The police gender desks are a significant step towards providing a safe and supportive environment for victims of gender-based violence to report incidents, seek assistance, and access justice. The success of these gender desks relies heavily on how they are perceived by the community they serve. Perception of community members on these specialized units within law enforcement agencies, gender desks are established to provide support and assistance to victims of gender-based violence, including domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of violence that disproportionately affect women and marginalized groups. The study is mainly focused on exploring perceptions of community members on police gender desk in Tanzania, The study reached total of 100 participants across northern Tanzania, applied key informant interviews, focused group discussion as well as questionnaire. The study revealed positive perceptions included, an increase in the number of gender-based violence cases being reported and effectively addressed by the police, importance of the physical accessibility of police gender desks in increasing the utilization of services by victims, the need for specialized training for officers working at gender desks, also emphasized the importance of professionalism in law enforcement agencies for effectively addressing gender-based violence, community members' perceptions were positively associated with their willingness to report gender-based violence, emphasized the role of gender desks in changing community attitudes and increasing reporting rates of gender-based violence.

This study examines consumer expectations and perceived service quality in online retail logistics, an important component of the e-commerce experience. With the increasing demand for fast delivery, transparency, flexibility and hassle-free returns, it has become essential for online retailers to understand consumer preferences. Using a descriptive research design and data collected from 100 respondents across Kerala, the study evaluates key logistics dimensions such as delivery speed, tracking accuracy, packaging quality, communication effectiveness and return/refund processes. Statistical analysis – including chi-square, correlation, and exploratory factor analysis – shows that customer expectations strongly influence perceived service quality (r = .842), and gender significantly influences service quality perceptions. Factor analysis identifies two key dimensions shaping expectations: core logistics performance and costs and post-purchase assurance, together explaining 90% of the variation. The findings indicate a significant gap between expectations and actual logistics performance, particularly in tracking transparency, communication of delays and return processes. The study highlights the need for e-commerce platforms to strengthen operational reliability, adopt technology-driven tracking systems, enhance communication and streamline post-purchase support to improve satisfaction, trust and long-term loyalty.

Employee orientation is a critical practice in human resource management, as it facilitates the integration of new staff into the work environment, equips them with essential knowledge, and enhances their performance. This study evaluated the influence of orientation programs on employee performance within the Airport Police Branch (APB) at Kamuzu International Airport, Malawi. A quantitative descriptive research design was employed, with structured questionnaires administered to 99 respondents. The findings revealed that orientation programs significantly improved officers’ confidence, promoted teamwork, ensured adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and enhanced task accuracy, thereby reducing errors. The study also identified some weaknesses in the orientation process, including outdated training materials, irregular delivery, and limited supervisor involvement. The study concluded that orientation is essential for operational readiness, particularly in security-sensitive contexts. Based on these findings, recommendations include updating orientation content, incorporating scenario-based learning, standardizing frameworks across units, and strengthening mentorship to enhance long-term performance. Overall, the study contributes to knowledge in organizational management, human resource development, and aviation security.

The Fibonacci sequence and its derived ratios (notably 0.236, 0.382, 0.618, and 1.618) have been widely adopted in technical analysis to forecast price movements in financial markets. This review paper examines the application of Fibonacci tools—primarily retracements and extensions—in derivative pricing, including options, futures, and other leveraged instruments. Derivatives derive their value from underlying assets and exhibit high volatility, making predictive tools essential for risk management and strategy formulation. Literature indicates that Fibonacci levels often coincide with support/resistance zones due to trader psychology and self-fulfilling mechanisms. Empirical studies across equity, commodity, and energy markets show mixed results: some demonstrate profitability in specific conditions (e.g., trending markets), while others find no statistical edge over random levels. This review synthesizes theoretical foundations, practical implementations in options and futures trading, empirical evidence, and limitations. It concludes that Fibonacci applications provide a probabilistic framework for derivative traders but require integration with fundamental analysis and other indicators for reliability. Future directions include hybrid models combining Fibonacci with machine learning for enhanced predictive power in volatile derivative markets.

Thermogenesis in plants is a rare yet ecologically significant physiological adaptation that enables certain species to elevate tissue temperatures above ambient environmental conditions. Symplocarpus foetidus (L.), commonly known as eastern skunk cabbage, represents one of the most intensively studied thermogenic plants in temperate ecosystems. This review synthesizes existing knowledge on the physiological, biochemical, and genetic mechanisms underlying thermogenesis in S. foetidus, with particular emphasis on mitochondrial respiration, the alternative oxidase (AOX) pathway, and temperature regulation. Recent advances in molecular biology revealing gene expression patterns associated with mitochondrial function and energy dissipation are discussed. Furthermore, the ecological and evolutionary significance of thermogenesis is examined, including its role in early spring flowering, reproductive success under cold conditions, pollinator attraction through heat and odor emission, and survival in frost-prone habitats. Finally, major knowledge gaps are identified, and future research directions are proposed to enhance understanding of thermogenic regulation, adaptive significance, and responses to climate change.

This study examined the role of ICT-enabled facilities in enhancing teacher effectiveness in Nigerian tertiary institutions, with a focus on public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education in Akwa Ibom State. Anchored on the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework, the study adopted a descriptive survey research design. A total of 328 academic staff were selected through stratified random sampling to ensure institutional representation. Data were collected using a researcher-developed instrument titled ICT-Enabled Facilities and Teacher Effectiveness Questionnaire (ICTFTEQ), which was validated by experts and yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.86 using Cronbach’s Alpha. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer research questions, while Pearson Product Moment Correlation was employed to test the hypothesis at the 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that the availability and utilization of ICT-enabled facilities were generally moderate, with critical resources such as reliable internet access, multimedia tools, and digital libraries rated low. Teacher effectiveness in the use of ICT for instructional delivery was also found to be moderate, with weaknesses observed in lesson presentation, assessment, blended teaching, and classroom management. The correlation analysis indicated a weak but statistically significant positive relationship between ICT-enabled facilities and teacher effectiveness. The study concludes that although ICT-enabled facilities contribute to teacher effectiveness, their impact remains limited by infrastructural inadequacies, insufficient training, and weak institutional support. The study recommends sustained investment in ICT infrastructure, continuous professional development for lecturers, and supportive institutional policies to maximize the instructional benefits of ICT in Nigerian tertiary education.

Rural colleges often face challenges such as limited faculty availability, poor internet connectivity, and lack of modern teaching resources. This research proposes a Cloud-based Remote Classroom System integrated with a Machine Learning (ML) model to deliver real-time lectures, automated content distribution, and intelligent student support. The system provides low-bandwidth streaming, offline content access, a cloud-hosted learning platform, and an AI assistant for resolving student queries. By combining adaptive bitrate technology, ML-based recommendation, and remote classroom monitoring, the proposed solution improves the quality of education in rural institutions.

Education is a cornerstone for personal development, economic growth, and social transformation. Globally, access to quality education is recognized as a fundamental human right and a key driver of sustainable development (UNESCO, 2020). However, in many developing contexts, access to education remains uneven, with financial barriers acting as major obstacles, particularly for youth in rural and low-income communities. To mitigate these disparities, scholarship programs have been introduced as a vital policy tool to support vulnerable learners. In Malawi, the Building Mawa Today Scholarship implemented by Active Africa Organization aims to improve access to education among disadvantaged youth in Traditional Authority (T/A) Chiwere, Dowa District. This study investigates the relevance and effectiveness of this scholarship in enhancing educational access for rural youth and contributing to equitable development.

Government operational funding is so important for a successful implementation of child health intervention in Tikoliwe village, particularly when it comes to limited resources directed to such projects. This study will assess the impact of such funding towards the implementation of the under-five shelter project in Tikoliwe village, Mchinji. This research will further evaluate the adequacy, timeline, sustainability and funding as main area of focus when it comes to making this under-five shelter project a success. A simple view towards this project deduces challenges being face to run this project, it is a very good project helping in maintaining good health of the children but failing to have a good structure resulting borrowing a school block to execute its purpose. This study will bring recommendations that can bring positive change towards the success rate of this project.

Father involvement is increasingly recognized as a vital component of child development, yet in refugee settings it remains limited due to complex cultural, economic, and psychosocial challenges. This study assessed the impact of father involvement in childcare practices at Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Malawi. Guided by Social Change Theory, the research explored the level of paternal participation in caregiving, examined the relationship between father engagement and child development outcomes, and identified factors influencing father involvement. A qualitative research approach was used, involving in-depth interviews with twelve parents selected through snowball sampling. Thematic analysis revealed that father involvement exists but remains generally low, with fathers participating mostly in play, emotional support and discipline, while mothers perform the majority of daily caregiving tasks. Children with involved fathers exhibited improved emotional well-being, better behaviour, and stronger confidence. However, cultural norms, unemployment, economic strain, psychological stress, and lack of parenting knowledge were major barriers to male engagement. The study concludes that enhancing father involvement can significantly strengthen child development and family well-being in refugee settings. It recommends community-based parenting programs and behaviour-change initiatives to support active male participation in childcare.

Urbanization is a complex socio-economic process that reshapes population distribution, settlement patterns, and social structures. This study examined how urbanization influences crime prevention strategies in Area 8, with specific focus on Mchesi and Biwi townships in Lilongwe City. Rapid and largely unplanned urban growth in developing countries has been associated with rising crime rates due to population congestion, unemployment, informal settlements, and erosion of traditional social control mechanisms (Shaw & McKay, 1942; UN-Habitat, 2016). The study employed a triangulation approach using a cross-sectional research design. Data were collected from 120 respondents through questionnaires and key informant interviews involving residents, community leaders, and police officers. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The findings revealed that rapid urbanization has strained existing crime prevention strategies by overwhelming policing capacity, weakening community cohesion, and increasing opportunities for criminal activities. The study concludes that effective crime prevention in urbanized settings requires integrated urban planning, strengthened community policing, and socio-economic interventions targeting urban poverty and unemployment.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in higher education by enabling personalized instruction, adaptive learning pathways, and timely feedback. This study examines the impact of AI-based learning tools on student engagement and academic performance in higher education. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted among 150 undergraduate students using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression techniques. The findings indicate that AI-based learning tools have a significant positive influence on student engagement, which in turn significantly affects academic performance. Student engagement was found to partially mediate the relationship between AI-based learning tools and academic performance. The study provides empirical evidence supporting the effective and responsible integration of AI technologies in higher education to enhance learning outcomes.

The cement manufacturing industry presents significant occupational hazards, including exposure to dust, noise, mechanical injuries, and chemical agents (Raharjo et al., 2016). Personal Protective Devices (PPDs) are essential in minimizing these risks (Iliopoulou, 2018). However, compliance with PPD use remains inconsistent in many industrial settings, particularly in developing countries (Khan et al., 2015). This study aimed to assess the knowledge, compliance, and perceived effectiveness of PPD use among workers at a large cement factory in Kogi State, Nigeria, and to identify factors influencing consistent PPD utilization.

Blockchain-enabled secure data sharing frameworks have gained significant attention for addressing trust, transparency, and security challenges in cloud environments. However, the integration of blockchain with cloud systems introduces performance overhead in terms of transaction latency, throughput degradation, and consensus delay. This paper presents a comprehensive performance evaluation of a Blockchain-Driven Secure Data Sharing Framework (BSDSF) designed for cloud environments. The framework employs a hybrid on-chain/off-chain architecture, smart contract-based access control, and a Byzantine Fault Tolerant (BFT) consensus mechanism to ensure decentralized and secure data sharing. Extensive simulation-based experiments are conducted to analyze transaction throughput, transaction latency, block propagation time, smart contract execution time, and consensus completion time under varying network sizes and workloads. The performance of the proposed framework is compared with existing secure data sharing models, namely BSDSS and DSSS.
Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed BSDSF achieves up to 25% improvement in throughput and 30% reduction in transaction latency compared to baseline approaches. The findings confirm that strong security guarantees can be achieved without significant performance degradation, making the framework suitable for large-scale and security-sensitive cloud applications.

The purpose is to make a 360-degree diagnostic of the Malian higher education, and based on that, suggest solutions?which will transform it from a barrier into an accelerator. Combined student-faculty-administration data from Bamako (the capital city) and regional universities also suggest an ever extending yet “rotting” system: overall tertiary completion rate is 5.4 %, gross graduation rates plummet to 29%?for students at the second level of higher education who are living outside Mali’s capital, and 35% of all graduates are jobless or un(der)-employed. The funding per student is quantitatively 43 % lower where 60 % of faculty positions are vacant, only 9 %?of the programs have updated curriculum and laboratories on three-quarters of campuses have been kept locked. The qualitative outcomes have attributed these deficiencies to chronic under-investment, mass migration of health workers, poor?governance and political instability. In?contrast, lean private-technical institutes with 55 % graduation and 28 % graduate joblessness prove that vocational models can fare better than established universities. Stakeholder agreement (88 % demand for funding, 86 % curriculum overhaul, 85 % faculty training) triangulates five prioritized recommendations: raise public spending to 20 % of education budgets labour-market-aligned curricula mandatory, scale-up PhD-sandwich schemes establish PPP?STEM labs and expand scholarships promoting equity among rural and female students. The article concludes that jointly implemented, these measures?can make Malian universities inclusive drivers of innovation, human capital supply and nation-building.

The emergence of environmental challenges, climate change, and sustainable development imperatives has significantly reshaped the priorities of the global financial sector. In this context, green banking has gained prominence as an innovative approach that integrates ecological responsibility into financial services. Green banking refers to the adoption of environmentally sustainable practices in banking operations, including paperless transactions, green lending, renewable energy financing, and promotion of digital banking. Its relevance has further expanded with the adoption of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which serve as a global blueprint for poverty reduction, environmental protection, and inclusive economic growth by 2030. This paper examines the role of green banking in promoting SDGs, with a particular focus on goals related to affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), industry and infrastructure (SDG 9), responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), and climate action (SDG 13). The study draws insights from existing literature, secondary reports, and global case studies of banking institutions that have pioneered sustainability-driven initiatives. Findings suggest that green banking contributes not only to environmental protection but also to long-term profitability and stakeholder trust, thereby creating a balance between financial performance and social responsibility. However, challenges such as high implementation costs, lack of awareness, regulatory gaps, and uneven adoption across countries continue to limit its impact. The paper concludes that mainstreaming green banking requires stronger regulatory frameworks, innovative financial instruments such as green bonds, and collaborative efforts among banks, governments, and international organizations. In doing so, green banking can serve as a powerful catalyst for achieving the SDGs and fostering sustainable development worldwide.

This study examines the illocutionary acts and HEXACO model to reveal Stanley's personality as one of the characters in the short movie The Phone Call. The two propositions are connected by looking at the types of illocutionary acts along with their intention and some traits within HEXACO model that both become exact counterparts. Employing Searle’s (1969) classification of illocutionary acts and Asthon and Lee’s (2013) HEXACO model, this investigation employs a qualitative research method because the data are in the form of utterances rather than numerical facts. The results show four types of illocutionary acts, and two models of HEXACO. The four types include representative, expressive, directive, and commisive, while the two models comprise honesty-humility and emotionality. Representative acts reflect high honesty-humility, as well as high and low emotionality, and expressive acts present high honesty-humility and high emotionality. Subsequently, directive acts, although appear less frequently, indicate high honesty-humility and high emotionality. Last, directive acts show high honesty-humility and high emotionality. Specifically, those aforementioned counterparts unveil the Stanley’s personality as honest, sincere, emotional, anxious, oversensitive, and sentimental. This finding is closely related to the course of the story presenting a situation when Stanley phones a call center.

The rapid growth of electric vehicles (EVs) has increased the demand for clean, reliable, sustainable charging infrastructure. This paper presents the design and development of a solar based electric vehicle charging station using photovoltaic panels, charge controller, battery storage, and inverter. The proposed system is economical, eco-friendly, and suitable for urban and rural applications.

Pounded yam/cassava fufu is a special Nigerian delicacy enjoyed by communities in western and other parts of Nigeria. It is traditionally obtained from manually pounding yam with a mortar and pestle. It is usually a very phenomenal and time-taking task, hence the need for a simpler modified machine, modified from the existing fufu pounding machine that is not as versatile to be able to both grind cassava fufu and yam. The major modifications involved widening the versatility of the existing machine, improving the safety considerations by installing a safety guard. Materials used included; stainless steel, mild steel, angle iron, metal sheet, belt, galvanized steel, shaft, pulley, metal gauze, bolts and nuts, and bearing at the cost of N60,180.00 affordable for rural populace. At the final analysis, the machine has the performance efficiency of 78% compared to the existing machine of 44% at the same effort input capacity to grind an estimated 10kg of boiled yam at an equally 7and 40 minutes respectively.

Background: The tugboat docking process is a high-risk job because it involves heavy equipment, a pressurized air system, and a water working environment. This condition has the potential to cause work accidents if occupational safety and health (K3) risks are not managed optimally. Methods: This study uses a qualitative descriptive approach to analyze the potential risk of work accidents in the tugboat docking process at PT Dokmor Optima Kajayan in 2025. Data was collected through observation, interviews, and document review. Risk analysis was carried out using the Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, and Risk Control (HIRARC) method based on the AS/NZS 4360:2004 standard. Results: Hazard identification shows that there are 18 potential hazards that come from mechanical, environmental, and human factors. The results of the risk assessment showed 1 type of hazard with low risk, 6 types of hazard with medium risk, and 11 types of hazard with high risk. The risk control that has been implemented includes routine inspections, safety briefings, prohibitions on being in dangerous areas, and the use of personal protective equipment. The researcher recommends improving control through engineering engineering, strengthening administrative control, and the use of appropriate PPE. Conclusion: The tugboat docking process has a significant potential risk of work accidents, so it is necessary to implement more effective risk control according to the K3 control hierarchy.

The present study was undertaken to identify, characterize, develop, and validate a UV spectrophotometric method for the simultaneous estimation of Dexamethasone (DMS) and Indomethacin (IMC) using the simultaneous equation method. The wavelength selection study revealed ?max values of 242.0 nm for Dexamethasone and 266.0 nm for Indomethacin, which were selected for quantitative analysis. Linearity studies demonstrated a direct proportional relationship between absorbance and concentration over the range of 5–25 µg/ml for DMS and 10–50 µg/ml for IMC. The calibration curves exhibited excellent linearity with correlation coefficients (r²) of 0.999 for both drugs. The slopes were found to be 0.049 for DMS and 0.009 for IMC, indicating good sensitivity of the method. Overlay spectra confirmed the presence of suitable absorbance characteristics for simultaneous estimation using the simultaneous equation method. Mixed standard studies showed accurate quantification, with percentage concentration found ranging from 96.00–98.00% for DMS and 99.84–99.92% for IMC, confirming the suitability of the developed method for combined analysis. Accuracy studies conducted at 80%, 100%, and 120% recovery levels demonstrated satisfactory recovery values. For Dexamethasone, mean recoveries were 95.20%, 96.62%, and 95.08%, with %RSD values below 2%. For Indomethacin, mean recoveries were 99.05%, 99.06%, and 99.83%, with %RSD values well below 1%, indicating excellent accuracy.

The rapid expansion of Internet of Things (IoT) networks has brought forth critical cybersecurity concerns, necessitating the development of advanced strategies to ensure secure and dependable communicationsTraditional security measures frequently fail to mitigate new cyber threats such as DDoS attacks, malware attacks and data integrity attacks. This study presented an AI augmented network security framework designed to involve ML, AI and error-correcting codes (ECCs) to help mitigate attacks through new intrusion detection and data security in the IoT environment. Using deep- learning models including convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and adaptive particle swarm optimization (APSO), the authors sought to facilitate rapid threat identification in real time. In addition, the use of ECCs like Reed-Solomon and Turbo Codes were used to minimize errors in transmission and maintain integrity in wireless environments. The graduated experimental evaluations on standard IoT datasets, NSL-KDD and CICIDS-2017, resulted in improved detection rates +7.64%, decreased false positive rates -15%, and improved transmission reliability +30% compared with conventional security approaches. These results validate the effectiveness, scalability, and robustness of the proposed approach for next-generation IoT cybersecurity deployments.

Groundwater remains the primary source of domestic water supply in North Bank, Makurdi, Nigeria, yet its quality varies with source type and exposure to contamination. This study assessed the physicochemical characteristics, Water Quality Index (WQI), and parameter influence on groundwater from boreholes (BHs) and hand-dug wells (HDWs) using multivariate analysis and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) modeling. Borehole water exhibited slightly alkaline conditions (pH 7.50 ± 0.79) with higher mineralization, reflected by Total Dissolved Solids (427.6 ± 176.2 mg/L) and Electrical Conductivity (747.2 ± 492.8 µS/cm), indicating prolonged water–rock interaction within deeper aquifers. In contrast, HDWs showed lower mineral content (TDS = 267.6 ± 181.8 mg/L; EC = 510.2 ± 321.2 µS/cm) but elevated indicators of organic and anthropogenic contamination, including Biochemical Oxygen Demand (48.6 ± 6.4 mg/L) and nitrate (41.4 ± 24.7 mg/L), alongside reduced dissolved oxygen (5.12 ± 0.19 mg/L). Water Quality Index values ranged from 28.6 to 45.9 for boreholes, classifying them predominantly as Good, while HDWs ranged from 32.1 to 51.4, spanning Good to Poor categories. The integrated mean WQI of 37.5 places groundwater in North Bank within the Good class overall; however, the presence of Poor-quality HDWs indicates localized deterioration linked to shallow aquifer vulnerability and surface contamination. ANN synaptic weight analysis identified nitrate (12.7%), total hardness (11.6%), electrical conductivity (11.1%), and calcium (10.4%) as dominant drivers of borehole water quality, reflecting geogenic control. Conversely, HDW quality was most influenced by chlorine (12.5%), electrical conductivity (11.5%), dissolved oxygen (11.1%), calcium (10.5%), and turbidity (10.4%), underscoring the role of anthropogenic inputs. The findings demonstrate that while boreholes in North Bank generally provide relatively safe groundwater, hand-dug wells pose significant quality concerns that lower overall water reliability. Targeted protection, routine monitoring, and appropriate treatment of shallow wells are therefore essential to safeguard public health and ensure sustainable groundwater use in Makurdi.

The rapid pace of digitization of healthcare systems and the proliferation of Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) devices have substantially improved patient care, diagnostics and remote health monitoring [1], [16]. However, these advancements have also presented critical challenges of data privacy, security, integrity and trust [6], [14]. Conventional centralized machine learning models for intelligent healthcare analytics are prone to data breaches, single point failures, insider attacks and regulatory non-compliance [3], [13]. To address these challenges, in this paper, a Federated Learning and Blockchain Enabled Secure Healthcare Framework (FLB-SHF) is proposed which incorporates privacy- preserving distributed intelligence and immutable and transparent trust management. [2], [9]Federated learning is a technique used to train a collaborative model on multiple healthcare institutions without having to share raw patient data to ensure data confidentiality and regulatory compliance. Blockchain technology is a complementary technology addressing decentralized access control, auditability and tamper resistance storage using smart contracts [10], [19]. The proposed framework has a layered architecture, which provides support for secure data acquisition, decentralized learning, intrusion-aware validation, and trusted update management. Extensive experimental evaluation with benchmark healthcare datasets shows that the proposed FLB-SHF framework is able to achieve high classification accuracy, low communication overhead and improved privacy protection against traditional centralized approaches [12], [15]. The results validate the applicability of the proposed framework to scaling, resistance to malicious behaviour and suitability for next-generation smart healthcare environments.

Social media addiction among college athletes represents a growing public health concern, exacerbated by post-COVID screen time surges. This study compared baseline addiction levels across yoga (mindfulness-based), hockey (team-intensive), and kho-kho (traditional agility sport) practitioners to identify potential protective effects of differing physical disciplines. To assess social media addiction via Social Media Addiction Scale (SMAS; Tutgun Ünal & Deniz, 2015) among 45 LNIPE college players (15 per group) and test between-group differences. Forty-five male students (Age = 20.8 ± 1.9 years) were randomly selected during fitness tests and stratified by discipline. SMAS scores were analyzed using one-way ANOVA (? = .05) following verification of normality and homogeneity assumptions.

Women’s economic empowerment is widely recognized as a critical pathway to poverty reduction, inclusive growth, and gender equality in developing economies. In Malawi, women dominate the informal sector but face persistent barriers to accessing afford- able finance, limiting the growth and sustainability of their enterprises. In response, the Government of Malawi established the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF), including the Women Empowerment Enterprise Loan Initiative, to improve financial inclusion among women entrepreneurs. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the NEEF Women Empowerment Enterprise Loan Initiative in supporting women-owned businesses at Area 2 Market in Lilongwe. Using a qualitative case study design, data was collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with twenty women loan beneficiaries and five local lead- ers involved in loan facilitation and monitoring. Thematic analysis was employed to examine women’s experiences in accessing and utilizing NEEF loans, socio-economic outcomes, implementation challenges, and the role of local leadership. Findings indicate that the initiative has enhanced women’s access to capital, improved business performance, increased household income, and strengthened women’s con- fidence and decision-making power. However, challenges such as delayed loan dis- bursement, inadequate loan sizes, rigid repayment schedules, limited financial literacy training, and insufficient monitoring constrain the program’s overall effectiveness.
The study concludes that while the NEEF Women Empowerment Enterprise Loan Initiative has positively contributed to women’s economic empowerment, its impact would be significantly strengthened through integrated capacity-building programs, flexible repayment arrangements, and stronger post-loan support mechanisms.

Real-time monitoring is an essential tool in contemporary project management, enabling continuous collection, analysis, and reporting of data during project implementation. This study explores how real-time monitoring contributes to project effectiveness within the Transformative Initiative at GIZ. Using a qualitative research approach, data were collected from 28 respondents comprising stakeholders, staff members, partner representatives, and a manager. Thematic analysis revealed that real-time monitoring improves decision-making, resource allocation, accountability, and stakeholder engagement. Challenges identified include technical limitations and capacity gaps, which hinder optimal use of real-time monitoring tools. The study concludes that integrating real-time monitoring into planning and implementation processes enhances project responsiveness and effectiveness, while recommending capacity-building and infrastructure improvements to maximize its benefits.

Bursary schemes are essential in improving access to secondary school education for financially disadvantaged students in Malawi. This study sought to assess the effectiveness of bursary provision in enhancing access to secondary school education among the needy students in Kisumu County. The study was anchored on Abraham Maslows Hierarchy of needs Theory. The study employed a qualitative insights, allowing for data triangulation and a comprehensive understanding of the research problem. The study targeted the poor and vulnerable students who require bursary to be distributed to them to access secondary school education.

Malaria remains a critical public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, where health information systems often face significant limitations. This study explores the application of Bayesian Neural Networks (BNNs) in mathematical modeling to assess malaria vaccine impact. We incorporated epidemiological data from local surveillance systems in Western Kenya to simulate malaria transmission dynamics, focusing on the basic reproduction number (R?) under various vaccination scenarios. Our AI-driven approach leverages genomic data and immune system interactions to predict pathogenic epitopes, assess immunogenicity, and prioritize antigens with optimal safety and efficacy profiles. The BNN model successfully captured uncertainty in malaria transmission predictions, with credible intervals reflecting data quality and inherent stochasticity. Model training converged within 100 epochs on population-scale datasets, demonstrating computational efficiency suitable for resource-limited settings. Simulations across vaccination coverage levels demonstrated that high coverage of 80% can reduce R? from 2.8 to 1.1, representing a 61% reduction in transmission potential. Feature attribution analysis revealed that vaccination status contributed 42% of explained variance in outcomes, followed by age group at 28%, exposure level at 18%, and geographic region at 12%. We address key challenges including data heterogeneity, model interpretability, and regulatory considerations. The integration of AI-enhanced BNNs offers improved precision, scalability, and interpretability in malaria vaccine impact assessment, potentially accelerating the delivery of effective vaccines in resource-limited settings and supporting evidence-based public health decision-making.

Perceived cyber risk remains a major challenge for first-time rural users of digital payment systems, as concerns about fraud, data misuse, and transaction errors continue to undermine confidence and discourage sustained usage. Cyber threats in village contexts often manifest through identity theft, phishing scams, social engineering, and unauthorized transaction attempts, leading users to fear monetary loss and lack of recourse. To address these challenges, this study develops a conceptual model grounded in Innovation Resistance Theory and the Technology Acceptance perspective, incorporating six key constructs: perceived cyber risk, trust, psychological discomfort, habit-based resistance, digital literacy, and social support from local intermediaries. The model is empirically tested using structural equation modelling (SEM) among first-time rural digital payment users. Findings reveal that perceived cyber risk increases psychological discomfort and significantly weakens trust, which in turn strengthens resistance to digital payment use. Conversely, digital literacy, social support, and guided hand-holding reduce fear and improve confidence in transacting digitally. The results provide practical insights for policymakers, FinTech providers, and rural financial inclusion programs by highlighting the need for risk-aware design, vernacular communication, and structured support mechanisms to mitigate cyber risk perceptions and encourage safer, sustained digital payment adoption among rural communities.

This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of the Flipped strategy Classroom in increasing the achievements of students with difficulties in geometry, with a special focus on the construction of regular polygons. The research was conducted at the Primary and Lower Secondary School "Heronjtë e Lumës", Vërmicë /Prizren (Kosovo), including 12 purposefully selected students, identified with obvious difficulties in geometric tasks. The study used a qualitative approach, while the data were collected through classroom observation, semi-structured interviews with students, and the analysis of their papers and exercises during the learning process. Flipped Strategy Classroom was implemented using instructional videos from YouTube, which students watched in advance at home, while classroom time was used for practical work, continuous explanations, collaboration, and direct support from the teacher during the construction with ruler and compass. The results show that the implementation of this strategy had a positive impact on improving procedural accuracy and reducing errors during construction, increasing engagement and active participation in class, as well as strengthening self-confidence and developing more positive attitudes towards geometry. However, the study also identified implementation challenges, mainly related to uneven access to the internet/devices and cases where some students did not watch the videos regularly. In conclusion, the study recommends the integration of Flipped Classroom as a supportive practice in geometry teaching, especially for struggling students, suggesting practical measures such as providing offline materials and brief summaries in class to guarantee full inclusion.

Background: The awareness of preventive measures against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is relatively high among students in tertiary institutions, yet they continue to constitute a population at increased risk of acquiring STIs. Objective: This study assessed the practice of preventive measures against STIs among health science students in a tertiary institution in Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out using a structured, self-administered questionnaire among 394 undergraduate students in a College of Health Sciences selected through multistage sampling technique. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of respondents was 21.07 ± 2.46 years, with the majority aged 16–25 years (95.2%). About 41.1% of the respondents were sexually active. Among these, 75.9% use condoms while 54.5% use condoms consistently. Up to 39.8% had ever been tested for STIs with only 8.9% of them knowing their test results. Overall, 58% of the respondents demonstrated good preventive practices against STIs, while 10% demonstrated poor practices. Inadequate education (91.6%), personal health concerns (89.1%), and peer pressure (70.8%) were the major factors influencing preventive practices. Age, gender, and level of study were significantly associated with preventive practices against STIs (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Majority of the health sciences students demonstrated good practice of preventive measures against STIs, however notable gaps exist in consistent condom use and uptake of STI testing. Addressing educational inadequacies, expanding free services and reducing stigmatization could enhance STI preventive practices among the students.

These days, a significant percentage of the population is moving toward a combination of nutritious meals or nutrition combined with herbal health supplements. We have created a product that incorporates a variety of herbal ingredients in accordance with this trend. Chyawanprash, which is becoming increasingly popular for its health-enhancing qualities, has been developed by us. Furthermore, by creating a product via an extraction procedure utilizing a combination of Shivlingi, Putrajeevak, Shatavari, Lavang (Clove), Dalchini (Cinnamon), Badisauf (Fennel), Elayachi (Cardamom), Amla, Madhu (Honey), Ashwagandha, Kalimiri (Black pepper), Kesar (Saffron), and Ghee (Clarified butter), we have concentrated on resolving particular problems related to fertility and PCOD (PolyCystic Ovarian Disease). The flavors in this preparation are well-balanced between sweetness, acidity, and bitterness. To guarantee the formulation’s stability and consistency over time, we have carried out evaluations. We hope to emphasize the value of integrating our ancient Ayurvedic ideas into contemporary healthcare practices through this endeavor.

The study examined the effect of port logistics on job/employment creation in maritime industry in Nigeria. The predictor variable’s (port logistics’) dimensions included: port administration, port operations, procurement, warehousing, and intermodal transport. The criterion variable was job/employment creation. The theories that underpinned the study included: stakeholders’ theory, and Planed Behaviour. Cross-sectional survey research design was used for the study. Primary and secondary sources of data were used as the main data collection methods. Primary data for this study were collected through structured questionnaire. The population of the study consisted of all the seven (6) ports in Nigeria. The study used descriptive and inferential statistical tools to analyse the data. Specifically, multiple regression analiysis of ordinary least square estimation was used to test the hypotheses with the aid of SPSS 25.0. The reliability of the research instrument was validated with Cronbach Alpha threshold at 0 .70. The study revealed that seaports collect data on vessel performance, environmental conditions, and cargo status, enabling predictive maintenance and timely interventions to prevent equipment failures and accidents and that seaports significantly reduce human error and exposure to hazardous environments. The study revealed that seaports significantly reduce labour costs and minimize human error and that they have service operators to carry out maintenance in a way that reduces unexpected breakdowns and prolongs the lifespan of assets, thereby lowering maintenance and repair costs. The study concluded that: Port administration, port operation, procurement, warehousing and intermodal transport have insignificant effect on job/employment creation. This study, therefore, recommended that: Governments, ports and maritime industry stakeholders should promote intermodal transport links - rail, inland waterways, efficient road networks to distribute cargo quickly with hubs / dry ports to reduce congestion and distribute jobs more broadly. They should also, encourage the development of bonded warehouses, cold chain storage, value added services and encourage logistics parks near ports to cluster warehousing and distribution, resulting in more jobs.

Tree climbing is a difficult and risky task when done manually. To reduce human effort and increase safety, a Tree Climbing Machine is designed. This machine helps a person climb trees easily using mechanical support, reducing accidents and saving time.

Pounded yam/cassava fufu is a special Nigerian delicacy enjoyed by communities in western and other parts of Nigeria. It is traditionally obtained from manually pounding yam with a mortar and pestle. It is usually a very phenomenal and time-taking task, hence the need for a simpler modified machine, modified from the existing fufu pounding machine that is not as versatile to be able to both grind cassava fufu and yam. The major modifications involved widening the versatility of the existing cassava fufu, improving the safety considerations by installing a safety guard. Materials used included; stainless steel, mild steel, angle iron, metal sheet, belt, galvanized steel, shaft, pulley, metal gauze, bolts and nuts, and bearing at an affordable cost of #60,180.00 affordable for rural populace. At the final analysis, the machine has the performance efficiency of 78% compared to the traditional existing manually piston and mortar machine of 44% at the same effort input capacity to grind an estimated 10kg of boiled yam at an equally 7and 40 minutes respectively.

The media and media relations are componets of communication studies, including the process of public relations practice.This paper therefore, examined how public relations experts could work in hands to hands with the media and the extent and importance of the relationship in the practice of public relations (PR ) .Three objectives were formulated . The theories used were Framing, Third Person Effect,Technological and Cultural Determinism theories.Survey design including a focus group discussion helped in the data extraction.The population of the involved communities was put at 10,562 while the sample size was 722.Two public relations experts and two media persons were used for the focus group discussion.The study found out that in public relations practice, media team and media relations are key, impacful and very important to public relations practice. It recommended that entrepreneurs should invest in public relations and media indusrties inorder to harmonize and creat a very good working environment for both professions. Organizations should be able to effectively develope and equipe their public relations department with modern communication gadgets and technology for effective and good quality performance. The media and public relations professionals should practice in accordance to global standards and avoid misinformation and fake news.

This study investigated teacher competency and green technology adoption for sustainable education outcomes in Federal Universities in South-South Nigeria. The growing emphasis on sustainability and digital transformation in higher education has increased expectations for the use of green technologies; however, their effectiveness largely depends on teachers’ capacity to integrate them into instructional practices. Anchored on systems theory, the study adopted a descriptive survey research design. A sample of 312 academic staff was selected from Federal Universities in the region using stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire, with a reliability coefficient of 0.84. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer research questions, while Pearson Product-Moment Correlation was employed to test hypotheses at the 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed a moderate level of teacher competency in the use of green technologies, but a low extent of green technology adoption for achieving sustainable education outcomes. Although teacher competency showed a positive and statistically significant relationship with green technology adoption and sustainable education outcomes, the strength of these relationships was moderate. The study concludes that teacher competency is a necessary but insufficient condition for achieving sustainable education outcomes. It recommends policy-driven professional development, stronger institutional support, and integrated sustainability strategies to enhance the effectiveness of green technology initiatives in Nigerian universities.

This study investigates consumer preferences for molecular gastronomy in comparison to traditional Indian desserts. With the rise of modernist cuisine, molecular gastronomy has gained attention for its innovative techniques, sensory appeal, and artistic presentation. However, Indian desserts—rooted in cultural heritage and authentic flavours remain popular among diverse consumer segments. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, to assess factors influencing preference, including taste perception, presentation, novelty, cultural familiarity, and willingness to pay. A sample of 300 participants from urban metropolitan areas was analysed using descriptive statistics and comparative analysis. Results indicate that while molecular gastronomy attracts younger consumers and culinary adventurers due to novelty and experiential dining, Indian desserts maintain stronger overall preference grounded in cultural tradition, emotional attachment, and perceived value. Key differences emerged in the importance of sensory familiarity versus experiential innovation, with Indian desserts scoring higher on comfort and tradition, and molecular gastronomy scoring higher on creativity and uniqueness. The findings contribute to understanding the dynamics of evolving food preferences in contemporary culinary landscapes and offer insights for restaurateurs, marketers, and culinary educators aiming to balance innovation with tradition.

In the business environments that is characterized by heightened public scrutiny, globalization, and many sustainability challenges, corporate behavior is no longer evaluated only on the financial performance but also on the ethical integrity, the social responsibility, and the governance quality. This paper examines the inter-relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), corporate governance, and business ethics, emphasizing in their collective role in shaping responsible and sustainable business practices. Through a conceptual analysis supported by the relevant literature study, the paper shows that ethics constitute and the normative foundation upon which corporate governance frameworks and CSR strategies are built. Corporate governance provides the institutional mechanisms that ensure transparency, accountability, and fair decision-making, while CSR represents the practical application of ethical values in relation to society and the environment. The paper also explores the tensions that arise when profit-maximization dominates corporate governance at the expense of ethical and social considerations, leading to practices such as environmental neglect, labor exploitation, and CSR “washing”, and in order to address these challenges, the study highlights the importance of integrating ethical principles into governance structures, embedding CSR into the corporate strategy, and fostering organizational cultures of transparency and responsibility. The findings underline that the alignment of ethics, CSR, and corporate governance enhances corporate legitimacy, stakeholder trust, and long-term sustainability, positioning responsible business conduct as a strategic necessity rather than a voluntary commitment.

Devdutt Pattanaik’s The Pregnant King revisits the mythic universe of the Mahabharata by foregrounding characters whose identities defy rigid binaries of gender and sexuality. This research paper analyzes the novel through the lens of queer theory, drawing on Judith Butler’s concept of gender performativity and Michel Foucault’s theories on power and discourse. Through characters such as Yuvanashva, Shilavati, Somvati, Sumedha, Shikhandi, Brihannala, Mohini, and Bahugami’s husband, Pattanaik illuminates fluid identities that have long existed within the Indian mythological tradition but have been marginalized through rigid social interpretations. By analyzing the novel in conjunction with contemporary queer theory, this study argues that The Pregnant King destabilizes heteronormative assumptions within Vedic society and demonstrates that queerness is historically rooted within Indian cultural memory. This expanded analysis positions the novel as a significant cultural intervention in modern discussions on LGBTQ+ rights, representation, and identity formation.

The widespread use of social media has transformed the social and emotional experiences of adolescents, raising concerns about its impact on emotional regulation. This study investigates the relationship between excessive social media use and the ability of adolescents to recognise, understand, and manage their emotions. A quantitative research design was employed, involving 180 adolescents aged 13–18 years, selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using the Social Media Usage Scale (SMUS) and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS). Results indicated that 62% of adolescents used social media for more than three hours daily, and higher usage was strongly associated with increased emotional dysregulation. Excessive users exhibited significant difficulties in impulse control, emotional awareness, and emotional clarity, while moderate users demonstrated better emotional management. Regression analysis revealed that social media usage intensity accounted for 39% of the variance in emotional regulation scores, establishing it as a significant predictor of emotional challenges. Gender differences were observed, with females reporting slightly higher emotional dysregulation than males. The study highlights the dual role of social media: while it can offer connection and support, excessive use undermines emotional stability. Findings emphasise the need for digital literacy, emotional regulation training, mindfulness practices, and parental guidance to promote healthy social media engagement and adolescent well-being. This research contributes to understanding how digital habits influence adolescent emotional development and offers insights for interventions aimed at mitigating the negative effects of excessive social media use.

Presently, small land holding farmers use work bulls mostly for land preparation. Generally, cultivation of any crop involves various steps like seed selection, field preparation, fertilizing, sowing, irrigation, germination, thinning and filling, weed removal, vegetative stage, flowering stage, pesticide spraying, fruit or pod formation stage, harvesting and threshing. Farmer has to use various agricultural Equipment’s and labours for caring out those steps, our purpose is to combine all the individual tools to provide farmers with mechanical seed sowing equipment which implements all the scientific farming techniques and specifications and suitable for all type of seed-to-seed cultivation with as minimum cost as possible. This project work is focused on the

This study explores the transition of youth from traditional saving methods to active participation in investment platforms, focusing on the factors influencing this shift and its broader implications. With the rise of digital investment tools and increasing financial literacy, young individuals are gradually moving away from conventional banking products like savings accounts toward stocks, mutual funds, and other investment avenues. The research aims to identify the key drivers behind this transition, including technological advancements, financial education, risk appetite, and socio-economic influences. Through a mixed-methods approach, including surveys and interviews with youth aged 18–30, the study examines their attitudes, behaviors, and challenges related to investing. Preliminary findings suggest that while many young individuals are eager to grow their wealth through investments, barriers such as lack of knowledge, fear of risk, and limited access to resources hinder their participation. The study also highlights the role of fintech platforms in democratizing access to investment opportunities and fostering financial inclusion. The outcomes of this research provide valuable insights for policymakers, financial institutions, and educators to design targeted interventions that empower youth to make informed financial decisions. By bridging the gap between saving and investing, this study contributes to fostering a financially secure and investment-savvy younger generation, ultimately promoting economic growth and stability.

The rapid growth of e-commerce has underscored the critical role of last-mile delivery (LMD) in shaping customer satisfaction. This study aims to evaluate how the efficiency of LMD impacts customer satisfaction in the e-commerce sector. By employing a combination of surveys and machine learning models, we analyze customer responses to various LMD factors such as delivery speed, accuracy, and communication. The findings reveal that timely and reliable delivery significantly enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty, while delays and inaccuracies lead to dissatisfaction and potential loss of customers. This research provides valuable insights for e-commerce businesses to optimize their LMD processes and improve overall customer experience. As online shopping continues to grow, the final leg of the delivery process, known as the last mile, has become a critical factor in determining customer experience. This study analyzes key determinants of last-mile delivery efficiency, including delivery speed, accuracy, cost, and flexibility, and their influence on customer satisfaction. Through a combination of literature review and empirical data analysis, the study aims to provide insights into how logistics companies and e-commerce businesses can enhance their delivery strategies to improve customer retention and satisfaction.

Urban flooding poses a significant threat to public infrastructure, human health, and sustainable development in Nigeria, particularly in mid-sized but rapidly urbanising towns such as Omoku, Rivers State. This study leverages geospatial technologies, hydrological modelling, and field-based survey data to assess the drainage landscape and propose an optimised network for improved flood resilience. High-resolution satellite imagery (Landsat 8 and Sentinel-2) and a 30-metre Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) DEM were integrated in a GIS environment to derive land use/land cover (LULC) classification, slope gradients, and flow direction. GNSS data collected using SinoGNSS T30 and differential levelling were used to validate DEM outputs and drainage flow assumptions. The classified LULC showed that impervious surfaces and bare soil accounted for 90% of the urban surface (Figure 4.1), while vegetation and water bodies collectively covered only 10%, indicating minimal natural absorption capacity. Rainfall analysis over a 23-year period (2000–2022) revealed that peak precipitation occurs between June and September, with September recording the highest mean monthly rainfall of 169.3 mm (Figure 4.2). Flow direction modelling (Figure 4.6) and stream order analysis revealed that several existing drainage alignments opposed natural terrain slopes, particularly along Market Road, Jaja Street, Ogwu Street, and Ubeta-Obiomoku Road, contributing to frequent flood events. A proposed drainage reconfiguration, derived from DEM hydrology tools and GNSS field data, was overlaid on the terrain (Figure 4.7), improving alignment with natural flow paths. The study concluded that, a combined approach of remote sensing, and ground-truthing offered an improved drainage infrastructure.

Christmas cake is a traditional bakery product in which alcohol plays a vital role in flavour development, maturation, and sensory quality. The present study investigates the impact of different alcohols on flavour development in Christmas cakes. An experimental research design was adopted using a standardised Christmas cake recipe. Cakes were prepared using rum, brandy, and red wine, along with a control sample without alcohol. Dried fruits were soaked in the respective alcohols prior to baking, and the cakes were allowed to mature under controlled conditions. Sensory evaluation was conducted using a semi-trained panel to assess aroma, flavour intensity, flavour complexity, aftertaste, and overall acceptability. The results indicated that cakes prepared with rum and brandy exhibited significantly higher sensory scores compared to wine-based and non-alcoholic cakes. Rum-based cakes showed the highest flavour intensity and complexity, while brandy-based cakes demonstrated a balanced and refined flavour profile. Wine-based cakes showed moderate enhancement, whereas the control sample recorded the lowest acceptability. The study concludes that the choice of alcohol significantly influences flavour development in Christmas cakes, with distilled spirits being more effective than wine. The findings provide practical insights for bakers and hospitality professionals in optimising Christmas cake formulations for improved sensory quality.

Background: Prameha Roga, a syndrome complex described in classical Ayurvedic texts, bears a significant resemblance to modern diabetes mellitus and its prodromal stages. Characterized by polyuria and metabolic dysfunction, its pathogenesis is deeply linked to dietary habits, particularly the excessive consumption of Kapha-aggravating foods. In this context, Ayurveda emphatically recommends Pathya Ahara (wholesome diet), with a special focus on Trunadhanya a category of minor millets for both prevention and management.

Latar Belakang: Human Immunodefinciency Virus (HIV) termasuk kelompok retrovirus, virus yang mempunyai enzim (protein) yang dapat mengubah RNA (Ribonucleic Acid), materi genetiknya menjadi DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid). HIV menyebabkan penyakit terutama dengan merusak sistem kekebalan tubuh. Cakupan ARV, Cakupan Tes HIV (VCT), Kepadatan Penduduk dan Kemiskinan berpotensi memengaruhi peningkatan kejadian HIV. Metode: Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif deskriptif dengan desain studi ekologi menggunakan data agregat tingkat populasi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kekuatan dan arah hubungan antara faktor lingkungan dan pelayanan kesehatan dengan kejadian HIV di Kota Kendari, Provinsi Sulawesi Tenggara. Hasil: kejadian HIV di Kota Kendari tahun 2020–2024 tidak memiliki hubungan yang bermakna dengan cakupan ARV, cakupan tes HIV (VCT), kepadatan penduduk, maupun tingkat kemiskinan, sehingga peningkatan kasus HIV diduga lebih dipengaruhi oleh faktor lain di luar variabel yang diteliti.

This mixed-methods study examines principals’ leadership styles and their impact on teachers&#39; job performance in Madhya Pradesh public and mission secondary schools. Through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, the research identifies democratic leadership as the predominant and most effective style, significantly enhancing teacher motivation, collaboration, and student outcomes (?² test, p

To evaluate and compare the pharmaceutical quality of different commercially available fluconazole tablet brands in Iraq. Standard quality control tests were conducted following United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and British Pharmacopeia (BP) procedures. Key parameters included weight variation, hardness, friability, content uniformity, disintegration time, and in-vitro dissolution. UV-Visible spectrophotometry was used for quantitative analysis of fluconazole.All brands complied with pharmacopeial criteria for weight variation, friability, content uniformity, and assay. Disintegration times were within acceptable limits for immediate-release capsules. Dissolution profiles showed ?85% fluconazole release within 30 minutes, consistent with USP expectations for immediate-release antifungals. The tested fluconazole tablet brands marketed in Iraq met official quality specifications and can be considered pharmaceutically equivalent. Variations in disintegration and dissolution behavior likely reflect formulation differences.

The manually operated fertilizer distribution machine is designed to address the inefficiencies and inconsistencies associated with traditional manual fertilizer application in small-scale and subsistence farming. Conventional methods, such as broadcasting by hand, often lead to uneven distribution, resulting in nutrient wastage, soil degradation, and reduced crop yields. This compact, low-cost device enables precise, row-specific fertilizer placement, improving nutrient use efficiency while minimizing labor and input costs. The machine features a simple mechanical design comprising a hopper, a calibrated metering mechanism, ground-driven rotating discs, and an adjustable handle for easy maneuverability. As the operator pushes the machine forward, ground wheel rotation engages the metering mechanism to release fertilizer at a controlled rate. The design allows for calibration to match crop-specific fertilizer requirements and row spacing. Its construction utilizes locally available materials, ensuring affordability, ease of maintenance, and adaptability to diverse farming conditions. Key advantages include reduced physical strain on farmers, uniform fertilizer distribution along crop rows, and decreased fertilizer runoff. By enhancing application accuracy, the machine supports sustainable farming practices, optimizes crop nutrition, and can contribute to higher agricultural productivity. Its manual operation makes it particularly suitable for regions with limited access to fuel or electricity, offering a practical, eco-friendly alternative to mechanized spreaders.

Background: Acute Respiratory Tract Infection (ARI) is a common infectious disease and can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi. Toddlers are an age group that is vulnerable to ARI. The tropical climate conditions of Kendari City with high temperatures and humidity and seasonal rainfall variations have the potential to affect the incidence of ARI in toddlers. Methods: This study is a descriptive quantitative research with an ecological study design using aggregate population-level data. This study aims to determine the strength and direction of the relationship between climatological factors and the incidence of ARI in toddlers in Kendari City, Southeast Sulawesi Province. Results: Tropical climate stability causes variations in climatological factors to be within the normal range, so that the incidence of ARI in toddlers is more influenced by non-climatological factors such as environmental conditions and children's health status.

Background: The performance of health workers in primary health care facilities is greatly influenced by the suitability between individual skills and the demands of the tasks performed. Skill-task mismatches have the potential to reduce work attachment and hinder the achievement of optimal performance. Objective: This study aims to analyze the influence of skill task-match on the performance of health workers through work engagement as a mediating variable at the Mokoau Health Center, Kendari City, Southeast Sulawesi. Methods: This study used a quantitative design with a cross-sectional approach. All health workers at the Mokoau Health Center as many as 70 respondents were used as samples (total sampling). Data collection was carried out through a structured questionnaire, and data analysis using Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with the help of SmartPLS version 4.0. Results: The results of the analysis showed that skill task-match had a positive and significant effect on work engagement (? = 0.700; p < 0.001), but did not have a direct effect on the performance of health workers (? = 0.113; p > 0.05). Work engagement was shown to have a positive and significant effect on performance (? = 0.558; p < 0.001) and acted as a full mediator in the relationship between skill task-matchand performance (? = 0.391; p < 0.001). Conclusion: The suitability of skills and tasks does not directly improve performance in the absence of work attachment. Work engagement is a key mechanism that translates skill task-matchinto more optimal performance of health workers. Therefore, it is important to integrate competency-based task allocation with organizational strategies that aim to strengthen work engagement to achieve sustained performance improvement in primary health care.

Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) has become a pressing psychological concern among university students, especially those in their final academic year who navigate heightened academic pressure and uncertainty about future careers. FoMO refers to a persistent anxiety that others may be experiencing rewarding events without one's participation (Przybylski et al., 2013). This Systematic Literature Review (SLR) synthesizes empirical findings on the relationship between FoMO and self-efficacy and evaluates the moderating role of coping strategies among final-year students. Using PRISMA 2020 guidelines, literature was retrieved from Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, APA PsycNet, and Google Scholar, covering publications from 2013 to 2025. From 178 initial records, 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. Across studies, FoMO consistently demonstrated a negative association with self-efficacy, indicating that higher FoMO predicts lower academic and personal self-efficacy (Abel et al., 2016; Buglass et al., 2017). Coping strategies were also found to moderate this relationship, with adaptive coping reducing the negative effects of FoMO and maladaptive coping intensifying them (Akbari et al., 2021; Yuen et al., 2022). These findings emphasize the need for higher education institutions to develop interventions that strengthen coping skills and self-regulation in digital environments. Implications and recommendations for future research are discussed.

Adolescents are an age group that is vulnerable to various reproductive health problems due to rapid biological, psychological, and social changes. Low levels of knowledge can encourage the emergence of risky behaviors as well as reproductive health problems. This study aims to analyze the influence of interactive education on improving reproductive health knowledge in adolescents. The study uses a quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental design of one group pre-test and post-test. The research was carried out on students in class X-A SMAN 2 Kendari in December 2025 with a total of 25 students. The interventions provided were in the form of reproductive health counseling through interactive lectures and discussions, supported by PowerPoint media and posters. Knowledge level measurements were carried out using questionnaires before and after the intervention. Data analysis was carried out using the Wilcoxon Test. The results showed an increase in reproductive health knowledge, with the percentage of the good knowledge category increasing from 36% in the pre-test to 64% in the post-test. The results of statistical analysis showed that there was a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test values (p < 0.05). The conclusion of this study is that interactive education is effective in improving adolescent reproductive health knowledge. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the role of PIK-KRR in schools as well as continuous supervision from schools to support the formation of healthy and responsible living behaviors in adolescents.

Background: Ingrown toenail (onychocryptosis) is a common podiatric condition affecting 10-12% of the population, characterized by penetration of the nail plate edge into the surrounding nail fold, causing pain, inflammation, and secondary infection. Conventional treatment ranges from conservative management to surgical interventions, with recurrence rates of 10-50%. Homoeopathic medicines combined with conservative management offer a promising non-invasive alternative. Objective: This randomized controlled trial evaluates the clinical efficacy and safety of individualized homoeopathic medicines combined with conservative care as an adjunctive therapy in patients with ingrown toenail. Methods: A total of 60 patients with confirmed ingrown toenail (mild to moderate severity) were randomly assigned to three groups: (1) Control Group (n=20): conventional conservative management alone, (2) Treatment Group A (n=20): conventional management with individualized homoeopathic medicines, and (3) Treatment Group B (n=20): conventional management with homoeopathic medicines and targeted lifestyle modifications. The study duration was 12 weeks with follow-up assessments at weeks 2, 4, 8, and 12. Primary Outcomes: Complete resolution of ingrown toenail, pain reduction (Visual Analogue Scale), and nail plate normalization.
Secondary Outcomes: Inflammation score, infection frequency, quality of life assessment, patient satisfaction, and adverse events. Results: Both treatment groups demonstrated superior outcomes compared to controls. Complete resolution was achieved in 45% of Control Group, 75% in Treatment Group A (p<0.01), and 85% in Treatment Group B (p<0.001). Mean pain scores decreased significantly in treatment groups (from 7.8±1.2 to 2.1±1.8 in Group A; 1.3±1.5 in Group B) compared to controls (7.8±1.1 to 4.2±2.3, p<0.001). No recurrence was observed in treatment groups at 12-week follow-up, whereas control group demonstrated 20% recurrence rate. Adverse events were minimal (5% in Group B) compared to controls (15%). Conclusion: Homoeopathic medicines combined with conservative management provide superior efficacy and safety in treating ingrown toenail, with higher complete resolution rates and minimal recurrence. The integration of targeted lifestyle modifications further enhances treatment outcomes. These findings suggest that individualized homoeopathic approach should be considered as a viable first-line therapeutic option for ingrown toenail management.

Despite the abundance of surface and groundwater resources in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, access to safe and potable water remains inadequate, leading to public health and environmental concerns. This study analyses Physicochemical properties of surface and groundwater systems and determines the water quality index (WQI) for each water resource in Ekpetiama clan in the region. Standard procedures were employed and the results were subjected to statistical evaluation. Results showed that most water quality parameters were within the permissible levels in both water systems, however, mean turbidity concentration recorded 47.7±4.6 NTU in river water exceeded the permissible limit (5 NTU), while mean phenol concentration in both river and groundwater recorded 2.9 ± 0.35µg/L and 2.79 ± 0.24 µg/L respectively. exceeding the National (NSDWQ) permissible level (1.0 mg/L) for drinking water. The water quality indices for both systems using the weighted arithmetic index method was 54.3 for surface and 48.7 for ground water and classified as ‘fair’ and ‘Good’ qualities respectively. Groundwater demonstrated better quality than surface water in the study area. However, exceedances of phenol in both sources indicate contamination risks requiring treatment before consumption; also surface water vulnerability to pollution from anthropogenic activities was evident through elevated turbidity. These findings underscore the need for remediation of contaminated sources, improved water governance, pollution control, and sustainable water management strategies to enhance equitable use and resilience of riparian communities in Bayelsa State.

Kumkumam (Crocus sativus L.), commonly known as saffron, is a highly valued Ayurvedic drug recognised for its therapeutic potency, cultural significance, and distinct botanical features. This literary review compiles and critically analyses information from the Brihat Trayi, Nighantus, and other classical sources, along with modern botanical and pharmacological literature, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the drug. Classical Ayurvedic texts describe Kumkumam through numerous synonyms—such as Kashmirajam, Kesaram, Asruk, Raktam, and Varnyam—highlighting attributes like colour, fragrance, regional origin, and medicinal relevance. These traditional descriptors closely correspond with the morphological characteristics of Crocus sativus, particularly its reddish stigmas and aromatic nature, supporting its accurate botanical identification. Consolidated data on taxonomy, vernacular names, habitat, distribution, and morphological features further reinforce this correlation. Rasapanchaka analysis consistently identifies Kumkumam as possessing tikta–katu rasa, snigdha guna, ushna veerya, and katu vipaka, with predominant Vata–Kapha pacifying actions. Its therapeutic applications cover vyanga, varna vikara, twak roga, shiroroga, mutrakricchra, kashtartava, hepatic disorders, and neuropsychological conditions. Contemporary research validates several of these traditional claims, demonstrating antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, neuroprotective, and hepatoprotective activities. Overall, the review highlights a strong convergence between classical Ayurvedic descriptions and modern scientific findings, emphasising the enduring relevance of Crocus sativus as a potent medicinal agent within both traditional and contemporary healthcare frameworks.

Effective management of educational facilities remains a critical challenge confronting Federal Universities in South-South Nigeria, particularly in disciplines that are highly dependent on functional infrastructure such as Economics, Computer and Robotics Education, and Curriculum Studies/Educational Management and Planning. This study examined the influence of stakeholder participation, specifically policymakers’ and university administrators’ participation, on the management of educational facilities in Federal Universities in the region. Anchored on Systems Theory, the study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population comprised 394 school administrators drawn from Federal Universities in South-South Nigeria, from which a sample of 199 respondents was selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-developed instrument entitled Stakeholder Participation and Educational Facilities Management Questionnaire (SPEFMQ), validated by experts and yielding a reliability coefficient of 0.82 using Cronbach’s Alpha. Mean and standard deviation were employed to answer the research questions, while independent samples t-test was used to test the hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that policymakers’ participation exerted a high and statistically significant influence on educational facilities management (?? = 2.81, t = 3.84, p < .05), while university administrators’ participation demonstrated an even stronger significant influence (?? = 2.97, t = 4.21, p < .05). The results underscore the importance of synergistic stakeholder engagement in facilities planning, funding, maintenance, utilization, and sustainability. The study concluded that challenges associated with deteriorating infrastructure in Federal Universities are fundamentally governance-related rather than merely financial. It therefore recommends strengthened policy implementation, improved funding accountability, continuous administrative capacity building, and the institutionalization of collaborative frameworks for sustainable educational facilities management.

The Double Row Manually Seed Sowing Machine is a human-powered agricultural implement designed to improve sowing efficiency, precision, and ergonomics for small to medium-scale farmers. Traditional manual sowing methods are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and often lead to uneven seed distribution, excessive seed use, and irregular crop stands. This project addresses these challenges by developing a low-cost, mechanically operated device capable of sowing two parallel rows simultaneously with adjustable seed spacing and planting depth. The machine is constructed using readily available materials such as mild steel, PVC, and standard mechanical components. It operates via a ground- wheel-driven chain and sprocket system that transmits motion to a seed metering mechanism—employing a rotating plate with precision-drilled holes— to ensure controlled seed drop. Dual furrow openers, depth control wheels, and covering blades complete the sowing process in a single pass. Key outcomes include a 40–50% reduction in sowing time, 30% savings in seed usage due to improved spacing accuracy, and significantly reduced operator fatigue compared to traditional hand sowing. The machine is particularly suitable for crops like maize, beans, peas, and soybeans, and can be adapted for various row spacing (20–40 cm) and seed-to-seed spacing (10–30 cm). With no requirement for fuel or electricity, this innovation offers a sustainable, affordable, and user-friendly solution to enhance agricultural productivity, especially in resource-constrained settings.

Background of the work studies on Simultaneous estimation of Sitagliptin and Simvastatin in combined pharmaceutical dosage forms requires an analytical method that is sensitive, economical, and reliable for routine quality control. Reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) remains a preferred technique due to its precision and reproducibility. Objective: The present study was undertaken to develop and validate a simple, cost-effective, accurate, and sensitive isocratic RP-HPLC method for the simultaneous determination of Sitagliptin and Simvastatin in tablet formulations without interference from excipients. Methods: Chromatographic separation was achieved using a mobile phase consisting of mixed phosphate buffer and acetonitrile in the ratio of 25:75 (v/v), delivered at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min. Detection was carried out at 254 nm, which provided optimal response for both analytes. Retention times for Simvastatin and Sitagliptin were observed at approximately 2.47 min and 6.53 min, respectively. The method was validated as per ICH guidelines with respect to specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, sensitivity, and ruggedness. Results: The method demonstrated excellent specificity with no interference from blank or placebo components. Linearity was established over concentration ranges of 80–120 µg/mL for Sitagliptin and 16–24 µg/mL for Simvastatin. Limits of detection and quantification indicated good sensitivity for both drugs. Precision studies showed %RSD values below 2%, confirming repeatability and intermediate precision. Recovery studies yielded results close to 100%, reflecting high accuracy. Ruggedness testing performed by different analysts under similar conditions further confirmed method reliability. Conclusion: The validated RP-HPLC method is simple, robust, precise, and accurate, making it suitable for routine quantitative analysis of Sitagliptin and Simvastatin in combined tablet dosage forms. The method complies with ICH requirements and can be confidently applied in quality control laboratories.

Female athletes face a high risk of knee injuries, often due to quadriceps imbalances and weak medial stabilisation. This study examined quadriceps activation during Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II) in 30 adolescent female athletes (aged 14–18 years). Surface EMG activity of the Vastus Medialis (VM), Vastus Lateralis (VL), and Rectus Femoris (RF) was recorded and normalised to %MVIC. ANOVA showed a significant difference among muscles [F (2,58) = 18.74, p < .001], with VM showing the most significant activation (58.60%), followed by VL (46.21%) and RF (32.79%). These results indicate preferential VM recruitment and increased medial knee stabilisation demand during Warrior II. Warrior II may therefore serve as an effective yoga-based exercise to enhance quadriceps balance and knee stability in female athletes, warranting further longitudinal investigation.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health challenge, with agricultural practices playing a significant role in its emergence and spread. This study investigated heteroresistance (the presence of resistant subpopulations within an otherwise susceptible bacterial population) in multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria from poultry droppings in Obio- Akpor, Rivers state, Nigeria. Bacteria were isolated using standard microbiological techniques, identified through biochemical tests, and subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing over three days using the disk diffusion method following CLSI guidelines. Heteroresistance was detected through inconsistent results, the appearance of microcolonies, or haze within inhibition zones. Thirteen bacterial isolates were recovered, predominantly Gram-negative rods, including Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Klebsiella spp., and Proteus spp. A high overall prevalence of heteroresistance was observed (74.6%), with notable variability in susceptibility patterns across testing days. Some isolates, such as Klebsiella spp. and Proteus spp., displayed heteroresistance to over 85% of antibiotics tested. A strong correlation was found between MDR status (which was reflected in high Multiple Antibiotic Resistance (MAR) indices) and heteroresistance. Bacterial isolates showed more heteroresistance to, cephalosporins (e.g., ceftazidime, ceporex) and fluoroquinolones. These findings indicate that heteroresistance represents a hidden reservoir of AMR in Nigerian poultry, likely fueled by uncontrolled antibiotic use. This phenomenon poses risks of treatment failure and complicates AMR surveillance. Heteroresistance is a critical factor in the dynamics of AMR in agricultural settings and highlights the need for its integration into national AMR monitoring programs.

The present study investigates the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of a polyherbal extract composed of Garcinia indica, Musa paradisiaca, and Punica granatum peels. These plants, belonging to the families Clusiaceae, Musaceae, and Lythraceae respectively, are traditionally recognized for their therapeutic potential, including antioxidant, anticancer, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. The research aimed to evaluate the synergistic effects of these combined herbal extracts using bovine blood, which closely resembles human blood in composition. The plant materials were collected, authenticated, and extracted through maceration and decoction using ethanol and water. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of key bioactive constituents such as flavonoids, phenolics, glycosides, terpenoids, and saponins, which are known contributors to anti-inflammatory activity. The in vitro evaluation was conducted using assays for membrane stabilization, protein denaturation inhibition, and proteinase inhibitory activity.Results indicated that the polyherbal formulation exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity, likely due to the combined effects of its phytoconstituents. These findings support the traditional use of these plants in inflammatory conditions and suggest their potential as a natural alternative to conventional anti-inflammatory agents.

This study examines how the integration of artificial intelligence influences the development of management and leadership competencies within public service contexts. The purpose of the study is to assess the extent to which AI shapes core managerial and leadership capabilities, with particular attention to strategic decision making, interpersonal effectiveness, and adaptive leadership skills. Drawing on a descriptive research design, the study synthesises recent empirical literature and secondary data drawn from peer reviewed studies, policy reports, and institutional analyses. The findings illustrate that AI is increasingly redefining the roles and expectations placed on public managers by strengthening decision support systems, improving access to real time data, and enhancing analytical capacity. These developments enable managers to focus more deliberately on strategic oversight and problem solving, while routine administrative tasks are progressively automated. However, the study also reveals uneven patterns of adoption across public service organisations, accompanied by persistent scepticism regarding the suitability of AI for leadership functions that depend on human judgement, emotional intelligence, and relational engagement. The results suggest that while AI can support leadership development, it cannot substitute the human dimensions of public service leadership. Consequently, effective leadership development strategies must integrate digital competency building with strong ethical governance frameworks that address issues of accountability, transparency, and bias. The study contributes to public administration scholarship by clarifying how AI functions as an enabling rather than replacing force in leadership development. It further offers practical implications for public sector capacity development, emphasising the need for structured AI literacy initiatives and adaptive leadership frameworks. The article concludes by identifying future research directions focused on human AI collaboration and the long-term evolution of leadership competencies in digitally mediated governance environments.

South Africa’s 1994 democratic transition was anchored in the promise of building a society that is non-racial, non-sexist, and democratic. More than three decades later, questions persist regarding the extent to which this vision has been realised in practice. This article critically examines progress and limitations in achieving these foundational ideals. Using a qualitative document analysis approach, the study draws on constitutional provisions, official government reports, policy documents, and recent peer-reviewed scholarship published between 2020 and 2024. The findings reveal a complex and uneven trajectory. While South Africa has made notable institutional and legal advances, including a progressive Constitution, expanded political participation, and formal gender equality frameworks, deep structural inequalities remain entrenched. Racialised socio-economic disparities, persistent gender-based violence, unequal access to quality education and employment, and declining public trust in democratic institutions suggest a significant gap between constitutional ideals and lived realities. The article argues that the persistence of apartheid era structural legacies, combined with governance failures and elite driven political practices, has constrained transformative outcomes. The study contributes to ongoing debates by offering an integrated assessment of non-racialism, non-sexism, and democratic consolidation rather than treating them as separate policy domains. The article concludes that while the 1994 vision has not collapsed, it remains only partially fulfilled, requiring renewed political will, ethical leadership, and inclusive socio-economic reforms to move closer to its original emancipatory promise.

The primary cause of nontraumatic neurological disability in young adults is multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune demyelinating and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system. A common condition affecting the central nervous system, multiple sclerosis affects about 1 million young adults worldwide, primarily women. One Episodic neurologic symptomis its hallmark, and over the course of 30 to 40 years, these are frequently followed by fixed neurologic deficits, growing disability, and physical, medical, and socioeconomic decline. Physiological repair mechanisms can aid in the nervous system&#39;s recovery from tissue damage in multiple sclerosis. Improving these repair processes is a crucial and becoming more feasible treatment objective for multiple sclerosis. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in the understanding and management of multiple sclerosis, with an emphasis on remyelination and neurorepair, signaling pathways, biomarkers of remyelination, and stem cell and regenerative therapies.

Pollen viability is an essential parameter influencing reproductive success and genetic stability in angiospermic plants. The present investigation evaluates in-vitro pollen viability of selected angiospermic species from the Akot region of Akola district, Maharashtra, India, using the iodine–potassium iodide (IKI) staining technique. A total of 49 angiospermic species belonging to different families were examined under light microscopy. Viable pollen grains were identified by dark staining due to starch content. The results revealed pronounced interspecific variation in pollen viability, ranging from 18.18% to 99.22%. Statistical analysis showed a mean pollen viability of 70.11% with a standard deviation of 19.42, indicating wide reproductive variability. The study provides baseline reproductive data of regional flora and contributes to plant reproductive biology, conservation strategies, and breeding programs.

This study investigated the effect of Advance Organizers instructional strategy on upper basic three (3) students’ Interest in Algebra in Makurdi metropolis of Benue state, Nigeria. A pre-test post-test control group quasi-experimental design. Simple random sampling technique and purposive sampling were adopted. The sample comprised 364 out of 12,675 upper basic three (3) students in Government approved schools in Makurdi metropolis of Benue state. Three research questions and corresponding three hypotheses were formulated to guide this study. One research instrument was used for this study, namely; Algebra Interest Inventory (AII). The Algebra Interest Inventory was duly validated by two experts in Mathematics Education Department, one expert in Educational Foundation and General Studies both of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi. The reliability coefficients of Algebra Interest Inventory (AII) 0.96 using Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient. The research questions were answered using the mean and standard deviation and the research hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance using the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The results of the study revealed that the students in the experimental group had mean interest ratings higher than those in the control group.

Introduction: Phytoestrogens are plant-based natural compounds which exist in nature and which imitate the structural and physiological functions of human estrogen to control hormonal regulation. The Unani medicinal system uses four plants Asparagus racemosus Glycyrrhiza glabra Trigonella foenum-graecum and Foeniculum vulgare to treat women's health because these plants contain high amounts of phytoestrogen compounds. The plants have been used traditionally as galactagogues and menstrual regulators and uterine tonics because recent research explains their medicinal properties through scientific methods. Methods: This review was conducted through a comprehensive analysis of classical Unani literature and modern scientific research. Researchers collected relevant data from ethnopharmacological sources and peer-reviewed journals and experimental and clinical studies to study phytoestrogen-rich plants and their phytochemical composition and mechanisms of action and therapeutic relevance in women’s health. Result: The results showed that the examined plants contained various phytoestrogenic compounds which included isoflavones and lignans and flavonoids and coumestans that act as selective estrogen receptor modulators. The compounds bind to estrogen receptors in the body which results in hormonal changes that help treat menstrual disorders and infertility and menopausal symptoms and metabolic disorders. Unani principles which combine with modern biomedical research demonstrate that plants which contain phytoestrogens function as effective natural alternatives to synthetic hormones. Discussion and Conclusion: The study results demonstrate that Unani medicinal plants which contain phytoestrogens offer significant therapeutic benefits for the treatment of hormonal disorders.The research suffered from two main obstacles which included the unpredictable distribution of phytochemicals and the absence of common research protocols that were required for clinical testing. The research needs additional experimental work together with clinical testing to determine the safety aspects and effectiveness and proper medical application of the treatment.

The narrative of the Indian diaspora in Mauritius exemplifies one of the most successful transformations in global migration history. Descendants of indentured laborers from India, who arrived primarily in the 19th century, now form the majority community on this island nation, constituting approximately 68% of the population of about 1.3 million.
Mauritius, with no indigenous inhabitants, was successively settled by Europeans. The French developed sugar plantations using enslaved labor from Africa and Madagascar starting in 1715, while British rule from 1810 introduced the indentured system after the abolition of slavery in 1834.
The first significant group of Indian laborers arrived on November 2, 1834, aboard the ship Atlas. Between 1834 and 1920, nearly 450,000 to 700,000 Indians reached Aapravasi Ghat in Port Louis, now a UNESCO World Heritage site symbolizing indentured migration. Many stayed permanently, reshaping the island's demography and society. By the late 19th century, Indians outnumbered other groups, leading to their current majority status.
This journey from marginalized minority to dominant community involved overcoming exploitation, cultural adaptation, and political mobilization. Indo-Mauritians preserved elements of Indian heritage while contributing to Mauritius's multicultural identity, often called "Little India" or "Chhota Bharat."
This article traces the indenture era, settlement processes, political rise, cultural preservation, economic impact, and contemporary dynamics, highlighting resilience and agency.
The indentured labor system emerged to replace enslaved workers after the 1833 British abolition of slavery, freeing around 65,000 people in Mauritius and creating a labor crisis on sugar estates. Mauritius served as the primary destination, receiving the largest number of Indian indentured workers among British colonies.

Social media platforms have become deeply integrated into the daily lives of students, serving as essential tools for communication, information sharing, and entertainment. However, the pervasive and often-compulsive use of these platforms presents a growing concern regarding its negative impact on students' study habits and academic focus. This research paper investigates the extent, patterns, and specific effects of social media usage on the study habits of college students. The study employs a descriptive research design and analyzes primary data collected through a structured questionnaire from 25 college students. Data was examined using frequency tables and percentage analysis. Findings indicate that a significant majority of students check social media (such as Instagram, X, and WhatsApp) multiple times during study sessions, leading to reduced concentration , procrastination, and a decrease in the quality of time spent studying. The study reveals a strong negative correlation between high social media dependency and effective study habits, manifesting as fragmented attention, late-night usage affecting sleep, and a lower sense of academic control. The paper concludes that uncontrolled social media use is a major disruptor of healthy study habits among college students. Recommendations include promoting digital literacy, implementing mindful usage schedules, and encouraging study environments free of social media notifications to help students strike a better balance.

This study examined manufacturing automation modeling and control of automated production systems with the aim of improving system performance, reliability, and control effectiveness in modern manufacturing environments. The increasing adoption of automation technologies has introduced complex interactions among machines, sensors, controllers, and information systems, making accurate system modeling and effective control strategies critical for achieving operational efficiency. The study adopts a structured methodological approach that involves a systematic review of relevant literature, identification of dominant automation models and control techniques, and analytical evaluation of their performance characteristics. Emphasis is placed on understanding how modeling accuracy influences control performance in automated production systems and how deficiencies in existing models contribute to instability, inefficiency, and suboptimal control outcomes. Conceptual and analytical frameworks are employed to illustrate system interactions and methodological processes, while descriptive analysis is used to interpret findings from reviewed studies. The results indicate that improved system modeling significantly enhances control responsiveness, stability, and overall production efficiency, while inadequate modeling remains a major source of control challenges in automated environments. The study concludes that the integration of accurate modeling frameworks with appropriate control strategies is essential for the effective operation of automated production systems and recommends the adoption of advanced modeling techniques to support robust control design and sustainable manufacturing performance.

Managing inventory in the agro-based economy, namely in the dairy product sector, is a significant challenge due to the perishable nature of the products. The EOQ model is significant and plays a crucial role in effectively managing this specific category of inventory. The success of numerous enterprises is contingent upon their capacity to deliver products and services promptly and in appropriate locations. Various organizations employ diverse inventory control systems to effectively manage their inventory and prevent both stock-outs and overstocking. This study examines many aspects of current literature, including concentration, description of characteristics, and the EOQ inventory control model. These parameters have been designed to address and resolve the problem in this field, ultimately leading to customer satisfaction and profit maximization.

Although they can enhance the body's resilience to biological, chemical, and physical stressors while preserving physiological homeostasis, plant-derived adaptogenic drugs have attracted considerable scientific and medical interest. Plant-based adaptogens, which have long been used in traditional medical systems such as Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and folk medicine, are currently being thoroughly studied for their wide range of therapeutic potential. Withania somnifera, Panax ginseng, Ocimum sanctum, Rhodiola rosea, and Eleutherococcus senticosus are examples of well-known adaptogenic herbs that display a variety of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, anti-fatigue, and anti-stress properties. Modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, control of stress mediators, and enhancement of cellular energy metabolism and immunological responses are the mechanisms that underlie adaptogenic activity. Plant adaptogens have demonstrated promise in the prevention and treatment of stress-related disorders, metabolic syndromes, cognitive impairment, and chronic degenerative diseases due to their multi-targeted effects and favourable safety profiles. Their wider medicinal applicability is hindered by issues like a lack of standardization, diversity in phytochemical content, and a lack of large-scale clinical evidence, despite promising preclinical and clinical findings.

The 2017 SEBI mutual fund categorization and rationalization framework brought about a paradigm shift in the Indian fund management industry, and now the models need to be reshaped and investment strategies need to be revamped by investors. In this new landscape, this paper will study the dynamic performances of Index Funds and Actively Managed Funds. After referring to empirical research, market research, and theoretical research, we will study the performances in terms of risk-adjusted return, expense ratio, portfolio concentration ratio, and behavioral aspects in Index Funds and Actively Managed Funds. The result reveals that though Actively Managed Funds still hold more assets than Index Funds, yet in alpha generation, Actively Managed Funds have become increasingly struggling in the market in the large-cap segment due to stricter market regulations, and Index Funds have increased in growth rate but still persist in variable market cycles in terms of the structure of the respective indices. In this background, the final section of the paper will discuss how advances in technology due to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning will impact fund management models and research methodologies. The implication here indicates that the next decade will be very significant in fund management research because Actively Managed Fund models will find it difficult in terms of proximity with traditional models and generalization about superiority over Actively Managed Funds will be premature.

Telangana state has a significant amount of tribal population. Lambada, Koya, Gondi, Chenchu are the major tribal groups in the state and they played crucial role in the state’s socio-cultural and ecological landscape. Despite constitutional safeguards and targeted welfare measures, tribal households continue to face structural disadvantages such as poverty, low asset ownership, limited access to markets, and dependence on subsistence livelihoods. Income generation programmes have therefore emerged as a crucial policy instrument for improving the economic conditions of Scheduled Tribes (STs). This article examines the income generation programmes implemented for tribal communities in Telangana state, analysing their objectives, implementation mechanisms, and socio-economic impact. The study also highlights challenges in programme execution and suggests policy recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of tribal income generation initiatives.

Floods hit Delhi so often now, it barely shocks anyone. The city keeps expanding, but let’s be honest, it’s not always smart growth. People build right on floodplains. The weather’s getting stranger every year. And half the time, government agencies just don’t communicate. Take the Yamuna River—floods hit in 2010, then 2013, again in 2019, and that huge disaster in 2023. Every time, it’s the same story: things fall through the cracks, coordination breaks down, weather forecasts miss, and the tangled rules about sharing river water just make everything worse. Water sharing between states in India? That’s a mess all by itself. States argue, cases drag on in court, and nothing actually gets resolved. For Delhi, floods aren’t just about heavy rain during monsoon. Releases from the Hathnikund Barrage upstream matter a lot, too. In 2023, water levels broke all records. A major reason? Heavy rain in the catchment area—something rare, but when it hits, the chaos is real. This study brings together rainfall records, river discharge data, and all the technical and bureaucratic details. It spells out what’s broken, where the gaps are, and what actually needs to change. There’s a practical angle too—a policy brief for the Delhi Government and DDMA, including a plan to build a high embankment along the riskiest stretches of the Yamuna floodplain. By digging into official numbers—rainfall, river levels, disaster reports—the paper points out where the system stumbles: outdated laws, clunky tech, government agencies stuck in their own bubbles. Then it lays out real policy changes to help Delhi recover faster after floods and finally tackle that endless water-sharing headache between states..

Premarital sexual intercourse among young adults in tertiary institutions is a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, associated with increased risks of unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, and psychosocial consequences. Students of health sciences, despite their training, are not immune to these risky behaviors. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, assess knowledge and attitudes, and identify key socio-demographic and psychosocial factors influencing premarital sexual intercourse among students at the College of Health Sciences and Technology Idah. A facility-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted between April and June 2024 among 350 randomly selected students. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, with logistic regression to identify predictors. The response rate was 94.3% (n=330). The mean age was 22.4 ± 3.1 years. Overall, 68.5% demonstrated good knowledge of sexual health, but 49.1% reported engaging in premarital sex. Significant predictors were: peer influence (AOR=3.2, 95% CI: 1.9-5.4), exposure to pornography (AOR=2.8, 95% CI: 1.6-4.9), lack of parental monitoring (AOR=2.5, 95% CI: 1.4-4.3), and alcohol use (AOR=2.1, 95% CI: 1.2-3.7). A significant gap exists between knowledge and practice. Interventions must address psychosocial factors through comprehensive sexuality education, peer counseling, and parental involvement programs.

Cloud computing has become a fundamental platform for data storage, processing, and information exchange across distributed environments. Despite its advantages, secure data sharing in cloud environments remains a critical challenge due to centralized control, lack of transparency, vulnerability to insider attacks, and limited user trust. Traditional cloud security mechanisms rely heavily on trusted third-party cloud service providers, which introduces single points of failure and weak accountability. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a Blockchain-Driven Secure Data Sharing Framework (BSDSF) for cloud environments. The proposed framework integrates blockchain technology with cloud infrastructure to enable decentralized, transparent, and tamper-resistant data sharing. A hybrid on-chain/off-chain architecture is adopted, where encrypted data is stored off-chain in cloud or distributed storage, while security-critical metadata, access policies, cryptographic hashes, and audit logs are maintained on the blockchain. Smart contracts are employed to automate identity management, access control enforcement, key distribution, and auditing without human intervention. To ensure reliability and fault tolerance, a Byzantine Fault Tolerant (BFT)-based consensus mechanism is utilized for transaction validation. The proposed framework enhances data confidentiality, integrity, transparency, and accountability while maintaining scalability through off-chain storage. This work demonstrates that blockchain integration provides a practical and effective solution for secure data sharing in modern cloud environments, particularly for security-sensitive applications such as healthcare, enterprise collaboration, and government information systems.

In Unani System of Medicine, Abzan (Sitz bath) is a common rehabilitative therapy used to treat Amraz-e-Niswan (gynaecological disorders). Based on the idea of humoral balance, Abzan entails submerging the pelvic area in water or medicated concoctions to enhance circulation, lessen inflammation, and make it easier for morbid humors to be evacuated. Its application in ailments like leucorrhoea, uterine prolapse, irregular menstruation, pelvic inflammatory illness, infertility, and puerperal problems was highlighted in the classical Unani literatures by Rhazes, Avicenna, and Jurjani. Abzan has distinct physiological impacts and therapeutic functions and is classified as Har (hot), Barid (cool), Motadil (neutral) and Murakkab (alternate). It maintains reproductive health, relieves symptoms, and enhances preventative gynaecology in a safe, non-invasive, and holistic manner. Reviewing its therapeutic effectiveness, this research emphasizes its ongoing significance in integrative women's healthcare. Further standardized research is warranted to validate its therapeutic protocols and establish its role within modern evidence based gynaecological care.

The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges to organizational functioning, particularly in the management of human resources. Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), which play a crucial role in India’s economic stability and employment generation, were required to ensure continuity of essential services while safeguarding employee welfare. This study examines the impact of COVID-19 on Human Resource (HR) practices in NTPC, India’s largest power generation PSU, through an empirical case study approach. The research focuses on key HR dimensions such as recruitment and onboarding, training and development, performance management, work scheduling, employee health and safety, digital HR initiatives, and welfare measures during the pandemic period. Primary data were collected from employees across different hierarchical levels using a structured questionnaire, supplemented by secondary data from NTPC reports, HR circulars, and government advisories. The findings reveal that COVID-19 significantly altered conventional HR practices, accelerating the adoption of digital platforms for training, communication, and performance monitoring. Health, safety, and employee well-being emerged as central priorities, with HR interventions playing a critical role in maintaining morale and productivity. However, challenges related to work-from-home implementation, performance appraisal, and contract workforce management were also evident. The study highlights the need for institutionalized crisis-responsive HR frameworks in PSUs to enhance organizational resilience and preparedness for future disruptions.

The primary objective of this article is to investigate the impact that firm-specific factors have on the economic performance of Indian businesses. The research was conducted using data from 1069 companies that were traded on the Bombay stock market during the years 2010 and 2016. Descriptive statistics, correlation matrices, and regression models are used in order to carry out an analysis of the aforementioned data. According to the findings of the study, the total cost of financial distress, growth prospects, company size, and total taxes have a significant and positive influence on the financial performance of Indian companies when measured by ROA and ROCE. This was determined by ROA and ROCE. On the other hand, the asset structure of Indian companies and the amount of leverage they use have a negative and considerable influence on the financial performance of these companies. The vast majority of earlier studies were based on very small samples; this paper fills a gap in the current body of research by covering a large data set consisting of 1069 enterprises over the course of seven years, which enables the findings of the study to be generalized. The conclusions of this research have important repercussions for those who decide policy, for those who practice it, and for academics.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) remains a leading global health challenge, affecting over 460?million adults and imposing a substantial socioeconomic burden. Traditional epidemiological, clinical, and biochemical approaches have yielded valuable insights yet struggle to cope with the multidimensional, high volume data generated by modern health care ecosystems (electronic health records, genomics, wearable sensors, continuous glucose monitors, and lifestyle tracking platforms). In the past decade, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced algorithmic frameworks—encompassing machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), reinforcement learning (RL), federated learning (FL), and hybrid symbolic statistical models—have demonstrated unprecedented capacity to uncover hidden patterns, predict disease trajectories, personalize therapeutic regimens, and accelerate drug discovery. This paper provides a comprehensive, 8?000 word synthesis of the state of the art AI driven methodologies applied to T2DM research, emphasizing methodological rigor, performance metrics, translational impact, and ethical considerations. We (i) define key concepts and taxonomies, (ii) survey data sources and preprocessing pipelines, (iii) critically appraise supervised, unsupervised, semi supervised, and reinforcement learning models for risk stratification, glycaemic forecasting, and treatment optimization, (iv) discuss integrative multi omics and multimodal AI platforms, (v) evaluate real world implementations and clinical decision support systems (CDSS), (vi) identify methodological limitations (bias, interpretability, data heterogeneity, regulatory hurdles), and (vii) outline a future research agenda that synergizes explainable AI, causal inference, edge computing, and patient centred design. Our analysis demonstrates that AI has the potential to shift T2DM research from population level, retrospective analytics toward proactive, precision medicine paradigms, but realising this promise demands interdisciplinary collaboration, robust validation frameworks, and equitable governance.

The present study was undertaken to formulate and evaluate bilayer tablets containing an immediate-release (IR) layer of Naproxen and a controlled-release (CR) layer of Sumatriptan to achieve rapid onset of analgesic action combined with sustained antimigraine activity. Nine formulations of Naproxen fast-dissolving tablets (IF1–IF9) and eight formulations of Sumatriptan controlled-release tablets (F1–F8) were developed using suitable superdisintegrants and hydrophilic matrix polymers, respectively. Pre-compression evaluation of both Naproxen and Sumatriptan granules indicated acceptable flow properties, with Carr’s Index values ranging between 23–27% for Naproxen and 18–20% for Sumatriptan, and Hausner ratios within acceptable limits. These results confirmed that the granules were suitable for compression without significant flow-related challenges. All Naproxen fast-dissolving tablet formulations exhibited satisfactory post-compression characteristics. Hardness values (3.4–3.6 kg/cm²), friability (98%), and uniform thickness demonstrated good mechanical stability. Disintegration time varied across formulations depending on the type and amount of superdisintegrant used. Formulation IF6, containing Crospovidone (15 mg), showed the shortest disintegration time of 72 seconds, indicating rapid tablet breakup and suitability for immediate drug release. Sumatriptan controlled-release formulations also showed acceptable post-compression performance, with hardness in the range 5.1–5.4 kg/cm², friability less than 1%, and uniform drug content. The use of HPMC grades (K4 and K15) in varying ratios effectively modulated drug release. Formulation F7 demonstrated optimal sustained-release characteristics, releasing 99.25% of the drug at the 12-hour mark, thus meeting controlled- release expectations.

A simple, rapid, precise, accurate, and robust RP-HPLC method was successfully developed and validated for the simultaneous estimation of Azilsartan medoxomil and Chlorthalidone in tablet dosage form. The optimized chromatographic conditions provided good resolution. The developed method was effectively applied to the analysis of marketed tablet formulations, yielding satisfactory assay results without interference from formulation excipients. Therefore, the proposed RP-HPLC method can be reliably employed for routine quality control, stability studies, and batch release analysis of Azilsartan medoxomil and Chlorthalidone in pharmaceutical dosage forms.

The separation of materials based on particle size is a fundamental operation in various sectors, including the mining, chemical, food, and metallurgical industries. Traditional methods of manual sieving are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and prone to inconsistency. This project proposes the design and fabrication of a low-cost, multipurpose vibrating screening machine utilizing a slider crank mechanism. The primary objective is to develop a mechanical system capable of separating different types of grains, sands, powders, and industrial materials efficiently. The machine is constructed using mild steel to ensure high strength and durability, featuring a top-loading feed and interchangeable wire mesh screens to accommodate various grading requirements. The design process emphasizes structural integrity, safety, and ergonomic considerations to minimize manpower and operational effort. This paper outlines the mechanical design methodology, the fabrication process, and the system integration of the multipurpose sieve. By comparing the proposed design with existing market products, this study aims to demonstrate that the developed machine offers a viable, cost-effective solution for small-to-medium scale material separation tasks, significantly reducing processing time and operational costs.

Falling liquid film systems operating over horizontal tubes are extensively employed in evaporative cooling and absorption-based thermal systems due to their superior heat and mass transfer performance. This paper presents a critical review of experimental and numerical investigations related to the evaporative cooling of a falling water film on horizontal tube surfaces. Emphasis is placed on understanding the hydrodynamic behavior, flow regime transitions, and heat transfer characteristics of liquid films flowing over multiple horizontal cylinders arranged perpendicular to the flow direction. The influence of governing parameters such as Reynolds number, tube diameter, tube spacing, and surface geometry on film distribution, droplet formation, and evaporation characteristics is analyzed. In addition, studies related to water–lithium bromide (LiBr) falling film absorbers employing small-diameter tubes are reviewed. The role of enhanced tube surfaces, including fluted geometries, in improving film stability and thermal performance is also discussed. The review highlights the critical parameters governing absorber efficiency and provides direction for future research in high-performance evaporative cooling systems.

This study assessed the social challenges affecting inclusive education for children with physical disabilities in Kumala Community Based Child Care Centers in Bunda, Malawi. The study was guided by principles of disability, with the aim of understanding how social and structural factors influence access, participation, and learning outcomes for children with physical disabilities. This study adopted a qualitative research design and utilized in depth interviews and document analysis to collect data from caregivers, parents, and children with physical disabilities. A total of 13 respondents participated in the study, representing a 100% response rate. The findings revealed that inclusive that inclusive education significantly promotes the right to education for children with physical disabilities. Participation in inclusive CBCCs was found to enhance childrens academic engagement, social interaction, confidence, and sense of belonging. Teachers demonstrated supportive attitudes and applied inclusive teaching practices, such as adapting learning materials and providing individualized support, which contributed positively to childrens learning experiences. Despite these positive outcomes, the study identified several challenges that hinder effective implementation of inclusive education. These included inadequate infrastructure, limited teacher training in inclusive education, insufficient learning materials and assistive devices, and persistent negative community attitudes toward disability. These challenges limited full participation and sustainability of inlusive education practices in CBCCs. Based on findindings, the study recommends improving physical infrastructure in CBCCs, strengthening continuous teacher training, enhancing collaboration among teachers, caregivers, parents and communities, and increasing the provision of learning materials and assistive devices. The study concludes that while inclusive education in Kumala CBCCs has made positive progress, addressing existing social and structural barriers is essential to ensure equitable, accessible, and sustainable education for children with physical disabilities.

This study explored the role of risk monitoring indicators in enhancing the sustainability of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) projects at Lilongwe Water Board (LWB) in Malawi. The study sought to examine how risk monitoring influences the sustainability of WASH projects, identify key risk monitoring indicators that support sustainability, and understand how risk monitoring is operationalised within LWB. A qualitative research approach was adopted, employing a cross-sectional case study design. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and document review involving key informants drawn from management and technical staff at Lilongwe Water Board. Data were analysed using thematic and content analysis techniques. The findings revealed that effective risk monitoring enhances project sustainability by enabling early identification of financial, operational, environmental, and institutional risks. The study further established that continuous monitoring, institutional learning, and proactive decision-making are critical to sustaining WASH projects. The study concludes that strengthening qualitative risk monitoring practices is essential for ensuring long-term sustainability of WASH projects at Lilongwe Water Board.

This study assessed the influence of poor housing conditions on the health of elderly people in Malawi, focusing on Njewa Village in Lilongwe District. Housing is widely recognized as a key social determinant of health, yet limited empirical research in Malawi has examined how inadequate housing specifically affects elderly populations. The study aimed to describe the housing conditions of elderly households, identify common health challenges associated with these conditions, and examine the relationship between housing deficiencies and physical, mental, and emotional health outcomes. A qualitative exploratory case study design was adopted. Data were collected from sixteen elderly individuals aged 60 years and above through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. In addition, three health workers and two community leaders were interviewed as key informants to provide professional and contextual insights. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that most elderly participants lived in substandard housing characterized by leaking roofs, cracked walls, poor ventilation, uneven floors, overcrowding, and inadequate sanitation. These conditions were strongly associated with respiratory illnesses, frequent injuries from falls, diarrheal diseases, chronic joint pain, and psychological distress including anxiety, fear, loneliness, and sleep disturbances. Socio-demographic factors such as poverty, advanced age, disability, and living alone significantly intensified vulnerability. The study concludes that poor housing conditions have a substantial negative impact on the health and well-being of elderly people in Njewa Village. It recommends targeted housing improvement programs, integration of elderly housing needs into local development planning, and strengthened community and government support mechanisms to promote healthy and dignified aging in Malawi.

Community Finance Limited (COFI) plays a crucial role in fostering economic empowerment among rural families by providing financial services tailored to their needs. This study evaluates the effectiveness of COFI’s loan distribution in promoting economic empowerment in Sandula Village, Lilongwe District, Malawi. The research adopted a mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. Quantitative data were gathered through structured questionnaires administered to a sample of rural loan recipients, focusing on changes in income levels, asset acquisition, and business growth before and after loan access. Complementing this, qualitative data was collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with beneficiaries and key stakeholders to explore personal experiences, challenges, and perceptions of the loan process and its impact. The integration of both methods provided a comprehensive understanding of how microfinance interventions influence rural livelihoods. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and other statistical tools, while qualitative data was analyzed thematically to find common themes and insights on the impacts of microfinance. The population in this study comprised 40 respondents who were either utilizing or not utilizing microfinance services in Sandula Village, and included women and men. The calculation for the appropriate sample size for a population of 40 was done by using an initial sample size through a statistical formula that accounts for infinite populations. Ethical issues were paramount in conducting the research, as this study respected participants' rights, integrity, Privacy and confidentiality followed professional standards. The effectiveness of loan distribution was crucial to promoting economic empowerment among rural families since it helps access to capital for livelihood activities, poverty reduction and women empowerment.

This study investigates the impact of women’s economic empowerment (WEE) in combating gender-based violence (GBV) among women in Chipoka Village, Mangochi District Malawi. Grounded in feminist theories of agency and empowerment, the research explores how increased income independence, job access, and economic resources influence women’s vulnerability to violence. A qualitative approach was employed, utilizing in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The findings reveal that economic empowerment has the potential to enhance women’s independence and bargaining power within households, thereby reducing exposure to violence. However the also study highlights limitations, include persistent patriarchal norms and risk backlash violence. The study contribute to academic discourse and provide evidence based recommendations for policymakers, development practitioners and social work professionals.

This study assessed the effects of current solid waste management (SWM) practices in Area 36, Lilongwe, Malawi. Rapid urbanization and inadequate infrastructure have led to a crisis characterized by improper waste disposal, environmental degradation, and public health risks. The specific objectives were to identify existing SWM practices, determine their effectiveness, and propose sustainable solutions. Employing a mixed-methods research design, data were collected from 40 participants, including 36 households and businesses via questionnaires and 4 key informants through interviews. The findings revealed a heavy reliance on informal disposal methods: 38.9% used communal dumping sites, 27.8% disposed of waste directly into the Lilongwe River, and only 19.4% accessed formal collection services. The effectiveness of these practices was deemed low, with 43% of respondents rating their immediate environment as dirty or very dirty. Key challenges included financial constraints (68%), infrastructure gaps (62%), and service unreliability (50%). Despite these systemic failures, the community demonstrated strong awareness and willingness to engage in solutions, with 61.1% expressing readiness to pay a modest fee for reliable services and 56% supporting regular community clean-ups. The study concludes that the SWM system in Area 36 is failing due to institutional weaknesses, infrastructural deficits, and entrenched behavioural patterns. However, the identified community agency presents a vital opportunity for change. It is recommended that the Lilongwe City Council, in collaboration with community leaders, residents, and NGOs, implement an integrated strategy involving improved service delivery, strategic infrastructure placement, continuous public education, and the promotion of local initiatives like composting. This multi-stakeholder approach is essential for developing a sustainable and effective waste management system in Area 36.

This study assessing the impact of school feeding program (SFP) on academic performance of standard five primary school learners at Kasangadzi primary school in Nkhotakota district. The study aimed to assess impact of school feeding program (SFP) on academic performance of standard five primary school learners. Employing a triangulation approach and descriptive study design, involving 107 respondents including learners, teachers and parent were selected through purposive and basic random sampling methods. For the qualitative data, the study has employed thematic analysis, which is suitable for identifying, analyzing, and reporting patterns or themes within interview and observational data Quantitative data obtained from the structured questionnaires was analyzed using descriptive statistics with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 26 and where applicable , inferential statistical techniques such as the paired-sample t-test or chi-square test was used to test relationships between variables such as participation in SFP and improvement in academic performance. The findings revealed a positive correlation between school feeding Programme and academic performance of standard five primary school learners at Kasangadzi primary school. In conclusion, the study underscores the interconnectedness of School feeding program and learner academic performance. It suggests that learners who receive meal at their place of education are more likely to attend lessons hence increasing chances of doing well in their tests.

Strategic management practices can be considered as a coordinated plan or outline for making decisions and carrying out the activities of a firm, using available resources to create value and to achieve organizational goals, particularly in the long term. Strategic management practices is the process by which an organization can create a unique and valuable position by undertaking a set of activities that are different from those of an organization's competitors. The broad objective of the study was to examine the effect of strategic management practices on organizational performance in pharmaceutical firms, in South East, Nigeria. Specifically, the study examined the effect of environmental analysis on organizational performance in pharmaceutical firms; determined the effect of strategy objectives on organizational performance in pharmaceutical firms; examined the effect of strategy formulation on organizational performance in pharmaceutical firms, Nigeria. The study was anchored on Resource-Based View Theory. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. Borg and Gall sampling technique was used to drive sample size of 408. The research hypotheses were tested using multiple regression analysis to determine the effect of strategy management practices on organizational performance in pharmaceutical firms, in South East, Nigeria. The results of the study revealed that; Environmental analysis had significant a positive effect on organizational performance (coefficient of 0.935 at p < 0.05); strategy objectives have a significant positive effect on organizational performance. (Coefficient of 0.627 at p<0.05); strategy formulation had a significant positive effect on organizational performance (coefficient of 0.987 at p<0.05); strategy implementation had a significant positive effect on organizational performance. The study therefore concluded that strategic management practices had a significant positive effect on organizational performance in pharmaceutical firms in South East, Nigeria. The study recommended among others that Nigeria firms should give more serious attention to environmental analysis, separate other types of analysis from environmental analysis; endeavour to choose appropriate environmental analysis that matches for every strategy and as well adopt and effectively implement the full tenets of environmental analysis.

Earth is a planet dominated by plants. The green plant is fundamental to all other life. The Oxygen we breathe, the nutrients we consume, the fuels we burn and many of the most important materials we use were produced by plants.

Today most countries in the world have a Constitution. While all democratic countries are likely to have a Constitution, it is not necessary that all countries that have a Constitution are democratic. On 29th August, 1947 passing one resolution the Constituent Assembly appointed a ‘Drafting Committee” with the seven members including Dr. Ambedkar as its chairman for preparing a draft of the Constitution of the independent India. Apart from that he is also remembered for his struggle for justice to the depressed classes, untouchables of the Indian society who were not considered fit to be touched, forget other human rights and claims of equality. He aroused the conscience of the masses and mobilized the depressed classes and brought upon a new dawn for them through his extraordinary compilation of fundamental rights, special provisions for the Schedule Castes and Scheduled Tribes incorporated in the Constitution of India. The draft Constitution prepared by him provided for fundamental rights such as equality before law, of equal opportunities, against exploitation etc, the concepts which were much ahead of that time in the whole world and to a large extent were adopted by the Constituent Assembly. His ideas of governance of the country and the division of power between Union government and the government in the states have been successful for a large and diverse country like India.

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, envisioned constitutional democracy as a powerful instrument for social transformation rooted in ethical and humanitarian values. This study examines Ambedkar’s constitutional vision through the lens of his Buddhist philosophy, highlighting how principles of equality, social justice, and human dignity informed the foundational framework of the Indian Constitution. Rejecting caste-based hierarchy and social exclusion, Ambedkar drew upon Buddhist ideals of rationality (prajñ?), compassion (karu??), and moral conduct (??la) to articulate a constitutional order committed to liberty, equality, and fraternity. The paper explores how Ambedkar’s embrace of Buddhism shaped his approach to fundamental rights, safeguards for marginalized communities, and the concept of constitutional morality. By analyzing the convergence of Buddhist ethics and modern constitutionalism, the study argues that the Indian Constitution represents not merely a legal document but a moral charter aimed at eradicating social suffering and institutionalized inequality. The research underscores Ambedkar’s enduring legacy in integrating spiritual humanism with legal rationality to construct an inclusive and egalitarian post-colonial Indian state.

The infusion of artificial intelligence (AI) in knowledge intensive jobs has been changing the very core of how organizations redefine, use, and share knowledge. One of the major obstacles of this overhaul is the challenge of handling the interplay between explicit knowledge which is formalized and codifiable and tacit knowledge which is experiential, context dependent, and hard to explain (Polanyi, 1966). Our article investigates the role of AI in collaboration with humans in knowledge work. We focus on AI systems that complement human expertise in dealing with the two forms of knowledge. The research incorporated knowledge management, organizational learning, and human AI interaction to understand AI capabilities, which can help in processing and scaling explicit knowledge. Besides, AI plays a new role in supporting tacit knowledge by recognizing patterns, providing decision support, and collaborative sense making (Nonaka & Takeuchi, 1995; Davenport & Kirby, 2016). The study suggests a conceptual framework around the idea of task capability alignment, interactive system design, and organizational learning mechanisms that would ensure AI as a tool that aids human judgment rather than one that replaces it. The research decision shows that using AI for human AI collaboration is a smart move when AI is used for operational efficiency and deep analytics, while human skills, such as contextual understanding, creativity, and ethical reasoning, are kept intact. The article ends with a list of implications for organizational design, workforce skill development, and future research on sustainable human AI knowledge ecosystems.

This study explores the relationship between employee productivity and job satisfaction in the banking sector, focusing on both public and private banks. In the contemporary banking environment, employees are the key drivers of service quality and organisational efficiency. The primary objective of this research is to examine how factors such as managerial support, career growth opportunities, work environment, compensation, and recognition influence employee satisfaction and, in turn, affect productivity. A descriptive research design was employed, and data were collected from 150 bank employees using a structured questionnaire with a 5-point Likert scale. Stratified random sampling ensured representation across different job levels, departments, and bank types. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression analysis were used to examine relationships between job satisfaction factors and employee productivity. The findings indicate a strong positive relationship between job satisfaction and productivity. Managerial support, career development, and a positive work environment emerged as the most influential factors affecting employee performance. Private sector banks reported slightly higher satisfaction and productivity levels compared to public sector banks, primarily due to performance-based incentives and modern HR practices. Compensation and workload were found to have a moderate impact on productivity. The study concludes that employee satisfaction is a critical determinant of productivity and overall organisational performance. Banks that invest in supportive leadership, career growth, employee recognition, and conducive work environments can achieve higher efficiency, reduced turnover, and enhanced competitiveness. This research provides actionable insights for human resource strategies aimed at optimising employee engagement and performance in the banking sector.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative tool in drug discovery and development, accelerating the identification of novel therapeutic targets, lead compounds, and optimized drug candidates. Machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), natural language processing (NLP), and generative models enable the integration of chemical, biological, and clinical data to enhance prediction of drug-target interactions, ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) properties, and efficacy. AI has demonstrated applications across target identification, virtual screening, de novo molecule design, pharmacokinetic modeling, and drug repurposing. Despite its potential, challenges such as limited high-quality datasets, interpretability, and ethical considerations remain. Future directions involve multimodal AI, explainable AI, and integration with high-throughput experimental validation to ensure safe and effective drug development. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements, methodologies, challenges, and future perspectives of AI in drug discovery.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming healthcare by enabling precise diagnosis, risk prediction, and personalized management of syndromes across male, female, and pediatric populations. The integration of machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, and multimodal data analysis has provided clinicians with powerful tools to identify complex patterns in clinical, imaging, genomic, and wearable data. In males, AI applications have improved detection and prognostication in conditions such as prostate cancer, endocrine disorders, and metabolic syndromes. For females, AI has demonstrated significant potential in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), gynecological cancers, and pregnancy-related complications, including gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, enabling early intervention and personalized therapeutic planning. In pediatric populations, AI models have facilitated early detection of neurodevelopmental disorders, congenital heart anomalies, infectious diseases, and metabolic syndromes, often achieving diagnostic accuracy comparable to expert clinicians.

Background: Early detection of chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains a global challenge, as conventional markers like serum creatinine and eGFR identify only late functional decline. Recent advances in molecular nephrology have revealed novel urinary, plasma, and exosomal biomarkers capable of detecting subclinical renal injury. Methods: This systematic review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines, analyzing peer-reviewed studies published in 10 years across PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science. Eligible studies evaluated early CKD biomarkers with reported diagnostic metrics (AUC, sensitivity, specificity). Results:
Of 17 full-text articles screened, 10 met inclusion criteria, encompassing 2,820 participants. Urinary biomarkers (DKK3, NGAL, U-TXM) achieved AUC 0.88–0.91, plasma markers (TNFR1, FGF-23, metabolomic panels) reached AUC 0.83–0.92, and exosomal miRNAs (miR-21, miR-29c, miR-192) demonstrated AUC 0.86–0.89. These biomarkers consistently outperformed albuminuria and eGFR in early disease prediction. Conclusion: Emerging multi-omic and AI-integrated biomarkers enable early, non-invasive CKD detection, representing a paradigm shift toward precision nephrology. Standardization, cost reduction, and multicentre validation remain essential for clinical translation.

With the acceleration of climate change, concerns about the impacts on sovereign creditworthiness have become more and more significant. This work responds to that issue by showing how the use of artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance climate models which predict macroeconomic and fiscal stress and how these results influence sovereign credit ratings, borrowing costs, and regulatory stress tests. The combination of AI with climate, economy modeling allows for a more factual, detailed, and future, oriented evaluation of how both the physical and transition climate risks weaken a country&#39;s economic fundamentals, mainly growth, public finances, and external stability, which are key factors in the assessment of sovereign credit (S&P Global, 2021). Latest econometric research implementing machine learning approaches like random forests and neural networks has found that in scenarios of high emissions (e.g., RCP 8.5), almost all countries can experience their credit ratings lowered substantially with the consequential worldwide increases in sovereign borrowing costs totaling up to $200 billion per year by 2100 (Klusak et al., 2023). On top of that, climate, adjusted sovereign credit modeling indicates that climate, driven deterioration of public finances may become the root of the private sector&#39;s woes leading to corporate bond spreads growth and increased risk in the financial system (Mohaddes et al., 2023). The integration of AI, enhanced climate projections into sovereign risk modelling, financial supervision, and macroprudential stress testing frameworks is, therefore, a prerequisite based on such evidence. Artificial intelligence application in this area far extends the predictive power of conventional econometric models, thus allowing sovereign issuers, credit, rating agencies, and financial regulators to examine the different scenarios of climate risk (e.g., physical disasters, carbon pricing shocks) and the resulting credit risk effects (Overes & van der Wel, 2022). Nevertheless, the method also has its shortcomings, including model uncertainty, difficulties in attribution, and issues regarding the exacerbation of developing countries&#39; situation. Albeit these problems, the match between AI, generated climate predictions and sovereign risk frameworks is a breakthrough toward the integration of climate risk in the financial system framework at a global level.

The increasing energy demand associated with conventional mechanical cooling systems has intensified the need for sustainable passive cooling solutions in the built environment. Hydro ceramic materials, which combine porous ceramic matrices with moisture-driven evaporative cooling mechanisms, have emerged as promising candidates for low-energy thermal regulation. This review systematically examines existing research on hydro ceramic and porous ceramic-based materials used for passive cooling applications. Emphasis is placed on material characteristics such as porosity, capillary water absorption, moisture retention, and surface wettability, which govern evaporative cooling performance. The reviewed studies demonstrate that hydro ceramic systems can achieve significant reductions in surface and ambient air temperatures under suitable environmental conditions without external energy input. The findings highlight the potential of hydro ceramic materials for integration into building envelopes to enhance thermal comfort and reduce cooling energy demand. This review consolidates current knowledge on hydro ceramic passive cooling systems and provides a technical basis for future material optimization and large-scale implementation in sustainable building design.

In recent years, escalating environmental concerns, stringent regulatory frameworks, and shifting stakeholder expectations have driven organizations worldwide to integrate sustainable practices into their supply chains. Green logistics, as a pivotal element of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM), emphasizes the reduction of environmental footprints through innovative practices like eco-friendly transportation, green warehousing, reverse logistics, and sustainable packaging, all while preserving operational efficiency and economic viability. This comprehensive study investigates the multifaceted effects of green logistics practices on sustainable supply chain performance in the Indian context, where the logistics sector accounts for approximately 14% of GDP and faces unique challenges such as infrastructural deficits, diverse topography, and rapid e-commerce growth. Employing a mixed-methods descriptive research design, the study leverages both primary data from structured questionnaires administered to 350 logistics and supply chain professionals across key industrial hubs in India (e.g., Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat) and secondary data from government reports, industry publications, and academic journals. Key practices were evaluated against the triple bottom line (TBL) framework—economic, environmental, and social performance dimensions—using statistical tools like SPSS for regression analysis, correlation coefficients, and ANOVA tests. The empirical findings indicate a statistically significant positive impact: green logistics adoption correlates with a 28% average reduction in carbon emissions, 15-20% cost savings over three years, and enhanced corporate reputation scores (mean Likert score: 4.3/5). However, barriers such as high capital costs and skill shortages temper full-scale implementation. This research bridges a critical gap in India-specific literature, offering actionable recommendations for policymakers, including subsidies for electric vehicle (EV) integration and expanded multimodal logistics parks under the National Logistics Policy 2022. By fostering green practices, Indian supply chains can align with global sustainability goals, such as net-zero emissions by 2070, while boosting competitiveness in a $200 billion logistics market projected to reach $380 billion by 2025.

Management and leadership influence organizational success yet through different yet complimentary modes. The focus of this reflection is on the principles and practicalities of management and leadership as well as their future repercussions in contemporary organizations. It starts with classical and behavioral management theories on evolution from hierarchical efficiency to approaches that are human-centered. It also investigates decision theory application, neo-classical management and, finally, modern data-based leadership in application to today's real world of adaptability and employee engagement. Emerging challenges are also considered, including AI integration, ethical leadership, and agile, human-centric strategy demands. By integrating established theory with modern practice, this reflection offers insights into effective leadership and management in changing workplaces and lays the groundwork for future study of adaptive ethical organizational leadership.

Doctors in remote and underserved areas rely on teleradiology, since remote interpretation of radiological images greatly helps deliver diagnostic services where they are needed most. By adopting AI, and especially machine learning and deep learning, this field is experiencing major changes as images are interpreted better, tasks are simplified, and there’s less demand for radiologists. Thanks to AI algorithms, doctors are able to find any unusual results, deal with the most urgent cases, and write organized reports, which helps improve both the correctness and speed of remote radiology services. The review describes how artificial intelligence is currently being used in teleradiology, as well as its benefits. It also deals with continuous issues such as privacy with data, biased algorithms, lack of proper facilities, and ethical matters. In spite of these problems, AI can give radiologists useful assistance and help make healthcare more efficient. For clinical practice to be accurate, safe, and trusted, it is important to use a collaboration approach of both human knowledge and AI technology. AI will play a big role in teleradiology if it is implemented carefully, is overseen by regulators, and driven by further developments.

Kenya has greatly benefited from improved access to healthcare and enhanced service delivery largely due to foreign funding particularly in primary healthcare, disease-specific programs, and health system reforms. However, reductions in external assistance and the transition to domestic financing have raised concerns about the sustainability, effectiveness, and equity of healthcare services. With an emphasis on how shifts in funding sources impact service quality, access, and system performance, this study examines the effects of external funding on healthcare service delivery in Kenya. The objective is to identify key challenges and provide practical policy recommendations to ensure long-term sustainability in healthcare delivery. The paper is based on a desk- based review of existing literature and previously conducted research. Data sources included national health information systems, stakeholder interviews reported in prior studies, and financial records from public and private healthcare facilities documented in published reports. The review shows that external funding has improved service delivery, especially in primary healthcare and disease control. However, heavy reliance on donor financing has contributed to fragmented services, irregular funding flows, and limited financial autonomy at the facility level. Additionally, reductions in external funding have negatively affected primary healthcare performance, highlighting the need for timely, transparent financial flows and strong intergovernmental leadership to sustain service quality. To mitigate the risks associated with declining external funding, Kenya should strengthen domestic resource mobilization, standardize budgeting and planning processes, enhance financial management capacity, and improve donor coordination. Establishing clear transition frameworks with development partners is essential to ensure the continuity and sustainability of healthcare services. Additionally, ongoing monitoring and research are recommended to assess the long-term impacts of financing transitions and to inform adaptive policy responses.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly advancing and becoming a major part of our daily lives. From voice assistants to medical diagnostic tools, AI is often compared to human intelligence. This paper explores human intelligence and AI, how they work, their differences, and the strengths and weaknesses of each. We also discuss how AI and human intelligence can work together in the future to achieve better outcomes.

Data-intensive applications such as cloud computing, AI, and video streaming, drive escalating demand for high-speed networks. Legacy interfaces cannot keep pace, making Ethernet technologies such as 10G, 40G, and 100G indispensable to modern infrastructure.
This study examines the hardware support required to implement and sustain high-speed network interface. It focuses on critical hardware components, including Network Interface Cards (NICs), processors, memory subsystems, system buses, and physical layer devices. This study also discusses hardware acceleration techniques, such as TCP offloading, checksum offloading, and Direct Memory Access (DMA), which improve performance and reduce CPU overhead. Challenges related to power consumption, thermal management, and scalability are analyzed. The study concludes that advanced and specialized hardware support is fundamental for achieving optimal performance in high-speed networking.

Both textual and practical knowledge are indispensable for learning and applying any scientific discipline. To comprehensively understand a text, it is essential to attain proficiency in the language in which the original work is composed. The science of Ayurveda is documented in Sanskrit, a language characterized by a highly systematic and scientific grammatical structure. Through the application of prefixes and suffixes, a single lexical root can convey multiple meanings. Moreover, the same root may express different interpretations when classified under distinct grammatical groups and subjected to varied grammatical processes. Therefore, thorough knowledge of Sanskrit and its grammatical tools is crucial for accurately comprehending and interpreting scientific texts written in this language.

Examination malpractice in higher education remains a persistent and global concern that undermines academic integrity, educational quality, and student competence. This review synthesizes existing research on the psychological, physiological, and socio?academic factors influencing student behavior during examinations. Psychological stressors such as test anxiety, fear of failure, and moral disengagement have been linked to increased likelihood of malpractice, with evidence showing that students under significant stress may adopt unethical coping strategies. Physiological responses including stress?related fatigue and cognitive overload reduce self?regulation and ethical decision?making. Socio?academic pressures—peer norms, competitive grading, and institutional culture—further shape student perceptions of cheating as a viable strategy. Interdisciplinary analysis reveals that malpractice is a behavioral outcome of interacting internal and external stressors rather than simple ethical failure. The review concludes by underscoring the need for holistic interventions targeting student well?being, ethical education, and supportive academic environments to uphold integrity in higher education.

Christmas and other festive periods are typically marked by increased intake of energy?dense foods, refined carbohydrates, alcohol, and irregular meal timing, often accompanied by reduced physical activity. Even short?term overeating during holidays can induce measurable weight gain, worsen insulin sensitivity, and promote low?grade inflammation, contributing cumulatively to long?term obesity risk if not reversed. Fermented foods, rich in live microorganisms and fermentation?derived metabolites, have emerged as promising tools to modulate the gut microbiota and improve metabolic health. Human trials and mechanistic studies indicate that regular consumption of fermented dairy, vegetable, cereal, and beverage products can increase gut microbial diversity, enhance short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, reduce inflammation, and modestly improve body composition.[1][2][3][4][5][6]
This systematic narrative review summarizes evidence from human and animal studies on fermented foods, gut microbiota, and obesity?related outcomes, with a focus on mechanisms relevant to post?Christmas weight loss. Databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase) were searched up to January 2026 for studies examining fermented foods, microbiota modulation, and weight or metabolic markers. No trials explicitly targeted post?holiday weight gain, but converging evidence suggests that integrating fermented foods into structured post?holiday dietary plans—especially culturally familiar Indian fermented foods such as curd, buttermilk, idli/dosa batters, kanji, and traditional fermented beverages—may support weight reduction and metabolic recovery when combined with energy control and physical activity. The review identifies key research gaps, including the absence of post?holiday-focused trials and limited personalization based on baseline microbiome profiles.[7][3][4][1]

The present condition demands a change in teaching methods i.e., a paradigm shift from teacher-centred methods to child-centred methods. One of the child-centred methods is experiential learning. Experiential learning can be understood as a process through which a learner constructs knowledge, skills, and value from direct experiences. In other words, it is about learning through experience. Moreover, based on the constructivist approach, experiential learning (EL) as a new method in education and a learner-centric pedagogy is at the centre of attention, as a result of its contributions to improving the value of education which centres on developing abilities, and experiences. NEP 2020 also highlighted that experiential learning should be adopted as standard pedagogy for every subject at all stages, with an exploration of relations among different subjects. Reflection and experiential learning are deeply intertwined with each other and reflections are central in integrating theoretical and practical competencies. Reflective thinking is often a result of some state of doubt or some difficulty that leads to the thought and generates some conclusion or solution. Reflection is a structured, focused way of thinking that is far removed from random thinking. Reflective thinking is a key skill for teachers and should be taught as part of their education.

The industrial sector, particularly in manufacturing and construction, relies heavily on welding processes that inherently expose workers to significant occupational hazards. Welding safety equipment—ranging from protective clothing to respiratory systems and real-time hazard monitors—has traditionally operated as passive, analogy devices.

Semi-automatic water bottle packing machines are essential in modern beverage production, serving as an intermediate solution between manual and fully automated systems. Theirdesign is strongly influenced by the physical behaviour of liquid-filled bottles, including motion dynamics, rotational stability, and mass redistribution during handling and packaging. This paper connects insights from water bottle motion physics with recent advances in semi- automatic packing machinery and process optimization. It highlights how these principles improve mechanical stabilization, alignment, and packaging reliability. The study also explores the use of machine learning–based semi-automatic annotation for quality inspection and the role of speaker diarylation in supporting effective human–machine collaboration. Overall, the work presents a multidisciplinary approach to enhancing the design and performance of semi-automatic water bottle packing systems.

Innovative composite materials including FRP, CFRP and hybrid composites have transformed civil infrastructure retrofitting and resilience augmentation. These materials are effective and lasting alternatives to steel and concrete reinforcing methods due to their high strength-to-weight ratios, corrosion resistance and adaptability. This study covers the material composition, production techniques and mechanical characteristics of FRP, CFRP and hybrid composites, highlighting their pros and cons in structural retrofitting. The study examines structural performance improvements, including flexural, shear, axial, ductility, energy dissipation and seismic resilience. This study shows that externally bonded (EB) laminates and near-surface mounted (NSM) systems work in reinforced concrete, steel and masonry structures. Durability and environmental performance including moisture, UV radiation, temperature fluctuations and cyclic loading on bond strength and long-term serviceability are emphasized. The discussions include brittle failure, restricted shear performance, high material costs, installation difficulty and the lack of uniform design regulations. Hybrid fiber combinations, smart and self-sensing composites, bio-based and sustainable resin systems and real-time structural health monitoring are potential retrofitting infrastructure resilience and sustainability research themes. Key findings show that FRP and CFRP systems may boost structural capacity and ductility by 60–80% in RC beams, whereas hybrid solutions maximize performance in multi-hazard and heritage applications. This review emphasizes the transformative potential of advanced composites in civil engineering and the need for standardized design guidelines, long-term monitoring strategies and sustainable material development to maximize structural performance, durability and resilience in modern infrastructure.

The global elderly population is shifting rapidly; by 2050, 60% of the world's population will be seniors, with India projected to host 34 crore individuals over the age of 603. Ayurveda identifies three cornerstone factors in the aging process: diet, sleep, and celibacy4. As the body enters the degenerative phase, changes occur in the doshas, dhatus, malas, agni, and ojas5. This study explores these transformations through the lens of Jara Chikitsa, the Ayurvedic branch dedicated to geriatric care and prevention6.

Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medical system, emphasizes not only the treatment of disease but also the promotion of health and longevity. Within Ashtanga Ayurveda, Agadtantra holds a distinct position as the branch dealing with poisons, their effects, and their management. Several Ayurvedic formulations employ potentially toxic herbs, metals, and minerals (Visha and Upavisha), which require proper purificatory procedures (?hodhana) to render them safe and therapeutically useful. Classical texts describe detailed methods of ?hodhana for various Mahavisha and Upavisha drugs using media such as cow’s urine, cow’s milk, ghee, plant decoctions, and other agents to reduce toxicity while enhancing efficacy. This article presents an overview of the concept of Mahavisha–Upavisha classification, the importance of ?hodhana in Agadtantra and Rasashastra, and the classical purification procedures of selected poisonous plants like Vatsanabha, Kuchala, Dhattura, Bhallataka, Jaipala, Ahiphena, and Bhanga, with reference to contemporary scientific support.

The increasing demand for energy and growing environmental concerns have accelerated the global transition toward renewable energy sources. Among these, solar energy has gained widespread acceptance due to its cleanliness, abundance, and sustainability. At the same time, additive manufacturing, often called 3D printing,has become a big change in many areas of engineering and manufacturing. This review paper examines the role of 3D printing technology in the fabrication of solar panel components and explores the concept of operating 3D printing machines using solar energy. Additive manufacturing enables accurate and flexible production of solar panel frames, mounting structures, and functional components using materials such as polymers, composites, and conductive substances. Compared to conventional manufacturing techniques, 3D printing offers advantages including reduced material waste, lightweight design, customization, and lower production costs. Furthermore, it supports rapid prototyping and experimentation for advanced solar panel configurations, such as portable and flexible systems. The paper also presents the development concept of a solar-powered 3D printing machine, where photovoltaic panels generate electrical energy that is stored in batteries and supplied to the printer through appropriate power regulation systems. This approach significantly reduces reliance on grid electricity and carbon emissions. The integration of renewable energy with additive manufacturing demonstrates strong potential for sustainable, cost-effective production, particularly in rural, remote, and energy-scarce regions of India.

Digital transformation has significantly influenced teacher professional development by introducing technology-enabled learning environments, online training platforms, and virtual professional communities. The present study examines the impact of digital transformation on teacher professional development among secondary school teachers of Surat District. A descriptive survey method was adopted, and data were collected from 120 teachers using a standardized questionnaire. Statistical techniques such as Mean, Standard Deviation, t-test, and Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation were used for analysis. The findings reveal that digital transformation positively affects teachers’ professional competence, pedagogical practices, and motivation for continuous learning. The study highlights the importance of structured digital professional development initiatives at the district level.

Psychological pricing has emerged as a widely adopted strategy in organized retail, where prices such as ?399, ?499, and ?999 are used instead of rounded figures to influence consumer perception and buying behaviour. This practice is primarily explained through the left-digit effect, a cognitive bias in which consumers focus disproportionately on the leftmost digit of a price, leading to a perception of lower cost and greater value. The present study aims to examine the role of psychological pricing and the left-digit effect in shaping consumers’ price perception and purchase decisions within organized retail contexts. The study is based on a comprehensive analysis of secondary data, including peer-reviewed journal articles, retail industry reports, and institutional publications related to pricing strategies and consumer behaviour. By synthesizing findings from existing empirical studies, the research explores how odd pricing influences perceived affordability, perceived value, and purchase intention. The analysis is grounded in behavioural pricing theories, including Prospect Theory and the Stimulus–Organism–Response framework, to explain the cognitive mechanisms underlying consumer responses to price cues. The findings indicate that psychological pricing consistently enhances favourable price perception and indirectly influences purchase decisions through perceived value and perceived savings. Evidence also suggests that the effectiveness of the left-digit effect varies across consumer segments, with price-conscious and low-involvement consumers being more responsive to odd pricing strategies. The study contributes to the literature by consolidating existing evidence on psychological pricing in organized retail, particularly in emerging market contexts, and highlights the need for ethically balanced pricing practices. The insights derived offer valuable implications for retailers and policymakers in designing effective and consumer-centric pricing strategies.

The Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025 is an important step in changing India’s rural employment system. This Bill aims to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and supports the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. The Bill increases the guaranteed employment from 100 days to 125 days per rural household and focuses on creating long-lasting and climate-friendly rural assets. It also introduces new rules like an agricultural pause during peak farming seasons, shared funding between the Centre and States, fixed budget limits, and the use of digital technology for better monitoring. While the Bill promises better planning, transparency, and rural development, it also raises concerns such as financial pressure on poorer states, reduced demand-based employment, and difficulties faced by workers due to digital systems. This paper explains the main features, benefits, and challenges of the Bill in simple terms.

The increasing cost of conventional feed ingredients and restrictions on antibiotic growth promoters have intensified the search for sustainable and natural feed additives in broiler production. Agro-industrial by-products have gained attention due to their economic and environmental advantages. Orange (Citrus sinensis) peel, a major by-product of the citrus processing industry, is produced in large quantities and often discarded as waste.

The Smart Voting System outlined in this work leverages IOT-enabled embedded devices and Python programming to enhance the efficiency and security of traditional voting procedures. By integrating microcontrollers, biometric or smart card readers, push or touch screens and IOT, the system creates a connected infrastructure for seamless interactions between voters and a central server. Python, in conjunction with Flask or Django, is employed for server-side for managing voter authentication, real-time monitoring, and secure storage of voting data in databases. The provided code snippet offers a foundational structure, ensuring one vote per eligible voter and emphasizing the importance of compliance with local regulations and security standards to establish a reliable and trustworthy Smart Voting System.The proposed Voting System that allows the voters to scan their face afterwards scan their fingerprint, which is then matched with an already saved data within a database that is retrieved from Aadhar card database of the government. Moreover identifying the true identity of the voter is more concerned in our project.

This study evaluates the effectiveness of life skills training programs in enhancing independent living among adolescents with intellectual disabilities in Rohtak, Haryana, drawing from survey data of 30 respondents, including 15 adolescents with intellectual disabilities and 15 educators or caregivers. The programs are assessed across domains such as daily living skills, social integration, self-management and vocational readiness, with self-management skills showing the most significant improvements. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach with pre- and post-training questionnaires and chi-square analysis, the research reveals notable associations between demographic factors like age, gender, prior exposure to training and perceived effectiveness. Results demonstrate that structured life skills interventions lead to a 20% increase in independent living capabilities, reduced dependency and improved social participation. These findings resonate with local studies on vocational training for young adults with intellectual disabilities and school-level inclusion efforts. Recommendations include expanded program implementation, caregiver involvement and policy integration to promote autonomy. This research advances the conversation on disability empowerment, emphasizing localized strategies in urban settings like Rohtak to bolster independent living outcomes for adolescents with intellectual disabilities.

Sustained-release (SR) tablets represent an advanced oral drug delivery approach designed to maintain therapeutic drug concentrations over an extended period while minimizing dosing frequency and plasma level fluctuations associated with conventional immediate-release formulations. The development of SR tablets is primarily driven by the need to enhance patient compliance, reduce adverse effects, and improve therapeutic efficacy, particularly in the management of chronic diseases. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the principles underlying sustained-release drug delivery, including pharmacokinetic rationale, criteria for drug selection, and formulation strategies. Various types of SR tablet systems, such as matrix-based, reservoir-type, osmotic-controlled, and ion-exchange resin systems, are discussed in detail with emphasis on their mechanisms of drug release. The role of polymers, including hydrophilic, hydrophobic, biodegradable, and pH-dependent polymers, in controlling drug release kinetics is critically examined. Additionally, formulation methods, evaluation parameters, in-vitro dissolution testing, and mathematical modeling of drug release kinetics are addressed. Recent advancements in sustained-release technology, including smart polymers, three-dimensional printing, and quality-by-design approaches, are also highlighted. Overall, sustained-release tablets continue to play a pivotal role in modern pharmaceutical development, offering improved therapeutic outcomes and expanded possibilities for oral controlled drug delivery systems.

This research article examines how technological advancements have transformed the agricultural labour landscape. Rapid adoption of mechanization, digital tools, precision agriculture, and artificial intelligence is reshaping farm work, productivity, labour demand, skill requirements, and rural livelihoods. While technology can increase efficiency and reduce drudgery, it also disrupts traditional employment patterns, creates skill gaps, and raises equity concerns. The study reviews trends, benefits, challenges, and policy implications, supported by empirical evidence and case examples from diverse agricultural settings.

Drilling machines are foundational tools in industrial manufacturing, construction, and engineering, central to the fabrication of parts, assembly of structures, and installation processes. Traditional drill presses and hand-held drills, while effective for many applications, encounter significant limitations when operating in confined or irregular spaces, as well as when precision alignment is required under challenging conditions. The advent of the 360 degree flexible drilling machine addresses these issues by integrating innovative mechanical design, adaptability, and modularity. This research paper explores the design, working principles, core components, and the mechanical underpinnings of the 360 degree flexible drilling machine. The analysis is grounded in contemporary advances in mechanical engineering, robotics, and structural rigidity, and draws on insights from recent research in multi-criteria design generation, rigidity theory, and actuation mechanisms.

Hepatic and/or extrahepatic organ failure are symptoms of acute or chronic liver failure (ACLF), a dangerous side effect of liver cirrhosis that frequently requires admission to an intensive care unit (ICU). This illness usually requires organ support and has a high death rate. These patients may not benefit from ICU care. The Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, the MELD score modified to consider serum sodium level (MELD-Na), the chronic liver failure organ failure (CLIF-OF) score, the CLIF Consortium acute-on-chronic liver failure (CLIF-C ACLF) score, and the Child-Turcotte-Pugh classification are some of the scores used to evaluate prognosis in these patients.

The transformation of production systems within Industry 4.0 has largely changed the way quality control is done, from merely reactive to predictive and even proactive quality assurance. Predictive Quality Control (PQC) uses machine learning (ML) and data driven analytics to foresee product defects or process variations that have not occurred yet, giving the companies a chance to execute preventive interventions and uphold the quality standards (Nalbach & Schmitt, 2022; Msakni et al., 2023). ML models, by the virtue of their ability to handle vast amounts of real time sensor, process, and production data, can spot the signal of quality drop off in the data, thus cutting down on waste, rework, and the costs of inspection (En nhaili et al., 2025). The embedding of these predictive models into manufacturing execution systems (MES) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) frameworks gives the additional capability of continuous monitoring, feedback loops, and process optimization (Potturu, 2020). This paper examines the latest innovations in PQC, offers a consolidated framework for the integration of ML in quality control pipelines, and enumerates the merits, challenges, and implementation strategies of data driven proactive quality assurance.

Women’s spiritual authority in Buddhism has been both affirmed and contested since the time of the Buddha. The establishment of the Bhikkhun? Sa?gha marked a radical moment in the religious history of ancient India, granting women institutional access to renunciation, education, and liberation. Early Buddhist texts such as the Ther?g?th? vividly testify to women’s spiritual achievements and doctrinal insight, demonstrating that enlightenment was not restricted by gender. Despite this early recognition, the Bhikkhun? Sa?gha faced structural constraints, most notably the imposition of the garudhammas and the dependence of nuns on the Bhikkhu Sa?gha within the Vinaya framework. Over time, socio-cultural patriarchy, political upheavals, and institutional decline led to the disappearance of the Bhikkhun? lineage in several Buddhist traditions. In the modern period, the revival of the Bhikkhun? ordination has emerged as a significant religious and ethical issue. While Therav?da countries continue to debate the legitimacy of revival, Mah?y?na traditions have maintained an unbroken Bhikkhun? lineage, offering alternative models of female monastic authority. Contemporary Bhikkhun?s actively contribute to education, meditation instruction, social welfare, and interfaith dialogue, yet they continue to face challenges such as limited institutional recognition, unequal access to resources, and resistance rooted in conservative interpretations of Vinaya. This article critically examines the historical foundations, doctrinal debates, and contemporary dilemmas surrounding women’s spiritual authority in Buddhism, arguing that the Bhikkhun? Sa?gha remains central to realizing the Buddha’s vision of spiritual equality and compassion.

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has opened up transformative possibilities in the educational landscape, allowing for a move from traditional teacher-centered models to more personalized, student-driven learning settings. This study investigates how AI-powered solutions— such as adaptive learning platforms, intelligent tutoring systems, learning analytics, and predictive feedback tools—enable students to play an increasingly active part in determining their educational paths. By examining current educational frameworks, the article demonstrates how AI enables personalized learning routes that adapt student specific strengths, challenges, and learning preferences. Such technologies provide real-time feedback, dynamic content delivery, and continuous evaluation, promoting learner autonomy, motivation, and self-regulation. In addition to pedagogical benefits, the use of AI tools promotes inclusive education by identifying learning gaps early on, providing tailored interventions, and responding to varied linguistic, cultural, and cognitive needs. AI’s personalization capabilities boost engagement by allowing students to develop at their own speed, explore content that matches their interests, and take ownership of their academic goals. Furthermore, teachers’ roles are shifting toward mentorship, facilitation, and data-driven instructional decision-making, aided by AI-generated insights that highlight patterns in student performance and behavior. However, the transition to AI-powered learning poses serious concerns about data privacy, algorithmic bias, equal access, and the growing digital divide. The study analyzes these problems and underlines the importance of ethical frameworks, inclusive policies, and strong data governance methods to promote responsible AI deployment in educational contexts. Professional development for educators is emphasized as a critical component in enabling them to effectively integrate AI tools while keeping human-centered learning ideals. Overall, the report contends that when used wisely, AI has the potential to democratize learning, promote individualized growth, and build student-centered educational journeys that prepare students for an increasingly complicated, technologically driven world. The study concludes that the future of education will be determined not only by technology advances, but also by politicians, educators, and institution’s collective commitment to using AI in ethical, equitable, and pedagogically sound ways.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force reshaping the global economic landscape. This research article explores the multifaceted role of AI in enhancing economic growth and productivity across key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, finance, logistics, and public governance. AI technologies, including machine learning, robotics, and data analytics, have enabled significant efficiency gains by automating processes, reducing operational costs, and improving decision-making accuracy. The paper examines how AI contributes to economic growth through increased labor productivity, capital efficiency, and total factor productivity (TFP). Case studies from India, including AI applications in precision farming, healthcare diagnostics, traffic management, and digital banking, demonstrate how AI can address local challenges while supporting inclusive development. The study also analyzes the implications of AI on labor markets, highlighting the dual impact of job displacement and new role creation, and underscores the urgent need for reskilling and workforce adaptation. Despite its benefits, the paper recognizes critical challenges such as ethical concerns, data privacy issues, regulatory gaps, and unequal access to technology. To ensure sustainable and inclusive AI deployment, the paper presents key policy recommendations focused on infrastructure development, skilling, innovation promotion, and ethical governance. The research concludes that while AI holds immense potential to accelerate economic progress, its deployment must be strategic, ethical, and inclusive to maximize societal benefits.

River pollution has emerged as one of the most serious environmental problems worldwide due to rapid industrialization, urban expansion, and improper solid waste management practices. Large quantities of plastic waste, domestic garbage, and floating debris accumulate in rivers, leading to ecological imbalance and public health risks. Conventional river cleaning techniques such as manual scavenging and mechanical dredging are inefficient, hazardous, and costly. This paper presents a detailed study on the design, development, and operation of a River Cleaning Robot capable of autonomously removing floating waste from river surfaces. The system integrates mechanical components, electronic control systems, sensors, and renewable energy sources to provide an eco-friendly, efficient, and scalable solution for river pollution control.

The growing demand for functional and smart textiles has accelerated the use of advanced finishing technologies to impart antibacterial, antistatic and odor-control properties to apparel and technical textiles. While these finishes improve comfort, hygiene and performance, there is growing concern about their environmental sustainability, human safety and suitability for cleaner production principles. This review critically examines smart textile finishes used for odor control, antibacterial and antistatic properties, classifying them into chemical, natural and hybrid systems. The mechanisms of action and application methods of established technologies such as metallic salts, quaternary ammonium compounds and polymer-based finishes are analyzed alongside emerging approaches such as nanotechnology, microencapsulation, biofinishing and stimulus-responsive materials. Particular attention is paid to functional durability, economic implications and performance trade-offs with repeated use and washing. The environmental and health risks associated with these finishes are systematically assessed, including chemical toxicity, nanoparticle release, volatile organic compound emissions and regulatory compliance challenges. Drawing on recent advances and policy-oriented sustainability frameworks, the review identifies key limitations of conventional finishing methods and highlights cleaner production pathways, including the use of bio-based agents, low-impact processing techniques and life-cycle-oriented design strategies. By integrating technological performance with environmental and regulatory considerations, this review offers a comprehensive, sustainability-focused perspective to support the development and adoption of safer, more durable and environmentally responsible smart textile finishes.

Forensic science has become an indispensable component of the modern criminal justice system, fundamentally transforming the manner in which crimes are investigated, evidence is interpreted, and guilt or innocence is determined. The integration of scientific techniques such as DNA profiling, fingerprint analysis, digital forensics, and forensic psychology has significantly reduced reliance on subjective testimony and confession- based investigations. This research paper examines the role of forensic science in converting physical and psychological clues into legally sustainable convictions. It explores the importance of forensic evidence, the contribution of behavioral and psychological analysis, the evolution of legal frameworks in India, the role of forensic databases, and landmark judicial decisions that shape admissibility standards. The paper further addresses the inherent disadvantages of forensic science, including evidentiary contamination, misinterpretation, infrastructural inadequacies, and ethical concerns, while proposing mitigation strategies to enhance reliability and fairness. The study concludes that forensic science, when applied with scientific integrity and legal safeguards, serves as a powerful instrument for ensuring justice and upholding constitutional values.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced data analytics have revolutionized the way organizations comprehend and interact with customers. One of the prominent strategies to enhance customer satisfaction, loyalty, and conversion rates is hyper, personalization, providing content, offers, and experiences uniquely tailored for each individual (Hemantha et al., 2025). Nevertheless, such a strategy also magnifies the issues of ethics and regulations that concern aspects like data privacy, fairness of algorithms, transparency, and consumer autonomy (Cornelis et al., 2025; Radanliev & Santos, 2023). The present paper proposes a conceptual framework that acknowledges the utilization of statistical and AI, driven methods, such as segmentation analysis, predictive modeling, and reinforcement learning, together with the incorporation of ethical safeguards. The integration of these components enables organizations to keep a balance between the efficiency of personalization and adherence to moral and legal principles. The conversation emphasizes that privacy, preserving computation, fairness constraints, and explainable AI can reduce ethical risks to a great extent without the value of the business being compromised. The paper ends pointing out that a responsible hyper, personalization approach demands a multi, faceted structure where the technological advances are in harmony with the ethical governance and user trust (Celis et al., 2018; "AI-Driven Personalization," 2024).

Coconut is an important plantation crop in tropical regions, and crown choking is a serious physiological disorder that restricts leaf emergence, affects crown development, and reduces yield. The disorder is mainly associated with micronutrient imbalance, particularly boron deficiency, and is influenced by soil and climatic conditions. Early diagnosis is difficult because visible symptoms often appear at later stages. Machine learning has emerged as an effective approach for early prediction by analyzing soil, environmental, and plant-related data. This review examines studies applying machine learning techniques to predict crown choking and related nutrient stress conditions in coconut and similar perennial crops. Reported results show that Logistic Regression models typically achieve accuracies of 70–80%, Support Vector Machines reach 80–88%, and ensemble methods such as Random Forest and Gradient Boosting achieve 85–92% accuracy. Deep learning models, particularly convolutional neural networks using crown images, report accuracy levels above 90% under controlled conditions. The study highlights that prediction performance depends on data quality and field variability, emphasizing the potential of machine learning for early intervention and sustainable coconut plantation management.

The universe is described as Panchabhautika, indicating that all entities are constituted from five fundamental elements (Panchamahabhuta). As the human body (Pinda) is considered a microcosm of the universe (Brahmanda), whatever exists in the cosmos must also be represented within the body. In Sa?khya philosophy, Panchamahabhutas are classified among the sixteen Vikaras (final evolutes), whereas in Vaishe?hika philosophy, grossness appears in Bhutas at the stage of Trisarenu, at which point they are termed Mahabhutas. Ayurveda explicitly states that the human body is formed through Panchabhautik Sangha?ana (Akasha, Vayu, Agni, Jala and Prithvi) and emphasizes that its development and maintenance depend on appropriate lifestyle and diet (Ahara), both of which are themselves Panchabhautika in nature. The present review elaborates the utility of Panchamahabhuta in the context of Ayurvedic theory and clinical relevance.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) represents a systemic endocrine and metabolic disorder characterized by hyperinsulinemia and hyperandrogenemia, leading to oligo/amenorrhea, hirsutism, obesity, and enlarged ovaries with multiple small cysts and thickened tunica albuginea, resulting in anovulation. Originally termed Stein-Leventhal Syndrome, PCOS affects up to 20% of women in their reproductive years, contributing to primary or secondary infertility. Ayurvedic Correlation: Ayurveda views PCOS not as a single Yoni Vyapad but as a multisystem imbalance, often involving Kapha-Vata predominance with Artavakshaya (hypomenorrhea), Granthi (cystic formations), and Srotorodha (channel obstruction) due to Ama accumulation. This aligns with its heterogeneous presentation, where Panchakarma addresses root causes through Shodhana (detoxification) like Virechana and Basti to restore hormonal equilibrium and ovulatory function.

The proliferation of smartphones has revolutionized communication but has also given rise to problematic usage patterns that negatively impact interpersonal relationships. This article synthesizes findings from contemporary research to explore the multifaceted phenomenon of mobile phone addiction (MPA) and its consequences on relational dynamics in romantic, familial, and peer contexts. Key mechanisms include phubbing (phone snubbing), which directly erodes interaction quality, and underlying psychological factors such as fear of missing out (FOMO), social anxiety, alexithymia, and low self-control. These factors often create a vicious cycle: individuals may turn to their phones to alleviate negative emotions or social deficits, which in turn further impairs real-world connections, leading to increased loneliness, conflict, and relational dissatisfaction. The review highlights protective factors like mindfulness and discusses implications for multi-level intervention. Addressing phone addiction requires a holistic approach that considers individual, relational, and environmental influences to foster healthier digital habits and preserve meaningful human connection.

Financial literacy is widely recognized as a critical determinant of financial inclusion, particularly among women in developing economies. In India, despite extensive policy initiatives aimed at promoting inclusive growth, women—especially in states like Punjab—continue to face challenges related to access, usage, and understanding of formal financial services. This study aims to assess the level of financial literacy among women in Punjab and examine its impact on their financial inclusion. Using a quantitative research design, primary data were collected from 300 women respondents across rural and urban areas of Punjab through a structured questionnaire. The study employs descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis to evaluate the relationship between financial literacy and financial inclusion. The findings reveal a moderate level of financial literacy among women, with significant disparities based on education, income, and location. The results further indicate a strong positive relationship between financial literacy and financial inclusion, suggesting that improved financial knowledge enhances women’s participation in banking, savings, credit, insurance, and digital financial services. The study concludes that targeted financial literacy programs are essential for strengthening financial inclusion and empowering women economically in Punjab.

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) towards global food security has been a great tool over the decades in tackling the challenges facing food security globally. Unalterable demand of food globally, affect food security in general. This paper presents a review of the applications of AI in food safety, providing detailed account of the importance and application of artificial intelligence (AI) in relation to food availability, food accessibility, food utilization, stability and malnutrition that can impact the global food security as described by Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and Food Climate Research Network (FCRN). The objective of this review is to systematically summarize the food security definitions, global food security concept and highlight the role Artificial Intelligence (AI) could play to create tools that recognize malnutrition thereby, improving global food security. Our review demonstrated that there appears to be a connection between food insecurity and malnutrition, despite the fact that some malnutrition indices do not correlate as anticipated. Analysis of global food security can be used to highlight the interactions and conflicts between the factors that drive food affordability, food availability, food quality and safety, and nutrient-dense food that satisfies people's dietary needs and preferences for an active and healthy life. We strongly suggest that using artificial neural networks to address malnutrition will have a positive impact on global food security.

Background: Medication-related problems represent a significant source of preventable harm in hospitalized patients, particularly among older adults and those with multiple chronic conditions. Given constrained pharmacy workforce capacity, targeted interventions directed toward high-risk inpatients have become an important strategy to optimize resource utilization and patient safety. Objective: This review synthesizes recent evidence on pharmacist-led medication review and risk-stratification approaches in acute care settings, with emphasis on intervention design, implementation mechanisms, and associations with clinical and economic outcomes. Methods: A systematic narrative review of peer-reviewed literature published between 2015 and 2025 was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Search terms included pharmacist-led medication review, prioritization tools, high-risk patients, hospital interventions, and clinical outcomes. Results: Multifaceted pharmacist-led interventions combining medication reconciliation, comprehensive review, prescriber engagement, and post-discharge follow-up demonstrate consistent reductions in medication-related problems (49–88% resolution rates), unplanned hospital readmissions (7–15% relative reduction), and emergency department revisits. Risk-stratification tools effectively target complex patients, shifting pharmacist effort toward those with highest need. Economic evaluations indicate favorable return on investment, with cost avoidance ranging from $447 to $2,799 per intervention and return on investment ratios exceeding 5:1 in critical care settings. Conclusions: Evidence supports implementation of prioritized pharmacist-led medication reviews as a cost-effective intervention for high-risk inpatients. Future research should establish standardized outcome measures, validate risk-prediction algorithms across diverse healthcare systems, and integrate pharmacist-led services into electronic health record workflows to enable scalable, data-driven clinical pharmacy practice.

This research investigates the impact of job stress and burnout on the mental health and quality of work life of women employees in Chennai’s IT sector, particularly in the context of remote work. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift to teleworking, which, while offering flexibility, has introduced significant psychological and professional challenges—especially for women balancing professional roles and domestic responsibilities. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines qualitative interviews with HR professionals and quantitative survey responses from 401 women working from home and 97 women in office/hybrid settings. The research explores how job stress, burnout, teleworking conditions, and organizational interventions influence mental health and work-life quality. Key findings reveal that work-family interface, caregiving responsibilities, supervisor support, and organizational policies significantly affect well-being and job satisfaction. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, integrating both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. A structured questionnaire based on a 7-point Likert scale was administered to 401 women working from home and 97 women working in office or hybrid models, ensuring a statistically adequate and diverse sample. In addition, 30 HR professionals from leading IT firms were interviewed using a semi-structured format to understand organizational perspectives on stress, burnout, and workplace policies. The study validates multiple hypotheses linking job stress and burnout with mental health outcomes and work-life quality. It emphasizes the need for inclusive, gender-sensitive remote work policies and proactive organizational support to mitigate mental health risks. The findings contribute to management research by offering practical recommendations for IT firms to enhance resilience, equity, and support for women in evolving work environments. In conclusion, the study underscores the intricate link between work-related stressors, mental health, and work-life quality, and advocates for a holistic and gender-sensitive approach to workforce management in the post-pandemic digital economy. It calls upon IT organizations to not only recognize but actively address the unique challenges faced by their female workforce to build a more resilient, equitable, and productive work environment.

The Yamuna River, a major tributary of the Ganga in India, is in bad shape. Years of dumping untreated sewage, toxic industrial waste, piles of trash, and runoff from farms have pushed it to the brink. There&#39;s barely any fresh water left flowing through, which just makes things worse. Authorities have rolled out big projects like the Yamuna Action Plan (YAP-I, II, III) and the Namami Gange Programme, but the stretch of river running through Delhi is still dangerously polluted. This research paper lays out a real plan to turn things around. It brings together the latest wastewater treatment tech, real-time monitoring, ecological restoration, and serious changes in how the river is managed. There’s also a clear roadmap for the future—complete with system-level block diagrams—focused on keeping the Yamuna healthy for good.