Peer-reviewed international research papers published open-access with EOI assignment and global indexing across engineering, computer science, environmental science, social sciences, and more.
Agropastoralists in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-arid Lands (ASALs) face various shocks that threaten their livelihoods and expose them to significant health and economic risks. While existing studies often focus on climate-related shocks, they frequently overlook other challenges faced by these communities. A comprehensive understanding of how agropastoral communities manage diverse shocks is essential to developing effective vulnerability reduction strategies. This study examined the major shocks experienced by agropastoral households in Kenya’s ASALs and their primary coping strategies. Using cross-sectional data from 384 households in Isiolo county, this study applied descriptive analysis. From 2020 to 2024, households faced shocks such as droughts, livestock pests and diseases, livestock theft, and intercommunal conflicts. The results indicated that the county experienced higher theft and conflict rates. Coping strategies include income diversification, asset sales, increased farm labor, and reduced food expenditure. Severe droughts and conflicts led to migration, while floods caused extreme measures such as withdrawing children from school. Key factors influencing coping strategies include household demographics, farm characteristics, and market proximity. Households with more adults, higher literacy, or greater income from crops and livestock are less likely to adopt costly strategies. This study recommends integrated interventions to enhance resilience to both climate and non-climate shocks.
Climate change and variability remain one of the contributing factors to food insecurity globally, with consequences particularly extreme in arid and semi-arid areas in Africa where pastoralists-based livestock systems are an important source of income. Drought has resulted in massive livestock losses in recent years with dramatic impacts on pastoral lives. The primary contributing factor to food insecurity in Tana River County is climate change and variability as it affects the livelihoods and revenue streams of small-scale food producers by raising food prices and restricting access to food. Therefore, this article examines the impacts of climate change and variability on food security among the pastoral communities in Tana River County with focus on food availability, accessibility, utilization and stability. Climate variability in Tana River County has led to changes in the nutritional quality of some foods. Moreover, climate change and variabilities hinder the ability of pastoralists to feed their livestock leading to loss of their means of support and food insecurity.
The traditional livelihood practice of pastoralism is under threat in Marsabit County in Kenya. The past decades have seen a shift in livelihood practices from pastoralism to other livelihood practices in the arid and semi-arid lands; including small-scale crop farming, small-scale businesses, charcoal burning and selling of firewood. Through the case study areas in three villages in Laisamis subcounty, Marsabit County, this paper analyses the role of long periods of drought and the existing state of political and socio-economic marginalization in driving livelihood changes among vulnerable pastoral communities. Through descriptive design, the study sampled 384 households and used questionnaires to collect data which was analyzed through descriptive analyze. The study results indicate that climate change variability, frequent prolonged drought significantly affect livelihoods and poverty levels among pastoralist communities in Marsabit.
Urban food insecurity is increasingly recognized as a defining challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, where rising food prices, slow wage growth, and structural unemployment amplify vulnerability. The situation has been made worse with climate change that has contribute to prolonged and frequent drought. This study sought to establish the effect of drought on food security urban settlements in Nairobi, Kenya. The study was anchored on Malthusian Optimism Theory of Food Security and employed cross-sectional survey that targeted 384 households drawn from three slums settlements in Nairobi County. The households were randomly selected from each of the three slums to ensure fair representation. Semi-structured questionnaires were used for data collection. Descriptive statistical analysis that included frequencies and percentages was used for descriptive analysis while chi-square was used for inferential analysis and to establish the relationships between variables through the use of SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). The study established that 82.4% of the household in the three slums covered by the study were food insecure. Korogocho slums registered the highest food insecurity among the covered households, followed by Mathare slums with the lowest food insecurity among the household in established in Kibera slums. The study recommended among others that there is need of encouraging sustainable food production and strategic community support as measures of addressing food insecurity in urban slums like those in Nairobi that included Mathare, Kibera and Korogocho.
Abstract
To address the challenges of industrial heavy metal discharge, this study investigates the mechanistic pathways of Pb2+, Cd2+, Zn2+, and Cu2+ removal using chemically modified wheat husk. The adsorption process was rigorously evaluated through multiple kinetic models (Pseudo-second order and Intraparticle diffusion) and isotherm frameworks (Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin). Results confirm that the process is governed by chemisorption and occurs on heterogeneous surfaces, with Freundlich and Temkin models providing superior fits (R2 > 0.97 for Pb). The process was found to be exothermic nature and the role of boundary layer diffusion of the materials indicate its viability for high-efficiency industrial wastewater treatment.
Photovoltaic solar panels are widely used for clean
energy generation, but their long-term performance is strongly
affected by cell-level faults such as hot spots, partial shading,
cracks, and interconnection defects. These faults may reduce
output power, accelerate degradation, and shorten the useful
lifetime of a panel. This paper presents a simulation-based
framework for solar panel life prediction through classification
of faulty cells using thermal imaging and convolutional neural
networks. A synthetic thermal-image dataset was generated to
represent healthy and faulty photovoltaic cells under controlled
temperature distributions. A dynamic thermal threshold was first
used to identify abnormal temperature regions, after which a
convolutional neural network classified cells as faulty or non
faulty. The detected fault ratio, hotspot severity, and estimated
power loss were then combined into a health-index model to
estimate the remaining useful life of the solar panel. Simulation
results show that the proposed refined CNN achieved an accuracy
of 90.0%, precision of 88.46%, recall of 92.0%, and F1-score
of 90.19%. A sample 24-cell panel case study showed that five
faulty cells reduced the estimated health index to 0.7709 and the
predicted effective life from 25 years to 19.27 years. The proposed
method provides a low-cost and scalable foundation for future
Raspberry Pi and thermal-camera-based real-time photovoltaic
monitoring systems.
Index Terms—Solar panel fault detection, photovoltaic cells,
thermal imaging, convolutional neural network, hotspot detec
tion, Raspberry Pi, life prediction, simulation-based study.
ABSTRACT
While frontline healthcare workers accumulated substantial experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, translating this into preparedness for chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive incidents (CBRNEi) requires an understanding of the systemic barriers that constrain hospital emergency care. This study explored the barriers and challenges to managing CBRNEi in relation to the COVID-19 management experience, from the perspectives of key hospital stakeholders. A qualitative study was conducted in the Accident and Emergency (A&E) units of four apex hospitals in the Kandy district, Sri Lanka. Semi-structured key informant interviews (KIIs) were undertaken with purposively selected decision-makers and health managers—hospital directors, consultant emergency physicians/A&E consultants-in-charge, disaster-management focal points, sisters/masters-in-charge of A&E, and hospital accountants. Of 20 identified key informants, 15 were interviewed until data saturation, and interviews were analyzed thematically using combined inductive and deductive coding. Thirty-six codes were organized into twelve categories and seven overarching themes: limitations of facilities; limitations of planning; financial constraints and funding issues; lack of guidelines for CBRNEi management; lack of staff training; lack of emergency-response facilities; and dead body management and morgue capacity. Informants consistently described staffing shortages, absent decontamination and detection capacity, generic and outdated disaster plans, absent CBRNE-specific guidelines, insufficient specialized training, and unresolved ethical and logistical challenges in mass-fatality management. Key stakeholders identified deep, interlocking systemic barriers to CBRNEi preparedness that the COVID-19 experience revealed but did not resolve; addressing them requires comprehensive, adequately financed, and guideline-driven strategic planning with intersectoral coordination, including specialized armed-forces CBRNEi capabilities.
Introduction: Poor water quality and water contamination continue to be major public health problem in various communities especially in developing countries across the world. This in turn contributes to increases in water borne diseases affecting various populations. This study therefore, was conducted in Lilanda compound Lusaka, Zambia to determine the microbial content and compositional quality of water and the associated risk factors to contamination.
Methods: A cross sectional study design was used in this study to establish the magnitude of microbial contaminants in water and the associated risk factors. The study population was individual drinking water sources (boreholes, taps and wells) and the nearest households accessing such sources in Lilanda compound. Probability sampling method (simple random) was employed where each participant was given an equal chance of being selected. The study recruited a total of 384 participants. The study collected data by collecting water samples that were subjected to laboratory analysis. Microbial risk assessment was carried out by assessing water for microbial load (Total Coliform Count and Total Bacterial Count) and the presence of fecal coliforms such as E. coli from the same participants (n=384). Participants from whom water was collected were also relied upon to collect information using a questionnaire. The two approaches were employed in order to link the laboratory outcome to contamination risk factors. Cleaning of data for any errors was carried and later exported to STATA V.17 (STATA Corporation, TX, and USA) for analysis. Research clearance to conduct this study was sought from Rusangu University Ethics.
This study investigates the effectiveness of generative AI-prompting instruction for teaching skimming and scanning strategies to 410 EFL learners across four provinces of Pakistan. Using a convergent mixed-methods design, the research examines learners' perceptions of AI-mediated strategy instruction, prompting behaviors, metacognitive strategy use, and the perceived transfer of AI-supported skills to unassisted reading tasks. Quantitative data were collected through a 25-item Likert-scale questionnaire, while qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with 41 participants.
Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant positive relationships among all key variables, with the strongest association between prompting behaviors and metacognitive strategy use (r = .68, p < .01). Structural equation modeling demonstrated that metacognitive strategy use fully mediated the relationship between prompting behaviors and perceived transfer (indirect β = .36, p < .001) and partially mediated the relationship between prompting behaviors and learner autonomy (indirect β = .26, p < .01). Learners perceived generative AI-prompting instruction as effective for developing reading strategies (M = 4.18, SD = 0.64), with high engagement (M = 4.28, SD = 0.55) and perceived skill improvement (M = 4.14, SD = 0.68). Four prompting behavior patterns emerged: iterative refining, hierarchical questioning, verification seeking, and metacognitive monitoring. Although learners reported moderate-to-high transfer of AI-supported skills to independent tasks (M = 3.88, SD = 0.72), autonomy without AI remained moderate (M = 3.46, SD = 0.79).
The study contributes an evidence-based framework for integrating generative AI into EFL reading instruction and highlights the importance of structured scaffolding to promote learner autonomy across diverse educational contexts.
L’objectif de cet article consiste à analyser les effets de l’innovation financière et la demande de la monnaie par le modèle économétrique qui est le modèle ARDL. Cette étude comporte trois parties. Il ressort de cet article que le modèle ARDL à court terme, il est démontré que l’innovation financière a une influence sur la demande de monnaie en RDC et à long terme, cette influence est non significatif, dont la raison peut être dû au processus de son intégration, mais toutefois, son influence positive indique donc une fois bien assis, il pourrait potentiellement stimuler la demande de la monnaie, suite à l’inclusion financière de la population non bancarisée. Il est montré que les seuls déterminants sont l’inflation ainsi que le taux de change qui a des effets sur la demande de monnaie, que cela soit à court tout comme à long terme, d’où, l’innovation financière ne les supplante pas, mais au contraire interagit avec ces derniers.
ABSTRACT
The integration of wearable technologies, particularly virtual reality (VR), into instructional practices represents a transformative shift in higher education. This study explored the roles of VR in enhancing knowledge acquisition and creativity among undergraduate students in Nigerian universities. Guided by Experiential Learning Theory, the research adopted a quasi‑experimental design involving 300‑level students at Lagos State University (experimental group) and Lagos State University of Education (control group). The experimental group received VR‑based instruction using wearable headsets, while the control group was taught through conventional lecture methods. Data were collected using the Instructional Knowledge Test (IKT, r = .84) and Creativity in Learning Assessment (CLA, r = .78). Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) revealed significant effects of VR instruction on knowledge (F(1, 58) = 24.12, p < .05, η² = .28) and creativity (F(1, 58) = 49.87, p < .05, η² = .45). Access to wearable devices also influenced outcomes, with moderate effect sizes. The findings underscore the potential of VR to democratize experiential learning, foster creativity, and address infrastructural challenges in Nigerian higher education. Recommendations include curriculum integration, educator training, and investment in digital infrastructure.
KEYWORDS: Industrial Revolution, Technological Innovations, Virtual Reality, Wearable Technologies
Large Language Models are now used by many software teams to write and improve software requirements. This is useful because requirements can be drafted very quickly. However, LLM generated requirements can also include ambiguity, missing details, duplicate statements, vacuous wording, and contradictions. These problems can become serious when different stakeholders such as business users, legal teams, security teams, and UX teams have different goals. A fully manual review is slow, while heavy formal methods are difficult to apply in normal agile projects.
This study proposes a practical validation approach that combines lightweight formal checks, structured human-in-the-loop review, and evidence from real application feedback. The work uses a requirement dataset with 353 structured requirements from university-related application areas, together with public benchmark datasets for functional and non-functional requirement analysis. The analysis notebook applies text preprocessing, lemmatization, similarity metrics, TF-IDF based classification, SMOTE balancing, duplicate detection using cosine similarity, and vacuity detection using text length and generic word ratio rules.
The results show that simple machine learning baselines can support requirement quality analysis. FR/NFR classification achieved 0.8571 accuracy and 0.8529 F1-score. The Availability NFR classifier improved from 0.9360 accuracy before SMOTE to 0.9680 after SMOTE. The duplicate detection step found 1505 highly similar requirement pairs with cosine similarity above 0.95. The vacuity checks found 882 short requirements and 772 generic-word based potentially vacuous requirements. The high-priority HITL support step created a smaller review set of 175 requirements and tested usability classification using Logistic Regression, Naive Bayes, Linear SVM, and a BERT-family baseline.
Integrated development aims to harmonize economic, social, environmental and institutional dimensions to create sustainable and inclusive societies. In Mali, a country facing major challenges such as political instability, poverty and insufficient infrastructure, project management represents an essential lever to achieve these objectives._x000D_
The article explores how effective project management can catalyse integrated development. It highlights Mali’s challenges, including institutional weakness, lack of local skills and reliance on external funding. Despite this, successful examples, such as projects in agriculture, health and solar energy, show promising potential._x000D_
To maximize impacts, it is recommended to strengthen local capacities, improve coordination between actors, ensure rigorous monitoring and promote sustainability. Project management well aligned with national priorities can thus help Mali move towards resilient and inclusive development.
The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of aquaculture on socio-economic development in Rwanda. The specific objectives: to examine the impact of aquaculture practices on socio-economic development done by Kivu Choice Project in Nyamasheke district; to find out the level of socio-economic development brought by Aquaculture Kivu Choice Project in Nyamasheke district and to determine relationship between aquaculture and socio-economic development in Rwanda. This study was designed as a case study of Kivu Choice Project in Nyamasheke district using the survey method; a study was described as analysis of aquaculture on socio-economic development in Rwanda, surely the researcher can acquire knowledge regarding the research study. indicated that the respondents strongly agreed with the statement as indicated by the strong mean and heterogeneity of answers as indicated by the standard deviation where the respondents had different opinions of the statement. The impact of aquaculture on socio-economic development in Rwanda has been notably positive, contributing to poverty alleviation, food security, and employment generation. Enhance capacity building provide training and capacity-building programs for local fish farmers to improve productivity, fish quality, and business management skills and improve market access develop reliable market linkages and infrastructure to facilitate fish distribution, enabling farmers to access broader markets and increase income.
Keywords: Aquaculture, Extensive production systems, Cage aquaculture, and Socio-economic development
Hypoxaemia is a prevalent and clinically important condition linked to chronic and acute respiratory illnesses, resulting in compro-mised tissue oxygenation and heightened morbidity and death. Supplemental oxygen therapy is fundamental to management, with oxygen concentrators commonly utilised for their capacity to continually produce oxygen from ambient air. Contemporary concentra-tors employ pressure swing adsorption (PSA) technology to provide oxygen at concentrations adequate to rectify hypoxaemia.
Methods
A systematic literature review was performed following PRISMA criteria utilising the PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases. Research conducted from 2000 to 2023 was evaluated based on established inclusion and exclusion criteria. Eligible studies comprised evaluations of PSA-based oxygen concentrators in adult patients with hypoxaemia, reporting clinically significant out-comes including oxygen saturation (SpO₂), arterial oxygen tension (PaO₂), and functional status. The extracted data were classified as equivalent device evidence, benchmark device evidence, and contemporary literature.
Results
The results substantiate the notion that PSA-based oxygen concentrators represent a technologically and clinically uniform category of devices. The therapeutic impact is predominantly influenced by the concentration and flow rate of supplied oxygen rather than the unique properties of the device. The evaluated device's high-flow capacity (up to 10 L/min) improves its utility in patients with ele-vated oxygen requirements.
Conclusion
The existing literature indicates that the device is deemed safe and effective for supplemental oxygen therapy in adult patients with hypoxaemia. These results endorse its clinical assessment in compliance with EU MDR regulations.
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Artificial Intelligence has influenced a number of industries and has seamlessly integrated into older technologies and industries. One of such industries is the space and satellite technology sector, this integration has provided an enhanced advantage to players of this industry (state and non-state players). Inadvertently, this crates a gap between nation states as to the capabilities of their agencies and industries in space research and exploration.
The paper examines the role of AI in space technology especially on whether it can integrate onto the satellite and spacecraft onboard computing system. Furthermore, the integration of AI capabilities in ground stations and how it passive and analyse data collected by satellites and space stations.
The paper also attempts to draw a distinguishing functionality and capabilities factors of various space programs of developed and developing nations and influencing variables. Factors such as availability of technology, expertise and funding play influential roles as to developing nations approach space research and how they rely on the functionality of systems in orbit for their commercial, economic, security and sovereignty survival.
The paper concludes in offering recommendations to nation players in the quest for space reliance for a more secured and functional global regions.
Adolescent are a third part of the total world population, with many of these young people. This people form the fulcrum of the human resources due to their energy, ideals and fresh perspectives to issue, and they are very vulnerable because they are open to trying out new ideas. Due to excessive energy in the adolescents, there is need for them to channel this energy into something, hence they form sexual behaviour.
A descriptive study was conducted, with systematic random sampling method employed and 120 questionnaires were administered in four different schools at the rate of 40 questionnaires each per school.
The result of the finding was as follows 34.1% of the respondents gained knowledge about sexual education from Teachers, 20% from parents; 72.% of the respondents are knowledgeable about sexual education; 88.3% of the respondents had positive attitude towards sexual education. The paper further revealed that there is a significant relationship between the respondents level of knowledge and attitude about sexual education (X2= 5.92, df=2 P≤0.052).
Therefore, government should incorporate sexual education into the school curricular from primary to secondary school; health personnel should develop awareness, have accurate information on sexuality, identify and accept their own sexual values, behaviours and that of the others to be effective and comfortable in publicizing information about sexual education; parents needed to be educated about sexuality and sexual education; parents should create parent-children cordial relationship.
This study investigates public awareness and perception of waste management practices in Port Harcourt metropolis using the mixed methods approach. A household survey of 400 respondents across Port Harcourt metropolis was complemented by 15 stakeholder interviews with municipal officials, community leaders and health practitioners. Quantitative data were analysed using chi-square tests to establish associations between participation and outcomes, while qualitative insights provided contextual understanding of drivers and barriers. The results showed that 68% of households reported participating in organised clean-ups, yet only 32% practiced regular waste segregation. Awareness of basic disposal rules was high (74%) but awareness of recycling and sustainable practices was limited (29%). Key barriers included inadequate infrastructure (61%), irregular municipal collection (54%), and affordability constraints (47%). Communities with higher participation recorded 40% fewer blocked drains and 35% lower incidence of vector infestations compared to low participation areas. Chi-square analysis confirmed statistically significant associations between participation and improved environmental cleanliness (χ2 = 18.6, p < 0.01) and public health outcomes (χ2 = 21.3, p < 0.01). The study concludes that household participation is necessary but insufficient on its own to achieve sustainable waste management outcomes. The study recommends scaling up awareness campaigns, formalising coordination among RIWAMA, NESREA and the Ministry of Environment. This research aligns with SDGs 3, 6, 11 and 12 showing that local interventions contribute to immediate urban health improvements and to broader global sustainability goals as well as improved awareness and public perception of waste stream impacts.
Promotion is a fundamental human resource management practice that serves as a mechanism for motivating employees, recognizing performance, and enhancing organizational commitment. Within law enforcement institutions, fair and timely promotion policies are expected to reinforce discipline, professionalism, and ethical conduct among personnel. However, perceived delays, irregularities, and lack of transparency in promotion processes may generate dissatisfaction, low morale, and workplace indiscipline among police officers. This study examines the impact of promotion policies on workplace discipline among police officers in the Rivers State Command of the Nigeria Police Force. Specifically, the study explores the relationship between promotion practices and officers' adherence to organizational rules, ethical standards, and professional conduct. It further investigates how promotion policies influence motivation, commitment, and disciplinary behaviour within the command. The study adopts a descriptive survey research design and is anchored on organizational motivation and equity principles, which suggest that employees' perceptions of fairness significantly influence their workplace behaviour. Findings are expected to demonstrate that equitable and merit-based promotion policies contribute positively to workplace discipline by improving morale, reducing misconduct, and fostering organizational loyalty. Conversely, inconsistent or politically influenced promotion practices may encourage frustration, absenteeism, insubordination, corruption, and other forms of workplace indiscipline. The study concludes that effective promotion policies constitute an important management strategy for strengthening discipline, professionalism, and operational effectiveness within the Nigeria Police Force. It recommends transparent promotion procedures, objective performance evaluation systems, and regular career advancement opportunities to improve discipline and organizational performance in the Rivers State Police Command.
Keywords: Promotion Policy, Workplace Discipline, Police Officers, Organizational Behaviour, Motivation, Rivers State Command.
RÉSUME
Tous les pays du monde, utilisent deux principaux instruments dont, la politique
monétaire et budgétaire dans la conduite de leur politique économique. Le premier instrument
est manipulé par la Banque Centrale et les autorités monétaires, et le second est du ressort du
Gouvernement.
Fort de la volonté politique du Gouvernement de moderniser la gestion des
finances publiques, avec la création du comité d’orientation de la réforme des finances
publiques (COREF), ayant la responsabilité d’impulser, de faciliter, de coordonner et de
suivre l’exécution des réformes des finances publiques au sein des ministères et organismes
chargés de leur mise en œuvre. La RDC s’est dotée de la LOFIP, qui consacre, en matière de
gestion budgétaire, la budgétisation fondée sur une logique de résultats au moyen de budget
programme et la déconcentration de l’ordonnancement pour assurer la bonne gouvernance et
accroitre la productivité nationale, assurer une croissance pro-pauvre afin d’atteindre les
objectifs des politiques publiques.
In stating whether it is advisable and possible for a public administrator to avoid the influence of politics, there are many political scientists of the opinion that it is not possible and it is not advisable for anybody not only the public administrator to be aloof from politics. But from the classicalist theory, such a possibility is advisable for public administrators. The objective of this article therefore, is to investigate if such a separation is necessary. When Aristotle, an ancient Greek philosopher states that man is a political animal, he means that man by nature cannot and should not stay aloof from politics no matter the profession. Paul Appleby in “Government is Different” argues that political involvement in administration by public administrators is good because it serves as checks to bureaucratic power and we know that bureaucracy is the life wire of administration. But in the classical theory championed by W. Wilson and F. Goodnow, there should be total and complete separation. Separating politics from public administration will ensure a better dispensation of public goods and services. Guided by the principle of neutral competence separation sets in a clear well defined structured division of authority between elected officials and appointed officials the study concludes that it is possible, advisable and recommended but at the same time a certain complementarity, apolitical and neutral competence is suggested especially for developing communities. The separation of powers is endorsed for better dispensation of public good and services.
This study investigated the antimicrobial efficacy of soursop (Annona muricata) plant extract against selected pathogenic bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The extract was prepared using ethanolic extraction methods. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of Flavonoids, Alkaloids, Tannins, Glycosides and Acetogenins. Antimicrobial tests, including the disc diffusion method, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), were employed. The extract demonstrated antimicrobial activity against all tested organisms. Both MIC and MBC were determined for all isolates, indicating strong inhibitory and bactericidal effects at 0.25mL. These results suggest that A. muricata plant extract has promising potential as a natural antimicrobial agent. Further studies are recommended to isolate active constituents, evaluate safety and explore its clinical application.
Keywords: Antimicrobial efficacy, Annona muricata, Drug resistance, Minimum Bactericidal Concentration, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration, Phytochemical screening.
This study examines the socio-economic determinants of fruit street vending among adolescent girls in the city of Bumba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as the use of the income generated from this activity. In a context characterized by persistent poverty, unemployment, and the expansion of the informal sector, many adolescent girls engage in street vending to meet their personal needs and, in some cases, contribute to household expenses. The research adopts a descriptive quantitative approach. Data were collected through face-to-face questionnaires administered to a final sample of 260 adolescent girls aged between 11 and 18 years from the communes of Lokole, Monama, and Budza.
The findings indicate that all respondents engage in fruit vending primarily to obtain personal income. The earnings are mainly used to finance school-related expenses, clothing, personal hygiene products, and other essential needs. However, this activity also exposes adolescent girls to several risks, including school dropout, gender-based violence, harassment, and economic exploitation. The study concludes that fruit street vending represents both an economic survival strategy and a source of social vulnerability. It recommends strengthening social protection policies, supporting vulnerable households, improving school retention, and promoting the economic empowerment of adolescent girls.
Abstract
Purpose This study aims to highlight the significance of French language proficiency for sustainable tourism development on Savannakhet Province. It explores the impact of enhancing French language skills among professionals in the tourism sector and local residents. Methodology The study utilizes a quantitative research approach, with a close-ended survey shared with 27 professionals in the tourism industry on the island.". Results/Findings Results of the study revealed that tourist guides place great importance on mastering the French language in developing tourism on Savannakhet Province, M= 4.14. Furthermore, the results showed a high level of recognition among tourist guides that improving French proficiency could lead to economic opportunities for the local population and contribute to the growth of the tourism sector in Savannakhet , M= 4.05. Implications. The results emphasize the urgent need to enhance French language skills to promote positive interactions between tourists and locals, provide economic opportunities for residents, and contribute to sustainable development in the tourism industry on Savannakhet Province. This study contributes to the existing literature by emphasizing the strategic importance of French language proficiency for sustainable tourism development on Savannakhet Province.
Keywords: French language; Importance; Savannakhet Province; Tourism sector
Cette étude analyse l’influence de la gestion du crédit sur la survie des petites et moyennes entreprises (PME) en République démocratique du Congo, à partir d’une enquête menée auprès de 300 PME de la ville de Kinshasa. Les données ont été collectées par questionnaire et analysées à l’aide des statistiques descriptives, de la corrélation de Pearson et d’une régression linéaire multiple estimée par la méthode des moindres carrés ordinaires (MCO). Les résultats montrent que la gestion du crédit exerce un effet positif et statistiquement significatif sur la survie des PME. Plus précisément, une utilisation efficiente des ressources empruntées, un suivi rigoureux des remboursements et une bonne maîtrise de l’endettement contribuent à renforcer la pérennité des entreprises. Ces résultats confirment les prédictions des théories mobilisées et mettent en évidence que la qualité de la gestion du crédit constitue un levier plus déterminant que le simple accès au financement. L’étude recommande ainsi de renforcer les capacités des dirigeants en gestion financière et d’améliorer l’accompagnement des PME par les établissements financiers afin de favoriser leur développement durable.
ABSTRACT:
ARCELYN S. KAURAK.
2025. “Childcare Management Challenges and Support Needs of Working Mothers in Maasim, Sarangani Province.” Thesis. Enthusiastic College, Inc., Upper Dinganen, Buldon, Maguindanao. 73pp.
Adviser: MARLON A. MAGLANTAY, Ed.D.
This study examined the childcare management challenges and support needs of working mothers in Maasim, Sarangani Province. It specifically aimed to determine the demographic profile of the respondents, assess the level of childcare challenges experienced, evaluate the availability of support systems, and test the relationships between demographic factors, childcare challenges, and support systems. A descriptive-quantitative research design was employed, utilizing a structured survey questionnaire administered to 50 working mothers selected through convenience sampling. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Pearson correlation, and regression
analysis.
Findings revealed that most respondents were young to early middle-aged mothers, predominantly earning low to moderate income and engaged in formal employment. The majority had multiple children and relied heavily on paid babysitters or informal childcare arrangements. The level of childcare management practices was moderate, indicating that mothers occasionally apply structured strategies in managing work and childcare responsibilities. However, the level of childcare challenges was high, particularly in balancing work and family duties, managing time constraints, and experiencing stress and unexpected childcare demands. Meanwhile, the availability of support systems from family, community, and workplace sources was only moderate, suggesting that existing support is insufficient to fully address the needs of working mothers.
Statistical analysis further revealed significant relationships between the demographic profile of working mothers and the childcare challenges they experience. Likewise, a significant relationship was found between childcare challenges and the availability of support systems. Regression analysis showed
that both childcare management practices and childcare challenges significantly predict the perceived need for a daycare center program, with challenges emerging as the strongest predictor. The model explained a substantial portion of the variance, indicating that these variables meaningfully influence mothers’ perceptions of childcare support needs.
Based on these findings, the study concludes that working mothers in Maasim experience considerable childcare burdens influenced by socioeconomic factors and limited support systems. The results highlight the urgent need for strengthened, accessible, and affordable daycare services, as well as improved community and workplace support structures to help working mothers effectively
balance employment and family responsibilities.
Keywords: Working mothers; childcare management; childcare challenges; support systems; daycare services
Abstract
The implementation of a computer application for managing information on vessels and shipowners at the maritime office represents a comprehensive technological solution designed to optimize administration, monitoring, and decision-making in the maritime context. This system aims to replace manual and paper-based processes, providing greater efficiency, accuracy, and agility in the management of data related to vessels, their owners (shipowners), port operations, and regulatory compliance. The implementation of this application serves as a crucial strategic tool for modernizing port management, promoting greater control, transparency, and safety in maritime operations, and contributing to logistical efficiency and the strengthening of oversight and regulation in the maritime sector.
Cardiometabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), obesity, metabolic syndrome, and ischemic heart disease (IHD) are characterized by the complex interaction of chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and myocardial injury. Numerous biomarkers have been studied individually, but the biological significance of the progressive loss of endogenous protective biomarkers has not been well investigated. This narrative review introduces the Protective Biomarker Failure (PBF) hypothesis as a comprehensive mechanistic model to elucidate the development of cardiometabolic disease through the dysregulation of pathogenic and protective biomarkers. Evidence Synthesis: Evidence was synthesized from two independent master's projects and published literature. The first study assessed inflammatory biomarkers associated with IL-6 signaling, namely soluble glycoprotein 130 (sgp130) and ADAM17, in subjects with T2DM. The second study measured oxidative stress and cardiac injury biomarkers, including total antioxidant capacity (TAC), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), in patients with ischemic heart disease. The proposed hypothesis was supported by the critical integration of published evidence on inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, HDL functionality and cardiac biomarkers. Conclusion: The PBF model developed suggests that progression of cardiometabolic disease is driven by both activation of inflammatory pathways that promote pathology and progressive loss of endogenous protective biomarkers like sgp130, TAC and functional HDL. This imbalance leads to chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, and myocardial injury. The PBF hypothesis provides a new conceptual framework that can improve biomarker interpretation, enable earlier risk stratification, and facilitate the development of personalized therapies in cardiometabolic disease.
The Tagoloan Valley in Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Philippines, was phenomenologically revisited. As classified and identified during the ethnographic and anecdotal recording, the barangays of Casinglot, Natumolan, Santa Ana, Rosario, and Mohon were identified as barangays with valleys. Four of these areas were identified as valleys in Tuburan, Mala-iba, Bugna, Kilablab, Maribojoc, and Rosario. Findings revealed that the valley contributed to the fertility of the soil, access to water, and forested terrain supported agricultural activities. Challenges such as poor infrastructure, geographic isolation, and environmental risks like flooding and erosion limited the potential for development. Residents relied on traditional and adaptive practices, including the use of animals and motorcycles (habal-habal) for transporting goods. Connecting land and community shaped residents’ decision to remain in the valleys to sustain their socioeconomic conditions.
ABSTRACT
This study which used a mixed method of research, determined the level of research awareness and research competency of public secondary school teachers of Ilocos Sur in conducting a research study that served as a basis for conducting a research capability training program.
The respondents of the study were 318 Public Secondary Teachers of Ilocos Sur, 12 participants in the interview, five expert validators, and 23 participants in the training.
The study revealed that the respondents were moderately aware about research processes, and had a poor level of competency. On the other hand, the training design is highly valid with a validity index of 0.829. Also, awareness level of the respondents has a weak positive correlation with their research competency level. Extended text from the qualitative data provided four themes, and the level of research competency before and after the training has a Z value of 4.172 (p-value of <.001), which means that the Research Capability Training Program is effective.
Keywords: Research Capability Training Program, Research Awareness, Research Competency
Introduction : la rougeole est une maladie extrêmement contagieuse et responsable des complications dans 20 à 30 % mais évitable par la vaccination. En 2021, le district sanitaire de Kignan avait une couverture de 84,2%. L’objectif était d’étudier les facteurs associés à la faible couverture vaccinale en VAR1 chez les enfants de 12-23 mois. Méthodes : Il s’agit d’une étude transversale analytique qui s’était déroulée dans le district sanitaire de Kignan de juin à octobre 2022. L’échantillonnage en grappe de l’OMS a été utilisé. L’analyse bivariée a été faite pour rechercher une association entre les facteurs et la faible couverture vaccinale en VAR1. Résultats : un total de 210 parents d’enfants de 12-23 mois ont été interviewés. L’insuffisance de connaissance de l’âge du VAR1 (OR=24,88 ; p=0,00001), des maladies ciblent du PEV (OR=2,68 ; p=0,02), le temps d’attente (OR=4,51 ; p=0,002), le temps de réalisation de la SA (OR=5,51 ; p=0,0004) et l’information non reçu (OR=6,86 ; p=0,006) étaient des facteurs associés à la fable couverture en VAR1. Conclusion : Au regard des résultats enregistrés, certes des interventions ont été menées pour l’amélioration des indicateurs du PEV, mais des efforts doivent être renforcés dans la communication interpersonnel et le respect du principe d’un village par jour et par séance de vaccination en stratégie avancée.
Mots clés : Facteurs associés, faible couverture vaccinale, Kignan, Sikasso, Décembre 2022
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