinical trials increasingly rely on digital technologies, electronic data systems, artificial intelligence, and remote patient monitoring, creating both opportunities and challenges for researchers and regulatory authorities. Key concerns include increasing protocol complexity, participant safety, informed consent in digital environments, data integrity, cybersecurity, and harmonisation of international regulations. Recent updates in International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines, particularly ICH E6(R3), emphasize risk-based quality management and patient-centered approaches to clinical research. This review discusses the current challenges in implementing GCP, recent regulatory developments, and future perspectives shaping contemporary clinical trials. Understanding these evolving trends is essential for ensuring ethical conduct, regulatory compliance, and high-quality clinical research.
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.
Alphonsus Nyajo, Dorcas Ngoyem Kwamande, Elizabeth N, Jeiyol, Fanen Terdoo, John Terwase Semaka, Monday Onah Akpegi, Tracy Iveren Kile
This study explored the effectiveness of post-flood Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) interventions in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey of 286 respondents conducted in eight flood-prone communities in Makurdi was complemented by the Delphi technique involving 15 WASH experts from government and non-governmental organizations. The results identified heavy rainfall, blocked drainage systems, and unregulated urban development as the major causes of flooding. Housing destruction, public health risks, and community displacement recorded the highest Delphi mean score of 4.00, with public health risks achieving 82% agreement among experts. Short-term reactive and tactical emergency interventions such as water treatment stations, emergency sanitation facilities, and PHAST programmes were rated “Very Effective,” recording 83%, 84%, and 85% agreement, respectively. The study recommends integrated flood management and strengthened rapid-response WASH interventions in flood-prone communities to improve public health outcomes, disaster preparedness, and community resilience.
Dr. J. Sudhakar, I. Raphael Zebulon Rosario, Mr. T. Mano Prathik, S. Jayachithira, V. Anandha Vigneshwaran
Retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma are among the leading causes of vision impairment and blindness worldwide. Early detection and timely treatment are essential to prevent irreversible damage and improve patient outcomes. This project, EYESIGHT AI, presents an intelligent deep learning-based system designed for the automated detection and classification of retinal diseases using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) images. The proposed system utilizes Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to effectively extract complex features from retinal images and accurately identify disease patterns. Prior to model processing, OCT images undergo preprocessing techniques including contrast enhancement and noise reduction to improve image quality and ensure better feature extraction. The enhanced images are then passed through the trained CNN model for classification into different retinal disease categories. To enhance usability and real-world applicability, the system is integrated with a Django-based web interface that allows healthcare professionals to easily upload OCT images and obtain diagnostic predictions in a user-friendly environment. The model is trained and evaluated on standard retinal image datasets, demonstrating reliable performance and high accuracy in disease classification. Overall, EYESIGHT AI serves as a supportive diagnostic tool that can assist medical practitioners in early detection and clinical decision-making. By reducing diagnostic time and improving accuracy, the system contributes to more efficient and accessible eye care, particularly in resource-limited settings.
Dr. Akriti Jaiswal, Neha Pandey
Festivals are an essential part of India's cultural landscape and serve as regular socioeconomic occurrences that affect community structures and market dynamics. There hasn't been much focus on combining these aspects into a single analytical framework, even though previous research has mostly focused on the economic multiplier impacts of festivals or their social impacts separately. In order to close this gap, the current study views Indian festivals as dual-impact socioeconomic occurrences that cause social change and economic acceleration at the same time. A thematic synthesis of secondary materials, including peer-reviewed journal articles, academic literature, government reports, policy documents, trade association publications, and reliable media sources, forms the basis of the study's qualitative and conceptual research design. Economic multiplier effects, MSME participation, commercialization tendencies, social cohesion, public safety hazards, environmental externalities, and governance issues related to large-scale festival events are the main topics of the analysis. The results show that festivals boost domestic demand, create jobs, encourage regional trade, and increase the involvement of local businesses. They support community involvement and cultural identity at the same time. However, structural vulnerabilities that could jeopardize long-term sustainability are shown by growing commercialization, improper crowd control, environmental deterioration, and regulatory deficiencies. The study comes to the conclusion that sustainable festival ecosystems require balanced governance frameworks that combine economic opportunity with regulatory discipline, environmental protections, and organized catastrophe preparedness. The study provides a thorough conceptual explanation of festivals in emerging countries by combining economic and social viewpoints. It also emphasizes the necessity of policy-oriented involvement to manage the festivals' dual socioeconomic character.
Bee Jess W. Capoy, Chirrel D. Asoque, Christian Dave A. Bumagat, Marilou C. Diana, Sharon Rose P. Toledo
This study examined the financial stewardship practices in public schools in Region XI using a descriptive quantitative research design. Specifically, it assessed practices in terms of budget planning, financial transparency, accountability, resource utilization efficiency, and financial monitoring and control. Data were collected from selected respondents using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using mean and standard deviation. Findings revealed that financial stewardship practices were implemented at a moderate extent, with an overall mean of 2.87. Among the indicators, budget planning obtained the highest mean, while financial transparency and resource utilization efficiency were rated lower. The results indicate that while financial management practices are present, they are not consistently or fully implemented across schools. Variability in responses further suggests inconsistencies in financial practices. The study concludes that there is a need to strengthen financial stewardship practices in public schools through enhanced training, improved transparency mechanisms, and stronger monitoring systems. Based on the findings, a Financial Management Enhancement Program was proposed to address identified gaps. The study contributes to the field of educational management by providing empirical evidence on financial practices and offering practical interventions for improving school financial governance.
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.
Carla Mikaela E. Manuel, Dr. Ronald B. Fernandez, Gary U. Jumao-As Jr, Kent Justine Z. Nacionales, Vivien A. Agustin
Fishkeeping has evolved into a commercially and recreationally successful venture in the Philippines, but fishkeepers still struggle in maintaining steady aquatic conditions as well as identifying any signs of fish stress or diseases. Existing fish monitoring solutions are fragmented, as some measure water quality parameters while others observe fish behavior without integrating them to provide predictive health analysis. In this paper, FinGuard – an AI-enabled fish predictive health monitoring mobile application is proposed. The system utilizes IoT sensors to monitor the water quality of ornamental fish aquariums in real-time by collecting data about water parameters, including temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity. FinGuard is able to analyze fish behaviors via a Computer Vision module, which analyzes video recordings and provides predictions of health issues based on the analyzed information and collected environmental conditions. The system also has a logbook for aquariums, an analytics dashboard showing the current status of all aquariums, and a recommendations module providing relevant suggestions about actions necessary to improve fish health. The mobile application is being built using Agile software development lifecycle with the use of Flutter framework for mobile app development, Python and Flask for backend, and TensorFlow and OpenCV libraries for machine learning and computer vision purposes, respectively. Finally, Firebase will be used as a cloud database.
Miss. Kale Rajeshri Avinash, Miss. Nagargoje Pratiksha, Miss. Telore Ashwini, Mr. Bhalsing Mahesh Diliprao, Mr. Rasane Somnath Arun
Herbal soaps are gaining attention as safe and natural alternatives to conventional soaps. This study aimed to formulate and evaluate a herbal soap using Neem (Azadirachta indica), Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum), and Ritha (Sapindus mukorossi) extracts. A vegetable-based, unscented soap base was used, enriched with coconut oil and glycerin for moisturizing, and rose water and vitamin E for fragrance and antioxidant protection. The soap was evaluated for physical, chemical, functional, organoleptic, and biological properties, including pH, texture, lathering, foam stability, moisturizing effect, spreadability, stability, antimicrobial activity, and saponin content. The formulated soap exhibited a smooth appearance, firm texture, skin-friendly pH, effective foaming, moisturizing effect, and antimicrobial activity. Stability studies confirmed no significant changes under room and accelerated conditions. The results demonstrate that the developed herbal soap is safe, effective, and suitable for daily skincare, providing a natural and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic soaps.
Pooran Chandra Pande
The fast growth and application of technology and AI (artificial intelligence) in India have led to a lot of changes when it comes to freedom of expression, which is guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian constitution. For our study, we will be examining the influence of technology that utilizes AI, such as social media algorithms, on freedom of expression in this digital era. Although the use of AI technology guarantees freedom of information and freedom to create content, it presents certain challenges as well. The connection between the right to freedom of expression and restrictions that have been put in place in Article 19(2) will be critically analysed in this study. Another issue that will be considered in this research is that of governance in an age when AI is increasingly being used to monitor and filter messages on the Internet. Some of the issues that will be analysed in this study include accountability, due process, and the chilling effect. With regard to the theory of jurisprudence of the constitutionalizing of law in India in light of the analysis done on artificial intelligence, it can be seen that the regulation of artificial intelligence is essential as far as the aspect of rights is concerned to ensure that there is justice, accountability, and transparency in the process of automation. In conclusion, there are some normative guidelines suggested by the study.
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.
Lezabbey Bariton Cletus
Environmental degradation in Ogoni, largely driven by decades of oil exploration in the Niger Delta, has significantly undermined local livelihoods and intensified socio-economic conflicts. While remediation initiatives particularly those influenced by the United Nations Environment Programme report and implemented through the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project aim to restore the environment, limited attention has been given to gender-inclusive approaches. This paper examines gender mainstreaming as a strategic tool for enhancing livelihood outcomes and fostering conflict resolution in Ogoni. Adopting a qualitative and analytical methodology, the study draws on feminist political ecology, sustainable livelihoods, and conflict transformation frameworks to interrogate the intersection between gender, environment, and peacebuilding. The findings reveal that women, despite being disproportionately affected by environmental degradation, remain largely marginalized in remediation planning and implementation. However, where gender-inclusive strategies are adopted, there is notable improvement in household income, community participation, and grassroots conflict mediation. The study argues that integrating gender perspectives into environmental remediation not only promotes equity but also strengthens social cohesion and sustainability. It concludes that effective gender mainstreaming can serve as a catalyst for inclusive development and durable peace in Ogoni. The paper recommends the institutionalization of gender-responsive policies, increased capacity-building for women, and inclusive governance mechanisms to ensure that remediation efforts achieve both ecological restoration and socio-economic transformation.
Abdu Madugu, Abubakar Salisu, Ali Sagir Muktar, Khalid S. A, Tasiu Abdullahi Yusuf
In this paper, we present a systematic investigation of derivations and generalized derivations on prime near-rings, focusing on their influence on the underlying algebraic structure. We examine several annihilation conditions involving derivations and generalized derivations and show that, in a prime near-ring, any element that annihilates the image of a non-zero derivation or its associated generalized derivation must be zero. This result establishes a strong rigidity phenomenon for derivations in prime near-rings. Furthermore, we analyze the interaction between generalized derivations and commutators and prove that certain vanishing or annihilation conditions involving commutators force the near-ring to be commutative. These findings demonstrate that derivations and generalized derivations function not only as algebraic operators but also as effective tools for detecting and controlling non-commutative behavior in near-rings. As a consequence, our results extend several classical commutativity theorems from ring theory to the broader framework of near-rings, thereby contributing to the structural theory of prime near-rings.
Benson Nalo
Geospatial smart technologies have emerged as decisive instruments in the transformation of contemporary military strategy, reshaping how states compress decision cycles, enhance situational awareness, and integrate precision targeting into operational planning. Against this backdrop, the study sets out to interrogate the strategic role of geospatial intelligence—satellite-based remote sensing, AI-driven targeting systems, and drone swarm navigation—within the triangular confrontation involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. Methodologically, the research adopts a comparative case study approach, drawing on open-source intelligence, defense analyses, and scholarly literature to evaluate how these actors deploy geospatial technologies as both tactical enablers and strategic determinants of deterrence and escalation management. The findings reveal distinct patterns: the United States sustains global surveillance dominance through space-based remote sensing and algorithmic kill-chain compression; Israel integrates AI-enabled targeting systems such as Lavender and The Gospel with missile defense architectures like Iron Dome; while Iran pursues asymmetric strategies including GPS spoofing and drone swarms to disrupt adversary geospatial superiority. Three critical dynamics emerge from this comparison: the acceleration of military kill chains through AI–geospatial fusion, the destabilizing potential of asymmetric geospatial tactics, and the transparency effects of commercial satellite imagery on escalation control. The study concludes that geospatial technologies simultaneously enhance operational efficiency and introduce novel vulnerabilities. This duality underscores the urgent need for international governance frameworks that balance technological innovation with humanitarian protection, accountability, and stability in future conflicts.
Nyamhanga Joseph Nyagesera, Raymond Lubem Tyohemba.
Moringa oleifera seed protein isolates (MPI) have gained increasing attention as sustainable plant protein alternatives; however, their functional properties remain highly variable and underutilized compared to soy protein isolate (SPI). This review critically evaluates germination as a bioprocessing strategy for enhancing MPI structural and functional properties, including SDS PAGE, solubility, foaming, water holding capacity (WHC), and oil holding capacity (OHC), while providing a comparative perspective with SPI. Evidence indicates that germination improves MPI functionality primarily through enzymatic proteolysis of storage globulins, resulting in reduced molecular weight, increased surface polarity, and improved protein-water and protein-lipid interactions. Optimal germination (~48 h) enhances solubility by 10-15%, foaming capacity by 15-30%, WHC by up to 50%, and OHC by approximately 20-30%. However, SPI consistently outperforms MPI in foaming and gelation due to its structured glycinin and β-conglycinin fractions. The review further highlights strong geographic origin effects on MPI functionality, driven by variations in protein composition, particularly the ratio of globulins to cationic albumins. Indian MPI shows acid-soluble albumin dominance, Thai MPI exhibits soy-like solubility behavior, and Cameroonian MPI displays mixed functional profiles. Despite these advances, key gaps remain in molecular characterization, standardization of extraction methods, and integration of omics-based approaches. Germination represents a low-cost, sustainable strategy to enhance MPI functionality, but full industrial competitiveness with SPI will require integrated bioprocessing and a better understanding of genotype-environment-protein interactions.
M. Sulthan Ibrahim, Z. Abdul Basith
Glaucoma typically goes misdiagnosed until later stages, making it a leading cause of irreversible blindness globally, due to its asymptomatic onset. In order to overcome this clinical barrier, we suggest a unique deep learning framework that combines fundamental indicators from multimodal retinal imaging with important clinical risk issues in a way that allows for the early, precise, and comprehensible diagnosis of glaucoma. We developed a multimodal convolutional neural network guided by a clinician that simultaneously develops fundus images, clinical variables (intraocular pressure, age, family history, and ethnicity), and optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans (including B-scans and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness maps). The model employs a constrained attention-based fusion mechanism informed by European Glaucoma Society guidelines to arrange ophthalmologically relevant features. The framework was estimated on a rigorously annotated pilot cohort of 10 South Indian patients (5 primary open-angle glaucoma cases, 5 healthy controls) from a tertiary eye care center in Chennai. Ground truth was established by consensus of two fellowship-trained glaucoma specialists using comprehensive clinical evaluation per Hodapp-Parrish-Anderson criteria and Humphrey visual ground testing. Performance was assessed via leave-two-out cross-validation with 95% confidence intervals estimated through 1,000 bootstrap iterations. Our model achieved 90% accuracy (95% CI: 78–97%), 100% sensitivity (95% CI: 92–100%), 80% specificity (95% CI: 64–92%), and an AUC-ROC of 0.95 (95% CI: 0.88–0.99)—outperforming unimodal baselines (fundus-only AUC = 0.88; OCT-only AUC = 0.90) and a late-fusion ensemble (AUC = 0.91). Ablation studies confirmed that integrating clinical metadata improved accuracy by 5 percentage points and reduced error rates by 50%. Grad-CAM visualizations demonstrated anatomically plausible attention patterns aligned with known glaucomatous damage zones (e.g., inferior/superior neuroretinal rim and RNFL thinning). This work presents three key innovations: (1) the first deep learning architecture for glaucoma that embeds clinician-specified constraints into the multimodal fusion process, ensuring diagnostic reasoning aligns with established ophthalmological principles; (2) a proof-of-concept showing that domain-informed merging of fundus, OCT, and clinical information produces performance that approaches inter-specialist agreement levels even with incredibly low data (n=10); and (3) an understandable, non-black-box design that directly connects model choices to pathophysiologically significant biomarkers, removing a significant obstacle to the therapeutic use of AI in ophthalmology.
Dr. Shabnam Ara
The Himalayan region is highly tectonically active, rendering Sikkim an ecologically and geologically fragile zone. Exacerbated by climate change, disasters like landslides, earthquakes, cloudbursts, and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) have increased in frequency. Situated in seismic Zone IV, Sikkim’s steep slopes and complex geological structures further elevate its vulnerability, causing severe socio-economic and ecological losses. This study aims to address these escalating threats, focusing on emerging catastrophic phenomena like GLOFs and evaluating how geospatial technologies can minimize risk. Methodologically, the paper examines recent disaster events as case studies—most notably the catastrophic Sikkim disaster of October 3, 2023—to analyze the compound effects of simultaneous heavy rainfall, seismic activity, and landslides. The findings reveal that these multi-hazard events trigger devastating, far-reaching consequences. Structurally, they cause massive destruction to critical infrastructure (roads, bridges, and dams), cutting off essential services to large areas. Furthermore, these events have transboundary consequences that severely impact low-lying downstream areas in Bangladesh, while simultaneously degrading the fragile local ecosystem and halting regional development projects. In conclusion, natural disasters in Sikkim pose a continuous threat to human life, economic stability, and environmental sustainability. To effectively manage these hazards within hostile and inaccessible mountainous terrains, the integration of Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies is crucial. Incorporating these geospatial tools into formal planning frameworks significantly enhances regional disaster preparedness, optimizes emergency response strategies, and minimizes future vulnerabilities and damages.
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.
ADEBAWOJO Oladipupo Akindehinde, MPAMAH Chukwuemeka Chibuzo, OKEZIE Stella Ogechukwu
This study investigates the impact of green accounting on the financial performance of listed oil and gas companies in Nigeria. Green accounting used as the independent variable was assessed through four key components: remediation and pollution control, emission cost control, renewable energy expenditure, and waste management costs. Financial performance, the dependent variable, was measured using Return on Assets (ROA). Ex-post facto research design was employed to achieve the study's objectives. The study population comprised all eight oil and gas firms listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX). Secondary data were extracted from the annual reports and financial statements of these companies over a 15-year period, spanning from 2010 to 2024. The data were analyzed using the Auto-Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model to determine both short-term and long-term relationships between variables. The findings revealed that both remediation and pollution control and waste management costs have a statistically significant impact on the ROA of the oil and gas firms. Conversely, emission cost control and renewable energy expenditures did not exhibit a significant effect on ROA. Based on these findings, the study recommends that oil and gas firms in Nigeria strategically integrate environmental costs particularly those related to remediation and pollution control into their financial planning. Adopting comprehensive green accounting practices, such as tracking and reporting environmental remediation and prevention costs can help reduce long-term liabilities, minimize regulatory penalties, and enhance operational efficiency.
Dr. Vishal Sunil Rana, Mrs. Madhuri Sanjay Tambe
In the burgeoning city of Nasik, where urbanization meets rural landscapes, the intersection of green growth, women's empowerment, and financial literacy in microfinance takes centre stage. This abstract explores the significance of empowering women through financial literacy within the realm of microfinance, with a specific focus on Nasik city. Through an examination of the unique challenges and opportunities present in this dynamic urban-rural environment, this study delves into the transformative potential of green growth initiatives in enhancing women's economic agency and fostering sustainable development. By elucidating the interplay between financial literacy, women's empowerment, and environmental sustainability within the context of Nasik, this abstract offers insights into the pathways towards inclusive and eco-centric economic growth in emerging urban landscapes.
Bineetha, Nikhil S, Renjusha S
Nanoscience also has significant advances in obtaining environmentally friendly and sustainable products. Iron oxide nanoparticles, one of the metal oxide nanoparticles, have different forms and properties. In recent years, iron oxide nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized from various plant species using green synthesis pathways and have been analyzed for different bioactivity properties. In this study, iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using a completely non-hazardous method using Kaempferia galanga extract. The synthesized product was characterized by UV-Visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD). In addition, the antibacterial activity of the product was analyzed, and it was recorded that the nanoparticle has remarkable antibacterial activity.
B. Vinitha, G. Selvakumar, R. Lavanya
Naphthol Blue Black is an organic contaminant that is produced by the wood, textile, and dye industries. Many studies have been undertaken to investigate the cleanup of Naphthol Blue Black from industrial effluents. SrO nanoparticles are now being utilized to remove Naphthol Blue Black colours from water. We used a green synthesis to create strontium oxide nanoparticles for photocatalytic NBB breakdown under light conditions. To enhance the solar light activity and avoid charge recombination, we employed a green synthesis from albizia amara leaves extract to add Ni as a dopant in strontium oxide nanoparticles. Strong base NaOH, nickel nitrate, and strontium nitrate were used as precursors. The nanoparticles were crushed into powder and calcined at 450 °C in a muffle furnace to produce SrO and Ni-doped SrO nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were analysed using several analytical methods to determine their morphological and structural properties. At 309, 312, and 317 nm, UV-Vis spectroscopy showed absorbance values of SrO doped with nickel. The Ni–O stretching peak was identified in the FTIR analysis of strontium oxide nanoparticles at 402 cm-1 and 581 cm-1 , whereas the Sr–O bond gave a signal at 854.84 cm-1 . SEM images of Ni-doped SrO nanoparticles were created at various magnifications. The nanostrips are hexagonal and cylindrical. Sherrer's equation was used to compute the average crystalline structure, which showed that the diameters of pure and Ni-doped SrO nanoparticles were 44.84 and 42.93 nm. According to the EDX examination, Ni-doped SrO is about 70 % Sr and oxygen, with around 1.34 %Ni. The resulting sample was tested for photocatalytic degradation of Naphthol Blue Black, and the completion of the reaction was monitored using UV-visible spectroscopy to measure the % photocatalytic degradation during light illumination. According to the UV-visible spectra, 90% of the dye was effectively destroyed.
Fredselin R.S. Vithel, S.R. Cynthia
Sulphamic acid (SA) and L-methionine added sulphamic acid crystals (LMSA) were grown by slow evaporation technique at room temperature. The Single crystal XRD studies revealed that the grown crystals possessed orthorhombic crystal structure. The presence of various functional modes was confirmed by RAMAN analysis. The EDAX analysis confirmed the presence of L-methionine in the grown LMSA crystal. The surface morphology of crystals was studied. The larger size crystals revealed the excellent crystallinity. The stability of the crystals was ascertained from thermo gravimetric and differential thermal analysis. The third order nonlinear refractive index, nonlinear absorption coefficient and third order optical susceptibility were calculated by the Z-scan technique.
Adah Patrick Eneojo, MPH, Adah William Arome, MSc, Dr Akpa Francis, MBBS, MPH, FWACP, Dr Emmanuel Bola Jonah K., MBBS, MPH, PhD, Dr Mu’azu Omeiza Musa, MBBS, Dr Onoja-Alexander Mary Ojonema, MBBS, PhD FWACP, Professor Olugbenga-Bello Adenike, MBBS, PhD
Strengthening Primary Health Care (PHC) financing, governance, and operational readiness is fundamental to achieving resilient health systems and sustainable health security in low- and middle-income countries. Between 2022 and 2025, the Kogi State Government implemented a package of PHC reforms comprising Decentralized Facility Financing (DFF), the Minimum Service Package (MSP), and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) interventions to improve service delivery, strengthen facility readiness, stabilize commodity supply systems, and expand equitable access to vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations. We evaluated the Health Systems for Health Security success coefficients in Kogi State using a facility month DHIS2 panel of n=96 PHCs (January 2019–December 2025) and BHCPF Monthly Report Forms (2024–2025). The quasi experimental mixed methods design combined an augmented two way fixed effects Difference in Differences (DiD) estimator for average treatment effects, Interrupted Time Series (ITS) segmented regression to decompose immediate (level) and sustained (slope) impacts, multilevel mixed effects models for heterogeneity, and bootstrap causal mediation to quantify operational pathways. Models adjusted for seasonality, HRH density, environmental risk, and facility fixed effects; inference used cluster robust standard errors and bootstrap confidence intervals. Primary analysis used R (4.3.2) with lme4, fixest, brms/rstanarm, INLA, MatchIt/WeightIt, CausalImpact, sf, spdep; confirmatory DiD and event study checks used Stata/MP 18.0. All code was versioned in Git and analysis notebooks and key outputs were archived. DFF with CQI produced statistically and programmatically meaningful gains across core BMPHS indicators: DPT3 +6.2 percentage points (95% CI 3.9–8.5); ANC1 +5.1 pp (95% CI 2.8–7.4); SBA +4.8 pp (95% CI 1.9–7.7); PNC +4.3 pp (95% CI 1.6–7.0). ITS decomposition for DPT3 showed an immediate level increase of +3.7 pp (95% CI 1.9–5.5) and a sustained slope of +0.12 pp/month (95% CI 0.06–0.18). Mediation analysis attributed large shares of the DPT3 gain to facility readiness, functional Ward Development Committees, tracer drug availability, and IPC compliance as the largest contributors. Predictable facility financing coupled with CQI and targeted investments in readiness, governance, and supply chain resilience yields rapid and sustained improvements in immunization and maternal health coverage. Policy priorities include protecting cold chain and tracer drug lines, institutionalizing WDC governance and IPC audits, and targeting surge HRH and outreach financing to high risk LGAs to close equity gaps. The findings demonstrate the predictability of decentralized financing combined with CQI, governance strengthening, outreach expansion, and operational readiness investments towards the improvement of PHC utilization, immunization coverage, maternal health services, and health system resilience. The study provided epidemiologic evidence to test integrated PHC financing reforms relevance in the strengthening of Health Systems for Health Security (HSFORSHS) in improving accessibility, equity, preparedness, surveillance functionality, and continuity of essential services in vulnerable populations.
Juliana Rosmidah Binti Jaafar, Most Rumana Aktar
Human-centric skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration are increasingly recognized as essential competencies in contemporary education. Teachers play a crucial role in translating these competencies into classroom practice, particularly in resource-constrained rural contexts. However, limited research has examined how these skills are enacted in rural science classrooms, especially regarding the interaction between teacher practices and institutional constraints. This study investigates how science teachers in rural secondary schools in Bangladesh foster human-centric skills development and how institutional factors shape their pedagogical practices. Drawing on Self-Determination Theory and the 21st Century Skills Framework, the study employed a qualitative multiple case study design within an interpretivist paradigm. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and classroom observations with eight purposively selected teachers across four rural schools. Thematic analysis, following Braun and Clarke’s approach, was used to identify recurring patterns and contextual barriers in instructional practices. Findings indicate that teachers adopt adaptive and student-centred strategies to support students’ autonomy, competence, and relatedness despite structural constraints such as limited resources and rigid curricula. The study highlights teacher agency as a critical factor in navigating institutional challenges and offers context-sensitive implications for policy and practice in rural science education.
Farjana Birajdar, Mustaq Shaikh
Groundwater is the principal source of drinking and irrigation water in the semi-arid Deccan basaltic terrain of Akkalkot taluka, Solapur district, Maharashtra. This study assesses the hydrogeochemical evolution, the geochemical processes governing groundwater composition, and the drinking-water suitability of the resource using 5,352 groundwater samples drawn from handpumps, dug wells and borewells over eight hydrological years (2016–17 to 2023–24). The water is neutral to slightly alkaline (mean pH 7.5) and predominantly hard to very hard (93% exceed 150 mg L⁻¹ as CaCO₃). Electrical conductivity (mean 1,532 µS cm⁻¹) and total dissolved solids (mean 989 mg L⁻¹) indicate moderate mineralization. Piper and Chadha diagrams reveal a mixed facies assemblage dominated by Ca–Mg–HCO₃ recharge water (33%) that evolves towards Na–HCO₃ and Na–Cl types. Gibbs plots, Na⁺/Cl⁻ ratios (>1 in 74% of samples) and negative chloro-alkaline indices (74%) identify silicate (plagioclase) weathering and cation exchange as the dominant controls, modified by evapoconcentration. Elevated nitrate (exceeding the 45 mg L⁻¹ limit in 29% of samples) reflects anthropogenic loading from both agricultural fertilizers and sanitation sources. The weighted-arithmetic water quality index rated 78% of samples as excellent–good; hardness, salinity and nitrate are the chief constraints on potability.
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.
Aarti Grover, Poonam Saini, Riya Agnihotri
The past three decades have seen an unprecedent rise in urban growth in developing countries of Global South that has led to consequent degradation of the overall physical environment and quality of life. The adverse effects of changing climatic patterns are visible in the form of urban flooding that can cause major disruptions in cities, and lead to significant impacts on people, economy, ecology and environment. In landscape architecture discipline, the impact of climate-generated issues on human health in cities are widely studied, but their impact on urban fauna specifically stray animals (dogs & cattle) have still remained unexplored. These animals have become an integral part of human life and urban ecosystem yet disproportionately vulnerable during flooding. Various countries have begun taking initiatives for achieving inclusive planning by integrating animal welfare into their disaster management plan thus, considering animals as an integral part of urban ecosystem. These current disaster management guidelines are currently human, infrastructure and economy focused and not recognizing animals as a part of shared environment. To understand the ground situation of stray dogs during a flood situation, this study was conducted in three different locations of Delhi during Monsson 2025. The research focuses on analysing the ecological behaviour of urban stray animals and their possible survival mechanisms during urban flooding in Indian cities. It proposes a framework that works in favour of animals and essential to be implemented to have a holistic approach in landscape planning and design.
Diane Nicole F. Panes, Harold R. Lucero, John Ryan Perez, Jolina Mae B. Catap, Katrina I. Serzo, Reynalyn Mae G. Dela Cruz
This study examined the impact of cybersecurity awareness on the online behavior of residents in Barangay Batasan Hills, Quezon City, specifically focusing on their level of awareness, online practices, and ability to recognize cyber risks. A descriptive-quantitative research design was used, and data were gathered from 399 respondents through a researcher-made survey questionnaire using purposive sampling. Results were analyzed using frequency, percentage, and weighted mean. Findings revealed that respondents generally demonstrated a high level of cybersecurity awareness and safe online behavior, with an overall weighted mean of 3.98, interpreted as “Often.” Respondents showed strong practices in handling pop-up advertisements and online shopping, both interpreted as “Always,” while also demonstrating generally positive behaviors in password management, privacy protection, external link handling, email safety, public Wi-Fi usage, and response to online threats. In terms of awareness, respondents showed a good understanding of cybersecurity threats and online risks, indicating responsible digital engagement. However, weaker areas were identified in password management consistency and phishing identification skills, suggesting a gap between awareness and actual practice. Overall, the findings indicate that cybersecurity awareness significantly influences the online behavior of residents, although not all knowledge is consistently applied in practice. The study concludes that while residents generally practice safe online behavior, continuous cybersecurity education and community-based awareness programs are still necessary to strengthen weak areas such as password security and phishing detection, and to further enhance safe and responsible internet use within the community.
Calvin.B, Dr. Ranjith Kumar. S
India has witnessed a remarkable shift toward a digitally oriented economy, driven largely by the rapid expansion and acceptance of digital payment modes such as UPI, mobile wallets, and internet banking services. In this context, the present study seeks to examine the influence of these digital payment systems on consumers’ spending and saving behaviour. The study is based on primary data collected from 280 respondents through a structured questionnaire. Further, the analysis is framed using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to understand how perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness shape consumer behavioural responses toward digital payments. The findings indicate that digital payment platforms provide substantial benefits in terms of convenience, accessibility, efficiency, and financial inclusion. However, the study also reveals that the ease and seamless nature of digital transactions can contribute to impulsive spending behaviour, as such transactions involve comparatively lower psychological barriers and require minimal physical effort. At the same time, the research highlights the need for greater financial literacy and appropriate policy interventions to ensure that the growing adoption of digital payment systems promotes responsible financial practices alongside economic convenience.
Dr. Basavannyappa M, Dr. Rajashree N T
Digital payment systems have revolutionized the retail sector, significantly influencing small retail businesses. This study examines the impact of digital payment systems on operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and revenue growth in small retail businesses in Shivamogga. It identifies challenges and opportunities faced by retailers in adopting these systems and highlight the role of technology and government initiatives in promoting digital adoption. Data collected from 150 retailers through surveys and interviews reveal increased operational efficiency and customer reach but also underline persistent barriers such as technological illiteracy and infrastructure constraints. The study emphasizes the need for enhanced support systems to improve the effectiveness and inclusivity of digital payment platforms for small retail businesses.
Mohammed Inuwa Dauda, Mustapha Yusuf Kabara, Phillips Panotani Asaph
Using panel data from 46 Sub-Saharan Countries, this study employed Descriptives statistics, Correlation, Bound test for cointegration, Panel ARDL analysis to analysed the data by examining how health outcomes affect economic performance in Sub-Saharan. The study was motivated by the growing recognition that health is an important component of human capital development and a critical determinant of productivity, labor efficiency, and sustainable economic growth. Despite various healthcare reforms and increased investments in the health sector across the region, many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa continue to experience poor health outcomes, including low life expectancy and high under-five mortality rates, which may hinder economic performance. Against this background, the study investigated the extent to which selected health outcome indicators influence economic growth in the region. The findings indicates that life expectancy, under-five mortality, health expenditure and Population have significant impact on economic growth. The study recommends among others that Authorities in Sub-Saharan Africa should place more emphasis on measurable improvements in life expectancy and reductions in under-five mortality by adopting targeted, high-impact health interventions.
Dr. Dheeraj P Arya, Dr. Gurvinder Kaur, Dr. Tanushree Narayan
Background: In-hospital cardiac arrest is often preceded by identifiable physiological deterioration. Timely recognition and escalation through Rapid Response Team (RRT)systems may improve patient safety outcomes. Objective: To evaluate the association between improved Rapid Response Team activation and changes in Code Blue events following structured quality improvement interventions. Keywords: Rapid Response Team; Code Blue; Patient Safety; Quality Improvement; Early Warning System; Clinical Deterioration
Araromi Seun Peter, Odunnaike, Joseph Seun
Community development is “the processes by which people’s efforts are united with those of government authorities to improve the ‘economic, social, political and cultural conditions of communities so to integrate those communities into the life of the nation hence, enable them contribute meaningfully to the national progress or rural community. The study sought to investigate impacts of Christian religion on the economic development of rural community. Two objectives were used in the study. Two null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The study made used of survey research design. Population for the study were residents of Ikeji-Arakeji Community, Osun State. Sample size for the study were 400 residents of Ikeji-Arakeji Community. Primary source of data collection was used to obtain information from the study. Results in the study revealed that there is a significant influence of Christian religion on economic development [F (1, 398) = 8.701; p<0.05]; Christian religion has significant effect on economic development of Ikeji-Arakeji community Osun state. [f (2, 397) = 3.715; p<0.05]. It was concluded that Christian organizations have contributed greatly to achieving sustainable development, promoting development and encouraging progress, which helped in reducing poverty in rural communities. It was recommended that Christian organization should not only be effective in economic development of rural community rather contribute towards the livelihood of its residents. Community should encourage churches who are ready to aid economic development by giving them moral support.
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.
Gurjinder Singh, Hasandeep Singh, Kritika Dogra, Rakesh Kumar
Punjab houses a rich, though increasingly threatened, set of medicinal plants that support traditional healthcare, rural livelihoods and a growing herbal industry. This review synthesizes ethnobotanical records, regional agricultural assessments, and pharmacological literature to present an overview of the most important medicinal species cultivated or collected in Punjab (India), their traditional uses, phytochemistry, therapeutic evidence, cultivation/adoption status, and conservation/marketing challenges. Major focal species are Withania somnifera (ashwagandha), Tinosporacordifolia (giloy), Azadirachtaindica (neem), Ocimum sanctum (tulsi), Phyllanthus emblica (amla) and Aloe vera — all of which feature in Punjab’s agro-ecology, markets and traditional medicine. Recommendations include targeted agronomic extension, value-chain linkages between farmers and herbal processors, germplasm conservation, and research priorities to standardize quality and ensure sustainable use.
Dr. Rimpy Agarwal
Just as cultivation is vital for existence of human beings, similarly art is an inherent part of human life. It is believed that in India, religion and art were born simultaneously because in early Indian art the primordial goal and subject matter was religion. It originated in a globe imbued with a deeply spiritual ambience whose infinite conglomeration of hues is core of Indian culture. Indian artists skillfully articulated the capital aim of Indian art, which were meditation and salvation. Every artisan was more like a saint who dedicated his art to society and religion. Indian art is essentially established on philosophical theories which consequently led to the creation of such an art which was a synthesis of aesthetic sense and internal discernment. This eventually led the common man to euphoria and helped him to perceive God.
Dr J.M.O. Tukei, Simaya Ladu James
This study investigates the influence of monetary incentives on health workers' performance in Yei River County, South Sudan. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted with a sample of 133 health workers selected from a population of 200 across 18 health facilities. Data was collected using Self-administered questionnaires, to assess motivational factors and performance outcomes. Quantitative analysis consisted of descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, regression analysis, and ANOVA was used. The Pearson correlation coefficient (r = 0.361, p = 0.002) indicates a moderate, statistically significant positive relationship between monetary incentives and health worker performance. The regression model demonstrated that monetary incentives explain approximately 13% (R² = 0.130, p = 0.002) of the variance in performance, confirming their significant influence. The ANOVA table indicate p = 0.002, further validated the model’s significance. Key challenges identified include inadequate and uneven distribution of incentives, lack of support such as housing and allowances, and poor policy review processes, leading to demotivation among health workers. The study findings highlight that financial rewards such as salaries, allowances, and performance-based incentives significantly influence motivation and service delivery, although support factors like accommodation and meals have limited impact. The study recommends implementing equitable, performance-driven incentive schemes and expanding benefits to all health workers to enhance motivation, reduce turnover, and improve healthcare outcomes. Overall, the results underscore the importance of structured monetary incentives in motivating health workers within resource-limited health systems.
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.
Churchill-Okoro, Chinwendu Judith, Nnam, Hilary Ikechukwu, Ph.D., Okoro, Chinonso Churchill Ph.D.
The study focused on information and communication technology costs and financial performance of deposit money banks in Nigeria. Information and communication technology cost was measured using e-technology/communication cost while financial performance was measured using return on asset, return on equity and earnings per share. Ex-post facto was adopted as the research design of the study. The data were collected through secondary source from annual report and account of the selected deposit money banks. The population of the study is made up of 14 listed deposit money banks while the sample size of 10 deposit money banks was derived using purposive sampling based on availability of data. The data collected were analyzed using ordinary least simple regression analysis. The result revealed that information and communication technology cost has a significant effect on return on equity and earnings per share but has no significant effect on return on asset of listed deposit money banks in Nigeria. Based on the findings, the study concludes that information and communication technology cost has the tendency of influencing the financial performance of deposit money banks in Nigeria. Therefore, the study recommends that banks should take more cost-effective steps and more reliable technologies that do not offer loopholes for illegal activities to take place. There should also be more investment in prevention and detection techniques, because banks invest significant sums in the production of these goods. The cost incurred in providing this security should accounted and reported in the financial statement to guide investors on true nature of the company especially in the area of their return on asset.
Dr. Sindhu Mani Bag
The Indian Insolvency regime has undergone a historic change with the introduction of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2016. This is an umbrella laws to deal with insolvency and bankruptcy situation. Previously many laws were passed and implemented but they failed to make an impact due to frail bureaucratic and judicial procedures, and these laws were not exactly favouring the creditors. But every laws have their own importance on the basis of time and situation and depending on the implementing authorities. But this laws is paradigm shift from debtor supporting laws to creditor supporting laws, it would not only strengthen the creditor rights but also expedite the process of limitation of time period. The new law is expected to increase the confidence of the investors. but the code should be subjected to necessary improvements to evolve and become a foolproof mechanism. This law is creditor friendly and limitation of time to complete the process. So investor’s confidence can develop to invest in these economical activities.
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.
Chukwu Sunday
Nigeria continues to face complex and persistent security challenges ranging from communal clashes and ethnic tensions to insurgency and resource-based conflicts. Despite the dominance of formal security institutions such as the police, military, and judiciary, these frameworks often struggle with issues of legitimacy, accessibility, and cultural disconnect. This article examines the potential for integrating indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms into modern security frameworks as a strategy for enhancing sustainable peace and social cohesion. Drawing on theoretical insights from legal pluralism, restorative justice, and African communitarian thought, the study adopts a qualitative and analytical approach to explore the structures, principles, and practices of indigenous systems across various Nigerian communities. It argues that indigenous mechanisms characterized by mediation, consensus-building, and restorative outcomes offer context-sensitive and community-driven approaches to conflict management. The paper further identifies areas of convergence between traditional practices and formal institutions, proposing hybrid models that incorporate local actors into community policing, alternative dispute resolution, and justice administration. However, it also highlights critical challenges, including constitutional limitations, human rights concerns, and risks of elite manipulation. The study concludes that a carefully structured integration, supported by legal reforms and institutional safeguards, can bridge the gap between formal and informal systems, thereby improving trust, efficiency, and effectiveness in Nigeria’s security architecture. Ultimately, the article contributes to ongoing debates on culturally grounded approaches to governance and conflict resolution in pluralistic societies.
Dr.G.Ambedkar, Dr.V.Anuradha
There was a time when organizations had to deal with uncertainty rising in the markets, regulations and geopolitics but now with an additional pressure of increased data analytics usage on the inside of the firm, decision-making has become more challenging. Previous studies have focused on strategic leadership, strategic decision making based on data, and geopolitical uncertainty individually. Little work, however, has tried to explain the interplay of these three dimensions under conditions of uncertainty and at a high level via management decisions in their day to day work. This paper builds a conceptual framework which combines three specific variables namely strategic leadership, data analytics capability and geopolitical awareness in order to highlight the inter-dependency between them to support strategic decision making. The study has a literature review approach which has been structured with respect to analyzing the peer-reviewed studies of strategic leadership, business analytics, uncertainty management, strategic agility and organizational resilience. The literature is synthesized thematically and the constructs and relationships identified from the review and gaps are noted: The constructs and relationships identified from the literature review are synthesized thematically to identify the key constructs, relationships and gaps that inform the proposed model. The proposed model put together explains the effect of strategic leadership on the organizations' own interpretation of the evidence, strategic analysis of geopolitical (geo) signals, alignment of strategic priorities, and uncertainty management. Data analytics capability helps increase decision accuracy and evidence-based decision making and geopolitical awareness will enable decision-makers to understand external risks which might not be fully reflected on historical data. The model connects these inputs with the quality of decision-making, the effectiveness of the organization and resilience in strategic decision making. The leadership judgement, the ability to do some analysis and the skill to understand the geopolitical considerations showed up as three constituent parts of a decision making process in the study and should be packaged together in a management literature approach. It also suggests measurable leadership adaptability criteria and analytical capabilities, uncertainty management, the Quality of decision and resilience indicators. The proposed empirical test of the model can be quantitative, qualitative and/or mixed methods based studies in different industries and geopolitical settings.
Ari Lestari, Fajrillah, Jam'an Amadi, Juliani, May Handri, Zuhri
This study integrates Enterprise Architecture Planning (EAP) with a dynamic capabilities approach and digital literacy in modeling high school (SMA) information systems. EAP was used to design a blueprint for data, application, and technology architecture, while empirical testing with PLS-SEM revealed the mediating role of digital literacy. Data were collected from 150 respondents in 21 public high schools in Medan City using a sequential explanatory mixed methods approach. The analysis showed that dynamic capabilities did not have a significant direct effect on digital transformation performance (β = 0.12; p > 0.05), but digital literacy fully mediated the relationship (VAF = 76.9%; indirect β = 0.40; p < 0.01). The research model explained 61.2% of the variance in digital transformation performance. Based on these findings, the study developed an enterprise architecture blueprint that prioritizes the development of digital literacy as a core capability. The integration of EAP and dynamic capabilities provides theoretical and practical contributions to digital transformation in the secondary education sector.
Dr. Leena Jadhav
Mental health conditions having a well- known Uprising enterprises in public in all over the world. Millions of people had not been treated yet, and they remain undiagnosed [1]. Automated screening first evolved from early linguistic studies that were not limited to basic keyword matching. A good example would be Coppersmith et al. [10]; they showed that people who were users diagnosed with PTSD(Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) or clinical depression had measurable changes in the linguistic expression on Twitter. These digital biomarkers are reactive. For example, Reece et al. [11] showed that machine learning models can predict the occurrence of mental illness, even before the patient receives a clinical diagnosis. This ability to predict the occurrence of mental illness has a direct relationship with the early threat discovery (ERD) framework this paper proposes. There are numerous social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Reddit these platforms serve as critical, informal depositories of verbal and emotional patterns, further, as a result, enabling the use of Computational Analysis for early threat discovery( ERD) [1]. This exploration paper draft had an artificial intelligence model train to dissect the Digital vestiges, by using advanced natural language processing ways. Like BSLTM Networks. And the finetuned BERT models [1]. This core working falsehoods in the necessary combination of resolvable AI. Particularly LIME and SHAP, To break the ongoing abstract issue with the high delicacy models presently right now in use [2]. Clear ethical guidelines like discerned sequestration and Adaptive synthetic slice, are a element of the frame In order to reduce data gaps, to make sure the final system should n’t only be robust it should also be fair, suitable, having translucency in order to achieve ethical development as an important tool For professionals in internal health.
Dr. Idowu Daniel Onisanwa, Mohammed Inuwa Dauda, Nyitama Zirra Stephen
This study examines the interactive impact of health expenditure and institutional quality on life expectancy in 45 Sub-Saharan African countries from 2000 to 2024, using panel data. Health expenditure, institutional quality and life expectancy were sourced from World Bank, (2026). System Generalized Method of Moment (GMM) test was employed to analysed the data. The result revealed that both private and government health expenditure significantly and positively improve life expectancy in Sub-Saharan Africa. Among the institutional quality indicators, regulatory quality exerts a positive and significant impact on life expectancy, while government effectiveness and control of corruption show negative effects, although only control of corruption is statistically significant. The interaction results reveal that government effectiveness enhances the positive impact of government health expenditure on life expectancy. However, weak corruption control and poor regulatory quality reduce the effectiveness of health expenditure, particularly public health expenditure, in improving health outcomes. The year effects further indicate that life expectancy generally declined between 2001 and 2022, with the largest decline occurring in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while improvements were observed in 2023 and 2024, suggesting post-pandemic recovery in the region. It is recommended that governments in Sub-Saharan Africa should increase both public and private health expenditure, particularly public health financing, to improve life expectancy. Policymakers should also strengthen regulatory quality through improved healthcare regulations, monitoring systems, enforcement mechanisms, and service standards to ensure efficient and accountable healthcare delivery. In addition, governments should implement institutional reforms aimed at enhancing governance effectiveness, reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies, and strengthening public sector management to maximize the impact of health expenditure on health outcomes. Furthermore, strong anti-corruption measures, transparency in health budgeting, and effective monitoring of public health funds should be prioritized to minimize leakages and inefficiencies that weaken the effectiveness of government health spending.
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.
Desh Raj Sharma, Surbhi Sankhla
The contamination of fresh water due to heavy metal is a serious problem of the present. The presence of heavy metals can cause the serious damage to our central nervous system and can harm kidney, liver, pancreas, and lungs, etc. So, the removal of such type of contamination from water is highly required. Various methods are adopted by researchers to overcome this difficulty. The adsorption technique is one of the most widely used to eliminate the heavy metals from the contaminated water. In the present study we have synthesized nanocomposites if mixed metal oxides of Fe-Mn-Zn in the copolymer matrix of aniline-formaldehyde. The material has been used to adsorb Zn (II) ions from the aqueous medium. IR and SEM-EDX studies have been used to study the adsorption characteristics of the material. From the IR studies the shift in IR peak positions and variation in the intensities of peaks after adsorption has been observed. This variation suggests the interaction of Zn ions with the copolymer backbone. Further, the SEM-EDX study confirmed the formation of nanosized particle of the materials and weight percentage increase of the Zn after adsorption.
Mohamed Rasick Ameer Ajwath
This paper examines how Islamic intellectual and ethical traditions can contribute to shaping the future of global values in an era marked by moral uncertainty, epistemic fragmentation, and competing visions of justice. Contemporary global discourse—often structured around frameworks such as human rights, liberal governance, and sustainability—has achieved broad normative influence, yet continues to face criticism for its limited cultural inclusivity and uneven global application. In response, this study revisits key Islamic concepts, including ʿadl (justice), ʿilm (knowledge), and maṣlaḥah (public good), to explore their relevance within current global debates. Adopting a qualitative and analytically grounded approach, the paper draws on classical and contemporary Islamic intellectual traditions to examine how these concepts have historically informed legal, ethical, and institutional practices. It further situates these principles within ongoing discussions on global ethics, governance, and knowledge production, highlighting both convergences and tensions between Islamic perspectives and dominant global paradigms. The analysis demonstrates that ʿadl offers a substantive and ethically grounded conception of justice that extends beyond procedural equality, emphasizing moral accountability and social balance. Similarly, maṣlaḥah functions as a flexible yet principled framework for addressing evolving societal needs, particularly in the context of public policy and global development. In addition, Islamic approaches to knowledge integrate reason, ethical responsibility, and purpose, presenting an alternative to purely instrumental models of knowledge that often characterize contemporary systems. By situating Islamic thought within broader global conversations, this paper argues that Islamic ethical traditions are not merely reactive to modernity but actively contribute to shaping its moral foundations. It ultimately proposes a dialogical framework through which Islamic values can engage constructively with global ethical systems, fostering more inclusive, pluralistic, and context-sensitive approaches to shared global challenges.
Choji I. D., Garba T., Nasiru N. M.
Land-use and land-cover change (LULCC) in semi-arid environments is an important pathway through which human activities modify vegetation condition, surface moisture, local temperature, rainfall response and environmental sustainability. This article, derived from a doctoral thesis on Northern Jigawa State, Nigeria, examines the relationship between land-cover change patterns and climate variability indicators, with particular attention to Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), rainfall, temperature and drought frequency. The study used multi-temporal satellite-derived vegetation evidence, rainfall and temperature records, rainfall-temperature regression outputs and socio-economic land-use indicators for selected reference years between 1986 and 2022. Results show that population increased from 2.1 million in 1986 to 5.4 million in 2022, while agricultural land use expanded from 5,200 km2 to 7,850 km2 and infrastructure projects increased from 12 to 67 over the same period. These pressures coincided with a decline in mean NDVI from 0.34 in 1986 to 0.25 in 2015, before a modest recovery to 0.29 in 2022. Rainfall declined from 720 mm in 1986 to 610 mm in 2015, followed by partial recovery to 650 mm in 2022, while average temperature rose from 28.1 deg C to 29.6 deg C in 2015 and stood at 29.1 deg C in 2022. Correlation results indicate strong negative relationships between NDVI and population (r = -0.91), agricultural land use (r = -0.88) and infrastructure projects (r = -0.85), while NDVI remained positively associated with rainfall (r = 0.70) and negatively associated with temperature (r = -0.79). Annual rainfall-temperature regression produced a moderately strong inverse relationship (R2 = 0.5475). The article concludes that vegetation decline, agricultural expansion and infrastructure growth are closely linked to climate-sensitive land-surface stress in Northern Jigawa State. It recommends NDVI- and rainfall-anomaly-informed land-use zoning, afforestation, green infrastructure, permeable surface protection and climate-sensitive built-environment planning.
Abhishek Sharma
The integration of theatre into educational systems has increasingly gained attention as educators and researchers seek pedagogical methods that promote holistic learning. Theatre-based education extends beyond conventional classroom instruction by encouraging creativity, emotional intelligence, communication skills, critical thinking, collaboration, and cultural awareness. This research paper examines the role of theatre in holistic education and explores how performance-based pedagogy contributes to cognitive, emotional, social, and ethical development among learners. Drawing upon interdisciplinary literature from education, psychology, performance studies, and pedagogy, the paper analyzes the transformative potential of theatre practices in schools, colleges, and community learning environments. Findings suggest that theatre education significantly enhances learner engagement, empathy, self-confidence, and participatory learning. The paper concludes that integrating theatre into mainstream education contributes to the development of well-rounded individuals prepared for the challenges of contemporary society.
Lelei Beverly, Otieno Isaiah Oduor
This study assessed the level of Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) with respect to indigenous medicinal knowledge (IMK) in Baringo County, Kenya. This study was grounded on two theories; Legal pluralism and Equitable benefit sharing/distributive justice theory. This study adopted an exploratory research design. The study employed the use of both primary and secondary sources of data collection. Primary data was gathered through Key Informant Interviews (KII) while secondary data was obtained through documentary reviews. The target population for this study comprised traditional healers, elders, local community, county government officials, and representatives from relevant institutions and organizations that are involved in ABS and the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol. This study targeted a total of 50 respondents. Qualitative data was analyzed through thematic content analysis, which involved transcription, coding, and categorization of the interview data. The patterns and themes that emerged in relation to the status of domestication of the Nagoya Protocol in Kenya, ABS and the legal and institutional gaps were interpreted. The study found mixed perceptions of ABS in Baringo County, with low awareness of the Nagoya Protocol and Kenya’s ABS Regulations (2014) limiting participation and trust. ABS has minimally improved IMK documentation or commercialization, with benefits often captured by intermediaries due to weak enforcement. Key barriers include low literacy, complex licensing, and weak institutional support, requiring capacity building and simplified systems.
Rodrigo Jr. D. Petrola
This study assessed the implementation of the Gender and Development (GAD) Program in Dagupan City Jail. It specifically examined the level of implementation in terms of livelihood and skills programs, educational programs, and health information and education programs. The study also identified the challenges encountered in implementing these initiatives, determined whether a significant relationship exists between the level of implementation and the challenges encountered, and examined whether there is a significant difference between the responses of jail personnel and Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL). The study employed a quantitative descriptive research design. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire that was validated by experts in the field. The respondents consisted of 200 individuals from Dagupan City Jail, including 100 jail personnel and 100 PDL. The gathered data were analyzed using the weighted mean, Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient. The findings revealed that the GAD Program in Dagupan City Jail is highly implemented across the three areas examined: livelihood and skills programs (3.81), educational programs (3.76), and health information and education programs (3.70). Moreover, the results indicated that respondents generally disagreed that the identified factors posed significant challenges in the implementation of the program, suggesting that the availability of resources, partnerships with external agencies, and participation of PDL are generally adequate. The findings further emphasize the importance of sustaining collaborations with partner agencies, maintaining continuous program support, and strengthening gender-responsive initiatives within correctional institutions. Overall, the study concludes that the GAD Program in Dagupan City Jail is effectively implemented and plays a significant role in promoting the rehabilitation, welfare, and empowerment of Persons Deprived of Liberty while supporting gender-responsive correctional management.
Adenike Oluwakemi Ogah, Elizabeth Edigwu Ogah, James-Aaron Ogah
Background Sustaining a high rate of adherence to exclusive breastfeeding may be challenging in resource constrained setting. This study established the levels of exclusive breastfeeding, alternate feeding patterns, health and growth impacts, among 10 weeks old infants in a remote, understudied village in East Africa. Subject and methods This was a secondary cross-sectional analysis of a prospective cohort data. Data of 457 out of the 529 mother- newborn pairs recruited from birth were obtained and analysed at 10 weeks post- delivery in the postnatal clinic. Infant feeding patterns were recorded and anthropometry were measured and assessed using NICE criteria for static weight growth. Mothers were interviewed using the Edinburgh postpartum depression score to assess emotional status. Both parametric and non-parametric statistics and binary logistic regression model were applied to examine the relationship between maternal/infant characteristics, feeding patterns and infant weight growth. The results were presented in p-values, Odds ratio and 95% confidence interval.
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.
Monika Garg, Swechcha Roy
Buildings account for a significant share of global carbon emissions, yet comprehensive lifecycle frameworks for assessing their full environmental impact remain limited in the Indian context. The study evaluates the environmental impact of a residential building in the lower region of north India. This case specific framework integrates life cycle assessment (LCA) in terms of operational energy analysis, embodied energy accounting, and carbon emission estimation. A detailed material and energy inventory was compiled, with embodied energy coefficients and emission factors sourced from peer-reviewed literature. Results indicate that the operational stage dominates the building's carbon profile, contributing 73% of total lifecycle emissions driven primarily by occupant metabolic CO₂ and electricity consumption. The total carbon footprint is estimated at 12.77 million kg CO₂ equivalent, with brick and reinforced cement concrete identified as the most energy and emission intensive materials. Three mitigation strategies were evaluated: replacing grid electricity with photovoltaic panels reduces electricity related emissions by 96%; substituting LPG with kitchen waste biogas achieves a 15.6% reduction in cooking emissions; and plantation of 90 mature trees enables full carbon sequestration. Collectively, these measures reduce the building's lifetime emissions by approximately 38%. The proposed framework offers a replicable, case specific approach to carbon assessment and mitigation planning, applicable to other residential buildings seeking to align with sustainable construction goals.
Immanuel Musupila, Mikiwe Chileshe
Background: Lingua villosa nigra (LVN), or black hairy tongue, is a benign condition caused by elongation and discoloration of the filiform papillae. While common in adults, LVN is extremely rare in infants and can cause diagnostic uncertainty. Antibiotic-induced disruption of the oral microbiota is a recognized risk factor, but few cases have been reported in children under six months. Case Presentation: We report a 3 month old male with persistent black discoloration of the dorsal tongue following antibiotic treatment for staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome. The lesion was initially misdiagnosed as oral candidiasis and treated with nystatin, without improvement. Examination revealed black, elongated filiform papillae on the dorsal tongue and no systemic illness. A diagnosis of lingua villosa nigra was made, and conservative management with gentle tongue brushing was started. Outcome: The patient showed progressive improvement, with near-complete resolution in three weeks and full resolution within two months. Conclusion: Greater awareness of lingua villosa nigra in infants is essential to prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary antifungal therapy. Conservative oral hygiene remains the standard treatment.
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.
Anju Pramod T V, Dr. Bindu V V, Ms. Aleena P
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.
Dr. Jetal J. Panchal
Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) represent a vast and deep body of mathematical knowledge systems developed over thousands of years. The ancient Indian scholars made major contributions in geometry, arithmetic, algebra, astronomy, trigonometry, combinatorics and mathematical reasoning. The Sulba Sutras were one of the earliest mathematical texts in India, which articulate the geometric principles underlying altar construction for Vedic rituals. These texts exhibit a high level of understanding of geometry, measurement, approximation, and mathematical procedures, well before the modern mathematical systems in Europe. Later, Indian mathematicians like Aryabhata, Brahmagupta, Bhaskara and Madhava added to the knowledge of mathematics in fields such as algebra, trigonometry, some ideas of calculus, and astronomical computation. The purpose of this research paper is to explore the development of mathematical concepts in the context of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) from the Sulba Sutras to today's geometry. The study is descriptive and analytical and has been conducted entirely using secondary data obtained from books, journal articles, government publications, historical texts and research studies. The paper is an analysis of the philosophical context of Indian mathematics, the role of geometry in ritual and architecture, the transmission of mathematical knowledge and the role of Indian mathematical tradition in present-day education. The results indicate that the Indian mathematical traditions have made significant contributions to the global mathematical development and that they remain relevant for interdisciplinary learning, understanding history and mathematics education. The paper introduces Indian Knowledge Systems and Sulba Sutras and their relevance to geometry and ancient Indian mathematics, with reference to scholars such as Aryabhata, Brahmagupta, and Bhaskara.
Frolaine L. Yap, MAEd, Rogar R. Garcia, EdD
Student science engagement is declining. The significance of the mediating effect of classroom climate on the correlation between academic adaptability student science engagement was examined. Using predictive research design, involving 200 students selected through simple random sampling, and analyzing the data using Mediation analysis, the result showed classroom climate partially and moderately mediates the link between academic adaptability and student science engagement, supporting Social Cognitive Theory. Future studies should explore additional variables and qualitative insights to explain the remaining variance, while educational leaders should strengthen classroom climate programs to further enhance the effect of academic adaptability on student science engagement.
Anyanwu P.O, Bakare N.E, Folaranmi, B.O, Iyanda, A.B, Oredugba M.P, Shofolahan P.O
The increasing reliance on the internet among university students has raised concerns about problematic internet use and its implications for mental health. This study examined the mental health implications of internet addiction among undergraduates of the University of Ibadan, focusing on anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and social isolation. A descriptive correlational research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised all undergraduates of the University of Ibadan, from which a sample of 200 students was selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected using standardized and self-developed questionnaires. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, specifically regression analyses and t-test, tested at 0.05 level of significance. The conceptual and theoretical foundations of the study were anchored on the PEN-3 Cultural Model and the Emotional Intelligence Framework, which together provided a culturally grounded and psychological lens for understanding how internet addiction interacts with individual emotional skills and socio-cultural contexts to influence mental health outcomes.
Emely D. Armonidad
This mixed-methods sequential explanatory research study aimed to determine the levels of metalinguistic awareness, language attitude, and pragmatic competence of education students from various State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the Province of Iloilo during the academic year 2025–2026. A standardized and validated instrument for metalinguistic awareness, language attitude, and pragmatic competence was administered to collect data from the 277 respondents. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequency, mean, standard deviation, ANOVA, and Pearson r, while qualitative insights were gathered through Focus Group Discussions (FGD) involving ten students and ten teachers to triangulate and enrich the findings. Results revealed that the education students’ levels of metalinguistic awareness, language attitude, and pragmatic competence were all "high." However, one-way ANOVA indicated no significant differences in pragmatic competence among the levels of metalinguistic awareness and language attitude. Furthermore, Pearson r correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant relationship between metalinguistic awareness and language attitude; conversely, no significant relationship was found between metalinguistic awareness and pragmatic competence, nor between language attitude and pragmatic competence.
Akazue, Maureen, Bofy, Idiodi, Clive, Asuai, Edje, Abel
Accurate computational mapping and classification of brain activities are essential for diagnosing and monitoring intricate neurological disorders such as epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. But traditional methods are limited in their diagnostic accuracy and scalability because they deal with data that is not uniform, has low resolution, and is not very efficient at computing. This paper proposes the Multimodal Integrated Neurological Diagnosis (MIND) Framework, a new framework that aims to get around these problems. MIND combines structural and functional data from MRI, fMRI, PET, and CT scans using adaptive feature extraction, advanced data fusion, and machine learning models that work best. The framework greatly improves the resolution, ease of understanding, and speed of neurological mappings. In comparative simulations, MIND gets 93.7% of the classifications right, cuts processing time down to 12 seconds (an improvement of 22.5% over the baseline), and gets 98.6% of the cross-modality fusions right. It also shows that it can handle a wide range of patient groups better. These results show that MIND is a strong and effective tool for planning treatments and making clinical diagnoses. The framework's ability to process data in real time and with high accuracy opens the door to more advanced uses in personalized medicine, automated diagnostics, and brain-computer interfaces.
Salisu Ibrahim Iro PhD
Risk management plays a moderating role by ensuring that the inherent risks associated with asset classes such as equities, real estate, and offshore investments are properly identified, quantified, monitored, and controlled. In the Nigerian context, the limited uptake of risk-based asset allocation frameworks hinders the ability of PFAs to exploit high-yield investment opportunities. The study examined whether risk management has moderating effect in the relationship between pension fund investment strategies and performance of pension fund administration (PFAs) in Nigeria. An ex-post-facto research design was employed for this investigation encompassing the ten-year period from 2014 to 2023. This duration was selected to evaluate the effect of risk management and the financial performance of Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) in Nigeria. The population consist of all the 21 registered pension fund administrators (PFAs) in Nigeria using 10-years study time frame from (2014-2023). While filtering criteria were used and 14 out of 21 meet the criteria: The study finds that risk management has a positive but statistically insignificant effect on the return on equity (ROE) of Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) in Nigeria. This suggests that while improved risk management practices are directionally associated with better equity returns, this relationship is not strong enough to be statistically validated within the dataset and timeframe used in the analysis. In conclusion, the study finds that moderating role of risk management requires refinement, especially in relation to real estate investments, where it was found to negatively influence the financial outcomes. The study acknowledges its limitations and suggests that future research should explore more nuanced aspects of risk management practices and their broader implications for pension fund performance.
Bukar, Hyariju, Oluwatosin Olushola
This study examined money supply and inflation rate dynamics in Nigeria over the period 2010M1 to 2025M12, with a view to identifying the monetary transmission mechanisms through which variations in monetary and fiscal policy instruments influence domestic price stability. The study employed the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) to establish both the long-run and short-run relationships between Consumer Price Index and Narrow Money (M1), Inter-Bank Rates (INB), Treasury Certificates (TC), Nigerian Treasury Bills (NTBs), Ways and Means Advances (WAMA) and Bureau de Change Average Exchange Rate (AEXR). The findings from the ARDL long run and bound test revealed that M1 and AEXR exert significant positive long-run effects on inflation during the study period. The second-step ECM results further confirmed a valid error correction mechanism, indicating that about 3.8% of short-run disequilibrium is corrected within one period, thereby establishing the existence of a stable long-run relationship between inflation and its determinants. These results underscore the complex interaction of monetary aggregates and exchange rate dynamics in driving Nigeria’s inflationary process. The study concluded that inflation in Nigeria is structurally influenced by both demand-pull and cost-push factors, reflecting excessive monetary expansion and exchange rate volatility. Recommendations drawn from the findings suggest the need for a coordinated monetary-fiscal policy mix, effective management of money supply, and credible exchange rate stabilization measures. Furthermore, reforms aimed at deepening the financial market and enhancing the effectiveness of open market operations are necessary to strengthen the inflation-targeting framework in Nigeria.
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.
Dr. M. Arulkumaran MS, MRCS, DA(Professor), Dr. V. M. K. Ayesha Reshma (Postgraduate)
Background: Uterine perforation and extra-uterine migration of intrauterine devices (IUDs) are uncommon complications. Migration to the anterior abdominal wall is extremely rare, with only sporadic reports in the literature. Case presentation: We report a 22 year-old woman who presented with one month history of pain and discharge from the umblicus. She had a history of Copper T insertion three years earlier. Clinical examination revealed a firm, non-tender swelling in the lower anterior abdominal wall. Ultrasonography and computed tomography demonstrated a T-shaped metallic foreign body located in the anterior abdominal wall, superficial to the rectus sheath. The device was successfully retrieved through a diagnostic laparoscopy followed by open omphalectomy. The postoperative period was uneventful. Conclusion: Migration of a Copper T to the anterior abdominal wall is an exceptionally rare occurrence. Missing IUD threads should prompt evaluation for migration. A combination of ultrasound, X-ray, and CT scan aids accurate localization. Surgical retrieval, either laparoscopic or open, remains the definitive management.
Alvin S. Yap, MAEd, John Mart Elesio, EdD
Cultural adaptation is a challenge among teachers in foreign countries. We explored the perceptions of Filipino science teachers in adapting to the American education system. Using a descriptive qualitative design, we interviewed ten (10) teachers whom we selected using a purposive sampling technique, and we analyzed their perceptions through thematic analysis. Consequently, we found that Filipino teachers adapt to new workplace structures in U.S. education by strategically preserving their heritage values while adjusting communication styles, language use, and professional practices. Through a combination of cultural grounding, institutional support, and adaptive coping mechanisms, they effectively navigate structural separation and evolving pedagogical demands. The study highlights that structured institutional support—through mentorship, targeted professional development, credential recognition, and workload adjustments—is critical in facilitating Filipino teachers’ effective transition into the U.S. educational system. Finally, future research may examine long-term cultural adaptation, the impact of support networks, comparative migrant experiences, and the effectiveness of targeted professional development in addressing Filipino teachers’ integration challenges.
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.
Jennifer M. Montero, Matthew E. Cañeda
This qualitative study explored students’ attitudes toward learning mathematics within dynamic and disrupted educational environments, particularly those shaped by instructional shifts, technology integration, and crisis-related interruptions. Conducted at Agusan del Sur University (ADSSU) during the Academic Year 2024–2025, the study examined how students experienced mathematics learning across face-to-face, online, and blended modalities. The participants included nine students who joined in-depth interviews (IDIs) and fifteen students who participated in focus group discussions (FGDs), enabling the study to capture both individual experiences and shared perspectives. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis, which guided the process of familiarization, coding, theme development, review, definition, and reporting. The interpretation of the findings was anchored on the Affective-Behavioral-Cognitive (ABC) model of attitudes, allowing the study to examine students’ emotional responses, learning behaviors, and cognitive perceptions toward mathematics. The findings revealed that students’ attitudes toward mathematics were strongly influenced by changes in the learning environment. The shift from face-to-face to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with recurring floods and other disruptions, affected students’ motivation, confidence, focus, and persistence. Face-to-face instruction was often associated with clearer explanations, immediate feedback, and stronger emotional support, while online learning was linked to comprehension difficulties, reduced interaction, unstable connectivity, and increased dependence on digital tools. Overall, the study suggests that students’ attitudes toward mathematics are not fixed but are shaped by learning conditions. Their emotional responses, behavioral engagement, and cognitive perceptions continuously interact with instructional delivery, teacher support, peer influence, technology use, and crisis experiences.
Aishwarya Sharma, Diksha Shekhar, Rudra Roshan
The paper critically observes plea bargaining as a key characteristic of modern criminal justice administration and analyses it evolution from a historically discouraged practice to an accepted mechanism of ‘negotiated justice’. The study looks at how rising caseloads, procedural delays and administrative pressures have helped to institutionalise plea bargaining in modern legal system. The paper provides a systematic review of the various types of plea arrangements such as charge bargaining. Sentence bargaining and fact bargaining. It also covers the strategic value of special pleas such as Alford Plea and Nolo contendere. Particular attention is paid to why defendants accept plea bargains, including the impact of the “trial penalty”, the prospect of defendants receiving significantly more severe sentences after trial than through a plea bargain. The research paper provides a comparative analysis of the United States and India to understand the nature and extent of judicial oversight of plea bargaining. The study explores the evolution of plea bargaining in India through the amendments in the code of criminal procedure in 2005 and its continuation in the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. The American system provides for a wider scope of prosecutorial discretion while the Indian framework is comparatively restrictive and restorative through mutually satisfactory dispositions and statutory safeguards. The Plea Bargaining contributes to judicial efficiency and the reduction of case backlog. However, the research concludes that the Plea bargaining continues to raise concerns about coercion, unequal bargaining power and socio-economic disparities. Accordingly, the paper proposes a more robust form of judicial scrutiny, transparent procedures and effective legal aid mechanisms to ensure fairness and protection pf constitutional rights within negotiated justice systems.
Ivone Resendiz, Yair Olvera
In the contemporary higher education landscape, university students face escalating levels of academic stress and anxiety, which significantly impair their mental well-being and cognitive performance. Conventional relaxation techniques often fail to provide immediate relief due to the high cognitive effort required for their mastery. This study proposes an innovative intervention through an immersive Virtual Reality (VR) simulator, specifically designed under the principles of Neuroscience and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). The primary objective is to assess the efficacy of this VR tool as an emotional catalyst for acute stress reduction in a university setting. The methodology employed a quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test design with a sample of 34 students exhibiting moderate to severe stress levels. Participants were immersed in a 15-minute session featuring five 3D simulated activities, including diaphragmatic breathing and guided meditation, within forest or indoor environments. Psychometric evaluation was conducted using standardized instruments (BAI, PSS, and DASS-21) before and after the intervention. Statistical analysis, including Shapiro-Wilk and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, was performed to determine the significance of the findings. Key results demonstrated a statistically significant reduction (p < 0.001) in stress and anxiety scores. Physical symptoms of autonomic arousal, such as muscular tension and tachycardia, showed a marked decrease, suggesting a successful modulation of amygdala activity and the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system. This demonstrates that VR intervention serves as an effective applied tool for rapid emotional stabilization. While limitations regarding sample size and long-term effects persist, the study highlights a dual contribution: a technological advancement in UDL-based software and a practical educational intervention for university wellness departments.
Dr. Priyanka Singh
Among the many voices that have shaped Indian writing in English, Ruskin Bond holds a singular position — not because he writes about extraordinary events or extraordinary people, but precisely because he does not. His literary world is built upon the daily rhythms of hill towns, the quiet grief of aging, the half-spoken tenderness between friends, and the unannounced joys that accompany a walk through a monsoon forest. This paper examines how Bond's fiction elevates what might be dismissed as routine human experience into meaningful literary expression. Drawing on a wide selection of his short fiction, novellas, and longer narratives — including works such as The Room on the Roof, The Blue Umbrella, A Flight of Pigeons, Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra, and The Night Train at Deoli — the study investigates Bond's treatment of characters who live at the margins of larger social narratives, and the manner in which their inner emotional worlds are communicated through suggestion, environment, and narrative understatement rather than direct declaration. The paper further examines the philosophical underpinnings of this literary method, arguing that Bond's sustained focus on the unremarkable constitutes a deliberate counter-aesthetic to the dominant modes of postcolonial Indian fiction. By analysing how restrained prose, natural imagery, and retrospective memory function together in his work, the study establishes that Bond's fiction makes a quietly persuasive argument for the literary and moral worth of lives that mainstream discourse tends to overlook.
Aaron Gabriel S. Chavez., Harold R. Lucero, Jojit P. Oliva, Kobie R. Calingasan, Mariel L. Padua., Raffy S. Elmedo.
This study examined the perceived authenticity of faculty evaluations and its influence on student trust in evaluation outcomes among Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) students at Quezon City University (QCU). The research aimed to determine students’ perceptions regarding the honesty, fairness, consistency, credibility, and overall effectiveness of the faculty evaluation system, as well as identify the relationship between perceived authenticity and student trust in evaluation outcomes. A descriptive-correlational research design was employed using a validated Likert-scale questionnaire distributed to 150 BSIT students from first year to fourth year through stratified sampling. Data were analyzed using weighted mean, Spearman rank- order correlation, simple linear regression, One-Way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis test, paired t-test, and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The findings revealed that respondents generally perceived the faculty evaluation system as authentic, fair, consistent, and trustworthy. Students demonstrated favorable perceptions regarding honesty of responses, fairness of evaluation criteria, administrative integrity, and confidence in the evaluation system. Correlation analysis showed a statistically significant positive relationship between perceived authenticity and student trust, indicating that higher levels of perceived authenticity correspond to increased trust in evaluation outcomes. Regression analysis further confirmed that perceived authenticity significantly influences student trust. Additionally, no significant differences were found in perceived authenticity and student trust when respondents were grouped according to year level. Similarly, the comparative sub-analysis between major and minor subjects revealed only minimal differences, suggesting that students apply relatively consistent standards in evaluating faculty performance regardless of subject classification. The study concludes that authenticity, transparency, fairness, and institutional responsiveness are essential factors in strengthening the credibility and effectiveness of faculty evaluation systems. The findings may provide valuable insights for higher education institutions in developing more transparent, student-centered, and responsive evaluation systems that encourage honest participation and support continuous instructional improvement.
Adindu Oluomachi, Dr. Babasorji Percy Omoniwa, Prof. Carrol D. Luka
Background: Vaginal candidiasis is a fungal infection mainly caused by Candida albicans, an opportunistic pathogen responsible for candidiasis in humans. The proliferation of C. albicans is favored by environmental conditions such as low pH, high humidity, and moisture, which facilitate its colonization and overgrowth. Disruption of the normal vaginal microflora or local immune defenses can trigger infection, resulting in the clinical manifestations associated with vaginal candidiasis. Aim: The study was carried out to aimed to assess the antifungal activity and impact on serum electrolytes and anti-inflammatory markers of Zingiber officinale (ginger) using standard methods. Method: The study was carried out in two phases, in vivo and in vitro. In the in vitro experiment, Candida albicans was cultured in SDA at 25 ⁰C and exposed to the drug fluconazole and serial concentrations of the extract ranging from 300 mg/ml to 9.37 mg/ml and readings taken. In the in vivo experimental, 30 albino wistar rats were divided into 6 groups which includes; normal control (uninfected untreated), negative control (infected untreated), infected + standard drug (fluconazole [1000 mg/kg body weight {BW}]), and infected + extract at 250 mg/kg BW, 500 mg/kg BW and 1000 mg/kg BW; and its effect on some biochemical markers were assessed. Result: The extract demonstrated strong antifungal efficacy, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 18.75 μg/mL and a fungicidal effect confirmed by the minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC), indicating complete elimination of C. albicans. The assessment of electrolyte parameters revealed significant alterations associated with Candida albicans infection and subsequent treatment with Zingiber officinale. Sodium (Na⁺) levels ranged from 131.50 ± 2.10 mmol/L in the negative control group to 144.00 ± 1.00 mmol/L in the 500 mg/kg ginger-treated group. The assessment of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-4) revealed the negative control group exhibited elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α (34.80 ± 2.40 pg/ml) and IL-6 (165.40 ± 8.70 pg/ml) with a comparatively low anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 (28.60 ± 3.90 pg/ml). Conclusion: The reduced sodium concentration observed in the infected untreated group suggests that Candida albicans infection may disrupt electrolyte balance, possibly through impaired renal regulation, dehydration, or inflammatory-mediated sodium loss. Elevated TNF-α and IL-6 are well established indicators of systemic inflammation and immune activation. Administration of plant extract at 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg resulted in consistent reductions in TNF-α levels and IL-6 levels, while IL-4 levels increased. The standard drug group showed comparable effects.
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.
Dr. T Jayakumar, Ms. Bandita Patra
Background: The postpartum period is associated with elevated stress levels that may adversely affect maternal well-being and lactation. Yoga, as a mind-body intervention, has shown promise in stress reduction; however, evidence regarding its effect on lactation outcomes remains limited. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured postpartum yoga intervention on perceived stress and milk volume among postpartum mothers. Methods: A randomized controlled trial with a pre-test and post-test parallel group design was conducted in the postnatal ward and outpatient department of [Hospital/Community Health Center],. Sixty-four postpartum mothers 6–8 weeks after delivery were selected through consecutive sampling and randomized into an experimental group (n=32) and a control group (n=32). The experimental group received standard postpartum care plus structured postpartum yoga for 45–60 minutes per session, five days per week for six weeks. The control group received standard postpartum care alone. Data were collected using a demographic proforma, the Perceived Stress Scale-10, and milk volume measurement by the test-weighing method. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.0 with paired and independent t-tests. Significance was set at p < 0.05.[City]Results: Both groups were comparable at baseline. The experimental group showed a significant reduction in perceived stress scores from 24.6 ± 3.8 to 15.2 ± 3.1 (p < 0.001), while the control group showed no significant change. Milk volume increased significantly in the experimental group from 412.5 ± 68.4 mL/day to 587.3 ± 74.2 mL/day (p < 0.001). Between-group comparisons revealed significantly greater improvement in both perceived stress (p < 0.001, d = 1.42) and milk volume (p < 0.001, d = 1.28) in the experimental group. Compliance with the intervention was 92.4%, with no adverse events reported. Conclusion: A six-week structured postpartum yoga intervention is effective in reducing perceived stress and improving milk volume among postpartum mothers. The intervention is safe, feasible, and clinically relevant. Integration of postpartum yoga into routine postnatal care is recommended to enhance maternal psychological well-being and lactation outcomes.
Swapan Samanta
This paper proposes a unified theory of power grounded in a single, operationally precise concept: harm capacity. The central argument is not that power always causes harm, but that what defines power — across every domain of social life — is the latent, measurable capacity to impose irreversible consequences upon others, whether or not that capacity is ever exercised. A mother nurtures and loves her child; yet her authority rests on an asymmetry that is difficult to deny — she could, if she chose, cause the child irreparable harm. A prime minister governs with the best of intentions; yet his power is measurable precisely because he could, in principle, dismantle the very nation he leads. A commoner, however virtuous, possesses no such reach. This distinction — between the exercise of power and the mere possession of its latent form — is the conceptual heart of this framework. By making this distinction explicit from the outset, the framework avoids the reductionism of equating power with harm. Harm capacity is a structural feature of social relationships, not a behavioral tendency. It can and does coexist with benevolence, care, cooperation, and love. What it cannot coexist with is powerlessness — because where the capacity to impose consequences is absent, so is power, whatever else remains. The paper formalizes this insight mathematically through information-theoretic domain weighting and probabilistic harm capacity modeling, generating six testable hypotheses about institutional behavior, consciousness development, and social evolution. The implications challenge comfortable assumptions about democratic governance, benevolent authority, and the nature of liberation itself — not to provoke, but to provide a more honest foundation for understanding how social structures actually function.
Dr. Reena Bharathi, Sayli B.Patil, Vimala Thangavelu, Vivek Kumbhar
Customer churn occurs when users stop using a service, and is a serious headache for telecommunication companies. To tackle this, we dove into machine learning techniques, specifically Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) models, to predict churn patterns. Our study is based on an online survey, gathered via Google Forms, that captures various aspects, including demographics, service usage, and satisfaction levels. We applied machine learning techniques like ANN and LSTM, to evaluate the churn trends. Our study shows that LSTM outshines ANN when it comes to accuracy. These insights can be helpful to telecommunication providers to define actionable strategies to improve customer retention and build stronger relationships with their user base.
Ezebuike, I. R
This study analyzed the profitability of fluted pumpkin (“Ugu”) production among small-scale farmers in the Owerri Agricultural Zone of Imo State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study examined the socio-economic characteristics of fluted pumpkin farmers, estimated the costs and returns associated with production, determined the factors influencing profitability, and identified the major constraints affecting profitable production. Primary data were collected from 60 respondents using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, benefit-cost ratio, and multiple linear regression analysis. The findings revealed that majority of the farmers were female, within the economically active age group, fairly educated, experienced in farming, and operated on small-scale holdings. The cost and return analysis showed that fluted pumpkin production was profitable with a gross margin of ₦370,500 per hectare, net farm income of ₦360,400 per hectare, and a benefit-cost ratio of 2.7, indicating that every ₦1 invested yielded ₦2.70. Regression analysis revealed that educational level, household size, farming experience, quantity of fertilizer used, and farm size positively influenced profitability, while age and cost of planting materials negatively affected profitability. Major constraints identified included high cost of inputs, poor storage facilities, inadequate credit access, high transportation costs, high labour costs, and pest and disease infestation. The study therefore concludes that fluted pumpkin production is a profitable enterprise with significant potential for income generation. It was recommended among others that government should provide subsidized farm inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, agrochemicals, and farm tools to reduce the high cost of production and improve farmers’ profitability.
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, toxicants, 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 that resveratrol possesses stronger antioxidant activity. In-vivo, DPPH scavenging activity significantly increased after resveratrol treatment (87.83%) compared to control (83.13%) and stress- induced 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 concentrations to ensure safety and minimize potential adverse effects.
Dr. Mukta Kumari
Cancer is one of the most challenging chronic diseases affecting millions of individuals across the world. Beyond physical suffering, cancer patients frequently experience severe psychological distress, emotional instability, social isolation, and financial burden. The present empirical study examines psychological distress, coping behavior, and quality of life among cancer patients receiving treatment at Mahavir Cancer Sansthan, Patna. The study was conducted on 120 respondents selected through purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using standardized psychological tools, structured questionnaires, interviews, and observation methods. The findings indicate that anxiety, depression, fear of death, emotional stress, and treatment-related uncertainty are highly prevalent among cancer patients. Coping behavior was significantly influenced by family support, socioeconomic status, education, and counseling services. Patients with positive coping strategies and stronger social support demonstrated better emotional adjustment and quality of life. The study highlights the importance of integrating psycho-oncology services, counseling programs, and emotional rehabilitation within cancer care systems. The findings contribute to the understanding of psychosocial dimensions of cancer treatment in Bihar and emphasize the need for holistic patient-centered healthcare approaches.
Joyzy Pius Egunjobi, Lillian Wairimu Maina
Marital satisfaction is a crucial condition for providing a secure environment for the family, emotional health, and overall functioning of family relationships. In religious groups, the marital relationship is usually influenced by psychological, social, and spiritual factors. This research attempted to study the psychosocial-spiritual factors that influence marital satisfaction in the parish families in the Archdiocese of Nairobi, Kenya. The specific psychosocial-spiritual factors studied in marital satisfaction included communication, emotional support, family support, socioeconomic problems, conflict resolution, and spiritual exercises. The research used a qualitative descriptive design and was held in selected parishes in the Archdiocese of Nairobi, Kenya. The respondents were Catholic married couples. The samples were obtained using purposive sampling, and a total of twenty couples (forty individual respondents) participated. Open-ended questionnaires were used to collect data. The results revealed that effective communication, emotional support, and effective solutions to conflicts were vital in ensuring marital satisfaction, providing trust, intimacy, and interdependence in social relationships. The respondents experienced inefficient communications at times due to stronger emotional reactions, more financial than time resources, and more burdens of emotional strain. The findings further revealed that the family members of the couples became a pillar of emotional and financial support, especially in times of economic distress, experienced a lot of interference most of the time, and were not seen as very beneficial most of the time. The general spiritual aspect found to be relevant in marital satisfaction was the shared spiritual exercises like prayer and participation in church activities, as they enhanced marital bonding, aided in overcoming difficulties, and strengthened commitment. Based on the findings, marital satisfaction appeared to be a result of the interaction of psychological competence, social environment, and spiritual resources.
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.
Agbebi O.M., Okunade, R.F., Onasanya, R.O.
Phosphorus is known to be a major nutrient that has significant effect on the growth and nodulation of legumes. A field experiment was conducted at the experimental site of the Federal College of Agriculture, Moor Plantation, Ibadan to determine the residual effect of phosphorus rates on soybean (Glycine max) nodulation, some post harvest soil properties and the performance of Succeeding Maize. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four treatments, each replicated three times. The treatments consisted of different levels of phosphorus fertilizer including 0 kg / ha (control), 20 kg/ha, 40 kg/ha and 60kg/ha. Soybean seeds were sown at the rate of 2 seeds per hole. Parameters taken were; Yield of soybean, Number of Nodules per plant, Weight of Nodules per plot (g), nitrogen fixation by soybean, available phosphorus, organic matter of the post harvest soil the yield and yield component of succeding Maize.The results obtained showed that the treatment of soybean with 60kg /ha of P0O5 gave the highest yield of 979.73kg/ha. Similarly, treatment with 60kg/ha of P0O5 produced the highest nitrogen content (1.40g/kg) and highest organic matter content (24.26g/kg) in the post harvest soil. However, the highest number of nodules were produced by the soybean treated with 20kg/ha of P0O5 (6.08) while the least number of nodules were produced by 60kg/ha of P0O5 (2.92). Succeeding Maize planted on the plot with the highest Phosphorus rate also had the highest grain yield, seed weight and shelling percentage.Phosphorus levels had no significant effect on weight of nodules. It is therefore recommended that 60kg/ha of P0O5 on soybean be implemented for optimum yield of soybean and suceeding maize, more nitrogen fixation by soybean and more organic matter in the post harvest soil.
Rafif Ghozi Budiawan, Yasmin Azzahra Arifin
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and its progressive form, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), represent a growing global health burden associated with fibrosis progression, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and increased cardiovascular risk. Despite the increasing prevalence of MASLD/MASH, effective pharmacological treatment options have historically been limited. Resmetirom, a selective thyroid hormone receptor-beta (THR-beta) agonist, has recently emerged as a novel liver-directed therapy targeting key metabolic mechanisms involved in disease progression. This narrative literature review aimed to evaluate the mechanism of action, clinical efficacy, safety profile, and therapeutic potential of resmetirom in the management of MASLD/MASH. A structured literature search was conducted using PubMed, ScienceDirect, and SpringerLink to identify relevant studies published between 2015 and 2025. Eligible publications included randomized controlled trials, extension studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, clinical practice guidance documents, and regulatory reports evaluating the efficacy and safety of resmetirom. Current evidence indicates that resmetirom selectively activates hepatic THR-beta, promoting fatty acid β-oxidation, enhancing mitochondrial function, reducing hepatic triglyceride accumulation, and improving cholesterol metabolism. Phase II and phase III clinical trials, including the pivotal MAESTRO-NASH trial, demonstrated significant reductions in liver fat content, improvements in liver enzymes and atherogenic lipid parameters, and favorable histological outcomes, including MASH resolution and fibrosis improvement. Resmetirom also consistently reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B, suggesting potential cardiometabolic benefits beyond improvements in liver histology. The most commonly reported adverse events were mild-to-moderate gastrointestinal symptoms. In conclusion, resmetirom represents a significant therapeutic advancement in MASLD/MASH and the first liver-directed pharmacological therapy approved for selected patients with non-cirrhotic MASH and moderate-to-advanced fibrosis. Although long-term outcome data remain limited, current evidence supports its role as a promising metabolic-based treatment for improving both hepatic and cardiometabolic outcomes.
Ayesha Ahmed Ilyas, Dr Shoeb Ahmed Ilyas
Background. Retained surgical items (RSIs) are classified as Never Events, yet they persist despite the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist, AORN counting standards, and commercial radio-frequency identification (RFID) systems. The Joint Commission logged 119 RSI sentinel events in 2024, with 43% causing severe harm, a pattern more consistent with system pathology than individual lapse. Objective. To develop the Integrated RSI Prevention Architecture (IRPA): a conceptual framework explaining RSI occurrence as the emergent product of simultaneous failure across cultural, human-factor, technological, and governance domains.
Dr. Ajit Konwar
Amitav Ghosh’s The Living Mountain: A Fable for Our Times presents a powerful ecological allegory that challenges the anthropocentric worldview responsible for environmental degeneration. The text narrates the story of Mahaparbat, the Living Mountain, and the people who once lived in a harmonious relationship with it. Through the invasion of the Anthropoi and their extractive desire, Ghosh exposes the violence of modern development, colonial exploitation, capitalist greed, and human arrogance towards the non-human world. This paper examines how The Living Mountain rethinks anthropocentrism by granting nature agency, voice, and moral presence. It argues that Ghosh’s fable does not merely represent nature as a passive background but as a living entity with memory, power, and ethical significance. The study further explores the responsibilities of human beings towards the natural world in the age of ecological crisis. By drawing on eco-criticism, post-humanism, and de-colonial environmental thoughts, the paper shows that Ghosh’s text calls for a radical transformation of human consciousness from domination to coexistence.
K. Veeraramu, R. Swetha
This study analysed the retraction of scientific articles in neuroscience between 1977 and 2026. The Retraction Watch database was utilised as a source, and 1,244 formally retracted documents were selected for analysis. A comprehensive examination of the variables was conducted, encompassing the publication and retraction dates, author affiliation, country of publication and rationale for retraction. The findings indicated that the first retracted article was published in 1977 and the number of retracted papers where in single digit till 2006 (n=8) The number of retracted papers reached triple digit for the first time in 2021 (n=115) and a peak of 200 in 2023. It has been observed that the retractions in neuroscience were very low before 2000 and witnessed a gradual increase from 2005 to 2015. However, after reaching the peak in 2023, the trend sharply reversed, with the number of retracted articles falling to 115 in 2024 and 35 by 2025. China (n=438, 35.21%) represented the largest share of retracted publications, followed by the United States (n=370, 29.74%), and India (n=85, 6.75%). It has been observed that the top 10 countries either individually or with collaboration with other countries published 99.28% of the total retracted publications (n=1235) in the field of neuroscience. There were 986 single-country papers (79.26%) while 258 (20.74%) are multi-country papers which revealed that there is international collaboration in the field of neuroscience research. Retractions in neuroscience has been done by 491 journals and 15 conferences. The highest number of retractions was done by PLoS One (n=57). A large portion comes from major academic publishers like Elsevier, Springer Nature, and Wiley. The top 10 journals retracted 221 articles (17.77%) and Q2 journals retracted the highest (n=102) followed by Q3 journals (n=51), Q4 journals (n=38) and Q1 journals (n=30). The University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA is the topper with the largest number of retracted publications (n=12) followed by North China University of Science and Technology, China (n=11), Central Michigan University, USA (n=10), Kobe Gakuin University, Japan (n=9) and University of Pennsylvania, USA (n=9). Of all the retractions, 286 out of 1244 articles were suspected of unreliable results, comprising 22.99% of the total retractions. This proportion was notably higher than that of other reasons viz., data concerns (n=237), image duplication (n=206), image issues (n=140), data fabrication/falsification (n=116) and paper mill (n=115). This clearly shows that data integrity issues such as unreliable results, data concerns are the biggest problem in neuroscience research. The findings of the study would be highly useful for the stakeholders in the field of neuroscience.
Salisu Ibrahim Iro
Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) play a crucial role in securing retirees' financial stability through careful management and strategic investment of pension funds. In Nigeria, the importance of PFAs grew substantially after the 2004 Pension Reform Act which was later updated in 2014 established a stronger contributory pension system. These reforms were introduced to enhance transparency, accountability, and long-term financial sustainability within the pension sector. The study examined the effect of risk management on performance of pension fund administrators (PFAs) in Nigeria. The study utilized a ex-factor design, encompassing the ten-year period from 2014 to 2023 The population consist of all the 21 registered pension fund administrators (PFAs) in Nigeria using 10-years study time frame from (2014-2023). only 14 companies met the criteria and were sampled for the study. The study finds that risk management has a positive but statistically insignificant effect on the return on equity (ROE) of Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) in Nigeria. This suggests that while improved risk management practices are directionally associated with better equity returns, this relationship is not strong enough to be statistically validated within the dataset and timeframe used in the analysis. The positive direction of the relationship indicates that PFAs that implement stronger risk controls such as asset diversification, regulatory compliance, stress testing, and internal control mechanisms tend to experience improved shareholder value or profitability in relation to their equity base. Theoretically, this aligns with the expectations of Financial Intermediation Theory and Deferred Wage Theory, which posit that risk mitigation enhances financial stability and long-term value creation for both fund managers and contributors. This study employed multiple regression analysis, where the dependent variable, representing the financial performance of Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) (Y), is explained by multiple independent variables. This approach is appropriate because the study utilizes annual panel data spanning the period 2014–2023. Panel Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) is employed, as it is considered the most suitable technique for handling this sample size compared to other methods. This study concludes that Nigerian pension fund administrators can enhance their financial performance, as measured by Return on Equity (ROE), through strategic domestic asset allocation, while foreign investments and certain risk management interactions offer limited benefits.
Dr. Shelly De (Pandit), Sumedha Majumder
MSME sector plays a significant role in Indian economy to boost up employment opportunity, entrepreneurial endeavor, and betterment of the GDP, injecting positive growth in export and enhancing per capita income of the rural families of India. But, the poor participation of the women population is one of the major challenges for the overall growth of this sector. The aim of the paper is to show the status of the women MSME entrepreneurs of West Bengal as compared to other states of India. It also aims to find out the challenges faced by the women MSME entrepreneurs during this new normal and policies adopted by the Government to combat with the challenges. In new normal, MSMEs are facing a number of challenges like liquidity crisis, issues of migrating workers, scarcity of required inputs etc. Major schemes of the West Bengal Government like Banglashree, Karma Sathi Prakalpa etc. have played a game changer for the women entrepreneurs in MSMEs especially during the new normal. The ‘Silpa Disha’ mobile app as well as the ‘Silpa Sathi’ window portal was launched.
Jeromeric R. Talla
Gamification has emerged as a promising instructional approach for improving student engagement and conceptual understanding in mathematics. This action research examined whether the Bomber Board Game could improve Grade 11 Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) students’ mastery of simple interest at Luis Y. Ferrer Jr. Senior High School. Using a one-group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design, the study involved 40 students from one Grade 11 HUMSS section selected through purposive sampling. A researcher-made 10-item multiple-choice test was used as both the pretest and posttest. The instrument was reviewed by three experts a Master Teacher in Mathematics, a Business Management Master Teacher, and a Research Master Teacher using a validation checklist. Pilot testing indicated that most items had moderate difficulty; one overly difficult item was revised before the actual implementation. The intervention was administered by the researcher once a week for one month, with each session lasting three hours. Descriptive statistics and a paired-samples t-test were used to analyze the data. Results showed that the mean pretest score was 4.00 (40%), while the mean posttest score increased to 7.25 (72.5%). The improvement was statistically significant, t(39) = 12.27, p < .001, with a very large effect size (Cohen’s dz = 1.94). These findings suggest that the Bomber Board Game may be an effective supplementary strategy for improving students’ understanding of simple interest. However, the results should be interpreted with caution because the study used a single-group design and did not include a formal test of the normality assumption for the paired-samples t-test.
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.
Birgitte Krogh-Poulsen, Dr.Velpula Srinu, Prof.Saraswati Raju Iyer, Sari Tuulia Tolvanen, Vishwaja Rangannagari
The present article is an outcome of the research project entitled “Socio-economic Baseline Study of the Shrimp farming Communities in Andhra Pradesh, India” with an objective to understand the dynamics of the industry and their socio-economic structures and conditions. The major findings are used as a way forward to safeguard livelihoods in the shrimp industry in Andhra Pradesh. The findings were grouped into 6 themes namely, Economic Impact, Social Conditions, Environmental Impact, Challenges Faced by them, Government Initiatives and Support, and Future Prospects for ensuring sustainable farming practices. While the Shrimp farming in Andhra Pradesh play a vital role in the state’s economy, it also brings with it a whole range of socio-economic challenges. Against this background a descriptive research design with a mixed methodology framework which included qualitative and quantitative approaches was adopted on 200 sample respondents by using snowball sampling method which included 100 Shrimp farmers and 100 shrimp farm workers, participating in the survey component of the study to know how to Safeguard Livelihood Gains in Small-scale Shrimp Aquaculture. The study not only focused primarily on small-scale farms but also included information from respondents associated with large scale shrimp farms in four districts of Andhra Pradesh namely East Godavari, West Godavari, Guntur and Krishna. In addition, the study included Focus group Discussions (FGDs) and Key informant interviews (KIIs) with other farming community members: Farmers’ wives, young people, retired farmers and their spouses, community leaders, and education and health providers. The positive aspect of it is that it offers livelihood opportunities, the industry needs to address socio-economic and environmental concerns to ensure its long-term sustainability and improve their well-being. It is evident that along with the socioeconomic benefits, there are also negative consequences that require immediate attention as suggested in this paper.
Christian Dave A. Balasa, Jane C. Azarcon, Leoname B. Gonzales, Mia B. Daradar, Yvonne B. Raymundo
Reassigning school heads goes beyond being just another policy; it is a significant shift in leadership that pushes them out of their comfort zones. It calls for adaptability, trust, and personal growth. This study examines into the real-life experiences of school heads who were reassigned in the 1st District of Capiz, Philippines, focusing on the emotional, professional, and personal adjustments they had to make. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, six school leaders were purposively selected for in-depth interviews, allowing thematic analysis to uncover key insights. The findings highlight professional growth, adaptive leadership, and policy implementation, with sub-themes such as career advancement, stakeholder engagement, instructional leadership, and coping strategies illustrating the complexities of reassignment. While school heads generally view reassignment as an opportunity for development, ethical leadership, and professional refinement, challenges such as leaving familiar environments, facing resistance, and adjusting to new school cultures remain. Although the process aligns with DepEd’s strategic goals, concerns over favoritism and the absence of a formal evaluation system persist, particularly at the secondary level. Leadership styles among reassigned school heads were largely adaptive and collaborative, integrating transformational, democratic, and situational approaches tailored to their new school settings. This study found that although reassignment can be a difficult experience for school heads, often bringing emotional strain and professional uncertainty, it also opens doors to unexpected growth. Many of the participants shared how the transition pushed them to adapt quickly, build new relationships, and find rediscover purpose in their leadership. These narratives show that, beyond the initial discomfort, reassignment can actually spark resilience, creativity, and professional development. In light of these insights, the study introduces an action plan called Reassignment and Readiness. Its goal is to better support school leaders during transitions by offering practical steps such as structured orientation, mentorship, stakeholder collaboration, and strategies for emotional well-being. The aim is to help leaders not only adjust, but also thrive in their new environments.
Auwalu Alasan, Samaila Abdullahi
Seed morphology and dispersal mechanisms critically influence plant population dynamics, regeneration, and spatial distribution in semi-arid tropical ecosystems. This study examined relationships between seed traits and dispersal patterns of three ecologically and economically important tree species—Albizia lebbeck, Delonix regia, and Azadirachta indica—at the Take-Up Site of the Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria. A total of 90 seeds per species were collected using systematic quadrat sampling. Seed weight, length, and structural characteristics were measured, while dispersal distances were recorded. Trait–dispersal relationships were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Pearson correlation. Significant interspecific variation was observed (p < 0.05). Albizia lebbeck produced the smallest and lightest seeds (0.10 ± 0.02 g; 0.91 ± 0.05 cm) and exhibited the greatest dispersal distance (3.19 ± 0.30 m). Delonix regia had the largest seeds (0.44 ± 0.08 g; 1.98 ± 0.15 cm) with shorter dispersal (2.75 ± 0.25 m), while Azadirachta indica showed intermediate traits (0.36 ± 0.07 g; 1.48 ± 0.12 cm) and dispersal distance (2.77 ± 0.28 m). Seed weight and length were strongly negatively correlated with dispersal distance (r = -0.983 and -0.902, p < 0.01). These patterns illustrate the ecological trade-off between dispersal and establishment, where lighter seeds enhance colonization potential while heavier seeds favor seedling survival. Albizia lebbeck is suited for colonizing degraded landscapes, Delonix regia for managed plantings, and Azadirachta indica for adaptive, heterogeneous systems. However, potential limitations related to seed–parent association and unmeasured environmental dispersal drivers should be considered when interpreting these findings. Understanding these trait–dispersal relationships supports evidence-based species selection, propagation strategies, and restoration planning in semi-arid ecosystems
Dr. Osabwa Wycliffe, Prof. Rev. Manya Wandefu Stephen
The 2023 Shakahola tragedy involving Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, whose followers died through starvation in Kilifi County, Kenya, raises urgent questions about the relationship between religion, social vulnerability, and authority. This paper applies Karl Marx’s theory of religion; particularly the notion of religion as the “opium of the people” to analyze how religious belief can function simultaneously as a response to suffering and a mechanism of control. Rather than treating the case solely as an example of “cult behavior,” the study situates it within broader socio-economic conditions that make individuals susceptible to religious manipulation. In the Mackenzie situation, many people rushed to join this starving religious group claiming that it was their religious duty. Notably, Pastor Nthenge and his followers displayed quasi-religious beliefs akin to Cults. For instance, Pastor Nthenge had isolated over 200 adults and children from their friends and family and led them to the expansive Shakahola forest in Lamu, Kenya, for prayers and intensive fasting that led to death. Thus, the cultic nature of his teachings, which did not permit any scepticism or questioning lest one got punished, required inordinate sacrifices. Fasting and money from the followers were demanded, with the victims being closely controlled in a way that is not common with most conventional religious groups. Pursuant to these events, one would want to inquire on how Pastor Nthenge’s imaginary religious actions echo the selected thoughts of the 19th-century German philosopher Karl Marx’s understanding of religion. Instructively, Marx viewed religion as "the soul of soulless conditions" or the "opium of the people". Accordingly, religion in this world of exploitation is an expression of distress and at the same time a protest against the real distress as with the people proselytized by Pastor Nthenge. In other words, Marx saw religion continuing to survive because of oppressive social conditions of the people. This paper consequently examines the emerging theoretical nexus between Pastor Nthenge’s view of religion, and Marx’s perspectives on religion as the opium of the masses. Through a qualitative desk review of emerging reports and scholarly literature, the paper argues that the Shakahola phenomenon reflects both Marx’s insight into religion as an expression of distress and the dangers of its instrumentalization by charismatic leaders. The study concludes by engaging counter-arguments that emphasize religion’s positive social functions, thereby offering a balanced and critical perspective.
Geraldine I. Ifeanyi, Peacemark Hammed
The last mile of healthcare logistics represents one of the most complex, costly, and critical segments of the healthcare supply chain. It directly influences the accessibility, timeliness, and reliability of essential medical supplies such as vaccines, blood products, pharmaceuticals, and diagnostic tools. Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI), unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), and autonomous ground vehicles have significantly transformed this domain, enabling real-time decision-making, enhanced delivery efficiency, and improved healthcare outcomes. This literature review synthesizes current research on smart last-mile delivery systems in healthcare, focusing on the integration of AI-driven optimization, drone-enabled delivery, and autonomous vehicle technologies. It examines operational benefits, system architectures, challenges, and future directions, while highlighting the implications for global health equity and emergency preparedness.
Dr. Ronald Fernandez, Erjon Louise A. Dimailig, Geraldine Noveda, Kayc Jane V. Buenafe, Ms. Vivien Agustin
Modern higher education environments face significant challenges in student retention and academic progression due to the increasing complexity of specialized curricula. In the Philippine context, academic advising is traditionally a manual and reactive process, often leading to "choice paralysis" among students and delayed graduation. This study addresses these systemic inefficiencies by developing Smart Pathfinder, an AI-integrated platform designed to transition advising from a clerical task to a data-driven strategic intervention. The primary objective of this research was to engineer a proactive system capable of providing personalized course recommendations based on prerequisite logic, implementing real-time predictive risk analysis to identify at-risk students, and offering industry-aligned career guidance. The methodology followed a developmental research design integrated with an Agile Software Development Life Cycle, allowing for iterative refinement of the system’s core algorithms. The platform was built using a Python-based backend for machine learning logic and a MySQL database for secure student record management. System validation was conducted through rigorous functional testing and data accuracy verification across three core modules: Course Recommendation, Risk Analytics, and Career Mapping. Key results demonstrate that the system achieved 100% accuracy in prerequisite validation and successfully categorized students into high, moderate, and low-risk levels based on GPA fluctuations and historical performance trends. By visualizing academic health through institutional analytics dashboards, the system allows advisors to intervene as early as the fourth week of a semester. The study concludes that the integration of Artificial Intelligence into student support services significantly enhances institutional efficiency and reduces the administrative burden on faculty. Smart Pathfinder effectively bridges the gap between academic compliance and professional readiness, offering a scalable model for modernizing academic advising in Philippine Higher Education Institutions.
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. J. Sudhakar, P. Bharath, V. Arun Kumar, V. Arunesh. T
This paper presents a low-cost, non-invasive wearable system integrating electromyography (EMG)-controlled actuation with real-time vital sign monitoring for upper-limb rehabilitation, targeting hemiplegia patients. The platform uses surface EMG electrodes to detect muscle activity from the biceps or forearm, processed via Arduino UNO with filtering, auto-calibration (resting-to-max contraction), and dynamic thresholding to drive a high-torque (60 kg-cm) servo motor via nylon tendon cable, enabling smooth assistive movements. Concurrently, a MAX30102 sensor measures heart rate (HR) and oxygen saturation (SpO2) through IR/RED photoplethysmography, while a DS18B20 provides precise body temperature readings.This system advances affordable human-machine interfaces for prosthetics, assistive robotics, and biomedical education, paving the way for wireless telemedicine integration. Hemiplegia and neuromuscular disorders impair voluntary motion in over 15 million patients annually, demanding affordable wearables that blend intuitive control with health monitoring. This study introduces an integrated, non-invasive biomedical system leveraging surface electromyography (EMG) for proportional servo actuation alongside real-time tracking of heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (SpO₂), and temperature. EMG signals from biceps/forearm muscles are captured via three-electrode array, amplified at isolated 10V, and processed on Arduino UNO using rectification, low-pass filtering, and auto-calibration (3-5s rest/max contraction phases yielding dynamic thresholds, e.g., 20-120% baseline). Processed states (relaxed/active) drive a 60 kgcm metal-gear servo through nylon tendon-pulley for smooth elbow assistance, with home-return on relaxation.
Kasina Martin, PhD, Kawira Faith Joseph., Nzioki Susan, PhD.
This study investigates the influence of socio-economic dynamics on pay-TV market penetration within Machakos County, Kenya. Grounded in the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) developed by Fred Davis (1989) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) by Venkatesh, Morris, Davis, and Davis (2003), the research explores how critical socio-economic indicators specifically household income, education level, and employment status shape the adoption and retention of subscription broadcasting services. These dynamics are essentially relevant in a decelerating Kenyan media market, where household financial agency and digital literacy determine the shift from traditional viewing to premium digital platforms. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, drawing a representative sample of 385 households across the Mavoko, Mwala, Yatta, and Machakos Town sub-counties. Data was collected using structured Likert-scale questionnaires to capture household perceptions of affordability, perceived utility, and service value. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis via SPSS software to establish the relationship between variables and examine the strength of socio-economic predictors. The findings indicated that socio-economic dynamics were a statistically significant determinant of pay-TV penetration (p < 0.05), with household income and employment stability emerging as dominant factors influencing subscription duration and Average Revenue per User (ARPU). The research concludes that economic constraints and educational alignment remain primary filters for market growth in peri-urban settings. The study recommends that pay-TV providers develop tiered, socio-economically segmented pricing models to translate household economic realities into sustainable market penetration.
Prof. Dr. Sunita Nambiyar
Access to reliable electricity for agricultural irrigation remains a critical but underexplored determinant of rural livelihood improvement in tribal India. While the benefits of rural electrification have been documented across India, evidence on its welfare impacts among Scheduled Tribe farming communities in water-scarce districts of western India remains scarce. This study examined the socio-economic impact of agricultural well electrification under Electricity Company’s URJA programme in Dahod district, Gujarat. A cross-sectional survey of 315 beneficiary farmers across eight villages was conducted using a structured interview schedule, with data analysed through descriptive statistics and Kruskal-Wallis tests across income groups. Findings indicate that 73.1% of respondents reported substantial reductions in irrigation costs following the transition from diesel to electric pumping, and household income increased approximately threefold post-electrification. Crop diversity expanded markedly, from approximately two crops to between seven and ten, with farmers transitioning toward vegetables, horticulture, and floriculture. Significant variation in service satisfaction was observed across income groups, with lower-income farmers reporting disproportionately higher maintenance cost burdens. These findings demonstrate that targeted agricultural well electrification can deliver meaningful welfare gains for tribal smallholders, while highlighting the need for complementary support in maintenance access and value chain development to ensure equitable distribution of programme benefits.
Ahammod Hassan Naim, Al Shanta Islam, Dr. Raman Kumar Biswas Professor, Fatema Tujjohora Orpa, Gita Mistry, Hritika Das, Sadia Sarna
Floods are among the most frequent and devastating natural disasters worldwide, significantly disrupting livelihoods, economies, and ecosystems. The socio-economic consequences are severe, especially for rural populations dependent on agriculture in Bangladesh. This study investigates the socio-economic impacts of flooding along the banks of the Gorai River in Jhenaidah District, Bangladesh, with emphasis on post-flood management, community resilience, and recovery mechanisms. Using a mixed-method approach, primary data were collected through household surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. Results reveal that floods disproportionately affect agricultural productivity, livestock rearing, small businesses, and access to education and healthcare, with crop loss and financial damages being the most pronounced. Financial damages were considerable, with 48% of households reporting losses exceeding 50,000 BDT. The findings also highlight that flood preparedness measures are inadequate, early warning systems are weak, and recovery efforts are heavily reliant on government (52%) and NGO (33%) assistance, with limited community-driven initiatives. To minimize the river erosion, dual approach of river management need to implement focusing on both the physical infrastructure like use of Geo-bag, use of locally bamboo made Parko file, and community-led governance can reduce the river erosion. Permanent protection requires immediate action to halt illegal sand extraction, timely construction of robust embankments, geo-bags before the monsoon, and continuous river dredging to increase and maintain navigability. For the long term approach need to be aware of the local community for afforestation and construction authorities needs to be accountable and transparence for any construction work along the bank of the Gorai river. Despite significant short-term relief efforts, gaps remain in long-term resilience strategies, particularly in financial recovery, infrastructure rebuilding, and livelihood diversification. The study recommends strengthening localized flood preparedness, early warning systems, and community-based adaptation in enhancing resilience in the flood-prone regions of Jhenaidah district, Bangladesh.
Rajesh Kumar Maurya*
Within this article we shall try to find whether it is possible to have a formulae, and prove a formula for solutions of the equations of the form ax^α+bx^β+c=0 .Where a,b,c,α, β are real numbers and α>β. And we will get a formula with the help of Ramanujan's Master theorem.
Ephraim R. Afia, Idara N. Eton, Nsikakabasi I. Bassey, Paul P. Akpan
Gasoline spills constitute a persistent environmental and public health challenge in the Niger Delta, with Delta, Bayelsa Rivers and Akwa Ibom State, being particularly vulnerable due to its proximity to petroleum infrastructure and expanding fuel distribution activities. This review synthesizes spatial and temporal gasoline spill patterns, identifies key drivers, and evaluates environmental and health impacts. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and government/NGO repositories using predefined search terms (“Gasoline spill” AND “Niger Delta”). Studies were included if they focused on refined product spills, provided spatial/temporal data, or examined drivers/impacts. Quality assessment was performed using a standardized tool. Data from 25 eligible studies were extracted and synthesized qualitatively. A total of 432 gasoline spill incidents were recorded between 2007 and 2022, with a significant increase over the past decade. Delta State accounted for 73.4% of incidents, followed by Rivers (15.1%), Bayelsa (8.3%) and Akwa Ibom (3.2%). Pipeline sabotage (55.6%), equipment failure (21.1%) and human error (12.3%) were the leading causes. Environmental contamination occurred in 85.2% of incidents, while health impacts (respiratory problems, skin irritation) were reported in 42.1%. Hydrogeological conditions (shallow water tables, permeable soils, high rainfall) accelerate contaminant migration, and BTEX exceedances have been documented in groundwater near pipelines and fuel stations. Gasoline spills in the Niger Delta are increasing in frequency and are driven by infrastructure decay, sabotage, hydrogeological vulnerability, and governance gaps. Urgent infrastructure modernization, real time monitoring, community engagement, and stricter policy enforcement are required. By consolidating historical spill trends, causal factors, and impact pathways, this study provides strategic evidence base for policymakers, environmental managers, and researchers to design context-specific strategies that strengthen resilience and reduce gasoline spill occurrence in the Niger Delta.
Dr. Sonel Som, Prof. Piyal Basu Roy, Sankar Saha
Water is a vital resource for sustaining life, and its quality is of utmost importance for the well-being of both humans and ecosystems. Rivers serve as significant sources of freshwater, providing drinking water, irrigation, and supporting various aquatic habitats. An attempt has been made in this paper to show the spatio - temporal variation of water quality along the Torsa River at Cooch Behar Town, its adjacent areas and outskirts, West Bengal, India. The field work was conducted during Pre-Monsoon, Monsoon, Post-Monsoon and Winter in the year of 2022 and 2023. To carry out the study, water samples have been collected from 5 stations, one station from urban environment, two from adjacent to urban environment, and two from outskirts. The collected samples have been tested in the laboratory by titration, gravimetric and coloration method. CCME WQI was applied using thirteen water quality parameters namely Temperature, pH, Conductivity, Turbidity, Total Hardness, Total Dissolved Solids, Total Soluble Solids, Dissolved oxygen, Biological Oxygen Demand, Chloride, Ferrous, Nitrate and Phosphate. Based on the results obtained from the index, the water quality of Torsa River ranged between 71.13 to 90.06 which indicate that river has the Fair to Good quality due to effect of various rural and urban pollutant sources. The temperature, turbidity, DO, BOD, Chloride and Phosphate do not meet the standards in different sampling stations especially in Monsoon. This makes the water unsuitable for drinking purposes without proper treatment. The work confirms the need to take an action for monitoring the river for proper management. Therefore, there is a need of intensive study leading to a contamination zone mapping to river water quality management.
Dr. Monika Singh, Dr. Rajendra Kumar, Dr. Umesh Chandra Mishra
The interaction between divalent metal cations, specifically magnesium (Mg²⁺) and calcium (Ca²⁺), and nucleotides like cytidine triphosphate (CTP) is fundamental to numerous biological processes, ranging from enzymatic catalysis to nucleic acid stabilization. Key advances include the application of ultrafast two-dimensional infrared (2D-IR) spectroscopy to probe phosphate-ion interactions in aqueous environments and the development of high-field, dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP)-enhanced NMR techniques for challenging quadrupolar nuclei such as ²⁵Mg and ⁴³Ca. Computational approaches, particularly Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations, have become indispensable for interpreting complex spectroscopic signatures and providing atomistic details of binding modes. Comparative analysis reveals that Mg²⁺ typically prefers inner-sphere coordination to the phosphate groups of CTP, forming stable tridentate complexes that are crucial for enzymatic catalysis. Mg²⁺ coordination serves not merely as structural support but actively participates in transition state stabilization and nucleophilic activation in enzymes such as 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol-4-phosphate cytidyltransferase. In contrast, Ca²⁺ exhibits more flexible binding patterns, often involving outer-sphere interactions or coordination with ribose and nucleobase moieties, making it suitable for dynamic signalling roles. Mg²⁺ possesses a high dehydration energy (~450 kcal/mol) and a rigid octahedral coordination sphere, resulting in slow ligand exchange kinetics. Ca²⁺, with lower dehydration energy and a more flexible coordination environment (6-8 water molecules), exhibits faster exchange dynamics. Recent 2D-IR studies have provided direct evidence of these dynamics, revealing that contact ion pair (CIP) formation is rare for Mg²⁺ but more frequent for Ca²⁺ in aqueous solutions.
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.
Deepamol Thomas
Podcasts, as on-demand digital audio programs, offer a convenient and flexible medium for accessing information, entertainment, and storytelling across diverse topics. For parents of persons with disabilities (PWD), especially mothers, who often face immense physical, emotional, and mental challenges, podcasts hold untapped potential as a secondary medium for support. These parents frequently lack the time or opportunity to engage with traditional media, making podcasts an accessible alternative for learning, connection, and empowerment. This study explores the use of podcasts as a tool for education, motivation, experience sharing, and emotional resilience among mothers of children with special needs. The research is guided by three key objectives: (1) to identify the potential of podcasts as a companion for parents of children with disabilities, (2) to assess the impact of podcasts in empowering mothers by enhancing their confidence and advocacy skills, and (3) to evaluate the role of podcasts in facilitating community-building and emotional support networks. A qualitative methodology was adopted using focus group analysis. Two distinct groups, each consisting of 8 mothers of PWD children, were formed based on age demographics: one group below 50 years of age and the other above 50 years. Insights derived from these discussions highlight the significant role podcasts can play in supporting and strengthening these often-overlooked caregivers.
Basake Julius, Sikitu Bashonga Justin, Wabomba Kadili
This study examined the impact of strategic supplier management practices and operational performance of commercial Banks in Juba, South Sudan. Based on the descriptive research design, data was collected from a sample of 164 respondents using questionnaire. Data was procecessed and analyzed with the aid of SPSS, using frequency counts, mean, standard deviation, correlation and multiple regression. Main finding of this study was trust-Based relationship and information sharing had a statistically significant relationship with Operational performance of commercial banks whereas supplier collaboration had a non-statistically significant relationship at 0.05 level of significance. The study concludes that strategic supplier management practices with its indicator of Trust based relationship, information sharing and supplier collaboration relationship factors have direct effect on operational performance of Commercial Banks. However, the overall model is significant at 95% level of significance with (F-value 5.188 and sig value 0.001), explaining up to 11.5% (R-squared=0.115) variation in operation performance of the bank. The study recommends that commercial Banks should strategically manage their supply base on the basis of value of spend or nature of items being purchased. This will enable the Banks to categorize its suppliers and thus proper treatment accorded to every supplier based on their importance.
Suman Prajapati, Vidya Shankar
Jharkhand possesses one of the most diversified and ancient geological terrains of India. The Singhbhum region, often regarded as a natural geological museum, preserves rock assemblages ranging from the Eoarchean to the Quaternary period. The present study reviews the stratigraphic succession of Jharkhand with special emphasis on the Singhbhum Craton, its lithological characteristics, tectonic evolution, magmatic events, sedimentary sequences, and economic significance. The stratigraphic framework begins with the Older Metamorphic Group (OMG), followed by the emplacement of Biotite Tonalite Gneiss, Iron Ore Group, Singhbhum Granite, Singhbhum Group, Dalma-Dhanjori volcanics, younger intrusive bodies, Gondwana Supergroup, Rajmahal Traps, and Quaternary deposits. The study highlights major unconformities, volcanic episodes, metamorphism, and tectonic activities responsible for shaping the present geological architecture of Jharkhand. The paper also discusses the mineral wealth associated with these formations, particularly iron ore, coal, bauxite, and other economically important minerals.
Dr. Hina Khan, Hitanshi Vyas
Women entrepreneurship plays a pivotal role in regional and national economic development, yet its growth is constrained by multiple structural, socio-cultural, and institutional barriers. This study applies Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to examine the barriers and enablers influencing women entrepreneurs in Southern Rajasthan. Drawing on data from 612 women entrepreneurs across the districts of Udaipur, Banswara, Dungarpur, and Chittorgarh, this paper develops and validates a multidimensional framework integrating socio-cultural barriers, financial constraints, institutional support, psychological enablers, and technological adaptability. The measurement model demonstrated strong psychometric reliability (α > 0.80, CR > 0.70, AVE > 0.50) and satisfactory model fit indices (χ²/df = 2.41, CFI = 0.948, RMSEA = 0.056), confirming the robustness of the proposed framework. Structural path analysis revealed that socio-cultural (β = –0.237, p < 0.01), economic (β = –0.186, p < 0.01), institutional (β = –0.203, p < 0.01), and psychological barriers (β = –0.175, p < 0.05) exerted significant negative influences on entrepreneurial outcomes. Conversely, institutional (β = 0.298, p < 0.001), socio-cultural (β = 0.267, p < 0.001), and psychological enablers (β = 0.285, p < 0.001) had strong positive effects, with mediation analysis confirming that enablers partially mitigate the adverse effects of barriers (β = 0.192, p < 0.01). The study suggested that while women in Southern Rajasthan demonstrate high resilience and adaptability, systemic challenges related to financial access, institutional inefficiencies, and social norms continue to constrain their entrepreneurial growth. However, enablers such as education, self-efficacy, digital literacy, and institutional support substantially enhance their business performance and sustainability.
Mae Ann S. Iligan
Integrating technology into Social Studies is seen as key to enhancing student learning and engagement, yet its impact on different engagement dimensions in developing regions is underexplored. This study investigated the level of student engagement in technology- enhanced Social Studies instruction and its relationship with the extent of technology integration among Grade 10 students in the District of Ilog I, Negros Occidental. Utilizing a quantitative descriptive- correlational research design, data were gathered from 158 students across two public secondary schools using a researcher- made Likert- scale questionnaire. The findings revealed an overall “High” level of student engagement, with cognitive and social dimensions rated as High, while behavioral and emotional engagement remained “Moderate”. Technology integration was rated at an “Advanced” level, primarily driven by the use of instructional platforms and digital learning resources. Correlation analysis using Pearson’s indicated a strong positive and statistically significant relationship between technology integration and student engagement, leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis. The study concludes that while advanced technology integration significantly boosts cognitive and social involvement, pedagogical strategies must be further refined to improve behavioral participation and emotional connection. Recommendations include providing continuous professional development for teachers and enhancing digital infrastructure to support more transformative and student- centered learning experiences.
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.
Zayneb Jaatout
This article examines Missouri Williams’s The Doloriad as a post-apocalyptic novel that reconfigures survival as ecological stagnation rather than renewal. While survival in post-apocalyptic fiction is often associated with endurance, futurity, and the possibility of reconstruction, Williams presents a damaged world in which life continues through bodily corrosion, reproductive enclosure, and temporal suspension. Drawing on Julia Kristeva’s theory of abjection, Stacy Alaimo’s concept of trans-corporeality, and Claire Colebrook’s reflections on posthuman temporality, the article argues that The Doloriad transforms survival into a compromised ecological condition. The Family’s bodies appear as permeable and exposed sites where environmental damage becomes materially inscribed, while reproduction extends catastrophe across generations rather than opening toward ethical or ecological renewal. In the novel, children inherit the aftermath instead of representing a regenerated future, and narrative form mirrors this stagnation through repetition, fragmentation, and suspended progression. By reading abject embodiment, reproductive futurity, and narrative temporality together, the article shows how Williams challenges consoling accounts of survival after catastrophe. The Doloriad ultimately separates persistence from hope, suggesting that life after ecological collapse may endure as exposure, coercion, and damaged continuation. In doing so, the novel contributes to Environmental Humanities and post-apocalyptic studies by questioning whether survival itself can preserve the very conditions of harm it appears to overcome.
Mohd Syaubari Bin Othman, Wang Yue
Young university teachers play an important role in teaching, curriculum development, and talent cultivation, but many are still at an early career stage and lack sufficient teaching experience. This issue is more evident in application-oriented institutions, where teachers are expected not only to deliver classroom teaching but also to connect teaching with practical training and industry needs. This study systematically reviews professional development strategies for young university teachers’ teaching competence from 2021 to 2025 and discusses their implications for application-oriented institutions in China. Based on the PRISMA framework, studies published between 2021 and 2025 were searched in Scopus and CNKI. After identification, screening, eligibility assessment, and quality appraisal, 23 studies were included for analysis. The findings show four main development paths. First, teacher development is shifting from one-time training to structured and staged systems supported by institutional policies. Second, mentoring, peer collaboration, teaching communities, and organizational support are becoming important for young teachers’ growth. Third, teaching competitions, open classes, curriculum reform, and other real teaching tasks help teachers improve through practice and feedback. Fourth, university–industry collaboration strengthens practical teaching competence by connecting classroom teaching with industry needs. Overall, young teacher development is more effective when training, mentoring, practice, evaluation, and industry engagement work together as a continuous system. For application-oriented institutions, teacher development should move beyond short-term training and focus on long-term, practice-based, and collaborative support. These findings provide practical implications for improving young teacher development and supporting applied talent cultivation.
Genelyn R. Baluyos, Jennie M. Hyolim, Jerlin Y. Ruelan, Mykah R. Abergas.
Education graduates are expected to possess not only academic qualifications but also a wide range of employability skills that contribute to their effectiveness and satisfaction in the workplace. This study investigated the relationship between employability skills, job performance, and job satisfaction among education graduates of a private university in Ozamiz City during the School Year 2024–2025, with particular focus on the mediating role of job performance. A descriptive correlational research design with mediation analysis was employed, involving 102 education graduates selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using structured and validated survey instruments and analyzed using Mean, Standard Deviation, Spearman’s Rank-Order Correlation, and mediation analysis techniques. The findings revealed that respondents demonstrated high levels of employability skills, job performance, and job satisfaction. Significant positive relationships were found between employability skills and job performance, as well as between employability skills and job satisfaction. Furthermore, job performance significantly mediated the relationship between employability skills and job satisfaction, indicating that graduates with strong employability skills tend to perform better in their jobs, which in turn enhances their level of satisfaction. The study underscores the importance of strengthening employability skills development in teacher education programs to improve both performance and satisfaction outcomes among graduates, while also encouraging educational institutions and employers to implement strategies that further enhance graduates’ competencies and workplace effectiveness.
Paris Gautam, Subhash Mishra
The successful implementation of the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023 depends critically on the quality of professional development provided to in-service teachers. Teacher educators, as frontline policy intermediaries, play a pivotal yet under-researched role in interpreting and delivering NCF-SE-aligned training. This mixed-methods study investigated 30 teacher educators from DIETs, SCERT resource groups, private training institutes, and Block Resource Centres across two districts of Uttar Pradesh. Using a Trainer Knowledge and Beliefs Survey, semi-structured interviews, and live training session observations, the study examined three dimensions: comprehension of NCF-SE 2023 key tenets, perceived preparedness to deliver competency-based training, and actual training practices. Results reveal that while 80% of teacher educators claim familiarity with NCF-SE 2023, only 36.7% correctly identified the four-stage curricular structure, and just 23.3% could describe competency-based assessment without prompting. Training delivery remains predominantly lecture-based (73.3% of observed session time), contradicting the experiential pedagogy they are expected to model. Major barriers include inadequate trainer-of-trainers programmes (86.7%), lack of model lesson plans (76.7%), and institutional pressure to cover the syllabus rather than deepen understanding. The study concludes that teacher educators are willing but unsupported, and recommends a cascading quality-assurance model with practice-based toolkits.
Goodness Xolile Tshabalala, Mkhumbulo Ndlovu, Moses Kufakunesu
Learner indiscipline remains a persistent challenge in Eswatini’s primary schools despite the adoption of positive discipline policies. This situation raises concerns about the effectiveness of current classroom management approaches and highlights the need to consider teachers’ emotional competencies. This study examined teachers’ perceptions of emotional intelligence (EI) and the specific EI skills they consider essential for managing learner behaviour in selected primary schools in Mbabane. Guided by Daniel Goleman’s mixed model of emotional intelligence and underpinned by an interpretivist paradigm, the study employed a qualitative multiple case study design. Sixteen participants, comprising twelve teachers and four head teachers, were purposively selected from four schools. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions and analysed thematically. The findings revealed that teachers’ understanding of EI varied considerably, with some demonstrating limited or inaccurate knowledge of the concept. However, self-awareness, self-regulation, and empathy emerged as the most valued competencies for managing learner discipline. The study concludes that inadequate understanding of EI constrains its effective application in classroom management. It recommends the integration of emotional intelligence training into teacher education and professional development programmes to enhance positive discipline practices and improve learner behaviour outcomes.
Dr. Ratchamarri Useni
Background: The widespread adoption of smartphones has introduced a new spectrum of musculoskeletal disorders among users of all age groups. Text neck syndrome — defined as sustained anterior cervical flexion posture during device use — and SMS thumb, a repetitive strain injury affecting the thumb and wrist, have emerged as clinically significant conditions requiring structured physiotherapy intervention. Objective: This article synthesises current physiotherapy evidence relating to the biomechanics, clinical presentation, assessment, treatment, and prevention of text neck and SMS thumb, with practical guidance for clinicians and patients alike.
Dadan Hindayana, Fachrunissa Rafika Putri, Swastiko Priyambodo
The attack of rice field rats (Rattus argentiventer) is spread almost all of rice fields in Indonesia at all growth stadium, both vegetative and early and late of generative. Several control methods have been implemented including rodenticides (poison baiting), fumigant (poison smoke), hunting (“gropyokan”), and electric fencing. However, it is not yet effective in controlling field rats in the fields, so it needed an environmental friendly and safe control innovation, namely the use of predator to the rat pests in the form of barn owls (Tyto alba). The aim of this study is to obtain the benefits use of barn owls (T. alba) to manage rice field rats population in the role of ecological, economical, and social factors. The research was conducted in Guntur District, Demak Regency, Central Java, Indonesia, from August to October 2022 by conducting a direct survey using a structured questionnaire and field observations. The sampling location and determination of respondents using the sampling method with 30 respondents. Data was processed and analyzed using the Microsoft excel 2019 application. The results showed that the benefits of using T. alba was effective in controlling rats which was seen in ecological, economical, and social factors. Barn owl was able to control 3-5 rats in one night. As the result, it increased the yield of rice production with a R/C ratio of 2.81 and a B/C ratio of 3.84, it means the barn owl is feasible to be developed in the rice fields area. The successful management of rice field ras population using T. alba in Guntur District was supported by stakeholder collaboration and policies in the form of written regulations.
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].
Ayinla Salaudeen Tajudeen
This study examines the effect of remote work on employee performance in Nigerian banks, a sector where service delivery and efficiency are critical to competitiveness. Although remote work is widely practiced in developed economies, its impact in developing contexts such as Nigeria remains underexplored, particularly given infrastructural limitations and cultural preferences for direct supervision. Using a survey of 50 employees across five major banks, First Bank, GTBank, Access Bank, UBA, and Zenith Bank, the study employed stratified random sampling and structured questionnaires to gather data. Analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression techniques in SPSS. The findings reveal that remote work positively influences employee performance, especially by enhancing productivity, job satisfaction, and efficiency. Approximately 66% of respondents agreed that remote work improved overall performance, while 72% reported higher job satisfaction and efficiency. However, challenges such as weak internet connectivity, unstable electricity supply, and reduced teamwork were identified as barriers to optimal outcomes. Notably, only 40% of respondents felt that remote work supported effective teamwork, highlighting collaboration gaps in virtual environments. The study concludes that while remote work offers significant individual benefits, it also presents systemic challenges that limit collective performance in the Nigerian banking sector. A hybrid work model, coupled with infrastructural support, digital training, and clear performance frameworks, is recommended to optimize outcomes. These findings contribute to theoretical debates on the Job Demands–Resources (JD-R) model and offer practical insights for banks and policymakers aiming to balance flexibility with organizational efficiency in Nigeria’s evolving work landscape.
Jeff Mugoba, Niza Rean Simwanza, Patrick Chanda, Thamary Karonga, Vivienne Nambule Syamuleya
Load shedding, defined as the scheduled interruption of electricity supply to balance electricity demand and generation capacity, has become a persistent challenge in Zambia, particularly following the severe drought conditions affecting hydroelectric power generation. While the economic and infrastructural consequences of load shedding are well documented, less attention has been given to its psychological and mental health implications. This study examined how load shedding affects mental health among Zambian residents, focusing on stress, sleep disruption, coping strategies, and socioeconomic vulnerability.
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 recruited to complete a 10-question survey, which was designed using a combination of multiple-choice, drop-down menu, Likert, rating, and rank questions in Google Forms. The findings revealed that AI use was high, with 53% of participants reporting frequent or regular use. The mean rating of the impact was 4.13 5 (SD = 0.72). While 73% agreed that AI enhanced their learning performance, 87% also expressed concerns about AI's ethics. Using personalized learning was considered the most beneficial feature of AI. The results demonstrated the benefits and issues of incorporating AI into education, and the need for institutional policies to regulate its use.
Ramana Raju Mudduluru
The study of adolescence has long been shaped by the attempts to understand the development of adolescents through biological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors. Early theoretical perspectives influenced by G. Stanley Hall conceptualized adolescence as a universal period of ‘storm and stress,' characterized by emotional turbulence and behavioural instability. The recent studies examined adolescent development across the cultural contexts. However, these studies predominantly focus on isolated perspectives such as relational aggression, emotional intelligence, and parental influence. Cross-cultural comparisons undertaken by the existing research often lack depth in explaining the underlying cultural factors that shape adolescent behaviour and identity. Although recent studies acknowledge the influence of social change and globalization, it remains inadequate. This study therefore, drawing on cultural materialism and adolescent psychology, explores how class ideology, generational conflict, and moral frameworks, shape the behavioural and ethical development of Sheila Birling and Eric Birling. Inspector Goole, in the play, functions as a disruptive moral agent, challenging entrenched ideologies and facilitating ethical awakening. By contrasting the adaptability of the younger generation with the rigidity of the older characters, the paper argues that adolescence represents a crucial site for ideologies resistance and moral reorientation. The paper examines the impact of culture on the development of adolescent attitude. This study undertakes a qualitative textual analysis to examine how the cultural forces shape the attitude of adolescents in the play An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley. It reveals that the adolescent attitudes are influenced by the cultural and social structures, where moral consciousness influences the young individuals’ responsibility, attitude, and social relations. These findings underscore the significant role of cultural frameworks in shaping adolescent attitudes, underlining how social class, moral expectations, and collective values impact individual development.
Dhita Hafizha Asri, Husna Leila Yusran, Ratih Anggraini, Yolanda Masnita
This study aims to analyze the impact of inclusive leadership on organizational resilience by examining the mediating roles of strategic agility and innovation capability among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the food and beverage sector in Batam City, Riau Islands Province. This research employed a quantitative explanatory approach with a cross-sectional design. The sample comprised 250 MSME owner-managers selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires distributed online via Google Forms, WhatsApp, and email, as well as offline through direct field visits. Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling with AMOS 29, while mediation effects were tested using the Sobel test. The findings indicate that inclusive leadership has a positive and significant effect on strategic agility and innovation capability, but does not exert a direct effect on organizational resilience. Strategic agility also does not significantly affect organizational resilience and fails to mediate the relationship between inclusive leadership and organizational resilience. In contrast, innovation capability has a positive and significant effect on organizational resilience and significantly mediates the relationship between inclusive leadership and organizational resilience. These findings highlight the importance of inclusive leadership in fostering innovation as the primary pathway for strengthening MSME resilience in a turbulent business environment. The study supports Dynamic Capabilities Theory by showing that organizational resilience is more effectively built through operational innovation capability than through strategic agility alone and provides a basis for designing more sustainable regional MSME development programs.
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].
Dr. Aparadhapu Sriharshni Rani., Kola prudvika
Background: The class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) has significantly changed how type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity are treated. Since the 1980s, when the role of incretins was first discovered, and up to the recent approval of drugs that combine multiple active ingredients, this development has been one of the most important achievements in modern endocrinology. Methods: This review provides an overview of key randomized controlled trials, regulatory documents, and new drug development data for both peptide and non-peptide GLP-1 RAs. It evaluates their effectiveness, impact on cardiovascular health, side effects, and areas where more research is needed. Results: GLP-1 RAs consistently lower HbA1c levels by 1 to 2 percent, reduce body weight by 5 to 22 percent, and decrease the risk of major cardiovascular events by 9 to 20 percent. Newer drugs, such as poly-agonists like tirzepatide and retatrutide, and orally available small molecules like orforglipron, are expanding the range of treatment options. Conclusions: GLP-1 based treatments have the potential to tackle both type 2 diabetes and obesity, but issues like cost, tolerability, and long-term safety continue to pose challenges.
Ar. Tapti Singh Rathore, Mr. Satyam Vishwakarma, Yashica Makhija
The Human mind, body and soul is affected by indoor environments. Organic geometry in detail contemporary interior design and space planning application is now able to utilize organic geometry as a powerful means to the end of achieving spatial psychology and space synergy concepts in its space planning and interior design solutions. Organic forms in nature exhibit curves fluid lines, biomorphic patterns and spatial transitions smooth that are very different to stiff rectilinear forms such features contribute to the making of interior which look visually pleasing and soothing to the eye and is centered on a human scale .
Genelyn R. Baluyos, Sheila Joy O. Quilab
Mathematics learning becomes meaningful when students not only perform procedures accurately but also understand concepts and apply effective problem-solving strategies. This study examined the relationship between procedural fluency and conceptual understanding in mathematics learning, focusing on the mediating role of strategic competence among junior high school students in one of the basic education in Ozamiz City during the school year 2025–2026. A quantitative explanatory correlational design with mediation analysis was employed. The respondents consisted of 180 junior high school students, selected from a population of 337 through stratified random sampling, from a private non-sectarian educational institution in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental, Philippines. Data were gathered using three researcher-made instruments: the Procedural Fluency Questionnaire (PFQ), Conceptual Understanding Questionnaire (CUQ), and Strategic Competence Questionnaire (SCQ). Mean and standard deviation, Spearman's rank-order correlation, stepwise multiple regression analysis, and general linear mediation analysis were used to analyze the data. Results showed that students demonstrated high levels of procedural fluency, strategic competence, and conceptual understanding. Significant positive relationships existed among students' procedural fluency, strategic competence, and conceptual understanding. Efficiency in problem solving, flexibility in applying procedures, appropriateness of procedures, problem representation, strategy formulation, evaluation, and justification were predictive of conceptual understanding. Strategic competence significantly mediated the relationship between procedural fluency and conceptual understanding, indicating a partial mediation effect. The findings highlight that students demonstrated high levels of procedural fluency, strategic competence, and conceptual understanding in mathematics, with significant positive relationships among these variables, where problem-solving efficiency and related skills predicted conceptual understanding, and strategic competence partially mediated the link between procedural fluency and conceptual understanding. Mathematics instructors may promote the balanced development of procedural accuracy, conceptual reasoning, and strategic problem-solving to support students' holistic mathematical proficiency.
Cris Jane Dejapa, Edrian James Montecalvo, Emmanuel Frias, Harold R. Lucero, Jacob Navarro, John Alfred Jauod
The widespread adoption of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in programming education has significantly transformed the way students approach academic tasks, coding activities, and technical problem-solving. This study investigated the impacts of Generative AI utilization on the problem-solving skills and critical thinking skills of 3rd year Information Technology students at Quezon City University. The primary objective of the study was to determine the level of Generative AI utilization among students and examine its significant relationship and predictive effect on students’ cognitive and technical skills. A quantitative descriptive-correlational research design was employed using a validated digital survey questionnaire distributed through Google Forms to 273 respondents selected through stratified random sampling. The collected data were analyzed using weighted mean, standard deviation, Pearson Product–Moment Correlation, Independent Samples t-test, regression analysis, and Cronbach’s alpha reliability testing. The findings revealed that 69.6% of the respondents were highly utilizing Generative AI, using AI tools often (37%) or very often (32.6%) on a weekly basis. Results further showed that respondents demonstrated a high level of Generative AI utilization across academic tasks, code generation, debugging, and technological reliance, with students frequently relying on AI tools for programming assistance, error explanation, and task completion. Respondents also exhibited positive levels of problem-solving and critical thinking skills, particularly in evaluating AI-generated outputs, understanding programming logic, and resolving coding errors. Reliability analysis showed excellent internal consistency for the overall instrument (α = .973), while the Critical Thinking Skills scale achieved good reliability after reverse coding (α = .890). Pearson correlation analysis revealed a very strong positive relationship between Generative AI utilization and problem-solving skills (r = .896, p < .001) and a moderate positive relationship between AI utilization and critical thinking skills (r = .407, p < .001). Furthermore, Independent Samples t-test results showed a statistically significant difference between students with high and low AI utilization in terms of problem-solving skills (t = 10.85, p < .001). Regression analysis further confirmed that Generative AI utilization significantly predicts students’ problem-solving skills (R² = .803, β = .896, p < .001). Overall, the study concludes that Generative AI can serve as an effective educational support tool that enhances programming efficiency, technical learning, and cognitive development when used responsibly and balanced with independent reasoning and critical evaluation.
Anazia Eluemunor Kizito, Jeroh Esemena, 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.
Chester Amgasen Crisanto
A major emerging issue in Mountain Province is the increasing rate of vehicular traffic accidents caused by its mountainous terrain, which has become one of the province’s leading public safety concerns. These accidents continue to threaten public safety, economic stability, and healthcare systems. In a mountainous province located at the center of the Cordillera Administrative Region, the problem is intensified by steep topography, unpredictable weather, winding roads, and expanding transportation networks.
Carlo B. Miranda, Hannah Gweneth S. Cello, Harold R. Lucero, Nestor C. Nagrampa, Patrick Noah T. Beralde, Yvette P. Famador
This study examined the perceived influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) utilization on the programming skills of third-year Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) students at Quezon City University. Specifically, the study focused on students’ self-reported perceptions regarding coding speed, debugging accuracy, coding productivity, learning effectiveness, and the perceived positive and negative influences of AI-assisted programming tools. A quantitative descriptive-correlational research design was employed, involving 284 purposively selected third-year BSIT students during Academic Year 2025–2026. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire administered through Google Forms. The instrument underwent expert validation and pilot testing prior to the actual conduct of the study, yielding acceptable reliability coefficients using Cronbach’s alpha. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage distribution, and weighted mean were utilized, while Spearman’s rho and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used to determine significant relationships and differences among variables. The findings revealed that respondents generally agreed that they possess positive programming-related behaviors and experiences in terms of coding speed, debugging accuracy, coding productivity, and learning effectiveness. Respondents also strongly agreed that AI tools help them understand programming concepts, improve debugging accuracy, and support problem-solving strategies. However, they likewise agreed that excessive AI utilization may contribute to overdependence, reduced independent problem-solving, decreased manual coding practice, and inaccurate reliance on AI-generated outputs. Despite these perceptions, Spearman’s rho analysis showed no statistically significant relationship between AI utilization and perceived programming skills (rs = 0.074, p = 0.211). The findings suggest that while students perceive AI tools as beneficial in supporting programming-related learning experiences, such perceptions do not necessarily indicate measurable improvements in actual programming competence. The study recommends the responsible and balanced integration of AI tools in programming education while encouraging independent coding practice, critical thinking, and problem-solving activities.
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.
Dr. Pritimanjari Khuntia
Women are the milestones of our society, though they work in every sphere of life. No one can be denied their contribution to the family. Our society makes a borderline for them due to gender bias. Women depend on the environment for their household work, because of which they have a deep attachment to nature. They collect more natural resources than men. The loss of the environment directly impacts women. This paper tries to understand the relationship between women and the environment.
Nabaghan Mallick, Shalini Jaiswal
Women entrepreneurs in rural areas are key drivers as they are not only helping their communities grow by creating jobs, using local resources wisely, but also address community needs through innovative sustainable practices. Their enterprises often rooted in indigenous knowledge, local craftmanship, food processing, small scale manufacturing and sustainable agriculture practices. These enterprises generate income for themselves and also contribute to community growth, poverty reduction, social change and promoting gender equality. However structural constraints such as gender based credit system, lack of training, limited access to finance, infrastructure gap, social and cultural restrictions, market access issues continue to hinder their full potential. Despite facing these challenges women are breaking stereotypes with the help of government scheme, NGOs and self help groups digital platforms. With better training easier market connections, these women can play an even bigger role in making rural areas self-reliant and prosperous. The aim to this article is to show how rural women entrepreneurs are not just earning livelihoods but also they are reshaping their communities by blending traditional skills with innovative, sustainable practices. This article also explores the importance, provocation, and future prospectus of women entrepreneurship as a game changer in rural development.