Volume 13, Issue 6, June 2025 Edition - GSJ Journal Publication

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Curriculum Designs and Misconceptions in Science among Teachers in Region X []


This descriptive study examined how Grade 8 Science teachers in Region X used various curriculum design approaches and identified misconceptions in Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics during the 2023–2024 school year. The study assessed how often teachers applied subject-centered, learner-centered, and problem-centered designs in their teaching. It also analyzed how teacher characteristics—such as age, sex, rank, experience, specialization, education level, and attitude—affected their teaching. Involving 270 randomly selected Science teachers, the data revealed most respondents were female, aged 26–30, in Teacher 1 positions, had over 15 years of experience, majored in Biology, held college degrees, and had positive attitudes toward teaching Science. Subject-centered design was “always observed,” while learner- and problem-centered designs were “most of the time observed.” The findings showed Biology was the easiest subject to teach, while Physics posed the most difficulty. Teachers’ profiles had no significant effect on their misconceptions. Notably, problem-centered design was seen as effective when aligned with learners’ age. The study concluded that regular evaluation, assigning teachers based on their specialization, and supporting those teaching outside their field are essential. It recommended hiring DOST scholars with appropriate remuneration and addressing curriculum delivery gaps to improve Science education outcomes. Keywords: Curriculum Design, Misconceptions in Science

FINANCIAL STRESS AND WELL-BEING OF TEACHERS IN THE SECOND LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT, MISAMIS ORIENTAL []


Financial well-being significantly impacts individuals' quality of life by enabling them to meet obligations, feel secure about the future, and enhance life satisfaction. This study explored the financial stress and well-being of teachers in the Second Legislative District of Misamis Oriental, focusing on their characteristics, including age, sex, civil status, position, highest educational attainment, and teaching experience. It also examined the level of financial stress through affective, physiological, and relational reactions and the level of well-being across mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, self-management, and professionalization and ethics and the relationship between financial stress and well-being and each of their characteristics. Using a descriptive-correlational research design, the study employed stratified random sampling to target teachers and used a patterned and modified research instrument to collect the data. The study used a combination of descriptive and inferential statistics using frequency, mean, standard deviation, and Pearson product-Moment Correlation to test relationships. Results showed that most respondents are aged 30-39, married, hold Teacher III positions, have 6 - 10 years of experience, and possess master’s degrees. Overall, teachers reported low financial stress and a high level of well-being. Significant relationships were observed between financial stress and teacher well-being, with age correlating with financial stress. Characteristics such as age, educational attainment, and position significantly influence emotional, spiritual, and professionalization and ethics on well-being aspects. These findings highlight the interconnectedness of teachers’ financial and professional lives and emphasize the importance of addressing financial stress to support overall well-being. The study concludes that financial stress impacts teachers' well-being, and its effects are relatively consistent across teachers' characteristics. It recommends improving financial management skills and adopting strategies like budgeting, and self-care to mitigate adverse effects of financial stress, promoting a healthier, more productive teaching workforce. Keywords: financial stress, well-being, teachers, financial management

Analyse des différentes techniques d’évaluation du risque de défaillance des entreprises marocaines []


Good control and management of credit risk has become the main concern of financial institutions, which are constantly developing models for analyzing, assessing and predicting this risk, particularly with the prudential standards required by central banks. Credit risk assessment and prediction methods are represented in the form of scoring models which aim to predict the potential vulnerability of a business using financial information and computable. The objective of our work is to analyze the different credit scoring techniques while highlighting their capacity to predict the solvency of borrowers.

Application Exponential-Gamma-Rayleigh Distribution to COVID-19 Data []


This research explores the performance of Exponential-Gamma-Rayleigh distribution (EGRD) on Covid-19 deaths in Nigeria from March 2020 to April 2021. The parameters of the distribution were estimated using the method of maximum likelihood estimates. The newly developed Exponential-Gamma-Rayleigh distribution was compared with the existing Exponential-gamma by Ogunwale (2019) ,Exponential and Gamma distributions using the log-likelihood function, Akaike information criterion (AIC), and Bayesian information criterion (BIC) as the criteria for selecting the best fit model. The results show that the newly developed Exponential-Gamma-Rayleigh distribution performed better than Exponential-Gamma developed Ogunwale and the existing Exponential and Gamma distributions in contrast in terms of model fit, this showed that the newly developed Exponential-Gamma-Rayleigh distribution is more flexible and precise in analyzing the Covid-19 data other than Exponential-Gamma and the traditional existing Exponential and Gamma distributions.

A REFLECTION ON THE DICTATORSHIP OF THE MAJORITY AS A DEMOCRATIC INADEQUACY []


Abstract This paper critically examines the concept of the "dictatorship of the majority" as a democratic inadequacy, appraising how the unrestricted power of the majority can demean the foundational principles of democracy. Democracy, popularly heralded as the best form of government, is envisioned to represent the will of the people, ensuring justice for everyone in society. Regrettably, the tyranny of the majority constitutes a dent on this highly valued system of governance. The tyranny of the majority occurs when the interests or desires of the majority are imposed on the minority, disregarding their rights and needs. The paper employs analytical and critical methods to interrogate the foundational principles of democracy, such as equality, autonomy, liberty and justice, and engages the ideas of notable political thinkers, such as Tocqueville, Mill, Rousseau and Rawls, among others. The paper critically analyses the moral inadequacy of democracy that equate legitimacy solely with majority preference, underscoring how such systems risk institutionalising oppression, marginalization and injustice. The paper rebuts the assumption that majority rule always ensures fair and just outcomes. The essay highlights the risks of oppression, marginalisation, the obliteration of minority rights and the weakening of democratic institutions. Ultimately, the paper argues for a balance of majority rule with protective mechanisms that safeguard minority and individual rights to ensure justice in society. This reflection promotes a multifaceted understanding of the limitations of majority rule and sues for a more intricate view of democratic systems, one that is aligned with morality and the complexities of collective decision-making while maintaining the integrity of democratic values. Keywords: Democracy, Majority rule, Dictatorship, Democratic Inadequacy, Justice, Right, Law.

A STUDY ON THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN FINANCIAL RATIOS AND STOCK PRICE: CASE OF FOODS AND BEVERAEGES IN OMAN []


Financial ratios play a pivotal role in understanding the performance of any organization along with the stock price of the organizations. There are multiple financial ratios that can be crucial to help assess the stock price of any organization, helping investors make information decisions for their investments. The lack of investors understanding of which ratio helps in better evaluating the stock price of the organizations have led to making of this research. This research helps the investors especially situated in Oman to better understand which financial ratios can help them in knowing the movement of stock price of the companies. The methodology used for this study is quantitative methods, three publicly listed foods and beverages companies located is Sultanate of Oman were selected, and the period of data collection is for four years 2021-2024. The financial reports of the companies for the years 2021-2024 are extracted from the MSX (Muscat Stock Exchange), which contributes to the reliability of the data. The key findings on the correlation analysis are that the three companies Price-to-Book ratio showed the most correlation with the stock price of the companies. As the Price-to-Book ratio decreased the stock price of the companies also decreased. Followed by the ROA and ROE. These findings can help the investors in making informed decisions and look for the company’s Price-to-Book ratio, ROA, and ROE before investing.

Enhancing the Engineering Behavior of Clay Soils through Lime Stabilization: A Case Study from Ilorin, Nigeria []


This study explores the effects of lime stabilization on the geotechnical properties of clay soil obtained from Dada Pottery, Ilorin, Nigeria. Laboratory tests including Standard Proctor Compaction and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) were carried out on samples treated with varying lime contents (0–8%). Results indicate significant improvements in Maximum Dry Density (MDD), Optimum Moisture Content (OMC), and bearing capacity. The optimal lime content was identified as 4% for general applications, though higher contents (6–8%) provided superior strength under soaked conditions. These findings reinforce the potential of lime stabilization as a cost-effective method to improve subgrade soils in infrastructure projects in tropical regions. Keywords: Lime stabilization, clay soil, geotechnical properties, compaction, California Bearing Ratio, sustainable construction, Nigeria. This study explores the effects of lime stabilization on the geotechnical properties of clay soil obtained from Dada Pottery, Ilorin, Nigeria. Laboratory tests including Standard Proctor Compaction and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) were carried out on samples treated with varying lime contents (0–8%). Results indicate significant improvements in Maximum Dry Density (MDD), Optimum Moisture Content (OMC), and bearing capacity. The optimal lime content was identified as 4% for general applications, though higher contents (6–8%) provided superior strength under soaked conditions. These findings reinforce the potential of lime stabilization as a cost-effective method to improve subgrade soils in infrastructure projects in tropical regions. Keywords: Lime stabilization, clay soil, geotechnical properties, compaction, California Bearing Ratio, sustainable construction, Nigeria.

Strategic Risk Control and Profitability of Listed Banks in Nigeria []


The Nigerian banking sector operates in a volatile and dynamic environment, exposing firms to strategic financial risks that may adversely affect profitability. Despite growing concerns about the role of risk control mechanisms in sustaining financial performance, limited empirical evidence exists on how specific risk indicators influence profitability in the Nigerian context. This study addresses this gap by examining the effect of earnings volatility, interest coverage ratio, and debt-to-equity ratio on the profitability of listed banks in Nigeria, measured through return on assets (ROA). The study adopted a longitudinal research design using secondary data collected from the annual reports and accounts of all 13 listed banks on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) over 10 years (2015–2024). Census and purposive sampling techniques were employed to determine the sample size of 13 banks. Data analysis was conducted using panel regression techniques to assess the long-term relationships. The findings reveal that earnings volatility and interest coverage ratio have positive and statistically significant effects on profitability, suggesting that income stability and strong debt-servicing capacity enhance bank performance. Conversely, the debt-to-equity ratio exhibited a negative and significant effect on profitability, indicating that higher leverage undermines profitability. The study concludes that effective strategic risk control enhances financial outcomes and recommends policies promoting earnings stability, prudent capital structure, and improved debt management practices. Regulatory authorities are urged to enforce risk-sensitive frameworks to ensure financial resilience in the sector. Keywords: Strategic risk control, Earnings volatility, Interest coverage ratio, Debt-to-equity ratio, Profitability.

Problems of Researching Public Order Crime: A Review of Studies on Commercial Sex []


Although commercial sex as a specific form of public order crime has been accorded considerable scholarly attention, discourses on the subject have focused more on the forms, motivation and hazard of the occupation, with scant attention to the problems encountered by researchers in the field. This article reviewed the socio-legal conditions that have shaped the problems, carefully selected research works, inclusive of a PhD field work report on how oil exploration and related activities impact on commercial sex in Port Harcourt city, Nigeria. It highlights reflexively problems encountered, particularly, ethical concerns, accessibility, sampling design and other socio-legal problems and how they were resolved. The useful insights from the general problems and coping strategies are intended to assist in sharpening tools of research for more robust, ethically compliant and accurate outcomes, leading to a more nuanced understanding of this complex area of criminology and inform better social intervention policies.

Barriers to Corporate Entrepreneurship in Large Organisations: A Study of Private-Public Institutions in Nigeria []


Corporate entrepreneurship, the integration of entrepreneurial principles within established organisations, is pivotal for innovation and economic growth, particularly in Nigeria’s quest for diversification. However, large private-public institutions, including federal ministries, face systemic barriers underexplored in existing literature, which predominantly focuses on small and medium enterprises. This mixed-methods study investigates structural, cultural, and systemic barriers to corporate entrepreneurship in Nigeria, employing structural equation modelling and thematic analysis of data from 350 survey respondents and 15 key informants. Findings reveal that structural barriers, such as bureaucratic hierarchies, significantly inhibit internal corporate venturing, while systemic challenges, including policy instability, most detrimentally affect entrepreneurial orientation. Cultural resistance to risk-taking further stifles organisational learning. Technological advancement moderates structural barriers but proves ineffective against systemic and cultural impediments. The study contributes to theory by contextualising global frameworks within Nigeria’s institutional landscape and introducing technology’s nuanced moderating role. Practically, it advocates decentralised governance, cultural shifts towards experimentation, and stabilised regulatory environments to foster entrepreneurial agility. By addressing these barriers, Nigerian institutions can harness corporate entrepreneurship to drive sustainable development, offering replicable strategies for emerging economies grappling with similar institutional complexities.

Analyse critique du potentiel de valorisation énergétique des déchets ménagers à Bamako : approche intégrée entre incinération, contraintes techniques et acceptabilité socio-environnementale []


Faced with a rapidly expanding population, Bamako is grappling with a serious domestic solid waste management crisis. This research examines the potential for energy recovery via incineration, while also looking at the environmental, social and technical constraints specific to the situation in Mali. Using data from grey literature and institutional documents, we model an energy recovery scenario and analyse the challenges associated with its implementation : energy fluctuations, community acceptance and poor governance. The results show that a strategy combining energy-efficient technologies, public participation and regulatory incentives can promote a sustainable, decentralised energy transition. This research also provides a contextualised plan for the gradual implementation of a pilot incineration unit in Bamako.

Analyse de performance technique des exploitations de palmier à huile dans le territoire de Kalehe : cas de Bunyakiri []


La présente étude a été entreprise pour analyser les performances techniques des exploitations de palmier à huile dans la zone de Bunyakiri, territoire de Kalehe, province du Sud-Kivu en République Démocratique du Congo, tout en identifiant les facteurs qui influencent la production en huile de palme dans cette zone. Deux sites ont été choisis sur base de leurs potentialités dont Kalima et Hombo. Un total de 120 exploitations a été enquêté de manière aléatoire à l'aide d'un questionnaire d'enquête contenant les informations sur les exploitations. Les exploitations des palmiers à huile jouent un grand rôle dans le développement économique à Bunyakiri, dans les commerces, consommation alimentaire, fabrication des savons, utilisation des sous-produits pour l’alimentation des bétails, etc., l'amélioration de leur efficacité s'avère de grand intérêt. Un modèle de régression Tobit a été appliqué pour identifier les facteurs influençant l'efficacité technique des exploitations. En ce qui concerne les caractéristiques des exploitations, 49.2.% d’exploitations adoptent la combinaison des 3 variétés Dura, Pisifera et Tenera, 75.% d’exploitations sont localisées sur la montagne, 85.3% d’exploitants produisent pour la consommation et la vente, 70% d’exploitants accèdent à leurs terres par héritage, 70.8% d’exploitants n'utilisent pas l'engrais chimique à cause de son coût élevé. Les variables telles que l'âge du chef de l'exploitation, son niveau d'instruction, l'ancienneté, l'accès au crédit, l'appartenance à une association paysanne de développement, la main d'œuvre disponible, la superficie, le statut foncier, l'état matrimonial, l'activité principale de l'exploitant influencent de manière positive l'efficacité technique alors que la faible utilisation des fertilisants, et le faible recours au revenu extrait agricole influence négativement l'efficacité technique des exploitations. Les scores d'efficacité technique sont rangés de 0,4843812 à 0,97180603 et en moyenne une efficacité moyenne de 81,36%. Les exploitations des palmiers à huile influencent (positivement) le revenu des exploitants ce qui a un impact sur leurs conditions de vie et cela dépend de la superficie exploitée en mètre carré, la localisation du terrain (pleine ou montagne), l'accès au crédit agricoles. L’agriculture étant la principale activité exercée à Bunyakiri, influence le revenu mensuel des exploitants, particulièrement les exploitations des palmiers à huile grâce leurs production en huile de palme qui interviennent dans la scolarité, la nutrition, (survie familiale,…).

Squatter Settlement Development and Implications on the Urban Planning of Bamenda III Landscape, Cameroon []


Urbanization, particularly in developing countries, is a complex process with significant socio-economic implications on low-middle income dwellers in cities. It has led to unplanned expansion, causing serious challenges such as the proliferation of squatter settlements. In Cameroon, squatter settlements is a common feature of the urban boom in towns and cities, triggered by unplanned population growth, socio-economic crisis, housing affordability issues, and poverty. This paper examines the squatter settlement development and its implications on the urban landscape in Bamenda III. Specifically, the paper sort to (i) map out spatial temporal evolution of the squatter settlements from 2010 - 2025, (ii) identify it triggers, and (iii) Urban planning challenges of squatter settlements. To attain these objectives, spatio-temporal maps from Landsat images were mapped out to show the settlements evolution, this was complemented by quantitative and qualitative instruments such as questionnaire surveys, informant interview guides, and focus group discussions. These instruments were deployed to target participants drawn across the study area notably 252 households for questionnaire administration, 5 focal persons for informant interviews (the Mayor of Bamenda III, Regional Delegate of Urban Development and Housing, Delegate of Land survey, Fon of Nkwen representative, and Quarter head). Field observation boosted the findings with photographs depicting the field reality. Findings reveal a significant progression of squatter settlement expansion along underserved neighborhoods in Bamenda III, and a plethora of challenges plaguing the settlements ranging from shortage of portable water supply, low electricity supply, poor sewage systems, narrow access roads and inadequate provision of health and education services. The study concludes that good planning laws and regulations should involve the local residents in policy formulation, to facilitate planning to achieve the desirable outcomes which can be strongly be achieved through adjusting urban planning frameworks.

Selective Cytotoxic Effects of a Polyherbal Extract against HepG2 Liver Cancer Cells Using Mouse Normal Liver Cells as a Comparative Model []


Natural herbal compounds have emerged as potential alternatives to conventional chemotherapy due to their biological efficacy and lower toxicity profiles. This study investigates the cytotoxicity and selectivity of a polyherbal extract composed of five selective herbs : Curcuma longa (turmeric), Zingiber officinale (ginger), Camellia sinensis (green tea), Artemisia herba-alba (wormwood) & Nigella sativa (black seed) which have been working against liver cancer (HepG2) cells comparing with normal mouse liver cells. The extract demonstrated an IC50 of 54 µg/mL against HepG2 cells, while the IC50 for normal mouse liver cells was 250µg/mL, resulting in a selectivity index (SI) of 4.63. These findings suggest that the herbal mixture selectively inhibits cancer cell growth with relatively low toxicity to normal cells. Further mechanistic and in vivo studies are recommended to validate its therapeutic potential.

Fuzzy Logic-Based Optical Surge Reduction in Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifiers (EDFAs) for Stable Gain Control in Optical Communication Networks []


Abstract Optical surges in Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifiers (EDFAs) degrade signal integrity, causing gain instability and noise in fiber-optic networks. This study proposes a fuzzy logic control system to dynamically mitigate surges by regulating pump power. The method employs triangular, Gaussian, and trapezoidal membership functions to process input power variations, optimizing gain adjustments in real time. Simulations compared the fuzzy-controlled EDFA with conventional Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers (SOAs) and Raman amplifiers across key performance metrics. Results demonstrate the fuzzy EDFA's superior performance: it maintained 1 dB gain stability during surges (vs. PID's 2–12.2 dB fluctuations), achieved 85% efficiency (vs. SOA's 75% and Raman's 70%), and delivered the lowest bit error rate (BER) of 0.0938 (vs. SOA's 0.1 and Raman's 0.1269). The system's 63.22% power conversion efficiency and adaptive surge suppression, modeled by P_out = G·P_in (1 − 1/(P_surge/P_sat)), highlight its robustness. These findings validate fuzzy logic as a transformative approach for EDFA control, offering enhanced stability, energy efficiency, and signal fidelity compared to traditional amplifiers. The study concludes that intelligent control systems are critical for next-generation optical networks, particularly in high-capacity, long-distance applications where precision and reliability are paramount.

Analyzing The Influence Of Defects On The Mechanical Properties Of Microcomposite Aircraft Structures []


Abstract - Microcomposites are increasingly utilized in the aerospace industry due to their superior mechanical and thermal properties, including a high strength-to-weight ratio, enhanced fatigue resistance, and thermal stability. Despite these advantages, the presence of manufacturing and in-service defects—such as voids, fiber misalignment, delamination, and microcracks—can significantly compromise the structural integrity and performance of composite components. These defects can lead to reduced tensile and compressive strength, early fatigue crack initiation, diminished fracture toughness, and premature failure under operational stresses. This research systematically investigates the effects of such defects on the mechanical behavior of microcomposite structures, with a primary focus on aerospace applications. A combined methodology involving analytical evaluation, and numerical simulations—specifically Finite Element Analysis (FEA) using ABAQUS—was employed. At the microscale level, two Representative Volume Elements (RVEs) of unidirectional (UD) carbon/epoxy composites, each measuring (1 × 1 × 1) mm, were modeled: one non-voided and one voided (2.6%) with both spherical and irregularly shaped voids randomly distributed within the matrix. The simulations assessed stress distribution, deformation patterns, and failure mechanisms under four distinct loading conditions: longitudinal tensile (along fiber direction, Z-axis), transverse tensile (X-axis), transverse compression (Y-axis), and in-plane shear (XY-plane). The results revealed a significant reduction in mechanical properties for the voided RVEs across all loading cases. Both Young’s modulus and effective strength decreased, with the most pronounced deterioration observed in the transverse direction—approximately 15% reduction in effective strength and 4.5% in Young’s modulus. To enhance the reliability, performance, and longevity of aerospace composite components and ensure optimal material behavior under operational loads, it is recommended to minimize voids during manufacturing by optimizing processing parameters and implement robust quality control systems for void detection using non-destructive evaluation techniques. These measures will contribute to the development of more durable, lightweight, and fuel-efficient aerospace structures.

ENSEIGNEMENT EN LIGNE EN RDC ET PROBLÉMATIQUE DE LA PROTECTION DES DONNEES PERSONNELLES: DEFIS ET BONNES PRATIQUES/Etude de cas []


Online education is experiencing significant growth in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), driven by technological advancements and educational policies aimed at modernizing the learning system. However, this digital transition raises major challenges related to the protection of personal data for learners, teachers, and other stakeholders. This article analyzes the legal and institutional frameworks governing online education and data protection in the DRC, identifies key challenges (technical, legal, and cultural), and proposes best practices to balance pedagogical innovation, personal data protection, and respect for privacy rights.

SPF Science: Evaluating the UV Protection of Sunscreens Across Different SPF Levels []


Sunlight is one of the primary causes of skin damage, yielding acute effects in the form of sunburn and chronic sequelae such as premature photoaging and skin cancer. The present research assessed the efficiency of sunscreen application in everyday life, in this particular case, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, a high-UV area. The research aimed to investigate the role of SPF, application, environmental conditions, and consumer's myths on the effectiveness of sunscreens. With a mixed-methods approach, surveys, clinical trials, and interviews were employed to collect data from Sharjah residents to ascertain sunscreen usage patterns, knowledge gaps, and barriers to behavior. Results showed that 14% of participants wore sunscreens daily, with 80% failing to reapply when they should. Cost and effectiveness misconceptions were widespread, as 41% of them believed that higher cost sunscreens were more effective. The report highlights the requirement for specific public health campaigns for enhancing sunscreen behavior and protection from UV in high-risk settings such as Sharjah. Keywords: Sunscreen effectiveness, SPF values, protection from UV, sunscreen application, consumer misunderstanding, Sharjah, prevention of skin cancer

FAULT LOCATION ON NIGERIA’S POWER TRANSMISSION NETWORK USING TRAVELLING WAVE TECHNIQUE: A MATLAB-BASED APPROACH []


Accurate and timely fault location in high-voltage transmission networks is critical for enhancing the reliability, stability, and operational efficiency of power systems. In Nigeria, frequent faults on the transmission network often result in extended outages, increased maintenance costs, and reduced power quality. This study presents a MATLAB-based analytical approach for locating faults on Nigeria’s power transmission network using the Travelling Wave Technique (TWT). The technique leverages the high-frequency electromagnetic transients generated at the fault point, which propagate along the transmission line and are captured at both ends of the line. By measuring the time difference in the arrival of these waves, the exact fault location can be calculated with high precision. A detailed simulation model of a representative 132kV transmission line was developed in MATLAB/Simulink, incorporating typical Nigerian grid parameters. Travelling wave technique detect single phase to ground (A-G) fault at a distance point of 4.95km away from Bus A terminal, with a fault current and fault voltage of 0.014pu, also cleared the faults at 0.2sec and Double phase to ground (AB- G) fault occurred at a distance point of 34.95km away from Bus A terminal, with a fault current and fault voltage of 0.012pu, also cleared the faults at 0.1sec, corresponding with the fault distance respectively, when the fault resistance were varied. Signal processing tools, including wavelet transforms, were applied to detect the first wave arrival times accurately. The results demonstrated that the TWT provides fast and highly accurate fault location, with minimal influence from fault resistance, inception angle, or distance from terminals. This study highlights the potential of Travelling Wave-based methods as a superior alternative to conventional impedance-based techniques, particularly in complex and fault-prone networks like Nigeria’s. The integration of such techniques, supported by MATLAB simulations, can significantly improve fault response times, reduce system downtimes, and support smarter grid operations across the national transmission infrastructure.

IMPACT OF GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING ON STUDENT CAREER SERVICES IN JIGAWA STATE POLYTECHNIC, DUTSE, JIGAWA STATE []


ABSTRACT This study investigated the impact of guidance and counseling services on student career development at Jigawa State Polytechnic, Dutse. Despite the critical role these services play in facilitating informed career choices and academic success, the study revealed low awareness and utilization among students. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from a sample of 250 students through structured questionnaires and supplemented by interviews with counseling staff. Findings showed that only 28% of students were aware of the guidance and counseling units, and just 18% had utilized the services. Among users, career-related advice was the primary reason for seeking counseling (60%), followed by academic and personal support. While 55% of users rated the quality of services as good or excellent, challenges such as limited counselor availability (70%), inadequate career resources (65%), and lack of privacy (40%) were significant barriers. The counseling services positively influenced career decision-making (65%) and academic alignment with career goals (58%), with half of the users reporting improved academic performance. These results show the importance of enhancing awareness and accessibility of counseling services to maximize their benefits. The study recommends increasing counselor staffing, expanding career resources, conducting awareness campaigns, and implementing structured career development programs. Addressing these issues will improve service utilization and student outcomes, ultimately contributing to the success of Jigawa State Polytechnic students. Keywords: Guidance and Counseling, Career Development, Student Awareness, Service Utilization, Polytechnic Education

EFFECT OF ETHANOL EXTRACT OF Dennettia tripetala AND FRACTIONS ON LOCOMOTOR ACTIVITY AND ANXIETY IN MICE []


Since anxiety and decrease in locomotor activity have always been seen as a neurological symptom, and the prevalence of neurological disorders are on the increase. This study investigated the effects of Dennettia tripetala and fractions on locomotor\ exploratory behaviour and anxiety in mice. Two models of behavioural tests were employed. The first model, open field maze was used to investigate locomotor / exploratory behaviour of mice. Parameter measured were line crossing, centre square entry / duration, rearing and walling. The next model, elevated plus maze was used to evaluate anxiety. Parameters measured were open arm entry/duration, head dipping, stretch attend postures and rearing. In both models, mice were randomly divided into 9 groups with 5 animals each. Group 1 received normal saline (10 ml/kg). Groups 2-9 were treated with crude extract (high dose) 960 mg/kg, (middle dose) 640 mg/kg, (low dose) 320 mg/kg, 640 mg/kg of n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol, respectively. Results showed that ethanol extracts of D.tripetala increased centre square entries/duration, rearing and walling in the open field maze while the n-butanol fraction of D.tripetala caused stretch attend posture to increase. These results suggest that ethanol extract of D.tripetala causes increase locomotor/exploration in mice while n-butanol fraction caused increased anxiety.

Assessing the effect of Central Bank Information Shocks on Macroeconomic Variables: A Structural Vector Autoregression (SVAR) Approach with Application to U.S. Economic Data []


Abstract Using a Structural Vector Autoregression (SVAR) methodology, this study looks at how information shocks from the central bank affect important macroeconomic indicators in the United States across time. Using an SVAR method that uses high-frequency market data, the study separates exogenous information shocks from normal monetary policy shocks. The results show that information shocks have a big effect on interest rates, inflation, and output. This shows how important it is for central banks to communicate well to shape people's expectations and outcomes in the economy. Impulse response functions show how these effects change over time and how big they are, while variance decompositions show how important information shocks are in causing changes in the economy. The results help us understand better how monetary policy works when there is information asymmetry, and they show how important it is for central banks to use clear and trustworthy communication tactics. This study gives policymakers useful information on how to make monetary interventions work better in an economy that is becoming more and more complicated

Factors affecting the awareness and attitude of individual investors towards AI adoption in portfolio management: Case of Oman []


Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a transformative technology, capable of revolutionizing a wide range of industries, including finance and investment. This study aims to explore the awareness and attitudes of individual investors toward AI adoption in portfolio management, with a specific focus on Oman, where the integration of AI in finance is still in its early stages. The research will be conducted through the questionnaire, and it explores key factors influencing investor perception and attitude such as perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, level of financial literacy, risk aversion, trust in technology and regulatory concerns among the individual investors. The data analysis will be conducted through the no-parametric test. The findings of this study are expected to offer a meaningful contribution to existing literature by offering valuable insights into individual investors' awareness and attitudes toward the use of AI in portfolio management. By emphasizing the perspectives and attitudes of these investors, the results can provide valuable insights for regulators, policymakers, and industry professionals. It will help them better comprehend the growing role of AI in portfolio management and investment decision-making, guiding future regulatory frameworks, policy development, and industry practices. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, AI adoption, portfolio management, awareness, attitude, Oman