ISSN:2320-9186
Impact Factor:4.1
ISSN:2320-9186 Impact Factor:4.1
The study investigated the urban growth change from 1990 to 2020 in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. The study made use of multi-temporal landsat satellite datasets of 1990, 2000, 2010 and 2020. The 1990 landsat imagery was obtained from Landsat 4 or 5 Thematic Mapper (TM), while that of 2000 and 2010 were obtained from Landsat 7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper-plus and 2020 was Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager/Thermal Infrared Sensor (OLI/TIRS). All these imageries have 30 m resolution. The imageries were subjected to supervised classification using maximum likelihood algorithm. The urban growth pattern of the study locations was thereafter determined whereby it was separated from the entire landuse/land cover classes to compute the direction and rate of urban growth. The study employed the use of descriptive statistics for the data analysis. Findings showed that from 1990 to 2020, it was discovered that thick vegetation reduced by 43.99 km2 (33.27%), riparian/swamp forest by 13.54 sq km (33.76%) and farmlands reduced by 2.42 km2 (3.94%) while the spatial extent of waterbodies increased by 3.05 sq km (18.14%), and built up area increased by 56.9 sq km (171.39%). The study concluded that the landuse/land cover pattern in Calabar changed over time with thick vegetation and freshwater swamp/riparian decreasing and the built up area increased in terms of the spatial extent in most of the study locations. The urban growth in Calabar was noticeable more in the northern part of the city. It is recommended among others that environmental education should be given to the residents of the study area to be aware of the danger of depleting vegetation in the environment. Also, more strict environmental law should be promulgated to ensure individuals are restricted to open forested area for constructions or developmental projects.
This inclusive scientific published paper contains 2 consecutive sections (A and B) for the purpose of Theoretical Framework for the Synthesis of Some Novel Polymeric materials with their potential proposed applications. Each section describes the way of proposed route of synthesis and the potential of the product possible applications. Section A: includes the synthesis of "copper–polymer coordination composite" formed via metallization process, while Section B: describes the modification of the polyacrylonitrile (PAN) via selective addition of aryl-thiolate to nitrile groups, generating "Poly(4-phosphanylphenyl-propanimidothioate)".
Getting clean, safe drinking water is still a major problem in many parts of Nigeria, including in Oyo State. Researchers looked at water quality in two areas - Atiba and Oyo West Local Government Areas - by testing the water against standards set by the WHO and USEPA. They checked well water for things like how cloudy it was, pH levels, electrical conductivity, hardness, chemical oxygen demand, alkalinity, chlorine, sulfate, phosphate, bicarbonate, nitrate, and E. coli bacteria. What they found was that most of the chemical measurements were okay, but the water was too cloudy, had pH issues, high COD levels, and too much E. coli bacteria. This means there are particles floating in the water and it's contaminated with organic matter. The really concerning part was that both areas had dangerous levels of E. coli bacteria, which suggests the water is contaminated with human or animal waste and could make people sick. The researchers say there's an urgent need to improve water treatment, keep better track of water quality, and improve sanitation to make sure people have safe water to drink. This research gives important information that can help officials manage water resources better and protect public health in Oyo State.
Wheat bran, a byproduct of milling, is rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, its incorporation into white flour can negatively affect dough rheology and bread quality due to gluten dilution and water absorption challenges. This study investigates the effects of adding different levels of wheat bran (5%, 10%, and 15%) on the functional properties of white flour and the resulting bread quality. Farinograph, extensograph, and alveograph tests were conducted to assess dough behavior, while bread quality was evaluated based on loaf volume, texture, crumb structure, and sensory attributes. Results showed that up to 10% bran addition improved water absorption and dough stability while maintaining acceptable bread quality. Higher bran levels (15%) led to reduced loaf volume and increased hardness. The study concludes that optimizing bran addition can enhance the nutritional profile of bread without significantly compromising its functional and sensory properties._x000D_ Keywords: Wheat bran, white flour, bread quality, dough rheology, fiber enrichment.
The chemical and microbiological characteristics of whey protein concentrate (WPC), which is made from cheese whey that has been collected from different cheese-producing facilities, were examined in this study. A rotary evaporator was used to concentrate the whey samples, producing WPCs with high total soluble solids content (57.53%–79.03%) and low moisture content (21.36%–42.26%). The concentrates have good nutritional potential, with protein contents ranging from 4.83% to 9.46%. The levels of fat and lactose were comparatively low, ranging from 0.01% to 0.49% and 0.76% to 2.83%, respectively. According to the fatty acid profile, the main constituents were myristic acid (9.60%), palmitic acid (32.56%), and oleic acid (39.82%). Leucine, isoleucine, lysine, phenylalanine, glutamic acid, and valine are among the essential and non-essential amino acids that were found in a thorough amino acid analysis. Microbiological analysis showed minimal levels of contamination. Yeast and mold counts were low (0.0–3.4 × 10³ CFU/mL), while total viable bacterial counts (TVC) varied from 4.0 × 10² to 5.2 × 10³ CFU/mL. Low levels of total coliforms (0.00–7.3 MPN/g or 0.753–0.865 log₁₀ CFU/mL) were also observed. Crucially, no samples had positive results for Salmonella, Bacillus species, or Escherichia coli. Samples from various sites showed substantial variances (P < 0.001) according to statistical analysis, demonstrating the variation in whey content among cheese plants. Overall, the results indicate that whey protein concentrate made by rotary evaporation has favorable microbiological and nutritional properties, making it a potential component for dietary supplements and functional food applications.
Higher education in Morocco plays a central role in socio-economic development by training human capital and supporting innovation. The system, composed of public and private universities, is characterized by its diversity but remains largely dominated by the public sector. However, it faces major challenges: lack of financial resources, disparities between institutions, and weak alignment with the labor market. To address these issues, pedagogical innovation, the use of technology, and scientific research are essential levers. Research centers and strategic partnerships strengthen competitiveness and foster knowledge transfer. The government has launched reforms aimed at improving governance, quality, and employability. A strategic vision and long-term planning are necessary to reconcile mass access, academic excellence, and alignment with socio-economic needs.
"This study examines the financial viability of methane mitigation interventions in India’s livestock sector through voluntary carbon markets. It highlights the dual challenge of reducing methane emissions (a potent greenhouse gas), while ensuring economic feasibility for smallholder farmers and cow shelters. The paper models intervention costs and benefits through 10,000 Monte Carlo simulation runs. This is based on empirical data from NDDB, ICAR, MNRE and pilot studies across India. The research compares biogas digesters, ration balancing, Harit Dhara supplements and selective breeding against prevailing carbon credit prices. Findings reveal that biogas digesters consistently deliver abatement at a most-probable cost of ~₹440/tCO₂e, which is well within market thresholds. Furthermore, selective breeding approaches near-zero or even net-negative costs, making both highly attractive options. Ration balancing shows a modal cost of ~₹770/tCO₂e but with strong variability depending on region and aggregation. Harit Dhara remains financially unviable at amodal cost of ~₹7,500/tCO₂e, without significant subsidies. The resulting Marginal Abatement Cost Curve (MACC) places selective breeding and biogas at the front which are the most favourable outcomes. This includes scalable, low-cost interventions with strong co-benefits, followed by ration balancing under favourable conditions, and Harit Dhara only under subsidy-backed adoption. Ultimately, the study offers policymakers a blueprint for prioritising interventions that deliver cost-effective, scalable emissions reductions in rural India, while focusing support mechanisms such as aggregation, digital MRV and targeted subsidies. "
Abstract This paper investigates the decline in reading habits among young learners in Nigerian schools, highlighting its negative impact on education and national development. It emphasizes the importance of fostering a reading culture for academic success, knowledge acquisition, and informed citizenship. The study explores various reading types and techniques, the core aspects of a reading culture, and strategies for enhancing it, including creating reading communities, providing diverse resources, and involving parents. It also addresses the socio-economic, educational, and digital challenges hindering reading culture and proposes solutions such as government support, establishing libraries, and organizing reading competitions. The paper concludes that a collaborative effort from government, schools, families, and communities is crucial for cultivating a sustainable reading culture and promoting national growth.
ABSTRACT Aquaculture plays a vital role in global food security, with earthen fish ponds being one of the most accessible and widely adopted systems, particularly in developing regions. These ponds are valued for their low construction cost, natural productivity, and ability to support high-yield aquaculture. Invasive fish species such as Nile tilapia, common carp, African catfish, and grass carp are commonly reared in these systems due to their rapid growth, resilience, and adaptability to fluctuating environmental conditions. Invasive Fish species culture provides significant socio-economic benefits including affordable protein supply, rural employment, and integration with crop and livestock farming, the ecological risks associated with their escape into natural water bodies remain profound. Escaped invasive species often outcompete native fish, disrupt food webs, and threaten aquatic biodiversity, raising concerns about long-term sustainability. This review highlights the duality of earthen ponds in rearing invasive fish species: as engines of food security and rural development on one hand, and as sources of ecological imbalance and biodiversity decline on the other. It emphasizes the need for balanced aquaculture policies, improved management practices, and climate-smart innovations to ensure that the benefits of earthen fish ponds are harnessed without compromising environmental integrity.
The primary aim of this research is to examine the moderating effect of agency cost on the relationship between capital structure and financial performance of listed industrial firms in Nigeria. The study employed cross sectional research design. The population of the study consists thirteen (13) industrial firms listed on the Nigeria Exchange Group as at 31st December, 2023. Eleven (11) listed industrial firms were selected as sample size using judgmental sampling. The study collected secondary data from annual reports and accounts of the sample companies for the periods of 2014-2023 accounting years. Ordinary Least Square (OLS) was employed as the statistical tool. The findings indicate that debt and equity ratios play critical roles in shaping firm profitability (ROA). Higher debt levels reduce profitability, while higher equity enhances it. The significant interaction effects highlight the importance of managing operating expenses, as they can amplify the negative impacts of debt and reduce the benefits of equity. This suggests that firms should not only optimize their capital structure but also control operational costs to sustain profitability. Sales growth does not have significant effect on profitability in this study. This could indicate that internal financial management and cost control are more influential in determining ROA than sales growth alone.
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is a multi-ethnic region, and this multi-ethnic character requires that in order to achieve durable peace and stability, certain level of inclusiveness must be achieved. This study described the current realities manifesting indigenous people participation in the BARMM government towards peace and development. The BARMM government has declared inclusive governance as one of its guiding principles. However, there existed a knowledge gap on the specific governance practices towards this end. This paper intended to address this gap. This study utilized a qualitative research design to discern indigenous peoples’ participation towards peace and development in BARMM. In particular, the study determined their perception on the genuine recognition of minority rights in BARMM, the extent of the commitment of the Bangsamoro government to meaningful participation in governance, and the extent of the delivery of social services. Inclusive governance in the perspective of the indigenous people is centered in their aspiration to ensure the passage of the IP code which incorporates and highlights the acknowledgement of the importance and participatory capacity of the IPs in governance, their right to formulate and implement policies and programs that is geared towards the continued development of their communities, and their right to decide for themselves, as stipulated in the BOL. The realization of the genuine recognition of their rights as well as their ancestral domain, their right to select their mandatory representatives as stipulated in the law without prejudice and influence from outsiders. In addition, the Customary Laws and Traditional Justice System (Andang Késéfénangguwit) is a living testament that leadership and governance without underlying agenda fosters peace and development in the community. Keywords: BARMM, inclusive governance, Indigenous people, IP code, social services, Customary Laws and Traditional Justice System
Dans ce travail, nous avons étudié le thème de la mort dans L’aventure ambiguë de Cheikh Hamidou Kane. Les approches psychocritique et thématique ont abouti aux résultats suivants : la peur de la mort et l’obsession qu’elle suscite s’expliquent par le poids de la spiritualité islamique chez certains personnages du récit. Il y a également dans ce récit la mort symbolique. Celle-ci concerne la société traditionnelle, conservatrice qui se voit renversée par la modernité. La mort symbolique fait également allusion à l’hybridisation ou la métamorphose ontologique que la civilisation occidentale provoque chez les Africains qui fréquentent l’école étrangère. Mots-clés : Mort, école, tradition, symbolique, colonisation
This study examines the cybersecurity readiness of Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs) in Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD) amidst growing digital threats. It investigates the effectiveness of cybersecurity infrastructure, staff awareness, management support, and technological interventions in mitigating risks. A mixed-methods approach, involving a structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews with 116 respondents across 13 Tier-1 SACCOs, revealed critical gaps in staff training and infrastructure optimization. The study finds that while technical measures such as firewalls, encryption, and intrusion detection systems are in place, their effectiveness is undermined by inadequate staff awareness and inconsistent management prioritization. The paper proposes a comprehensive cybersecurity enhancement framework integrating infrastructure, staff training, technological solutions, and regulatory compliance to strengthen SACCOs' defense against cyber threats. Future studies should explore the scalability of this framework across smaller SACCOs and consider the influence of regulatory bodies on cybersecurity practices. Keywords: Cybersecurity readiness, Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs), Digital threats, Staff awareness, Technological interventions, Cybersecurity enhancement framework.
The East African Community (EAC), comprising Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda, is increasingly leveraging digital technologies to address regional challenges and unlock opportunities for socio-economic development. The EAC Digital Transformation Strategy (2025-2050) offers a comprehensive framework aimed at enhancing connectivity, driving innovation, and fostering digital integration across sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, trade and education. This paper explores the strategic vision, pillars and policy frameworks underpinning the EAC’s digital transformation agenda, alongside the challenges and opportunities presented by digitalization. By examining digital initiatives and regulatory frameworks across key sectors, this article provides actionable insights into how digital transformation can enhance regional economic integration, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for citizens in the EAC region
This action research is a study of my job and myself as I seek understanding of and consciousness on my performance of accompanying asylum seekers in Metropolitan Bangkok, Thailand. Throughout the course of my study, I built up and practiced reflexivity to realize suitable conducts which are helpful in the context of urban asylum seekers in the Thai capital. With the optimism of constructing a system in delivering the services, we, at the Urban Refugee Program (URP), particularly provide the psychosocial accompaniment and motivated that they will be institutionalized. It improved my resourcefulness and critical thinking which are definitely required to maintain the pace and efficiency of my work in an unstable setting. In this light, I reflected on the questions: (1) ‘How effective is the psychosocial accompaniment service provided to the women EVI caseloads by the URP? And (2) how can I improve my job?’. A major component of my research highlights the approach of providing psychosocial services, which I carried out based on the main values for psychologists which are: confidentiality, respect and service. The feedback from my clients, interpreters, co-workers, classmates and tutors at the Applied Conflict Transformation Studies (ACTS) programme guided me as I obtain significant knowledge, learning and wisdom during my studies. In the same way, I occupied myself in numerous calm and quiet self-encounters to sketch an existing enlightening and learning theory that aims to contribute to the body of knowledge about psychosocial interventions for women in extremely vulnerable situations. The study’s end results reflect the necessity for modification in the way the URP staff provides psychosocial accompaniment. Keywords:Psychosocial Accompaniment, Sri Lankan Women, Asylum Seekers
Many rapid transformations are seen in the field of financial crime compliance due to growing stringent regulations across the globe, implementation of new technology, and the growing intricacy of criminal workflows. FCC’s traditional methodologies relied on reflecting evasive measures such as suspicious activity reporting and monotonous examinations. However, financial institutions are shifting towards the implementation of more sleuthing, instant risk mitigation methodologies, and the strategic incorporation of advanced technology, especially Artificial Intelligence. Based on the global shift towards more proactive measures in FCC, the case study employs a mixed-methods strategy. Quantitative data such as the results of a survey of a hundred compliance professionals from various financial institutions alongside qualitative data such as in-depth interviews conducted with ten senior compliance executives. The results of the study show the varying increase in the implementation of proactive predictive analytics, behavioural monitoring, and other integrated frameworks across different regions in the world. The northwest region of the world faces the greatest imbalance in the shifting dynamics. The proactive quadrant FCC model outlines the removed restriction compliance systems and reduced complexity regulatory systems, multifunctional advanced technology compliance systems, and the heightened incorporation of advanced technologies as subsystems. Also, the developing world stands to gain from new regulatory frameworks, advanced technology, and learning dimensions. More and more, the change from reactive compliance to proactive risk management deployment represents a deeper institutional shift, and equally a technological change, and demands more continuous collaboration between financial institutions and regulators. The paper focuses more on aspects of AI explainability, the inter-authority cross-border collaborative compliance regulatory compliance of multi-tiered inter-jurisdictional rules, and the ethics of compliance decision-making automation.
Emerging as a paradigmatic shift within the compliance domain, Regulatory Technology (RegTech) provides firms with sophisticated mechanisms to navigate the rapidly expanding and multifaceted corpus of statutory obligations. This paper delineates the trajectory of RegTech within corporate compliance programmes, employing an integrated mixed-methods design that synthesises structured surveys of compliance practitioners, in-depth semi-structured expert interviews, and comparative case analysis. Underpinned by institutional theory, models of technology acceptance, and frameworks of organisational capabilities, the investigation elucidates prevailing facilitators of RegTech uptake—namely, escalatory regulatory pressure, evaluated utility perception, and the developmental maturity of internal data governance. Equally, the analysis surfaces critical impediments, including the inertia of legacy infrastructures, excessive vendor lockdown, and entrenched cultural inertia within compliance units. Empirical evidence indicates that RegTech implementation correlates with modest reductions in compliance expenditures and enhanced incident-identification latency, the effect being strongest in firms possessing advanced digitalised architecture. Nevertheless, the variability of implementation outcomes exposes the necessity of aligning technical architecture with substantive organisational reconfiguration. This contribution augments the expanding literature at the intersection of digital governance and regulation and provides actionable guidance to compliance executives, technology providers, and regulatory authorities pursuing the cultivation of accountable and efficacious RegTech ecosystems.
As scrutiny from both regulators and civil society intensifies, absolute adherence to compliance is emerging as a fundamental strategic necessity. Yet organisations can no longer depend solely on well-drafted policies, standardised procedures, and punitive sanctions. This article instead foregrounds the human aspect of compliance, investigating the interdependent effects of structured training, normative ethical guidance, and prevailing organisational culture on the durability of compliant conduct. Accordingly, an explanatory mixed-methods research design was adopted, triangulating responses from 287 personnel obtained through an industry-diverse quantitative survey with semi-structured interviews of 15 leaders drawn from compliance and human-resources functions. Results confirm that instructional programmes raise awareness, yet behavioural change remains fragile without sustained ethical modelling from top management and pre-existing normative frameworks. Regression analyses demonstrate that ethical climate functions as a mediator within the training–compliance behaviour nexus, whereas qualitative data illustrate that cultural texture ultimately shapes instructional efficacy. Collectively, the evidence decisively counters rule-centric conceptions, reinforcing that enduring compliance is contingent upon the motivational and normative capacities of the workforce. Consequently, the article advances a human-centred construct that amalgamates pedagogical interventions, normative ethical cultivation, and cultural integration within structured governance models. Practitioners are therefore advised to harmonise instructional curricula according to espoused cultural values and visible ethical guidance, whereas theoretical contribution resides in enhanced comprehension of the co-evolution of internal and externally-directed compliance forces.
ABSTRACT The generation of electric power from fossil fuels results in greenhouse effects, consequently, there is a need to seek alternative approaches to electricity production from clean energy sources like wind turbines. Therefore, the performance evaluation of wind concentrators for parabolic shape geometric surfaces with outlet, inlet diameter, and truncated height of 0.72m,1.0m, and 0.61m respectively was designed and the performance evaluation of these prototype wind concentrators for horizontal axis turbines was done for varied wind velocity ranging from 2.0 m/s to 5.5 m/s using force drought. The turbine with parabolic concentrator gave higher wind velocity at the outlet and had enhanced power output and efficiency of 20.0 mW, 540.0 mW, 5.56%, and 54.00% respectively, from 2.0m/s to 5.5m/s. The parabolic shape performed well in enhancing wind velocities better than the turbine with a concentrator framework.
Ce document explore les fondements, les défis et les trajectoires possibles pour la mise en place d’un cloud souverain africain, conçu comme levier de transformation numérique, de justice informationnelle et de souveraineté technologique. À travers une analyse géopolitique, juridique, technique et institutionnelle, il met en lumière les asymétries actuelles du numérique mondial et les opportunités pour l’Afrique de bâtir ses propres infrastructures, standards et modèles de gouvernance. L’approche proposée repose sur une architecture distribuée, une gouvernance inclusive, et une valorisation des savoirs locaux. Le modèle congolais Kubaka est présenté comme un prototype opérationnel, articulant éducation, infrastructure et participation citoyenne. Plusieurs scénarios de déploiement sont envisagés — national, régional, communautaire, hybride — avec une feuille de route en trois phases : fondation, consolidation, expansion. En définitive, le cloud souverain africain est présenté non comme une solution technique isolée, mais comme un projet de civilisation, porteur d’autonomie, de dignité et de coopération continentale.
Ce document explore les synergies entre innovation agricole et design microclimatique en Afrique centrale, dans un contexte marqué par les défis du changement climatique, de la sécurité alimentaire et de la souveraineté territoriale. Il propose une approche intégrée où les technologies agricoles (agriculture de précision, agroécologie, bio-ingénierie) sont combinées à des stratégies de régulation microclimatique (ombrage intelligent, gestion des flux thermiques, architecture végétale) pour renforcer la résilience des territoires ruraux et périurbains. L’analyse s’appuie sur des cas concrets en RDC, au Cameroun et au Congo-Brazzaville, mettant en lumière des modèles hybrides mêlant savoirs traditionnels, innovation locale et outils numériques. Le document propose une typologie des microclimats agricoles, une cartographie des zones à fort potentiel, et une feuille de route pour l’intégration de ces pratiques dans les politiques publiques, les curricula de formation et les projets de développement durable. L’Afrique centrale est confrontée à des défis agroclimatiques majeurs : variabilité des précipitations, dégradation des sols, stress hydrique et faible productivité agricole. Ce travail propose une approche intégrée fondée sur le microclimat design, combinée à des technologies agricoles intelligentes. À travers une analyse théorique, des études de terrain et des modèles de systèmes agrotechniques, l’essai explore comment l’innovation peut transformer les pratiques agricoles, renforcer la résilience climatique et favoriser une transition durable. L’innovation agricole et le design microclimatique sont ici envisagés comme des leviers de justice climatique, de dignité rurale et de revalorisation des territoires africains.