Peer-reviewed international research papers published open-access with EOI assignment and global indexing across engineering, computer science, environmental science, social sciences, and more.
Peanut butter is a nutrient-dense product whose safety and acceptability can be influenced by the
source of groundnuts and by processing hygiene. This study evaluated the microbial quality and
sensory acceptability of peanut butter produced from three local groundnut market types: Solar,
Kampala, and White. The samples were sorted, roasted, blanched, milled, packaged separately, and
evaluated by standard culture-based methods. Total bacterial count (TBC), total coliform count
(TCC), and total fungal count (TFC) were determined, while representative isolates were
characterized using cultural, microscopic, Gram-stain, and biochemical tests. Sensory evaluation
was conducted with 10 panelists using a nine-point hedonic scale. TBC values were 7.3 × 10³, 8.2 ×
10³, and 6.5 × 10³ CFU/g for Solar, Kampala, and White samples, respectively. TFC values were
6.3 × 10³, 5.8 × 10³, and 2.9 × 10³ CFU/g, respectively. Coliforms were not detected in Solar or
Kampala samples but were enumerated at 1.9 × 10³ CFU/g in the White sample. Presumptive
isolates included Staphylococcus spp. and Bacillus cereus in Solar, Bacillus cereus in Kampala, and
Salmonella-like and Bacillus cereus isolates in White; Aspergillus-like fungi were observed in all
samples. Kampala had the highest overall mean sensory score (7.20 ± 1.43), closely followed by
Solar (7.22 ± 1.35), whereas White was least preferred (4.00 ± 2.13). The occurrence of coliforms
and presumptive food-safety-relevant organisms indicates the need for improved sanitation,
confirmatory identification, and mycotoxin testing before commercial distribution.
Keywords: peanut butter, groundnut, sensory evaluation, microbial quality, food safety, Aspergillus Spp.
Peanut butter is a nutrient-dense product whose safety and acceptability can be influenced by the
source of groundnuts and by processing hygiene. This study evaluated the microbial quality and
sensory acceptability of peanut butter produced from three local groundnut market types: Solar,
Kampala, and White. The samples were sorted, roasted, blanched, milled, packaged separately, and
evaluated by standard culture-based methods. Total bacterial count (TBC), total coliform count
(TCC), and total fungal count (TFC) were determined, while representative isolates were
characterized using cultural, microscopic, Gram-stain, and biochemical tests. Sensory evaluation
was conducted with 10 panelists using a nine-point hedonic scale. TBC values were 7.3 × 10³, 8.2 ×
10³, and 6.5 × 10³ CFU/g for Solar, Kampala, and White samples, respectively. TFC values were
6.3 × 10³, 5.8 × 10³, and 2.9 × 10³ CFU/g, respectively. Coliforms were not detected in Solar or
Kampala samples but were enumerated at 1.9 × 10³ CFU/g in the White sample. Presumptive
isolates included Staphylococcus spp. and Bacillus cereus in Solar, Bacillus cereus in Kampala, and
Salmonella-like and Bacillus cereus isolates in White; Aspergillus-like fungi were observed in all
samples. Kampala had the highest overall mean sensory score (7.20 ± 1.43), closely followed by
Solar (7.22 ± 1.35), whereas White was least preferred (4.00 ± 2.13). The occurrence of coliforms
and presumptive food-safety-relevant organisms indicates the need for improved sanitation,
confirmatory identification, and mycotoxin testing before commercial distribution.
Keywords: peanut butter, groundnut, sensory evaluation, microbial quality, food safety, Aspergillus Spp.
A revisit to the lived experiences of small farmers in using modern farm equipment in Barangay Rosario, Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Philippines. Using the phenomenological technique, ten (10) participants were purposively selected, observed, and interviewed to understand their lived experiences in terms of farm productivity, crop performance, and challenges encountered. Thematic analysis revealed three key themes: (1) improved farm efficiency; (2) better crop growth; and (3) short-term effectiveness of the machine. Findings revealed that modern equipment helped farmers finish tasks faster and reduce manual labor, leading to increased productivity. However, the machine was short-lived due to an unfavorable environment; the topography is stony and hazardous during agricultural preparation for agriculture farming.
Kenya’s deposit-taking Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs) face worsening loan portfolios, with non-performing loans reaching 8.3% in 2023, above the 5% prudential benchmark. This study assessed how credit risk management affects loan portfolio quality across licensed deposit-taking SACCOs, focusing on loan appraisal, loan monitoring, credit risk diversification, and loan loss provisioning. Using an explanatory cross-sectional design, the study targeted all 176 licensed SACCOs through a census of credit managers, risk officers, and senior loan officers. A structured five-point Likert-scale questionnaire produced 148 valid responses, equivalent to an 84.1% response rate. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression, following reliability, normality, multicollinearity, and homoscedasticity tests. Results showed significant positive relationships between portfolio quality and loan appraisal (r = .756), loan monitoring (r = .723), credit risk diversification (r = .698), and loan loss provisioning (r = .781). The regression model was statistically significant, F(4, 143) = 108.925, p < .001, explaining 75.2% of variation in portfolio quality (R² = .752; adjusted R² = .745). Loan loss provisioning had the strongest effect (β = .421), followed by loan appraisal (β = .389), loan monitoring (β = .337), and diversification (β = .282). The study concludes that stronger appraisal, proactive monitoring, diversified lending, and disciplined provisioning improve portfolio quality. It recommends standardized credit scoring, early-warning and borrower follow-up systems, formal concentration limits, geographic and sector diversification, prudent provisioning, and stronger write-off management to reduce defaults and strengthen the sector’s long-term financial resilience.
ABSTRACT
Soil-water interaction drives contaminant dynamics in shallow aquifer systems, and in densely populated urban settlements this process directly threatens the safety of groundwater drawn from hand-dug wells. This study investigated heavy metal transport between soil and groundwater in five selected hand-dug wells within Ajegunle Community, Ojokoro Local Council Development Area, Lagos State, Nigeria. Paired soil and water samples were collected from each site and analysed for cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and cobalt (Co) by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS), alongside physicochemical parameters including pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, temperature, total hardness, salinity, and alkalinity using standard methods. Results were evaluated against WHO (2022) and SON (2015) drinking water quality standards. Pearson correlation coefficients between paired soil and water samples ranged from r = 0.92 to r = 0.96, confirming active contaminant leaching from soil to groundwater across all five sites. Cadmium concentrations exceeded the WHO permissible limit of 0.003 mg/L in all water samples; the highest recorded value, 0.235 ppm in Sample 1W, is approximately 78 times the safe limit. All water samples were acidic (pH 5.35 to 6.18), below the WHO recommended range of 6.5 to 8.5, a condition that enhances heavy metal mobility and bioavailability. Electrical conductivity, turbidity, total hardness, and salinity remained within acceptable limits. The findings confirm that soil contamination is the primary driver of groundwater quality deterioration in the study area and that inadequate well construction, proximity to waste disposal sites, and acidic groundwater conditions compound this risk. Integrated soil-groundwater monitoring, improved well protection, remediation of contaminated soils, and prioritised access to piped water are urgently recommended.
The study revisited the cultural beliefs and practices surrounding traditional herbal medicine among elderly individuals in Barangay Lunocan, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, Mindanao, Philippines. Using a phenomenological [lived experience], ethnological [cultural divide], and anecdotal [recorded] technique, ten participants aged 65 to 85 years old and above were selected. Data gathered through in-depth observation and interviews conducted in Cebuano, Bisaya, and IPs dialects were analyzed thematically. Findings revealed that elderly participants had rich experiential understanding of herbal remedies, preparation techniques, healing practices, words from the mouth, the gift, geolocation, and the non-availability of healthcare facilities. Thus, traditional herbal medicine, such as guava, oregano, sambong, and lagnum/kadlum, was commonly prepared by boiling, soaking, crushing, and direct application to address common health concerns. Cultural beliefs, ancestral teachings, experiential effectiveness, accessibility, and affordability influenced participants’ reliance on traditional medicine. Elderly individuals in the study serve as important keepers and transmitters of indigenous healthcare knowledge through continuous practice and intergenerational teaching on traditional herbal medicine.
Fuel adulteration and inconsistent quality control remain persistent challenges in Nigeria’s petroleum downstream sector, particularly in the North-East region where market surveillance is comparatively limited. This study evaluated five physicochemical parameters acid value, specific gravity, flash point, pour point, and sulphur content of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Premium Diesel Kerosene (PDK), and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) samples obtained from a filling station in Maiduguri, Borno State, and compared the results with the standard specifications of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC). Specific gravity, flash point, and sulphur content of PDK conformed fully to specification. PMS conformed on specific gravity (0.74) and sulphur content (0.010 %) but recorded a flash point (24 °C) marginally below the 25 °C minimum. AGO met the flash point requirement (58 °C) but exceeded the specific gravity limit (0.85 against a maximum of 0.845) and, most critically, contained sulphur at 0.025 %, approximately five times the 0.005 % regulatory ceiling. Acid value and pour point could not be benchmarked against explicit DPR/NNPC limits but followed the expected trend of increasing values across PMS, PDK, and AGO. These findings indicate that AGO sold within the Maiduguri metropolis carries a substantial quality risk arising from elevated sulphur content, consistent with the use of high-sulphur crude fractions, inadequate desulphurisation, or downstream contamination. Routine, independent quality monitoring of diesel supplied to the North-East region is recommended to safeguard consumers, engines, and air quality.
Background & Purpose: High school students are major consumers of Online Food Delivery (OFD) services, yet their green purchase behaviors and associated carbon footprints remain understudied. Extending the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this study examines the determinants of Green Purchase Intention (GPI) and its direct effect on monthly CO2 emissions (CFmonthly) among urban high schoolers in Vietnam.
Methodology: A survey of N=408 high school students in Hanoi (n=204) and Ho Chi Minh City (n=204) was analyzed using Cronbach’s alpha, EFA, and multiple regression. Lifecycle emission factors were applied to calculate individual monthly CO2 output, and Independent Samples t-tests compared cross-regional differences (H5).
Findings: All TPB constructs significantly predicted GPI (R2=0.542), with Perceived Behavioral Control (PBC) having the strongest impact (=0.395), followed by Environmental Awareness (=0.328) and Subjective Norms (=0.194). Both GPI (=-0.341) and PBC (=-0.182) significantly reduced monthly carbon output (R2=0.228). The average student generates 6.69kgCO2e/month, with last-mile transport contributing 72.80% and packaging 27.20%. HCMC students reported higher GPI (3.65 vs. 3.42,p=0.002) and lower emissions (6.26kg vs. 7.12kgCO2e,p<0.001) than Hanoi peers.
Implications: Default app architecture (e.g., automatic cutlery opt-out UI) and operational ease drive green decisions more effectively than awareness alone. Actionable strategies are recommended for platforms (GrabFood, ShopeeFood), schools, and policymakers.
For the Power Stability Evaluation of Pipeline Rumuokwurusi area in Port Harcourt, the Fast Decoupled Load Flow Method(FDLFM) analysis was used in order to determine the steady state operational values of the existing line, which help to identify the over loaded 0.415KV for future planning, expansion and if possible upgrade of the network of the line. The Total Current(I), Secondary volt Amps (SVA), Loading Percentage (% loading), Active Power in Watts (P), The Reactive Power (Q) and the Complex Power (S) of the each of the distribution transformer on the network were calculated. The research is done to show the electrical load flow in Pipeline, Rumuokwurusi as well as improving the voltage profiling of the network which is caused by the extreme losses along the branches of the feeder network. To actualize this, a detailed field survey was carried out to obtain relevant information for the modeling of the network, such as; single line diagram of power distribution network, total number of power rating of distribution transformer and phase reading of each of the distribution transformers from Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company(PHEDC) of Pipeline, Rumuokwurusi Feeder and was modeled and simulated in Electrical Transient and Analysis Program(ETAP 19.0.1) software, after which th Fast Decoupled Load Flow Method (FDLFM) was used to analyse the network. Series compensation was the optimization technique employed to improve or boost up the voltage profile of the network. From the simulation results, the active and reactive power injected into the network were 5.764MW and 4.34MVar respectively. Thhe introducation of the optimization techniques which is precisely placement of shunt capacitors near load end to correct the power factor of the network (from 0.8 to 0.95) gave rise to 5.798MW and 1.973MVar improvement in real and reactive power respectively. The active and reactive total loss across the branches of the network wre also improved to 79.6MW and 194.9MVar respectively. This means that for the same power injected into the network, more real power load can be accommodated.
The Electric Load Evaluation in Life Camp Area of Abuja is a research done to provide adequate information for future planning, expansion and upgrade of the network of the line. The research is done to evaluate the electrical load flow in Life Camp Area, as well as improving the voltage profile of the network. Life Camp 33KV feeder was analysed to tackle the problem of low voltage experienced, which is caused by the extreme losses along the branches of the feeder network. To actualize this, a detailed field survey was carried out to obtain relevant information for the modeling of the network. Life Camp 33KV feeder was modeled and simulated in ETAP 19.0.1 software, after which the Fast Decoupled Load Flow Method (FDLFM) was used to analyse the network, thereby obtaining the steady state operational values of the existing line. Series compensation was the optimization technique employed to improve or boost up the voltage profile of the network. Results from simulation showed that the total apparent, real and reactive power losses from the network before the installation of the fixed capacitor connected in series with the line were approximately 19MVA, 5.41MW and 18.22Mvar respectively. The percentage drop in voltage of the nominal voltage of the line was 31.12%, accounting for the reduction in the operating voltage of the line. However, after the installation of the series compensation which was calculated to be 0.0032Mvar, the 33KV feeder network was improved. The percentage voltage drop in the nominal voltage was reduced to 16.93%. The total apparent, active and reactive power losses were then improved to 12.76MVA, 4.52MW and 11.94Mvar respectively.
Atherosclerosis is a progressive cardiovascular disease characterized by the accumulation
of lipid-rich plaques within arterial walls, leading to arterial narrowing and reduced blood
perfusion. Renal dysfunction is one of the major complications associated with atherosclerosis because the kidneys require an adequate blood supply to maintain normal filtration and
physiological homeostasis. This paper develops a mathematical model describing the relationship between arterial stenosis and kidney failure by coupling fluid mechanics principles
with conservation laws. Bernoulli’s principle is employed to establish the inverse relationship
between blood pressure and blood velocity, while viscous effects are incorporated through
diffusion terms to account for blood viscosity. The governing equation is formulated as a
nonlinear partial differential equation describing the temporal evolution of blood velocity
in a stenosed artery. The derived model demonstrates that increasing arterial constriction
increases blood velocity while simultaneously reducing pressure, thereby decreasing renal
perfusion and contributing to kidney dysfunction. The proposed mathematical framework
provides a theoretical basis for subsequent numerical simulations and may serve as a predictive tool for investigating cardiovascular-renal interactions
Background & Purpose: High school students are major consumers of Online Food Delivery (OFD) services, yet their green purchase behaviors and associated carbon footprints remain understudied. Extending the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this study examines the determinants of Green Purchase Intention (GPI) and its direct effect on monthly CO2 emissions (CFmonthly) among urban high schoolers in Vietnam.
Methodology: A survey of N=408 high school students in Hanoi (n=204) and Ho Chi Minh City (n=204) was analyzed using Cronbach’s alpha, EFA, and multiple regression. Lifecycle emission factors were applied to calculate individual monthly CO2 output, and Independent Samples t-tests compared cross-regional differences (H5).
Findings: All TPB constructs significantly predicted GPI (R2=0.542), with Perceived Behavioral Control (PBC) having the strongest impact (=0.395), followed by Environmental Awareness (=0.328) and Subjective Norms (=0.194). Both GPI (=-0.341) and PBC (=-0.182) significantly reduced monthly carbon output (R2=0.228). The average student generates 6.69kgCO2e/month, with last-mile transport contributing 72.80% and packaging 27.20%. HCMC students reported higher GPI (3.65 vs. 3.42,p=0.002) and lower emissions (6.26kg vs. 7.12kgCO2e,p<0.001) than Hanoi peers.
Implications: Default app architecture (e.g., automatic cutlery opt-out UI) and operational ease drive green decisions more effectively than awareness alone. Actionable strategies are recommended for platforms (GrabFood, ShopeeFood), schools, and policymakers.
The coronavirus pandemic made it practically impossible for physical classes to take place in 2020 but thanks to virtual classes which came to our rescue. This study investigated the perceived challenges of virtual classes on students’ academic performance in Ilorin metropolis of Kwara state. The study used descriptive survey method. The population of the study comprised all the 367 academic staff of the selected secondary schools in Ilorin metropolis where 122 SSS3 teachers were purposively selected. Questionnaire and proforma were used to garner the needed data, where the questionnaire was validated and reliability coefficient of 0.71 was stablished using the split-half method. _x000D_
The study revealed amongst others poor or no autonomous/compulsory reading, difficulty in supervision, copying among the students, power/battery issues, absence online, and technical issues. The study then recommended amongst others that school administrators, government and all stakeholders in education should help to reduce digital divide and that students should learn with the growing or evolving technology. _x000D_
Keywords: perceived-challenges; virtual classes; academic performance; secondary schools_x000D_
Preferred Theme: Education in the new normal era
Tropical freshwater environments experience significant seasonal dynamics, influenced by climatic variation and human impacts. Surface water and sediment samples were collected from 8:00hrs-12:00hrs across five designated stations for both dry and wet seasons. Sediment was collected using a Van Veen grab, sieved, and sorted, and benthic organisms preserved in 5% formalin. A multiple-Pen water quality tester was used for Physiochemical parameters, ion chromatograph (NH4) was used for nutrients analysis, COD was analysed using Dichromate method while BOD and DO, the Winkler method. Statistical evaluation measured extreme physicochemical fluctuations, including high alkalinity for dry season (pH up to 14.8) and thermal stress (38.2°C), which contrasted sharply with wet season. There is a strong negative correlation between pH and EC (-0.90) and TDS (-0.78), and a strong positive correlation between TDS and EC (0.81). Sediment analysis revealed significant nutrient loads from decomposing wood waste, with dry season peaks in nitrogen (0.84%) and phosphorus (6.21 mg/kg), alongside critical oxygen depletion (DO, 3.38 mg/L). The Mollusca community comprised of 1phylum, 1Class, 1Order, 2Families, 2Genera, 3Species. There is a complete absence of mollusks at Stations A and E indicated profoundly degraded habitats. Only three species with distinct pollution tolerances were identified at other stations; the sensitive Paludomus neritoides appeared exclusively in the dry season, while the tolerant Pachymelania aurita and Pachymelania fusca dominated the wet season. Statistical analysis confirmed strong positive and negative correlations between organic pollution parameters and benthic community degradation, these results demonstrate that microbial mediation of wood waste decomposition creates a feedback loop of seasonal pollution, validating mollusks as vital bio-indicators of water quality. The study recommends immediate waste management interventions and continuous monitoring of this vital fresh water ecosystem.
Keywords: Wood-waste, Benthic-fauna, Pollution, Tropical Ecosystem, Sediment, Monitoring.
The Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholor’s directive and subsequent establishment of a Special Court in the Capital City of Benin-City to fast track trials for cultism, Kidnapping and related offences has received commendations as well as criticisms from the civil society. Those who are against it suggest that a hasty trial will cause unfair trial for the accused persons. Miscarriages of justice which may arise as a result of hasty trial of suspects will be damaging to the provisions of domestic and international human rights laws. Those who give their support, though in the majority, argued that it will lower crime rates across the Edo State. This paper examines the benefits and implications of the operation the Special Criminal Court in Edo State. Qualitative and descriptive research method was adopted and secondary materials were used. Findings confirm that the Special Criminal Court 1 (SCC-I) has commenced trials of suspects with so much optimism. Deterrence theory was adopted to examine the extent to which the Special Criminal Court will deter individuals from engaging in criminal activities, especially cultism and kidnapping. As part of the administration’s SHINE policy framework, security of lives which the people so desire is the reason for the establishment of the SCC I. It is recommended among others that the government should continue to carry out its fight against crimes through constitutional means while pursuing its SHINE policy agenda as it concerns security of live and property in the state.
KEYWORDS: Edo State, Nigeria, Government, Special Court, Cultism, Kidnapping, Related Offences.
ABSTRACT
This study analyzes the determinants of the price structure of petroleum products in Kisangani, a landlocked city in the Democratic Republic of the Congo whose supply depends on long river and road corridors. The objective is to quantify the international, monetary, logistical, and fiscal factors underlying pump price formation, distinguishing short-run from long-run effects. The analysis draws on monthly series covering 2015-2025 (120 observations) for pump prices, Brent crude prices, the USD/CDF exchange rate, logistics costs, and petroleum taxation, sourced from the Central Bank of Congo and the Ministry of National Economy. The strategy relies on the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model, the bounds testing approach of Pesaran et al. (2001), and an Error Correction Model. The results establish a cointegrating relationship (F = 26.71158, above the 4.37 upper bound at the 1% level). In the long run, Brent prices (elasticity of 0.227), the exchange rate (0.086), logistics costs (0.011), and taxation (0.035) exert positive and significant effects. In the short run, only taxation is significant, while the error correction coefficient (-0.127820) indicates that 12.78% of the disequilibrium is corrected each month. These findings suggest a delayed transmission of international shocks and argue for coordinated action on logistics, monetary stability, and taxation.
Keywords: pump prices; ARDL; cointegration; exchange rate; logistics costs; petroleum taxation; Kisangani.
ABSTRACT
This study examines the relationship between the fuel price actually paid and the budgetary pressure borne by urban households in Kisangani, the capital of Tshopo Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It draws on a cross-sectional survey of 134 households allocated by quotas across six communes, with the sample size determined by Cochran’s (1977) formula. The variable of interest is the budget share devoted to energy and transportation, analyzed first through an ordinary least squares (OLS) regression with HC3 robust standard errors, and then through Logit and Probit models applied to a binary energy vulnerability indicator constructed from the third quartile of the budget share (threshold of 11.215%). The results indicate a positive and marginally significant association between the price paid and the budget share (coefficient of 0.002531; p = 0.0492), while income displays a negative but non-significant sign (p = 0.0855). This relationship proves fragile: after removing the variable related to the informal marketing channel, the price coefficient changes sign and loses all significance (p = 0.6320). The Logit and Probit models confirm the consistency of the expected signs without reaching statistical significance, with weak discriminatory power (area under the curve of 0.5985 and 0.5976). The findings suggest that rising fuel prices exert a detectable but limited budgetary pressure, without evidence of a generalized deterioration in real purchasing power.
Keywords: energy vulnerability; budget share; households; Logit; Probit; Kisangani.
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