ISSN:2320-9186
Impact Factor:4.1
ISSN:2320-9186 Impact Factor:4.1
In rapidly urbanizing cities, security and safety concerns have become increasingly important factors influencing passenger behavior, particularly in developing nations, where public transport systems face governance and infrastructure challenges. Using Oshodi as a case study of a significant transport hub, this study investigates the impact of perceived security and safety on commuters' mode choice and mobility in Metropolitan Lagos, Nigeria. The quantitative study employed questionnaires, direct field observations, GPS-based geographic mapping, and secondary accident statistics. Important aspects of commuters' perceptions of security were identified through exploratory factor analysis, including environmental exposure to crime hotspots, personal security concerns, and perceived safety threats in the transportation system. To evaluate the influence of these parameters and sociodemographic traits on modal choice, multinomial logistic regression was utilized. Compared with e-hailing services, the results show that although commuters are highly aware of security and safety threats, especially in the vicinity of recognized crime hotspots, these concerns do not independently exert a statistically significant effect on modal choice. Rather, age, wealth, and gender are stronger predictors of travel activity. The study concludes that structural transport restrictions interact with perceptions of security and safety to minimize their direct influence on mode choice. Therefore, to effectively affect commuter mobility and promote sustainable public transit in Lagos, policy interventions must integrate security improvements with cost, accessibility, and service reliability.
Learning English as a second language can be challenging to language learners because of the existence of language anxiety. This language anxiety affects learners’ motivation and determination, and it makes them hesitant and reluctant in using the language during the teaching-learning process. Language anxiety is also one of the great factors that influence language learners’ negative attitude in their ESL class that results to minimum participation which is the cause of their low language performance and proficiency. This study examined the effects of peaceful language as a teaching strategy in learners’ language anxiety and language performance. In this study, pretest-posttest non-equivalent group quasi-experimental research design proved that peaceful language has an effect in students’ language anxiety. Peaceful language helps students manage their anxiety which affects their attitude and behavior that improves classroom dynamics. Peaceful language as a teaching strategy has an effect to language learners’ performance as well. Students agree that the improved classroom dynamics helped with their engagement in their ESL class that influence their improved test scores. Keywords: Peaceful Language, anxiety, performance, ESL
Porcelain, as a highly refined ceramic material, holds a unique place within art and design education due to its demanding technical requirements and rich cultural history. Although ceramics instruction is firmly established in Nigerian tertiary institutions, the teaching of porcelain has received limited scholarly attention, particularly in relation to local pedagogical approaches and infrastructural conditions. This article investigates the role of porcelain within Nigerian art and design education, focusing on studio-based instruction, curriculum development, and cultural contextualization. Drawing on research in ceramics pedagogy alongside Nigerian art education practices, the study contends that porcelain instruction can significantly enhance students’ technical skills, visual refinement, and cultural awareness. It proposes a context-sensitive pedagogical framework that situates porcelain education within Nigeria’s artistic heritage, educational policies, and evolving design and industrial needs. Keywords: Porcelain, Art, Education, Nigeria
Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) is a proven strategy for reducing HIV transmission among men (UNAIDS, 2020). This research investigates how traditional notions of masculinity and gender roles influence the acceptance and uptake of Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC), a key strategy in HIV prevention. The study aims to understand the cultural and social factors that shape men's health-seeking behaviors regarding VMMC. The study used descriptive correlational design. Sequential sampling sampling method was used to select 80 participants with an age range of 15-49 years. Guided by an intersectional perspective, data was collected through structured interviews that examined demographic details, perceptions of masculinity, how VMMC impacts gender relations, and the social influences that either promote or hinder its adoption. Data analysis using SPSS focused on exploring the correlations between masculinity norms and VMMC participation, as well as identifying social and cultural barriers or enablers. The results indicated that all participants were literate; however, misconceptions persisted, such as the belief that VMMC diminishes sexual feelings (40%) and prolongs sexual activity (15%). Some concerns raised included lack of demand creation, perceived insincerity among VMMC providers, unaddressed side effects, and issues with informed consent. Based on these findings, the study recommends incorporating discussions about masculinity and gender roles into VMMC programs. Engaging men, women, and community leaders in promoting positive masculinity can help challenge harmful norms, foster supportive environments, and increase VMMC uptake. It is also crucial to deliver culturally sensitive healthcare that addresses fears about pain, provides follow-up care, and maintains confidentiality. Integrating VMMC services with HIV testing and counseling could further improve access and awareness, with trained counselors playing a vital role.
Rehabilitation centres for the physically challenged are complex healthcare environments where physical recovery, psychological wellbeing, and social reintegration occur simultaneously. Unlike acute-care hospitals, these facilities require prolonged patient engagement, repetitive therapeutic activities, and environments that sustain motivation over extended periods. This paper investigates the integration of biophilic design principles into rehabilitation centres as a means of enhancing recovery outcomes for physically challenged users. Drawing on the biophilia hypothesis, healing architecture theory, and empirical healthcare design research, the study synthesises existing literature with in-depth analysis of two internationally recognised case studies, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston and Khoo Teck Puat Hospital in Singapore. Through a qualitative review of scholarly works, and architectural case documentation, the paper demonstrates that biophilic design, when deliberately aligned with accessibility and rehabilitation programming it supports physical mobility, reduces psychological stress, improves therapy adherence, and enhances overall user experience for both patients and staff. The findings highlight that nature-integrated environments function not merely as aesthetic enhancements but as active therapeutic agents within rehabilitation architecture. Key-Words: Biophilic design, Rehabilitation centre, Accessibility, Healthcare architecture, Healing landscapes
Abstract This study provides an in-depth analysis of the geopolitical dynamics of the Red Sea region, emphasizing its strategic significance as a vital maritime corridor linking Africa, Asia, and Europe. It examines the interaction of power rivalries, economic interests, and military presence among regional and global actors and assesses how these dynamics influence political stability and security in the surrounding states. Somalia occupies a critical position within this geopolitical environment due to its extensive coastline along the Gulf of Aden and its proximity to the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Despite this strategic advantage, Somalia faces persistent challenges, including maritime disputes, political fragmentation, and foreign interventions that threaten its sovereignty and national unity. The engagement of major global powers such as the United States and China, alongside regional actors including the United Arab Emirates and Israel, further complicates the regional landscape, as economic and security interests increasingly shape political alignments. The study also examines Ethiopia’s long-standing aspiration to gain access to the Red Sea, illustrating how geopolitical ambitions can generate regional tensions, particularly in relation to Somalia and Eritrea. These dynamics are compounded by interventions in conflict zones such as Yemen and Sudan, drawing in additional regional actors, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Türkiye. At the same time, the Red Sea’s central role in global energy transport and commercial shipping underscores the importance of infrastructure development and effective maritime security to ensure the uninterrupted flow of trade. The paper argues that enhanced regional cooperation and coherent national maritime governance are essential for mitigating instability and strengthening Somalia’s unity. By developing integrated policies for managing maritime resources, reinforcing diplomatic engagement, and resisting destabilizing external interference, Somalia can transform its strategic location in the Red Sea from a source of vulnerability into a foundation for national cohesion and sustainable development.
ABSTRACT In Somalia there has been rampant corruption institutionalized over the years affecting the political, economic and social fabric of the country. In this context, human rights abuses have become rampant more so given the rampant corruption that cuts across the leadership and civil society. Corruption and human rights violations are strongly connected to bend the general atmosphere unfavorable towards investment and development, worsen poverty levels and sustain conflicts. Therefore, the study sought seek to assess the extent of the correlation between corruption and human rights in Somalia with intention of comparing the basic causes with the main factors. Qualitative methods were primarily used, including interviews with experts and stakeholders, analysis of case studies, and review of existing literature and reports by human rights organizations. The research considered a specific time period of 6 months to offer a comprehensive analysis of trends and patterns in human rights violations linked to corruption. The study was guided by the Game Theory, Realism Theory and Dependency Theory. The study targeted 4,200 adult internally displaced persons in Wadajir District. A sample size of 195 was achieved. The data for this study was collected considering the method of using a structured questionnaire. Data will be arranged, analyzed and entered into Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 26 in order to generate graphs, tables and descriptive and inferential statistics. Data analysis techniques will include descriptive, correlational, and multiple regression research methods was used to explain the results. The study adopted the multiple regression models. A measuring scale of 1-5 employed to evaluate the instruments that has been developed; Mean score, Standard deviation, frequency distribution table and total percentage that was used to summarize and relate the variables that will be generated from this study. 160 completed surveys were returned. The study finding revealed that Somalia's legal system creates essential conditions that lead to sustained human rights abuse throughout the country. The study findings showed that the population of Somalia faces important human rights challenges because insecurity strikes across three distinct areas including gender-based violence and rights of IDPs and freedom of expression. The research reveals multiple connected elements which drive human rights violations caused by corruption in Somalia. An ineffective system of governance together with poor institutional capability has fostered corruption through Somali territory. Research results show an urgent link exists between improper international aid distribution practices and human rights violations suffered in Somalia. The study recommend that the government must advance transparency through public financial management by adopting systems which include open budgeting alongside public procurement reforms and requirements for public official asset declaration, Finally, recommends further research needs to analyze Somalia's current anti-corruption policies alongside human rights protection approaches to determine both implementation levels and weaknesses which result in current violations. Key Words: Legal framework, insecurity, international aid mismanagement, corruption and human rights.
This study analyzed land marketing and impacts on agricultural production in rural and urban areas of Delta State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 270 respondents, and data were collected using structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and multiple regression. The results showed that land acquisition was dominated by purchase (41.5%) and inheritance (25.9%), with customary tenure prevailing (40.7%). Residential use dominated urban acquisitions (40.0%), while agricultural use was more common in rural areas (44.4%). Land agents and speculators dominated land marketing transactions (33.3%), followed by traditional rulers (29.6%) and family heads. The Herfindahl–Hirschman Index of 0.313) indicated moderate concentration overall with higher income inequality in urban areas (HHI =. Land prices exhibited sharp rural–urban differentials, averaging ₦1,254,500 per plot in rural areas and ₦10,482,300 in urban areas, with a t-test confirming a significant difference (t = -48.504, p < 0.01). Regression analysis revealed that location, proximity to roads/markets, infrastructure availability, population density, land tenure, government regulations, disputes, and transaction costs significantly influenced land values (p < 0.05), explaining 65.9% of the variation (R² = 0.659). Cost and return analysis showed high profitability, with ten-year net returns of ₦2,018,600 in rural areas and ₦13,184,500 in urban areas. The land market significantly affected agriculture, including reductions in farmland size, access to fertile land, and increased land prices, while also promoting non-farm employment. Key challenges included high land prices, inadequate documentation, multiple ownership claims, land disputes, and government interference. The study concluded that land marketing in Delta State were profitable but constrained agricultural access and sustainability. The study recommended strengthening land governance by government and traditional institutions.
This article offers a critical philosophical analysis of contemporary nature conservation practices in the Global South through the lens of social justice. The analysis demonstrates that, in contexts marked by deep economic, social, and political inequalities, environmental policies may exacerbate the vulnerability of rural and Indigenous populations who depend heavily on natural resources for their livelihoods. Colonial legacies in land and resource governance, state centralization, and the influence of international NGOs, financial institutions, and private corporations—particularly through market-based conservation and carbon offset mechanisms—shape environmental governance in ways that often disadvantage local communities. The marginalization of traditional ecological knowledge and the limited participation of affected populations in decision-making processes constitute persistent forms of social and epistemic injustice. Ultimately, the article contends that the ethical legitimacy of conservation depends on its ability to integrate the demands of social justice, recognition of local knowledge systems, and meaningful community participation. It calls for a normative reconfiguration of conservation, conceived not merely as biodiversity protection but as a political and moral project oriented toward inclusive, equitable, and decolonized governance of natural resources. kEYWORDS: social justice, environmental policy, livelihood, biodiversity protection
This article critically analyzes nature conservation practices in the Global South from a social justice perspective. It argues that conservation policies, often presented as neutral ecological interventions, are embedded in asymmetric power relations shaped by colonial legacies and contemporary global governance. Drawing on the works of Nancy Fraser, Amartya Sen, Michel Foucault, and Arturo Escobar, the paper examines how certain conservation models generate distributive, procedural, and recognition-based injustices. The study highlights the historical role of Indigenous peoples and local communities as custodians of ecosystems, while emphasizing their exclusion from decision-making processes and the marginalization of their traditional ecological knowledge. It further explores how protected areas, restrictions on subsistence practices, and market-based conservation mechanisms may reinforce structural inequalities. The article concludes that conservation can only achieve ethical legitimacy and ecological effectiveness if it integrates principles of social justice, meaningful participation, and epistemic pluralism within environmental governance frameworks. kEYWORDS: nature conservation practices, ecological interventions, global governance
The media debates initiated by political columns on Radio Télévision Nationale Congolaise, a Kisangani station, very often leave something to be desired in terms of the angle of the information covered. The political news subjects which fuel chronicles and interviews on the issues of the day in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in Africa and in the world require mastery of journalistic tools and rules for risk-free analysis during media exchanges between knights of the press. The reflection carried out through this article is anchored in the problem of affirmation by journalists from Radio Télévision nationale congolaise, a Kisangani station who host political chronicle broadcasts whose information angle and content make it seem for a political propaganda television channel instead of being a political information broadcasting channel. Key words: Deficits, Political chronicles, Journalistic tools, propaganda.
Traditional neighborhoods (mahallas) in Central Asian cities, such as Tashkent and Samarkand, feature compact urban morphologies with narrow street corridors characterized by high height-to-width (H/W) ratios. While these configurations have historically provided shading and cultural cohesion in arid climates, they may exacerbate local thermal discomfort through the urban canyon effect, contributing to the urban heat island (UHI) phenomenon. This study investigates the impact of mahalla morphology on microclimate, focusing on the thermodynamic effects of narrow streets in Uzbekistan's hot, dry summer conditions. Morphological analysis included GIS-based calculations of H/W ratios and sky visibility coefficients (sky view factor), supplemented by field measurements. Direct in-situ data collection of air and surface temperatures occurred during summer 2024, alongside three-dimensional microclimate simulations using ENVI-met v5.5 Pro at a 2 × 2 × 1 m grid resolution. Model validation against field observations achieved gradients below 1.8, confirming reliability. Results reveal that in mahalla streets with H/W ratios of 2–3.5, shaded daytime air temperatures are 2.8–4.6 °C higher than in wide modern avenues. Wall and asphalt surface temperatures reach 48–56 °C, driven by multiple reflections of solar radiation, reduced sky visibility, and limited ventilation. These findings highlight how traditional narrow canyons intensify daytime heat storage and trapping in arid urban settings, contrary to assumptions of passive cooling. The study underscores the need for adaptive retrofitting strategies—such as increased greenery, improved ventilation, or selective widening—to mitigate thermal stress while preserving cultural heritage in rapidly urbanizing Central Asian contexts.
Bioaerosols containing airborne bacteria pose significant public health risks, particularly in high-traffic coastal market environments where intense human activity, food handling, and waste disposal facilitate microbial dispersal. Uta-Ewa Beach Market in Ikot Abasi, Nigeria represents such a setting, yet data on its airborne bacterial composition are lacking. This study aimed to characterize the diversity and composition of bacterial communities in bioaerosols from Uta-Ewa Beach Market and to assess their potential public health implications. A cross-sectional study design was employed. Air samples were collected from Uta-Ewa Beach Market and analyzed using metagenomic sequencing techniques to identify bacterial taxa present in the bioaerosols. Metagenomic analysis revealed a highly diverse bacterial community comprising 14 phyla, 31 classes, 53 orders, 96 families, 130 genera, and 139 species. Six dominant bacterial families were identified, with Xanthomonadaceae (4.25%) being the most abundant, followed by Rhodospirillaceae (4.07%), while Pirellulaceae (1.63%) was least abundant. Predominant genera included Lysobacter (28%), Rhodoplanes (26%), Planctomycete (17%), Oceanicella (17%), and Rubrivivax (12%). Low-abundance but potentially pathogenic and food spoilage–associated bacteria, such as Burkholderia gladioli, Pseudomonas carboxydohydrogena, Rhodococcus equi, and Clostridium species, were also detected. Environmental factors, particularly high humidity and temperature, influenced bacterial distribution. Uta-Ewa Beach Market bioaerosols harbor a complex mixture of environmentally important and potentially harmful bacteria, posing risks to food safety and respiratory health. The findings highlight the need for improved hygiene, waste management, and routine molecular-based air quality monitoring to safeguard public health in coastal market environments.