Abstract Performance degradation in induction motors for industrial applications, particularly due to rotor bar defects, poses significant operational and economic challenges. This study has investigated the effects of defective rotor bars in a 30 kW three-phase squirrel-cage-rotor induction motor, with focus on stator current imbalance, torque ripple, lower-efficiency, and speed deviation. Rotor bar defects, often caused by cracks or breaks, distort current symmetry and air-gap flux, which in turn result in excess heating, torque pulsations, and additional power losses that compromise both short-term performance and long-term reliability. A mathematical modeling approach was employed, supported by quantitative analysis of key fault indicators. The results revealed a stator current imbalance of 37.21%, far above the acceptable ±5% tolerance, while torque ripple increased to 10% compared to 2% under normal condition. The defected motor also suffered additional power losses of approximately 1.1 kW, equivalent to about 4% of its rated power, with copper losses alone contributed to 500 W. Moreover, a speed deviation of 150 rpm (corresponding to 10% slip) was observed under rated load, alongside rising rotor copper losses that increased from 694.5 W at 0% slip to 740 W at 10% slip. These findings emphasized the cascading impact of rotor bar defects on overall motor performance, efficiency, and thermal stability. The study concluded that predictive maintenance policies, early fault detection techniques such as motor current signature analysis, advanced signal processing and condition monitoring systems are essential in mitigating rotor bar failures. By implementing these measures, industries can extend equipment lifespan, minimize downtime, reduce operational costs, and promote better sustainable energy-efficient practices. KEYWORDS: Induction Motor, Rotor, Fault, Defective Bars, Stability, Current, Torque.
Cost-effective, reliable energy sources remain critical in spurring production and overall economic growth, especially in developing countries. However, inadequate investments in the renewable energy sector continue to hinder the desired economic development. This study seeks to establish the effect of renewable energy investment on economic development in Baidoa District, Southwest State, Somalia. Descriptive cross-sectional design employed techniques (Quantitative and Qualitative Methods) and targeted 10,656 households from 10 divisions in Baidoa District, Southwest State, Somalia. A structured random sampling method was used. The study also used the systematic sampling method to determine the starting points of sampling and the sequence in each of the 10 subunit villages. The data collected were analysed through descriptive analysis that included frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, while the Inferential Statistical Method included linear regression analysis. The Cochran sample determination formula was used for calculating sample sizes of 423 household heads. The study also established that there is a significant relationship between solar energy investment and economic development in Baidoa District. Southwest State. Solar remains the most used renewable energy with biogas mostly used in the villages. There is increased business growth due to the availability of solar energy that is secure, cost-effective and reliable and the level of investment in renewable energy significantly affect the economic development in Baidoa District, State-Somalia. The study recommended that there is a need for increased renewable energy investment and consumption in different renewable energy sources in order to drive GDP growth. Further, there is a need to invest in renewable energy in order to ensure that there are cost-effective and reliable sources which are critical in creating jobs, lowering energy costs to increase production at both micro and macro level, fostering innovation, a
The relevance of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) in describing the connection between the availability and use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) materials in the teaching and learning of chemistry in Colleges of Education across North-Eastern Nigeria was investigated in this study. Data from 84 chemistry teachers using a structured questionnaire were gathered using a quantitative research strategy. Descriptive statistics showed mean values of 2.733 and 2.633 respectively for ICT availability and use, falling inside the moderately available and utilized in the decision rule scale of 2.50-3.49. A paired sample t-test revealed statistically significant perceptions of both ICT availability (t = 45.84, p < .001) and utilization (t = 88.47, p < .001), indicating widespread presence and reported use of digital tools. Regression analysis, on the other hand, showed that although the entire model (F(17, 7.03) = 7.03, p < .001) was statistically significant, the predictive power of availability on utilization (B = 0.382, p = .097) was not statistically meaningful. The model explained 64.1% of the variance in utilization (R² = 0.641), pointing to other contextual or pedagogical elements moderate effective ICT use. Perceives usefulness (3.611), Attitude towards the use of ICT (3.012), Behavioral intention to the use of ICT (2.412 and Self-efficiency (1.463) were also recorded. These results corroborate TAM's claim that availability alone does not guarantee adoption; rather, teacher competency, pedagogical integration, and institutional support are absolutely vital. The research suggests that to improve the digital transformation of chemistry education in the area, policy initiatives should go beyond merely providing ICT to include professional development, curricular integration, and school-level ICT mentoring.
Across Africa, marriage ceremonies have shifted from modest communal rites to highly extravagant displays that impose severe financial pressure on young adults and their families. This trend intersects with persistent youth underemployment and low graduate earnings, creating a growing disconnect between cultural expectations and economic reality. As a result, many young people delay marriage, avoid marriage entirely, or engage in alternative social behaviors that destabilize traditional family structures. Drawing on comparative evidence from Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa and insights from Isaac Mintah’s The African First Born (2025), this paper examines how costly marriage practices contribute to financial strain, parentification, delayed family formation, moral decline, reduced social cohesion, and long-term demographic pressures. The article proposes a multidimensional policy framework—including ceremonial expenditure regulation, financial literacy, wage restructuring, and cultural reorientation—to strengthen economic resilience and enhance moral and social wellbeing. The paper concludes with the societal benefits of reform and recommendations for policymakers and community leaders.
Access to financial services remains a cornerstone of economic empowerment in rural Kenya, yet the quality of client experience varies widely between microfinance institutions (MFIs) and savings and credit cooperative organisations (SACCOs). This study compared customer satisfaction levels among clients of these two institutional types in Bungoma County using identical indicators of collateral requirements, loan processing, loan terms, interest rates, and repayment periods. A cross-sectional survey collected data from 369 respondents through structured questionnaires employing a five-point Likert scale. Findings revealed that SACCO clients recorded significantly higher overall satisfaction (mean = 4.18) than MFI clients (mean = 3.27), with the largest gaps observed in interest rate affordability and repayment flexibility. Multiple regression analyses showed strong explanatory power for both groups, with R² = 0.559 for MFIs and R² = 0.510 for SACCOs, and identified interest rates as the strongest predictor of satisfaction (β = 0.329 for MFIs; β = 0.341 for SACCOs). These results underscore the cooperative model’s superior alignment with the needs of low-income, agriculturally dependent households in a developing county economy.
The commercial construction and real estate sector in Zimbabwe is confronting significant resource constraints, rising operational costs, and pressure for increased sustainability. In this study, the influence of frugal innovation management on organizational performance was analyzed, considering the adoption of resource-efficient technologies and options (RETOs) by Harare-based firms. Data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to 105 employees and managers, giving a response rate of 87.5%. Descriptive statistics, Cronbach Alpha reliability testing, and linear regression analyses were carried out to analyze the relationships among RETO adoption, innovation-management strategies, and organizational performance. Of the firms, 82% were found to have adopted at least one RETO, with solar energy systems, rainwater harvesting, and energy-efficient HVAC systems being the most common. High upfront cost, limited technical expertise, and lack of supportive policies were mentioned as major barriers that hinder firms from adopting RETOs. Regression analysis shows that 59% of the variance in organizational performance is explained by the adoption of RETO, thus having a positive, statistically significant effect. The study concludes that strategically managed frugal innovation could enhance the ability of commercial construction and real estate firms to be operationally efficient, gain a competitive advantage, and attain an appropriate environmental performance. It further recommends proactive RETO adoption strategies, targeted capacity-building programs, policy engagement, and knowledge-sharing initiatives that will enable these firms to turn resource constraints into sustainable development opportunities.
The study was aimed at assessing the implementation of the Fire Prevention Program of the Bureau of Fire Protection in Selected Municipalities of Maguindanao Province. The assessment was made on the three areas of the program; fire prevention inspection, fire prevention education, fie code enforcement, the problems encountered by the respondents on Leadership, manpower, technical, financial, and equipment/facilities and the policies that can be drawn from the findings of the study. The method used was descriptive with a questionnaire as the main data gathering tool. Data yielded the following major findings: 1.The Implementation of the Fire Prevention Program was rated respondents as “Very Good” in the Fire Prevention Inspection, Fire Prevention Education and Fire Code of Enforcement. As a whole the implementation of the program was very good. 2.In terms of the problems encountered by the respondents. Although there is slow in its implementation of the Fire Code in the areas of leadership, manpower, technical, financial and equipment and facilities the BFP unit relatively better in doing their duties and responsibilities. 3.The BFP should formulate the policies to upgrade the performance of the personnel; moreover there should be additional financial assistance in order to sustain development in the BFP. 4.Policies must be regularly reviewed to be sure it remains relevant and updated. 5.Policies on the acquisition or of equipment and facilities should improve in order to cope up with the demand purchase of people in the community in fire prevention related concerns. 6.The BFP Personnel also need to improve the policies recruitment and in service training especially in fire prevention. The BFP in selected municipalities of Maguindanao Province is very good in implementing the fire prevention program but there is still need for improvement in order to achieve excellence in implementing the fire prevention program, specifically on man power and in acquiring the equipment and facilities. Keywords: Fire Prevention Program, Bureau of Fire Protection, Maguindanao Province, Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao
Introduction: The prevention of the spread of Mpox is important for the protection of Public health, economic stability, and community awareness. Objective: The research aims to investigate factors contributing to preventing the spread of the monkeypox virus in Liberia. Methodology: The research was done using a quantitative research design and a desk review. The sample size (n) =150. Online questionnaires were administered to key informants. Data from the National Public Health Institute on the Mpox virus was also used to correlate findings. SPSS was used to analyze the collected data. We did not obtain approval from the ethical review Board because the research was anonymous and posed no threat to the participants. Additionally, the data used from NPHIL is secondary published data. Findings: The results show that hand washing with soap and water and using hand sanitizer, coupled with limiting contacts with suspected and confirmed cases, as 52.7% considered very effective. The study also found that the population is aware of the virus, as indicated by 85.3% of the respondents being very aware of the virus. Out of the 572 suspected cases tested, only 78 cases were confirmed, constituting 13.63%. This means that the healthcare providers were not specific in their impressions/screenings. Recommendation: Healthcare providers should be trained to properly classify cases using the standard case-based and classification forms.
Cet article analyse la libéralisation douanière comme levier potentiel de croissance économique en République Démocratique du Congo (RDC), dans un contexte marqué par l’intensification de la mondialisation et la progressive suppression des barrières tarifaires. Partant d’un cadre théorique mobilisant les approches libérales et protectionnistes du commerce international, l’étude examine les effets économiques, budgétaires et sociaux de la suppression des droits de douane dans un pays en développement fortement dépendant des recettes fiscales d’origine douanière. À travers une analyse empirique et institutionnelle, l’article met en évidence les opportunités liées à l’ouverture commerciale, notamment l’élargissement des marchés, l’attraction des investissements directs étrangers, le renforcement de la compétitivité et l’accès aux technologies modernes. Toutefois, il souligne également les risques majeurs associés à cette politique, tels que la perte de recettes publiques, l’affaiblissement des industries locales, l’aggravation du chômage, la vulnérabilité du secteur agricole et la détérioration de la balance des paiements. L’étude insiste sur la nécessité d’un accompagnement structurel de la libéralisation douanière par des réformes fiscales, notamment la modernisation de l’administration fiscale et l’élargissement de l’assiette intérieure à travers la TVA. En conclusion, l’article plaide pour une libéralisation graduelle et encadrée, intégrée dans une stratégie de diversification économique, de renforcement institutionnel et d’intégration régionale, afin que l’ouverture commerciale contribue effectivement au développement durable de la RDC.
ABSTRACT Moisture penetration and water-induced degradation significantly limit the long-term durability of burnt clay tiles, especially within Nigeria’s humid tropical environment where rainfall intensity, high relative humidity, and cyclic wetting–drying conditions accelerate deterioration. This study investigates the effectiveness of selected water-repellent treatments in enhancing the moisture resistance and structural performance of locally produced burnt clay tiles. Three commercial water-repellent systems—silicone resin, silane–siloxane emulsion, and linseed oil—were applied to fired clay tiles and evaluated against untreated specimens. A comprehensive experimental program was conducted to assess water absorption, porosity, capillary suction, bulk density, flexural strength, and freeze–thaw durability in accordance with relevant ASTM and BS standards. The results reveal that all water-repellent treatments produced measurable improvements in moisture resistance, with performance varying according to the chemical composition and penetration depth of each treatment. Silane–siloxane exhibited the most pronounced hydrophobic effect, reducing water uptake by approximately 68% and significantly decreasing capillary rise due to its ability to permeate deeply into the pore structure. Silicone resin also provided substantial enhancements, particularly in freeze–thaw stability and surface water repellency, owing to its film-forming characteristics. Linseed oil delivered moderate moisture protection but slightly reduced mechanical strength, likely due to partial pore obstruction and slower polymerization. Overall, the application of water-repellent treatments markedly improves the functional lifespan and serviceability of burnt clay tiles, reducing their vulnerability to moisture-related defects such as cracking, discoloration, spalling, and loss of structural integrity. The findings demonstrate that water-repellent coatings can play a critical role in optimizing locally manufactured clay tiles for long-term performance in humid climates. Based on the results, silane–siloxane is recommended for exterior applications requiring deep pore protection, silicone resin for structural ceramic installations exposed to cyclical moisture, and linseed oil for cost-sensitive indoor uses where moderate performance is acceptable.
This research investigates the impact of team diversity on performance and innovation in organizational contexts. Drawing on empirical and theoretical literature, and supported by primary data, the study explores how age, gender, ethnicity, and educational diversity influence team outcomes. The paper uses a survey-based quantitative method to analyze the perceptions and experiences of 110 participants from multiple sectors. The results suggest that team diversity significantly enhances creativity, problem-solving, and overall performance when effectively managed. The researcher recommends that organizations view age, gender, and ethnic diversity as an opportunity and a competitive advantage for teams and the organization. Age diversity is crucial for creativity and innovation within teams. The older generation contributes skills and experience to the organization, while the younger generation introduces new ideas and perspectives. The management of the organization can leverage age diversity for decision-making as well as problem-solving.
The extensive utilization of crude oil as a major source of energy and revenue for the economy of Nigeria has increased the risks of oil spill incidences and hence pollution of the environment especially in the oil-rich Niger Delta region. These spills have adversely impacted the environment, health and socio-economic lives of the people prompting an urgent need for remediation of oil spill impacted sites. This process of remediation uses micro organisms, fungi, green plants, biological waste products or their enzymes to return the natural environment altered by contaminants to its original condition. Bioremediation technologies can be generally classified as in-situ or ex-situ. This research was carried out using the ex-situ technology which involved the removal of the contaminated materials to be treated elsewhere, which was a major reason for the innovation of an engineered bio-cell, this innovation was able to control sub-soil contamination, secondary contamination and cross contamination. The results obtained showed a 99.5% reduction in TPH concentration of the treated soil from 11459mg/kg to 475mg/kg, with a rapid microbial growth of 110cfu/g to 5600cfu/g.When compared to 37% TPH concentration reduction from 11459mg/kg to 7715mg/kg with a light microbial growth of 110cfu/g to 205cfu/gof soil sample not subjected to any form of remedial treatment within the same bioremediation period. Based on the results, bioremediation using a mixed biostimulantfor soil remediation with the aid of an engineered bio-cell is more effective in degrading petroleum hydrocarbon contaminants and remains best practice and should be encouraged as the remedial process is environmentally friendly. Keywords: Bioremediation, Bio-cell, Microorganism, TPH, enzymes
ABSTRACT This study investigates the suitability of quarry dust as a partial replacement for natural clay in the production of burnt brick tiles, with the aim of enhancing material performance and reducing reliance on virgin clay. Quarry dust, a fine by-product of rock crushing widely available in Nigeria, possesses favorable physical and chemical attributes that make it a potential supplementary material. Replacement levels of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% by weight were examined to determine their effects on key physical and mechanical properties of the tiles. Parameters evaluated include bulk density, water absorption, linear shrinkage, compressive strength, and flexural strength. Clay–quarry dust mixtures were prepared, moulded, sun-dried, oven-dried, and fired under controlled conditions to reflect common local production processes. Results showed that increasing quarry dust content generally improved material behaviour. Bulk density rose progressively with higher quarry dust proportions, indicating better particle packing. Water absorption decreased significantly, with the lowest value recorded at 15% replacement, due to reduced voids and enhanced matrix compaction. Mechanical properties followed a similar trend: both compressive and flexural strengths improved and peaked at 15% replacement, a result linked to enhanced densification during firing and the silica-rich composition of quarry dust that supports stronger ceramic bonding. However, replacement beyond 15% led to reduced strength, attributed to diminished clay plasticity and weaker cohesion. The study concludes that quarry dust is a viable partial substitute for clay, with 15% replacement offering the most balanced improvement in strength, durability, and water resistance while promoting sustainable material use.
This study investigated how learners' word recognition, reading comprehension, and overall reading level were affected by the ARAL Reading Program. Thirty-one students from Kisablay Elementary School were using midyear and pretests. The results showed that the program was successful in improving reading skills, with substantial gains across all domains, as validated by the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test (p < 0.05). Learners demonstrated significant increases in decoding and understanding as they progressed from the Frustration and Instructional levels to the Instructional and partially independent levels. Ordinal logistic regression showed that participants reported high motivation (mean = 3.74) and frequent home support (mean = 3.35), but neither variable substantially predicted midyear reading outcomes (p > 0.05). According to the findings, systematic interventions such as ARAL are essential for improving reading proficiency. The study suggests maintaining and expanding the program, offering focused assistance to struggling readers, and exploring additional indicators of literacy success to guide comprehensive interventions.
Ammonia is a promising biosignature species, highly unstable in the presence of UV radiation on a timescale of ~10³ years. However, its abundance or presence in the atmosphere is not determined by biological processes only; it highly depends on physical factors that include pressure, temperature, and stellar flux. In this paper, we explore selected physical conditions which affect the survivability and accumulation of ammonia in the atmospheric environment of a planet. We find that, unlike low-pressure rocky planets, stable environments where ammonia can persist through either biological or non-biological processes are feasible with high-pressure mini-Neptunes with hydrogen-rich atmospheres.
Adoption is a life-altering experience that significantly influences an individual’s emotional, social, and psychological development. This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of successful adopted individuals, focusing on their perceived life situations, challenges during the adoption transition, coping practices, and realizations that contributed to their personal success. Using a phenomenological research design, eight adoptees from various municipalities in Ilocos Norte were purposively selected based on their demonstrated personal, academic, or professional success. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and shared meanings. Findings revealed that prior to adoption, participants experienced significant hardships such as parental death, abandonment, separation, and financial incapacity. During their transition into adoptive families, they faced difficulties in adjusting to new environments, experienced social mistreatment, and struggled with questions of self-worth. Despite these challenges, adoptees employed various coping practices, including drawing strength from faith, expressing gratitude toward their adoptive parents, and seeking emotional connection and belonging. The study emphasized that adoption is not a hindrance to success but a transformative experience that fosters resilience, perseverance, and emotional strength. The findings highlight the importance of emotional support, acceptance, and understanding within families and communities. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of adoptees’ experiences and may serve as a basis for creating more inclusive and supportive environments for adopted individuals.
The Richat Structure (Eye of the Sahara, Mauritania), a≈ 50 km circular feature, is conventionally explained as the slow erosion of a approx 100 million year old igneous dome. This paper proposes the Catastrophic Aqueous Vortex Model (CAVM), which posits that the structure's distinct geometry and central igneous core are products of a single, rapid, high-energy hydrodynamic event tied to the Global Flood approx ≈ 4,400 years ago and Catastrophic Plate Tectonics (CPT). We hypothesize that a massive, stable Horizontal Aqueous Vortex rapidly carved the structure at a geological weak point. We present four critical lines of physical evidence—including the structure’s unique fluid mechanics signature—to challenge the long-age, slow-erosion paradigm.
This research project was carried out in Ekiti West Local Government of Ekiti State, Nigeria to determine the problem of youth unemployment and how it influences crime in rural areas. The research is aimed at providing vivid and adequate insight on a wide range of the fundamental aspects of youth unemployment and rural crime. The study adopted a Descriptive Survey research design and structured questionnaire as instrument of data collection. Two research questions and hypotheses were formulated. The population and sample size for the study was two hundred (200) youths, farmers, and security personnel in Ekiti West Local Government Area. Data collected was statistically analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation. The data collected were presented in tables and analyzed using simple percentages and frequencies. The findings of the study revealed that, there is positive and high correlation between youth unemployment and rural crime.
Mexican shrimp represents an emerging aquaculture species with considerable economic potential; however, research on its nutritional management remains limited. This study assessed the impact of biofloc supplementation on key reproductive traits of Mexican shrimp (Cambarellus patzcuarensis), including spawning latency and fecundity. A controlled laboratory experiment was conducted using three feeding treatments—commercial feed, a combination of commercial feed and microfoc, and biofloc only each with four replicates. The biofloc produced from Nile tilapia waste contained 29% protein and was dominated by Chlorophyceae (62.79%). The combined diet (10% biofloc + 5% commercial feed) significantly improved reproductive performance, yielding the shortest spawning latency (14 days 12 hours), fastest egg-laying time (16 days 8 hours) and fecundity of 31 eggs per broodstock. These results demonstrate that fresh biofloc derived from red Nile tilapia waste can function as an effective additive to enhance the reproductive efficiency of Mexican shrimp and support the development of optimized culture protocols.
Parkinson’s disease is a heterogeneous neurodegenerative disorder marked by the continuous loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to debilitating motor and non-motor symptoms. This paper reviews the disease’s genetic and epigenetic factors, alpha-synuclein aggregation and lewy body pathology. This highlights how variability at cellular, genetic and phenotypic levels shapes disease onset, progression and treatment responses, emphasising the evidence for distinct ‘brain first’ and ‘body first’ subtypes that are driven by the gut - brain axis involvement and different spreading patterns of the alpha synuclein. The paper argues that current dopamine replacement improves symptoms, however it does not modify the disease and that integrating precision medicine approaches are the way to achieve this meaningful modification.
Résumé: Présentement, l’environnement financier international est caractérisé par une grande complexité croissante. Les entreprises doivent être agiles et proactives pour gérer les risques financiers et saisir les opportunités de croissance dans ce contexte en évolution rapide. Summary: Todays, the international financial environment is characterized by increasing complexity. Companies must be agile and proactive in managing financial risks and seizing growth opportunities in this rapidly changing context. Key Words: international financial environment, increasing complexity, companies, managing financial risks, opportunities
This study explores the complex relationships between leadership, ideology, and development in post-colonial Africa, focusing on the experiences of four influential leaders: Kwame Nkrumah (Ghana), Ahmed Sékou Touré (Guinea), Modibo Keïta (Mali), and Julius Nyerere (Tanzania). By examining the intersections of power, identity, and ideology, this research sheds new light on the ongoing relevance of socialist-populist thought in Africa's pursuit of development and transformation. The study draws on the latest scholarship in African studies to provide an understanding of the complex relationships. Through a comparative analysis of these leaders' policies and practices, this study reveals the tensions and contradictions between socialist-populist ideology and the realities of post-colonial development. The study highlights the significance of ideology in shaping development policies and practices in post-colonial Africa. The ideologies plays a crucial role in defining the goals and objectives of development. The research emphasizes the crucial role of leadership in promoting development and transformation in Africa. The study reveals the challenges faced by African countries in promoting development and transformation in the post-colonial era. African countries have struggled to overcome the legacy of colonialism and promote sustainable development. The study offers valuable insights for policymakers, scholars, and development practitioners seeking to understand the ongoing relevance of socialist-populist thought in Africa's pursuit of development and transformation._x000D_ Key words: Power, Identity, and Ideology
Abstract This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the bio-geophysical characteristics of the bitumen-rich environment in Agbabu, Ondo State, Nigeria, with the objective of establishing baseline environmental conditions prior to large-scale commercial bitumen extraction. Given Agbabu’s ranking as the second-largest bitumen deposit globally, the study aimed to ensure sustainable resource exploitation while safeguarding environmental quality and community well-being. Environmental parameters such as atmospheric conditions, air quality, soil properties, and seasonal variations were thoroughly examined during both wet and dry seasons through field sampling, laboratory analysis, and in-situ measurements. The results indicated significant seasonal variations in air temperature and total suspended particulate matter (SPM) concentrations. Air temperatures ranged from a minimum of 27.8°C in the early hours to an afternoon peak of 35.45°C during the dry season, with lower temperatures averaging 27.61°C in the wet season due to increased cloud cover. SPM concentrations were notably higher during the dry season (152.66 µg/m³) compared to the wet season (72.54 µg/m³) but remained within the permissible limits set by the Federal Ministry of Environment (FMEnv) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Soil analysis also revealed variations in sand, silt, and clay content across seasons, with clay content increasing in the dry season, potentially affecting soil permeability and water retention. The study concludes that while the Agbabu bitumen site presents significant economic potential, effective environmental management strategies are critical to prevent ecological degradation. Recommendations for sustainable resource exploitation include implementing pollution control measures, phased extraction plans, biodiversity conservation strategies, and community engagement initiatives. The baseline data established in this study provides a critical reference for future environmental impact assessments, guiding responsible resource management and ensuring long-term environmental sustainability in the region. Keywords: Air Quality, Pollution, Ecological Degradation, etc.
The paper is an empirical analysis of the connection between trade barriers, carbon emissions and environmental sustainability in the modern era of globalization. Based on a multi-country panel data that captures the years 1998 to 2022, the study examines the impact of tariffs and non-tariff restrictions in causing carbon emissions per capita, carbon intensity, and overall sustainability performance by controlling income levels, industry structure, energy transition measures, and institutions. The empirical design combines the interaction with globalization and two-way fixation model, dynamic panel estimation and event time quasi-experimental model in order to identify contemporary and dynamic adjustment mechanisms. The findings unanimously suggest that an increased tariff is linked to a higher carbon intensity and in most instances poor environmental sustainability performance upon which access to cleaner technologies and production efficiency are more likely to be upset than provide environmental benefits. The consequences of the elements of non-tariff measures are observed to be conditional and they are based on the level of globalization, thus the critical role played by policy formulation and the capacity of institutions in the delivery of environmental results. Further interaction outcomes indicate that the negative externalities of the trade barriers cause more of a consequence in more globally related economies indicating that global value chains mediate the transmission of the losses of efficiency. On the whole, the results argue against the idea that trade restrictive measures naturally sustainability and instead highlights the necessity to coordinate both trade and climate policies to maintain access to low-carbon technology, encourage efficiency, and sustainability goals in an ever-convoluted global economy.
Introduction: Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is a rare autosomal dominant tumor syndrome caused by inactivating mutations in the MEN1 gene. It is characterized by the development of primary hy-perparathyroidism (PHPT), pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs), and pituitary adenomas. Early diagno-sis is essential for implementing appropriate surveillance and management. Case Presentation: A 34-year-old woman with recurrent duodenal ulcers was found to have multiple pancreat-ic neuroendocrine tumors, a prolactin-secreting pituitary adenoma, and primary hyperparathyroidism. Imag-ing and histopathology confirmed a well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor without metastases. She was managed with proton pump inhibitors, somatostatin analogs, dopamine agonist therapy, and surgical evaluation for hyperparathyroidism. This case highlights the classical MEN1 triad and the importance of comprehensive endocrine and genetic assessment for diagnosis and management.
Dans le cadre de l'étude des enjeux socio-environnementaux et de la gouvernance des ressources en eau, une recherche a été menée sur la mare sacrée de Mountougoula, dans la région de Koulikoro, par l'Institut Polytechnique Rural de Formation et de Recherches Appliquées (IPR/IFRA) de Katibougou, en collaboration avec Join For Water (JFW). L'objectif général de cette étude est d’analyser les usages autour de la mare sacrée de Mountougoula. Pour atteindre cet objectif, la méthode qualitative a été privilégiée, s'appuyant sur l'administration d'un guide d'entretien semi-directif auprès des personnes-ressources de la localité (gardiens traditionnels et notables), auprès de 20 enquêtés, complétée par une observation directe. À l'analyse, les résultats confirment le statut de patrimoine de la mare dont la protection rituelle est assurée par la famille Doumbia. Les ressources de la mare sont également sacrées, exemptes de toute consommation. En cas de violation des normes édictées en la matière, les contrevenants sont assujettis au paiement d'un bélier blanc ou d'un poulet blanc, en réparation des dommages aux esprits. La mare participe à la protection du village ; son recours, en cas de rareté de pluie et en début de semis des cultures, pour implorer les esprits, est une pratique rituelle. Cependant, elle est confrontée à la pression foncière liée à l’urbanisation, à l’émergence des religions monothéistes et à l’abandon des croyances ancestrales par la nouvelle génération. Les sacrifices et les offrandes s'inscrivent dans une logique de conservation de la mare et de protection des fauteurs et, par ricochet, du village. En termes de perspectives, la recherche s’étendrait à d’autres sites sacrés afin de mieux documenter les savoirs endogènes de conservation et de protection des ressources naturelles.
Edge-based intelligence is essential for meeting the stringent latency, scalability, and privacy requirements of fifth‑generation (5G) networks. This paper presents a practical framework that integrates lightweight machine learning with edge computing to enable real‑time anomaly detection and cost‑aware optimization in 5G environments. We design a reconstruction‑based autoencoder trained on benign network flow features to learn normal behavior and detect anomalies via reconstruction error. The model is quantized and converted to TensorFlow Lite (TFLite) for deployment inside a containerized Multi‑Access Edge Computing (MEC) node. An edge agent performs streaming inference, applies a sliding‑window persistence check to suppress transient false alarms, and invokes conservative, rule‑based mitigation actions (e.g., traffic shaping, slice reallocation) when persistent anomalies are detected. An offline cost‑aware simulator evaluates trade‑offs between mitigation benefits and false‑positive costs, guiding policy tuning. Experimental evaluation on real network flow telemetry demonstrates that the TFLite autoencoder achieves strong separation between benign and anomalous traffic while meeting MEC resource constraints: model size and memory footprint are reduced substantially after quantization, and median inference latency falls to single‑digit milliseconds. Cost‑policy sweeps reveal that optimizer effectiveness depends critically on the relative weighting of action versus false‑positive costs, motivating conservative initial policies with telemetry‑driven tuning. The results indicate that combining TFLite inference with edge decision logic provides a feasible, explainable, and resource‑efficient approach for improving 5G network resilience.