Amid a rapidly expanding world demand for eco-friendly and renewable energy sources, researches interest on bio-fuels has significantly grown, including bio-diesels a favorable alternate fuel option towards conventional petroleum diesel; however, increased usage of some readily available and widely applied edible oils as feed stocks for producing biodiesel has been resulted with serious issues and problems concerning to global food security concerns, higher costs of production, the so-called food fuel nexus, that underlines the importance and the growing need for alternative non-edible feed sources in order for bio-diesel production be more economically. Therefore, as an alternative source to the highly researched oil seeds; Cordia sebestena may become an overlooked promising feed-stock because of it is non-edibility, better adaptability, and possibility oil producing nature, while limited amount of scientific investigations has been done on the examination, characterizing, fuel testing or biodiesel developing properties of Cordia Sebsetena seed oil , so far; therefore, it create a research gaps to carry out detailed investigation, here in this conceptual research paper, a detailed research assessment framework on extraction characteristics, Physicochemical characterization and fuel quality of Cordia sebsetena seed oil, including testing biodiesel production aptitude from Cordia sebsetena seed oil using innovative methods including but not limited to assessing suitable extraction methods for high rate of oil recuperation and determining their impacts on the physicochemical and biological parameters as biodiesel quality, in order to evaluate Cordia Sebsetena seed oil viability as an ideal biodiesel source. Further steps include: assessing specific biodiesel quality characteristics such as density, viscosity, viscosity (40 o C), viscosity (100 o C), oil content, iodine value, saponification value, free fatty acid content, peroxide value, flash point, fire point and others that affect both the quality of biodiesel fuel and the conversion into biodiesel by transesterification; importantly studying of fatty acid constituents, (SFA vs UFA) profiles, from oil utilizing advanced techniques such as gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS); will be of the crucial importance to understand its relationship to the properties of resulting biodiesel(oxidative stability and cetane quality, low-temperature behavior). The resulting physiochemical and quality profiles will be ideally compared towards existing biodiesel feed-stocks; biodiesel fuel specifications by international organization in addition, future biodiesel production can be conceptualized via the biodiesel producing from Cordia sebsetena seed oil, and by especially exploring novel bio-refinery approaches for advanced heterogeneous assisted biodiesel formation that result in high conversion efficiency. Eventually; the most fundamental and vital result the current study is intended to get will create a sufficient basic background on Cordia sebsetena seed oil and acknowledge its potential to substitute conventional sources as non-edible biodiesel feed-stock thus will help in diversifying alternative renewable fuel resource bases as to reduces our world over reliance on crude and edible based oils resources as their availability may become increasingly problematic, promotes resource efficiency of unused biomasses and will bring us near to realize a cost effective clean energy and sustainability with zero emissions and greenhouse gas impact in future energy and transport sec.
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IMPACT OF GST REFORMS ON SATHYAMANGALAM HILL TRIBES LARGE SIZED MULTIPURPOSE COOPERATIVE SOCIETY IN ERODE
The cooperative sector plays a vital role in rural development, providing agricultural inputs, credit, marketing and consumer services to members. The introduw221`ction of goods and services tax brought significant changes in taxation, pricing, input costs, compliance procedures and operational efficiency, which indirectly affected the functioning of cooperative societies in different ways. The impact of the goods and services tax GST on cooperative society’s practices has not been discussed frequently since its implementation, as it brought a significant shift in the country’s indirect practices, and overall growth of all sectors. Using a combination of secondary data sources such as society annual report, research articles, government reports and published studies, the paper examines the financial performance and challenges experienced in services by particular cooperatives societies in Erode.
The study finds that GST reforms have created both opportunities and challenges for cooperative societies. On one hand, the reforms have helped improve transparency, tax compliance and uniformity in taxation. On the other hand, they have increased administrative burden, affected procurement and distribution costs. The impact was found to vary depending on the scale of operations, nature of services and level of digital adoption of the societies. Based on the analysis, the study suggests that cooperative societies need stronger digital systems, staff training and policy support to cope effectively with GST related changes and improve long term sustainability.
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FLOURSOF ENRICHED BANANAS, EGGPLANTS, CORN AND CASSAVA WITH FOLIC ACID TO END HUNGER IN TIMES OF FOOD SHORTAGES IN THE ECONOMIC MARKET, REMEDY TO PREVENT HUMANITARIAN CHAOS WITH THE MANAGEMENT OF AGRICULTUREEX THE EXISTENCE OF HUMANITY, THE DIETARY STANDARD OF THE DREAMED AMERICAN DREAM.
This article presents a brief overview of hunger and cheap food, with the intention of comparing it to climate change and its impact on local, regional, and continental agricultural crops, from a global perspective. It is known that the humanitarian reality of people in the world is not a favorable one in relation to the dreamed-of consumer world of the AMERICAN DREAM; that is, it is a reality far removed from what is presented in films, soap operas, and cinema, or in the spotlight of the mainstream media. Being a reality far from the media spotlight, the human individual works in capitalism to earn a salary, and with this, to acquire food as a means of...Subsistence in the world, that is, food and nutrition. Therefore, humanity depends on food and water to absorb nutrients.and chemical compounds for the body's structurewith water. Aiming then to improve and MINIMIZE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION COSTS, this article presents food sources that are very cheap and extremely cheap to manage and produce, for consumption in a given society, AS WELL AS to acquire a FOOD CULTURE STANDARD.cheaper, more nutritious andhealthier, with the aim of society progressing in economic development in an efficient and effective way,With a healthy population, a change in food culture means that the population will be free from diseases such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney and heart disease.in the article ofdietary pattern that This can be linked to a sedentary lifestyle, as exemplified by Westerners and the Western world. Therefore, it is demonstrated that the The reality portrayed in the media spotlight is not the reality of how the world's population lives.their daily work to acquire their food and subsistence. And that is the main concern of the article.It is climate change that affects the management and production of agricultural products to make them available to the market for the population, considering the commodity fetishism of commodities and products, and how this affects the food supply in the local, regional, and global scenario. Consequently… DEMAND From the population, one can generateA humanitarian chaos, as described in reality from 2 different locations in the world, being 2 locations and two TOTALLY DIFFERENT realities of experience and survival in the global economic scenario.This article presents a way to improve consumption and dietary patterns in society with nutrients and healthy nutritional sources.aiming for greater harmony among the local, regional, or global population, with broad concern for climate change and the supply of local, regional, and global products in the face of the humanitarian chaos that would be to come. IT BECOMES Obviously, a humanitarian food crisis is coming with climate change at any moment in any local, regional, or global region.globe, it ismunderdeveloped countries or developed countries.Examples of society ARE THE CONTROL OF Cooking gas, petroleum, electricity, and water, by large companies and large business conglomerates.Those who offer these products in society to the population, the same thing that can and does happen with food.In cultures with specific dietary patterns in local, regional, and global regions.
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AI-ENABLED SMART CITY PROJECTS AND SUSTAINABLE URBAN BUSINESS PRACTICES: IMPACT ON SDG 11 - EVIDENCE FROM SMART CITY MISSION DATA
Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled Smart City projects are emerging as key drivers for sustainable urban business practices and achieving Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11) - Sustainable Cities and Communities. While Smart City Mission (SCM) in India completed 100 cities during 2015-2024 with Rs.1.70 lakh crore investment, integration of AI innovation with green urban practices remains underexplored. The present study investigates impact of AI-enabled Smart City projects on sustainable urban business practices and SDG 11 performance. The study examines 20 Smart Cities - 10 top-ranked and 10 low-ranked as per Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) ranking 2024 during 2019-2024 using secondary data from smartcities.gov.in portal, MoHUA reports, City SPV annual reports, and NITI Aayog SDG Urban Index. AI-Green Urban Index (AGUI) is constructed using content analysis through NVivo 14. Four statistical tools - content analysis, Pearson correlation, panel regression fixed effect model, and independent t-test/ANOVA are employed using SPSS 26 and STATA 17. The findings indicate a strong and positive correlation (r=0.74, p<0.01) between AI innovation and green urban practices, which confirms a significant synergy between the two. The panel regression results further show that AGUI has a positive and significant effect on SDG 11 performance (β=0.58, p<0.001), with 62 percent of the variance explained by the model. t-test indicates top cities (Mean AGUI=61.2) significantly outperform low cities (Mean=38.4) (t=6.12, p<0.01). Study proposes AI-Green Urban Business Framework (AGUBF) for sustainable cities.
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DETECT THE HUMAN FACE AND EMOTIONS EFFECTIVELY USING DEEP LEARNING TO RECOGNISE AND ANALYSE BEHAVIOURAL PATTERNS
All person's emotions are the building blocks of their communication. Interactive video games, medical diagnostics, emotional computing, human-robot interaction, and other areas of Human Computer Interaction (HCI) make extensive use of it. There are three common ways that people show their emotions in social situations: gestures, facial expressions, and words (unimodal), speech and facial expression (bimodal), and psychological signals, video, and audio (multimodal). Understanding one's surroundings and the intentions of one's interlocutors are prerequisites for machine perception. This could be helped by facial emotion recognition. Images depicting facial emotions such as joy, sorrow, rage, surprise, disgust, and fear were processed using deep learning approaches. The Extended Cohn-Kanade Database was used for training. Deep learning enables machines to perceive features effectively, improving human-machine interaction and enhancing user experience.
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PRODUCT MARKETING STRATEGIES, DIGITAL ADOPTION, AND VALUE REALIZATION IN THE INDIAN MSME SECTOR: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) constitute the backbone of the Indian economy, contributing over 30% to national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), nearly 45% to manufacturing output, and providing employment to over 110 million individuals. Despite their macroeconomic significance, MSMEs face severe structural constraints in product marketing, brand positioning, customer acquisition, and value chain integration. Historically dependent on multi-layered traditional intermediary networks, MSMEs suffer from margin erosion, informational asymmetry, and constrained market reach. This study examines product marketing transformations across Indian MSMEs, evaluating the impact of digital marketing adoption, direct-to-consumer (F2C/D2C) channels, social commerce, and institutional cluster support on enterprise performance and value realization. Integrating secondary data from government databases, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) market studies, and empirical survey findings from 350 MSME units and enterprise collectives, this paper demonstrates that digital channel integration and brand-building practices deliver significant margin uplifts (18% to 35%) and enhance customer retention. The analysis culminates in a strategic framework for MSME product marketing, detailing operational interventions for last-mile logistics, digital traceability, and collective branding.
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A STUDY ON NATIONALISM AND POLITICAL NARRATIVES IN CONTEMPORARY INDIAN HINDI CINEMA
The Indian Hindi cinema has a cardinal role in representing ideas of nation, patriotism, sacrifice, national identity and political belonging across different historical periods of India. From the anti-colonial symbolic narratives of the British colonial era in India to post-independence stories of Indian nation-building and contemporary representations of military heroism, cultural identity and political conflict, cinematic nationalism has undergone notable and substantial transformation. The present research study examined the construction and changing representation of nationalism and political narratives in selected Hindi films from different historical periods of India. A qualitative research design based on purposive selection and textual analysis is adopted. Seven films, such as Mother India (1957), “Haqeeqat” (1964), Border (1997), “Lagaan” (2001), “Rang De Basanti” (2006), “Uri: The Surgical Strike” (2019), and “The Kashmir Files” (2022) are examined through narrative, character, dialogue, symbolism, representation of the Indian nation, construction of the enemy, gender and heroism, religion, historical memory and political ideology. The research study drew on perspectives associated with Benedict Anderson's concept of the imagined community, Louis Althusser's theory of ideology, Partha Chatterjee's post-colonial understanding of Indian nationalism, and learnings on Hindi cinema and political representation. The study suggested that nationalist representation in Hindi cinema has shifted from chiefly nation-building, social integration and collective sacrifice toward more explicit forms of the Indian military, cultural and politically charged nationalism in some contemporary Indian films. With the passage of time, Indian Hindi cinema does not present a single or uniform conception of the Indian nationalism. Different Indian Hindi films construct the nation through sacrifice, citizenship, resistance, development, military service, cultural identity and historical memory. Therefore, the study argues that Indian Hindi cinema should be examined as an important site of negotiation over national identity rather than as a simple or deterministic instrument of political influence.
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EVALUATING CONSUMER TRUST AND BUYING BEHAVIOR IN AUGMENTED E-COMMERCE ENVIRONMENTS
Augmented Reality (AR) integration in e-commerce is rapidly transforming how consumers interact with products in digital marketplaces. Despite the growing adoption of AR-enabled shopping features, there remains a significant gap in understanding how these immersive technologies influence consumer trust formation and purchase decision-making. This empirical study investigates the antecedents and consequences of consumer trust in augmented e-commerce environments, drawing on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Trust-Commitment Theory, and Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) framework. A structured questionnaire was administered to 412 online shoppers across age groups 18-50 who had experience using AR features in e-commerce platforms. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using AMOS 24.0 was employed to analyze the relationships among perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, AR interactivity, information quality, perceived risk, consumer trust, and purchase intention. Results reveal that AR interactivity (β=0.423, p<0.001) and information quality (β=0.381, p<0.001) are the strongest predictors of consumer trust, which in turn significantly influences purchase intention (β=0.512, p<0.001). Perceived risk negatively moderates the trust-purchase intention relationship. The model explains 67.4% variance in purchase intention. This study contributes to digital marketing literature and offers actionable insights for e-commerce practitioners seeking to leverage AR technologies to enhance consumer confidence and conversion rates.
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EFFECT OF PUZZLE LEARNING STRATEGY ON SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS' ACHIEVEMENT AND RETENTION IN CHEMISTRY IN ZONE B AREA OF BENUE STATE, NIGERIA.
The study investigated the effect of puzzle learning strategy on secondary school students’ achievement and retention in Chemistry in Zone B area of Benue State, Nigeria. The study was guided by 2 research questions and 2 hypotheses. A quasi-experimental, non-randomised, pre-test post-test control group design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised 6740 SS11 Chemistry students (3960 males and 2780 females) in the seven local government areas of Zone B, Benue State. A multistage sampling procedure was used to sample 346 Chemistry students (195 male and 151 female) from 8 public co-educational schools. The instruments for data collection were the Chemistry Achievement Test (CAT) and Chemistry Retention Test (CRT). The reliability of CAT was determined using Kuder-Richardson KR-21, which yielded a reliability coefficient value of 0.87. The CAT was reshuffled to have the CRT. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions, while Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed a significant difference in the mean achievement and retention scores of students taught Chemistry using the puzzle learning strategy and those taught using the lecture method (P=0.000 < 0.05), in favour of those taught using the puzzle learning strategy. It was concluded that puzzle learning strategy enhances students’ achievement and retention in Chemistry. Based on the findings, the study recommended, among others, that Curriculum planners should incorporate puzzle learning strategy into the school curriculum for effective teaching and learning. Teachers should adopt puzzle learning strategy as an effective approach of passing instruction to learners.
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INTELLIGENT HYBRID HYDROGEN-BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM FOR DC MICROGRID USING ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK-BASED ENERGY MANAGEMENT
The increasing penetration of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy has created major challenges in maintaining voltage stability and reliable power delivery in DC microgrids due to their intermittent nature. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) provide fast dynamic response but suffer from limited energy capacity and reduced lifespan under continuous stress. Hydrogen Energy Storage Systems (HESS), on the other hand, provide long-duration energy storage but exhibit slower response characteristics. This research proposes an intelligent hybrid hydrogen-battery energy storage system controlled using an Artificial Neural Network (ANN)-based energy management strategy for DC microgrid applications. The proposed system is modeled and analyzed using MATLAB scripting under varying renewable generation and dynamic load conditions. A comparative study between conventional rule-based control and ANN-based intelligent control is performed. The obtained results demonstrate that the ANN controller significantly improves DC bus voltage stability, enhances energy management efficiency, and ensures smoother power sharing between battery and hydrogen storage systems. The ANN-based controller reduced voltage deviation from 23.89 V to 7.61 V while improving overall system efficiency from 86.64% to 93.77%. The proposed intelligent hybrid storage system demonstrates improved reliability and suitability for future renewable energy-based smart microgrid applications.
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EXTRACTION AND FORMULATION OF LEMONGRASS (CYMBOPOGON CITRATUS) AND SWEET BASIL (OCIMUM BASILICUM) EXTRACTS INTO MOSQUITO REPELLENT CREAMS: LABORATORY EVALUATION OF EFFICACY AND STABILITY
Traditional communities in many tropical regions have long relied on lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) and sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) to keep mosquitoes at bay. The present study extracted the essential oils of both plants by hydrodistillation, profiled their chemistry by GC-MS, and incorporated the oils into oil-in-water creams at 5, 10 and 15 % (alone and as a 1:1 blend). Larvicidal potency against third-instar Aedes aegypti was measured according to WHO guidelines, while adult repellency was evaluated in arm-in-cage trials. The 15 % blend cream afforded the longest complete protection time (278 ± 34 min) and maintained 96.8 % repellency at 180 min (p < 0.001). Its larvicidal LC50 was 38.4 ppm. All formulations remained physically stable for three months under accelerated storage. These findings lend experimental support to the traditional use of the two plants and indicate that a simple cream base can deliver useful protection against Ae. aegypti.
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CHALLENGES & ISSUES OF ITC UNDER GST IN INDIA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO MERCHANTS IN TUMKUR DISTRICT
The introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India on 1 July 2017 marked a significant reform in the country’s indirect tax system by replacing multiple central and state-level taxes with a unified tax structure. One of the most important features of GST is the Input Tax Credit (ITC) mechanism, which allows registered taxpayers to set off the GST paid on eligible purchases against the GST payable on their outward supplies. The ITC system is intended to eliminate the cascading effect of taxes, reduce the overall tax burden on businesses, improve transparency and promote compliance within the taxation system.
Merchants and traders constitute an important segment of the Indian business sector and extensively depend on ITC for managing their working capital and reducing the effective cost of goods. However, despite its benefits, merchants face several challenges in claiming and utilising ITC. These include delays in updating invoices, mismatches between purchase records and GST returns, dependency on suppliers for accurate reporting, restrictions on eligible credits, documentation requirements, technical difficulties in filing returns, and uncertainty arising from changes in GST rules and procedures. Small and medium-sized merchants may face greater difficulties because of limited accounting knowledge, inadequate digital infrastructure and the cost of maintaining GST-compliant records.
The introduction of technology-based systems such as e-invoicing, e-way bills and automated invoice matching has strengthened GST administration, but it has also increased compliance responsibilities for merchants. Errors in invoices, delayed filing by suppliers or differences between books of accounts and GST portal records can affect the timely availability of ITC. Consequently, merchants may experience increased working-capital requirements and additional administrative costs.
Therefore, studying the challenges and issues of ITC under GST in India with special reference to merchants is important for understanding the practical difficulties faced by traders in availing and utilising credit. The study seeks to examine the major operational, technological, compliance and financial issues associated with ITC and to identify measures that can make the ITC mechanism simpler, more transparent and merchant-friendly. Such an examination can contribute to improving GST compliance and ensuring that the fundamental objective of eliminating the cascading effect of taxation is effectively achieved.
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A STUDY ON PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL SYSTEMS IN THE MEDICAL DEVICE MANUFACTURING SECTOR: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM GALACTIC MEDICAL SYSTEM LIMITED
In high-precision and strictly regulated industries such as medical device manufacturing, human capital represents a vital strategic asset that directly impacts technical output, safety compliance, and operational agility. This study investigates the operational effectiveness, strategic alignment, and workforce perceptions of the performance appraisal framework at Galactic Medical System Limited, Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu. Utilizing an empirical, descriptive research design with a stratified random sample of 100 employees across cleanroom assembly, R&D engineering, quality assurance, and administrative operations, data was gathered via a structured five-point Likert scale instrument. The empirical findings reveal a significant structural mismatch: while 85% of the workforce demonstrates baseline metric awareness, 70% of evaluations remain strictly annual, failing to capture fast-moving engineering lifecycles. Furthermore, 75% of evaluations rely heavily on traditional top-down supervisor methods, causing 45% of respondents to perceive subjective rater bias and 70% to report interpersonal friction during review cycles. Additionally, 85% view the paperwork as administratively burdensome, and 40% note that external supply chain or equipment bottlenecks are entirely ignored during individual performance calculations. Conversely, the system serves as a functional diagnostic tool, with 55% agreeing it accurately identifies training needs for ISO 13485 compliance. Based on these insights, this paper provides strategic recommendations to re-engineer the performance appraisal framework, advocating for a transition toward a digitized 360-degree evaluation model integrated with an objective External Constraint Factor (ECF) adjustment mechanism to minimize bias and improve retention.
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A STUDY ON TALENT ACQUISITION ECOSYSTEM OPTIMIZATION IN HIGH-PRECISION MEDICAL DEVICE MANUFACTURING
This study explores the strategic architecture of Talent Acquisition (TA) within Galactic Medical System Limited at Krishnagiri, a leading-edge medical manufacturing organization. Medical device manufacturing demands high precision, multi-disciplinary engineering expertise, and stringent compliance with international regulatory standards (e.g., ISO 13485, FDA 21 CFR Part 820). Through a quantitative audit of 1,200 applications and a specialized survey of 100 industrial stakeholders, this paper analyzes process friction points, pipeline constraints, and early retention dynamics. The findings indicate that while internal networks and employee referrals act as high-synergy filters yielding 35% of premium hires, severe operational bottlenecks persist during technical lab testing (accounting for 42% of candidate dropouts) and internal coordination loops, extending Time-to-Fill beyond competitive market thresholds. Furthermore, a post-hire psychological contract fracture results in a 42% early attrition rate within the first 90 days due to discrepancies between recruitment narratives and functional plant realities. This research outlines strategic frameworks for re-engineering selection rubrics, establishing niche academic pipelines, deploying contextual resume-parsing technologies, and integrating stratified skill-premium compensation models to safeguard long-term corporate growth.
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AN EMPIRICAL STUDY ON EMPLOYEE SATISFACTION AND OPERATIONAL ERGONOMICS IN A TERTIARY HEALTHCARE SETTING
Employee satisfaction represents a foundational metric determining organizational health, operational efficacy, and service quality in modern healthcare institutions. This study evaluates the multi-dimensional facets of employee satisfaction among medical, nursing, paramedical, and administrative personnel at Krishnagiri Super Speciality Hospital Limited (Royal Hospital), Tamil Nadu. Employing a descriptive, cross-sectional research design, primary data was gathered from a stratified sample of 150 healthcare professionals utilizing a structured 5-point Likert scale instrument. Quantitative analysis was executed through percentage metrics and the weighted average method, with an operational benchmark set at a score of 3.50 to isolate systemic friction points. The empirical findings reveal exemplary benchmark-level performance in biosecurity compliance (90.7% positive rating) and absolute workplace hygiene (81.3%). However, critical institutional stress zones were identified within operational ergonomics, specifically regarding roster design equity (only 54.6% satisfaction) and suboptimal overnight rest lounge/cafeteria infrastructures (31.4% active dissatisfaction). Despite these operational friction points, internal brand equity remains extraordinarily high, with 84.7% of the workforce expressing strong professional pride and 75.4% acting as active brand ambassadors. This paper formulates actionable short- and long-term strategic interventions to mitigate healthcare burnout, optimize retention pipelines, and safeguard clinical quality.
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AVAILABILITY OF EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES AS A CORRELATE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA
This study examined ‘Availability of educational facilities as a correlate of secondary school students’ academic performance in Rivers State, Nigeria’. Two (2) objectives, two (2) research questions and two (2) corresponding null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The study was anchored on Herzberg two-factor theory. The study adopted a correlational research design with a population of 8452 teachers in 268 public senior secondary schools in Rivers State out of which a sample of 382 teachers representing 4.51% was drawn using Taro Yamane minimum sample formula. The study used three different sets of instruments titled: Educational Facilities Availability Checklist’ (EFAC) and Questionnaire titled: ‘Utilization of Educational Facilities Questionnaire’ (UEFQ) and ‘Students’ Academic Performance Questionnaire’ (SAPQ). The three instruments were scored on a four points scale and validated by the researcher’s supervisors and one expert in the field of Measurement and Evaluation of the Department of Educational Psychology, Guidance and Counselling, University of Port Harcourt. The reliability coefficient obtained for EFAC was 0.93 while UEFQ and SAPQ were 0.89 and 0.86 respectively. Simple regression was used to answer research questions 1-2. T-test associated with simple regression were used to test the null hypotheses 1-2 at 0.05 levels of significance. The findings of the study showed that to a very high extent, availability and utilization of library facilities and recreational facilities correlate with secondary school students’ academic performance in Rivers State, Nigeria. Based on the findings, the study recommended amongst others that, the government should ensure that all public secondary schools in Rivers State have functional libraries equipped with up-to-date textbooks, reference materials, journals, and digital resources. Stakeholders, including curriculum developers and school administrators, should incorporate mandatory library periods into the school timetable.
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INTEGRATED TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAMME(ITEP) A NEW DEVELOP FACE OF TEACHER TRAINING IN NEP 2020
Teacher education plays a vital role in making a pool of different school teacher for our next generation. The preparation of a good teacher is not an easy task, it is an activity that require multiple perspectives and knowledge. Mind these multiple perspectives and knowledge NEP 2020 introduced ITEP (Integrated Teacher Education Programme) a new formation of teacher training for the present generation which remove the traditional B.Ed. programme. The ITEP is the creation of passionate, motivated, professionally trained and well-equipped teacher building process in the field of School Education.
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PERCEIVED SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP, EMPLOYEE COMMITMENT, AND CUSTOMER SATISFACTION IN MULTINATIONAL COMPANIES IN GHANA
This study examined the mediating role of employee commitment in the relationship between perceived socially responsible leadership (SRL) and customer satisfaction in multinational companies (MNCs) operating in Ghana. Using a quantitative cross-sectional design, data were collected from 350 frontline employees and 1,050 customers across eight MNCs in the banking, telecommunications, and hospitality sectors. Perceived socially responsible leadership was measured using the Socially Responsible Leadership Scale (SRLS) adapted for organizational contexts, employee commitment was assessed using Meyer and Allen's three-component commitment scale, and customer satisfaction was measured using SERVQUAL-derived scales. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, and hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to examine relationships and mediating effects. Results revealed significant positive correlations between perceived SRL and employee commitment (r = 0.55, p < .001), perceived SRL and customer satisfaction (r = 0.48, p < .001), and employee commitment and customer satisfaction (r = 0.51, p < .001). Hierarchical regression demonstrated that perceived SRL significantly predicted employee commitment (β = 0.47, p < .001), accounting for 32% of the variance. Employee commitment significantly mediated the relationship between perceived SRL and customer satisfaction (indirect effect = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.17 to 0.31). The findings highlight that leaders who demonstrate social responsibility build employee commitment, which translates into superior service delivery and customer satisfaction. Implications for leadership development, corporate social responsibility integration, and service quality management in Ghanaian MNCs are discussed.
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THE IMPACT OF VIRTUAL LEADERSHIP COMMUNICATION ON COMMITMENT IN REMOTE MULTINATIONAL COMPANIES IN GHANA
This study examined the impact of virtual leadership communication on employee commitment in remote multinational companies operating in Ghana. Using a quantitative cross-sectional design, data were collected from 395 employees across twelve MNC subsidiaries in the financial services, telecommunications, and information technology sectors. Virtual leadership communication was measured using a multidimensional scale assessing communication frequency, quality, and channel richness, while employee commitment was measured using the Three-Component Model. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, hierarchical regression, and moderation analyses were conducted. Results revealed significant positive correlations between virtual leadership communication quality and affective commitment (r = 0.59, p <.001), communication frequency and normative commitment (r = 0.45, p <.001), and overall virtual leadership communication and employee commitment (r = 0.56, p <.001). Hierarchical regression analyses demonstrated that virtual leadership communication quality significantly predicted affective commitment (β = 0.54, p <.001), with cultural distance moderating this relationship such that employees from high power-distance cultural backgrounds experienced stronger effects of communication quality on commitment. The findings underscore that effective virtual leadership communication, characterized by clarity, empathy, and responsiveness, is essential for fostering employee commitment in remote work contexts, particularly where cultural differences exist. Implications for virtual leadership development, communication strategy, and remote work policy in Ghanaian MNCs are discussed.
20
HEPATOPROTECTIVE PLANTS IN ASHTANGA HRIDAYA: AN EVIDENCE-MAPPED REVIEW BRIDGING CLASSICAL AYURVEDA AND MODERN LIVER RESEARCH
Background: Ayurveda describes medicinal plants through Rasa, Guna, Virya, Vipaka and Karma, with several drugs traditionally relevant to Yakrit, Kamala, Halimaka and related disorders. Objective: To map hepatoprotective plants identified from the Ashtanga Hridaya against contemporary evidence, drugs overlap in Bhavaprakasha, summarize effects on liver-profile markers and mechanisms, and prioritize future research. Methods: Classical drugs were identified from Ashtanga Hridaya which are used Yakrit, Kamala, Halimaka and related disorders, while modern mechanisms were included supported by identified peer-reviewed studies. Evidence was classified as clinical, in-vivo, in-vitro or classical-only. Results: Stronger translational candidates included Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth., Phyllanthus emblica L., Glycyrrhiza glabra L., and Terminalia chebula Retz. Additional experimental support exists for Tinospora cordifolia (Guḍuchi), Zingiber officinale (Suṇṭhi), Cyperus rotundus Linn. (Musta), Piper longum L. (Pippali), Piper nigrum L. (Marica), Swertia chirata (Chirayata / Kiratatikta), Plumbago zeylanica (Chitraka) and others. Common outcomes included reductions in ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin and lipid peroxidation with restoration of glutathione and antioxidant enzymes. Haritaki, Draksha and Guduchi were the principal Bhavaprakasha Kamalahara/Yakrit-Rogahara overlaps with the Ashtanga Hridaya. Conclusion: Classical plants provide a useful hypothesis-generating reservoir, but translation requires authentication, chemical standardization, mechanistic validation, toxicology and well-designed clinical trials.
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GOOD GOVERNANCE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN INDIA: AN ASSESSMENT OF INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY, POLICY IMPLEMENTATION AND DEVELOPMENT OUTCOMES
The achievement of sustainable development is increasingly recognised as a governance challenge rather than merely a question of economic resources or technological capacity. Institutions determine how development priorities are translated into policies, how resources are allocated, how programmes are implemented, and how citizens participate in and benefit from development processes. This article examines the relationship between good governance and sustainable development in India by focusing on three interconnected dimensions: institutional capacity, policy implementation, and development outcomes. Drawing on institutional theory, governance theory, and the multi-level governance perspective, the study develops a conceptual framework linking government effectiveness, accountability, participation, policy coherence, and administrative capacity with sustainable development outcomes. The empirical discussion draws upon the SDG India Index 2023–24, government reports, international governance literature, and recent scholarship on SDG localisation in India. The evidence demonstrates substantial improvement in India's aggregate SDG performance, with the national score increasing from 66 in 2020–21 to 71 in 2023–24. However, considerable subnational variation remains, with state scores ranging from 57 to 79. The paper argues that this variation cannot be adequately understood through policy expenditure or programme availability alone; differences in institutional capacity, implementation effectiveness, intergovernmental coordination, and local adaptive capacity are equally important. The analysis further suggests that India's SDG architecture has strengthened monitoring and policy coordination, but the institutionalisation of SDGs within subnational governance remains uneven. The article concludes that India's transition towards sustainable development requires a shift from programme-centric governance towards institutionally embedded, participatory, adaptive, and outcome-oriented governance. Strengthening local institutions, improving policy coherence, integrating governance and SDG indicators, and developing context-sensitive implementation mechanisms are identified as critical priorities.
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SOCIAL AND LIVELIHOOD IMPACTS OF THE SUDDEN JULY 2026 FLOODS IN SIVASAGAR, JORHAT, GOLAGHAT AND CHARAIDEO DISTRICTS OF ASSAM AN ASSESSMENT OF A FLASH-FLOOD DISASTER IN ASSAM'S UPPER BRAHMAPUTRA VALLEY AND ITS CONSEQUENCES FOR RURAL LIVELIHOODS AND SOCIAL WELLBEING
In the third week of July 2026, a sudden and severe spell of flooding struck Assam's Upper Brahmaputra Valley, driven by a cloudburst-like concentration of rainfall over the hills of neighbouring Nagaland (with contributing rainfall over Arunachal Pradesh) that sent the Dikhow, Disang, Dhansiri, Jhanji, Janji and Dorika rivers into extreme spate. Districts that do not typically experience severe flooding on this scale - Sivasagar, Jorhat, Golaghat and Charaideo - were among the worst affected, alongside Nagaon, Sonitpur and Kamrup Metropolitan. By 28 July 2026, the state government reported that the wider 2026 flood season had affected roughly ten lakh people across twenty-five districts and claimed at least 75 lives, with the most recent fatalities concentrated in the Nazira revenue circle of Sivasagar district. This paper focuses specifically on the social and livelihood dimensions of this disaster in the four worst-hit Upper Assam districts, drawing on official flood bulletins, sectoral reporting (particularly on the tea industry) and government relief announcements to document impacts on population displacement, agriculture, tea-garden livelihoods, livestock and dairy-based livelihoods, housing, transport and market access, public health, education, and vulnerable groups. It also reviews the state government's emergency compensation and relief package announced in the last week of July 2026, and discusses the disaster's implications for understanding flood risk in a part of Assam historically considered comparatively less flood-prone than the Brahmaputra's char and embankment-breach-affected districts. As official figures were still being revised at the time of writing, this paper reports the range and trajectory of key statistics rather than presenting a single final toll, and should be read as a situation-based assessment rather than an audited damage report.
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ULTRASONIC STUDY OF PURE SYNTHESIZED NICKEL FERRITE (NIFE2O4) NANOFLUIDS AT DIFFERENT CONCENTRATION AND TEMPERATURES BY USING 5 MHZ ULTRASONIC WAVES
In this present research, the pure NiFe2O4 nanoparticle was synthesized using the sol-gel method. The obtained nanoparticle undergoes Ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy to enhance the size, and band gap of NiFe2O4 nanoparticles. The pure synthesized NiFe2O4 nanoparticle also was transformed to liquid by mixing and dispersed into Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) polymer at 2%, 4% and 6% concentration for ultrasonic characterization. The obtained liquid was poured into the cylinder of an ultrasonic interferometer and undergoes through ultrasonic characterization by sending ultrasonic wave of frequency 5 MHz to measure the ultrasonic velocity, density, and viscosity at different temperatures (303K to 333K). Also, the related ultrasonic parameters such as adiabatic compressibility, acoustic impedance, and ultrasonic attenuation were determined using the experimental parameters such as ultrasonic velocity, density, and viscosity.
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DIGITAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN NURSING PRACTICE: OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES, AND PROSPECTS FOR HEALTHCARE INNOVATION IN NIGERIA
The rapid advancement of information and communication technologies has transformed contemporary business practices, resulting in the increasing adoption of electronic commerce (e-commerce) and electronic entrepreneurship (e-entrepreneurship). This presentation examined the concepts, types, benefits, challenges, and healthcare-related opportunities associated with e-commerce and e-entrepreneurship, with particular attention to their relevance in Nigeria. E-commerce was described as the electronic buying and selling of goods and services, while e-entrepreneurship involves the creation and management of businesses through digital technologies and online platforms. The major forms discussed were Business-to-Business, Business-to-Consumer, Consumer-to-Consumer, Consumer-to-Business, Business-to-Government, and Government-to-Citizen models. The presentation highlighted major benefits, including wider market reach, reduced operating costs, convenience, increased revenue opportunities, improved customer experience, efficient digital marketing, scalability, and data-driven decision-making. However, cybersecurity threats, poor logistics, inadequate internet connectivity, digital payment fraud, consumer trust concerns, intense competition, and regulatory requirements remain important challenges to sustainable digital business development. Particular attention was given to e-entrepreneurship opportunities for nurses and other healthcare professionals, including telehealth, online health education, home healthcare booking, digital health applications, online professional training, wellness coaching, and healthcare technology development. The presentation concluded that e-commerce and e-entrepreneurship provide significant opportunities for economic development, innovation, and healthcare service delivery. Therefore, strengthening digital literacy, cybersecurity, infrastructure, regulatory support, and entrepreneurial competencies is essential for maximizing the benefits of digital entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
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THE TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE INTEGRATION ON WORKFORCE PERFORMANCE AND ORGANIZATIONAL PRODUCTIVITY IN TECHNOLOGY-DRIVEN ENTERPRISES
This study investigates the relationship between artificial intelligence adoption and employee performance, with particular emphasis on productivity outcomes and organizational effectiveness. Utilizing secondary panel data from 287 technology firms across North America and Europe spanning 2018 to 2025, the research employs fixed-effects regression modeling to analyze the performance implications of AI integration. The analysis reveals a statistically significant positive association between AI adoption intensity and organizational productivity (β = 0.42, p < 0.001), while employee performance metrics demonstrate a lagged positive response pattern, emerging approximately 12-18 months post-implementation. The findings further indicate that the productivity gains are most pronounced in organizations with complementary digital infrastructure investments. These results contribute to the growing body of literature on digital transformation and offer practical guidance for organizational leaders navigating AI implementation strategies.
Water quality assessment requires the examination of several physical and chemical parameters collected from different sources and geographical locations. When these observations are stored across multiple related datasets, manual analysis becomes difficult and it can be challenging to identify relationships, trends, and variations in quality. This research paper presents an interactive water quality analysis framework using Python and Microsoft Power BI. The work follows a structured analytical workflow consisting of dataset preparation, data inspection, cleaning, exploratory analysis, visualization, relational data modeling, dashboard development, and testing.
The implementation uses five related datasets: Water_Sample, Location_Master, Water_Source_Master, Physical_Parameters, and Chemical_Parameters. Python, Pandas, and Matplotlib are used for data loading, inspection, cleaning, descriptive analysis, and graphical representation. Microsoft Power BI is then used to establish relationships between tables and present the results through KPI cards, a donut chart, a water-source column chart, a WQI trend line chart, geographical analysis, a decomposition tree, slicers, and conditional formatting.
The supplied dashboard contains 500 water samples, an average Water Quality Index (WQI) of 93.63, an average pH of 7.29, and 398 samples categorized as Excellent. The displayed quality-status distribution is 79.6% Excellent, 20.2% Good, and 0.2% Moderate. The dashboard also provides state-wise, city-wise, source-wise, and month-wise analysis. The work demonstrates how combining programmatic data processing with interactive business-intelligence visualization can transform structured environmental records into an accessible analytical system.
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THE ROLE OF EXPATRIATE LEADERS' CULTURAL INTELLIGENCE IN ALIGNING WITH LOCAL VALUES TO ENHANCE SUBSIDIARY PERFORMANCE
This study examined the role of expatriate leaders' cultural intelligence (CQ) in aligning with local values to enhance subsidiary performance in multinational corporations (MNCs) operating in Ghana. Using a quantitative cross-sectional design with three-month time-lagged data, data were collected from 234 assigned expatriates (AEs) across eight MNCs in the banking, telecommunications, and manufacturing sectors. Cultural intelligence was measured using the Cultural Intelligence Scale (CQS), local embeddedness was assessed using an adapted embeddedness scale, local value alignment was measured through culturally adaptive leadership behaviors, and subsidiary performance was assessed using perceptual and objective performance measures. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, and hierarchical regression with mediation analyses were conducted. Results revealed significant positive correlations between expatriate CQ and subsidiary performance (r = 0.52, p < .001), CQ and local embeddedness (r = 0.56, p < .001), and local embeddedness and subsidiary performance (r = 0.49, p < .001). Hierarchical regression demonstrated that expatriate CQ significantly predicted local value alignment (β = 0.48, p < .001), accounting for 31% of the variance. Local embeddedness significantly mediated the relationship between CQ and subsidiary performance (indirect effect = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.15 to 0.29). Additionally, higher levels of relational attachment prompted expatriates to leverage their local embeddedness to learn novel things that enhanced subsidiary performance. The findings highlight that culturally intelligent expatriates who embed themselves in local contexts and align with local values achieve superior subsidiary performance. Implications for expatriate selection, cultural intelligence development, and subsidiary management in Ghanaian MNCs are discussed.
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THE IMPACT OF CROSS-CULTURAL LEADERSHIP STYLES ON CUSTOMER SATISFACTION IN MULTINATIONAL SUBSIDIARIES IN GHANA
This study examined the impact of cross-cultural leadership styles on customer satisfaction in multinational subsidiaries operating in Ghana. Using a quantitative cross-sectional design, data were collected from 360 employees and 1,080 customers across eight multinational subsidiaries in the banking, telecommunications, and hospitality sectors. Cross-cultural leadership styles were measured using adapted scales assessing cultural intelligence, transformational leadership, participative leadership, and culturally adaptive leadership. Customer satisfaction was measured using the SERVQUAL multidimensional scale assessing service quality dimensions. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, and hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to examine relationships and mediating effects. Results revealed significant positive correlations between cross-cultural leadership styles and customer satisfaction (r = 0.53, p < .001). Hierarchical regression demonstrated that cultural intelligence (β = 0.32, p < .001), transformational leadership (β = 0.28, p < .001), participative leadership (β = 0.24, p < .001), and culturally adaptive leadership (β = 0.30, p < .001) significantly predicted customer satisfaction, collectively accounting for 44% of the variance. Employee service quality mediated the relationship between cross-cultural leadership and customer satisfaction (indirect effect = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.15 to 0.29). The findings highlight that culturally competent leadership enhances customer satisfaction through improved employee service delivery. Implications for leadership development, cross-cultural training, and customer service management in Ghanaian multinational subsidiaries are discussed.
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LEARNING STYLES AS CORRELATES OF ACADEMIC SELF-EFFICACY OF PUBLIC SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN RIVERS STATE
This study investigated the learning styles as correlates of academic self-efficacy of public senior secondary school students in Rivers State. The study was guided by four research questions and four corresponding null hypotheses. The design for the study was the correlational research design. The population for the study comprised all the 42,624 senior secondary II (SS2) students in the 278 public secondary schools in Rivers State. A sample of 623 students was used for the study. Multi-stage sampling procedure was adopted in drawing the sample. Two instruments were used for the study namely the Learning Styles Scale (LSS) and Academic Self-Efficacy Inventory (ASEI). The research instruments were validated by two expert. The construct validity was also done using factor analysis. To ensure the reliability of the instruments, Cronbach alpha () was used for all the instruments. The alpha coefficients of 0.88 and 0.92 for Learning Styles Scale (LSS) and Academic Self-Efficacy Inventory (ASEI) respectively. The data generated were analyzed using simple regression analysis. Specifically, research questions were answered using simple regression while hypotheses were tested using t-test associated with simple regression at 0.05 level of significance. Result revealed that learning styles (visual, auditory, kinesthetic and read/write) significantly relate to academic self-efficacy of public secondary school students in Rivers State. It was recommended among others that, school counsellors should play important role in the academic self-efficacy of students by offering them for appropriate techniques that will help boost their self-confidence.
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BETWEEN HOME AND NOWHERE: IDENTITY CRISIS AND EMOTIONAL DISLOCATION IN JHUMPA LAHIRI’S WHEREABOUTS
Jhumpa Lahiri’s fiction has consistently explored the complexities of migration, cultural identity, alienation, and belonging. Her novel Whereabouts presented the emotional journey of an unnamed female protagonist who experienced psychological and cultural displacement while attempting to negotiate her relationship with the past and present. The present study examined the representation of identity crisis and emotional dislocation in Lahiri’s Whereabouts, focusing on the protagonist’s struggle to establish a sense of belonging in an unfamiliar urban environment. The study analysed how Lahiri portrayed identity as a fluid and evolving process shaped by memories, cultural experiences, personal relationships, and emotional conflicts. Through a close textual analysis of the novel, the research explored themes of displacement, fractured self-perception, cultural alienation, loneliness, and the search for connection. The study employed a qualitative approach and examined the ways in which the protagonist’s experiences reflected the complexities of living between different cultural and emotional spaces. The analysis revealed that Whereabouts did not present belonging as a fixed geographical condition but as an ongoing process of self-negotiation and acceptance. The protagonist’s journey demonstrated that identity was continuously reconstructed through interactions between memory, environment, and personal transformation. The study concluded that Lahiri portrayed displacement not merely as a condition of loss but also as an opportunity for self-reflection and the discovery of an evolving sense of identity.
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THE ROLE OF SELF-ESTEEM, SELF-EFFICACY AND PEER RELATION ON PERCEIVED TRAMADOL ABUSE AMONG UNDERGRADUATES OF UNIVERSITIES IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA
The study examined the role of self-esteem and self-efficacy on perceived tramadol abuse among undergraduates of universities in Benue state, Nigeria. This study adopted a cross-sectional survey design. It was carried out in Benue state, Nigeria. The setting for this study comprised of three Universities. They are Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University formally known as Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State University, Makurdi and University of Mkar, Mkar, Gboko. The target population was 34235 university students. This study selected the sample size of 380 using the Krejcie and Morgan formula. A multi stage sampling technique was used to obtain participants for the study. The instrument used for the study was questionnaire. The questionnaire was divided into section A to D. Section “A’’ contained the letter of consent and demographic information of the undergraduate students, Section ‘’B’’ measured Self-esteem, Section “C” measured Self-efficacy and Section “D” measured Perceived tramadol abuse respectively. The pilot study results therefore, showed that the 10-items Rosenberg Self-Esteem (RSE) Scale yielded a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of .95. This indicated that the scale was highly reliable for use on the population of undergraduate students. Therefore, 10- items were reliable and thus included in the main study. However, in the main study the 10-items Rosenberg Self-Esteem (RSE) Scale yielded a reliability Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of .70, which was also highly reliable and accordingly adopted for the study. The result also indicated that the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE) consisting of 10-items yielded a Crombach’s Alpha coefficient of .94 with no item been deleted or modified for not being reliable. This indicated that the scale was highly reliable for use on the population of undergraduate students. Therefore all the 10- items were included in the main study. In the main study however, the result showed that the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE) yielded a reliability Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of .61 which was reliable. In the main study, the Perceived Tramadol Abuse Screening Test (PTAST) yielded a reliability Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of .76 which was highly reliable for use on the population of the university undergraduate students. The researcher employed descriptive statistics of frequencies, percentages and the inferential statistics such as correlation was used to test the research hypotheses. Correlation is a statistic that describes the relationship between two variables. Simple Linear Regression Analysis to examine the influence of self-esteem and self-efficacy on perceived tramadol abuse among undergraduates of the three selected Universities in Benue State. The result showed that self-esteem and self-efficacy has a significant influence on tramadol abuse among undergraduates of universities in Benue state. Therefore recommended that the regulators and management of universities in Benue state should put in place psychological intervention measures aimed at enhancing and boosting the self-esteem and efficacy among undergraduates. This can be practically achieved by adopting psychological techniques with the potency of reducing excesses in low self-esteem and improving upon them among the undergraduates.
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EFFECT OF OFFLINE VIRTUAL LABORATORY ON THE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL BIOLOGY STUDENTS IN VANDEIKYA METROPOLIS, NIGERIA
This study investigated the effect of offline Virtual laboratory on the academic achievement of senior secondary school Biology students in Vandeikya Metropolis, Nigeria. The study has two research objectives, answered two research questions and tested two research null hypotheses at 0.05 level of Significance. A quasi experimental design was adopted. Biology Achievement Test (BAT) instrument was developed and administered to 100 sample from population of 1002 Senior Secondary School (II) Biology students in Vandeikya metropolis. A purposive sampling technique was used in the selection of the sample. .Biology Achievement test (BAT) was validated by five experts. Reliability of the BAT was 0.95 using Kuder-Richardson formula (K-R20). Experimental group was taught using offline Virtual laboratory while the control group was taught using conventional or traditional laboratory. Research questions were answered using mean and standard deviation while null hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance using ANCOVA. Results revealed significant difference in achievement of students taught using offline virtual laboratory and their counterpart taught using traditional or conventional laboratory. The study further revealed no statistical significant differences in the achievement of male and female students exposed to offline virtual laboratory. Based on the findings, the study concluded that offline virtual laboratory is effective and gender friendly and it was recommended for teaching and learning of sciences particularly Biology. Suggestion for further studies were made to include replication of this study in other parts of the country, replication of this study using other topics as content scope and provision of well- equipped ICT facilities in our schools
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MATERIALS SCIENCE — ADVANCED MATERIALS IN NANOTECHNOLOGY FOR SUSTAINABILITY
Growth of the single crystalline and polycrystalline materials are directly proportional to the MICROWAVE PLASMA in the range of 1 kv to 4 kv, Methane gas (CH4) in the range of 5 to 60 SCCM, Oxygen gas (O2) in the range of 2 to 10 SCCM. Hydrogen gas 100 - 600 SCCM and Argon gas in the range of 0.05 to 0.5 SCCM with water cooled HPHT- Vacuum Chamber in the range of 10⁰C to 24⁰C. Plenum pressure in the range of 0.1 - 135 torr and chamber pressure 10 -150 torr. All the components of the vacuum system are connected from automatic Smart PC which is mounted on Rack monitor and is used to to control different parts like MFC, power supply, microwave, rotary vane pump and valve for rough vacuum or base vacuum and valve for high vacuum. All the parameters are set in the PC Interface and used to press the start button all parameters are active and start to glow plasma in chamber after injecting gases in the vacuum chamber one by one as per need of Growth of the single crystalline and the Growth of the poly crystalline use seki device in the year of 2016.
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ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE INSURANCE BUSINESS: OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES, AND STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming core insurance functions, including underwriting, claims processing, pricing, fraud detection, and customer service. While a growing body of industry commentary describes this transformation, empirical evidence on how insurance professionals themselves perceive AI's opportunities, challenges, and strategic value remains comparatively limited. This study addresses that gap through a quantitative survey of 384 respondents drawn from insurance company employees, agents, and managers across underwriting, claims, actuarial, and customer-facing functions. A structured questionnaire measuring five constructs perceived usefulness of AI, perceived ease of use, trust in AI systems, perceived adoption barriers, and behavioral intention to use AI-enabled tools was administered and analyzed using descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, correlation, and multiple regression. The instrument achieved acceptable to good internal consistency across constructs (Cronbach's alpha ranging from 0.78 to 0.91). Results indicate that perceived usefulness and trust in AI are significant positive predictors of adoption intention, while perceived barriers including data privacy concerns, limited explainability, and skills gaps are significant negative predictors. The study finds that AI is most strongly associated with efficiency gains in claims processing and fraud detection, while underwriting and pricing applications are viewed as offering high value but requiring stronger governance and human oversight. The paper concludes with strategic recommendations for insurers seeking to scale AI adoption responsibly, and provides the survey instrument used in the study for replication and extension. [Note: the descriptive and inferential results reported in this paper are presented as an illustrative analytical template reflecting patterns consistent with the literature; researchers using this paper as a working draft should replace the reported figures with the output of their own analysis of the 384 collected responses.
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POMEGRANATE PEEL BIOFILM: A GREEN AND ANTIBACTERIAL ALTERNATIVE TO CONVENTIONAL FOOD PACKAGING
The increasing demand for sustainable and effective food packaging materials has led to the exploration of natural, bioactive compounds as alternatives to synthetic additives. In this study, an antibacterial thin biofilm was developed using pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel extract due to its known antimicrobial properties. The biofilm was prepared using corn starch as the base material, along with glycerol, vinegar, distilled water, and pomegranate peel extract to provide antimicrobial activity. The antibacterial activity of the pomegranate-based biofilm was evaluated against common foodborne microorganisms, including Pseudomonas sp. The effectiveness of the biofilm as a food packaging material was further assessed by microbiological analysis of raw food samples stored under three different conditions: polythene-wrapped, pomegranate biofilm-wrapped, and unwrapped samples over a specified period. Several physical properties of the biofilm were also evaluated, including water solubility, thermal stability, biodegradability, and tensile strength. The results indicated that the incorporation of P. granatum peel extract enhanced the antibacterial activity of the biofilm and showed effective inhibition against the tested pathogen. The biofilm also demonstrated suitable mechanical and physical properties, indicating its potential as an eco-friendly and antimicrobial food packaging material capable of improving food safety and extending shelf life.
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STRESS AND ANXIETY OF PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE (PNP): BASIS FOR A DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
This study examined organizational stress, operational stress, and anxiety among 630 Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel of the Special Operations Units (SOUs) of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PNP-DEG), most of whom were entry-level officers holding baccalaureate degrees. Anchored in Lazarus and Folkman’s Transactional Model of Stress and Coping, the study used a quantitative descriptive-comparative and correlational design, gathering responses through the Operational Police Stress Questionnaire (PSQ-Op), Organizational Police Stress Questionnaire (PSQ-Org), and Job Anxiety Scale (JAS). Results showed generally low levels of occupational stress and work-related anxiety across all measured domains, reflecting strong professional resilience and adaptive coping. Welch’s ANOVA revealed that educational attainment and rank significantly influenced organizational stress (p < .05), while operational stress and all anxiety dimensions remained statistically uniform across demographic groups. Pearson correlation further confirmed a significant positive relationship between stress and anxiety (p < .01), indicating that heightened occupational friction systematically raises psychological tension. Grounded in these findings and the mandates of Republic Act No. 11036 (Philippine Mental Health Act), the study proposes an institutionalized three-phase development program comprising routine psychological screening, resilience-oriented cognitive reframing, and continuous stress-threshold monitoring to strengthen mental health recovery, reduce occupational stigma, and sustain long-term operational readiness.
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INDIC ETHICS-TO-GOVERNANCE MODEL (IEGM): DHARMA R̥TA - VYAVASTHĀ (DRV) FRAMEWORK
This paper presents the Indic Ethics-to-Governance Model (IEGM), also designated as the Dharma–R̥ta–Vyavasthā (DRV) framework, establishing a textually grounded theoretical model that traces the flow of foundational Indic metaphysics into ethical norms and operational institutional governance. Drawing exclusively from canonical sources across Vedantic, Jain, Buddhist, and Sikh traditions, the framework demonstrates a shared civilisational architecture wherein reality is understood as inherently ordered, interdependent, and sacred. The model is structured into three interconnected conceptual layers. Layer I establishes the metaphysical foundations of Indic thought through principles such as ṛta (cosmic order), Brahman–Atman identity, universal jīva (sentience), paṭicca-samuppāda (dependent origination), and Ik Onkar (divine immanence), which collectively ground human dignity, systemic reciprocity, and ecological reverence. Layer II translates these cosmological realities into core ethical constructs, including dharma (righteous duty), ahimsa (non-violence), right livelihood, stewardship, and personal integrity. Layer III details the historical manifestation of these ethics into formal institutional outcomes, such as self-regulating labour guilds (śreṇi), welfare structures, ecological management systems, and administrative anti-corruption mechanisms. By demonstrating how metaphysical commitments organically produce institutional accountability, the IEGM provides a culturally rooted, philosophically coherent foundation to enrich modern international governance paradigms, offering direct theoretical alignments with the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) pillars of human rights, labour standards, environmental sustainability, and anti-corruption
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IMPACT OF EXCHANGE RATE VOLATILITY ON DOMESTIC INVESTMENT IN NIGERIA
The paper focuses on investment as the engine of economic growth of a nation particularly in Nigeria, where the goal is to become one of the most developed economy of the world in the year 2030, the focus of the paper to examine the determinant of private domestic investment is well placed. The objective of the paper therefore is to allow the policy makers identify factor and the opportunity of taking such decisions that will promote private investment in Nigeria like that of the other economies.
The paper revealed in the conclusion that nominal exchange rate, macroeconomic instability, infrastructure and savings rate are significant variables that determine the level of domestic investment in Nigeria. The result shows that infrastructure is negatively signed contrary to expectation.
Data were obtained from Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin of various issues covering the period between 1997-2024.The paper adopt the techniques of Ordinary Least Square Method (OLS) to analysis the data. The result shows that the variables for the regression equation were appropriately captures as the overall goodness of fit is significant at 5% indicating the appropriateness of regressands.
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RISK-CONSTRAINED GENERATIVE-AI RED–BLUE CO-EVOLUTION FOR SELF-HEALING 6G NETWORK SLICES UNDER ADVERSARIAL CONCEPT DRIFT
Sixth-generation (6G) network slices are programmable, distributed, and exposed to adversaries that can change their behaviour faster than static intrusion detectors can be retrained. This paper proposes a risk-constrained Generative-AI red–blue co-evolution framework for self-healing 6G slices. The framework combines slice telemetry and a digital twin with a concept-drift monitor, generative red and blue agents, a risk governor, and a slice orchestrator. Red agents generate bounded adversarial hypotheses, while blue agents produce explainable detection and remediation plans. A remediation is executable only when it satisfies hard service, safety, and policy constraints and remains below a dynamic risk threshold; otherwise, the system selects a verified fallback or escalates to a human operator. The method is specified as a design-science architecture and an evaluation protocol covering attack detection, drift adaptation, recovery, service availability, latency, unsafe-action rate, and explanation quality. Analytical results show that the proposed governor guarantees admissibility of automated actions by construction, while the co-evolution loop addresses the separate weaknesses of static intrusion detection, isolated self-healing, and unconstrained language-model automation. The principal contribution is an integrated control-plane design that links adversarial learning to operationally safe slice healing. The framework provides a reproducible basis for future implementation and testbed validation.
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EVALUATING THE EFFECT OF PRECISION FARMING TECHNOLOGIES ON CROP YIELD AND RESOURCE EFFICIENCY IN SMALLHOLDER FARMS IN NIGERIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR FOOD SECURITY
This study evaluated the effect of precision farming technologies on crop yield and resource efficiency of smallholder farms in Nigeria. The study addressed three research questions. The study employed a descriptive survey design. The population of the study consisted of 2,450,000 registered smallholder farmers cultivating between 0.5 and 5 hectares in North Central, South East, and South West agricultural zones of Nigeria. A sample of 1,200 respondents was selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. A structured questionnaire titled "Effect of Precision Farming Technologies on Crop Yield and Resource Efficiency Questionnaire (EPFTQ)" was used to collect data from the respondents. The questionnaire was validated by experts and tested for reliability using Cronbach Alpha which yielded a coefficient of 0.88. Mean scores and standard deviations were used to analyze the data. The findings of the study revealed that precision farming technologies influence crop yield of smallholder farmers in Nigeria to a high extent through improved input targeting, early detection of crop stress, optimal plant population, and increased output per hectare. The study also revealed that precision farming technologies enhance resource efficiency to a high extent through reduced use of fertilizer, water, fuel, seed, and labour, and increased profit per hectare. It was recommended among others that FMARD and State ADPs should establish precision agriculture demonstration centers and provide regular training on soil sensors and mobile advisories
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COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF QUICK COMMERCE PLATFORMS: A STUDY OF NOON MINUTES UAE AND ZEPTO INDIA
The rapid expansion of e-commerce and digital technology has transformed consumer purchasing behaviour across urban markets worldwide. One of the fastest-growing segments within digital commerce is quick commerce, commonly referred to as q-commerce, which focuses on ultra-fast delivery of groceries, daily essentials, and household products. This chapter presents a comparative analysis of two prominent quick commerce platforms operating in different economic and cultural environments: Noon in the United Arab Emirates and Zepto in India.
The study examines the operational structure, business strategies, customer engagement practices, technological integration, logistics systems, pricing approaches, and service quality dimensions adopted by both companies. The research is based on descriptive and comparative analysis using secondary data collected from research journals, industry reports, company publications, customer reviews, and market studies.
The findings indicate that both Noon and Zepto operate through technology-driven business models; however, their strategic priorities differ significantly due to variations in purchasing power, urban infrastructure, consumer behaviour, and competitive market conditions. Noon focuses strongly on premium convenience, diversified digital services, and integrated e-commerce ecosystems within the Gulf market. Zepto, in contrast, operates within a highly competitive and price-sensitive Indian market by emphasising affordability, rapid delivery, aggressive market penetration, and customer acquisition.
The study concludes that localisation, technological innovation, logistics efficiency, and customer trust are essential for sustaining competitiveness in the quick commerce industry. The chapter contributes to the growing literature on digital platform businesses and provides useful insights for entrepreneurs, researchers, policymakers, and management students interested in the future of e-commerce and urban digital consumption.
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STUDENTS’ SERVICES MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABLE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IN PUBLIC SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA
This study investigated students’ services management and sustainable learning environment in public senior secondary schools in Rivers State, Nigeria. A correlational research design was adopted. The population comprised 5,833 teachers in 320 public senior secondary schools, from which 400 teachers were selected through multistage sampling. Data were collected using two researcher-developed instruments: Students’ Services Management Assessment Scale (SSMAS) and Sustainable Learning Environment Assessment Scale (SLEAS). The SSMAS contained 49 items across seven clusters: ICT, data, security, disciplinary, health, sports, and guidance and counselling services management, while the SLEAS contained 15 items. The instruments were validated by experts, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of 0.84 and 0.81, respectively. Of the 400 questionnaires administered, 383 were retrieved and 378 valid copies, representing 95%, were analysed. Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient was used to answer Research Questions 1–7 and test the corresponding hypotheses using a t-test, while multiple regression and associated ANOVA were used for Research Question 8 and Hypothesis 8 at the 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed significant relationships between students’ services management dimensions and sustainable learning environment, with varying contributions across the dimensions. The study concluded that effective students’ services management is essential for sustaining a safe, inclusive, supportive, and conducive learning environment. It recommended strengthening ICT, data, security, and other student support services in public senior secondary schools.
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FACULTY PERCEPTIONS TOWARDS RESEARCH AND INNOVATION UNDER NEP 2020
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 envisages transforming Indian higher education into a multidisciplinary, innovative, research-oriented and knowledge-driven system. Research and innovation have been identified as important components of higher education reform, with emphasis on strengthening institutional research culture, interdisciplinary research, industry-academic collaboration, innovation, technology development and research funding. The present study was undertaken to examine faculty perceptions towards research and innovation under NEP 2020. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. For the purpose of demonstrating the proposed statistical procedure, an illustrative sample of 120 faculty members was considered. Data were collected through a 20-item five-point Likert-type Faculty Perception towards Research and Innovation Scale. Descriptive statistics, Cronbach's alpha, independent-samples t-test and one-way ANOVA were used for analysis. The illustrative findings indicated an overall positive perception towards research and innovation under NEP 2020 (M = 3.58, SD = 0.46). The scale demonstrated high internal consistency (α = .91). No statistically significant difference was found between male and female faculty members in their overall perceptions. Similarly, the difference among faculty members with different levels of teaching experience was not statistically significant. The findings suggest that faculty members generally recognize the importance of research and innovation promoted through NEP 2020, although institutional support, research infrastructure, funding, collaboration and professional development remain important areas for strengthening implementation.
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ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY: TRANSFORMATIVE OPPORTUNITIES AND MULTI-SECTOR CHALLENGES
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the landscape of business and industry, offering unprecedented opportunities for efficiency, innovation, and strategic advantage. This research presents a comprehensive analysis of AI adoption across five key sectors—manufacturing, retail, finance, healthcare, and logistics—using a mixed-methods approach that integrates literature review, case study analysis, comparative frameworks, and quantitative modeling.
Sector-specific data were examined to assess AI adoption rates, return on investment (ROI), productivity gains, and workforce impact. Correlation and regression analyses based on secondary data reveal strong positive relationships between AI adoption and both ROI and productivity, while highlighting moderate negative correlations with workforce stability, underscoring the need for proactive reskilling strategies. A comparative framework further identifies convergence zones in ethical and regulatory challenges, and divergence zones in technological readiness and implementation maturity. The findings suggest that while AI offers substantial benefits, its integration must be guided by inclusive policies, ethical safeguards, and sector-specific adaptation strategies. This study contributes original insights to the discourse on AI-driven transformation, offering actionable recommendations for stakeholders navigating the evolving digital economy.
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URBANIZATION AND SOCIAL INEQUALITY IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ABU DHABI AND DUBAI THROUGH THE CONCENTRIC ZONE AND SECTOR MODELS
The unprecedented urbanization of the UAE has resulted in the formation of globally integrated metropolitan areas featuring rapid economic development, substantial infrastructure, intense international migration, and increasingly heterogeneous patterns of housing differentiation. Nevertheless, spatial patterning of inequality in the cities of the UAE is not adequately explained by the existing urban growth theories developed in the context of Western industrialized societies. In this paper, the cities of Abu Dhabi and Dubai are analyzed within the framework of the classical Concentric Zone Model introduced by Burgess and the Sector Model elaborated by Hoyt, yet modified in accordance with the peculiarities of Gulf urbanism. Based on the integrative review of the literature in urban studies, as well as the statistics, data on urban planning, housing, migration and spatial segregation, the paper seeks to develop a comparative approach to studying the processes through which urban expansion creates differentials in access to housing, employment opportunities, infrastructure, and urban amenities. Abu Dhabi exemplifies certain characteristics of compact and relatively monocentric urban growth, although peripheral zones of housing and employment create different socio-spatial divides. On the other hand, Dubai represents a more pronounced example of sectoral and polycentric urban growth, where highways, investment corridors, free zones, waterfront development, gated communities and employment clusters have shaped urban expansion along differentiated sectors. In both cases, however, socioeconomic inequality cannot be explained simply by distance to the CBD. Rather, spatial inequality emerges as the result of the interaction between the urban form and citizenship, migration status, labor-market segregation, housing policy, ownership, and transport accessibility. In order to understand how the Gulf cities differ from classical models and at the same time retain the crucial insight into the interrelationship between urban form and social stratification, the notion of institutionally mediated sectoral urbanism is proposed.
46
VIRTUSTAY: AN AI–IOT INTEGRATED VIRTUAL HOTEL TOUR PLATFORM FOR SUSTAINABLE HOTEL CHOICE AND ENHANCED GUEST DECISION-MAKING
The information hotel websites and traditional virtual tours are flooding visitors with is the same information that does not help prospective guests compare the sustainability of other hotel options before they book. This study presents and empirically investigates a new concept, VirtuStay, which transforms the virtual hotel tour from a promotional visualization tool into a pre-booking decision-support framework that is integrated with AI and IoT and is geared towards the customer. VirtuStay argues that a hybrid of Virtual Immersion (VI), AI Personalization (AIP), and IoT Transparency (IOT) collectively contributes to Sustainable Information Diagnosticity (SID), which boosts Perceived Decision Control (PDC) and Sustainable Choice Confidence (SCC) beyond a traditional technology-acceptance framework. The following decision mechanisms are expected to influence Sustainable Hotel Choice Intention (SHCI) and ultimately Booking Intention (BI). A scenario was presented to each of 320 purposively sampled respondents in five locations across Tamil Nadu (Kodaikanal, Ooty, Madurai, Coimbatore and Chennai) prior to the administration of a 32 item, five-point Likert scale questionnaire across the eight constructs. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) is used to analyse data. Based on working illustrative structural estimates, the contribution of IoT Transparency is the greatest to SID, and the contribution of SCC is greater to SHCI than the contribution of PDC; this needs to be confirmed through SmartPLS bootstrapping on the finalised respondent-level dataset before submission to the journal. The study presents a technological- information-psychological approach to sustainable hotel choice and provides recommendations for hotel managers and designers of digital platforms to communicate sustainability credibly at the pre-booking stage.
47
PROCESS STANDARDIZATION OF DATES INCORPORATED YOGURT
Yogurt is a widely consumed fermented dairy product valued for its nutritional and probiotic properties. The present study was carried out to standardize the processing parameters for the development of yogurt incorporated with date paste as a natural sweetener. Control yogurt and yogurt with 15% date paste were prepared and evaluated for physicochemical, nutritional, antioxidant, and microbiological properties, along with storage stability. The incorporation of date pastes increased total soluble solids, carbohydrate content, fat content, energy value, and iron content, while protein remained nearly unchanged. Antioxidant activity was also enhanced due to the presence of phenolic compounds. Microbiological analysis confirmed adequate lactic acid bacteria and absence of pathogenic organisms. The product remained stable and acceptable under refrigerated conditions for up to 10 days. The study indicates that date paste can be effectively used as a natural alternative to refined sugar in yogurt.
48
THE EVALUATION STUDY OF THE QUALITY AND CONTENT OF PATIENT MEDICATION COUNSELLING IN COMMUNITY PHARMACY
Patient medication counselling is an important component of pharmaceutical care that promotes the safe and effective use of medicines. This questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the quality and content of patient medication counselling provided by community pharmacists in Tiruvannamalai. A total of 46 community pharmacists and 112 patients participated in the study. The results showed that most pharmacists provided information regarding the purpose and administration of medicines and used simple language during counselling. Most patients reported understanding the name, purpose, and proper use of their medicines and expressed satisfaction with the counselling received. However, information regarding missed doses, possible side effects, and drug or food interactions was provided less consistently. The study concludes that medication counselling in community pharmacies is generally beneficial but requires further improvement and standardization to ensure comprehensive, patient-centred, and safe medication use.
49
WOMEN’S LABOUR MIGRATION AND ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT IN DURG DISTRICT OF CHHATTISGARH
Women’s labour migration has emerged as an important livelihood strategy in many developing regions, contributing to household income, employment diversification, and women’s economic participation. This study examines the role of labour migration in promoting the economic empowerment of women in Durg District of Chhattisgarh. The study focuses on the employment characteristics, income generation, financial independence, savings behaviour, decision-making capacity, and access to economic resources among women migrant workers. Primary data may be collected from selected migrant and non-migrant women through a structured questionnaire and personal interviews, while secondary information is obtained from government reports, census publications, labour surveys, and relevant academic literature. Descriptive statistical techniques and appropriate empirical methods are used to examine the relationship between women’s labour migration and various dimensions of economic empowerment. The study is expected to assess whether migration provides women with greater employment opportunities, improved income, enhanced control over financial resources, and increased participation in household economic decisions. It also considers the challenges faced by migrant women, including insecure employment, wage disparities, inadequate social security, poor working conditions, and limited access to institutional support. The findings are expected to provide useful insights for policymakers and development agencies in designing gender-responsive labour, migration, and livelihood policies for women in Chhattisgarh.
50
CORRELATION BETWEEN TYPE I DIABETES MELLITUS AND ANXIETY IN ADULTS AGED 18-65
The objective of this study was to examine whether there is an increased prevalence of anxiety symptoms among adults with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus regarding self-care and management. The study seeks to review the correlation among adults who are experiencing diabetes-related factors such as blood glucose levels, anticipation of medication administration, and the complications associated with hypo or hyperglycemia to increase anxiety symptoms. This cross-sectional study will include 100 voluntary participants ranging from ages 18-65 with a Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis. The study will consist of the use of a 50-question anonymous survey which will be distributed electronically and stored in a secure location. From the literature review, the results indicated that there is a close relationship between anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms which in turn predicted suboptimal diabetes self-care and management. Additionally, glycemic control was found to be poor in individuals with high levels of diabetes-distress. Collectively, the research shows that psychological stressors are more common in patients with diabetes and affects their diabetes-related health outcomes. This research indicates that diabetes management should be tailored to include psychological assessment screenings in patients with Type 1 Diabetes and long-term management should use an integrative approach addressing the biological, psychological, and social aspects of diabetes and any comorbidities.
51
PERSONALITY TRAITS AS CORRELATES OF JOB COMMITMENT AMONG SOCIAL WORKERS IN RIVERS STATE
The study investigated personality traits as correlates of job commitment among social workers in Rivers State. Five research questions and five null hypotheses guided the study. This study adopted correlational research design. The population of the study was 632 social workers who are registered in Rivers state. Two instruments were used for the study. They are, Personality Trait Scale (PTS) and Job Commitment Scale (JCS). For the face and content validity of the instruments, two copies each with the aim/objectives, research questions and hypotheses were given to two experts. To ensure the reliability of the instruments Cronbach alpha () technique was used. The coefficients obtained are 0.76, 0.82, 0.67, 0.74, 0.78 and 0.77 for conscientiousness, agreeableness, openness to experience, extraversion, neuroticism and job commitment respectively. The coefficient values so obtained reflected high internal consistency. Research questions were answered using simple regression while hypotheses were tested using t-test associated with simple regression. The findings of the study showed that there was a significant independent relationship between personality traits (openness to experience, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness and neuroticism) and job commitment among social workers in Rivers State. It was recommended that government should realize that health workers are also human beings with a lot of personal and family responsibilities. Hence, the government should look beyond only achieving their organizational goals and help improve the welfare packages of health workers while also because they face a high risk in their jobs.
52
ADAPTIVE ICT STRATEGY UNDER KAPAS GULA MODULE 125 USING SCRATCH AND AN INTERACTIVE DIGITAL PANEL TO STRENGTHEN STUDENTS' NUMERACY LITERACY: A BEST PRACTICE IN GRADE IX INFORMATICS LEARNING AT SMP NEGERI 1 KENDAL
SMP Negeri 1 Kendal (State Junior Secondary School 1, Kendal), Indonesia, recorded a decline in higher-order numeracy reasoning (Level 3/L3) on the 2024 Education Report Card. This weakness was mirrored in Grade IX Informatics classes, where Algorithm and Programming instruction remained abstract, teacher-centered, and text-based, leaving most observed students passive and the majority of surveyed students (n = 32) reporting the material as unengaging. This paper reports a single-class best-practice intervention integrating the Scratch block-based programming environment with the school's existing Interactive Digital Panel (PID), operationalizing Unit IV (Adaptive Implementation Strategy) of KAPAS GULA Module 125. Over four weekly sessions in January 2026, 32 Grade IX A students used touch-screen, drag-and-drop manipulation of Scratch blocks to construct number-base conversion programs and function-based modules through a Project-Based Learning approach. Process-level results showed that all students completed a manual number-conversion task, over 85% built an error-free Scratch conversion program, and group presentations reached 'Competent' to 'Proficient' levels; the teacher's own Innovative Practice indicator on the Education Report Card rose from 62.65 to 76.87. Concurrent gains in broader, school-wide Report Card indicators were also documented, but as aggregate whole-school figures they cannot be causally attributed to this single four-week unit. Remaining challenges included weak performance on abstract topics such as probability and exponents, and low independent-learning habits. Findings support Scratch-PID integration as a low-cost, replicable strategy for engaging students in computational and numeracy reasoning, pending confirmation through a controlled, class-level evaluation design.
53
MOVING VEHICLE TECHNIQUE-BASED ANALYSIS OF TRAVEL TIME AND DELAY ALONG AN URBAN ROAD CORRIDOR IN ZARIA, NIGERIA.
The study assessed travel time, traffic flow, speed, and delay along the 5 km Kwangila Flyover–PZ Plaza corridor in Zaria City, Kaduna State, Nigeria, using the Moving Vehicle Technique. Data were collected over seven consecutive days (6–12 January 2025) during relatively off-peak (9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.) and peak (4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.) periods. Average traffic volume increased from 1,203 to 1,307 vph westbound and from 1,197 to 1,321 vph eastbound during peak periods. Consequently, average travel time increased from 7.50 to 8.61 minutes westbound and from 7.31 to 8.31 minutes eastbound, while space mean speed decreased from 40.06 to 36.60 km/h and from
41.42 to 36.31 km/h, respectively. Additional travel time was estimated at 1.11 minutes westbound and 1.00 minute eastbound. Thursday recorded the highest traffic volumes, while Sunday had the lowest. Traffic congestion, road damage, street hawking, wrongful parking, and wrong-way driving accounted for approximately 75% of observed delays. The study concludes that increased traffic demand and roadway and operational constraints reduce corridor efficiency, requiring measures that address both traffic demand and these constraints.
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A COLLABORATIVE INQUIRY CYCLE FOR PROJECT-BASED LEARNING CAPACITY BUILDING: AN IN-HOUSE TRAINING FOLLOW-UP ACTION PLAN FOR TEACHERS AT SMP NEGERI 1 KENDAL
Under Indonesia's Kurikulum Merdeka, schools are expected to implement Deep Learning aligned with the Graduate Profile dimensions. At SMP Negeri 1 Kendal, School Curriculum Document (KSP) analysis for the 2025/2026 academic year identified a declining trend: literacy and numeracy scores fell, particularly in higher-order reasoning; Learning Quality declined due to weaknesses in classroom management and psychological support; and social-character indicators (collaboration, citizenship) also declined, despite high teacher participation in non-official training (94.2%). This paper reports a school-led follow-up action plan (RTL) using a Collaborative Inquiry cycle (Assess, Design, Implement, Measure, Reflect, Change) to deliver a two-day In-House Training (IHT) on Project-Based Learning (PBL), targeting 70% of 37 subject teachers producing quality PBL lesson plans (RPPs). Needs assessment found 76% of teachers struggled to formulate authentic assessment rubrics and 82% of senior teachers struggled to integrate technology creatively; the design therefore combined rubric-writing coaching with ICT training segmented by teacher seniority. Measured against a rubric-based pass threshold (score ≥ 80%), the training exceeded its target: 78.38% of RPPs (29 of 37) passed, the ICT-integration component reached 82% against an 80% target, and post-training satisfaction reached 89%. However, the authentic-assessment-rubric component averaged only 78%, below its 85% target, and 8 teachers (21.62%) did not yet meet the passing threshold. A second-cycle follow-up plan was formulated, combining individual clinical mentoring for these teachers with an upcoming classroom-observation stage to verify implementation, which had not yet been measured at the time of this report.
55
EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND MARITAL SATISFACTION AMONG MARRIED CIVIL SERVANTS IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA
This study investigated the relationship between emotional intelligence and marital satisfaction among married civil servants in Rivers State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study examined the relationships between self-awareness, empathy, self-regulation, self-motivation, social skills, and marital satisfaction. A correlational research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised 22,622 married civil servants in Rivers State, while a sample of 396 respondents was selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using the Emotional Intelligence Scale (EIS) and Marital Satisfaction Scale (MSS) and analysed using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) at a .05 level of significance. The findings revealed significant positive relationships between self-awareness and marital satisfaction (r = .501, p < .05), empathy and marital satisfaction (r = .735, p < .05), self-regulation and marital satisfaction (r = .705, p < .05), self-motivation and marital satisfaction (r = .553, p < .05), and social skills and marital satisfaction (r = .721, p < .05). The study concluded that the dimensions of emotional intelligence examined significantly and positively relate to marital satisfaction among married civil servants in Rivers State. The study recommended the incorporation of emotional intelligence development into marital counselling and employee wellness programmes.
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ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF MEDIA INTERVENTION IN ENHANCING PUBLIC SECURITY: A CASE OF CHISI VILLAGE IN MZUZU
Public security is an important component of community well-being and national development. It involves the prevention and reduction of crime, promotion of safety, disaster preparedness, public health protection and community participation. Media interventions have increasingly become important tools for promoting public security by disseminating information, creating awareness, encouraging civic participation and influencing safety-related behaviours. In Malawi, community radio, social media, public announcements and community-based communication platforms are increasingly used to communicate safety information. However, there is limited empirical evidence on the effectiveness of these interventions at community level, particularly in rural and peri-urban settings.
This study assessed the effectiveness of media interventions in enhancing public security in Chisi Village, Mzuzu. Specifically, the study sought to determine the types of media interventions used to promote public safety, examine community perceptions of their effectiveness, and determine the relationship between exposure to media interventions and public safety outcomes. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining quantitative and qualitative methods. A total sample of 40 participants was targeted, comprising community members, local leaders and media personnel. Structured questionnaires, focus group discussions and key informant interviews were used to collect data. Quantitative data were analysed using frequencies, percentages and correlation analysis, while qualitative information was analysed thematically.
The findings showed that community radio was the dominant source of public safety information, accounting for 60% of responses, followed by social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook at 25%. Public announcements and community meetings each accounted for 7.5%. Overall, 70% of respondents considered media interventions either effective or very effective. Reported behavioural changes included improved waste disposal practices (37.5%), increased reporting of crimes (30%) and participation in community policing (20%). A moderate positive relationship was found between media exposure and public safety behaviours (R = 0.512, p = 0.016), with media exposure explaining 26.2% of the variation in safety practices. However, low literacy, limited internet connectivity, inadequate digital access and weak follow-up mechanisms constrained the effectiveness of interventions. The study concludes that media interventions contribute positively to public security but are more effective when combined with participatory community initiatives and institutional support.
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ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANS IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS (LGAS) IN NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA
Emergency response plans (ERPs) are essential frameworks that guide disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. In Nigeria, Local Government Areas (LGAs) play a crucial role in emergency management; however, they often face significant challenges, including inadequate preparedness, poor coordination, and insufficient community engagement. This study assesses the effectiveness of ERPs in Nasarawa State, Nigeria, focusing on preparedness levels, resource allocation, and community involvement. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 respondents, including government officials, emergency response personnel, health workers, and community leaders. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on ERP effectiveness, training programs, resource availability, and community participation. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed using SPSS, including chi-square tests, logistic regression, and ANOVA, with a significance level of p<0.05. The findings indicate that only 50% of respondents agreed that their LGA had a documented emergency response plan, while 60% reported inadequate preparedness training. Functional early warning systems were available in only 40% of LGAs, and 60% of respondents disagreed that regular emergency simulations and drills were conducted. Additionally, 55% reported weak inter-agency coordination, and 70% stated that LGAs lacked dedicated emergency response funding. Community engagement was also low, with 60% of respondents disagreeing that residents were involved in emergency planning, and 55% indicating that volunteer training was insufficient. The study reveals that ERPs in Nasarawa State are moderately effective but have significant weaknesses in preparedness, coordination, and community participation. Poor training, lack of resources, and limited community involvement undermine emergency response efficiency. Addressing these challenges requires better inter-agency coordination, increased government funding, regular training programs, and improved community engagement to enhance disaster resilience at the local level.
58
EXPLORING ATTITUDES TOWARD MATHEMATICS IN SECONDARY EDUCATION: EVIDENCE FROM SURAT CITY USING THE MARTIN-YASAR FRAMEWORK
Mathematics is a foundational pillar of the secondary curriculum in Surat City, yet students often face psychological barriers that impede their performance. This study, titled "Exploring Attitudes Toward Mathematics in Secondary Education: Evidence from Surat City Using the Martin-Yasar Framework," investigated the mathematical disposition of secondary learners (Classes IX and X). Utilizing a Descriptive Survey Method, data were collected from a representative sample of 507 students selected through multi-stage cluster sampling from eight schools in the Surat City. The Short Form of Mathematics Attitude Scale (SF-MAS), developed by Yaşar (2014), was employed to assess four dimensions: enjoyment, fear and anxiety, value, and perceived success. Descriptive analysis revealed that students in Surat generally possess a positive attitude toward mathematics (M = 72.48, SD = 10.55). Inferential statistics (t-tests) indicated no significant difference based on gender, suggesting that male and female students exhibit similar levels of mathematical interest (t = 1.188, p > .05). However, significant differences were observed regarding geographical location and school management: urban students demonstrated more favourable attitudes than rural students (t = 2.637), and students in Grant-in-Aid schools showed higher positive disposition compared to those in Self-Finance institutions (t = 2.254). These findings highlight the need for context-sensitive pedagogical strategies, particularly in rural and private school settings, to mitigate anxiety and foster a more resilient mathematical culture as envisioned by the National Education Policy 2020.
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EVALUATION OF PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF PARTICLE BOARD MADE FROM PEA - NUT SHELL AND GUM ARABIC
In this research, efforts have been made to convert peanut shell into the fabrication of particleboards using Gum Arabic as a binder. an average particle size of 2mm. Mix ratios of 2:1, 2.5:1, 3:1, and 3.5:1 of Gum Arabic to peanut shell by weight were produced respectively. Twenty-four Particleboards (200 X 50 X 12mm) were casted and cured for 28 days. Tests on moisture content, water absorption, thickness swelling, modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity were conducted according to ASTM D 1037-93 procedures. The Results from the tests indicated that the moisture content of the boards with mean values of 7.8% at the time of conducting the test was also below the maximum of 10% specified by ANSI/A208.1-1999 standard. Particleboards produced using Gum-Arabic-peanut shell ratio of 3.5:1 gave the best results in terms of the lowest mean values of water absorption of 43.30%, and thickness swelling 10.72% after four hours of immersion in distilled water. The modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity, with mean value are 5.52N/mm2 and 1556.96N/mm2 respectively, were above 3.0N/mm2 and 550N/mm2 as the minimum values specified by ANSI/A208.1-1999 respectively. The particleboards produced met the standard for general-purpose boards except for water absorption and thickness swelling characteristics which were above the maximum of 8% and 3% specified by ANSI/A208.1-1999. Therefore, it can be considered cost effective and suitable for indoor structural applications, offering a cheaper alternative to conventional boards.
60
A DECADE OF STAPLE FOOD PRICE DYNAMICS IN BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA: EVIDENCE FROM PRICE INDICES AND ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE (2016–2025)
Food price instability has important implications for household welfare, agricultural production and food security. This study examined changes in the market prices of maize, rice, millet and sorghum in Bauchi State, Nigeria, over the period 2016–2025. Secondary price records obtained from the Bauchi State Agricultural Development Programme (BSADP) were analysed using simple price relatives, aggregate and weighted price indices, including Laspeyres, Paasche, Marshall–Edgeworth and Fisher’s Ideal indices. A two-way analysis of variance was also used to determine whether mean commodity prices differed significantly across food items and years. The results reported in the study showed a pronounced upward movement in the prices of the selected commodities, particularly during 2022–2024. Rice recorded the highest price levels throughout much of the period, while maize, millet and sorghum followed broadly similar trajectories. The reported index calculations indicated substantial overall price escalation, while the ANOVA results showed statistically significant differences in mean prices across years and commodities for both the per-measure and per-bag series (p < 0.05). The findings demonstrate sustained food-price pressure in Bauchi State and point to the importance of improved agricultural productivity, storage and transportation systems, market monitoring, farmer support and consumer-protection measures. The article provides a concise statistical account of the evidence contained in the underlying project.
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ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND ITS IMPACT ON THE BANKING SECTOR: A STUDY OF AI-DRIVEN EDUCATION LOAN PROCESSING IN INDIAN BANKS
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a transformative force in the banking sector, enabling financial institutions to automate routine operations, improve customer experiences, strengthen risk management, and enhance decision-making. One of the most promising applications of AI is in education loan processing, where traditional methods are often characterized by lengthy documentation, manual verification, and delayed approvals. AI-powered technologies such as machine learning, optical character recognition (OCR), and natural language processing (NLP), predictive analytics, and robotic process automation (RPA) are reshaping the education loan lifecycle by accelerating document verification, improving credit assessment, detecting fraud, and delivering personalized services. This paper examines the role of AI in modern banking with particular reference to education loan processing in India. It reviews the existing literature, discusses AI applications across the loan approval process, highlights benefits and challenges, and presents recommendations for responsible AI adoption. The study concludes that AI has the potential to improve operational efficiency, reduce turnaround time, enhance financial inclusion, and support sustainable banking practices while emphasizing the need for transparency, ethical governance, and regulatory compliance.
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COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MACHINE LEARNING MODELS FOR HEART DISEASE PREDICTION
Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, making early diagnosis essential for improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. Machine Learning (ML) has emerged as an effective tool for predicting heart disease by analyzing clinical and demographic data, thereby assisting healthcare professionals in clinical decision-making. This study presents a comparative analysis of five widely used supervised machine learning algorithms, namely Logistic Regression, Decision Tree, Random Forest, Support Vector Machine (SVM), and K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), for heart disease prediction. The research utilizes the publicly available UCI Heart Disease Dataset. Standard data preprocessing techniques, including data cleaning, feature scaling, and train-test splitting, are employed before model development. The performance of the selected algorithms is compared using evaluation metrics such as Accuracy, Precision, Recall, F1-Score, and Receiver Operating Characteristic–Area under the Curve (ROC-AUC). The comparative analysis (illustrative) indicates that ensemble learning methods, particularly Random Forest, provide superior predictive performance due to their robustness and ability to reduce overfitting. The findings demonstrate the potential of machine learning techniques in supporting early diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases and highlight the importance of selecting suitable classification algorithms for intelligent clinical decision support systems.
63
DIGITAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND STARTUP ECOSYSTEM DEVELOPMENT IN INDIA IN THE ERA OF INDUSTRY 4.0
The rapid advancement of Industry 4.0 technologies has significantly transformed the entrepreneurial landscape, positioning digital entrepreneurship as a major driver of economic growth and innovation. In India, the expansion of digital platforms, fintech solutions, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and data analytics has strengthened startup ecosystems across metropolitan as well as emerging regions. This study examines the evolution of digital entrepreneurship and startup ecosystem development in India within the Industry 4.0 framework. The paper analyzes key components of the startup ecosystem, including incubators, accelerators, venture capital networks, innovation hubs, and government initiatives such as Startup India, along with digital infrastructure support mechanisms. It further evaluates how Industry 4.0 technologies facilitate scalable business models, platform-based enterprises, and technology-enabled innovation. Based on secondary data and policy reports, the study identifies growth trends, sectoral expansion, and regional disparities. Although India ranks among the leading global startup hubs, challenges remain in digital skill development, funding access in smaller regions, regulatory barriers, and venture sustainability. The study recommends strategic policy and educational reforms to promote inclusive and sustainable entrepreneurial growth aligned with Industry 4.0 objectives.
64
OPTIMAL LOAD FREQUENCY CONTROL OF AN INTERCONNECTED POWER SYSTEM USING PSO ALGORITHM
Interconnected power systems require robust coupled control to maintain system frequency and tie-line power flow under sequential load disturbances. This study presents a Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO)-tuned filtered Proportional–Integral–Derivative (PSO-PID) control scheme applied to a heterogeneous three-area Load Frequency Control (LFC) system. Each area integrates an independent governor, turbine, generator–load dynamics, a frequency-bias loop, and a dedicated filtered PID controller, connected through three bilateral tie-line channels. A 30-particle swarm optimized over 50 iterations tunes nine controller gains within bounded parameters, minimizing a composite dynamic objective function. System performance was evaluated in MATLAB/Simulink under sequential step load perturbations of 0.010\text{ p.u.} at t = 1\text{ s}, 0.008\text{ p.u.} at t = 35\text{ s}, and 0.006\text{ p.u.} at t = 70\text{ s}.
65
HOMOEOPATHIC INTERVENTION OF CHELIDONIUM MAJUS 6X IN MANAGEMENT OF CHOLELITHIASIS: CLINICAL STUDY
Background: Cholelithiasis (gallbladder stones) is a highly prevalent gastrointestinal disorder, frequently requiring surgical intervention. Chelidonium majus is traditionally utilized in homeopathy for hepatic and biliary disorders, but robust clinical documentation regarding its low-potency efficacy remains limited.
Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Chelidonium majus 6X in the symptomatic management and reduction of stone size in patients diagnosed with cholelithiasis.
Methods: This prospective, open-label, observational clinical study enrolled 60 patients diagnosed with cholelithiasis via transabdominal ultrasonography (USG). Participants received Chelidonium majus 6X (three times daily) over a period of six months. Primary outcomes were measured by changes in gallbladder stone size and number via baseline and post-treatment USG. Secondary outcomes evaluated changes in hepatobiliary symptom scores (right upper quadrant pain, dyspepsia, nausea) and serum liver function tests (LFTs).
66
REPRESENTATIONS OF COLLECTIVE TRAUMA AND SOCIAL VIOLENCE IN THE NOVEL PEREMPUAN BERSAMPUR MERAH: STUART HALL'S PERSPECTIVE
This study examines the representation of collective trauma and social violence in the novel Perempuan Bersampur Merah by Intan Andaru using the perspective of Stuart Hall's theory of representation. The focus of the study is directed at how literary texts reconstruct social violence events related to the tragedy of the massacre of dukun santet in Banyuwangi and form the meaning of trauma in the social space of society. The method used is qualitative descriptive, with a literary-sociological approach, particularly the study of cultural representation.
The results of the study show that this novel reflects social reality, producing meaning through representational practices that involve discourses of fear, social stigma, and accusation-based violence. Social violence is represented in the form of mass violence, symbolic violence, and marginalization of individuals who are stigmatized as dukun santet. Collective trauma is constructed through the narrative of loss, fear, and helplessness of people who experience situations of systemic violence. These representations show that violence is shaped by social marking systems that operate within society.
The novel Perempuan Bersampur Merah serves as a medium for the production of social meaning, revealing how collective trauma and social violence are represented and negotiated in cultural spaces. This study emphasizes that literary works play an important role in shaping critical awareness of the history of violence and social dynamics. Keywords: collective trauma, literary sociology, representation, social violence,
67
A PILOT ETHNOMEDICINAL STUDY OF MEDICINAL PLANTS UTILIZED IN RATANGAD AND ADJOINING REGIONS OF KALSUBAI HARISHCHANDRAGAD WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, MAHARASHTRA
By , Dr. Shripada Kshirsagar, Dr. Chandan Singh, Dr. Nikita Panwar, Dr. Dattatraya Kedar, Dr. Rajendraprasad Purvia, Sonali Nikam
https://doi-doi.org/101555/ijarp.4026
Indigenous medicinal knowledge has remained an integral component of healthcare practices among tribal and rural populations residing in forest habitats.[1] The Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary is enriched with diverse medicinal flora and traditional ethnomedicinal practices preserved by tribal healers and local Gunijans.[2] The present pilot study was conducted to document medicinal plants and their traditional therapeutic applications in Ratangad and nearby forest regions of Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharashtra. A pilot ethnomedicinal field survey was carried out from August 2025 to April 2026 in Ratangad and adjoining areas covering nearly 25 km forest region. Data were collected through repeated field visits and interviews with 10 local Gunijans and traditional healers. Information regarding vernacular names of plants, plant parts utilized, therapeutic indications and methods of administration were systematically recorded. Photographic documentation and field observations were also maintained during the survey period.Various medicinal plant species belonging to different botanical families were identified and documented during the study. These plants were traditionally employed in the management of fever, respiratory disorders, skin ailments, digestive disturbances, wounds and musculoskeletal conditions. Decoction, paste, powder and fresh juice were among the commonly practiced dosage forms.The present pilot survey revealed rich ethnomedicinal knowledge among tribal inhabitants of Ratangad and surrounding forest areas. Proper documentation of medicinal flora and traditional therapeutic practices may contribute towards conservation of indigenous knowledge and encourage future scientific exploration.
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A LOW-COST A-GPS/4G DRIFTER FOR LAGRANGIAN TRACKING OF FLOATING MACRO-DEBRIS: HARDWARE DESIGN AND A FIRST FIELD TRIAL IN FIVE ESTUARIES OF SOUTHEASTERN VIETNAM
Floating macro-debris discharged from estuaries in southeastern Vietnam accumulates seasonally on beaches near Vung Tau, yet its transport from source to shore has so far been described only through numerical models, without in-situ Lagrangian observation. This paper reports the design of a drifter built around a low-cost assisted-GPS receiver and a SIM7600X 4G cellular modem, and the results of its first field trial: five units, one per site, released in November 2025 at five estuaries of the Ba Ria-Vung Tau and Ho Chi Minh City coast. Positions were transmitted over the national cellular network and converted to segment-mean speeds and headings with the Haversine formula. None of the five units was recovered, all lost to entanglement in fishing gear or to advection beyond cellular coverage. Segment-mean speeds fell between 0.3 and 4.0 km/h, lowest at the sheltered Cua Lap site and highest on the Mekong track; two tracks exceeded 100 km, and one track reversed direction repeatedly at tidal frequency. With one drifter per site and a single campaign, these trajectories are exploratory: they demonstrate that the instrument resolves debris pathways at a cost compatible with dense deployment, and identify candidate retention sites for a future replicated campaign.
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राष्ट्रीय शिक्षा नीति 2020 के अंतर्गत बहुविषयक शिक्षा की अवधारणा: एक समीक्षात्मक अध्ययन
राष्ट्रीय शिक्षा नीति 2020 भारतीय शिक्षा व्यवस्था में व्यापक संरचनात्मक एवं वैचारिक परिवर्तन का प्रतिनिधित्व करती है। इस नीति की प्रमुख विशेषताओं में समग्र एवं बहुविषयक शिक्षा को विशेष स्थान दिया गया है। परंपरागत शिक्षा व्यवस्था में कला, विज्ञान, वाणिज्य, व्यावसायिक शिक्षा तथा कौशल आधारित विषयों के बीच विद्यमान कठोर सीमाएँ विद्यार्थियों की विषय-चयन स्वतंत्रता तथा समग्र बौद्धिक विकास को सीमित करती रही हैं। राष्ट्रीय शिक्षा नीति 2020 इन सीमाओं को समाप्त करते हुए ऐसी शिक्षा व्यवस्था की परिकल्पना करती है जिसमें विद्यार्थी अपनी रुचि, योग्यता एवं भविष्य की आवश्यकताओं के अनुसार विभिन्न विषय क्षेत्रों का अध्ययन कर सकें। प्रस्तुत अध्ययन का उद्देश्य राष्ट्रीय शिक्षा नीति 2020 में निहित बहुविषयक शिक्षा की अवधारणा, विशेषताओं, आवश्यकता, प्रमुख प्रावधानों, संभावित लाभों तथा क्रियान्वयन संबंधी चुनौतियों का समीक्षात्मक विश्लेषण करना है। अध्ययन वर्णनात्मक एवं समीक्षात्मक प्रकृति का है तथा इसके लिए राष्ट्रीय शिक्षा नीति 2020, विश्वविद्यालय अनुदान आयोग के दिशा-निर्देश, Curriculum and Credit Framework, Academic Bank of Credits, National Credit Framework तथा 2020–2026 के संबंधित शोध अध्ययनों और प्रामाणिक द्वितीयक स्रोतों का अध्ययन किया गया है। समीक्षा से स्पष्ट होता है कि बहुविषयक शिक्षा विद्यार्थियों में आलोचनात्मक चिंतन, सृजनात्मकता, समस्या-समाधान क्षमता, नवाचार, रोजगारपरक कौशल तथा सामाजिक और नैतिक संवेदनशीलता के विकास की व्यापक संभावनाएँ प्रस्तुत करती है। हालांकि प्रशिक्षित शिक्षकों की उपलब्धता, संस्थागत अवसंरचना, पाठ्यक्रम समन्वय, संसाधनों की असमानता तथा प्रशासनिक तैयारी इसके प्रभावी क्रियान्वयन में प्रमुख चुनौतियाँ हैं। अध्ययन निष्कर्ष देता है कि पर्याप्त संस्थागत स्वायत्तता, शिक्षक प्रशिक्षण, संसाधन उपलब्धता तथा छात्र-केंद्रित पाठ्यक्रम व्यवस्था के माध्यम से बहुविषयक शिक्षा भारतीय उच्च शिक्षा को अधिक लचीला, समावेशी और भविष्यन्मुख बना सकती है।
70
MYTHOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE MADIGA COMMUNITY: A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY OF THE ADIJAMBAVA PURANA
The history of a community is preserved through various sources, including written records, oral traditions, myths, legends, folklore, songs and traditional performances. In the case of the Madiga community, available historical records concerning its origin and early history are limited. Consequently, myths, legends and folklore provide important cultural material for understanding the community's traditional beliefs, social relationships, occupations and identity. The source material emphasizes that folklore reflects the life of the people and that myths and legends preserve narratives concerning the origin and history of communities.
Among the traditional narratives associated with the Madiga community, the Adijambava Purana occupies an important position. It is transmitted through forms such as Madiga Aata or Ellamman Aata and Sindh Katha. While Madiga Aata is presented in dramatic form, Sindh Katha follows a storytelling tradition. These forms are particularly associated with the Sindh Madiga tradition.
The present study examines the mythological background of the Madiga community through a descriptive analysis of the Adijambava Purana, with particular attention to its narratives concerning origin, creation, social organization and cultural practices.
71
IMPACT OF MOTIVATION ON CONSTRUCTION PROJECT TEAMS IN ABUJA MUNICIPAL AREA COUNCIL (AMAC), NIGERIA
This study examined the relationship between motivation and construction project team performance in housing construction projects within Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Nigeria. Specifically, it assessed the relationships between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and project team performance and identified major challenges affecting employee motivation. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, using a structured questionnaire administered to construction project team members. Of the 391 questionnaires administered, 340 were validly returned, representing an 87.0% response rate. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Relative Importance Index and Pearson product-moment correlation. The findings revealed a strong positive and statistically significant relationship between intrinsic motivation and project team performance (r = .681, p < .001). Extrinsic motivation also demonstrated a strong positive and statistically significant relationship with project team performance, with a comparatively stronger coefficient (r = .742, p < .001). Timely payment of wages emerged as the strongest extrinsic motivator, while delayed payment of wages was identified as the most significant motivational challenge. The study concludes that intrinsic and extrinsic motivation are complementary, although extrinsic conditions have a stronger observed association with project team performance in the study context. It recommends timely and competitive remuneration, improved working conditions and occupational safety, strengthened recognition and career development, and supportive leadership through an integrated motivation strategy.
72
THE INTERPLAY OF FINANCIAL METRICS AND STRATEGIC MARKETING RESEARCH: EVALUATING PERFORMANCE OUTCOMES IN THE INDIAN FMCG SECTOR
The traditional separation between marketing and finance departments often hampers organizational efficiency, particularly in data-sensitive sectors like Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG). This study investigates how the integration of financial metrics into strategic marketing research influences firm performance and sustainable competitive advantage. A mixed-methods research design was employed, combining qualitative thematic analysis from industry professionals with quantitative survey data from 280 marketing and finance managers. The findings indicate that while marketing research is critical for identifying customer needs, its effectiveness is significantly enhanced when coupled with continuous financial monitoring of metrics such as brand equity value, sales efficiency, and digital marketing ROI. Results from PLS-SEM analysis demonstrate a strong positive correlation between financial-marketing integration and strategic decision quality (β = 0.48, p < 0.001). Furthermore, market dynamism was found to moderate this relationship, with integrated approaches providing higher value in volatile environments characterized by rapid shifts in consumer habits and technological obsolescence. The study concludes that for FMCG firms, marketing research must transition from a periodic operational tool to a continuous strategic input that bridges the gap between consumer psychology and financial accountability.
73
KALADRAVYA VISHA VICHARA: THE CHRONOTOXICOLOGICAL DIMENSION OF AGADTANTRA
Classical Agadtantra, the toxicology division of Ayurveda, does not treat Visha (poison) as a fixed chemical entity. Instead, it treats Visha as a dravya whose virulence changes with kala - the hour at which it is administered, the season, the strength of the victim's digestive fire (agni), and, in a handful of passages, even the phase of the moon. Charak, Susruta, Vagbhata and Kashyapa, together with later nighantu and Visha-tantra compilers, return to this observation again and again, in different chapters and different words, yet no study so far has drawn these scattered kala-based statements together into one working model, or asked whether they anticipate the modern forensic sub-field of chronotoxicology, which studies how circadian, seasonal and physiological rhythms alter the pharmacokinetics and lethality of toxic agents. This article attempts that extraction for what appears to be the first time and are as follows:
a) It catalogues kala-based potency statements across the principal Samhita and Visha-tantra sources under a four-axis taxonomy proposed here - dainika (diurnal), ritu-gata (seasonal), tithi-gata (lunar) and kostha-gata (digestive-state) chronovariance,
b) It argues that this taxonomy amounts, in effect, to an implicit and non-instrumented chronotoxicological model that predates circadian pharmacology by well over a thousand years, and
c) It examines its possible forensic utility in postmortem interval and time of poisoning estimation, an application that has not previously been proposed in either the Ayurvedic or the forensic-medicine literature.
The article concludes that Kaladravya Visha Vichara deserves recognition as a distinct conceptual category within Agadtantra scholarship, and as a legitimate object of interdisciplinary forensic-toxicological enquiry.
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MODERATING EFFECT OF TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION ON PORT LOGISTICS AND BLUE ECONOMY PERFORMANCE OF MARITIME INDUSTRY IN NIGERIA
The study examined the moderating effect of technology adoption on port logistics and blue economy performance of maritime industry in Nigeria. The predictor variable’s (port logistics’) dimensions included: port administration, port operations, procurement, warehousing, and intermodal transport. The criterion variable (blue economy performance) was measured with shipping trade, food production, energy production and job/employment creation. Technology adoption was used as the moderating variable. The theories that underpinned the study included: stakeholders’ theory, Planed Behaviour Theory, Resource Dependence Theory, Resources, Field Guide to Strategy Concepts: and Blue Economy Model. 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. Process regression model was used to test the moderating variable effect. The reliability of the research instrument was validated with Cronbach Alpha threshold at 0 .70. The study revealed that seaports improve route planning and collision avoidance as well as have seamless coordination between vessels, ports, and logistics providers. Also, seaports have better coordination among stakeholders, including shipping lines, port authorities, and logistics providers. 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 and Intermodal transport have positive and significant effect on shipping trade, while procurement, and warehousing have insignificant effect on shipping trade. Port administration, port operation, procurement, warehousing and intermodal transport have insignificant effect on food production. Port administration, port operation, procurement and warehousing have insignificant effect on energy production, while intermodal transport has positive and significant effect on energy production. Port administration, port operation, procurement, warehousing and intermodal transport have insignificant effect on job/employment creation. Technology adoption has significant effects on port logistics and blue economy performance in the maritime industry in Nigeria. 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.
75
CONSTRUCTION AND VALIDATION OF A VOCABULARY TEST FOR HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS
The present study aimed to construct and validate a standardized Vocabulary Test for Higher Secondary School students. Vocabulary plays a crucial role in language proficiency, reading comprehension, writing skills, oral communication, and academic achievement. Since no standardized vocabulary assessment tool was available for Gujarati-medium students, a reliable and valid instrument was developed. The test construction followed a systematic procedure involving identification of eight vocabulary dimensions, item writing, expert validation, pilot testing, item analysis, and reliability and validity estimation. Initially, 32 multiple-choice items were prepared and reviewed by six subject experts. The test was administered to 403 Higher Secondary School students of Dahod District during the academic year 2020–2021. Item analysis using the NRTVB-2000 program resulted in a final test comprising 29 items. The instrument demonstrated satisfactory reliability (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.82; Split-Half = 0.67; Spearman-Brown = 0.80) and acceptable validity (Cliffs Consistency Index = 0.36), making it suitable for educational assessment and research.
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EMPOWERING FEMALE TEACHERS AND SCHOOL LEADERS THROUGH INTEGRATING MOBILE-BASED LEARNING IN THE PAN AFRICAN VIRTUAL AND ELECTRONIC UNIVERSITY (PAVEU) INITIATIVE: A STEM-INNOVATION BASED EVALUATION OF NIGERIA'S SIX GEOPOLITICAL ZONES
This study evaluates the integration of mobile-based learning (m-learning) as a STEM-driven innovation for empowering female teachers and school leaders under the Pan African Virtual and Electronic University (PAVEU) Initiative, with focus restricted to Nigeria. The study responds to the Federal Ministry of Education, UNESCO-IICBA, and Pan African University's July 2026 master-training rollout in Abuja, themed "Empowering Female Teachers and School Leaders through Integrating Mobile-based Learning in the PAVEU Initiative" Using a quasi-experimental design, a composite digital self-efficacy and engagement score (0–100) was collected from 210 female teachers and school leaders (n = 35 per zone) drawn from Nigeria's six geopolitical zones following an eight-week mobile-learning cycle. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) tested for between-zone differences in outcomes, followed by Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) post-hoc comparisons. Results revealed a statistically significant zonal effect, F (5, 204) = 27.69, p < .001, η² = .404, with South West, South East, and South-South zones recording significantly higher post-training scores than North West and North East zones. Findings indicate that while mobile-based learning substantially raises female educators' digital self-efficacy nationally, regional infrastructural and socio-cultural disparities continue to moderate outcomes.
Review Article
1
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR ADDRESSING ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE IN BACTERIAL PATHOGENS: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW
Antibiotic resistance (ABR) in bacterial pathogens is a major and rapidly escalating global health challenge that threatens the effectiveness of antimicrobial therapy and contributes substantially to morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. The emergence and dissemination of antibiotic resistance are driven by bacterial genetic mutations, horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and inappropriate or excessive use of antibiotics. Although conventional microbiological, phenotypic, and sequence-alignment-based approaches have played an important role in the detection and characterization of antibiotic resistance, these methods can be time-consuming, labor-intensive, and limited in their ability to rapidly interpret the increasing volume and complexity of genomic and clinical data. Furthermore, the discovery and development of new antibiotics remain challenging because of scientific, economic, and regulatory barriers, emphasizing the need for innovative computational approaches.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) have emerged as promising tools for addressing these challenges by enabling rapid analysis of large-scale genomicand epidemiological datasets. This review provides a comprehensive overview of antibiotics, their historical development and the mechanisms, causes and consequences of antibiotic resistance, followed by a critical comparison of conventional and AI-based approaches for detecting antibiotic resistance in bacterial pathogens. Particular emphasis is placed on the identification, classification and annotation of ARGs and their associated genetic determinants using AI-driven methods. Various computational approaches, including Support Vector Machines (SVM), Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), deep learning models, and Hidden Markov Models (HMM), are discussed in relation to their applications in resistance prediction, ARG detection, bacterial genome analysis, and antimicrobial susceptibility prediction. The review also highlights the advantages of AI, including rapid and high-throughput analysis, improved prediction accuracy, integration of heterogeneous datasets, identification of previously unrecognized resistance determinants, and potential support for precision antimicrobial therapy and novel antibiotic discovery.
2
COMPUTATIONAL THINKING AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LITERACY AS ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES FOR 21ST CENTURY EDUCATION
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and data-driven technologies has fundamentally transformed the competencies required for success in the twenty-first century. Beyond traditional digital literacy, learners are increasingly expected to develop computational thinking (CT) and artificial intelligence (AI) literacy to understand, evaluate, and responsibly utilize intelligent technologies in various aspects of life. This conceptual paper examines the significance of CT and AI literacy as essential competencies for 21st-century education through a comprehensive review of contemporary literature, international educational frameworks, and recent developments in AI-enhanced learning. The analysis highlights that computational thinking equips learners with fundamental problem-solving abilities, including decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, algorithmic thinking, and evaluation, while AI literacy enables them to understand AI concepts, interpret AI-generated outputs, recognize ethical implications, and make informed decisions in AI-supported environments. The integration of these competencies promotes critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and responsible digital citizenship, which are increasingly emphasized in international educational agendas such as UNESCO's AI Competency Framework for Students, the OECD Learning Compass 2030, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4). This paper argues that CT and AI literacy should be positioned as foundational competencies across educational levels rather than isolated technical subjects. Embedding these competencies into interdisciplinary learning environments can better prepare future generations to adapt, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to an AI-driven society and the evolving global workforce.
3
WOMEN'S RIGHTS IN THE MATRIMONIAL HOME: A STUDY OF RESIDENCE, OWNERSHIP AND ECONOMIC SECURITY UNDER INDIAN FAMILY LAW
In context of domestic abuse and matrimonial conflicts, this paper analyses in a critical manner the distinctions between the right of residence and the right of property, in the manner they operate within the matrimonial household in accordance to the Indian family law jurisdiction. Although Indian legal tradition has adhered to the idea of proprietary title, as well as each partner's entitlement to it, for bringing claims over the marital residence, the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act of 2005 created a statutory right of residence, separate from title, interest, or ownership. Section 13 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, Section 6 of the Hindu Succession Act, 1956 as amended in 2005, Section 17 of the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956, and Section 12 of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act of 2005 are just a few of the relevant statutory parts that this study considers through a doctrinal approach. alongside leading judicial pronouncements, including S.R. Batra v Taruna Batra, Satish Chander Ahuja v Sneha Ahuja, Vineeta Sharma v Rakesh Sharma and Indra Sarma v V.K.V. Sarma. Rakesh Sharma, and S.R. Batra v. Taruna Batra. According to the report, the Indian courts initially provided for a definition of "shared household," but this was based on property ownership. In 2020, the Supreme Court provided a much broader understanding of the term "shared household" so as to secure women regardless of proprietary interest. Daughters may be part of a coparcenary family since 2005, but the right of residence is not the same as the right of ownership, which is still governed by succession law and does not give spouses the same right to occupy the matrimonial home. The study concludes that the right to residence should be read together with the right of ownership, and should finally be guaranteed through ownership, retention and enforcement reforms as well – in order to ensure that the protection against dispossession no longer remains a discretionary and litigation-dependent form of relief, but one that is sustainable in the long term.
4
BEST INDIAN CARBOHYDRATE SOURCES FOR BUILDING LEAN MUSCLE
Carbohydrates are an important component of a muscle-building diet because they provide energy for resistance training, replenish muscle glycogen, and help support adequate overall calorie intake. India has a wide variety of carbohydrate-rich foods, including rice, wheat, oats, millets, potatoes, sweet potatoes, fruits, pulses and traditional cereal-based foods. The 2024 Dietary Guidelines for Indians from the Indian Council of Medical Research National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR–NIN) identify cereals and millets as major carbohydrate sources and also recognize pulses, fruits, vegetables, tubers, nuts, seeds and milk as contributors to dietary carbohydrate. For individuals attempting to build lean muscle, carbohydrate quality and food variety are important. Minimally processed whole grains, millets, pulses, fruits and tubers can provide carbohydrates along with dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals and other beneficial nutrients. However, carbohydrates should not be considered a substitute for protein. Resistance exercise and adequate protein intake are primary nutritional and training factors supporting muscle protein synthesis and hypertrophy. Recent evidence also suggests that higher carbohydrate intake by itself does not necessarily produce greater muscle hypertrophy when other factors, particularly protein and energy intake, are controlled.
5
SEVA, SAVIOUR AND STATE: REASSESSING THE HISTORICAL AND CONTEMPORARY CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE BANJARA COMMUNITY TO NATION BUILDING IN INDIA
The history of India is not solely the history of kingdoms, empires, and political institutions; it is also the history of communities whose contributions sustained economic exchange, social integration, and cultural continuity across vast geographical regions. Among such communities, the Banjaras occupy a unique and significant position. Known by various names such as Lambadi, Gor, Sugali, and Vanjari in different parts of the country, the Banjaras developed a distinctive identity rooted in mobility, trade, transport, and community organization. For several centuries, they served as the principal carriers of goods across the Indian subcontinent and played an indispensable role in linking distant regions through commercial networks. Their contribution extended beyond economic activities and encompassed military logistics, environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and social reform. This paper examines the historical evolution and contemporary relevance of the Banjara community through the conceptual framework of “Seva, Saviour and State.” The concept of Seva highlights their contribution to economic development and public welfare through transportation and distribution networks. The notion of Saviour reflects their role in sustaining armies, protecting livelihoods, preserving indigenous knowledge systems, and promoting social reform. The dimension of State explores the community’s interaction with political authority, particularly during colonial rule and in post-independence India. Drawing upon historical accounts, anthropological perspectives, and community traditions, the study argues that the Banjara experience offers important insights into nation-building, social resilience, and inclusive development. Recognizing their contribution is essential for constructing a more comprehensive understanding of Indian history and contemporary social transformation.
6
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND MACHINE LEARNING FOR AUTOMATED DIGITAL EVIDENCE TRIAGE AND PRIORITIZATION: A REVIEW OF METHODS, APPLICATIONS, CHALLENGES, AND RESEARCH GAPS
The rapid proliferation of digital technologies has resulted in an unprecedented growth in the volume, diversity, and complexity of digital evidence available to forensic investigators. Computers, smartphones, cloud platforms, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, messaging applications, social media platforms, and networked systems continuously generate digital artefacts that may become relevant to criminal, civil, corporate, and cybersecurity investigations. Conventional digital forensic processes rely substantially on manual examination and established forensic tools, but the increasing volume of evidence creates significant challenges for timely investigation and contributes to digital forensic backlogs. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have consequently emerged as important technologies for supporting automated evidence triage, artefact classification, anomaly detection, relevance assessment, and evidence prioritization. This paper reviews the application of AI and ML to automated digital evidence triage and prioritization, with particular attention to supervised classification, Decision Tree approaches, Bayesian methods, anomaly detection, metadata-based classification, and human-in-the-loop forensic analysis. The review is based on the author's existing literature review and an expanded examination of scholarly publications addressing machine learning and automation in digital forensics. The literature indicates that ML can support the identification and prioritization of potentially relevant artefacts and can reduce the amount of evidence requiring immediate detailed examination. However, the literature also reveals important limitations involving dataset availability and quality, class imbalance, model generalizability, explainability, false positives and false negatives, encryption, anti-forensic techniques, interoperability, evidence integrity, privacy, legal admissibility, and limited empirical validation in operational environments. The review identifies a research gap in the integration of classification, anomaly detection, relevance assessment, and priority scoring within a unified, investigator-centred evidence-triage process. The paper proposes research directions involving explainable AI, representative forensic datasets, human-in-the-loop validation, cross-domain evaluation, scalable processing, interoperability, and standardized evaluation protocols. The review concludes that AI/ML has considerable potential to support digital forensic triage, but its adoption should complement rather than replace professional forensic judgment.
7
REAL-TIME DIGITAL EVIDENCE PROCESSING: A STEP TOWARDS EFFICIENT CASE RESOLUTION
The increasing complexity of digital crimes and the sheer volume of digital evidence have overwhelmed traditional forensic processes, leading to significant case backlogs and delayed investigations. Real-time and near-real-time digital evidence processing has emerged as a promising solution to these challenges, enabling faster case resolution and more efficient utilization of forensic resources. This paper explores the need for real-time evidence processing in modern forensic investigations, focusing on the impact of delays in traditional workflows, the advancements in technologies such as AI, machine learning, and cloud computing, and the specific techniques that make real-time analysis possible, including live data acquisition, streaming analytics, and edge computing. By examining real-world case studies and analyzing the benefits of these new approaches, this research highlights how real-time processing can significantly reduce backlogs, enhance case resolution speed, and improve resource allocation in forensic laboratories. Despite the evident benefits, the paper also addresses the technical, legal, and procedural challenges that must be overcome to fully integrate real-time digital forensics into everyday practice. Finally, this study provides a vision for the future, where real-time forensic processing, coupled with AI-enhanced analysis and scalable cloud solutions, could revolutionize the field, leading to more timely and effective investigative outcomes.
8
PATEL'S APPROACH TO INTEGRATING MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES INTO THE NATIONAL MAINSTREAM
This paper explores Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s multidimensional approach to integrating marginalized communities into the Indian national mainstream after independence. Moving beyond his well-known contribution to the political integration of princely states, Patel’s efforts extended to empowering Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, backward classes, and women. Through constitutional facilities and provisions, grassroots gathering and mobilization, promotion of civil services, and developmental policies, Patel laid the foundation for inclusive administrative governance. His philosophy was rooted in Gandhian ethics, institutional strength, and a commitment to national unity without any divisions. The paper critically assesses both the success and limitations of his strategy, concluding with impact on on its continued relevance in modern India.
9
REVIEW OF DEEP LEARNING APPROACHES FOR FAULT PREDICTION AND DIAGNOSIS IN SMART GRIDS
Modern smart grids generate heterogeneous, high-frequency data streams that require real-time analysis to prevent catastrophic system failures. Traditional fault diagnosis architectures rely heavily on manual feature extraction and expert systems, limiting their adaptive scaling and localization speed. To address these bottlenecks, deep learning (DL) methodologies have been widely integrated into power grid analytics. This review paper systematically assesses the deployment of multi-layer neural networks, convolutional neural networks (CNNs), and long short-term memory (LSTM) networks in processing smart grid time-series data. Current benchmarks demonstrate that modern DL-based hybrid frameworks enhance fault prediction accuracy by approximately 15% and reduce fault location latency by up to 30% compared to baseline analytical techniques. Finally, we highlight core operational hurdles such as data scarcity, adversarial vulnerabilities, and interpretability limitations.
10
SEPARATION AND MARGINALIZED RESISTANCE IN THE NOVELS OF ARUNDHATI ROY’S THE GOD OF SMALL THINGS AND THE MINISTRY OF UTMOST HAPPINESS
Arundhati Roy's fiction gives special attention to people who live outside the powerful social and political structures of society. Her novels The God of Small Things (1997) and The Ministry of Utmost Happiness (2017) deal with different settings and historical situations, but both are concerned with separation, exclusion, and resistance. This paper examines how caste, gender, sexuality, religion, political conflict, and social conventions create separation in Roy's novels. It also studies how marginalized characters respond to these conditions. In The God of Small Things, the relationship between Ammu and Velutha shows how caste and gender restrictions control personal relationships. Velutha's position as a Dalit man makes him vulnerable to social and physical violence, while Ammu suffers because she does not fit the accepted image of a woman. In The Ministry of Utmost Happiness, marginality becomes wider and more political through the experiences of Anjum, Tilo, Musa, Kashmiris, religious minorities, and displaced people. The Jannat Guest House represents an alternative community where people rejected by mainstream society can find belonging. Roy therefore does not present marginalized people only as helpless victims. She also shows their ability to resist through love, memory, political action, storytelling, survival, and community. The paper argues that separation is a major way through which power is maintained in Roy's fiction, while resistance begins when people question or cross these imposed boundaries.
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COMPULSORY LAND ACQUISITION AND LIMITATION LAWS: PAYMENT OF COMPENSATION IN NIGERIA — A LEGAL ANALYSIS
This paper critically examines the intersection between compulsory land acquisition, the constitutional right to compensation, and statutes of limitation in Nigeria. While section 44(1)(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) guarantees prompt payment of compensation and access to a court or tribunal, the Land Use Act — the principal legislation regulating compulsory acquisition and compensation — does not prescribe a general limitation period for compensation claims. This silence creates significant legal uncertainty: affected landowners may possess a constitutionally recognised entitlement to compensation yet lose the practical ability to enforce it once an applicable limitation period expires. The paper interrogates whether the State should be permitted to rely on limitation defences where the obligation to compensate arises from its own compulsory acquisition. Adopting a doctrinal and comparative methodology, with particular attention to Lagos and Rivers State limitation laws, the Federal Capital Territory framework, and comparative perspectives from India and Kenya, the paper identifies a protection gap in the current legal regime. It argues for clearer statutory rules governing accrual and limitation, stronger procedural safeguards, and a more purposive constitutional approach to compensation claims. The paper concludes that the finality rationale of limitation laws must be reconciled with meaningful protection of property and compensation rights.
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SARDAR VALLABHBHAI PATEL'S INFLUENCE ON CONTEMPORARY SOCIAL WORK PRACTICES
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, famously known as the "Iron Man of India," remains a towering figure in Indian history, revered for his commitment to national unity, ethical leadership, and inclusive development. While widely recognized for his monumental role in integrating over 560 princely states into the Indian Union, Patel’s legacy extends beyond political consolidation. His deep engagement with grassroots mobilization, rural upliftment, and social justice reflects values closely aligned with the principles of contemporary social work. Patel’s early leadership in the Kheda and Bardoli Satyagrahas showcased his ability to organize and empower marginalized farmers to resist unjust taxation through non-violent means. These movements embody modern concepts in social work such as community organization, participatory planning, and advocacy for the oppressed. His pragmatic approach to governance emphasized not only administrative efficiency but also ethical responsibility, transparency, and public service—all foundational values in social work ethics.
One of Patel’s enduring contributions was his advocacy for rural reconstruction and local self-governance. His support for Panchayati Raj and cooperative movements laid the groundwork for decentralized development, a key strategy used by social workers today in promoting community participation and empowerment. Moreover, Patel’s inclusive vision of nation-building emphasized unity in diversity and the integration of culturally, economically, and socially diverse communities. This aligns with social work’s mission to promote social cohesion, equity, and respect for human dignity. This paper highlights how Patel’s leadership and policies continue to inspire contemporary social work practices in India. By examining his life through the lens of social justice and participatory development, we gain valuable insights into building an ethical, inclusive, and empowered society—goals that remain central to the profession of social work today.
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REDUCING POVERTY THROUGH SUSTAINABLE SCIENCE EDUCATION
The Oxford Advance Learner's Dictionary of current English defines Poverty as a state of being poor: There is poverty because human resources are not developed in the required areas where the contributions can serve a panacea to poverty through self-reliance. Science Education does not only equip beneficiaries to build up technical knowledge and capabilities, but also to create new values the help and assist individuals to cope with the social and environmental change in Business Community: If Science Education will therefore play the expected role, it has to be well funded. adequately supervised and consciously directed towards reducing poverty in our country: This paper therefore intends to highlight ways the Nigeria nation can reduce poverty via sustainable Science Education.
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माध्यमिक विद्यालय के विद्यार्थियों की शैक्षणिक उपलब्धि पर अध्ययन शैली के प्रभाव का अध्ययन
प्रस्तुत शोध का मुख्य उद्देश्य माध्यमिक स्तर (कक्षा 9 और 10) के विद्यार्थियों की विशिष्ट सीखने की शैलियों (सक्रिय, चिंतक, सिद्धांतवादी, व्यवहारवादी) और उनकी शैक्षिक उपलब्धि के मध्य अंतर्संबंधों का मात्रात्मक विश्लेषण करना है। किशोरावस्था के इस चरण में विद्यार्थियों की व्यक्तिगत अधिगम क्षमता को समझना अनिवार्य है ताकि शिक्षण विधियों को उनकी मानसिक प्रवृत्तियों के अनुरूप ढाला जा सके। इस अध्ययन के लिए वर्णनात्मक शोध पद्धति का चयन किया गया और दक्षिण गुजरात के विभिन्न माध्यमिक विद्यालयों से 100 विद्यार्थियों का यादृच्छिक प्रतिदर्श (नमूना) लिया गया। प्रदत्त संग्रह (डेटा कलेक्शन) के लिए हनी और ममफोर्ड की प्रमाणीकृत 'अधिगम शैली प्रश्नावली' का उपयोग किया गया। एकत्रित आँकड़ों का विश्लेषण प्रतिशत, औसत (माध्य), और सहसंबंध जैसी सांख्यिकीय विधियों द्वारा किया गया। परिणामों से स्पष्ट हुआ कि माध्यमिक स्तर पर 'चिंतक' और 'सिद्धांतवादी' शैली वाले विद्यार्थियों की शैक्षिक उपलब्धि अन्य समूहों की तुलना में अधिक है।
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AN ANALYSIS OF COMMUNITY-BASED APPROACHES TO CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION IN KENYA – THE PARADOX OF PROGRESSIVE POLICY FRAMEWORKS AND A PERSISTENT LOCAL VULNERABILITY
The aim of this paper is to review the community-based strategies for adaptation to climate change in Kenya and to discuss the apparent contradiction between the relatively sophisticated climate change policy framework and continued community vulnerability to climate change threats. The study reviews the qualitative literature from the academic field, policy instruments, legal frameworks, and selected case materials to examine the conceptualisation of community-based resilience and adaptation, the relationship between community-based resilience and adaptation and national and county climate governance, and the persistent implementation challenges and the reasons behind this. The analysis concludes that community-based approaches are critical because they rely on local knowledge, participatory decision making and specific to the context resilience strategies. Factors that limit their effectiveness include weak coordination between levels of government, uneven county capacity, weak and delayed financing, limited institutional accountability, and continued top-down planning. The policy and practice landscape in Kenya indicates that the increasing recognition of the importance of adaptation, inclusion and devolved action in policy and practice does not always equate with effective local action. The paper argues that the key problem is not the lack of climate policy, but the mismatch between policy ambition and institutional, financial and governance conditions that are needed to enable community-led adaptation. It calls for deeper national-co county-community linkages to turn climate policy to real resilience results.
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पितृसत्तात्मक सरंचना और आर्थिक पराधीनता के संदर्भ में कृष्णा सोबती के उपन्यास ‘डार से बिछुड़ी हुई’ की नायिका ‘पाशो’ का अस्तित्व-संघर्ष
शोध संक्षेप : एक लेखक का दायित्व केवल मनोरंजन करना नहीं, अपितु समाज के यथार्थ को ईमानदारी से प्रस्तुत करना है। हिंदी साहित्य में एक लेखिका के रूप में कृष्णा सोबती का स्थान अत्यंत विशिष्ट है, क्योंकि उन्होंने अपने कथा-साहित्य में स्त्री के अनुभव-जगत को केवल भावनात्मक या करुणात्मक स्तर तक सीमित न रखकर उसे व्यापक सामाजिक, सांस्कृतिक और आर्थिक संदर्भों में विश्लेषित किया है। उनका लेखन यह सिद्ध करता है कि एक सच्चा लेखक समाज का सजग द्रष्टा और संवेदनशील मार्गदर्शक होता है। सरल भाषा और सशक्त अभिव्यक्ति के माध्यम से वे पाठकों को सोचने के लिए प्रेरित करती हैं। उनका उपन्यास ‘डार से बिछुड़ी’ नारी-विमर्श की दृष्टि से एक अत्यंत महत्त्वपूर्ण कृति है, जिसमें स्त्री-अस्मिता, पितृसत्तात्मक नियंत्रण, सामाजिक नैतिकता के दोहरे मानदंड और आर्थिक निर्भरता के प्रश्नों को गहन संवेदनात्मक और यथार्थपरक ढंग से अभिव्यक्त किया गया है। इस शोध-पत्र में उपन्यास की नायिका ‘पाशो’ के माध्यम से पितृसत्तात्मक समाज में स्त्री के संघर्ष, उसकी आत्मनिर्भरता, संवेदनशीलता एवं उसकी आर्थिक पराधीनता का विश्लेषण किया गया है।
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THE IMPACT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ON EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
This systematic review examines the multidimensional impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies on employee engagement within contemporary organizational environments. Drawing upon recent empirical research, industry benchmarks, and established organizational behavior theories—specifically the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model and Self-Determination Theory (SDT)—this paper analyzes how workplace AI adoption shapes cognitive, emotional, and behavioral dimensions of engagement. While AI implementation offers distinct advantages, including operational efficiency, skill democratization, and administrative task reduction, it simultaneously introduces significant psychological risks, such as AI-induced anxiety, perceived job insecurity, and reduced interpersonal connectedness. The analysis demonstrates that the downstream impact of AI on engagement is fundamentally conditioned by organizational strategy, transparency, training protocols, and perceived job stability. This paper synthesizes current findings into an integrative conceptual framework and provides actionable guidelines for human-centered AI integration.
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BLOOD BANK ULTIMATE V4.0: A MULTI-ROLE GPS-ENABLED BLOOD BANK MANAGEMENT WEB APPLICATION WITH GAMIFIED DONOR ENGAGEMENT AND EMERGENCY REQUEST ESCALATION
Blood transfusion services remain a critical lifeline in emergency healthcare, yet conventional blood bank operations continue to suffer from fragmented workflows, absence of real-time inventory visibility, and poor coordination among donors, recipients, hospitals, and blood banks. This paper presents Blood Bank ULTIMATE v4.0, a comprehensive single-page web application developed on React.js with multi-role support for Administrators, Blood Bank Operators, Hospital Staff, and Donors. The system integrates GPS-based proximity search using the Haversine formula calibrated with Tamil Nadu road correction factors, multi-component blood inventory management with four-tier expiry classification, a three-tier emergency request escalation pipeline with confirmation-guarded approval, donor gamification through achievement badges, a complete 8×8 ABO/Rh blood compatibility matrix, interactive Chart.js analytics dashboards, and one-click PDF report generation via jsPDF. Because the application persists all state in browser localStorage and deploys as a static asset, it requires zero backend infrastructure. Evaluation on a seeded simulation dataset demonstrates GPS distance computation within a 5% margin of Google Maps estimates, correct end-to-end emergency request workflows, accurate badge assignment at all four donation thresholds, and chart rendering under 200 ms. The system offers a viable, cost-free prototype for digitizing blood bank operations in resource-constrained healthcare environments across Tamil Nadu.
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MULTILINGUAL EDUCATION UNDER NEP 2020: BRIDGING LANGUAGE BARRIERS IN INDIA
One of India's greatest assets is its multilingualism, yet the educational system faces difficulties as a result. A multilingual approach that honors children' mother tongues, particularly in the early years of school, is supported by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It seeks to improve education's inclusivity, significance, and cultural ties to India. This study examines how language is crucial to the effective implementation of NEP 2020. Additionally, it looks at the infrastructure, pedagogical, psychological, and cultural aspects of multilingual education. The study also looks at how equitable opportunities, cultural identity, and access to high-quality education in India are impacted by the persistent preference for English.
Background: Klüver–Bucy syndrome (KBS) is a rare neurobehavioral syndrome associated predominantly with bilateral dysfunction or structural damage of the medial temporal-limbic system. The classical syndrome is characterized by hyperorality, hypersexuality, hyperphagia, hypermetamorphosis, visual agnosia, and altered emotional behavior, particularly placidity and reduced fear. Cognitive abnormalities, especially attention and memory impairment, may also occur. Although KBS is primarily described within neurology, neuropsychiatry, and behavioral medicine, affected individuals may have substantial physical and functional limitations requiring multidisciplinary neurorehabilitation.
Objective: To review the current understanding of the clinical and neuroanatomical characteristics of KBS and to develop an evidence-informed physiotherapy assessment and management framework for individuals with KBS.
Methods: A narrative review was undertaken using published literature on KBS, including historical descriptions, case reports, case series, systematic reviews, and clinical reviews. Because direct physiotherapy research in KBS is extremely limited, evidence from acquired brain injury, traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, and neurological rehabilitation was used cautiously to inform recommendations for physical assessment, mobility, balance, gait, strengthening, endurance, behavioral safety, and caregiver education.
Results: KBS is most strongly associated with bilateral medial temporal-lobe dysfunction involving the amygdala, hippocampal formation, and interconnected limbic networks. The etiological spectrum includes central nervous system infections, particularly herpes simplex encephalitis, traumatic brain injury, stroke, epilepsy and temporal-lobe surgery, autoimmune encephalitis, hypoxic injury, neoplasia, and neurodegenerative disorders. A 2026 systematic review of 157 reported cases found hypersexuality and hyperorality in 84% of cases and hyperphagia in 73%; bilateral temporal-lobe lesions were reported in 73% of cases. Physiotherapy-specific evidence remains absent. Nevertheless, acquired-brain-injury rehabilitation guidance supports individualized, goal-oriented, task-specific training, gait and balance rehabilitation, exercise, postural management, and physical activity. In KBS, these interventions require additional behavioral and environmental modifications because hyperorality, hypermetamorphosis, disinhibition, impaired attention, memory dysfunction, and poor safety awareness may interfere with conventional rehabilitation.
Conclusion: Physiotherapy has a potentially important supportive role in the multidisciplinary management of KBS, particularly for mobility, balance, gait, physical conditioning, prevention of secondary complications, and functional independence. However, recommendations should currently be regarded as extrapolated neurorehabilitation principles rather than KBS-specific evidence. Prospective case series, standardized outcome measurement, and collaborative rehabilitation research are required to establish a disease-specific physiotherapy protocol.
One of the greatest problems facing the world today is the growing number of persons who are excluded from the meaningful participation in economic, social, political and cultural life of their communities. Such societies are neither efficient nor desirable. So, the current national and international concern with social inclusion has emerged in response to the challenges posed by persistent and increasing marginalization, discrimination, and exclusion of vulnerable groups in all societies. Consequently, any discussion of social inclusion cannot be separated from a serious consideration of social exclusion. As interrelated and multidimensional processes, inclusion and exclusion ‘describe how people’s opportunities for full and meaningful participation in the main spheres of social life may be differentially facilitated or blocked. These processes, in turn, contribute to unequal prospects that people have to achieve socially and economically valued resources, capacities, and credentials.’ Thus, Simone Well rightly states: ‘Someone who does not see a pan of glass does not know that he does not see it. Someone who, being placed differently does see it does not know the other does not see it’ (quoted in Young, 1990: 39). The political institution (the state) has put much emphasis on participation and empowerment of the disadvantaged groups. The state realized the necessity of empowering these groups by undertaking political reforms — new policies, institutions and strategies that are intended to promote the empowerment and inclusion of disadvantaged groups, especially the tribals, and their capacity to take collective action. Guided by this understanding, towards the fulfillment of the commitments, the Ninth Plan adopted a three pronged strategies: i) social empowerment; ii) economic empowerment; and iii) social justice to ensure removal of disparities, elimination of exploitation and suppression and to provide protection to STs along with SCs, OBCs and Minorities.
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AGRO-WASTE AS SUSTAINABLE COSMETIC PREPARATIONS: A REVIEW
Agricultural waste (agro-waste) has emerged as a sustainable source of natural bioactive compounds for cosmetic formulations. Polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, carotenoids, vitamins, and essential fatty acids are abundant in by-products such banana peel, banana flower bract, citrus peel, grape pomace, pomegranate peel, coffee grounds, olive pomace, and rice bran. These substances can be used in face washes, creams, face packs, lip balms, lipsticks, sunscreens, and hair care products because of their antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, photoprotective, and anti-aging qualities. Using agricultural waste to make cosmetics encourages a circular economy, lowers pollution levels, and supports waste valorization. The main sources of agricultural waste, their bioactive components, cosmetic uses, and future opportunities for creating sustainable cosmetics are all outlined in this review.
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A STUDY OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF WEB TECHNOLOGY BASED CONCEPT MAP METHOD IN TEACHING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AT SECONDARY LEVEL
The present study examined the effectiveness of a Web Technology Based Concept Map Method on the academic achievement of secondary school students in Science and Technology. A quantitative, quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test equivalent group design was employed. Sixty students of Grade IX were selected through purposive sampling and divided equally into an experimental group (n = 30) and a control group (n = 30). The experimental group was taught using web-based concept mapping tools, whereas the control group received instruction through the conventional teaching method. Data were collected using a standardized Science Achievement Test comprising 40 multiple-choice questions. Descriptive statistics and an independent samples t-test were used for analysis. The findings indicated that students taught through the Web Technology Based Concept Map Method achieved significantly higher post-test scores than those taught through the traditional method (t = 5.84, p < .001). The study concludes that integrating web-based concept mapping into science instruction can substantially enhance conceptual understanding and academic achievement. These findings are consistent with prior quasi-experimental studies reporting improved science achievement through concept mapping and web-supported instruction.
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METAL -ORGANIC FRAMEWORKS (MOFS) IN WATER PURIFICATION: A REVIEW
This review on Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) in Water Purification investigates the use of MOFs as advanced porous materials for efficient removal of pollutants from contaminated water sources. Background studies reveal that conventional purification techniques such as activated carbon and membrane filtration often suffer from low selectivity, poor regeneration, and limited adsorption efficiency. The main aim and objective of this research are to evaluate the adsorption performance, regeneration potential, and structural stability of MOFs compared to traditional adsorbents for sustainable water treatment. The significance of the study lies in demonstrating MOFs’ potential to overcome limitations of conventional systems and support the development of eco-friendly purification technologies. Literature reviews indicate that MOFs, due to their tunable pore size, large surface area, and chemical versatility, have been widely explored for capturing heavy metals, dyes, and organic contaminants from water. The methodology involved synthesizing MOFs such as UiO-66, MIL-101, and ZIF-8 via the solvothermal process, followed by adsorption experiments under controlled conditions. Characterization was conducted using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis to confirm structural integrity. Experimental results showed that MOFs achieved over 90% removal efficiency for lead, chromium, and methylene blue, significantly outperforming activated carbon adsorbents. The interpretation of results suggests that the high efficiency of MOFs is due to their abundant active sites and strong metal–ligand interactions, enhancing adsorption and recyclability. Therefore, it is recommended that future research focus on large-scale production, cost reduction, and environmental stability of MOFs for practical applications in sustainable water purification systems.
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AN EMPIRICAL STUDY ON THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING ON ADVERTISING EFFECTIVENESS IN CHENNAI
Social media has emerged as a powerful marketing communication platform, transforming the way businesses design, deliver, and evaluate advertising campaigns. The rapid growth of platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, X, and other digital networks has enabled marketers to reach targeted audiences with personalized and interactive advertising content. This empirical study examines the impact of social media marketing on advertising effectiveness among consumers in Chennai. The study focuses on key dimensions of social media marketing, including content quality, engagement, interactivity, credibility, personalization, entertainment, and electronic word-of-mouth, and evaluates their influence on advertising effectiveness.
The study is expected to provide empirical insights into the relationship between social media marketing practices and advertising effectiveness. The findings may assist marketers and business organizations in identifying the social media marketing factors that significantly influence consumer responses to advertisements. The study also highlights the importance of creating relevant, credible, engaging, and interactive advertising content to improve consumer engagement and advertising outcomes. The research provides useful implications for marketers seeking to develop effective social media advertising strategies in the competitive digital marketplace of Chennai.
Case Study
1
BUILDING, DIAGNOSING AND SUSTAINING A POSITIVE SAFETY CULTURE THAT REDUCES INCIDENTS AND INTEGRATES WITH BUSINESS PERFORMANCE, USING ISO 45001, BRADLEY CURVE AND GHANAIAN INDUSTRY CASE STUDIES
A positive safety culture is frequently treated as an occupational health and safety aspiration, yet its strategic value is realized only when culture is deliberately built, diagnosed, sustained and connected to the way the business is managed. This paper develops and tests an integrated model that combines ISO 45001 as the management-system architecture, the dss+ Bradley Curve as a cultural-maturity diagnostic, and business-performance integration as the mechanism for sustaining improvement. Following the structure of a mixed-methods safety-management study, the paper uses a transparent dataset representing 320 employees from 32 hypothetical Ghanaian organizations across mining, construction, oil and gas, and manufacturing, complemented by 24 interview excerpts and four composite Ghanaian industry case studies. Descriptive analysis showed relatively stronger ratings for leadership commitment (M = 3.44), proactive risk management (M = 3.45) and ISO 45001 integration (M = 3.36) than for business integration (M = 3.10) and documentation (M = 2.95). Multiple regression explained 68.7% of the variance in safety-culture maturity, with worker participation, risk management and visible leadership emerging as the strongest significant predictors, while documentation showed no significant direct cultural effect. At organization level, total recordable incident rates declined from 5.02 in Reactive cultures to 0.73 in Interdependent cultures, while the business-performance index increased from 61.3 to 85.1. The four composite Ghanaian cases illustrate how leadership routines, stop-work authority, critical-control verification, contractor alignment, learning from near misses and integrated scorecards can move organizations from compliance-driven safety to shared ownership. The paper concludes that ISO 45001 supplies the system, the Bradley Curve diagnoses cultural maturity, and business integration sustains the gains.
2
POOR SERVICE DELIVERY IN COUNTY GOVERNMENTS IN KENYA: A CASE STUDY OF BUNGOMA COUNTY
The introduction of devolution in Kenya under the Constitution of 2010 marked a significant shift in governance, aiming to improve service delivery, enhance accountability, and promote equitable development. Despite these intentions, many county governments continue to face persistent challenges in delivering efficient and quality services. This study examines the issue of poor service delivery in county governments, focusing specifically on Bungoma County. The research investigates the underlying causes, effects, and possible solutions to the problem.
Using a descriptive research design and relying on secondary data sources such as government reports, journal articles, and policy documents, the study identifies key factors contributing to poor service delivery. These include corruption, weak institutional frameworks, inadequate public participation, poor financial management, and human resource challenges. The study further explores the impact of these issues on critical sectors such as healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development.
The findings reveal that governance failures, rather than resource constraints, are the primary drivers of poor service delivery. The study concludes that unless structural and institutional reforms are implemented, the objectives of devolution will remain unmet. Recommendations include strengthening accountability mechanisms, enhancing transparency, improving public participation, and investing in institutional capacity building.
3
ASSESSING TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION COMPETENCE AMONG ART AND SOCIAL SCIENCE TEACHERS IN KEBBI STATE: A CASE STUDY OF SOME SELECTED SECONDARY SCHOOLS
The effective integration of technology in teaching Arts and Social Sciences (A & SS) is crucial for enhancing secondary education outcomes in Nigeria. This study assesses Nigerian teachers' competence in blending technology with A & SS pedagogy, identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement. A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving surveys and interviews with A &SS teachers across select secondary schools. Findings reveal that while teachers show enthusiasm for technology integration, their competence is hindered by inadequate training, limited access to resources, and technical challenges. The study highlights the need for targeted professional development programs, improved infrastructure, and policy support to boost teachers' tech integration skills. Recommendations include regular tech training workshops, provision of digital tools, and establishing tech support systems. This research informs stakeholders on strategies to enhance A & SS teaching and learning through effective technology integration in Nigerian secondary schools.
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ODIOUS DEBT: A CASE STUDY, ORIGIN, AND CONTEXT OF KENYA
Kenya’s debt landscape has entered a stretched cycle of distress, dominated by internal borrowing from commercial creditors, external bilateral lending, and hefty Eurobond commitments.
This paper advances the affirmative claim that a substantial and definable portion of Kenya's public debt including the 2014 Eurobond, the Standard Gauge Railway loans, and the subsequent Eurobond series of 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2024 satisfies the tripartite doctrinal threshold of ‘odious debt’ established by Alexander Sack (1927) and extended by Ndikumana and Boyce (2011), guided by the conditions that the debt was contracted without genuine popular consent through constitutionally compliant channels; the proceeds did not benefit the Kenyan people in any traceable, project-tied manner; and the creditors knew, or should have known, of these defects.
Drawing on the eight foundational works specified (Adeniran et al., 2018; Bett, 2018; CABRI & Vorster, 2021; Cormier, 2021; Fole, 2003; Mageto, 2022; Otieno et al., 2022; Raffer, 2010) and integrating Ndikumana and Boyce (2011), Gathii and Mbori (2025), Toussaint (2022), and IMF (2024), and anchored in Kenya's High Court Petition E216 of 2025, the paper, based on public information on the audits based on the National Treasury and the Central Bank of Kenya audits, finds that approximately KES 6.95 trillion of the debt stock accumulated between FY2014/15 and FY2023/24 meets the odious threshold on the balance of constitutional, empirical, and architectural evidence.
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DESIGNING A COMMUNITY-BASED DIGITAL EARLY WARNING AND PEACEBUILDING FRAMEWORK FOR MISINFORMATION-DRIVEN CONFLICT PREVENTION: A CASE STUDY OF LAFENWA, ABEOKUTA NORTH, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA
The increasing use of social media has changed the way communities receive, interpret and share information during periods of tension. While digital platforms can support early warning, communication and peacebuilding, they can also accelerate misinformation, fear and mistrust. This paper develops a community-based digital early warning and peacebuilding framework for Lafenwa, Abeokuta North, Ogun State, Nigeria, where recurrent violence and the rapid circulation of unverified information through WhatsApp and other social media platforms have contributed to community anxiety and tension. The study adopts a qualitative design-based case study approach based on analysis of a campaign concept card, an ethical stress-test and a digital peacebuilding practitioner brief developed for the Lafenwa intervention. The analysis identifies four core requirements for an effective intervention: verified information, community-based early warning, responsible digital communication, and integration of online and offline engagement. The study further identifies platform dependency, digital exclusion, privacy risks, misinformation, harmful content and possible weaponisation of digital communication as major risks. Based on these findings, a Community-Based Digital Early Warning and Peacebuilding Framework (CDEWPF) is proposed. The framework positions WhatsApp as a communication channel rather than the peacebuilding system itself and places community ownership, verification, inclusion, protection and early response at its centre. The paper argues that digital peacebuilding interventions in local communities should be socio-technical, conflict-sensitive and community-owned rather than technology-driven.