Peer-reviewed international research papers published open-access with EOI assignment and global indexing across engineering, computer science, environmental science, social sciences, and more.
This study examines the impact of FinTech adoption on the sustainable development of banks, with a particular focus on Bank Muscat in Oman. The objective of the study is to investigate how the implementation of financial technology contributes to improving operational efficiency, reducing costs, enhancing customer satisfaction, and supporting the long-term sustainability of banking operations. A descriptive research design was employed, and primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire distributed to Bank Muscat customers and employees. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques, including frequencies and percentages, to evaluate respondents’ perceptions of FinTech adoption and its effectiveness. The findings reveal that FinTech adoption has a positive impact on the sustainable development of Bank Muscat. Most respondents agreed that FinTech technologies improve operational efficiency, reduce transaction and administrative costs, enhance the quality of banking services, and provide greater convenience for customers. Furthermore, the results indicate that digital financial services promote innovation, increase accessibility, and strengthen the bank’s competitiveness, which are essential factors for sustainable growth. The study concludes that FinTech plays a significant role in supporting the sustainable development of Bank Muscat by improving banking performance and customer experience while fostering innovation and long-term sustainability. Therefore, continued investment in FinTech solutions and digital infrastructure is recommended to maintain competitiveness and achieve sustainable growth in the banking sector.
This qualitative study, titled “Teaching in the Digital Age: Experiences of Sta. Magdalena Senior High School Teachers in Using Multimedia Technologies in Classroom Instruction,” explored the lived experiences of Senior High School teachers in integrating multimedia technologies into their teaching practices. The study aimed to describe teachers’ profiles, examine their experiences, identify challenges encountered, determine perceived benefits, explore their coping mechanisms and professional development, and propose an instructional enhancement plan to strengthen multimedia integration in education.
Findings revealed that teachers varied in age, sex, specialization, and teaching experience, which influenced their level of familiarity and adaptability to multimedia technologies. Overall, teachers reported positive experiences, noting that multimedia tools enhanced student engagement, improved lesson delivery, and deepened learners’ understanding of concepts. However, these benefits were accompanied by significant challenges, including limited access to functional technological resources, unstable internet connectivity, insufficient training, and time constraints in preparing multimedia-based lessons. Despite these difficulties, teachers recognized multimedia technologies as valuable tools for creating interactive and motivating learning environments, although their effectiveness remained dependent on resource availability and technical stability.
Teachers developed their competencies through hands-on practice, peer collaboration, and participation in professional development activities, which contributed to their growing confidence and instructional improvement. Based on these findings, it was concluded that multimedia technologies significantly enhance teaching effectiveness and learner engagement, but their successful integration depends on both internal readiness and external support systems.
The study recommends strengthening school infrastructure, improving internet connectivity, and ensuring the availability of functional digital tools. It also emphasizes the need for continuous professional development, peer mentoring, and collaborative learning among teachers. Furthermore, institutional policies and support systems should be established to address technical and workload-related challenges. Overall, the study highlights the importance of sustained institutional support in maximizing the benefits of multimedia technologies in modern classroom instruction.
This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of eleven (11) Senior High School teachers at Dinapa National High School during School Year 2025–2026 as they navigated the challenges of digital transformation in education. The study aimed to understand their experiences, identify barriers, examine the effects on their professional well-being, explore coping mechanisms, and propose an appropriate institutional support framework. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis.
Findings revealed that teachers perceived digital transformation as both beneficial and challenging, enhancing student engagement and instructional delivery while being constrained by unstable internet connectivity and limited technological resources. Participants encountered external barriers such as inadequate infrastructure, power interruptions, and insufficient digital tools, as well as internal barriers including limited digital literacy, lack of confidence, and insufficient practical training. These challenges negatively affected teachers’ workload, time management, stress levels, and confidence, although improved efficiency and job satisfaction were experienced when technology functioned effectively.
Teachers adopted coping strategies such as peer collaboration, self-directed learning, and personal investment in devices and skills development. Despite these efforts, participants emphasized the need for stronger institutional support to ensure effective integration of multimedia and digital tools in teaching practices.
Based on the findings, an institutional support framework is recommended that prioritizes infrastructure improvement, provision of adequate resources, hands-on training, peer mentoring, and continuous professional development. The study concludes that while digital transformation offers significant instructional benefits, its success largely depends on adequate support systems and teacher preparedness. Strengthening institutional mechanisms is essential to enhance teachers’ digital competence, well-being, and instructional effectiveness in a rapidly evolving educational environment.
This project focuses on the mapping of government infrastructures in Afikpo Urban, Ebonyi State, using Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. The study was motivated by the need for accurate and up-to-date spatial information on infrastructures such as schools, health centers, police stations, banks, and other public facilities, which are essential for planning, development, and decision-making. Field data were acquired using a handheld GPS receiver to capture the coordinates of identified infrastructures. The data collected were processed with the aid of computer applications including ArcGIS, Google Earth, and Microsoft Excel, while attribute information was recorded in a field notebook. A base map of the study area was prepared, georeferenced, and digitized to produce a spatially accurate representation of the infrastructures. The results of the study include a digital map showing the spatial distribution of government infrastructures in Afikpo Urban. The analysis revealed that most infrastructures are concentrated around major roads and the Eke Market axis, while some areas remain underserved. This distribution has important implications for future planning, accessibility, and equitable allocation of resources. The study demonstrates the relevance of GIS in infrastructure mapping and provides a reliable database for government agencies, planners, and researchers. It also highlights the need for regular updates to maintain accurate records of infrastructures for sustainable development.
This study evaluates the effect of zirconium silicate addition on the thermophysical properties of bentonite clay based ceramic composites at elevated temperatures. Bentonite clay was blended with zirconium silicate at different proportions to obtain C100, C80Z20, C60Z40, C50Z50, C40Z60, C20Z80, and Z100 compositions, where C and Z denote bentonite clay and zirconium silicate, respectively. The samples were sintered between 1100 and 1600°C, and their bulk density, refractoriness, thermal conductivity, water absorption, apparent porosity, linear shrinkage, modulus of rupture, and cold crushing strength were assessed. Results show that zirconium silicate addition generally increased thermal conductivity, reduced water absorption, and improved mechanical strength relative to bentonite clay. Thermal conductivity increased from 1.31–1.58 Wm⁻¹K⁻¹ for C100 to 1.72–2.02 Wm⁻¹K⁻¹ for C20Z80 and 1.85–2.10 Wm⁻¹K⁻¹ for Z100. The C50Z50 and C20Z80 compositions showed the best balance of thermal conductivity, refractoriness, densification, and strength at high temperatures. However, C40Z60 showed a refractoriness drop above 1300°C, indicating that not all zirconium silicate additions produce stable refractory behaviour. The results demonstrate that controlled zirconium silicate addition can transform bentonite clay into a more thermally conductive, mechanically stronger, and refractory ceramic material suitable for furnace components, technical ceramics, refractory tiles, and high temperature structural applications.
Aortic stenosis is increasingly treated using bioprosthetic heart valves, though their long-term bio durability still remains limited by structural deterioration that is associated with progressive calcification. this is mainly in context to younger patients who often necessitate early reintervention. Valve calcification is now known as a biologically regulated process rather than one that’s purely degenerative. It involves osteogenic signaling, inflammatory pathways and not maintaining pyrophosphate levels. Tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) plays a central role in this process by hydrolyzing pyrophosphate. It is a key inhibitor of mineral deposition, making it a relative molecular target in bioprosthetic valve calcification.
This study investigates TNAP in the context of valve failure; whether bisphosphonates: Etidronate, Alendronate and Clodronate can inhibit TNAP activity since they are structurally like pyrophosphate. Docking analysis suggested binding at TNAP's catalytic site, consistent with competitive inhibition of its function. Unbiased in silico molecular docking was performed using AutoDock vina via PyRx on TNAP (PBD ID: 1EW2). The binding affinity, ligand position and interaction regions across the enzyme surface were assessed.
All three bisphosphonates showed stable binding within TNAP's catalytic pocket. Etidronate and Alendronate exhibited the strongest binding affinities of ( -5.5 kcal/mol) followed by Clodronate ( -5.1 kcal/mol), supporting competitive inhibition. Moreover, secondary regions were identified, raising a possibility of non-competitive interactions for TNAP inhibition.
Although limited to an in-silico approach, this study helps clarify TNAP inhibition in bioprosthetic valve calcification and highlights specific interactions that need experimental validation.
This study analyzes the dynamic effects of economic sectors and industrial policies on economic development in the Democratic Republic of Congo over the period 1985-2024. The main objective is to identify sectoral factors and industrial policy instruments that significantly influence real GDP per capita growth. Annual data obtained from the World Bank are analyzed using a Vector Autoregressive (VAR) model to examine the dynamic interactions among the selected variables.
The findings reveal that mining rents, agricultural productivity, manufacturing value added and foreign direct investment in manufacturing positively and significantly affect economic development. Manufacturing value added emerges as the most important sectoral driver of growth, while manufacturing foreign direct investment represents the most influential industrial policy variable. Conversely, variables related to services, electricity consumption and industrial infrastructure display statistically insignificant effects.
Granger causality tests confirm the existence of dynamic relationships between several economic sectors, industrial policy variables and economic development. The study concludes that accelerating economic development in the Democratic Republic of Congo requires stronger industrialization policies, productive diversification, an improved business environment and increased attraction of productive investments.
This study, conducted at the University of Kindu, investigated the impact of substituting wheat flour with sweet potato starch on the organoleptic qualities of bread. The central hypothesis was that partial substitution could influence sensory attributes such as taste, color, odor, and texture. The objective was to determine the extent to which sweet potato starch could replace wheat flour while maintaining acceptable bread quality and nutritional value. The research also aimed to promote local product consumption, reduce foreign currency expenditure, and improve living conditions in Kindu. Experimental results revealed that substitution levels between 10% and 25% did not produce significant differences in bread’s sensory qualities. Therefore, wheat flour can be replaced by sweet potato starch up to 25% without adversely affecting bread’s taste, color, odor, or consistency.
Keywords : Sweet potato starch,Wheat flour substitution, Organoleptic qualities, Brea
This study, conducted at the University of Kisangani, examined the effect of substituting wheat flour with cassava starch on the organoleptic qualities of bread. The objective was to evaluate how different substitution levels influence sensory and nutritional attributes, and to determine the maximum proportion of cassava starch that can be used while maintaining acceptable bread quality in terms of taste, color, odor, and texture. The findings revealed that bread samples (P1–P5) showed variations in sensory averages: P1 had the highest color score, followed by P2, P3, P4, and P5; taste averages for P1–P4 were nearly identical, with P5 slightly lower; odor averages across samples were almost equal; consistency was best in P1, followed by P2–P4 with similar values, and finally P5. Moisture content decreased progressively with substitution, and protein content declined as cassava starch proportions increased. However, statistical analysis indicated no significant differences in color, taste, odor, or texture among the samples. These results suggest that partial substitution of wheat flour with cassava starch can be achieved without compromising bread’s sensory qualities.
Keywords : Cassava starch, Wheat flour substitution, Organoleptic qualities, Bread preparation, Kisangan
Since 2002, the DRC has experienced an increase in its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Despite this performance, the overall trend in unemployment is clearly upward. In light of this situation, this research aims to determine not only the economic growth threshold at which the unemployment rate begins to decline in the DRC, but also the economic growth threshold that allows for a 50% reduction in unemployment each year until 2032 in the DRC. The research covers the period 2002-2024. After analysis, the results reveal that the GDP per capita threshold at which unemployment begins to decrease is US$470,853. Conversely, the economic growth threshold that allows for a reduction of at least 50% of unemployed individuals each year until 2032 lies within the range of 20% to 25%. The initial approach is primarily econometric, employing a simple threshold effects model. The second is a forecast, based on projected economic growth rates. In light of the study's findings, Congolese policymakers can consider economic diversification specific to the DRC with the aim of reaching the economic growth threshold that would significantly reduce unemployment.
Keywords: economic growth, unemployment, and threshold effect model.
Since 2002, the Democratic Republic of Congo has returned to economic growth after the recession of the 1990s. Despite this economic recovery, unemployment has been steadily rising. In light of this situation, this research aims to analyze the impact of economic growth on unemployment in the DRC. It covers the period from 2002 to 2024. The results of the analysis reveal that economic growth only impacts unemployment in the long term. The approach is econometric and uses the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model. Based on the study's findings, Congolese policymakers can consider creating a Congolese financial market to boost the economy and hopefully achieve the level of production necessary to significantly reduce unemployment in the DRC in both the short and long term.
Keywords : economic growth, unemployment, Auto Regressive Distributed, and Lag model.
This study investigates the prediction of companies financial distress using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technique with financial and non-financial data. The research key objectives are to evaluate the mixture of financial and non-financial data in AI financial distress predictions, to compared AI models with traditional distress prediction approaches, to assess the accuracy of different AI models, and to frame guidelines for AI models in regard to monitoring and prevention of financial distress. Moreover, a mixed methods research design is utilized, which involved an existing literature review and primary data collection through a questionnaire. Additionally, the research collected data from 30 non-financial companies that are quoted on the Muscat Stock exchange (MSX). Furthermore, the results show that monetary and non-monetary data are useful for improving the financial distress prediction. Participants also emphasize the need to ensure interpretability and transparency alongside predictive power with the deployment of AI systems. Machine Learning (ML) is most commonly viewed as the most relevant and accurate technique of AI, while Deep Learning (DL) is believed to handle large and complex datasets. Additionally, the suggested guidelines are explainability and transparency, preceded by governance and accountability, data quality, privacy, and human oversight. Based upon the justifications, the study suggests managers to adopt AI models, investors to leverage AI for signs, and regulators to build a governance framework for AI. Finally future research can investigate a standard AI governance framework for financial distress surveillance and management.
This study examines the impact of digital transformation on human resource management (HRM) strategy at the General Directorate of Customs and Excise (DGDA) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The objective is to understand how technological innovations reconfigure HR practices, organizational culture, and administrative governance within a strategic public institution. The research is situated in the context of public sector modernization in the DRC, marked by low digital literacy, bureaucratic rigidities, and an increasing dependence on digital tools for customs management.
The methodology is qualitative and exploratory, based on documentary analysis and a literature review (2018–2025), structured around three theoretical frameworks : human capital theory, contingency theory, and sociotechnical theory. Thematic analysis reveals three main axes : digital transformation as a driver of organizational reconfiguration, the evolution of HR practices and competencies, as well as cultural and managerial challenges related to digital governance.
Findings indicate that digitization strengthens the strategic role of the HR function, reshapes recruitment, training and performance evaluation systems, while raising challenges related to resistance to change, skills adaptation, and inter‑departmental coordination. The discussion stresses the need for DGDA to adopt an integrated digital HR strategy, grounded in continuous training, employee participation, and the alignment of technical and social systems.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the informal sector is the primary source of employment, accounting for nearly 85% of the active workforce. In Lubumbashi, it plays a central role in the local economy. However, this importance contrasts with the weakness of human resource management (HRM) practices, which remain largely informal, thereby limiting productivity and increasing workers’ social vulnerability (World Bank, 2023; ILO, 2023).
In this context, the present study seeks to address the lack of localized empirical research, particularly in the Kasapa area. Its main objective is to examine the challenges related to work motivation and social protection, as well as their relationship with workers’ level of education.
The study focuses on informal workers operating in kiosks, workshops, salons, and shops located in Avenue Église and Moise markets. It is based on a cross-sectional quantitative survey conducted among 150 respondents using a structured dichotomous questionnaire. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential methods, including the chi-square test, with R software (version 4.3.2), based on a stratified purposive sampling approach.
The findings reveal a high level of demotivation (82.7%) and limited access to social protection (66%). Furthermore, statistically significant relationships were found between education level and motivation (χ² = 19.041; p = 0.001), as well as between education level and social protection (χ² = 11.812; p = 0.008).
These results highlight the need to develop context-specific HRM policies aimed at improving working conditions and supporting the gradual formalization of the informal sector.
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