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 paper presents a prospective study conducted in Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), aimed at evaluating the potential profitability and risk levels of a pig farming project planned for the city. It uses, firstly, standard financial investment evaluation criteria, namely net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), profitability index (PI), and payback period. Secondly, it employs Monte Carlo simulations to assess the potential risk level of the project. The results obtained after analysis show that the proposed project is financially viable. Indeed, its potential NPV, PI, IRR, and PIR are respectively: USD 42,825.63, USD 1.46, USD 17, and 9 years, 4 months, and 4 days. Its potential risk is 30%. This project is therefore feasible.
Key Words: Prospecting, Profitability, Risk, Kisangani, project, livestock, pigs
Adolescent academic stress represents a critical global crisis, yet mental health applications face severe user retention barriers like cognitive passivity and experiential boredom. This study investigates how gamification architectures—specifically daily streaks, behavioral feedback, and digital avatars—sustain youth engagement. Employing a mixed-methods design, the research pairs a peer behavioral survey ($N=10$) with a qualitative UI/UX comparative analysis of Finch and Habitica. Results indicate that while 60% of adolescents lack structured digital wellness habits, 60% exhibit heightened motivation via gamified loops. Conversely, plain interfaces cause a 30% drop-out rate, and forgetfulness hinders 50% of users. Ultimately, integrating psychological rewards grounded in Operant Conditioning and Self-Determination Theory successfully mitigates retention barriers, underscoring the massive potential of Digital Therapeutics for youth.
This research examines the formulation of learning objectives at Salama University of Aru (Democratic Republic of Congo) within the LMD system, which is based on a competency-based approach. Through a content analysis of 15 syllabi (110 objectives) and a questionnaire survey of the 15 teachers involved, the study shows that 68.2% of the objectives reflect a knowledge-based logic (mostly factual recall), whereas only 31.8% are truly competency-oriented. Furthermore, 73.3% of teachers report difficulties in formulating competency-based objectives, mainly due to a lack of training (66.7%) and the absence of disciplinary reference frameworks (46.7%). These findings, discussed in light of Biggs (2003), Tardif (2006), and recent studies in the African context, confirm a significant gap between LMD prescriptions and actual classroom practices. The article discusses the implications of this misalignment for student learning and offers systemic recommendations: mandatory continuing teacher training, participatory development of contextualised competency frameworks, the creation of a pedagogical support unit, and a review of institutional assessment policies.
Keywords : Learning objectives; competencies; LMD system; pedagogical alignment; revised Bloom’s taxonomy.
This study investigates the coherence between learning objectives formulated by teachers and the assessment methods they implement within the LMD (Bachelor-Master-Doctorate) system at Bunia University (Democratic Republic of Congo). While pedagogical alignment constitutes a major theoretical foundation of the competency-based approach (CBA), few empirical studies have systematically measured its effective implementation in Congolese universities. To address this gap, we conducted a systematic analysis of 15 syllabi and their corresponding final examinations, and administered a questionnaire to the 15 course instructors. Three independent judges, previously trained in the use of the revised Bloom's taxonomy, classified each learning objective (knowledge vs. competence) and each assessment task (according to its cognitive complexity level), then evaluated the degree of alignment between objectives and assessments. Results show that 65.5% of objectives follow a knowledge-based logic, whereas only 34.5% reflect a competence-based logic. Moreover, 72.7% of assessment tasks consist of recall questions or multiple choice items, while only 27.3% require complex operations involving integrated resource mobilization. The alignment analysis reveals strong coherence in only 18.2% of cases, weak coherence in 45.4%, and clear incoherence in 36.4%. Over 70% of teachers report significant difficulties, which they attribute mainly to lack of training, large class sizes, and the absence of discipline-specific competency frameworks. These findings confirm our general hypothesis: objectives and assessments are not sufficiently aligned with the principles of competency-based approaches. They highlight the urgent need for structured pedagogical support and a proactive institutional policy for teacher training.
Keywords: Learning objectives; Competency assessment; Pedagogical alignment; LMD system; Bunia University.
Food security remains a major challenge in rural areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo despite abundant natural resources and considerable agricultural potential. This study examines the paradox of abundance and food insecurity in Banalia Territory, Tshopo Province. The objective is to identify the factors explaining the persistence of food insecurity in a highly agricultural area. Data were collected from 400 agricultural households distributed across the territory. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression techniques were used to analyze the determinants of household food security. Results indicate that 36.5% of households experience moderate or severe food insecurity. Agricultural productivity, farm income and access to agricultural credit positively influence food security, whereas household size and distance to markets negatively affect it. The study concludes that improving food security in Banalia requires increased productivity, better rural infrastructure and improved market access rather than merely expanding cultivated land.
Keywords: Food security, rural poverty, agricultural productivity, farm income, Banalia, Democratic Republic of Congo.
This study investigated the relationship between the marital conflicts and the psychological distress experienced by partners living in Kisangani. The sample consisted of 300 individuals living in marital relationships, selected through a non-probability convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using a marital conflict questionnaire and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), which assesses depression, anxiety, psychosomatic symptoms, and social dysfunction. Two main variables were examined: marital conflicts and psychosocial distress. The findings indicate that nearly half of the participants experienced a high level of psychosocial distress. Statistical analyses further revealed a significant association between the marital conflicts and psychosocial distress. These results underscore the importance of preventing marital conflicts and promoting psychological support for couples in order to preserve their mental health and overall well-being.
Mots-clés : conflits, détresse psychologique, Conflits conjugaux, santé mentale.
Keywords: Marital conflicts, psychological distress, couples, mental health.
Environmental governance in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) faces significant challenges, particularly in the province of Tshopo, where vast forest resources play a critical role in global climate regulation. Despite the ecological importance of these forests, local communities remain largely excluded from decision‑making processes that shape conservation and resource management. This exclusion raises pressing questions of representativity and justice, as policies often prioritize national or international agendas over the needs and rights of indigenous and rural populations. Weak governance structures, limited transparency, and persistent socio‑economic inequalities further exacerbate the gap between policy frameworks and community realities. The lack of meaningful participation undermines both the legitimacy and effectiveness of environmental initiatives, while fueling conflicts over land use, resource access, and benefit sharing. This research examines the intersection of environmental governance and community participation in Tshopo, highlighting the implications for climate justice and sustainable forest management. By analyzing public policies, institutional mechanisms, and local experiences, the study seeks to evaluate the extent to which communities are represented in decision‑making bodies and how this affects the outcomes of conservation strategies. Ultimately, the findings aim to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable model of environmental governance in the DRC
Key words : Governance, ecology, resource management, Community participation
The current global warming is distinguished by its rapid pace and predominantly anthropogenic origin, driven by intensified human activities since the Industrial Revolution. Forests, as natural climate regulators, play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide, yet their degradation exacerbates socio-environmental vulnerabilities. Climate justice thus emerges as a global issue, marked by deep inequalities between the Global North and South, as well as internal tensions within major powers. The case of the Tshopo province in the Democratic Republic of Congo concretely illustrates these challenges: exclusion of local communities, weak governance, and persistent obstacles to forest conservation. This research aims to evaluate public policies of climate justice in the province, highlighting their effectiveness and impact on the most vulnerable
key words: Industrial revolution, Climate, challenge, Vulnerability
This paper prospectively analyzes the impact of potential shocks on a planned pig farming investment in the city of Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), while also assessing its resilience. The methodology combines financial analysis using the net present value (NPV) criterion with statistical methods such as stress testing. The results show that the pig farming investment project is financially viable for a given level of stress. Specifically, if any shock of a given nature results in a 10% decrease in projected revenue and a 19% decrease in the last year's cash flow, along with a simultaneous 10% increase in operating expenses (with the interest rate remaining unchanged at 15.2%), the NPV becomes negative, whereas it was USD 42,825.63 under normal circumstances.
Key Words: Analysis, shock, prospecting, project, stress test
This study examines practices of self-censorship in radio newsrooms operating in an active armed conflict context in Ituri, in the north-eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and situates them in relation to the normative framework of peace journalism. In a setting marked by persistent armed violence, news production is shaped by security, political, economic, and organizational constraints that directly influence editorial decisions. Grounded in a qualitative and interpretive approach, the research draws on the analysis of 28 semi-structured interviews conducted with journalists and editorial managers from local radio stations, as well as the examination of 115 radio broadcasts related to the conflict.
The findings reveal the existence of institutionalized self-censorship, reflected in the cautious selection of news topics, the mitigated reformulation of facts, the deliberate omission of sensitive elements, and the lack of source plurality. While these practices constitute rational adaptive mechanisms in a hostile environment, they significantly limit the implementation of peace journalism principles, particularly the analysis of the root causes of conflict, the inclusion of diverse voices, and the contextualization of violence. The study thus highlights the deep tensions between the ideals of peace journalism and the realities of conflict-affected fieldwork, emphasizing that the promotion of peace journalism cannot be dissociated from the strengthening of security that enable media professionals to fulfill their social responsibility without jeopardizing their survival.
Keywords: journalistic self-censorship; editorial decision-making; armed conflict; peace journalism; local radio; Ituri.
Micro-scale fisheries agroindustry development requires periodic evaluations regarding economic value-added efficiency and marketing mix alignment. This study aims to analyze the value added of smoked tuna jaw processing using the Hayami method and identify the marketing mix strategies at Rahang Tuna Asap Jatinangor MSME, Sumedang Regency. The research design implemented a descriptive case study method with informant selection through purposive sampling techniques. Primary data were gathered through direct observation and structured interviews with the business owner and employees. Quantitative analysis results indicate that smoked tuna jaw processing generates a value added of IDR 85,000/kg of raw material with a value-added ratio reaching 56.67%. The net profit sector contributes IDR 60,000/kg of raw material with a profitability level reaching 40% of the total output value. Qualitative evaluation confirms the implementation of marketing strategies based on static attribute segmentation focusing on the migrant student population. Commercial policies are executed through cost-plus pricing, optimization of word-of-mouth promotion combined with digital platforms (Google My Business, Instagram, WhatsApp), and direct distribution channels integrated with GrabFood delivery services. Synchronizing upstream operational efficiency with downstream strategic adaptation proves crucial in strengthening the economic sustainability of MSMEs within niche market environments.
The global fashion sourcing ecosystem is highly fragmented, with activities such as design creation, cultural validation, supplier selection, fraud detection, cost estimation, logistics planning, blockchain verification, and consumer visualization often managed separately. This fragmentation reduces efficiency, transparency, and decision quality. To address these challenges, this paper presents CAFSA (Cultural-Aware Fashion Sourcing Algorithm), an integrated multi-agent AI framework that unifies the sourcing process into a transparent and modular system. CAFSA coordinates eleven specialized agents responsible for design generation, cultural validation, supplier assessment, fraud detection, cost estimation, logistics routing, user preference modeling, blockchain verification, and AR-based visualization. A central Decision Agent combines outputs into a unified sourcing recommendation. The framework uses interpretable trust and cost models to support explainable decision-making. CAFSA also introduces Hybrid Constraint-Aware Routing (HCAR) and WebAR visualization to enhance operational efficiency and consumer trust. Implemented with Python, FastAPI, machine learning, and AR technologies, CAFSA demonstrates the potential of explainable AI-driven fashion supply chains.
L’étude met en évidence que l’inflation constitue l’un des principaux obstacles à la stabilité économique et sociale en République Démocratique du Congo. Elle affecte directement le pouvoir d’achat des ménages en réduisant la valeur réelle des revenus et en fragilisant leur capacité à consommer. Les analyses théoriques et empiriques montrent que l’inflation en RDC est souvent liée à des facteurs structurels tels que la dépendance aux importations, la faiblesse institutionnelle et l’instabilité politique. Elle ne se limite donc pas à un phénomène conjoncturel, mais traduit des déséquilibres profonds qui accentuent la pauvreté et limitent les perspectives de développement.
Les résultats de l’étude révèlent que l’inflation exerce une influence négative sur la croissance économique et, par conséquent, sur le bien-être des ménages. Toutefois, son impact n’explique pas à lui seul la dégradation du pouvoir d’achat, qui dépend également d’autres facteurs comme la corruption, les conflits armés et la dépréciation monétaire. L’ensemble de ces éléments souligne la nécessité de politiques publiques cohérentes visant à stabiliser le cadre macroéconomique, renforcer la production locale et protéger les revenus des ménages. La lutte contre l’inflation apparaît ainsi non seulement comme un enjeu économique, mais aussi comme une condition essentielle de stabilité sociale et de développement durable.
Mots-clés : Inflation, Pouvoir d’achat, etc.
Abstract
Background: Health financing is a cornerstone of health system strengthening and a prerequisite for achieving universal health coverage (UHC). Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in the Global South face persistent financing challenges that hinder equity and sustainability.
Methods: This systematic review, guided by PRISMA 2020, synthesised 12 peer-reviewed studies published between 2020 and 2023. Studies were drawn from Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, South and South-East Asia, and cross-regional analyses, focusing on health system financing reforms.
Results: Five recurring themes were identified: fragmented financing systems, heavy reliance on out-of-pocket (OOP) payments, donor dependency and vertical programmes, emerging innovations in financing, and governance and political economy constraints. While innovations such as community-based health insurance and earmarked taxes showed potential, their effectiveness depended heavily on governance capacity and political will.
Conclusion: Financing reforms in the Global South must move beyond technical fixes to address systemic and political barriers. Without integrated financing, strong governance, and equity-focused policies, UHC will remain aspirational.
Key words: health systems financing, global south, lessons learned, transformation
The financial market is known to be volatile in nature, exhibits non-linearity, and possesses heavy-tailed distribution of returns, thus posing considerable difficulty in terms of predicting financial risk in the financial econometrics field. The current research explores the potential use of Neural Simulation-Based Inference (NSBI) method in the estimation of stochastic volatility model and financial risk prediction based on historical data of NGX All Share Index. Daily stock market data ranging from the year 2010 to 2024 have been converted into logarithmic returns and analyzed based on the stochastic volatility model. Sequential Neural Posterior Estimation (SNPE) approach has been used within Simulation-Based Inference methodology to infer volatility parameters of the model without explicitly using the likelihood function. A total of 10,000 simulations have been run to infer the latent long-run volatility level, volatility persistence, and volatility innovation parameters. The results show posterior estimates like μ = 1.7231, φ = 0.9450, and σₕ = 0.7491, which means you get strong volatility persistence but also a real amount of market risk inside the Nigerian stock market, more or less. Then the 95% Value-at-Risk figure comes out to -3.8932, and that once again basically validates the presence of meaningful downside exposure. Comparison with a Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo revealed better prediction power for MCMC, whereas the NSBI was found to be more flexible and capable of carrying out likelihood-free inference. It is concluded that the NSBI is a promising technique for stochastic volatility models.
The objective of the paper is to examine the future and past of the FBIs in Africa, financing sustainable health. It consists of four goals: (i) to trace the historical bases that have put FBIs in the middle of health provision; (ii) to analyse their current service and funding positions (iii) uncover the areas of gaps (e.g., funding) and sustainability concerns; and (iv) approximate the possibilities of introducing FBIs into national financing reforms following UHC. The paper identifies the inconsistency between the invaluable nature of FBIs to service the health system and the delicate and ad-hoc funding assets that sustain them, and the institutional restructuring that might be required to establish coordinated and sustainable alliances.
The Ottawa Charter was launched by the WHO in 1986 and marked a remarkable paradigm shift by advocating for a more comprehensive, equity-based, and participatory approach to health. It appears that Health promotion overall delivery in Africa, has undergone significant transformations over the past decades but these changes need to be recognized and documented in order for the necessary gaps to be identified and bridged.
In each of the 54 reviews, I recall the 5 core action areas of the Charter which are: -
• building healthy public policy
• creating supportive environments
• strengthening community action
• developing personal skills and
• reorienting health services
I discuss how each country has fared in the context of Ottawa implementation given that the Charter contained merely guiding principles that were embraced voluntarily. Its uptake and delivery were subject to each country’s commitment which was influenced largely by factors including socio-political, economic, and institutional contexts.
This paper examines Zambia’s health trajectory over the past four decades as a case study of this transformation. Using key indicators—including life expectancy, infant mortality, maternal mortality, and HIV/AIDS trends—the study demonstrates substantial improvements in population health outcomes. Life expectancy increased from approximately the mid 50s in the 1980s to about 67 years in recent years, while infant mortality declined from nearly 100 to approximately 35 deaths per 1,000 live births. Maternal mortality has also decreased markedly since 2000, alongside reductions in HIV-related mortality and infections
Objective: This paper aims at analysing the process of institutionalization of youth participation in participatory governance in the Republic of Guinea, with special regard to the post-2021 transition situation. Methodology: The research utilizes a qualitative desk-based approach, including documentary analysis of scientific articles, policy reports, and institutional publications primarily between 2020 and 2025. Findings: It was found that although the youth population in Guinea is a demographic majority, they are restricted due to central political structure, economic exclusion, lack of civic education, gender barriers, and ineffective means of policy influence. On the other hand, the establishment of the National Youth Council and peacebuilding efforts suggest institutionalizing youth participation in decision-making. Conclusion: Effective youth participation is crucial for legitimate democracy, cohesion, conflict prevention, and development in Guinea. Therefore, the paper suggests such measures as legalization and independence of youth organizations, civic education expansion, economic empowerment, protection of online civic space, and gender inclusive participation.
We present a systematic study of sub-threshold signal recovery in TESS 2-minute cadence light curves using four deep autoencoder architectures: a fully connected autoencoder (FC-AE), a convolutional autoencoder with weighted overlap-add reconstruction (CNN-AE), a variational autoencoder (VAE), and a Transformer-based autoencoder (T-AE). Applied to 46 carefully selected targets spanning six stellar categories (quiet solar analogues, active M dwarfs, solar-like oscillators, red giants, exoplanet hosts, and control stars) the pipeline achieves a mean signal-to-noise (SNR) ratio improvement of 7,313x over raw photometry, with a maximum of 344,518x for TIC 332517282. The T-AE architecture performs best on 77% of targets. Lomb-Scargle periodogram analysis of the autoencoder residual flux reveals genuinely new periodic signals in 10 of 44 targets (23%), with recovered periods ranging from 0.095 to 64.5 days, including mixed-mode oscillation candidates and a potential additional planet period in an exoplanet host system. Asteroseismic parameters (the frequency of maximum oscillation power νmax, the large frequency separation Δν, stellar mass, and stellar radius) are derived for 18 solar oscillator and red giant targets. A residual-based anomaly detection scheme identifies 1,010 transient events at 5σ significance, including stellar flares, deep photometric dips, and brightening. Finally, the achieved denoised noise floors are used to place order-of-magnitude upper limits on exotic stellar physics: dark matter capture heating is constrained to a DM-nucleon cross section below 10⁻³⁰ cm², and axion-photon conversion is constrained to a coupling constant below 10⁻⁹ GeV⁻¹, representing sensitivity improvements of up to 7,601× compared to limits derived from raw photometry alone. All results are presented with full discussion of caveats and limitations.
Rapid land-use change in East Africa threatens Nyabarongo River water quality, yet integrated spatial monitoring frameworks for this Upper Nile sub-catchment remain absent. This study analyzes dry-season water quality in an Upper Nile Basin sub-catchment by combining multi-temporal LULC classification, IDW spatial interpolation, Pearson correlation, one-way ANOVA, and Weighted Arithmetic WQI computation. Using Landsat imagery, the research maps land-use changes to evaluate relationships between anthropogenic drivers and river water quality. Results indicated that turbidity ranged from 137.05 to 137.25 NTU, and TSS from 1,861 to 4,420.5 mg/L, both exceeding Rwanda Standards Board limits of 5 NTU and 50 mg/L. Total nitrogen reached 1,035.65 mg/L, far above the permissible limit of 45 mg/L, indicating severe nutrient pollution mainly from agricultural runoff and settlements. In contrast, pH (6.62–7.355), EC (123.25–212.65 µS/cm), and COD (66–96.5 mg/L) remained within acceptable standards. LULC analysis showed strong expansion of cropland and built-up areas between 2000 and 2025 with corresponding decline in forest and wetland cover. Strong positive correlations were observed between cropland and TN (r = 0.995), mining/bare land and TSS (r = 0.994), and built-up areas and turbidity (r = 1.000). Although ANOVA showed no statistically significant differences among sites (p > 0.05), the WQI value of 2,163.82 classified the water as poor to unsuitable for human consumption. These findings establish agriculture, sand mining, and urban expansion as dominant pollution drivers, providing a replicable spatial monitoring framework applicable to comparable data-limited river systems across sub-Saharan Africa.
Cette étude analyse les déterminants de l’adoption des nouvelles technologies de l’information et de communication (NTIC) en milieu rural, à partir du cas du territoire d’Idiofa en République démocratique du Congo. Malgré le rôle reconnu des NTIC dans le développement socio-économique, leur adoption reste limitée dans les zones rurales africaines en raison de contraintes structurelles et institutionnelles.L’objectif de cet article est d’identifier les facteurs socio-économiques, le capital humain et les infrastructures qui influencent la probabilité d’adoption des NTIC par les ménages ruraux. L’analyse repose sur des données de sources primaires collectées auprès de 219 ménages, à l’aide d’un échantillonnage aléatoire stratifié. Un modèle de régression logistique (Logit) est utilisé pour estimer les déterminants de l’adoption, mesurée par l’utilisation d’internet. Les résultats montrent que le capital humain constitue le principal facteur explicatif de l’adoption des NTIC. En particulier, le niveau d’éducation et la capacité à utiliser internet augmentent significativement la probabilité d’adoption. Les infrastructures de télécommunication, notamment la disponibilité du réseau mobile, jouent également un rôle déterminant. En revanche, les variables socio-économiques telles que le revenu, l’âge et le genre ne se révèlent pas statistiquement significatives. Par ailleurs, la distance au centre urbain et la taille du ménage ont un effet négatif sur l’adoption. Ces résultats suggèrent que les politiques visant à réduire la fracture numérique en milieu rural devraient prioritairement renforcer les compétences numériques des populations et améliorer l’accès aux infrastructures de communication.
Abstract
This study employed a descriptive-comparative research design to examine the entrepreneurial competencies of Senior High School learners in Candon National High School through self-assessment and teachers’ evaluations. The descriptive component profiled learners’ skills across six domains: opportunity-seeking and innovation, decision-making and problem-solving, risk-taking and self-confidence, planning and organizing, marketing and financial skills, and perseverance and responsibility. The comparative aspect assessed perceptual alignment between learners and teachers, revealing the degree of agreement and identifying areas requiring targeted interventions. The study involved 138 learners from the Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) and Academic Strand for Business, Accountancy, and Management (ABM), and 15 teachers, selected through stratified sampling. Data were gathered using validated questionnaires adapted from the K to 12 Entrepreneurship curriculum and analyzed using weighted means, ranking, and descriptive interpretations. Findings indicated that learners perceive themselves as highly competent across all domains (overall mean = 4.23, Very High), while teachers rated learners slightly higher (overall mean = 4.77, Very High). Opportunity-seeking and innovation and perseverance and responsibility were the most developed skills, whereas risk-taking, self-confidence, and marketing/financial skills were relatively less developed. Minor differences between learner and teacher assessments were negligible, demonstrating strong self-awareness among learners. These results suggest the effectiveness of current entrepreneurship instruction while highlighting the need for experiential learning to strengthen applied skills in weaker domains. The study recommends integrating practical projects, simulations, cross-curricular entrepreneurial applications, teacher development, and partnerships with industry experts to enhance learners’ holistic entrepreneurial competencies.
Keywords: entrepreneurial competencies, self-assessment, teacher evaluation, experiential learning, Senior High School
This study investigated safety precautions level of Competency Based-Training (CBT) and Workplace Experienced Learning (WEL) among metal fabricators in Koforidua Eastern Region of Ghana, with the objective of assessing current safety practices, identifying challenges related to occupational health and safety, and evaluating the impact of safety measures on the productivity and well-being of workers in the metal fabrication industry. The study employed a quantitative research design, with data collected solely through structured questionnaires administered to 70 metal fabricators. A purposive sampling strategy was adopted to select respondents who were actively engaged in metal fabrication and had relevant knowledge and experience concerning safety issues in the WEL. The respondents consisted of 68 males (97.1%) and 2 females (2.9%), reflecting the male-dominated nature of the metal fabrication sector in the study area. Findings revealed that although many fabricators were aware of basic safety protocols, adherence to proper safety practices was inconsistent. Major challenges included inadequate access to personal protective equipment (PPE), irregular safety training, poor enforcement of safety regulations, and limited supervision in WEL. Unsafe conditions such as overcrowding, poor ventilation, and improper tool handling were also identified as contributing factors to workplace hazards. The study concludes that improving occupational safety in metal fabrication WEL requires a collaborative approach involving fabricators, workshop owners, regulatory bodies, and trade associations.
Cet article analyse le décalage persistant entre les réformes formelles des marchés publics et leur mise en œuvre effective en République démocratique du Congo (RDC). Malgré l’adoption en 2010 d’un cadre juridique et institutionnel renforcé, l’exécution des marchés de travaux publics reste largement insuffisante. À partir d’un échantillon de 25 contrats menés à Kinshasa entre 2012 et 2024, une approche mixte a été utilisée, combinant indicateurs quantitatifs (mode de passation, taux d’exécution budgétaire, délais de paiement, avenants, délais de livraison, qualité des ouvrages) et analyse qualitative. Les résultats montrent une sous-performance généralisée : 92 % des projets sont livrés en retard, 58 % avec des prolongations supérieures à dix mois, 80 % des entreprises subissent des retards de paiement, et seulement 34,8 % des ouvrages sont en bon état à l’achèvement. Par ailleurs, 20 % des contrats attribués de gré à gré violent les seuils légaux. L’absence d’engagement budgétaire formel au moment de la passation expose à un risque financier majeur. Trois facteurs explicatifs sont identifiés : politiques et institutionnels (clientélisme, ingérences, corruption), économiques (instabilité macroéconomique, inflation) et managériaux (capacités techniques limitées, supervision insuffisante). L’étude conclut que l’efficacité des réformes dépend d’un environnement politique favorable et de mécanismes opérationnels solides renforcés par une volonté politique accrue.
Cet article examine en profondeur la réforme des finances publiques en République Démocratique du Congo (RDC) en deux phases, basée sur le Plan Stratégique de Réforme des Finances Publiques (PSRFP 1, 2010) et son successeur PSRFP 2 en 2021, ainsi que sur la Loi Organique sur les Finances Publiques (LOFIP). La première phase a établi des principes juridiques et techniques de base sous la forme de la LOFIP, le Cadre Budgétaire à Moyen Terme (CBMT) dans quatre ministères pilotes, la mise en œuvre du système intégré GESIFIP et la Taxe sur la Valeur Ajoutée (TVA) étaient tous en place. Néanmoins, des défis subsistent, notamment un manque de coordination interinstitutionnelle, une capacité limitée, une instabilité macroéconomique et la corruption, ce qui limite la réduction de la pauvreté dans le pays et affecte encore plus de 70 % de la population. Le PSRFP 2 a mis en œuvre un modèle plus sophistiqué qui a développé cinq axes d’action: modernisation vers les provinces, programme budgétaire dans sept ministères pilotes en 2024, et suivi de la performance (PAP, RAP) mais l'appropriation politique, la résistance culturelle, le manque de ressources et les limitations de l'Inspection Générale des Finances entravent les progrès dans le pays. Cette étude souligne que l'engagement politique et le renforcement des capacités sont également nécessaires, ainsi qu'une culture de la responsabilité.
Abstract
Mathematics entered physics as a tool but gradually became its master.
In other words, many believe that mathematics can generate physics, while the opposite is true.
The real answer to the title question is that most people know nothing about the true mathematics of a unified four-dimensional spacetime, including those who have been indoctrinated with Minkowski, Einstein and Schrodinger’s ideas about R^4 space and whom we regard as the source of all evil.
In a previous article titled "What Do You Know About Quantum Mechanics? – Part One," we presented, explained, and answered five important and pressing questions in the field of modern (or new) physics—sometimes referred to as "Abbas Physics" to distinguish it.
We explained how to apply Cairo Theory statistical techniques to solve problems and generate new laws and rules in most areas of classical and quantum physics, statistics, and applied mathematics.
In this article, we extend the same techniques to explain and answer the following five most complex questions:
1- How can statistical B-matrix sequences be used to solve a homogeneous system of simultaneous linear algebraic equations?
2- How to generate and apply sequences of quantum transition matrices—specifically the quantum matrix Q = sqrt{B}—to derive the steady-state solution for Bohr’s classical model of the hydrogen-like atom (in its 1913 formulation), without relying on Bohr’s postulate regarding angular momentum quantization: 2πmvr = nh (where n = 1, 2, 3, ..., ∞).
3- Derivation of the quantum tunneling effect formula:
Uout (x,y,z,t) = 0.5 Uin[x,y,z,t)] Exp - λ* d ·
where λ* represents the energy density propagation coefficient in free space, and d is the thickness of the quantum barrier.
4- Is it true that the phenomenon of quantum tunneling occurs with sound waves passing through a quantum barrier (a vacuum, in this case) of width *d* meters?
If the answer is yes, what experimental setups can detect and measure this remarkable phenomenon?
5-Do the four questions and answers mentioned above show that applied mathematics is merely a branch of physics?
Finally, it is important to note that this article does not aim to diminish the significant contributions of great physicists and mathematicians such as Einstein, Schrödinger, Heisenberg, Minkowski, Hilbert, Riemann, and others, but rather to address the most prominent shortcomings and limitations of their theories, where applicable.
Note: If you are not familiar with the universal laws of physics, please stop reading. This article is not intended for you.
Freshly cut watermelon is a popular ready-to-eat fruit sold at street junctions, highly susceptible to microbial contamination due to post-harvest handling and exposure in open markets. This study evaluated the microbiological quality of freshly cut watermelon sold at six major junctions in Owerri metropolis, Imo State, Nigeria. A total of thirty six (36) watermelon samples were randomly purchased and analyzed. Standard microbiological techniques were employed using Nutrient Agar, MacConkey Agar, and Salmonella-Shigella Agar for isolation and enumeration of bacteria. Identification was based on cultural, morphological, microscopic, and biochemical characteristics. Results revealed five (5) bacterial genera: Klebsiella spp., Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp., and Lactobacillus spp. Total mean bacterial counts ranged from 1.33 × 10³ CFU/g (Bishops Court Junction) to 11.27 × 10³ CFU/g (Wethral Junction), with the order: Wethral Junction (11.27 × 10³) > MCC Junction (5.6 × 10³) > Imsu Junction (2.75 × 10³) > Cherubim Junction (1.95 × 10³) > Orji Junction (1.6 × 10³) > Bishops Court Junction (1.33 × 10³). High contamination was attributed to poor hand hygiene, use of contaminated wash water,unhygienic cutting utensils, prolonged exposure to dust and flies, and ambient temperature storage. These findings demonstrate that street-vended freshly cut watermelon in Owerri poses a significant public health hazard, with contamination levels far exceeding international safety thresholds. Urgent implementation of vendor training, potable water access, utensil sanitation, protective coverings, and regulatory monitoring is imperative to mitigate foodborne illness risks.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) poses a growing public health threat in sub-Saharan Africa, with Nigeria harbouring approximately eight million affected adults. Despite effective treatments, poor glycaemic control persists. Lifestyle modification—healthy diet, physical activity, and medication adherence—remains central to diabetes care and is linked to improved glycaemic control and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, evidence from Southwest Nigeria is fragmented.
This narrative review synthesised literature from 2018–2026 across major databases. Validated tools, including the FFQ, IPAQ-SF, and MMAS-8, assessed lifestyle behaviours, while HRQoL was measured primarily using the ADDQoL. Findings consistently demonstrate that adherence to healthy behaviours correlates with lower HbA1c levels and better HRQoL across physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains. Nurse-led education and culturally tailored interventions further promote sustainable change.
Strengthening lifestyle-focused management and generating local evidence from secondary healthcare facilities in Southwest Nigeria are critical to improving patient outcomes, informing clinical practice, and shaping health policy.
ABSTRACT
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited hemoglobinopathy associated with reduced life expectancy due to recurrent vaso-occlusive crises, progressive organ damage, and life-threatening infections. Although genotype is a major determinant of disease severity and mortality, advances in preventive strategies and comprehensive care have significantly improved survival. However, survival into the seventh decade remains uncommon in patients with sickle-β-thalassemia.
We report the case of a 71-year-old Bahraini male with sickle-β⁺-thalassemia who demonstrated a remarkably mild clinical course over seven decades. This case illustrates that survival in SCD is influenced not only by genotype but also by preventive strategies, adherence to vaccination and penicillin prophylaxis, regular follow-up at specialized SCD centers, and multidisciplinary care. Comprehensive management can substantially modify disease progression and improve long-term outcomes, even in patients with genetically severe forms of SCD.
Menstrual health research in Nepal has, for the most part, centred on Hindu-majority communities. Muslim women's menstrual experiences consequently remain empirically invisible, a gap this study directly addresses.
Objective: To examine how religion, culture, and sociodemographic position jointly shape Muslim women's perceptions, restriction practices, and menstrual hygiene management in Miya Patan, Pokhara, Nepal.
A descriptive concurrent mixed-methods design was used, bringing together quantitative and qualitative data collected simultaneously in September 2024. The quantitative strand drew on a structured survey of 321 Muslim women and adolescent girls, selected through random household-based sampling that achieved near-population coverage. Descriptive statistics and Likelihood Ratio chi-square crosstabulation were run in SPSS. On the qualitative side, two focus group discussions (FGDs; n=13) and two key informant interviews (KIIs) were conducted and analysed thematically following Braun and Clarke (2006). Integration occurred through convergence and comparison of the two datasets.
Menstrual practices in Miya Patan operate through two analytically distinct mechanisms. Religious norms form a stable, universally observed framework. Cultural practices, by contrast, are flexible and negotiated, moderated by education, marital status, and household authority. These findings challenge any homogenised portrayal of menstruation in Nepal and point clearly to the need for culturally grounded, religiously literate programming for Muslim minority communities.
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