ISSN:2320-9186
Impact Factor:4.1
ISSN:2320-9186 Impact Factor:4.1
A study was initiated to generate information on effect of rainfall and humidity on growth yield characteristics of 2 cowpea varieties maintained under rain-fed conditions, in the humid tropics in 2023 cropping seasons. The experiment was conducted using randomize complete block design (RCBD) with three replications at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture IITA, Onne sub-station, Rivers State, Nigeria (longitude 70 95’28"E and latitude 40 43’78"N).The parameters evaluated were rainfall, humidity, days to 50% emergence, plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, days to 50% flowering, days to pod maturity, number of pod per plant, pod length, number of seed and weight of pod. Results shows that the average highest rainfall was in August (596.9mm) and the lowest rainfall was in April (185.5mm). In the month of April and May all the cowpea varieties planted emerged while in the month of June to August all the cowpea varieties did not emerge. There was no significant (P< 0.05) different on both growth and yield parameters of the two cowpea varieties. The month of April IT97k-568-1 gave the highest number of pod per plant (8.0) compare to IT99k-573-1 that had (7.0). However, IT99k-568-1 produced the highest number of seed per pod (14.77) and weight of pod (1.20kg). The plant height and number of leaves was higher in the month of May compare to April, while the cowpea varieties produced almost the same number of branches (3.83 & 3.63) in the month of April and May. In May IT99k-573-1 produced the highest number of leaf (157.97) and plant height (130.34cm). The two improved cowpea varieties are recommended for their economic yields and farmers in the high rainfall-ecological zone of the study area are encouraged to plant cowpea varieties in the early rains
Youth remains one of the most active groups in any community in Africa. Those in positions of authority and power often use and manipulate the youth for their political gains. This article analyses the contribution of youth to the attainment of peace, promoting security and development in the city of Kolwezi in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The desk research findings show that Kolwezi youth empowerment is a sin-qua-non condition for peace, security, and development to prevail within the city. There have been various instances where youth from different ethnic backgrounds have been involved in the conflict in one way or the other, mainly, while in the search of natural resources or leadership positions. Nevertheless, from time to time, the same young interact in various forums, and different environments, at various levels regardless of their ethnic affiliations. Thus, the need to inculcate in them the skills of reconciliation, tolerance, acceptance, love, and mediation as part of the peacebuilding activities that can help to nurture peace, security, and development within the city of Kolwezi, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The youth are full of energy, they do not discriminate if engaged positively, and they can unite divided societies. Therefore, the Kolwezi leaders are encouraged to put in place mechanisms that motivate the youth to participate actively in any peace-building process that will be taking place in the City.
Developing economies are exposed to multiple financial risks (market, credit, liquidity, sovereign, and systemic), which are often amplified by shallow markets, incomplete data, and heightened sensitivity to external shocks (commodities, climate, geopolitics). This article proposes an integrated risk modeling framework based on probabilistic and statistical methods: (i) conditional volatility estimation (GARCH family); (ii) extreme value theory for the distribution tail; (iii) copulas for inter-risk dependence; (iv) Monte Carlo simulations and Bayesian stress tests. Using standard sources (WDI, IFS/WEO, central bank data), we show how to construct loss scenarios and synthetic vulnerability indicators that can be used by policymakers. The main contributions lie in the adaptation of tools to noisy data environments, the explicit integration of contagion risks, and an operational roadmap for macro-financial surveillance.
This paper examines the relationship between public education expenditure, life expectancy, and the Human Development Index (HDI) in Mali over the period 2000–2023. Using a dynamic panel econometric approach, we analyze the impact of educational investment on health and human development. The results show that an increase in education spending as a percentage of GDP is positively correlated with both life expectancy and HDI, although the magnitude of the effect varies across periods and is influenced by external shocks such as political instability and health crises.
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder marked by the loss of midbrain dopaminergic neurons and exacerbated by neuroinflammatory processes, particularly involving microglia. Emerging evidence highlights sex-specific differences in microglial activation, yet their impact on the survival and integration of stem cell-derived neuron grafts remains underexplored. This study develops a novel human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived midbrain organoid platform integrating sex-matched dopaminergic neurons and microglia to model these interactions in vitro. We demonstrate that male-derived microglia exhibit a heightened pro-inflammatory response to pathological stimuli, impairing neuronal survival and integration compared to their female counterparts. To therapeutically modulate this immune environment, dopaminergic neurons engineered to express interleukin-10 (IL-10) were introduced into the system, resulting in attenuated microglial activation and enhanced neuron viability, particularly in male microglia-containing organoids. Additionally, we assessed the modulatory effects of estrogen, revealing its capacity to suppress pro-inflammatory microglial states and further promote neuronal graft survival. Together, these findings provide critical insights into the intersection of sex, neuroimmune interactions, and regenerative cell therapies, offering a compelling strategy for precision-engineered, sex-specific interventions in PD and related neurodegenerative diseases.
The construction industry is a vital contributor to economic growth, providing employment, infrastructure, and social development. In Nigeria, the sector is predominantly labour-intensive, with builders playing a critical role in ensuring project success. However, despite their importance, the performance and motivation of builders remain a major concern, particularly in Abuja, where cost and time overruns, project abandonment, and disputes over working conditions frequently undermine efficiency. While motivation has long been linked to improved performance, evidence on its influence among builders in Nigeria is limited, with most studies focusing broadly on construction professionals rather than builders as a distinct group. This study aimed to appraise the influence of motivation on the performance of builders in Abuja. The specific objectives were to examine the performance variables experienced by builders, investigate the motivational factors influencing performance, analyse the relationship between motivation and performance in the Nigerian construction industry, and propose effective strategies for improving builders’ performance. A survey of 88 builders was conducted, and the findings revealed that inflation and rising costs of materials and labour ranked as the most critical performance challenge across all categories of builders, with mean scores of 3.91 (government employees), 4.62 (private employees), and 4.44 (self-employed). Motivational factors also varied: government employees prioritized career advancement and timely wage payment (mean = 3.82 each), private employees emphasized effective leadership, collaboration, and job security (mean = 4.54 each), while self-employed builders valued effective leadership (mean = 4.33) and job satisfaction (mean = 4.23). The analysis further showed that motivation positively influences performance outcomes. For government employees, motivation was most strongly linked to worker commitment (mean = 4.45) and quality of work (mean = 4.36); for private employees, collaboration (mean = 4.62) and increased performance (mean = 4.54) were most significant; while self-employed builders rated collaboration (mean = 4.67) and innovation (mean = 4.63) highest. Finally, effective motivation strategies were identified, with decision-making involvement (mean = 4.36) most effective for government employees, training and career progression (mean = 4.31 each) for private employees, and performance-based bonuses (mean = 4.63) for the self-employed. The study concludes that while financial incentives remain essential, intrinsic motivators such as career growth, leadership, collaboration, and participation play equally significant roles. Tailoring motivation strategies to builders’ employment contexts is critical for improving performance, reducing inefficiencies, and enhancing project outcomes in Abuja and the wider Nigerian construction industry.
This study examined the effects of Game-Based Learning (GBL) strategies on junior secondary school students’ performance in Mathematics in Balanga Local Government Area of Gombe State, Nigeria. A quasi-experimental design was adopted, involving 240 students from four co-educational schools, purposively sampled and divided into experimental and control groups, and their Mathematics teachers. The experimental group received instruction using GBL (digital and physical games), while the control group was taught using traditional methods. A Mathematics Achievement Test (MAT), validated and with a reliability coefficient of 0.82, and Mathematics Teachers Questionnaire (MTQ) served as the instrument. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and ANCOVA at a 0.05 significance level. Results revealed that students exposed to GBL achieved significantly higher post-test scores than their counterparts taught with traditional methods (F = 53.67, p < .001). Gender significantly influenced performance (F = 8.81, p = .003), with male students showing slightly higher gains. School location had no significant effect, though a gender × location interaction was observed. The study concludes that GBL is an effective strategy for improving Mathematics performance across diverse settings and recommends teacher training and curriculum integration of GBL strategies. Keywords: Game-Based Learning, Mathematics Performance, Gender, Location, Junior Secondary School, Nigeria
Abstract Intellectual capital has been adjudged to be the most invaluable assets to gain a competitive advantage and a key influential factor in influencing the financial performance of an organization on the podium of going concern phenomenon. This study examined the relationship between intellectual capital accounting practices and financial performance of listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria from 2013 to 2022. Human capital efficiency, structural capital efficiency and relational capital employed efficiency were the proxies of intellectual capital accounting while return on assets and earnings per share were the proxies of financial performance. It employed a modified Public 1998 Value Added Intellectual Capital Co-efficient (VAIC) model for the determination of specific influence of the components of intellectual capital on financial performance. The researchers adopted and applied ex-post facto research design and secondary data obtained from the audited annual reports and accounts of the fifteen listed consumer goods firms’ website and the Nigeria stock exchange fact book. The research data was analysed using basic descriptive, Pearson Product Moment Correlation and Multivariate Regression in a cross-sectional data through econometric procedure with the aid of E-views version 13. The findings revealed that Human capital efficiency (HCE) and capital employed efficiency (CEE) relate significantly with return on assets while structural capital efficiency (SCE) and relational capital employed efficiency (RCEE) were not significantly related to return on assets and earnings per share of quoted consumer goods companies in Nigeria in the period of this study. We thus concluded that intellectual capital accounting practices have not been fully exhibited its intellectual endowment on financial performance of quoted consumer goods companies in Nigeria in the period of this study. Based on the foregoing findings, and conclusion, we recommend that Nigerian quoted consumer goods companies must develop strategies to invest adequately in different intellectual capital components (Human capital, structural capital and relational capital efficiency) for sustaining competitive advantage in this current knowledge-based economy in order to achieve sustainable financial performance which will be reported appropriately in the financial statements of the listed consumer goods firms in Nigeria
L’article vise à analyser le rôle du cinéma marocain dans la mise en valeur des dialectes régionaux longtemps marginalisés. Confinés à l’oralité et souvent considérés comme des formes « basses », ces parlers accèdent à une nouvelle visibilité à travers les productions audiovisuelles récentes. Le cinéma apparaît ainsi comme un espace de réhabilitation culturelle et identitaire, capable de remettre en question les hiérarchies linguistiques établies et de redéfinir les rapports entre langues légitimes et langues populaires. L’article propose une réflexion théorique, à l’intersection de la sociolinguistique et des études culturelles, sur la manière dont cette dialectalisation à l’écran contribue à transformer les imaginaires linguistiques et à reconfigurer la place du plurilinguisme au Maroc.
Haemophilia A and B are X-linked inherited bleeding disorders affecting between 1 in 5,000 and 30,000 male births, respectively. They are characterised by recurrent spontaneous bleeding, progressive joint damage, and reduced life expectancy. For this debilitating disease, there is no cure. Current treatment relies on intravenous replacement of clotting factors VIII or IX, which is costly, requires lifelong administration, and it is complicated by inhibitor development in up to 30% of severe haemophilia A patients. Although newer non-factor therapies and viral vector-based gene therapies have shown promise, challenges of efficacy, durability, safety and accessibility still remain. CRISPR Cas9 has emerged as a new revolutionary tool due to its flexibility on gene editing and replacement, therefore presenting a potential treatment option for Haemophilia A and B. This paper will review the available pre-clinical studies, and assess the use of CRISPR Cas9 technology for treating Haemophilia A&B in murine models in vivo. The outcome measures will be focused on the genetic performance and haemostatic outcomes, along with safety, tolerability and limitations of different CRISPR strategies in treating haemophilia.
The probability of nuclear fusion at low energies is governed by quantum tunnelling through the Coulomb barrier, which is a process that is highly sensitive to environmental effects. In this investigation, a deuterium-tritium fusion system is modelled using a screening Coulomb (Yukawa) potential to study how screening effects modify the tunnelling probability. The screening parameter (k_0) was modified to suit three diverse environments: A weakly screened tokamak plasma (k_0 = 104 m−1), a strongly screened stellar (solar) plasma (k_0 = 1011 m−1), and a lattice-confined metallic environment to represent lattice-confinement fusion (k_0 = 1.731 × 1010 m^−1). The transmission coefficient was derived through the WKB approximation for a range of incident energies (0.1-5 keV). The results depict exponential suppression of the tunnelling coefficient towards lower energies for all scenarios, with screening enhancing the coefficient by several orders of magnitude below ≈2 keV. Meanwhile, towards higher energies the influence of screening becomes negligible once the barrier can be overcome by kinetic energy primarily. These findings therefore provide insights into the significance of environmental screening effects in both astrophysical scenarios and proposed solid-state fusion schemes.
The research is focused on stress analyses and simulation of double fillet welded jointusing finite element method. ANsys workbench 16.0 is employed to model, analyse and simulate the weld.
This lite paper proposes a transformative educational model, SMET (Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Technology), as a restructured approach to STEM education tailored for Africa's unique challenges and opportunities. By sequencing the disciplines to reflect the natural process of innovation; starting with scientific inquiry, progressing through mathematical analysis, engineering design, and culminating in technological application, SMET aims to foster a generation of inventors and problem-solvers. Drawing on historical precedents, empirical research, and pilot successes, this model addresses the limitations of current STEM practices in Africa, which often emphasize rote learning and technology consumption over integrated innovation. Supported by data on Africa's innovation gaps and educational challenges, the paper calls for widespread adoption by African governments to drive sustainable development.
This paper explores the evolving landscape of SME financing in a context marked by the progressive tightening of traditional bank credit and the emergence of innovative funding alternatives. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), widely recognized as key drivers of innovation and employment, face increasing difficulties in accessing conventional financial resources due to heightened risk aversion among banks, stricter regulatory requirements, and macroeconomic instability. In response, SMEs are progressively turning to alternative financing solutions, such as crowdfunding, venture capital, peer-to-peer lending, and blockchain-based mechanisms, including smart contracts. The study highlights the dual dynamics shaping the current financing environment: While traditional sources like bank credit and government grants remain essential, they are no longer sufficient on their own. New technologies and decentralized platforms are redefining the financial ecosystem, offering greater flexibility, transparency, and inclusion. However, these alternatives also come with challenges, such as regulatory uncertainty, market saturation, and the need for strategic adaptation. Through a comparative and analytical approach, the paper underscores the importance of fostering a diversified, resilient, and innovative-oriented financial framework. It calls for coordinated efforts between public policy, financial institutions, and technological actors to support the sustainable development and competitiveness of SMEs in an increasingly complex economic environment.
This study investigated the extent to which adapted classroom organisation strategies influence learning outcomes for learners with hearing impairment. Using a convergent parallel mixed method design, data were collected from primary and secondary schools for the deaf in the Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon. (Buea School for the Deaf and Morning Star). The purposive sample comprised 10 teachers, 30 senior students, and 50 pupils. An observation guide and questionnaires provided the data, which were analysed with descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Results showed a statistically significant effect of adapted classroom organisation on learning outcomes (computed χ² = 258.41 > critical value 9.488), indicating that deliberate arrangements of furniture, sightlines, acoustics, and instructional materials materially support the acquisition of required knowledge, skills and attitudes. The study concludes that adapted classroom organisation is a critical determinant of academic success for hearing-impaired learners. Policy makers and government bodies can develop or strengthen policy guidelines that mandate minimum standards for classroom design and resource provision for learners with hearing impairments, including standards for acoustics, lighting, and instructional materials. Key Words: Adapted Classroom Organisation, hearing impairment, learning outcomes, knowledge, skills, attitudes
This research exposes the significant implications of excluding UNICOHS University College, a private Zambian institution, from public bursary programs. Talented students from low-income families are denied higher education access due to lack of financial support, leading to dropouts and unrealized potential. Private institutions like UNICOHS face sustainability challenges, affecting program quality and competitiveness. Zambia's education policies, professing equal opportunity, overlook private universities' vital role in expanding access. The study advocates for policy reform to include qualified private schools in bursary programs via transparent criteria. Collaborative advocacy by private universities and strengthened financial aid mechanisms are crucial. Raising stakeholder awareness and monitoring policy impacts are key. Future research should explore comparative student outcomes, cost-benefit analyses, alternative financing, and policy implementation barriers. Inclusive funding policies recognizing private institutions can foster a more equitable, expansive higher education landscape in Zambia, unlocking potential and nurturing development.
The cocoons are the most important product of sericulture because of their economic significance in the output of silk, which is regarded as the most important natural product. Because the cocoons are exposed to some pests while being stored. The present research was achieved to evaluate three hybrids of silkworm, Bombyx mori L. for biological, economic and technological characters. Additionally, the study investigates the toxicity of five essential oils—clove buds (Syzygium aromaticum), thyme leaves (Thymus vulgaris), citronella leaves (Cymbopogon nardus), neem seeds (Azadirachta indica), and carvacrol, a natural monoterpene phenol derivative of cymene against both larvae and adults of the Khapra beetle, Trogoderma granarium Everts (Coleoptera: Dermestidae), infesting three hybrids of silkworm cocoons through a novel fumigation technique. A GC/MS analysis was performed to record the main chemical constituents in tested oils. The resulted data showed that, Hy2 was the best silkworm hybrid for all traits under study, followed by Hy1 and Hy3. Analysis of the obtained data showed that carvacrol and citronella oils exhibited the strongest fumigant toxicity against insect larvae after 4 days of repeated fumigation, while the adults were more sensitive and recorded a high mortality percentage with all tested oils compared with the larvae. LC90 concentrations of citronella and carvacrol cause 100% mortality of insect larvae-infested cocoons of imported hybrids Hy1 & Hy2 after 4 days of repeated exposure, while with local hybrid Hy3, mortality was 76.6% & 23.3% with citronella and carvacrol, respectively. LC90 concentration of neem oil caused 93.3% mortality with cocoon hybrid Hy1, while it wasn’t effective against larvae-infested hybrids Hy2&Hy3 after 4 days of repeated exposure.
Male sexual dysfunction and infertility affect a substantial proportion of the global population. This paper proposes a novel, multi-herbal formulation combining Ferula hermonis , Panax ginseng , Myristica fragrans , Phoenix dactylifera pollen , propolis , and Crocus sativus , targeting sexual libido, erectile function, sperm quality, hormonal balance, and oxidative protection. The available preclinical & clinical evidences for each component are already reviewed, supporting the potential synergistic efficacy of the blend / mixture. However, for this polyherbal product, it's highly recommended to perform some pre-tests to scientifically evaluate it (in vitro, in vivo & clinical trials).
Geopolitics is considered as one of the most important and widely used topics in scientific and academic circles of the politics and international relations, with the fundamental focus of world politics largely based on it today. Therefore, currently China, as a powerful regional country, seeks access to political and economic power in its near regions and the world, aiming to maintain its prestige on the international stage. However, the United States of America, which has positioned itself as a global hegemon and the mega power, constantly strives to curb and reduce China's growth factor and empowerment. In this context, the geopolitical goals of this country have led policymakers and political elites to consistently work in this area. Given the above mentioned topic, a qualitative research has been emphasized in this study, with a descriptive and analytical approach. The sources for collecting the information in this study are library-based, and ultimately, the research focuses on examining America's geopolitics in Afghanistan and the control of China. The results of this study have proven that the presence of the United States in Afghanistan as a prominent global power has aimed to achieve geopolitical interests in the Heartland region and continuously seeks to weaken its regional rivals through various strategies. In this regard, by using the land of Afghanistan, efforts have been made to hinder China's geopolitical and strategic interests in the region amidst issues and obstacles. This approach is considered as one of the methods to control China by the United States.
Organizational performance is vital for the sustainability of cleaning services in Kiambu County, Kenya, contributing to economic growth, job creation, and Kenya’s GDP. Despite rising demand, the industry faces declining performance, necessitating strategic management practices to enhance competitiveness. This study sought to examine the effect of strategic innovation on performance of carpet cleaning service companies in Kiambu County, Kenya. The study was anchored on the dynamic capabilities theory. The study adopted a descriptive research design and a census technique was used to target all the carpet cleaning service companies in Kiambu County. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaires. The target population of this study was 200 respondents from 50 carpet cleaning service companies selected using purposive sampling. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive analysis included frequencies, mean and standard deviation. The inferential statistics involved Pearson correlation analysis and multiple regression. The study found that strategic innovation was adopted to a moderate extent (M=3.24). The study findings showed a strong positive correlation between strategic innovation and organizational performance (r = 0.78 for strategic innovation; p < 0.01) and a positive significant effect of strategic innovation (β = 0.35, p < 0.001) on performance of carpet cleaning service companies in Kiambu County, Kenya. The study concluded that strategic innovation significantly enhances organizational performance in Kiambu County’s carpet cleaning industry. The study recommends that cleaning companies should invest in technologies such as mobile booking systems, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) softwares, and GPS tracking systems to streamline operations and improve service delivery. Keywords: Strategic Innovation, Organizational Performance, Cleaning Service Companies, Kiambu County, Kenya
This research work was done on anaerobic digestion of organic solids, a very promising technique for turning organic wastes into biogas, typically using bio-methane potential (BMP) test. BMP test was conducted on three different unmixed substrates (Cow Droppings, Sheep Droppings, and seeds of Jatropha Curcas) as well as two additional mixed substrates (mixtures of seeds of Jatropha Curcas with each of Cow Droppings and Sheep Droppings). The study examined the yields of bio-methane from these samples inoculated with abattoir wastes at laboratory level for maximum period of sixty days. The BMP test reveals that Jatropha Curcas seeds exhibits the highest biogas generating capacity due to its high volatile solids content and biodegradability while sheep dung with the lowest volatile solids content exhibits limited bio-methane production potential. The research further shows a graph of simulated biogas plotted against measured biogas which gives almost a perfect straight line indicating strong linear relationship in all the substrates.
Bobo-Dioulasso, a city located 365 km from Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, occupies 2nd place in the country's urban framework. It is growing spatially. From 2006 to 2011, the city's area increased from 110,000 ha to 160,000 ha and from 25 to 33 sectors (PCD, 2018). Demographically, the population increased between 2006 and 2019, from 410,459 to 989,904 inhabitants, a growth rate of more than 50% (RGPH, 2019). In addition, this form of urbanization remains inadequate with the city's sanitation capacities. There is a problem of insalubrity with waste littering the streets and illegal dumps resulting from the various practices of city dwellers. The objective is to analyze the state of sanitation of the city and the methods of waste management. The method used is based on literature review, field observations and surveys of 196 households. But also, interviews were conducted with sanitation officials and NGOs of the city. The processing and analysis of the results. It emerges from the investigations that the population practices the systematic dumping of garbage in garbage heaps (24%) and illegal dumps (51%) as well as the discharge of wastewater in and around homes (98%). In addition, the lack of means to subscribe to private garbage collectors (61%) and the absence of storage bins in households (43%). However, all the households surveyed and the interviews conducted Also, (100%), find the waste management system, failing overall. According to 80% of respondents, this weakens the health of the population, degrades the environment, and impacts their lives. Keywords: waste - unsanitary conditions - Bobo-Dioulasso - Burkina Faso
Après une trentaine d’années d’exercices démocratiques, le Mali se trouve actuellement à la croisée des chemins après avoir été victime de trois coups d’état. Alors pour analyser cette épineuse question, nous partons du constat que, soit la démocratie malienne tant vantée par le monde souffrait chroniquement d’un malaise ou bien que le modèle démocratique importé et imposé au Mali n’était pas en adéquation avec ses valeurs culturelles. Cet article tente de répondre à ces différentes inquiétudes à travers une approche critique et contextuelle.
Cet article analyse l’aide publique au développement au Mali. Pour y parvenir, nous avons utilisé la méthode hypothéticodéductive à partir des données en provenance de la base des données de la banque mondiale et de la FAO. Les résultats obtenus montrent premièrement que l’aide publique se caractérise par une faible transparence dans sa gestion . Deuxièmement, elle parvient difficilement à la société civile et les infrastructures sont les moins soutenues. Troisièmement, la fongibilité de l’aide publique existe même si elle n’est pas à hauteur des souhaits. En conclusion, l’aide publique agit positivement sur le bien-être de la population malienne, mais nous devrions rappeler aux responsables politiques quelques mesures de correction sur la transparence et assuré sa continuité malgré la divergence des discours politiques. Mots clés: Aide publique, inégalité, pauvreté, mesures de correction
Les relations humaines sont entachées de conflits, parce que les conflits sont inhérents à la nature humaine. Dans la même veine, vivre dans une communauté, dans un pays est synonyme de vivre en conflit, mais c’est la capacité de transcender ces divergences conflictuelles qui permettra de maintenir l’équilibre social. La culture de la paix apparait en ce sens comme une astuce prépondérante pour prévenir et résoudre les conflits dans un pays comme le Mali, frappé par une crise sécuritaire (terrorisme, islamisme, rébellion, criminalité transnationale…) depuis plus d’une décennie, couplée à l’instabilité politique et institutionnelle (coups d’état de 2012, 2020 et 2021). Cette crise s’est métamorphosée en ébranlant ainsi le tissu social pour donner par la suite, naissance à de violents conflits (inter) et (intra)communautaires au nord et au centre du pays. C’est dans ce cadre que nous soutenons dans cet article que les recettes stratégiques incluses dans la culture de la paix ainsi que les vertus du dialogue pourraient désamorcer les logiques conflictuelles au Mali. Cet article analyse méticuleusement l’importance du dialogue inter/intracommunautaire pour prévenir et gérer les conflits à travers la culture de la paix au Mali
In an economic context marked by persistent inflation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), this article deeply examines the effects of this dynamic on the progressivity of the income professional tax (IPR). By adopting a constructivist epistemological stance, the study views taxation not as a static reality, but as a complex social construct influenced by taxpayers' perceptions, power relations, and existing institutional mechanisms. Through a mixed analysis, combining quantitative data from reports by the General Directorate of Taxes (DGI) and the Central Bank of Congo (BCC) between 2015 and 2025, along with qualitative interviews conducted with key actors in the fiscal sector, the results highlight a significant paradox. Although IPR revenues have experienced a nominal increase, this rise is largely attributable to the effect of inflation, which leads to an artificial fiscal creep of taxpayers into higher tax brackets. This phenomenon, known as bracket creep, severely undermines tax justice by distorting the actual contributory capacity of citizens and exacerbating economic inequalities. The article also emphasizes that this situation is not merely a technical problem of taxation; it raises crucial ethical and political questions regarding the fairness of the tax system in the DRC. Indeed, inflation transforms the progressivity of the IPR into a fiscal mirage, where the appearances of increased collection mask an erosion of purchasing power and growing injustice among taxpayers. Finally, the article calls for an urgent structural reform of the tax system, particularly through the indexing of tax brackets to inflation, in order to restore the true progressivity of the IPR. Such reform should also include measures aimed at improving tax transparency and strengthening communication between the state and taxpayers, in order to restore trust in the tax system and ensure an equitable redistribution of resources.
This study examines the attitudes of Francophone learners in French medium instruction (FMI) schools towards their counterparts in English medium instruction (EMI) schools in Yaounde, capital of Cameroon. Three FMI schools in Yaounde were selected for this research, involving a total of 250 learners. In these schools the age range of the students was between 14 years and 20 years old. The students were chosen from the classes of Seconde, première and Terminale which are classes in the French Medium of instruction. This study was conducted due to the massive immersion of Francophone students in English Medium of Instruction schools. It was thus important to study the attitudes of these Francophone Learners (in FMI schools) towards their counterparts in English Medium of Instruction Schools. Interviews and questionnaires were employed to gather data. The results indicate that Francophone learners in FMI schools hold positive attitudes towards Francophone learners in EMI schools.
ABSTRACT_x000D_ This study examined the effects of process parameters on the production of glycerol from castor seed oil. Physico-chemical properties of the oil were determined, which was followed by the glycerol production through trans-esterification process. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy aided the identification of the functional groups. On the basis of one factor at-a-time, impacts of the trans-esterification variables on the glycerol yield were monitored. From the experimental results, physico-chemical characteristics of the castor seed oil indicate that the oil is suitable for glycerol production. With the recorded free fatty acid value of 3.07%, the oleic acid is within the range of standard value of 2.4 to 4.2%. Iodine value was found as 33.0g/100g; reflecting the presence of double bonds. Functional groups of glycerol from castor seed oil include polar atoms as well as single and double bond structures, which indicate that the oil is good for glycerol synthesis. The glycerol yield from the castor seed oil varied with the trans-esterification variables of methanol/oil ratio, catalyst dosage, temperature and time. It was found that castor seed oil is a good source of glycerol, whose yield depends on trans-esterification process conditions. _x000D_ Key words: Glycerol, Castor Seed Oil, Trans-esterification, Functional groups