623 Articles
Tamanna Mustary Mou
This quantitative analysis explores women's identity in television news from a feminist perspective, highlighting the challenges faced by female journalists due to gender dynamics and societal stereotypes. The research aims to identify solutions for issues like over-sexualization, gender bias, and workplace harassment, working towards a more equitable media landscape. Utilizing survey questionnaires, the study will engage media professionals to gather insights for potential reforms. It focuses on the barriers that skilled female broadcast journalists encounter in satellite TV channels (Deahl, 2017) while promoting a professional and supportive workplace atmosphere that transcends gender gaps. To conduct the research, it is essential to address the discrimination faced by broadcast journalists and propose remedies based on expert recommendations. Suggested reforms may include creating ideal regulations for television journalism to enhance accountability and reduce violence against women (UNESCO, 2015) in the industry.
Damaraju Pradeep Kumar, Dr. Siva Bali Reddy Katasani, Edluri Mahesh
India’s elderly population, projected to surge to 230 million (15% of total) by 2036, faces acute vulnerabilities amid nuclear families, migration, and rising elder abuse. This critical review dissects the normative architecture of laws, policies, and practices governing elderly rights, exposing a persistent implementation deficit that undermines constitutional promises of dignity and security. The foundational framework rests on Article 21 (Right to Life with Dignity) and Article 41 (Public Assistance in Old Age) of the Constitution. The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 (MWPSC Act) imposes a statutory duty on children and relatives to provide maintenance (Sections 4–5), establishes Maintenance Tribunals and Appellate Tribunals for summary proceedings, and, crucially, under Section 23, deems property transfers (gifts, sales, etc.) voidable if the transferee fails to furnish basic amenities, medical care, or shelter, treating such failure as fraud or undue influence. Complementary measures include the National Policy on Older Persons (1999), the National Policy for Senior Citizens (2011), the National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE), Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme, and the Senior Citizens Welfare Fund. The 2019 Amendment Bill, which sought to broaden definitions of “Children” and “Parents”, remove maintenance ceilings, mandate police nodal officers, and establish care homes, lapsed without enactment, reflecting legislative inertia. Critically, the MWPSC Act’s welfare intent is diluted by structural infirmities: chronic delays in tribunals, abysmal rural awareness, inadequate old-age homes (far below one-per-district mandate), weak inter-ministerial coordination, and judicial overload. Elder neglect—financial, emotional, and physical—thrives in urbanising India, while property disputes reveal entrenched filial entitlement and patriarchal property norms. Schemes remain fragmented, underfunded, and urban-biased, failing to address geriatric healthcare, digital exclusion, or long-term care. Judicial activism has partially bridged these gaps through purposive, liberal construction. In Urmila Dixit v. Sunil Sharan Dixit (2025 INSC 20), the Supreme Court (Karol & Ravikumar, JJ.) annulled a 2019 gift deed despite an implicit (not express) maintenance condition evidenced by a contemporaneous promissory note, affirming tribunals’ power to declare transfers void, order eviction, and restore possession. The Court mandated a beneficial, non-technical interpretation to advance the Act’s object. Reinforcing this, Kamalakant Mishra v. Additional Collector (2025 SCC OnLine SC 2077, Nath & Mehta, JJ.) upheld eviction of a financially independent son from two Mumbai properties after he denied his 80- and 78-year-old parents re-entry. The Court corrected the Bombay High Court’s erroneous senior-citizen presumption and reiterated that tribunals possess inherent authority to evict for breach of statutory obligations, construing the Act liberally as welfare legislation. These decisions uphold the broad remedial competence of tribunals, but they also draw attention to inconsistencies: certain High Court opinions warn against compulsory eviction in cases where maintenance is provided without harassment (Samtola Devi, 2025). This discrepancy emphasizes the necessity of Supreme Court rules, mandated deadlines, tribunal capacity-building, and digital file integration. In conclusion, structural flaws such as enforcement deficiencies, policy obsolescence, and the sociocultural deterioration of filial obligation continue to put older people in precarious situations, even if the MWPSC Act and court interventions represent positive progress. In order to convert legal rights into lived dignity, immediate reforms are required, including the adoption of a new comprehensive policy, national awareness campaigns, specialized geriatric infrastructure, and strict monitoring. Only then will India be able to fulfil its moral and constitutional obligations to its elderly population.
Ines V. Danao, Jonah C. Sagayoc
Houseparents provide essential daily care, emotional support, and stability to children separated from families in Philippine residential care facilities. Their multifaceted role—combining parental guidance, advocacy, and trauma-informed care—directly shapes children's psychosocial development and the well-being of children in these institutional centers. While existing literature often focuses on the challenges of residential care, the internal meaning-making processes and self-determination of houseparents in the Philippine context are rarely explored. This phenomenological research explored the lived experiences of five seasoned houseparents in a Residential Care Facility in Bukidnon, Philippines, focusing on emotional labor demands, institutional support, satisfaction of psychological needs, and meaning-making processes, examined through Self-Determination Theory and Logotherapy. Purposive sampling was used, data gathered through three semi-structured interviews per participant (60-90 minutes each) guided by Seidman’s three interview protocol. The data analysis was performed through the use of Colaizzi's seven-step phenomenological approach and HyperRESEARCH software, with member checking, reflexivity, and ethical compliance applied to ensure trustworthiness. The findings revealed four themes: (1)“Biological, Social, Spiritual Adaptation”, reflecting how houseparents adjust to their demanding job. (2)“Rewards Of Caregiving”, highlighting the emotional benefits and sense of purpose; (3) “Sustaining Well-being Practice”, describing coping mechanisms and institutional supports that prevent burnout; and (4) “Transformation” wherein houseparents come to see their work not merely as a job but as a ministry, where caring becomes an expression of compassion, and service to a higher purpose, often rooted in faith. Recommendations of the study include specific resiliency training, improved institutional support policies, and culturally competent interventions in order to decrease burnout and improve the quality of care.
Clark Anthony S. Maglaque, Erl Francis M. Samson, Kenneth Rhey G. Hipolito, Lawrence Dominique B. Tan, Maria Lorena S.P. Villena
The researchers investigate the possible impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) towards the skill retention of third-year students in Bulacan State University Main Campus. The researchers utilized online survey questionnaires application to ensure proper dissemination and a steadfast response from the students, Google Forms was used to efficiently collect data from third-year Computer Engineering students. The questionnaire was disseminated through an online messaging app where the respondents can easily open and access the survey form, the researchers gathered a total of ninety two (92) responses from the third-year computer engineering students. Five-point likert scale was adopted to weigh in the respondents’ response towards the questionnaire provided. Through the data gathered from the respondents, researchers were able to collect relevant information and analyze data in order to draw conclusions. The result of the survey exhibits a neutral result in their skill retention towards problem-solving and programming logic, suggesting that their AI usage has no significant effect in recalling basic programming logics and problem solving skills despite a large number of responses indicating that they do not have the capability of solving engineering problems without the help of AI tools during the process of problem-solving and having a difficulty in coding and debugging programming code without the help of AI tools. Above all, these results imply that students were able to maintain their problem solving abilities and programming logic skills amidst the growing popularity and a threatening advancements of AI, while those who depend most in AI tend to lose fundamental engineering skills.
Asya Azhar, K Kalai Mathi Kernagaran
This article offers an in-depth critical evaluation of case study research methodologies as applied within educational inquiry, with a primary focus on English Language Teaching (ELT) and the evolution of learner agency. By contrasting two distinct scholarly works, specifically the 2017 study by Jerome and Samuel regarding the "cognitive-behavioral gap" in novice educators and Skupeňová’s 2023 longitudinal analysis of metacognitive growth, this paper interrogates the methodological integrity and ontological assumptions underpinning the "intrinsic case study" framework. Central to this critique is the argument that the perceived weakness of the case study approach, which is a lack of statistical generalizability, is actually its greatest asset in providing "thick description." Such qualitative depth allows for the mapping of nuanced, situational classroom realities that traditional quantitative metrics typically fail to capture. Through a systematic synthesis of data collection techniques, participant selection logic, and the ethical nuances present in both studies, this article constructs a professional roadmap for researchers in the field. Key themes explored include the necessity of robust data triangulation, the complexities of managing researcher-participant power imbalances, and the transition from static observation toward narrative-driven inquiry. Ultimately, the synthesis calls for a hybrid methodological stance. This stance must be capable of capturing both the immediate, visible snapshots of pedagogical practice and the gradual, internal trajectory of student self-regulation.
Joshua Olugbenga Fatogun
This research work empirically explored a comparative study on understanding forensic accounting and auditing compared to traditional accounting and auditing. The objectives of this study were to compare forensic audits with regular accounting and auditing techniques, analyse forensic accountants' responsibilities, analyse forensic accountants' anticipated knowledge and abilities, identify opportunities for forensic accountants and the organization’s that assist them will be discussed. The scope of the study is South Yorkshire, England, the white collar theory and fraud triangle theory was used as framework, the population targeted for this study consists of students and employees in both the forensic services industry and the conventional services industry, a total of 20 students and employees in both the forensic services industry and the conventional services industry was used as sample size. Instrument used for this study is the interview. Data collected were collected from primary sources. From the analysis of the data, the findings revealed that there is significant difference between forensic accounting and auditing and traditional accounting and auditing, it further confirms that forensic accounting and auditing is very analytical and meticulous such that it is capable of detecting and preventing fraud. Following the findings, it was recommended that forensic accounting is different from traditional accounting because forensic accounting is more analytical and as such should be utilized in various institutions, forensic accounting and auditing is very useful in preventing fraud in various sectors; therefore, public and private sector should make use of forensic activities in curbing fraud and corruption. The study reliably concludes that embracing forensic accounting and making use of them in the public and private sector, businesses and banks will thrive more and help curb fraudulent activities.
Wing-cheung TANG
Work Connectivity Behavior After-Hours (WCBA) has become a prominent feature of the modern digital work environment, substantially reshaping how employees engage with their job responsibilities beyond standard hours. This article offers an extensive overview of the academic literature on WCBA, integrating studies from 2014 to 2025 to elucidate its theoretical underpinnings, empirical findings, and practical consequences. The analysis highlights four principal theoretical approaches (Conservation of Resources Theory, the Job Demands-Resources Model, Boundary Theory, and the Effort-Recovery Model) each providing unique perspectives on the impacts of after-hours connectivity on employees. The evidence suggests that WCBA presents a paradox: it may improve perceived job control and flexibility but also risks exhausting self-regulatory capacities, hindering psychological detachment, and fostering emotional exhaustion, burnout, and intentions to leave. Important moderating factors include individual characteristics such as core self-evaluations, personality traits, and segmentation preferences, alongside contextual elements like job complexity, social support, and organizational norms. Interventions designed to restrict after-hours connectivity, such as right-to-disconnect policies, seem to achieve only modest success unless accompanied by modifications in organizational culture and management practices. The review ends by pointing out important gaps in the research, such as unanswered questions about causality, cross-cultural applicability, technological nuances, and the effectiveness of interventions. It also suggests areas for future research.
Adam Shukry, Nisrin Ishak, Nor Azura Mohamed
Digitalization holds significant potential for transforming business processes, yet organizations frequently face challenges in identifying optimal areas for technological implementation. This study responds to this critical need by developing and validating a structured decision-support framework designed to systematically evaluate and prioritize digitalization opportunities, with specific application to the orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) industry. Grounded in Business Process Reengineering (BPR) principles, the proposed framework comprises three integrated components: (1) Diagnostic Assessment of current operations, (2) Multi-Criteria Evaluation Matrix for scoring digital intervention opportunities, and (3) Strategic Decision Pathway that recommends manual, hybrid, or full digital adoption strategies. The framework incorporates a comprehensive evaluation system examining three critical dimensions: (1) quality outcomes, (2) time efficiency, and (3) cost-effectiveness, enabling organizations to assess their digital readiness and prioritize workflow transformations. A distinctive feature of this approach is its practical decision tree model and weighted scoring system, which facilitate customized strategy development ranging from manual process optimization to full digital workflow adoption. Through a rigorous mixed-methods methodology incorporating literature synthesis, expert consultations, and case study validation in Malaysian O&P clinics, this research makes significant contributions to both theory and practice. The study delivers an evidence-based decision-making tool that effectively bridges the gap between theoretical digitalization models and real-world healthcare manufacturing implementation. By aligning technology adoption with organizational capabilities and strategic objectives, this framework empowers small and medium enterprises to make informed investment decisions, effectively manage transition risks, and optimize the impact of their digitalization initiatives.
Faidzulaini Muhammad, Zulkiffly Baharom
This article critically reviews literature on the relationship between board diversity and corporate financial sustainability (CFS) in global markets. A systematic search of the Scopus database resulted in 119 peer-reviewed articles published between 2020 and 2025. The review develops a comprehensive conceptual framework consisting of five independent variables (board gender diversity, board cultural diversity, board independence, board skills, and board tenure), three mediators (ESG performance, carbon emissions performance, and sustainability reporting), three moderators (firm size, industry sensitivity, and national culture), and four control variables (firm leverage, profitability, ownership structure, and firm age). The synthesis shows that while board diversity generally has a positive effect on CFS through improved ESG outcomes, this relationship depends on reaching a critical mass of female directors and is significantly influenced by contextual factors. The review critically assesses the main theoretical foundations, agency, resource dependence, stakeholder, and critical mass theories, and highlights ongoing methodological limitations, especially the predominance of quantitative archival research that treats boardroom dynamics as a black box. The findings suggest that translating diversity into better financial sustainability is neither automatic nor consistent, but rather relies on a complex interaction between internal governance structures and external institutional environments. The article concludes by proposing a future research agenda that emphasizes methodological diversification, the investigation of intersecting dimensions of diversity, and an increased focus on under-researched geographical regions.
Madu Andrew, Odoemene Ijeoma, Oladimeji S.A, Udochukwu Nwoduh
As global supply chains become increasingly complex, traditional systems face challenges in ensuring efficiency, transparency, and innovation. Blockchain technology has emerged as a transformative force in addressing these issues, offering a decentralized and secure framework for supply chain management. This paper presents a critical review of the impact of automating blockchain with supply chains, focusing on its potential to enhance efficiency, transparency, and foster innovation. The efficiency gains facilitated by blockchain in supply chain management are examined through the elimination of intermediaries, reduction of paperwork, and real-time visibility into the entire process. These improvements result in streamlined operations, reduced costs, and enhanced responsiveness to market dynamics. Moreover, blockchain’s decentralized nature ensures data integrity, mitigating the risk of fraud and errors in the supply chain. Blockchain provides an immutable and transparent ledger that enables end-to-end visibility. The technology ensures traceability and accountability, allowing stakeholders to access real-time information about the origin, movement, and status of products. The paper highlights case studies and pilot projects where blockchain has been successfully applied to drive innovation in supply chain processes. Challenges and considerations related to the implementation of blockchain in supply chain management are also discussed, including interoperability, scalability, and regulatory issues. It concludes by outlining future research directions and emphasizing the need for industry-wide collaboration to unlock the full potential of blockchain in revolutionizing supply chain management. Overall, this review contributes to the understanding of how blockchain can serve as a catalyst for efficiency, transparency, and innovation in contemporary supply chains management.
Ayokunle A Akinmoladun, Bamidele Adewumi, Julius ozomaro, Olutope Adeniyi Adewole, Onosemuode O Moses, Osunkoya O Oyewole, Rabiu O Olumide, Wemimo Iyetunde Omoniyi
This study presents a critical review of street renaming and renumbering exercises in Lagos, Nigeria, interrogating their effectiveness as tools for promoting history and culture. It addresses the problem of contentious, top-down renaming initiatives, such as the 2024-2025 changes in Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Bariga, and Eti-Osa, which have sparked accusations of ethnic erasure and highlighted a lack of public consultation. The research aims to critically analyze these practices through the theoretical lenses of critical toponymy, postcolonial theory, and collective memory. A qualitative methodology, employing documentary analysis of government gazettes, content analysis of media reports, and critical discourse analysis of public commentary, was used to examine historical policy shifts, selection criteria, public reception, and administrative challenges. The findings reveal a significant policy shift toward ethnically exclusive commemoration, with approximately 62% of recent renamings honoring Yoruba figures, often at the direct expense of non-Yoruba, particularly Igbo, toponymic heritage. This has generated intense public resistance, fractured urban memory, and exposed severe administrative implementation gaps. The study concludes that current practices are ineffective and counterproductive for fostering inclusive historical consciousness. It recommends a fundamental reconceptualization toward a participatory and additive model, involving multi-stakeholder committees, dual signage acknowledging toponymic layers, and a digital public history archive.
Isa Halim, Madihah Maharof, Mariam Md Ghazaly, Norafizah Abas, Nurdiana Nordin, Tew Pei Er, Zulkeflee Abdullah
Parkinson Disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative problem in Malaysia that has a severe influence on the quality of life, and its cost to the healthcare system is also a great burden to the national healthcare. With the increase in the number of the aging population, the conventional clinical diagnostic systems, including the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), have key implementation obstacles. These are high cost of specialized equipment, localization of neurologists in major towns, and the economic burden of patients having to attend hospitals frequently in rural or underserved areas. This feasibility study helps fill these socio-technical gaps by introducing a cost-efficient IoT-based tremor monitoring prototype that would be specific to the Malaysian healthcare setting. Its platform consists of an ESP32 microcontroller and MPU6050 inertial sensor that are able to record high-precision real-time hand tremor data. With the use of Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and Euclidean distance algorithms, the device identifies important tremor features and predicts severity of the disease directly in line with the standards of the UPDRS. Initial testing at the prototype level demonstrates a technical accuracy of 80%, indicating a good screening instrument that can fill the gap between home-based monitoring and clinical intervention. In addition to technical performance, the innovation is concerned with healthcare equity and social inclusion. With the help of a low-cost architecture, the system is providing a scalable solution to the families who cannot afford costly diagnosis options. Its small and easy to use structure gives patients and caregivers the ability to be proactive in their health management and helps them to find the diagnosis earlier and to maintain care. This study has shown that engineering innovation can be a critical resource to social welfare, which can help decrease the overall economic cost of Malaysian population health in the long run and provide the most developed neurodegenerative monitoring a luxury that can be a standard of care provided to everyone. This work establishes the technical foundation for future clinical trials to validate the device in a real-world patient environment.
Amanda Fe H. Abelardo, Batis, Glen Justine P, Castro, Christian Joeffrey B, Moran, Allysa Mae D, Pastor Jr., Jerry R
A rise in Urbanisation has vastly increased the number of environmental issues related to urban living, including, most significantly, Noise Pollution, which is now seen as a major Public Health Threat to the residents of contemporary urban centres. Numerous studies have shown that rapid urbanisation can contribute significantly to Mental Health Issues caused by individuals living in highly dense environments with sensory overload (Trivedi et al. 2008), whereby long-term exposure to high-intensity urban soundscapes is not simply a nuisance; but rather, has now become a major health risk for individuals leading to increases in Sleep Disorders, Impaired Cognitive Function and Cardiovascular Disease (Clark and Paunovic 2018). Therefore, to address these and related urban issues, accurate Noise Mapping and Continuous Environmental Monitoring are now critical to Modern Health Management and Urban Planning.
Joshua Olugbenga Fatogun
The problem of online romance fraud, prominently orchestrated by Nigerian “Yahoo Boys,” poses a major global cybercrime challenge. So, this study examines Nigerian romance fraud networks, existing detection methods, and proposes an integrated cyber-intelligence and forensic accounting framework. This research is grounded in Cressey’s Fraud Triangle and Space Transition Theory. Guided by interpretivism philosophy and employing case study strategy, qualitative and quantitative data were collected from case files, reports, and academic studies with a total of 10 key sources. Content analysis of these sources yields themes around scammer profiles, operational methods, and enforcement gaps. Key findings show that Yahoo Boys are predominantly young Nigerian men running transnational, highly organised scams which targets U.S. victims, that blend romance deception with crypto investment fraud. Existing cyber-security and financial forensics tools are applied piecemeal, and it reveals critical gaps such as; siloed agencies, weak data fusion. Also, this study proposed a six-part cybersecurity-driven forensic accounting model; OSINT monitoring; device/SIM tracking; transaction analysis; data fusion; AI risk scoring; and strengthened EFCC–Interpol enforcement. In conclusion, Nigeria has a major role to play in the global romance fraud, and it is recommended that the country integrate intelligence-forensics strategies, upgrade EFCC labs, and implement legal reforms so as to improve scam detection and prosecution.
Flory Ann Mansor Gingging, Hu Yujing
Ethnomusicology is widely recognized as an interdisciplinary field that examines music as a cultural practice embedded within social, historical, and political contexts. Despite increasing interest among postgraduate students, many emerging researchers encounter difficulties in understanding how ethnomusicological research is conducted in practice, particularly with regard to integrating musical analysis with ethnographic inquiry and navigating the ethical and methodological complexities of fieldwork. This article presents a concise methodological guide designed to support postgraduate students undertaking ethnomusicological research. Drawing upon scholarship in qualitative research, ethnography, and music studies, the paper outlines key stages in the research process, including topic formulation, research question development, methodological design, field engagement, documentation, data analysis, and scholarly dissemination. Particular attention is given to reflexivity, researcher positionality, and ethical engagement with communities, which are essential considerations in culturally embedded research. In addition, the paper highlights common methodological and practical challenges encountered by novice researchers and proposes strategies for addressing these challenges within field-based inquiry. By synthesizing theoretical insights with practical guidance, the article aims to provide postgraduate researchers with a structured framework for conducting ethnomusicological studies while contributing to broader discussions on interdisciplinary research methodologies in music scholarship.
Amily Fikry, Khamisah Abdul Manaf, Mariam Setapa, Noorita bt Mohammad, Norhusniyati Husin
Enhancing students’ competencies has become an important objective in higher education institutions. Universities are increasingly expected to produce graduates who possess critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. This study examines the implementation of innovative learning approach in the Innovation course at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). The course integrates problem-based learning and experiential learning approaches through several innovation-based assignments, including video creation and product development projects. These activities encourage students to identify real-world problems, analyse consumer needs, and develop innovative solutions. The findings indicate that the implemented approach enhance students’ competencies in creativity, collaboration, and problem solving. In addition, the learning approach has encouraged students to participate in innovation competitions, where several groups have achieved notable recognition. The study highlights the importance of innovative teaching approach in supporting competency development among university students.
Jess Mar D. Ramirez, Rosalia T. Gabronino
The rapid digital transformation has increased rivalry in the banking industry, posing significant challenges in customer acquisition and retention. To flourish in a fiercely competitive environment, banks must maintain strong customer relationships and adapt to ever-changing demands while leveraging intelligent digital technologies. The primary aim of this study is to create and validate context-specific scales that assess electronic customer relationship management (e-CRM). The study used sequential exploratory mixed-methods techniques which began with conducting in-depth interviews of six (6) clients and six (6) bank personnel. Insights from these interviews guided the development of 82 item statements capturing the different attributes behind e-CRM. Next, Exploratory Factor Analysis was performed on an adequate sample size (n=410), showing the framework of six factors: Smart Service Accessibility, Dependable Banking Experience, User Access Assurance, Secure System Performance, Convenient Digital Engagement, and Easy-Access Account Management. Furthermore, the final model exhibits strong fit indices, based on Confirmatory Factor Analysis (n=300), indicating the robustness of two-factor structure and has good convergent validity. Overall, the results confirmed the made scale is psychometrically valid and successfully measures the effectiveness of e-CRM. The evaluated instrument is a useful resource for researchers, scholars, and educators who want to understand the features of e-CRM in banking institutions. Moreover, this research helps achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by prioritizing digital revolution, efficient customer management, and innovation in financial services. Future studies scholars may expand the geographical scope beyond a single region to validate the framework’s applicability across varied cultural and economic landscapes. There is also a critical need to investigate how these e-CRM dimensions influence long-term user loyalty and satisfaction, moving beyond structural validation toward examining behavioral outcomes.
Abrancillo, Niña Jane V, Cabaluna, Diane S, Mamolo, Shaine Mae M
This qualitative research explored the challenges and coping strategies of fisherfolk breadwinners in Langtad, Argao, Cebu, using the Photovoice method anchored on the Stress and Coping Theory and Ecological Systems Theory. Utilizing purposive sampling, four fisherfolk breadwinners participated by capturing photographs that depicted their daily challenges and coping strategies. Guided by the SHOWED framework, their narratives were analyzed using Tsang’s Analytical Framework to extract recurring themes and patterns from both visual and verbal data. Findings revealed that fisherfolk breadwinners face multifaceted challenges across four major themes: resource, seasonal, livelihood, and economic challenges. These adversities often lead to food insecurity, emotional distress, and reliance on informal lending systems such as “5-6”. Despite these challenges, participants demonstrated resilience through three coping strategies: emotional escape, livelihood diversification, and socio-economic coping. The study concludes that fisherfolk breadwinners’ capacity for adaptation and solidarity reflects deep cultural resilience and commitment to family welfare. It recommends the implementation of community-based programs that promote mental health literacy and stress management, productive coping, peer support and reflection, livelihood and well-being integration, and family resilience to strengthen the sustainability and well-being of small-scale fisherfolk communities.
Gabriel Kwame Ankrah, Gladys Kan-nobanaan Sombonah
This study investigates the use of person deixis in President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s 2017 inaugural address within a pragmatic framework. The study aims to identify, quantify, and interpret how deictic expressions—particularly personal pronouns—are used to construct political identity, express ideological stance, and engage the audience. Drawing on Levinson’s (1983) theory of deixis, the research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative frequency analysis with qualitative interpretation of contextual usage. The findings reveal that first-person plural deixis (we, our, us) is the most dominant, accounting for 60.6% of all deictic references, followed by third-person (17%), first-person singular (15.1%), and second-person (7.4%) forms. This distribution indicates a strong preference for collective framing, with the president positioning governance as a shared national responsibility. The alternation between I and we reflect a pragmatic balance between personal accountability and inclusive leadership, while second-person forms (you, your) enhance direct audience engagement. Third-person deixis functions to differentiate the current administration from past regimes, thereby reinforcing ideological positioning and historical continuity. The study concludes that person deixis in political discourse is both a quantifiable linguistic feature and a powerful rhetorical resource, used to construct solidarity, legitimacy, and national vision. Beyond the Ghanaian context, the findings highlight the broader significance of deixis in shaping political rhetoric in emerging democracies. The study therefore recommends comparative analyses of presidential discourse in Ghana and other African contexts to further illuminate how deictic strategies evolve across political regimes and communicative settings.
Mastura Mahfar, Nursyawalina Sulong
This study examines career readiness and career interest in STEM among Form Four STEM-stream students in Johor, Malaysia, in response to increasing demand for a technologically skilled workforce. Despite the strategic importance of this group, empirical evidence focusing specifically on students already enrolled in the STEM stream remains limited. This preliminary study aimed to describe the levels and distribution patterns of career readiness and career interest in STEM, and to assess the feasibility of a larger inferential study. A quantitative descriptive survey design was employed involving 350 students from national secondary schools. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics, including means, standard deviations, frequencies, and percentages. The findings indicate that career readiness was relatively high overall (M = 3.63, SD = .80), with most students classified at the high level (65.7%), followed by moderate (32.0%) and low levels (2.3%). In contrast, career interest in STEM was at a moderate level overall (M = 2.17, SD = .52), with the majority of students classified at the moderate (58.0%) and low levels (37.4%), and only a small proportion at the high level (4.6%). These findings suggest that although students appear generally prepared to plan their future pathways, readiness is not uniformly strong and interest in STEM careers remains limited. The study provides baseline evidence for future research and underscores the importance of strengthening career guidance and expanding exposure to diverse STEM pathways during secondary education.
Vincent Kibet
The detection of industrial defect systems is usually challenging when dealing with non-stationary production processes, as they are faced with constantly changing lighting, material characteristics, and defect patterns. The standard Convolutional Neural Network (CNN)-based systems are unable to cope with such changes in distribution without retraining and manually re-labelling of the data. This study presented a self-evolving machine vision framework, which used transformers to adapt to changes in the environment based on continuous meta-learning and uncertainty-based pseudo-labelling. This was also integrated with six basic components, including a backbone of Vision Transformer (ViT) that learned multi-scale features. The adaptable memory module included episodic defect pattern storage, a distribution shift detector based on Maximum Mean Discrepancy (MMD), a meta-learning engine based on the Model-Agnostic Meta-Learning (MAML) algorithm, a self-supervised evolution mechanism coupled with confidence-driven sample selection, and an uncertainty quantification module that uses Monte Carlo Dropout. The proposed framework had a high precision of 94.7% when used in 10 labelled samples on three industrial datasets (steel surface defects, semiconductor wafer inspection, and textile fabric anomaly) with 8.3%-12.6% over the state-of-the-art mechanisms. Even in extreme lighting conditions (96.2%), the system was also able to adapt to new defects within 45 minutes without interrupting the production line. The architecture was 47 times faster in false-positive than ResNet-50, and at 42 FPS on edge devices, meaning that it will be possible to deploy in industry in real time. The self-improving mechanism enabled continuous improvement since 89.4% of pseudo-labels attained a confidence level of more than 95%, illustrating that it does not require constant human supervision.
Ahmad Adnin Husin, Issraq Ramli, Mohammad Fadzeli Jaafar, Zaharom Ridzwan
Translation in general is an activity of information transfer from a source language to a target language such as from Arabic into the Malay language. During the transfer process, usually occurs a shift in translation between the language systems of the source and target texts. In relation to this, a research was conducted to examine the structure of imperative verbs in the translation of the Qur’an into the Malay language. Surah an-Nisa’, the fourth chapter of the Qur’an was used as the research data. Based on the observation, 82 imperative verbs have been found in this chapter. This comparative analysis between Malay and Arabic grammar refers to the Malay Imperative Verbs by Asmah Haji Omar (2009) and Imperative Category in Arabic by Yasin Jasim al-Muhaimid (2001). The analysis shows that the translation of imperatives causes two types of shifts. The first is the original form of imperative verbs in Arabic, such as additional inflections and particles. An example is, ‘Dan berikanlah kepada wanita-wanita itu mahar mereka sebagai pemberian yang wajib’ (S004A019). The verb ‘beri’ (to give) is a translation from the word ‘أتى’ in Arabic, where there occurs the additional of particle -lah in the translation. The second shift is the change of imperative verb class in Arabic into Malay, for example, ‘Maka hendaklah kamu adakan saksi-saksi mereka’(S004A006). The word ‘استشهد’ originally is a verb to mean ‘mempersaksi’ (to witness) but the translation has shifted to a noun (witnesses). This shows that in certain cases, the translation of the Qur’an does not abide the grammatical system of the source text language; instead, it is influenced by the target text language grammatical system.
Samith S Herath
The rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the expansion of digital visual culture are fundamentally reshaping the creative labor market, creating an urgent need for redefined career guidance (CG) frameworks tailored to digital art students. This study addresses a critical structural mismatch between traditional arts education historically focused on aesthetic sensibility and manual craftsmanship and contemporary industry demands for hybrid competencies, including computational thinking, digital fluency, and technological collaboration. This gap is further intensified by the limitations of conventional digital job platforms, which inadequately support the portfolio-based and freelance nature of creative work, thereby constraining Job Search Efficacy (JSE). Adopting a narrative review approach, this study synthesizes interdisciplinary literature to examine the transformation of creative skills in the AI era, identify key determinants of JSE (personal, social, and technological), and evaluate emerging career guidance models. The findings indicate that JSE is shaped by the interaction of self-efficacy, social support systems, and adaptive digital literacy, yet existing frameworks remain insufficiently aligned with the realities of creative labor markets. The study contributes by integrating AI driven skill transformation, career guidance, and employability into a unified conceptual perspective specific to digital art education. It argues that effective CG must transition toward a proactive, technology-integrated model that embeds AI literacy, ethical critique, and personalized systems such as the Career and Educational Guidance System (CEGS), alongside context-specific digital training. Such transformation is essential for developing adaptive and critically engaged creative professionals in the AI-driven economy
Mr. Renee B. Cagas
Employee retention remains a persistent challenge in higher education institutions due to competitive employment environments, leadership dynamics, and evolving workplace expectations. This study examined the structural relationships among workplace spirituality, employee engagement, organizational ethics, and ethical leadership in predicting employee retention among faculty members in selected higher education institutions in Cagayan de Oro City. A quantitative research design utilizing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to analyze the relationships among the variables. Data were collected from 400 faculty members selected through stratified random sampling from three higher education institutions.
Capuso, Minnie N., Gonzales, Jovan Lloyd V., Tisuela, Bel Patrice T., Villariez, Rose Marie A.
This chapter includes the introduction, theoretical framework, statement of the problem, hypothesis, scope and limitation, significance of the study, and the definition of terms used. Introduction The teaching and learning process is a fundamental aspect of education and plays a significant role in human development. It involves continuous interaction between teachers and learners through the exchange of knowledge, skills, and experiences. One approach that supports this process is collaborative learning (CL), which refers to teaching strategies that encourage students to work together in small groups toward a common goal (Le et al., 2018). As explained by Ismail et al. (2018), collaborative learning promotes shared responsibility, where learners are not only responsible for their own learning but also contribute to the progress of their peers. In the Philippine educational setting, collaborative learning is reinforced by existing policies and standards. DepEd Memorandum No. 8, s. 2023, under the Results-Based Performance Management System–Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers (RPMS-PPST), highlights the importance of using teaching strategies that address both individual and group learning needs. Teachers are expected to promote active participation, cooperation, and collaboration in the classroom to enhance student performance. Supporting this, studies have shown that student engagement is positively associated with collaborative learning (Vega-Abarzúa et al., 2022). In addition, Pahomov (2018) emphasized that collaboration not only strengthens peer relationships but also improves the overall quality of students’ work. Despite these benefits, there is still limited research that clearly explains how teachers’ use of collaborative learning strategies influences the development of leadership skills among junior high school students. While previous studies have discussed collaborative learning in general, fewer studies have focused on its direct connection to leadership development, especially within the context of public secondary schools in Tanauan. This indicates a gap that needs to be explored further. Leadership skills such as teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving are essential for students as they prepare for future challenges. These skills are often developed through meaningful interactions and shared responsibilities, which are key elements of collaborative learning. However, the extent to which these classroom strategies contribute to leadership development remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to examine the relationship between teachers’ collaborative learning strategies and the leadership skills of junior high school students in selected public secondary schools in Tanauan. The results of this study are expected to provide insights that may help teachers enhance their instructional practices and support the development of students’ leadership abilities. In addition, this research contributes to broader educational goals that emphasize quality education and the development of essential life skills.
Allwin D. J., K. Srinivasan, M. Praveen Moorthi, Vyo Makesh Ramkumar
Gold has historically been the most preferred investment asset in India, driven by cultural traditions, wealth preservation, and financial security. In recent years, digital gold has emerged as a modern alternative to physical gold investment, allowing investors to purchase, sell, and store gold electronically through online platforms and mobile applications. The rapid growth of fintech platforms, the UPI ecosystem, and increasing smartphone penetration have significantly contributed to the adoption of digital gold. This study examines the key factors that influence investors to shift from physical gold to digital gold in India. The research focuses on convenience, affordability, security, accessibility, liquidity, technological adoption, and investor awareness as primary drivers of this transition. By analysing consumer responses and investment behaviour, the study aims to understand how digital platforms are transforming traditional gold investment practices. The study also explores investor perceptions regarding the advantages and limitations of digital gold investment and evaluates the relationship between digital awareness and the intention to invest in digital gold. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for fintech companies, financial institutions, and policymakers in developing better frameworks for digital gold investment.
Dong Zhihao
The undergraduate thesis serves as a core component of talent cultivation in English Teacher Education programs, comprehensively reflecting students’ language application competence, academic research literacy, and innovative thinking capabilities. Its quality directly mirrors the effectiveness of talent cultivation and the maturity of professional development in higher education institutions. Taking 268 and 254 undergraduate theses from the 2020 and 2021 cohorts of English Teacher Education major at Hubei Normal University as research objects, this study systematically investigates the current quality status and existing deficiencies of such theses through quantitative analysis of indicators including curriculum objective achievement, thesis grade distribution, and research topic type proportions, complemented by qualitative research methods. The findings indicate that the overall quality of undergraduate theses in English Teacher Education major is satisfactory; however, inadequacies persist in students’ mastery of academic norms, the depth of theoretical application, and the innovation of research methodologies. Drawing on Total Quality Management Theory and Human-Oriented Management Theory, targeted improvement strategies are proposed from four dimensions—students, teachers, curriculum, and institutional systems—providing practical implications for optimizing the quality of undergraduate theses in English Teacher Education major and enhancing the standard of professional talent cultivation.
Bekithemba Ngwenya, Benjamin Mambende, Charity Soda, Ephraim Dera, Nmatirai Faith Butsa, Risk Matiya
Student well-being plays a key role in academic success and personal growth, but it has not been widely studied in Zimbabwean tertiary institutions. This paper presents results from a survey of several colleges in Zimbabwe on mental health, social connections, academic satisfaction, and financial stability. The study uses both quantitative surveys and qualitative focus group discussions. Findings show that students face major challenges like financial stress, limited mental health resources, and academic pressure, but also benefit from peer support and involvement with their institutions. The paper ends with recommendations for policymakers and educators to improve student well-being through targeted support and interventions.
Christian John H. Cuevas, James Laurence E. Belen, John Lei E. Ongleo, Robert Justin S. Chavez, Ryen Uri C. Enriquez
The expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) within smart home environments creates challenges for traditional Radio Frequency (RF) networks which experience spectrum shortages and unstable connections and increased security threats. The study conducts a systematic literature review (SLR) to assess how organizations implement Visible Light Communication (VLC) as a secure and high-performance solution for their IoT network systems. The study combines quantitative performance data with qualitative thematic patterns to evaluate VLC's indoor performance based on analysis of peer-reviewed research obtained from 2021 through 2026. Research results show that system throughput increases significantly because commercial LEDs transmit data at 1 to 3 kilobits per second while experimental laser diode modules achieved record data transmission speeds of 51.05 gigabits per second over a distance of 100 meters. The system demonstrated lower latency through VLC which achieved an 8.2 millisecond delay time that surpassed the performance of comparable radio frequency systems. The synthesis process found that the physical layer security of the system derives from light which creates an energy-efficient "green" network through its dual-purpose ability to provide illumination and the system prevents spectrum exhaustion. The study identifies ongoing restrictions which include the need for direct line-of-sight (LoS) connectivity and the system's susceptibility to human movement and external light interference. The review concludes that VLC has developed into an effective technology which needs to solve the "dynamic mobility gap" problem and create common industry standards through IEEE 802.11bb to achieve widespread commercial use. Future research should shift from static laboratory simulations toward large-scale field testing in complex, real-world smart home environments.
Oghenehoro Evi Eni
Access to justice is central to fair immigration and refugee systems, yet many migrants and refugees struggle to effectively use the legal protections that exist on paper. However, this review paper examines how access to justice operates in immigration and refugee law in Canada and the United States, with a focus on legal frameworks, institutional practices, and practical barriers faced by non-citizens. Drawing on academic literature, court decisions, policy reports, and institutional studies, this article reviews how both countries design and apply immigration and refugee procedures, and how these processes affect the ability of individuals to understand the law, obtain legal representation, and receive fair and timely decisions. The review shows that although Canada and the United States formally recognize principles such as due process and procedural fairness, access to justice remains uneven in practice. Some of the major challenges include limited access to publicly funded legal representation, complex and technical procedures, long delays and backlogs, immigration detention, and wide administrative discretion. Disproportionately, these barriers affect asylum seekers, refugees, and other vulnerable migrants. Therefore, through a comparative analysis, the paper highlights similarities and differences between the two systems and identifies lessons drawn from each. Furthermore, the paper concludes by reviewing reform pathways discussed in the literature, including expanding access to legal aid, simplifying procedures, strengthening oversight, and promoting community-based and rights-focused approaches. Therefore, improving access to justice in immigration and refugee law is presented not only as a legal requirement, but also as a necessary step toward fairness, accountability, and public confidence in migration governance.
Karima Sayari, Moawiah Awad Alghizzawi, Rafat Al-batayneh, Revenio Jalagat, Jr.
This study provides a review of the related literature on the impact of digitalization on accounting education, focusing on its role in reshaping teaching practices, curriculum design, and skill development. It examines how emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and data analytics, address persistent challenges such as the misalignment between academic curricula and labor market requirements, limited technological competencies among graduates, and the continued reliance on traditional teaching methods. The study highlights that digital transformation enhances learning effectiveness, fosters student engagement, and supports the development of critical digital and analytical skills required in the modern accounting profession. This study contributes to accounting literature by offering an integrated and holistic framework that synthesizes challenges, trends, and future directions of digital accounting education, while providing actionable insights for curriculum reform and pedagogical innovation. It advances understanding by linking technological adoption with educational outcomes and professional readiness, thereby supporting educators, institutions, and policymakers in designing more responsive and future-oriented accounting programs.
Roseline Igoniderigha Ph.D
This study investigates the effect of accounting information on the share price of firms listed in the industrial goods sector in Nigeria, with a focus on dividend per share (DPS) and earnings per share (EPS) as key determinants. The study adopts an ex post facto research design, using secondary data extracted from the annual financial reports of all eleven (11) listed industrial goods firms from 2019 to 2024 financial year. Both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were employed to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the characteristics of DPS, EPS, and share price (SP), revealing substantial variation and positive skewness across the firms, indicating the presence of high-performing firms that significantly influence average values. Inferential analysis was conducted using panel least squares regression to examine the effect of DPS and EPS on share price. The results indicate that both DPS and EPS have positive and statistically significant effects on share price, with coefficients of 8.61 and 9.96, respectively, and p-values of 0.0000, confirming their value relevance to investors. Based on the findings, the study concludes that dividend distribution and earnings performance are critical factors influencing share prices, and recommends that firms maintain transparent dividend policies and focus on profitability to enhance investor confidence.
Louis Robert C. Sison
This paper seeks to contribute to an evidence-based discussion of this question by developing predictive models that translate the number of licensed teachers into actual hiring trends of the Department of Education (DepEd). Using longitudinal data from School Year 2010–2011 to School Year 2022–2023, the study uses the GAIMME modeling framework and the Trendline Function of Microsoft Excel to formulate the following models: (1) to predict the number of public-school teachers to be hired over; (2) time to estimate the number of Board Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT) passers at the elementary and secondary levels; and (3) to calculate the hiring of teachers per given year as a function of LEPT passers. A variety of models (linear, logarithmic, exponential and polynomial functions) were compared according to coefficient of determination (R²), sum of square errors (SSE) and simplicity. The best model to predict the number of employed teachers was relatively different, revealed by the logarithmic model, while linear and logarithmic models could approximate to forecast LEPT passers. Power functions were found to be the best for predicting teacher employment from LEPT output. These models can offer policymakers actionable insights and demonstrate the value of incorporating predictive analytics into workforce planning. The models should be updated frequently and disaggregated by region to enhance predictive validity. Although data limitations were presented, the research shows promise of a basic use of Excel-based mathematical modeling as a decision support tool for teacher deployment and its potential to contribute to reaching quality education as part of SDG 4.
Rasheed Aderemi Raji
Nigeria as a multi-ethnic state has been bedeviled with an alarming rate of internal crises that bother on insecurity due to the ethnic pluralistic composition of the country which is tremendously affecting the development of a vibrant nation-building in the country as the various ethnic groups are at one-another neck over national issues like power-sharing, revenue allocation, state creation, among others. It is based on this disunity that this paper examined the issues and challenges of ethnic pluralism as it affects nation-building and insecurity in Nigeria. The study adopts descriptive survey design and selected one hundred and twenty (120) students through random sampling technique and a self-designed questionnaire that contained fifteen items was used as the instrument and the data collected was analyzed using simple percentage, mean and standard deviation methods. The findings indicate that ethnic pluralism significantly contributes to socio-political conflicts which in turn escalate insecurity and hinder nation-building. It is recommended that government should implement policies that will encourage inter-ethnic dialogue and cooperation at all levels of governance, and government should involve local communities in security efforts through community policing and grassroots security initiatives to enhance peace and security in the country.
Linda Afriyie Gyimah, Philippine Esiawonam Deku, Rita Judith Akunor-Sackey
Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a growing global health burden, with dietary adherence central to glycaemic management. Objective: This study investigated adherence levels and barriers to dietary recommendations among T2DM patients at Ho Teaching Hospital, Ghana. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 135 patients using a modified Perceived Dietary Adherence Questionnaire was employed. Results: Adherence was high for avoiding sweets (93.33%) and alcohol (93.33%) but poor for fruits (85.93%) and vegetables (69.63%). Financial constraints (41.48%) were the leading barrier; 71.11% reported at least one barrier. Younger patients faced significantly more barriers (p = 0.002). Conclusion: Targeted dietary education and economic support strategies are urgently needed for T2DM management in Ghana.
Md. Abdul Hakim Shah*
Purpose of the Study: Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) are essential for promoting research by enhancing accessibility, discoverability, and dissemination of scholarly knowledge. However, Agricultural University Libraries in Bangladesh encounter notable Administrative Challenges that hinder the efficient management of ETDs. This study aims to explore these Administrative Challenges and offer practical recommendations for the improvement of ETDs management at Agricultural University Libraries in Bangladesh. Methodology: This study uses a descriptive research design to explore the Administrative Challenges associated with ETDs management at Agricultural University Libraries in Bangladesh. A mixed methods approach has been employed to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the research problem and to provide recommendations. Four out of seven Agricultural University Libraries were chosen as a sample for data collection. Primary data were collected through a Semi-structured questionnaire distributed to information professionals working in the selected sample Agricultural University Libraries in Bangladesh. The questionnaire used a Five-point Likert Scale to assess the perceived Administrative Challenges, and open-ended questions were used to get recommendations. Data were analyzed using Descriptive Statistics. Cronbach’s Coefficient Alpha was applied to test the reliability and validity of the questionnaire responses. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 26.0. The analysis examined the Administrative Challenges and proposed recommendations for improving ETDs management practices at Agricultural University Libraries in Bangladesh. Findings: The study revealed that 90% of ETDs repositories adopted DSpace software. The highest administrative challenge is concerns over electronic thesis quality, with a mean score of 5.0, and the lowest challenge is lack of promotion to raise ETD awareness, with a mean score of 3.25, and the overall average mean score of Administrative Challenges is 4.055, which is greater than the neutral point of 3. Indicating that Administrative Challenges are significantly present. Implication: This study will provide a baseline for future research and policy making, offering insights into the improvement of ETDs management and facilitating a successful repository not only in Bangladesh but also in other developing countries' university libraries. Originality/Value: This study represents the first initiative to explore the Administrative Challenges of ETDs management in Agricultural University Libraries in Bangladesh. It provides a valuable baseline for future research and policymaking, contributing to the global research community.
Eniko Chenge, Geoffrey Takudzwa Msipa, Raymond Nyuke, Soda Charity
Drug and substance misuse among adolescents is a critical public health challenge in Phakalane, Botswana, requiring contextual understanding for effective intervention. This qualitative phenomenological study aimed to explore the patterns and predictors of drug and substance misuse among urban adolescents, guided by the Social-Ecological Model (SEM). The purpose of the study was to use the findings to develop a preventive conceptual framework to curb adolescent substance misuse and reduce its impact. The study employed a descriptive phenomenological design to capture the lived experiences of 36 adolescents. A Colaizzi’s descriptive phenomenological data analysis was used. The findings revealed three core patterns of misuse: early adolescent initiation, with boys starting earlier and using for longer durations; substance choice patterns, showing gender-differentiated repertoires (boys using cocaine, girls excluding it), and usage frequency patterns, involving high frequency use escalating during social events. Key predictors were identified across SEM levels: peer pressure, home availability, lack of parental attention, parental or sibling substance use, parental divorce, and excessive discretionary spending money. The study demonstrated how universal risk factors manifested in Botswana’s specific socio-cultural context, where economic and familial dynamics created unique risk configurations. Findings highlighted the necessity for multi-level prevention strategies that address individual, interpersonal, and community-level factors.
Moses Abdul Fullah, Patrick HH Walker
This article examines the sociological dimensions of active aging as a personal responsibility among older adults in Sierra Leone. Drawing on qualitative data from 45 participants aged 60-85 in Freetown and Bo districts, the study explores how older adults negotiate physical activity, nutrition, cognitive engagement, and social connectivity in their daily lives. The research challenges prevailing dependency-focused narratives in African gerontology by positioning aging well as an individual and collective responsibility rather than a governmental promise. Using a combination of symbolic interactionism, activity theory, and Foucault's concept of biopower, the analysis reveals that older adults employ diverse strategies to maintain functionality and social relevance despite infrastructural and economic constraints. Findings indicate that successful aging is mediated by educational attainment, social networks, and access to health information, with significant variations across gender and socioeconomic lines. The study contributes to the growing body of literature on gerontology in sub-Saharan Africa by providing empirical evidence from Sierra Leone, a context currently underrepresented in aging research. Policy recommendations include community-based active aging programs, intergenerational knowledge transfer initiatives, and the integration of gerontological education into primary healthcare systems.
Dr. Arati Pradhan, Dr. Sanmati Jain, Prangya Prachi Samantaray
Cloud computing is an achievement, and it is using a huge amount of energy, which is leading to an increased level of carbon emissions into the atmosphere. Therefore, it is essential to find ways to make cloud computing greener and reduce the level of energy consumption. This paper proposes a new approach to making cloud computing greener through the development of a Green Support System (GSS) that utilizes artificial intelligence to improve the sustainability of cloud computing services. The proposed approach utilizes machine learning to predict the workload and schedule the tasks to maximize the usage of green energy sources. The proposed approach can reduce the level of energy consumption by 25-35%, as indicated by the experiment results. The proposed approach is based on the principles of responsible artificial intelligence and is aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals related to the environment and climate change.
Zhang Yajie
This conceptual paper explored the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize administrative processes in higher education. Its purpose is threefold: to review current literature on AI applications in university administration, to propose a conceptual framework for process optimization, and to outline the institutional and ethical conditions necessary for responsible adoption. Drawing on an integrative literature review and conceptual analysis, the study synthesizes insights from educational technology, organizational theory, and digital ethics to construct a four-part framework comprising transactional automation, predictive intelligence, conversational service, and strategic governance. Each dimension addresses specific sources of administrative friction—workflow inefficiency, delayed decision-making, information inaccessibility, and institutional misalignment—while collectively supporting coherent, data-informed, and human-centered operations. The framework emphasizes that AI is not a stand-alone solution; meaningful gains require alignment with process redesign, data interoperability, iterative implementation, and robust human oversight. Ethical and organizational risks—including algorithmic bias, privacy and surveillance concerns, deskilling, and strategic distraction—are highlighted, reinforcing the necessity of transparency, accountability, and governance structures in implementation. By positioning AI as a layered capability rather than a set of isolated tools, the framework provides higher education institutions with guidance for deploying AI responsibly, ensuring that efficiency improvements are accompanied by fairness, student-centeredness, and institutional legitimacy. The study contributes both a theoretical lens and practical implications for administrators, policymakers, and institutional planners aiming to integrate AI into academic administration thoughtfully and strategically.
Brajesh Kumar, Kashish Rajan
The explosion of cloud computing, online services, and interlinked digital services has contributed to increased susceptibility of modern networks to cyber-attacks. Traditional Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) detect attacks by utilising signature-based detection methods, which often fail to recognise novel or previously unrecorded attack patterns. To counter these shortcomings, the research will describe a sophisticated Artificial Neural Network (ANN) application, designed to not only improve the effectiveness of cyber security systems, but also boost the overall rate of threat detection. Proposed detection systems will improve cyber security by employing the ability of neural networks to learn patterns, and will therefore be able to evaluate and categorise network activity as being acceptable, or as representing a threat. The complete system will consist of a number of steps including, but not limited to, the acquisition of datasets, and the application of preprocessing.feature encoding, feature normalization and selection to improve data quality and minimize redundancy. It is a multilayer feedforward neural network model that is trained and tested over benchmark intrusion detection datasets against a number of attack types that include Denial-of-Service (DoS), Probe, Remote-to-Local (R2L), and User-to-Root (U2R) attacks. As demonstrated through experimental analysis, the proposed ANN model will achieve high precision and recall in addition to low false positive rate at 97.6 percent. Additional comparative study can show that ANN-based methodology outperforms other traditional machine learning algorithms, such as Decision Trees, Support Vector Machines, and Random Forest classifiers. The results show that neural network-based solutions can be useful in detecting complex intrusion patterns and making real-time network security in modern computing and cloud-based systems, with Internet of Things (IoT) networks.
Florence Jean B. Talirongan, Mellanie S. Gambe
This study explores the utilization of Optical Character Recognition in extracting employee information from physical datasheets. The development process includes the integration of Google Gemini 2.5 Flash Framework with the implementation of React frontend development. The different states of degradation, namely original, folded, crumpled, and wet, were 20 samples per category for 80 samples. The system achieved high accuracy: 100% accuracy for original documents, 90% for folded documents, 70% for crumpled documents, and 91.66% for wet timesheets, with a final accuracy of 87.92%. This means that context-aware multimodal reasoning is a powerful framework that can substantially reduce the reliance on standard binarization and template-matching in real-life document digitization, achieving 12–47 percentage point higher accuracy than the baseline OCR. This work serves as a baseline in determining document degradation in terms of manual to digital utilization and extraction.
John Paul DC. Ramos, Lech Walesa M. Navarra, Mariah Louise C. Alba, Rachelle Joy C. Quinto, Tyrone Jonel L. Sangalang
Medication non-adherence affects approximately 50% of chronically ill patients globally which contributes to the increased morbidity and healthcare cost. This study observed the impact of modern lifestyle demands and the factors that contribute to the patients’ non-adherence, identify the challenges, and from the findings, provide possible solutions and strategies. Using a mixed-methods approach with a parallel convergence design, data were collected from thirty (30) individuals with chronic illnesses that take maintenance medications aged 18 years old and above in the province of Bulacan through an online survey questionnaire. The study identified irregular sleep, condensed daily schedules, competing responsibilities, and work/study commitments as significant barriers that compound to the non-adherence of patients, with half of the individuals constantly forgetting to take their medications on the prescribed times. While the majority of the respondents reported that they understand the importance and significance of their medications and the detrimental effects of non-adherence long-term, yet they weren't consistent and often missed their doses. Digital notification systems, applications, moral support from loved ones and healthcare workers, and pill organizers were reported to be very helpful by the respondents in adhering to their medication schedules with little variability in their responses. The findings demonstrate that dynamic modern lifestyle demands are a significant factor in patients’ non-adherence to their medications due to the static nature of medication regimens. Healthcare providers should conduct comprehensive assessments in patients’ dynamic daily lifestyle to accommodate a flexible routine to minimize cognitive burden and medication non-adherence. Developing a new supportive technology can also assist with increasing adherence amidst individuals’ modern lifestyle demands.
Cyprian A. Oyeka, Precious O. Ibeakuzie
Diagnostic screening tests are essential tools in clinical medicine and epidemiology for detecting the presence or absence of a disease condition. Their quality is conventionally assessed using Sensitivity (Se), Specificity (Sp), False Positive Rate (FPR), False Negative Rate (FNR), True Positive Rate (TPR), and True Negative Rate (TNR). A critical and often overlooked distinction is that Se and Sp are conditional probabilities given the true disease state, whereas FPR, FNR, TPR, and TNR as used in practice are conditional probabilities given the observed test result. Standard estimation of the latter group requires prior knowledge of the population prevalence rate, data that are frequently unavailable, particularly in developing nations. This paper proposes, develops, and illustrates a novel statistical method for estimating all of the above indices using only directly observable cell frequencies from a 2×2 contingency table of screening results, without requiring the population prevalence rate. The method introduces a concordance index ω that measures the net relative difference between concordant and discordant test outcomes and derives closed-form estimators with established theoretical properties, including exact expressions for their asymptotic standard errors and 95% confidence intervals via the delta method. A simulation study across varying sample sizes (n = 50, 100, 200, 500) and prevalence levels confirms that the estimators are nearly unbiased, converge rapidly, and maintain nominal confidence interval coverage. Applied to a real prostate cancer screening dataset (n = 135), the method yields Se = 33.33%, Sp = 97.44%, FPR = 33.33%, TPR = 66.67%, FNR = 9.52%, and TNR = 90.48%. Comparison with the traditional Bayesian prevalence dependent method confirms the practical superiority of the proposed approach in low prevalence and data scarce settings, while also clarifying the scenarios in which the Bayesian approach remains indispensable.
Elijah P. Ricafort, Ishi Anna K. Alday, Kenneth Laurence C. Rios, Richard Y. Dela Cruz, Ron Stephen G. Tolentino
In this technological era, social media has become an indispensable segment of Generation Z students' day-to-day activities. With the rapid development of smartphones and the internet, social media is no longer just a source of entertainment; it has become a new way for individuals to connect, learn, and stay updated. This study focuses on the prevalence of doomscrolling and its relationship to the overall well-being of college students at Bulacan State University. The researchers of this paper intended to determine how doomscrolling influences the overall well-being of college students. The researchers surveyed 70 students, with informed consent, across several colleges, assessing doomscrolling habits and physical, mental, emotional, and academic health, which reveals significant findings: 78% of the respondents are heavy internet users spending at least 5 hours or more online daily. Findings further revealed a very high level of distress across physical health with a weighted mean of 4.35, mental health with a weighted mean of 4.29, emotional health with a weighted mean of 4.29, and academic well-being with a weighted mean of 4.33, suggesting sleep disruption, mental exhaustion, reduced focus, and decreased productivity. Correlational analysis revealed a positive moderate relationship between doomscrolling and overall well-being distress (r = 0.536). This indicates that doomscrolling is related to a greater negative impact on students' comprehensive health. To cope and manage its effects, students commonly reported using strict app timers or limits, a no-phone zone, and leaving devices in a different room while sleeping or studying. Overall, the study highlights doomscrolling as a digital behaviour that significantly affects the overall well-being of the students and emphasizes the importance of self-regulation, awareness, and a wellness approach to promote healthier online habits.
Phylis Fungai Banhwa, Promise Machingo Hlungwani
The research paper analyses the specific political, legislative, fiscal, administrative, and capacity-related challenges that have significantly hindered the effective implementation of devolution in Zimbabwe. The study employed desk research to gather information from reports and online documents. The researcher extracted meaningful data from readily available data from government publications, earlier research and official documents. The study focused on understanding these specific impediments through the Principal- Agent theory. In an analysis of the specific challenges that have been encountered during the implementation of the devolution programme in Zimbabwe the study found that the failure to align existing laws with the Constitution and lack of sustained commitment from the central government affected the full implementation of the devolution programme. Also, failure to achieve fiscal adequacy and limited revenue-generating capacity by local authorities and critical capacity gaps within skills, staffing, systems, and coordination plague the full implementation of devolution. Understanding these challenges is crucial not only for diagnosing the reasons behind the slow progress but also for informing potential pathways towards more effective governance, sustainable development, and the strengthening of democratic institutions in the country.
Huven Jeanne F. Osmeña, Jeannie U. Duka., Jowhina M. Calabroso
The study aimed to provide data about the socio-demographic profile of the cooperative board of directors and general managers, cooperative profile, level of adoption of strategic management practices of selected cooperatives, analysis of the financial performance from 2021-2023, effects of cooperatives‟ profile and strategic management practices to their financial performance, and comparison between strategic management practices and financial performance based on size. It employed descriptive-causal research design with 22 cooperatives. This study used linear regression and Welch‟s ANOVA to analyze the data. The study showed that all of the cooperatives practiced strategic management activities. The data also revealed that all cooperatives experienced negative and low net profit margin in 2021 and had gradually improved as the pandemic subsided. In the aspect of debt-equity ratio, most of the cooperatives became conservative while others increased reliance on debt, some were less dependent on debts, and the rest were either balanced or at higher financial risk. In return on equity, the cooperatives were either excellent or consistent but low ratios, positively stable or inconsistent with lower returns and were stable but low or negative in ratio. In current ratio, the greater majority of cooperatives were liquid and few had extremely high ratios, indicating excessive cash reserves. The strategic management practices that significantly affect the financial performance are numbers of employees, task environment, and external environment. Meanwhile, the strategic management that significantly differ according to size were external environment and monitoring and audit. The findings indicate that while all cooperatives consistently adopted strategic management practices, their financial performance reflected the disruptive impact of the pandemic, followed by gradual recovery as conditions improved. Variations in profitability, leverage, liquidity, and return on equity reveal differing financial strategies and risk profiles, with some cooperatives demonstrating resilience while others remained constrained by low or negative returns. Overall, specific strategic management factors – particularly workforce size, task and external environments, as well as monitoring and audit mechanisms – play a critical role in shaping financial outcomes and differentiating performance across cooperative size.
Joseph Nzomoi, Michael Bowen, Moffat M. Ngonde
Kenya has a vibrant Digital Financial Services sector characterized by innovative and technology-driven products. The mobile money revolution has pioneered financial inclusion through services such as M-PESA and recently through digital credit providers such as M-Shwari, Tala and Branch among others. This paper sought to examine the determinants of digital credit default in Kenya. The objectives of the study were: i) to determine how digital illiteracy influences loan default, ii) to analyze the correlation between betting behavior and digital credit distress and iii) to assess the impact of economic shocks on the likelihood of default. The study utilized a quantitative, cross sectional research design using secondary data from the 2024 FinAccess survey in Kenya to examine the relationship between borrower characteristics and the probability of default. From a sampling frame of 20872 borrowers, stratified sampling technique was used to identify 6571 digital borrowers that formed the sample size. A probit model was estimated using maximum likelihood estimation on E-views. Findings indicate a marginal effect for illiteracy, showing that an illiterate borrower is 4.5 per cent more likely to default compared to a digitally literate one. Similarly gambling and sickness yielded 8.4 per cent and 13 per cent respectively on the probability of default. On demographic characteristics, male borrowers were found to be riskier than female, with a coefficient value of -0.037377, implying that being male increases default risk by 3.7 per cent. Income had a negative effect on default, implying that higher income reduces the probability of default. Based on these findings, the study concludes that credit default is largely contributed by a combination of factors including financial literacy, sickness, gambling and income level. The study recommends that credit reference bureau listing mechanism be reviewed to account for verifiable shocks such as illness and that gambling should be considered as one of the eligibility criteria for digital lending since it enhances default rate.
Ronson D. Retes
This study aims to investigate the Enhancement of Digital Bar Certification Systems implementation within the Bar Records Division. Random sampling technique was used to target two primary stakeholder groups who interact with the Digital Bar Certification Systems. A total of 160 respondents, 30 of which are Bar Records Staff and 120 from the Legal Practitioners as participants.
Nur Aisyatul Afni Md Noraffendie, Zurita Mohd. Yusoff
Imam Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah is not just a scholar who produced scholarly works in various Islamic disciplines, but he is an important figure in the formation and development of the Islamic scholarly tradition. However, research into the background of his life and education often focuses more on the contribution of his works alone without describing it comprehensively from the perspective of his intellectual formation. This article aims to identify the background of Imam Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah's life and education and examine his contributions through his works and his influence on Islamic scholarship by using the method of document analysis that involves research on theses, scholarly books and authoritative journal articles. The study findings show that the scholarly and educational environment he went through and the production of Imam Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah's works have shaped his thinking and significant intellectual contributions and have had a continuing influence on the development of Islamic scholarship.
Vincent Kibet
The use of deep learning models in clinical oncology remains underutilized, despite their potential in cancer diagnosis. The current methods rely on either traditional radiomics features, whose representational power is limited, or opaque deep neural networks that cannot provide explanations useful to clinicians. This study addresses the interpretability-performance trade-off by introducing a novel hybrid architecture that synergistically combines convolutional neural networks with radiomics biomarkers through attention-based fusion mechanisms. Our framework takes multi-modal imaging (CT, MRI, and PET) data (2,847 patients with 5 different cancer types). It operates through a two-stream architecture, specifically enforcing a correlation-based constrained relationship and sparsity-based regularization between the deep learning and radiomics pathways. The model employs trained gating decisions, automatic feature selection, and cross-modal attention as an ad hoc weighting mechanism to produce an accurate forecast and a human-comprehensible explanation. The results of the experiments show improved performance, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.947, representing 8.4% and 2.6% improvements over pure radiomics methods and standard deep learning models, respectively. In older people, as validated by five expert radiologists, the generated explanations received a high relevance rating (78.4% rated 4-5 on a 5-point scale) and demonstrated high inter-rater agreement (α = 0.68). The study made contributions, including a learnable architecture with interpretability constraints built into its objective, direct measurement of individual features through quantified attention weights consistent with radiological intuitions, detection consistency across a variety of cancer types, and providing generalizability. It demonstrated that improvements in interpretability do not affect predictive accuracy. Therefore, this study developed a reliable AI in oncology by offering an empirical roadmap for engineering high-performance diagnostic environments that meet clinical accountability and transparency standards.
Ezebuike, I. R., Onyewuchi, U. U
The study used stochastic frontier cost function to analyze cost efficiency of cassava farmers and ascertained variation in cost efficiency due to inefficiency effects on cassava production in the study area. Data were collected from 135 randomly selected cassava farmers. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and stochastic cost function. Results showed that the mean age of cassava farmers was 41 years. Cost of organic manure, labour, improved cassava stem and agro chemicals were significant factors that are determinants of total cost associated with cassava production in the study area. That is, 1% increase in the cost of organic manure, labour, improved cassava stem and agro chemicals will increase total production cost by approximately 0.86%, 0.56%, 0.32% and 0.68% respectively with the value of the sigma squared (δ2) being 0.95 indicating a good fit. The maximum likelihood estimates for the Stochastic cost function used in explaining the inefficiency parameters for cassava farmers showed that the coefficient of age, household size and level of education all had the apriori expected signs and statistically significant showing that an increase in any of them decreases cost inefficiency. The mean cost efficiency was 0.62, meaning that an average cassava farmer in the study area has the scope for increasing cost efficiency by 38%. It was concluded that farmers are not cost efficient from their cost efficiency indices. Extension agents should design structured training modules focusing on efficient use of organic manure (application rates, composting methods) and adoption and management of improved cassava varieties.
Herlina Jupiter, Jamal Adli Ahmad Shukri, Kasoma Thia, Mohd. Hafizi Norudin, Saifulazry Mokhtar, Siti Norhafizah Rahmat
This study aims to analyze the dakwah approaches and the impact of implementing the Dekat di Hati “Anak Malaysia” 2023 program, which was conducted through the Kursus Amali Dakwah (MPU 2613) by students of the Institut Pengajian Islam dan Dakwah Sabah (IPDAS). The program was implemented over a two-week period in Kampung Pahu Sarayo, Ranau, Sabah, focusing on community-based dakwah activities encompassing religious enrichment, community engagement, and human development. This study employed a qualitative approach through direct observation, participant involvement, and informal feedback from the villagers throughout the program. The findings indicate that the dakwah approaches applied particularly through high-impact activities such as the Halal Skills Course, Tahsin Ibadah (Funeral Management), Sports Carnival, Islamic Festival, and Tausiyah Air Mata Palestin positively influenced the strengthening of social relations, increased community participation, and enhanced basic religious understanding among the villagers. Additionally, the program successfully improved students’ soft skills, including effective communication, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. However, the study also identified several key challenges, such as limited understanding of fiqh and the Qur’an, confusion regarding certain muamalat issues, low mosque attendance, language barriers, and logistical constraints. Overall, the findings demonstrate that systematically planned and contextually implemented community based dakwah programs can provide mutual benefits for both students and the community. Therefore, programs of this nature should be sustained and strengthened as a platform for field dakwah training and as a medium for the continuous development of the Muslim community.
Cynthia S. Superable, Maryknoll Rachel T. Dalman
Postpartum maternal mental health is influenced by multiple factors, including antenatal counseling and partner support. This study examined the levels of antenatal counseling and partner support and their relationship with maternal mental health after childbirth. The study employed quantitative descriptive–correlational design. Using purposive sampling, the respondents comprised of 120 mothers from different communities in Zamboanga del Norte, and had given birth within the past six months. Data were gathered using validated questionnaires measuring antenatal counseling, partner support, and maternal mental health. Statistical analyses included weighted mean, standard deviation and Pearson’s r correlation to determine variable levels and relationships. Findings revealed that antenatal counseling and partner support were both rated very high, although practical or instrumental partner support was relatively lower, while maternal mental health concerns remained very high, particularly in sleep quality and perceived stress. Overall, the results indicate that despite high levels of antenatal counseling and partner support, significant postpartum mental health concerns persist among mothers, suggesting the need for more comprehensive and sustained mental health interventions. It is therefore recommended that healthcare providers, partners and policymakers strengthen interactive counseling, enhance practical and instrumental support, ensure continuous maternal mental health monitoring, and implement integrated maternal mental health programs, while future studies explore additional social, cultural, and care-related determinants of maternal well-being.
Muhamad Ghazali Mamat @ Mansor, Muhammad Nazmul Hoque, Yusri Hazrol Yusoff
Public project governance is essential for ensuring accountability, transparency, and performance in the public sector. In Malaysia, persistent cost overruns, implementation delays, audit noncompliance, and recurring weaknesses documented in Auditor General reports reveal structural deficiencies in current governance arrangements. Despite regulatory reforms and procedural controls, governance failures continue, indicating fragmentation rather than systemic coherence.This study reconceptualizes post-contract public project governance as an open and adaptive system. Utilizing Open Systems Theory (OST), it develops a conceptual framework in which institutional inputs such human resource capacity, accountability structures, and contractual completeness are transformed through performance monitoring and change and risk management processes to yield project performance outcomes. Governance effectiveness is thus understood as the result of systemic alignment among institutional capacities, enforcement mechanisms, environmental pressures, and feedback loops. By extending OST to post-contract public project governance, this study advances an integrative theoretical perspective that transcends isolated variable analysis and provides strategic implications for strengthening governance reform in Malaysia and comparable institutional contexts.
Niu Jia
This study examined art education reform in the context of artificial intelligence (AI) through a qualitative conceptual analysis grounded in integrative literature review. Rather than presenting a single empirical case, the paper synthesizes recent scholarship from AI in education, higher education policy, creativity research, and art-and-design studies to clarify three central concerns: what is changing, what is at stake, and what institutional pathways are most educationally sound. The analysis identified a shifting educational ecology in which generative AI transforms not only artistic production but also ideation, evaluation, and creative decision-making, repositioning learning toward higher-order processes such as curation and critical judgment. At the same time, significant tensions emerge, including the erosion of originality, risks of overreliance, ethical concerns related to authorship and bias, and challenges to process-based pedagogy and assessment. Drawing on thematic synthesis and conceptual mapping, the study argues that AI should not be treated as either a threat to art education or a neutral efficiency tool, but as a disruptive medium requiring systemic reform. Key institutional responses include curriculum redesign, assessment reform emphasizing process and reflection, integration of AI literacy and ethics, faculty development, and adaptive governance frameworks. Anchored in a constructivist epistemology, the study highlights the importance of preserving human-centered values such as creativity, criticality, and cultural interpretation while engaging with AI-mediated practices. The paper contributes a conceptual framework that supports policy development and future empirical research on sustainable and ethically grounded art education in the AI era.
Jefferson King A. Fontilar
Since the Industrial Revolution, technological advancements have transformed the way humans work, with machines increasingly replacing manual labor across various fields. One of the most significant developments is Artificial Intelligence (AI), which has been defined as the creation of intelligent machines and computer programs capable of performing tasks that normally require human intelligence. However, gaps remain in the literature. Most studies focus on students, with fewer examining practicing radiologic technologists, especially in under-resourced settings. Research is also concentrated in the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas, leaving Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines, less explored. Using a quantitative correlational–predictive design, data were gathered from 100 radiologic technologists and analyzed through descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression. Results showed that all variables, namely, literacy, acceptance of artificial intelligence (AI), and attitude towards AI, were “high” and significantly correlated with readiness for use among radiologic technologists. Exposure to different technologies emerges as the strongest predictor, followed by exposure and training.
Cao Xinyu, Gu Yuyang, Lilian Lee Shiau Gee, Qiu Qilu, Victor B. Pangayan
This study explores the potential of Artificial Intelligence Generated Content (AIGC) to reshape and reinterpret traditional textile patterns across cultures, focusing on the Bajau Olos Sandang from Sabah, Malaysia, and the Lahu Unity Flower from Yunnan, China. Although these communities are geographically and historically distant, their textile motifs share remarkable visual and symbolic similarities, reflecting common themes of social cohesion, unity, and harmony with nature. By employing AIGC-driven generative design, pattern reconstruction, and human-AI co-creation, the research demonstrates how digital technologies can both preserve cultural authenticity and foster innovative adaptations for contemporary design. The study also addresses challenges such as ethical considerations, cultural misrepresentation, and intellectual property concerns, proposing strategies including the creation of annotated pattern databases, human cultural validation, and ethical co-design frameworks. Findings suggest that AIGC can serve as a mediator between tradition and modernity, enabling designers to generate hybrid motifs, facilitate intercultural dialogue, and enhance global visibility of endangered crafts. Overall, this research highlights the transformative role of AIGC in sustaining intangible cultural heritage, promoting responsible innovation, and bridging the gap between local artisanal knowledge and contemporary creative industries in the digital era.
Raffeq Salipada Alim
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a key driver of digital transformation, yet its adoption among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) remains uneven, particularly in developing regions. This study examined the readiness of SMEs in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Philippines, to adopt AI and its relationship with business performance using the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) framework. A quantitative descriptive–correlational design was employed, with data collected from 150 SME owners and managers, and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation. The results indicate that SMEs demonstrate moderate technological and organizational readiness but low environmental readiness, reflecting limited external support and market demand. Business performance was also found to be moderate, suggesting that AI adoption yields incremental improvements in operational and economic outcomes. Correlation analysis revealed that AI readiness is significantly associated with business performance, with organizational readiness showing the strongest influence. The study concludes that SMEs are in a transitional stage of digital transformation, where internal capabilities play a more critical role than external factors, and emphasizes the need to strengthen human capital, technological capacity, and institutional support to enhance AI adoption and competitiveness.
Ahupa Simon Ekawu
This study examines the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics (BDA) on financial reporting quality (FRQ) in Nigeria, with particular emphasis on the mediating role of transparency. The increasing adoption of digital technologies in accounting has transformed how financial information is generated, processed, and disclosed. However, empirical evidence on how these technologies influence reporting quality in emerging economies remains limited. Drawing on Information Asymmetry Theory and the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) framework, this study investigates whether AI adoption and big data analytics capability enhance financial reporting quality directly and indirectly through transparency. A quantitative research design was employed using survey data collected from 312 accounting and finance professionals across public and private sector organizations in Nigeria. Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the hypotheses. The results indicate that artificial intelligence and big data analytics significantly improve financial reporting quality, while transparency plays a partial mediating role. The findings contribute to the literature on digital transformation in accounting and provide practical insights for regulators and organizations in emerging economies.
Chirinda Foster, Katanha Anyway, Kunedzimwe Fransisca
This systematic literature review explores the links between artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), agricultural productivity, and food security in the semi-arid regions of Africa. ASM has emerged as a key economic activity in Southern Africa, with ASM activities employing over a million people and contributing substantially to national gold production in the region. The review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses and incorporates peer-reviewed journals and socioeconomic data published between 2010 and 2025, with the quality of the literature assessed with the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). The literature suggests that ASM contributes to food security in the short term and provides a market for foodstuffs for many households. However, ASM is also linked with environmental degradation and conflict around land use and agriculture, which impacts agricultural productivity negatively. There is a need for an integrated approach to address the links between mining and agriculture to improve food security in the face of climate variability in the semi-arid regions of Africa.
Prof. Nikme S.C. Momin, Sayasree Bordoloi.
The present study used the EGMA toolkit to evaluate the numeracy skills of Grade II students enrolled in “Assamese medium” government schools in Kamrup Metropolitan of Assam. A descriptive survey design was used and a sample of 50 students was obtained via purposive and simple random sampling techniques. The modified form of the adapted Early Grade Math Assessment (EGMA), created using the state curriculum and translated into Assamese had been piloted and had acceptable reliability (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.768). The analysis of the data indicated that the students showed good ability in the number identification task, 93.60%, and in the number discrimination task, 92.20%. While Addition Level 1 (87.50%), Subtraction Level 1 (79.10%) and Word Problems (79.33%) were moderate, Missing Number (69.40%), Addition Level 2 (59.60%) and Subtraction Level 2 (55.60%) were difficult. Mental calculation was the most used strategy for all problem types, while paper-pencil method was the second and physical ways were the least preferred. This suggests that at least some children who struggle with complex numeracy tasks may not do so only because they lack certain knowledge or skills, but rather because they struggle to employ particular strategies in order to achieve a particular conceptual understanding.
Ritchel B. Ligan
This study investigated the relationship between teachers' perspectives on social inclusion policies and their effectiveness in supporting learners' emotional well-being in the Kibawe East District during the 2025–2026 school year. Specifically, it assessed four implementation dimensions: teachers' knowledge and attitudes, availability of school resources, training and professional development, and administrative and community support. Using a quantitative, descriptive-correlational design, data were collected via a structured Likert-scale questionnaire from a purposively selected group of public-school teachers. Data were analyzed using means, frequencies, and Pearson's r. Findings revealed that teachers implement social inclusion policies to a very great extent across all dimensions, indicating a profound level of institutional readiness. Simultaneously, learners exhibited a very high level of emotional well-being, demonstrating exceptional emotional health and resilience. Crucially, a significant relationship was established between teachers' implementation perspectives and learners' emotional outcomes. The study concludes that social inclusion is not merely an administrative mandate but a lived classroom reality that serves as a protective shield for students, regardless of socioeconomic background. Recommendations include institutionalizing participatory managerial planning for school heads to ensure timely support and resource allocation. Teachers are encouraged to transition to professional learning communities to share best practices, while learners should continue to nurture a safe environment through peer empathy. Ultimately, the study proves that when institutional support and teacher knowledge are high, student psychological health flourishes, establishing social inclusion as a prerequisite for student thriving.
Ammaru Ummaru PhD
Persistent banditry and general insecurity remains a critical impediment to socio-economic stability in Katsina State, Nigeria. This study assesses the functional contributions and theological legitimacy of the Katsina State Community Security Watch Corps (KSCSWC) from an Islamic perspective. Utilizing a qualitative methodology supplemented by fieldwork and direct observation, the research examines how the Corps’ mandates align with the preservation of the five essential necessities (Maqāṣid al-Sharī‘ah). The study employed a descriptive-analytical design, utilizing purposive sampling and semi-structured interviews analyzed through thematic categorization to evaluate theological and functional outcomes. Findings indicate that the KSCSWC’s involvement in intelligence gathering, the containment of armed groups, and the rescue of captives are consistent with the Islamic principles of Ḥirāsah (Guardianship) and Ribāt (Communal Vigilance). The study concludes that the formalization of the KSCSWC has facilitated a return to communal Sakinah (tranquility). It recommends a continued integration of faith-based ethical training to ensure the Corps operates within the boundaries of Inṣāf (Justice).
Ha Minh Hieu, Ho Thi Trang Nhung
This study aims to assess the impact of applying liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a green energy solution on logistics operations and the efficiency of Vietnam's agricultural export supply chain. Using a qualitative and quantitative approach with a PLS-SEM model, the research results confirm that supportive policies positively promote the adoption of LNG in green supply chains; the adaptability of businesses; and the readiness for technological innovation. Interestingly, the study highlights the moderating role of supportive policies in relation to the level of LNG usage in logistics, which most strongly impacts both economic efficiency and logistics operations. To transform supportive policies into a competitive advantage from LNG adoption, businesses need to view this as an opportunity to invest heavily in digital transformation, strengthen the institutional framework, focus on policy, create a green and smart logistics ecosystem, develop infrastructure, and promote LNG use, ultimately making LNG a pillar for the sustainable development of the agricultural supply chain.
Shenikka Marie H. Solomon
This study examined the relationship between digital technology use and learners' academic performance in the San Fernando II District, Division of Bukidnon, during the School Year 2025–2026. A descriptive–correlational research design was employed using a researcher-developed questionnaire administered to 159 teachers. Digital technology use was measured by total screen time, type of technology used, multitasking across multiple media devices, and frequency of video game play. At the same time, academic performance was assessed across five core subjects. Findings revealed a high extent of digital technology use among learners, while academic performance was generally rated as very satisfactory. Correlation analysis indicated a statistically significant but weak relationship between total screen time and academic performance (r = .166, p = .036), as well as a weak overall relationship (r = .161, p = .043). Other variables, including device type, multitasking, and video game frequency, were not significantly related to academic performance.
Anqi Liu, Mohd Sallehudin Mat Noor, Mohd Yazid Mohd Yunos, Shureen Faris Abdul Shukor
This study examined how school garden landscape factors shape special education teachers’ perceptions, use patterns, and restorative experiences in two public special education schools in Zhejiang Province, China. Although school gardens are increasingly recognised as supportive environments for mental restoration, evidence on teachers, especially those working in special education settings, remains limited. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 114 teachers to assess perceived stress, garden use patterns, evaluations of ten landscape factors, and perceptions of four dimensions of overall garden quality. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, and hierarchical multiple regression were applied. Results showed that 95.61% of teachers reported experiencing work related stress at least sometimes, and 92.98% agreed that natural environments help relieve stress and promote psychological recovery. However, actual garden use remained limited, as only 19.30% visited almost daily and 52.63% typically stayed for 16 to 30 minutes. Teachers mainly used the garden for low intensity and restorative activities such as passing through, sitting quietly, and grounding. Overall garden quality was evaluated relatively low, particularly for psychological restoration and sensory quality, while several individual landscape factors received high ratings. Correlation analysis revealed that vegetation coverage, educational spaces, natural shading, aromatic flowers, and locally adapted plants were positively associated with multiple quality dimensions. In the final regression model, perceived aromatic flowers (β = 0.25, p < 0.05) emerged as the strongest positive predictor of overall garden quality, while visit duration (β = –0.27, p < 0.05) showed a significant negative effect. These findings highlight a mismatch between teachers’ restorative needs and current garden performance, and emphasise the importance of sensory rich planting and context responsive design in improving restorative school landscapes for special education teachers.
WAMI, Kevin Chinweikpe
Adult education is a vital component of lifelong learning and national development. Despite its importance, Rivers State, Nigeria, continues to experience low enrollment among adult learners. This study assesses the socioeconomic and cultural factors influencing enrollment and evaluates the effectiveness of government policies and institutional support. Using a descriptive survey design, the study adopted the descriptive survey design, with a population of 260 respondents comprising 25 facilitators and 200 learners in 7 vocational education centres in Rivers State. The entire population was adopted as census without sampling due to its small and manageable size. A 12-item researcher’s self-designed questionnaire tagged “Achieving Sustainable Development Goal One Through Vocational Education Questionnaire” was used for data collection. The questionnaire was validated, and its reliability index established at 0.82 using Cronbach Alpha statistics. Mean and standard deviation were used in answering the research questions. Findings reveal that poverty, unemployment, family responsibilities, and cultural perceptions significantly reduce enrollment. Institutional weakness, including inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and weak policy implementation, further exacerbate the problem. The study concludes that low enrollment is the product of a complex interplay between individual level barriers and systemic weaknesses. Recommendations include expanding access to rural communities, strengthening policy weaknesses., and launching awareness campaigns to reshape cultural perceptions.
Benjamin Lungu BARKA, Peter Bolaji Oladeji
The research paper focuses on assessment of recycling PET activity in the city of Keffi Metropolis, the state of Nasarawa with the purpose to develop a more sustainable and friendly waste management model. A survey design of quantitative descriptive study was used that utilised 399 respondents chosen through stratified and simple random sampling methods. The data were collected via structured questionnaires and analysed descriptively using statistical analysis as well as thematically. The results show that the consumption rate of PET bottles is high in Keffi with little formal recycling systems. The waste management of PET is organised mostly through informal sources, which include waste pickers, small scale pickers, and household level reuse of the waste to local beverages. Over half of the participants were found to have limited knowledge of official techniques of PET recovery, and recycling operations in general are still mostly unorganised. Even though 44.7% of the respondents attributed the economic value of PET collection and resale, 55.3% indicated that they were not directly involved when it comes to recycling, highlighting the imbalanced presence in the value chain of recycling. Spatial inequalities on the waste management infrastructure also led to indiscriminate dumping and burning especially in the peripheral neighbourhoods. However, inadequate infrastructure, lack of awareness by people, coordination of policies and formalisation of the integration process of the PET recycling hinder the overall benefits of PET recycling. In conclusion, the PET waste management improvement in Keffi requires the development of the formal collection system, unification and formalisation of informal recyclers, the increase of the public awareness campaign, and the support of the policy that aligns with the principles of the circular economy. The solution to these shortcomings will allow Keffi to streamline towards a more inclusive, efficient, and sustainable process of PET recycling.
Ann Munyaka, Kiogora Betty Kanorio, Peter Chege
Introduction: Micronutrient deficiencies (MND) are of great concern in public health and affect at-risk populations in low-and Middle income and developing countries, including pregnant women. Zinc deficiency, is significant in pregnant women. In particular, zinc deficiency is prevalent among pregnant women in resource-limited households. This is largely attributed to overreliance on cereal- and legume-based diets rich in phytates that inhibit zinc absorption. In Kenya, nearly 68.3% of pregnant women are zinc-deficient, yet County-level data remain limited. Objective: This study assessed the serum zinc status among expectant mothers who visited the Antenatal Care (ANC) clinic at Embu Level Five Hospital in Embu County, Kenya Methodology: This was a cross-sectional analytical design, involving pregnant women (n=156) systematically sampled pregnant women attending antenatal care at Embu Level Five Hospital. Data was collected through structured questionnaires and focus group discussions. Serum zinc was measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive and regression statistical methods with SPSS version 26. The chi-square test was applied to determine whether significant associations existed between selected variables. To determine whether there were differences in the dependent variable and serum zinc concentration across the various independent variable groups, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the independent samples t-test were applied. Data obtained from focus group discussions (FGDs) were transcribed and analyzed through NVIVO for identification and classification of emerging themes. Results: Most participants were young mothers (20-24 years), with three or fewer parities, and 63.5% reported supplement use summarized in frequencies and proportionsMean serum zinc concentration was 67.50±10.90 μg/dl, with significant trimester-based declines: 76.28 μg/dl (first), 65.87 μg/dl (second), and 56.40 μg/dl (third) (p=0.000). Regression analysis showed dietary zinc intake and supplementation explained 67.2% of serum zinc variation. Conclusion: This is one among the few studies that focus on the serum zinc status among expectant mothers who visit the Antenatal Care (ANC) clinic at Embu Level Five Hospital in Embu County, Kenya.The study concludes that zinc deficiency remains a nutritional concern in Embu County, driven by plant-based diets. Recommendation: Promoting home-based food processing techniques and dietary diversification may enhance zinc bioavailability and improve maternal nutrition.
A.C.I. Kinkini, A.U.S. Pravihari
Assessment plays a central role in shaping teaching and learning processes, particularly in the context of 21st-century education, which emphasises competencies such as critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication. Despite these expectations, classroom assessment practices in many education systems remain predominantly examination-oriented. This study examines the alignment between assessment methods used in teaching Sinhala Language and Literature and the development of 21st-century skills within the Sri Lankan school context. A mixed-methods research design with a qualitative emphasis was employed. Data were collected from six government schools representing different school categories (1AB, 1C, and Type-2), involving 12 teachers and 120 Grade 11 students. Data collection methods included questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and classroom observations. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. The findings indicate that teachers predominantly rely on traditional written assessment methods, which primarily assess knowledge reproduction and written expression, with limited emphasis on higher-order competencies such as collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving. The study also identifies key systemic challenges, including examination pressures, time constraints, and a lack of assessment frameworks, which constrain the implementation of alternative assessment practices. The findings highlight a misalignment between current assessment practices and the goals of 21st-century education. The study contributes to the literature by providing a context-specific analysis of assessment practices within an examination-oriented system and offers implications for improving classroom assessment in language education.
Anna Nuule, Kadonsi Kaziya
This article examines assessment quality assurance as a governance regime in higher education, with particular attention to how it operates within the Namibian context. Moving beyond procedural and technical understandings of quality assurance, the study investigates how official policy, regulatory, and institutional texts construct assessment quality assurance as a mechanism for governing institutional conduct, regulating academic practice, and shaping the conditions under which academic legitimacy is produced. The study is grounded in an interpretive qualitative design and draws on qualitative document analysis and critical discourse analysis, guided by Foucauldian governmentality as the main theoretical lens. The analysis focused on the language, assumptions, and regulatory logics embedded in assessment-related texts. Five interrelated themes emerged from the findings: assessment quality assurance as a technology of governance; standardisation and the normalisation of academic practice; regulation of academic discourse through evaluative language; knowledge legitimation and academic validity; and tensions within the quality assurance regime. The article argues that assessment quality assurance is not a neutral administrative exercise, but a multidimensional regulatory formation that shapes how institutions organise assessment, how academics and students perform within evaluative systems, and how valid knowledge is recognised in higher education. The study contributes to current scholarship by showing that assessment quality assurance has institutional, discursive, and epistemic effects. It concludes that quality assurance should be understood as both necessary and contestable, requiring approaches that protect academic standards while remaining sensitive to autonomy, diversity, and the broader educational purpose of higher education.
Abhayasundere. P., Alles. S. M. D. P. S, Wijethunga. W. T. D.
Researchers discovered in this exploratory analysis that there was almost a twofold increase in the likelihood of self-poisoning among those who reported not getting sex education compared to those who did. Strong evidence was also discovered by the researchers showing that those who got sex education but did not think it was helpful were more likely to have self-poisoned than those who did. The researchers noted that they could not find any statistical evidence linking the risk of self-poisoning to the quality of sex education, as assessed here. This study determined the main obstacles to HIV and sexuality teaching in schools in a few Asian nations. Additionally, the paper makes use of newly conducted national situation evaluations related to HIV and sexual education. There are four main obstacles to providing high-quality, school-based HIV and sexuality education: school-level considerations, policy factors, resource limitations, and cultural and contextual factors. The four obstacles this study identifies to HIV and sexuality education implementation are intricately linked. If 100% coverage of high-quality HIV and sexuality education is to be implemented and maintained, each needs to be addressed by national and local authorities as well as by individual schools. Programs for HIV and sexuality education must, of course, be created with local values and beliefs in mind. This has been noted as a feature of successful curriculum-based work on sex education and HIV. There is significance in national and local dialogues regarding HIV and sexuality education to give young people's voices a platform to express their perspectives in the development of contextually relevant approaches. To find out which important stakeholders agree with the strategy and content, a consensus process could be started.
Mohamed Abdulrahman Mohamed Alattas Alhashmi, Mohd Lizam
This study investigates the audit expectation gap (AEG) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by exploring the perspectives of auditors and financial statement users. Drawing on the ACCA (2021) three-component framework, it examines the knowledge gap, performance gap, and evolution gap, and assesses how stakeholders perceive existing and proposed strategies to narrow these gaps. The study employs a qualitative, interpretive approach using semi-structured interviews analysed through thematic coding. Findings indicate that while auditors broadly agree on the scope of their professional responsibilities, users of financial statements frequently hold misaligned expectations, particularly regarding fraud detection. The study identifies the need for enhanced auditing education in the UAE, stronger auditor independence mechanisms, and the adoption of advanced audit technologies. It also underscores the importance of ongoing dialogue among auditors, regulators, investors, and other stakeholders as a routine professional practice, rather than a reactive response to financial crises or corporate scandals.
Sam Siryon
In the contemporary digital era, where speech has become an essential mechanism for critiquing government actions and policies, free speech is increasingly viewed by political leaders as a direct threat rather than a democratic cornerstone. Despite the established fact that the right to hold and express opinions forms the foundation of an accountable, prosperous, and stable society, attempts to curb this right are escalating. Such restrictions aim to undermine the bedrock of transparent, free societies, reducing the ability of citizens to demand accountability in public service delivery. Holding and expressing personal views is not merely an individual right; it is a checkmate mechanism that forces administrative authorities to act in the best interests of the people. This study explores cross-jurisdictional methods concerning how state authorities in India and Liberia navigate the protection of this fundamental bedrock of democracy, particularly in the face of political pressure. It provides a comparative analysis of how courts in both nations have proactively or responsively addressed political attempts to curb free speech through legislative, regulatory, and criminal means. Specifically, it examines the use of "reasonable restrictions" under Indian constitutional jurisprudence versus legal reforms, such as the repeal of criminal libel in Liberia. The study assesses the "chilling effect" of digital regulations, such as India's IT Rules and cybersecurity laws, against the backdrop of post-conflict press freedom challenges in Liberia. Ultimately, the research indicates that there is an increasing, politically motivated attempt to curb the fundamental right to free speech, often masked as upholding national security or public order. By examining landmark judicial interventions, such as the Indian Supreme Court's focus on proportionality and Liberia's efforts to protect media, the study suggests that a strong, independent judiciary is essential to safeguard democratic space. It concludes that maintaining a vibrant marketplace of ideas requires precise, narrow legal definitions of restrictions to prevent the abuse of state power.
Dr. Cecille Mae C. Canilon, Dr. Nelson C. Dizon, Marifi Chan Gatchalian
This study assessed the effectiveness of Barangay Public Safety Officers (BPSOs) as force multipliers in maintaining peace and order in Barangays 188 and 185, North Caloocan City. It examined key areas, including peace and order, security and safety, traffic management, barangay patrol, emergency response, and competence, as perceived by BPSOs, residents, and Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel. The study also identified challenges faced by BPSOs and proposed strategies to enhance their capabilities. Using a descriptive research design, data were collected through a self-made survey questionnaire administered to 150 respondents comprising barangay officials, residents, and police officers. Descriptive statistics, including frequency counts, percentage distributions, and weighted means, were used to analyze responses, while One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) determined significant differences in perceptions among respondent groups at a 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed that BPSOs are generally effective, receiving high ratings for competence, patrol activities, emergency responsiveness, and coordination with the PNP. However, challenges such as manpower shortages, limited infrastructure (e.g., street lighting and CCTV coverage), and gaps in community perception were identified. Differences in assessments among BPSOs, residents, and PNP personnel underscore the need for improved communication and alignment among stakeholders. In response, a capability-building plan was proposed, focusing on recruitment and manpower expansion, comprehensive training and professional development, resource and infrastructure enhancement, strengthened community engagement, improved coordination, and continuous monitoring and evaluation. This plan provides a structured framework to address gaps, improve operational efficiency, foster public trust, and sustain BPSO effectiveness. The study concludes that while BPSOs play a vital role in community safety, implementing the proposed strategies is essential to enhance performance, ensure adequate manpower and resources, and strengthen collaboration between the barangay and the community, ultimately promoting a safer and more resilient environment. Accordingly, it recommends increased recruitment, better resource allocation, ongoing training, strengthened coordination, enhanced public awareness, and expanded preventive programs to sustain and improve barangay peacekeeping efforts.
Ngozi Egbuna
Barter systems, widely used during the formation of early commerce, lack sufficient information flows today. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is Africa’s largest free trade initiative. It offers free trade access to 1.3 billion people and is expected to significantly boost intra-African trade. Intra-African trade peaked at 21% in 2008 and dropped to 15% in 2021, largely due to non-tariff barriers. Among Non-Tariff Barriers, only 4.4% of firms are aware of AfCFTA, and only 3% of the firms ship goods abroad. Barter enables digital platforms to trade goods without currency, thereby tackling Non-Tariff Barriers and boosting intra-African trade. The first barter system dates to 6000 BC, making it the oldest mode of transaction. The Mesopotamia tribes first introduced it, and later, the Phoenicians embraced it as a form of trading. They bartered goods to diverse people located in various cities across the Nile and beyond. Barter is a commodity exchange that does not require money. One trades goods in return for remuneration or settles the transaction later on. Counter trade distinguishes between barter-based and non-monetary trade. At these two junctions, settlement units, value exchange, collateral, and risk transfer come into play. In counter trade, two transactions are independently fulfilled, while barter-based trade relies on a single transaction. With barter, both sides can trade their valued goods without the need for money (Mihajlov et al., 2019) ; (Tedeschi et al., 2018).
Ayekpam Ibemcha Chanu, Swrang Basumatary
The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of behavioural biases on investment decision-making and the moderating effect of demographic variables using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) and multigroup analysis (PLS-MGA). Data were collected from 385 MSME entrepreneurs of North-Eastern India using a structured questionnaire. The result indicates that anchoring bias, herding bias, overconfidence bias, illusion of control bias, and regret aversion significantly influence investment decision-making. Herding emerged as the most influencing factor. Age and education level was also found to moderate certain relationships between behavioural biases and investment decisions, whereas gender and income have no significant moderating effect. The study adds to the limited empirical evidence from emerging market contexts and contributes to behavioural finance literature. It also highlights the importance of incorporating behavioural finance insights into investor education programmes and policy frameworks.
Archie B. Condeza, Celine Keziah C. Cabreros, Chir Lyn B. Tating, Christian Paul B. Basa, Dame Lyka A. Amistad, Eva Jean T. Decina, Janine M. Parilla, Jeramie E. Punay, Johnfer B. Efondo, Noli P. Julosan, Rea T. Ates, Ronald G. Guisada
This research examined the effects of hygiene knowledge practices and food safety on the dimension wellness of student. within the school setting. The main objective was to assess the extent of these factors influence, their correlations, and the specific wellness dimensions affected among Senior High School Students. Employing a quantitative, non-experimental design with complete enumeration, the study involved 183 participants from Lorenzo S. Sarmiento Sr. National High School. Key statistical methods included average weighted mean, Spearman's rho correlation, and multiple regression analysis. Findings revealed a very high level of influence from hygiene knowledge practices, along with indicators such as handwashing, oral hygiene, and body hygiene. Similarly, food safety showed very high influence across its indicators, such as cook or prepared food, chill or cool food storage, clean or hygiene, and food handling. Students' wellness levels were also very high across all dimensions or their indicators like emotional, physical, social, and intellectual. The results confirmed significant correlations between hygiene knowledge practices, food safety, and dimension wellness of students. This study highlights the importance of targeted knowledge on hygiene and food safety to enhance student well-being in the school community.
Molleen Manhede, Tadiwanashe Burukai-Matutu
Unsafe abortion remains a major public health and human rights concern globally, particularly among adolescents and young women in contexts with restrictive legal frameworks and limited access to youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health (SRHR) services. In Zimbabwe, abortion is permitted only under limited circumstances under the Termination of Pregnancy Act, yet evidence suggests low awareness of legal provisions and significant barriers to accessing safe care. This study examines the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to SRHR and abortion care among young people in Zvishavane District. The research employed a mixed-methods KAP approach combining community consultations, stakeholder engagement, and analysis of existing SRHR service data to assess young people’s understanding of abortion laws, prevailing social attitudes, and care-seeking behaviors. The findings reveal significant knowledge gaps regarding legal indications for abortion, persistent stigma at community and service levels, and reliance on unsafe or informal abortion methods due to barriers such as cost, distance, and negative provider attitudes. Adolescents and young women face particular challenges in accessing confidential and youth-friendly services. The study highlights the need for comprehensive sexuality education, improved legal awareness, strengthened youth-friendly health services, and community-level norm change to address stigma and misinformation. Policy reforms and service delivery improvements are essential to reduce unsafe abortion and strengthen reproductive health outcomes among young people. These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence on SRHR access in rural Zimbabwe and offer actionable pathways for policy and programmatic interventions.
Mary-an A. Agudong, Mona L. Laya
This qualitative phenomenological study aimed to explore the residents lived experiences and perceptions. Participants were purposively selected and interviewed through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The gathered data were transcribed and analyzed thematically through systematic coding and categorization to identify core themes. The study pursued three main inquiries: lived experiences, strategies employed by local authorities, and insights shared by the participants regarding the benefits and challenges experienced by communities. Based on the understanding the lived experiences it revealed that residents experienced incidents of theft, disturbances, and poor lighting but responded through collective vigilance and cooperation. Concerning the strategies employed by the residents showed that participants viewed patrol visibility, curfew enforcement, and surveillance systems as effective but inconsistently implemented. Regarding the insights shared by the participants, residents emphasized the need for consistent enforcement, stronger community engagement, and infrastructure improvement to maintain public safety.
Eze, Jeremiah Ugo, Ezenwaeze Malachy Nwaeze, Ortuanya Kelvin Emeka
Background: Bilateral tubal ligation (BTL) is a highly effective and permanent method of contraception with a failure rate of less than 1%. Despite its safety and effectiveness, uptake remains low in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria. This study assessed the uptake, indications, and clinical characteristics of BTL in a tertiary health institution in Southeast Nigeria. Methods: This was a five-year retrospective descriptive study conducted at Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH), Enugu, Nigeria. Records of all women who underwent BTL during the study period were reviewed. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, type of procedure, associated surgical interventions, indications; previous awareness and uptake of contraception, and complications were extracted and analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
Achinike, Chimaobim Daniel, Iwuno, Juliana Onyedika, Nwosu, Chibuzo Charles, Onuigbo, Ifeanyi Ositadinma
The rapid evolution of digital technologies has increased cybersecurity challenges. This situation necessitates integrating intelligent systems capable of adaptive threat detection, automated defense mechanisms, and sustainable resilience. This study explores the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in optimizing threat detection, enhancing network resilience, and automating cybersecurity frameworks, with a specific focus on their impact on maintaining the integrity of blockchain protocols within Nigeria’s digital infrastructure. The paper investigates the application of various AI techniques, including Machine Learning (ML), Deep Learning (DL), Natural Language Processing (NLP), Graph Neural Networks (GNNs), Reinforcement Learning (RL), Adversarial Machine Learning (AML), Federated Learning (FL), and Explainable AI (XAI), in strengthening cybersecurity operations. The methodology employed a qualitative narrative review approach along with a conceptual framework design. The theoretical framework is based on the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework, offering a comprehensive perspective on how technological innovations are adopted in organizational and national contexts. The findings indicate that AI-driven models significantly improve threat detection accuracy by identifying anomalies, predicting intrusions, and enabling real-time mitigation of cyber risks. In the realm of blockchain security, AI aids in the verification of smart contracts, data authenticity, and regulatory compliance, elements that are critical for maintaining integrity across Nigeria’s financial, energy, and public administration sectors.
Ahmad Fauzi Hassan, Muhammad Nurul Salihin Mazni Fairuz, Syed Abdul Majid Ghouri
The study of asbab al-nuzul (occasions of revelation) constitutes an important discipline within the field of ulum al-quran, as it provides essential historical context for understanding the meanings and objectives of Quranic verses. Numerous scholars throughout Islamic intellectual history have authored works dedicated to collecting and analyzing narrations related to the circumstances of revelation. However, these works differ significantly in terms of their methodological approaches and scholarly contributions. This study aims to examine major classical and contemporary works written on asbab al-nuzul through a descriptive and comparative analysis. The research analyzes selected classical works, particularly those of Al-Wahidi, Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani and Jalal al-Din al-Suyuti, as well as several contemporary studies that emphasize authentication and critical analysis of narrations. Using qualitative library research, the study compares the methodological approaches, sources of narrations and scholarly objectives of these works. The findings reveal that classical scholars primarily focused on collecting and preserving narrations transmitted from early Islamic authorities, whereas contemporary scholars have emphasized critical evaluation and verification of these reports using the principles of hadith criticism. The study concludes that both classical and modern contributions play complementary roles in advancing the discipline of asbab al-nuzul and remain essential for understanding the historical context and interpretive dimensions of the Quran.
Ayman Abd El-Tawab Attia Aly
Background: Boredom is a negative academic emotion that can significantly hinder language learning. While international research has explored boredom in various EFL contexts, limited attention has been given to the Omani secondary school setting, particularly among students with weaker English skills and low motivation. Purpose: This study investigates the experiences and perceptions of boredom among Omani Grade 12 EFL students at the beginning of their second semester of the academic year 2025/2026. It seeks to identify the curriculum-related antecedents of boredom and explore how students perceive its impact on their engagement and learning. Methodology: A qualitative case study approach was adopted. Participants were 30 male Grade 12 students from the literary section at Hafs bin Rashed School (Grades 10-12) in AL Seeb, Muscat. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Thematic analysis, guided by Braun and Clarke's (2006) framework, was used to analyse the data. Theoretical Framework: The study is grounded in Pekrun's Control-Value Theory of Achievement Emotions, which explains how students' appraisals of control and value in learning activities influence their emotional experiences, including boredom. Findings: Analysis reveals that students experience boredom due to several curriculum-related factors: the repetitive nature of textbook activities, perceived irrelevance of themes to their lives, difficulty of language tasks, lack of variety in classroom procedures, and a mismatch between curriculum expectations and their low proficiency levels. These factors map directly onto low control and low value appraisals as theorized by Pekrun. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for curriculum differentiation and more engaging pedagogical approaches tailored to the needs of less motivated, lower-proficiency learners in Omani secondary schools. The findings also demonstrate the applicability of Control-Value Theory to understanding boredom in the Arab EFL context.
Anna Lynn Abu Bakar, Halina Sendera Mohd Yakin, Januarius Gobilik, Noorafini Kassim, Nurul Hasanah Harisin, Patricia Sator, Rudy Ansar
Bawing, globally known as lemon basil (Ocimum Basillicum) is a culturally revered and scientifically significant herb native to Borneo, particularly Sabah of East Malaysia. This paper investigates the binary role of bawing in local wisdom and contemporary scientific research. Drawing on a mixed-method and multidisciplinary literature review, comprising of content analysis, participant observation, interviews, and laboratory analyses, the study examines bawing’s traditional significance in terms of cultural, spiritual and medicinal as well as its pharmacological potential. Beyond its culinary use, bawing is also regarded as a symbol of purification, protection, therapeutic healing and balance within indigenous communities. The qualitative data is reinforced by modern gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis which also reveals that bawing is rich in bioactive compounds, including citral, caryophyllene, humulene, linalool, limonene, and estragole-substances known for their antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, antiviral, and antistress properties. This multidisciplinary study highlights the potential of integrating local knowledge with scientific research to support the sustainable use of local herbal resources and promote innovation in products for beauty, aromatherapy, and therapeutic applications, in tandem with the RDCI and HGHV strategies of RMK-13.
Gu Yuyang, Qiu Qilu, Sharip Zainal Sangkif Shek, Zairul Anuar Md. Dawam
The growing overlap between stage and screen performance has exposed a persistent gap in actor training, particularly for students whose education is grounded in traditional theatre methods. Many struggle with the technical and emotional demands of screen work, which often requires subtle micro-expressions, spatial awareness shaped by the camera lens, and the ability to sustain character continuity across fragmented shooting schedules. This study examines these challenges and explores how technology-enhanced training may support the transition. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research combined survey responses from acting students with interviews and classroom observations involving VR-based exercises and AI-assisted feedback. The findings point to three recurring areas of difficulty: maintaining emotional coherence during non-linear filming, regulating micro-expressions for close-up work, and adapting stage-based spatial habits to the logic of the lens. While technological tools improved awareness and gave students a clearer sense of camera demands, several participants expressed discomfort with algorithmic evaluation and fatigue during VR sessions. These results suggest that bridging stage and screen performance requires more than additional technical modules. Instead, training must help actors reframe how authenticity, presence, and emotional continuity are understood across media. The study proposes a Technology–Art–Humanities framework that integrates digital tools with interpretive practice and cultural grounding, offering a more coherent pathway for preparing actors to work confidently in both stage and screen environments.
A. C. Imesha Kinkini
This study critically examines the potential for inclusive digital transformation within Sri Lankan higher education (HE), specifically focusing on addressing the persistent inequalities that characterize the digital divide for students with disabilities. The rapid, global shift to online education, significantly accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, exposed critical gaps in technological infrastructure, digital literacy, and pedagogical inclusivity within the nation’s universities. Employing a qualitative, interpretive research design grounded in constructivist and phenomenological paradigms, this research explored the lived experiences of 20 differently abled undergraduates and five academic staff members across four public Sri Lankan universities. Data were systematically gathered through semi-structured interviews and documentary analysis. The findings reveal that while digital transformation ensured educational continuity during crises, it concurrently exacerbated disparities concerning accessibility, the availability of assistive technology, and institutional responsiveness. Key systemic barriers identified include a pervasive lack of policy coherence, limited faculty preparedness regarding inclusive digital pedagogy, and insufficient institutional accountability. Conversely, the study documents students’ remarkable resilience, adaptive agency, and strong peer collaboration as powerful forces that help navigate otherwise exclusionary systems. The research emphatically argues that effectively bridging the digital divide requires integrating Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles and Digital Equity Theory into HE policy, pedagogy, and operational practice. By systematically institutionalizing inclusive digital design and proactively fostering comprehensive attitudinal change, Sri Lanka can achieve equitable and sustainable access to higher education for all learners.
Enylina Nordin, Mohd Hisham Johari, Mohd Tarmizi Ibrahim, Wan Shafizah Hussain
Corporate Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) integration has assumed a strategic necessity to the entire corporation of the world, and the consumer product sector in Malaysia is at the crossroad. Though most of the research on the impact of ESG on firm performance has continued to increase, the findings are typically not consistent, hence offering a lot of confusion to corporate managers and shareholders. The formulation of the present situation of ESG research in Malaysia offered in this study recognizes three gaps in the existing body of knowledge. The first one is the impossibility to take into account the heterogeneity of the firms’ size and sector risk, the second issue is the specific implementation challenges of the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), and the third problem is the unresolved trade-offs between the short-term cost of the financial investment in environmental projects and long-term value creation. To address these lapses, this paper proposes the Contingent ESG Implementation Framework (CEIF) a conceptual framework within which companies can employ in prioritizing ESG pillars based on their field of operation. The framework is further developed according to the analysis of 50 major studies as well as a mixed-methods research design is provided to validate it empirically. The CEIF indicates that a one-size-fits-all approach is not perfect; firms, particularly SME and operating in risky sectors need to adopt a progressive approach whereby, in most instances, governance and social considerations are prioritized before firms and corporations undertake capital-intensive environmental initiatives. This research adds value to stakeholder and resource-based theories by building a contingency strategy of ESG strategy and offering practical and evidence-based recommendations to managers, investors, and policymakers taking into account maximization of sustainable development and competitive advantage in the context of Malaysian dynamic consumer market.
Hamzah Ibrahim Mohammed Al-Salih, Mohammed Hashim Taha Sulaiman AL-Ogaidi
The present research aims to build and apply the Repetitive Thinking Scale among the students of the Faculties of Education for Humanities and Pure Sciences. The research sample consisted of (400) male and female students who were selected by stratified random method with equal distribution, from all academic stages of the Faculties of Education for Humanities and Pure Sciences, and to measure the research variable (Repetitive Thinking), a scale was built based on theoretical bridging (synthesis method), consisting of (24) items. The apparent validity value (95%), as well as the structural validity of the scale were extracted in terms of comparing the calculated T-value with the tabulated T-value (1.96), and all the paragraphs were functional, and the degree of stability coefficient was also extracted by the repeat method (86%), and the statistical methods used were the Social Statistical Package (SPSS).
Andrea Amor L. Dimalibot, Clark James Nicolas, Mary Joy D. Rivera, Oscar O. Ancheta Jr, Vanessa E. Suarez, Zedric Jairo C. Sicmaten
This study investigated the interplay between teaching anxiety and teaching confidence among pre-service teachers enrolled in the Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED) and Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (BECED) programs at Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University - Mid La Union Campus. It seeks to examine how pre-service teachers experience anxiety and confidence during their practicum, analyze how they perceive the relationship between these two constructs, and identify both the contributing factors to anxiety and the coping strategies they employ. Anchored on Bandura's Self-Efficacy Theory, Pekrun's Control-Value Theory of Achievement Emotions, and Lazarus and Folkman's Stress and Coping Theory, the study adopts a qualitative research design. Data were gathered through structured interviews with purposely selected participants and analyzed using Braun and Clarke's (2006) six-phase thematic analysis. The findings highlight the psychological challenges and strengths of pre-service teachers, providing insights into how teacher education programs can develop effective support systems that foster resilience, reduce anxiety, and build teaching confidence.
Bo Bu, Chunyu Mao, Guanghua Wu, Qiang Fu, Shengzhao Guo
In recent years, the development of integrated vocational education pathways has emerged as a key direction in vocational education reform in China. Establishing coherent and flexible educational pathways is essential for enhancing the quality of vocational education and fostering highly skilled technical talent. This study offers a theoretical examination of integrated vocational education pathways in China. Drawing on a comprehensive review of relevant literature and policy documents, it analyzes the evolution of policy frameworks, the main structural models, and the key challenges associated with the implementation of articulated vocational education systems. The findings indicate that China has progressively developed multiple forms of integrated pathways, including secondary–higher vocational pathways, five-year integrated programs, and secondary–higher–undergraduate pathways. These models are designed to strengthen vertical articulation, enhance talent development mechanisms, and promote the upward mobility of vocational students. However, persistent challenges remain, particularly in terms of curriculum misalignment, institutional fragmentation, limited industry participation, and regional disparities in development. Based on these findings, this study proposes several strategies to improve the effectiveness of integrated vocational education pathways, including advancing curriculum articulation, strengthening institutional coordination, deepening industry–education integration, and enhancing policy support mechanisms. Overall, the study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of vocational education reform in China and provides theoretical insights for the development of more coherent and responsive vocational education systems.
Dr. Endali Sydony Etoh
This article explores how Cameroon’s bilingual identity has influenced its diplomatic strategies within the African Union (AU) from 2000 to 2023. Positioned uniquely at the intersection of Francophone and Anglophone Africa, Cameroon utilizes its dual colonial heritage to navigate and mediate linguistic and political tensions that frequently divide AU member states. The study argues that Cameroon’s bilingualism serves not only as a symbol of internal cohesion but also as a strategic asset in regional diplomacy. Employing a qualitative methodology, the article draws on official AU communiqués, summit resolutions, Cameroonian foreign policy archives, presidential speeches, parliamentary records, and press releases from the Ministry of External Relations. It analyzes Cameroon’s contributions to AU peace and security initiatives, debates on institutional reform, and coalition-building across language lines. The novelty of this research lies in its focus on bilingualism as a diplomatic resource an angle often neglected in analyses of Cameroonian foreign policy and African multilateralism. The article further considers how domestic linguistic tensions, particularly the Anglophone crisis, affect Cameroon’s regional legitimacy. Ultimately, it offers a fresh perspective on the interplay between language, identity, and diplomacy in postcolonial African institutions.
Babalola, Olufunlayo Esther, Fabiyi, Folukemi Catherine, Ogunrinde, Olufemi Philip, Oluwadaisi, Ajoke Grace
This study investigates the relationship between capital structure and the financial performance of manufacturing firms in Nigeria, with specific evidence drawn from Guinness Nigeria PLC over a ten-year period spanning 2013 to 2022. The study employs panel data regression analysis—incorporating Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), Fixed Effects Model (FEM), and Random Effects Model (REM)—validated through the Hausman specification test. Three capital structure proxies were employed: Debt-to-Equity Ratio (DER), Debt Ratio (DR), and Long-term Debt to Total Assets (LTDA), while Return on Assets (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE) served as performance indicators. Control variables included Firm Size (FSIZE) and Sales Growth (SG). Secondary data were extracted from Guinness Nigeria PLC annual reports and the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) database. Findings reveal that debt-to-equity ratio has a significant negative effect on ROA (β = −0.341, p < 0.05), while long-term debt to total assets exerts a significant positive influence on ROE (β = 0.218, p < 0.05). The Hausman test favoured the Fixed Effects Model. The results lend support to the Trade-off Theory and align with recent empirical evidence from developing economies. The study recommends that Nigerian manufacturing firms adopt optimal leverage ratios to enhance shareholder value while minimising financial distress costs. These findings have implications for corporate finance managers, investors, and regulatory authorities.
Cherelen D. Gajita, Nenita I. Prado
Faculty work performance remains a critical determinant of institutional effectiveness and educational quality in higher education institutions (HEIs). This study examined the levels of career development, professional practices, organizational commitment, and work performance among teaching staff, as well as the relationships among these variables. Using a descriptive-correlational research design, data were collected from teaching staff in a selected higher education institution. Results indicated high levels across career development, professional practices, commitment, and work performance. Correlation analysis revealed significant relationships among work performance, career development, professional practices, and organizational commitment. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening instructional practices and fostering commitment as key mechanisms for improving faculty performance. The study provides empirical insights that may guide institutional strategies for faculty development, performance enhancement, and instructional quality improvement.
Lilian Amanda Asiago, Peris Koech
The general objective of this study was to examine the influence of career mentoring on employee performance in multinational companies in Mombasa County, Kenya. The study’s theoretical review was grounded on a theory that is applied in human resource management namely social exchange theory. The study adopted cross-sectional survey research design. The first level target population was twenty multinational companies with offices domiciled in Mombasa County, Kenya as at end of year 2024. The accessible population was made up of four hundred and seventy three (473) staff from these companies including management, supervisory and clerical staff cadres and these constituted the unit of observation for the study. Nasiurma (2000) formulae was used to derive a sample of 110 and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 was used to facilitate data analysis. Pilot study results showed the items were reliable based on the Cronbach alpha scores returned which were above .70 which is regarded as the lower limit. Validity subsets of face and content were tested using human resource management experts who gave the instrument a general clean bill of health and KMO and Bartlett tests returned appropriate scores to indicate construct validity in the data. The study established that career mentoring had a significant influence on employee performance in multinational companies in Mombasa County, Kenya (r = .719, p-value = .000) The study recommends that in multinational companies staff ought to be encouraged to have development plans in readiness for opportunities to realize growth since they are the drivers of their own progression and must take control of the same. Additionally, mentors in multinational companies need to facilitate the development and learning process by assigning stretching assignments to mentees, which is meant to stretch their reasoning capacity and proactiveness in all dealings.
Mohammad Haroon Najimi
Youth is a pivotal force in shaping a nation’s political future. The better they are educated and equipped with skills the better they would contribute to the development of the country, politically as well as socio-economically. In today's Afghanistan, however, the young generation face significant obstacles that hinder their ability to participate in the progress of their community and demonstrate a potential role in the country’s political future. Many young people attempt to immigrate abroad, for education, for work, and for better life. The youth staying in Afghanistan hope to influence change by pursuing education in fields such as political science and economics, aiming not only to secure employment and support their families but also to contribute to shaping policies that promote socio-economic development in their communities.
Mohammed Sani Abbas
This study provides a quantitative assessment of the implications of centralised and decentralised (state-based) policing models for national security and security governance in Nigeria. Although Nigeria operates a federal constitutional framework, it maintains a centralised policing system under the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), a legacy of colonial administration and prolonged military rule. Persistent security threats including insurgency in the Northeast, banditry in the Northwest, rising kidnappings for ransom, and recurrent communal violence combined with deficient police to population ratio have renewed demands from policymakers and civil society for more locally responsive policing, particularly through decentralisation of the NPF. Drawing comparative insights from policing frameworks in the United States, India, Brazil, and South Africa, the study evaluates how alternative policing arrangements influence national unity, federalism, and operational efficiency of the police. Data were collected from 420 respondents across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones using stratified random sampling and structured questionnaires, and were analysed through multiple regression, correlation, and ANOVA. The findings indicate that centralised policing strengthens perceptions of national cohesion but undermines operational efficiency of the police as well as local security responsiveness, and adherence to federal principles. By contrast, state or hybrid policing models show stronger associations with improved efficiency, accountability, and community trust, though they are perceived as more vulnerable to political interference and ethnic fragmentation. The study concludes that a carefully regulated hybrid system where the decentralised state policing operates under robust federal safeguards offers the most viable strategy for sustainable security governance in Nigeria.
Dr. Reginald Nalugala, Kerry Muhati
The purpose of this paper is to reinterpret the social and political organization of the Wanga within the broader Luhya polity by examining the dynamics of centralization, legitimacy, and colonial mediation. The key objectives are to assess the historical foundations of Wanga political authority, analyze the extent of centralization prior to colonial rule, and evaluate how British colonial administration reshaped existing governance structures. The study employs qualitative historical methods, drawing on oral genealogies, British district records, missionary correspondence, and secondary literature in African history and political anthropology. The findings indicate that the Wanga kingdom possessed significant elements of centralized authority before colonial intervention, combining ritual kingship under the Nabongo, clan-based organization, military power, and systems of tribute. However, this authority was neither absolute nor uniform, as governance involved continuous negotiation with lineage heads and other local actors. The study further demonstrates that British colonial rule did not invent Wanga centralization but rather restructured and amplified it through indirect rule, formal administrative systems, and bureaucratic support. This resulted in a hybrid political order that fused indigenous legitimacy with colonial authority. The paper concludes that the Wanga political system evolved cumulatively, with colonial mediation reinforcing and transforming pre-existing institutions rather than creating them anew. This reinterpretation contributes to broader debates on African state formation, chieftaincy, and the impact of colonial rule, while also enriching the historiography of the Luhya community and Kenyan political development.
Armie Lhyn D. Recla, Dr. Junvil A. Insong, Raindylyn A. Sumowan, Robert Florentino, Shaina L. Amba
Efforts to combat illegal drug activities place law enforcers in demanding operational environments that require sufficient resources, continuous training, and strong community cooperation. This study examined the challenges encountered by law enforcers in the conduct of anti-drug operations, with particular attention to operational constraints, community participation, and officer safety in one of the cities of Misamis Occidental, Philippines. A qualitative research design was employed, using in-depth interviews with law enforcement personnel to document their lived experiences in implementing anti-drug initiatives. The collected data were analyzed through thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and issues affecting operational effectiveness. The findings revealed several interconnected challenges in anti-drug enforcement. Six cluster themes emerged from the analysis: resource and logistical constraints, training and adaptability, limited community support, awareness and preventive education, dangers of armed and hostile suspects, and coping mechanisms and safety protocols. Participants reported that shortages in manpower, limited funding, and inadequate operational equipment restrict the ability of enforcement units to sustain proactive operations and respond effectively to the evolving strategies of drug syndicates. The study also found that community cooperation remains limited due to fear of retaliation, mistrust of authorities, and the tendency of some families or community members to protect individuals involved in illegal drug activities. Additionally, officers frequently encounter high-risk situations, including armed resistance and hostile operational environments, which increase both physical danger and psychological strain. The study concludes that the effectiveness of anti-drug operations is influenced not only by enforcement capacity but also by the level of institutional support and community engagement. Strengthening resource allocation, improving logistical support, and expanding continuous professional training may enhance the operational readiness of law enforcement personnel. Furthermore, reinforcing community-based engagement programs and establishing support mechanisms that protect the safety and well-being of officers may contribute to more sustainable and effective anti-drug enforcement efforts.
Farhan Md Dahlan, Noraini Md Zain, Norbaizura Abu Bakar, Norsyazwana Jenuwa, Nurul Aidah Azmi, Suhaila Ali
The Quality Assessment System in Construction (QLASSIC) is an independent framework based on the Construction Industry Standard (CIS 7:2021), designed to evaluate workmanship quality in the Malaysian construction industry. This research investigates the advantages, challenges, and strategies associated with QLASSIC implementation. Utilizing a quantitative approach, data was collected from a total of 122 respondents in Kuala Langat, Selangor. The findings reveal that the primary advantage of QLASSIC is its capacity to reduce major defects and building failures, thereby enhancing structural longevity. Conversely, the extended duration required to produce assessment reports was identified as the main challenge in implementing the QLASSIC system. To address these issues, the study suggests that the most effective strategy is to enhance stakeholders' technical knowledge and proficiency with the QLASSIC system.
Bainare B. Pontino
This study determined the challenges in the areas of training, resources, and facilities of the twenty (20) Technology and Livelihood Education teachers at the Mindanao State University – Lanao National College of Arts and Trades (MSU – LNCAT), Marawi City during the School Year 2018-2019. It also determined the remedial measures conducted by the teachers in addressing the aforementioned areas. The study employed a qualitative method of research where the gathering of data was taken primarily from the teachers in the form of interviews and focus group discussions. Narrative data analysis was utilized. Results showed that teachers’ challenges included limited training related to their specialization, classroom management, and pedagogies; a lack of local trainings like LAC and INSET; and limited opportunities to acquire new concepts and knowledge about the learning area. The study also found an insufficiency of tools and equipment, an insufficient supply of books and references, and the fact that some resources are damaged. Furthermore, findings revealed an insufficient budget to procure resources, an absence of strong school policies on the safety and security of materials, and the inadequacy of available resources. Regarding facilities, findings indicated the provision of limited facilities, limited and defective machines, and the inability of equipment to sustain long-term use.
Esther Waithaka, Grace Nyaguthii Muiruri, Hudson Ong’ang’a Ouko
Physical abuse remains a major barrier to quality education and child protection in Kenya. Despite legal frameworks prohibiting corporal punishment, children continue to experience physical violence at home and in schools, often justified by cultural norms. This study examined children’s physical abuse as a predictor of literacy competency acquisition among Grade Three learners in Thika Sub-County, Kiambu County. Guided by Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, the study focused on Grade Three as a critical stage where learners transition from “learning to read” to “reading to learn,” with early literacy failure having long-term academic consequences. A mixed-methods design involved 401 participants: 364 pupils, 19 teachers, and 18 parents. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, standardized reading assessments, focus group discussions, and academic record analysis. Findings revealed a significant negative relationship between physical abuse and literacy competency: pupils exposed to higher levels of abuse scored lower in reading fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary. Qualitative findings highlighted fear, anxiety, low self-esteem, and reduced classroom participation as mediating factors. About 47% of learners reported abuse at home, and 18% at school, with abused learners performing significantly worse than peers (p < 0.001).The study concludes that physical abuse critically undermines early literacy development. It recommends strengthened school–home collaboration, enhanced child protection, and targeted psycho-social support. Collaborative stakeholder programs are essential to reduce abuse and safeguard foundational learning outcomes.
Chona L. Hiyangan
This study examined classroom management practices and their relationship with learning behavior in elementary classrooms in Quezon District 1, Bukidnon, during School Year 2025–2026. A descriptive–correlational design was used. Data were collected through a researcher-made questionnaire administered to all elementary teachers using total enumeration. Results showed that classroom management practices were very highly practiced across domains, including structured routines, consistent rule enforcement, guided collaboration, and behavioral interventions. Learning behavior was observed to a large extent, with cooperation and attention showing stronger manifestations than persistence and initiative. A significant positive relationship was found between classroom management practices and learning behavior. Among the variables, learners’ collaboration showed the strongest correlation, although all relationships were weak to moderate. The findings suggest that structured and collaborative classroom environments support positive learning behaviors. Schools are encouraged to strengthen professional development programs focused on effective management and collaborative instructional strategies.
Marivic T. Aleman
This study assessed the effectiveness of climate change awareness activities and their impact on the science performance of Grade VI students in District V, Malaybalay City Division, during the 2025–2026 school year. It specifically examined how awareness activities were implemented across five areas: content quality, duration, delivery method, environmental attitudes, and sustainable practices. The study used a descriptive-correlational research design to examine the relationship between the effectiveness of these activities and students’ academic performance in science. Data were collected from students at Panamucan Elementary School and Airport Village Elementary School through a survey questionnaire created by the researcher. Statistical tools such as mean, standard deviation, and Pearson correlation were used to analyze the data.
David Gela
The adoption of social media in Papua New Guinea (PNG) has outpaced cultural and institutional processes, distorting the discourse of the people in a way that tends to give much more weight to crude language and vulgarity than to ethical humanism principles. This paper reviews the impact of such dynamics on the nature of democratic deliberation and social life in ordinary life and the most feasible policy and education responses. We employed the qualitative cross-sectional design and conducted semi-structured interviews with the samples of about 50 PNG social-media users sampled purposely by age groups and professions. Thematic analysis identified four themes that were repeated (1) normalization of abuse speech that undermines civic engagement; (2) devaluation of age and community standards; (3) uncertainty about online legal/ethical lines in the context of abusive speech; and (4) the perceived absence of consequences against the actions of abusive figures of authority who set a bad example online. Individuals who took part in the campaign demanded more realistic solutions such as education on digital literacy, awareness campaigns led by cultural values, better platform and regulatory directions, and increased accountability in leadership. We present implications on the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) and other stakeholders concerned by describing viable policy drivers as well as education interventions, and we bring up the shortcomings of purposive sampling and self-report. The paper provides a conclusion with a framework of connection between digital civility, ethical humanism and democratic practice in PNG
John Mart Elesio, Sr. Melanie M. Galo
Organizational commitment remains a global challenge. Collaboration and empowerment were examined as predictors of teachers’ organizational commitment. Using predictive design, involving 237 private elementary and high school teachers selected through total enumeration, the results showed that the model predicting organizational commitment, with collaboration and empowerment as predictors, is significant. Hence, the Social Exchange Theory was fully affirmed. Future studies may replicate this research and use qualitative methods to identify additional variables that may improve predictions of organizational commitment
Abidemi Abiola Isola, PhD, Chibuzor Ayodele Nwaodike, PhD, Odunola Motunrayo Aikomo
Youth empowerment in Nigeria continues to be constrained by limited access to learning opportunities, skills acquisition, employment, entrepreneurial financing, leadership inclusion, and democratic participation, particularly within fragmented subnational governance systems. When institutionalised effectively, collaboration among pertinent stakeholders provides a structured mechanism through which youth empowerment initiatives can be planned, financed, and sustained. This study is grounded in collaborative governance theory to examine how institutionalised stakeholder engagement shapes youth empowerment outcomes at the subnational level. Youth empowerment is conceptualised through empowerment theory as a multidimensional expansion of economic, social, and political agency, while transformative governance provides a normative lens for assessing the sustainability and institutional embeddedness of these outcomes. The study adopted an explanatory sequential mixed-methods methodology to examine youth empowerment efforts in Lagos and Osun States, which represent two divergent governance contexts within Nigeria's federal system. Quantitative survey data from youth beneficiaries are integrated with qualitative interviews of institutional actors to evaluate the impact of collaborative arrangements on empowerment outcomes and the sustainability of youth empowerment programmes over time. The results reveal that formal stakeholder engagement substantially predicts enhancements in economic, educational, and civic empowerment outcomes. Nonetheless, inadequate coordination structures, insufficient youth representation in decision-making processes, and financial limitations hinder sustainability. The research contends that sustained youth empowerment is optimally perceived as a governance result influenced by the quality of collaboration infrastructure, rather than only by the extent of programme scope or the magnitude of finance. This paper situates youth empowerment within the framework of collaborative governance studies, extending theoretical insights to subnational contexts in the Global South and emphasising the institutional requirements that enable multi-actor arrangements to provide sustainable developmental outcomes.
Daryl Mark D. Jakosalem, Maria Araceli C. Juliano, Wilfredo Jr. C. Juntilla
This study provides a philosophical investigation of the distribution of ayuda in the Philippines within the context of entrenched patronage politics. While government assistance programs such as the SAP, AICS, and AKAP aim to alleviate poverty and aid vulnerable sectors, their actual implementation has often been compromised by political favoritism and electoral manipulation. This study argues that such practices morally undermine the fairness and integrity of social assistance, transforming public entitlement rooted in justice into political indebtedness. Rooted in John Rawls’ theory of justice as fairness, highlighting the equal liberty principle and the difference principle, this research assesses whether ayuda distribution can be publicly justified to citizens as free and equal members of society. While Rawls provides a strong normative framework focused on impartiality and priority for the least advantaged, his theory presumes a well-ordered society, an assumption challenged by political realities in the Philippines, characterized by weak institutions and relational norms. To address this limitation, the study proposes a hybrid normative framework that integrates Rawlsian principles with the Filipino moral values of pakikipagkapwa (shared humanity) and bayanihan (communal solidarity). While these values sustain moral motivation, they must be constrained by an institutionalized standard of impartiality to prevent their distortion by patronage. Ultimately, this research contends that neither Rawls nor Filipino values alone are sufficient to depoliticize ayuda. A culturally resonant yet institutionally constrained hybrid framework is necessary to completely transform ayuda into a genuine instrument of social justice rather than a mechanism of patronage politics.
Ezal Daud, Mohd Hisham Johari, Norfadilah Kamaruddin, Zahir Alauddin
The preservation of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) is challenging because of its participatory and dynamic nature, which requires more than passive documentation. A systematic review examined comparative research on the effectiveness of game-based edutainment and traditional archiving in the preservation and transmission of ICH. Articles to be included in this review were discovered with Elicit AI, an automated literature review assistant that queries the Semantic Scholar corpus and ranks articles using relevance to the semantic query to the research question. Ten studies were included in the analysis. A large language model (LLM) was used to extract data to ensure consistency, and all results were heavily validated by humans. The results demonstrate that game edutainment formats and related programs, such as digital games, virtual reality (VR), and interactive storytelling, are especially efficient in promoting a high level of user engagement, experiential learning, and cultural regeneration, particularly among younger age groups. By contrast, conventional archival practices are more effective for high-fidelity reporting and the orderly maintenance of multifaceted cultural information, thus guaranteeing the long-term integrity of scholarly information. Neither approach is universally better, as each has its own merits that can be applied to particular preservation objectives. The hybrid solution, which combines the dynamic flexibility that comes with game edutainment with the detailed preservation provisions of conventional archival practices, is deemed the most promising gateway for the long-term sustainability of ICH.
Benjiemar V. Salvacion
In line with Philippine Navy Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) No. 3 on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) Protocol and consistent with Republic Act No. 10121 on disaster risk reduction and management, the Naval Forces Southern Luzon (NFSL) initiated the Coral Reef Restoration Project in Pasig Reef, Rawis, Legazpi City, officially known as Project Anchor. This project responds to the urgent need to address coral reef degradation caused by destructive practices such as illegal fishing and cyanide use, particularly by armed groups exploiting the marine ecosystem. The study applies a descriptive-evaluative research design, anchored on the Ecosystem Services Approach and Reef Reconstruction Restoration Theory, utilizing key informant interviews (KII), focus group discussions (FGD), and document analysis. Findings confirm that coral reefs in Pasig Reef have suffered massive degradation, resulting in significant biodiversity loss and weakened coastal resilience.
Dian Arlianty, Doni Sugianto Sihotang, Ganjar Wibowo, Ika Yuliati, Muhammad Fahmi Firdaus, Nuni Rismayanti Nurkalhi, Siti Maisyaroh Bakti Pertiwi, Usep Suhud
Machine This study aims to examine the implementation and outcomes of a community service programme focusing on health education related to metabolic diseases among female migrant workers in Malaysia. The programme was conducted as part of the Tri dharma of higher education in Indonesia, emphasising the role of lecturers in delivering community-based interventions beyond national boundaries. A health education intervention using an educational counselling approach was implemented on 24 January 2025, involving 35 female migrant workers. The content covered important factors that contribute to metabolic diseases, such as lifestyle choices, eating patterns, and work-related stress, and was presented using engaging and hands-on approaches to improve learning and involvement. The findings indicate a noticeable participants' understanding of metabolic diseases and their associated risk factors has improved, and there has been a growing sense of motivation to make healthier lifestyle choices. The counselling-based approach, along with culturally respectful communication and content that is relevant to the context, was found to be effective in promoting both cognitive and motivational results. The program also shows how academic community service can be useful in tackling public health issues faced by vulnerable groups, especially migrant workers who have limited access to health-related information. The initiative provides a model that can be replicated and adjusted for use in other host countries, supporting wider discussions on involving communities in health efforts and preventing illnesses.
Cyrus E. Torreña
This study conducts a comparative analysis of two community-centric social reintegration programs in the Philippines: the AGILA Haven Program in Maguindanao and Ronda Probinsya sa Kalinaw in Sarangani. The primary objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of these localized initiatives in preventing and countering violent extremism (PCVE) and facilitating the successful transition of former violent extremists (FVEs) back into mainstream society. Methodologically, the research employs a qualitative case study design, integrating primary data collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews and focus group discussions involving program participants, community leaders, and key government stakeholders. This approach provides a nuanced understanding of the operational mechanisms and socio-cultural adaptations of each program. The results reveal that both initiatives successfully utilize active community engagement and sustainable livelihood projects to reintegrate FVEs and mitigate the spread of radical ideologies. However, their strategic implementations differ significantly. AGILA Haven adopts a highly integrated approach that incorporates specialized religious education and localized conflict resolution mechanisms to navigate Maguindanao’s complex socio-cultural and security dynamics. Conversely, Ronda Probinsya sa Kalinaw leverages the relatively stable environment of Sarangani by focusing heavily on consistent educational interventions and long-term community presence. Despite these achievements, both programs encounter substantial challenges, most notably the relentless recruitment efforts by active extremist factions and the vulnerability associated with fluctuating financial support from governmental and non-governmental entities. The study concludes that while community-centric approaches are indispensable for the sustainable social reintegration of former extremists, their long-term viability is heavily dependent on institutionalized support. To enhance program efficacy, policymakers must prioritize robust inter-agency collaboration, secure consistent funding streams, and maintain continuous community engagement, as these measures are critical for building resilient communities and advancing broader national security objectives.
Nadzrah Sa’adan
Corrective feedback is one of the instructional methods utilised in learning writing. Any indication that a student’s expression might contain an error of some sort is referred to as corrective feedback. Obtaining feedback is a component of the process of writing improvement. Traditionally, this feedback has been provided by human instructors, who meticulously review students' work to pinpoint areas of improvement. However, with the advent of AI technology, particularly exemplified by the ChatGPT model, the landscape of feedback provision is undergoing a significant transformation. Thus, this study aims to investigate the differences between AI and human instructors in providing written corrective feedback, focusing on the ChatGPT AI model within the context of ESL writing instruction in a higher learning institution in Malaysia. The study addresses a gap in research by examining the types of corrective feedback offered by ESL instructors and ChatGPT, aiming to uncover potential differences between them. The research objectives include identifying the types of corrective feedback provided by ESL instructors and ChatGPT and exploring any disparities between them. The study's significance lies in its contribution to understanding written corrective feedback in ESL writing, offering insights for researchers, educators, learners, and policymakers. This research seeks to inform pedagogical practices and educational policies by bridging traditional ESL instruction with emerging AI technologies. Overall, this study aims to shed light on the potential of AI-driven tools like ChatGPT to enhance ESL writing instruction while recognising the enduring value of human expertise in language teaching.
Nur Nadira Binti Mohammad Bashir
The rapid diffusion of generative artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed digital advertising practices, particularly within social media environments where brand communication increasingly relies on concise and engagement-oriented copywriting. While existing research has predominantly examined consumer perceptions of AI-generated content, limited attention has been directed toward understanding how advertising copy itself has evolved within AI-assisted marketing contexts. This study aims to examine changes in persuasive and linguistic characteristics of brand advertising copywriting in contemporary digital advertising environments following the diffusion of generative AI technologies. A quantitative content analysis was conducted on 240 Instagram advertising captions published by six Malaysian fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) brands across two temporal phases: the pre-generative AI diffusion period (2020–2022) and the generative AI adoption period (2023–2025). Captions were analysed using a structured coding framework capturing emotional appeal, informational content, conversational tone, cultural localisation, engagement prompts, and narrative framing. The findings indicate that conversational tone and emotional appeal represent dominant persuasive strategies across FMCG advertising copy, with increased use of engagement-oriented and narrative-driven communication observed during the generative AI adoption period. These results suggest an evolution toward more relatable and interaction-focused brand messaging within algorithm-driven platforms. These patterns reflect broader changes in digital advertising communication practices rather than direct evidence of AI-generated content. The study concludes that contemporary advertising copy reflects hybrid human–AI communication practices shaped by technological advancement and platform engagement demands. The findings contribute theoretically by extending AI advertising research toward message-level analysis and offer practical implications for marketers seeking to develop culturally resonant and conversational social media copywriting strategies in AI-assisted communication environments.
Azhar Mauli Siregar, Sylvia Fettry, Tita Djuitaningsih
This study aims to analyze the differences in the financial performance of companies in the consumer cyclicals sector before and after the implementation of the value-added tax rate increase policy to 11%. The strong protests from businesses and the public against this policy, coupled with the government's plan to raise the value-added tax rate again to 12%, as well as the lack of research addressing this topic, motivated this study to examine the differences in the financial performance of consumer cyclicals companies before and after the increase in the value-added tax rate. Financial performance in this study is represented by profitability, liquidity, and solvency. Profitability is proxied by return on equity, liquidity by the quick ratio, and solvency by the debt-to-equity ratio. The population of this study is 141 consumer cyclicals companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange over eight quarters, from the 2nd quarter of 2021 to the 1st quarter of 2023. The sampling technique used is purposive, yielding a sample of 95 companies. The analysis method used is the paired-samples t-test in SPSS version 25. The results of this study indicate that there is no difference in return on equity before and after the increase in the value-added tax rate. However, there are differences in the quick ratio and debt-to-equity ratio before and after the increase in the value-added tax rate.
M.N. Shah Zainudin, Mohd Safirin Karis, Nur Syafiqa Zohari, Nursabillilah Mohd Ali, Zarina Razlan
Electromyography–based force prediction provides an intuitive control strategy for assistive and rehabilitation hand systems. This study investigates an EMG-based hand grip force prediction framework using machine learning techniques by modeling the relationship between forearm muscle activation and grip force at varying contraction levels. sEMG signals were obtained from the FDS and FCR muscles of ten healthy female participants (aged 20–25 years) during controlled grip tasks performed at five MVC levels ranging from 20% to 100%. The recorded signals were filtered, processed using RMS feature extraction, and normalized to MVC prior to regression modeling. LR, GPR, SVR, and kNN models were evaluated using offline analysis. Performance was evaluated using RMSE and prediction accuracy, defined relative to the measured grip force. The results indicate that GPR demonstrates the most consistent performance, achieving the highest average accuracy (85.84%) and the lowest average RMSE (10.54). In contrast, SVR and kNN exhibit higher prediction errors, particularly at higher MVC levels.
Gabriel Kwame Ankrah, Gladys K. Sombonah, Priscilla Aboagye Aryeh
University slogans serve as potent semiotic tools through which higher education institutions communicate their identities, philosophies, and aspirations to the public. In Ghana, both public and private universities employ slogans to construct and project institutional identities that align with national development goals, cultural expectations, and global competitiveness. Drawing on data from the official slogans of ten public and ten private universities in Ghana, this study investigates the linguistic and ideological features that underlie the construction of institutional identities. Employing a Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) framework and Halliday’s Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) as analytical lenses, the study examines how language choices in these slogans reflect particular institutional values, power relations, and socio-cultural orientations. The analysis reveals that public universities tend to emphasize national service, knowledge production, and moral responsibility, while private universities foreground spirituality, entrepreneurship, and global citizenship. The findings highlight the intersection of education, ideology, and discourse in the Ghanaian higher education landscape, offering insights into how institutional communication serves as a microcosm of broader societal narratives.
Ismalaili Ismail, Mohd Imran Khusairi Shafee, Noor Arifin, Noor Azreen Mohd Khushairi, Sabiroh Md Sabri
The integrity of halal certification plays a critical role in maintaining Muslim consumer confidence and ensuring compliance with Islamic dietary principles. However, recurring incidents of halal food fraud have raised growing concerns regarding the credibility of halal certification systems, particularly in Malaysia, which is widely recognised as a global leader in the halal industry. While previous studies have examined halal fraud, regulatory enforcement, and consumer awareness separately, limited research has integrated these elements within a unified theoretical framework explaining how consumer trust in halal certification is formed and sustained. To address this gap, this conceptual paper develops an integrated trust framework grounded in the Commitment–Trust Theory of Relationship Marketing. Through a systematic review and synthesis of existing literature, the study proposes a conceptual model explaining how halal food fraud acts as a trust erosion mechanism, enforcement agency effectiveness functions as a trust restoration mechanism, and consumer awareness contributes to trust resilience within halal certification systems. Three theoretical propositions are developed linking these governance factors to consumer trust in halal certification. This study contributes to the halal governance and consumer trust literature by extending the Commitment–Trust Theory into the context of institutional halal certification and by integrating fraud exposure, enforcement effectiveness, and consumer awareness within a single conceptual framework. The proposed model provides a foundation for future empirical research and offers practical insights for policymakers, certification bodies, and regulatory agencies seeking to strengthen halal integrity and restore public confidence in halal certification systems.
Adetayo, Hezekiah Oluwafemi, Adewoyin, Taiwo, Akinade, Aanuoluwapo Deborah, Okolugbo, Chibogu Nicholas, Omotoso, Sunday Samuel
This study investigated the effect of content marketing on online shopping behavior towards skincare products among female students at Ekiti State University. Ado Ekiti. The study examined the effect of blog content, podcasts, video content, and e-books on online shopping behavior. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The study was limited to the female students of Ekiti State University with a population of 15,787, and a sample of 400 respondents using the Taro Yamane (1967) model. The study adopted a purposive sampling technique by identifying female students who have patronized skincare products online. Simple regression analysis was used to test the research hypotheses at the 0.05 level of significance. The results show that blog content may result in a negative response in online shopping behavior. (b = -0.127, p = 0.035); however, it is significant. Podcasts may result in a positive response in online shopping behavior. (b = 0.128, p = 0.012) and it is significant. Furthermore, video content shows (b = 0.118, p = 0.025). The positive beta indicates that the video content may result in a positive response in online shopping behavior among female students at Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti. However, E-Book shows b = 0.065, p = 0.203. The positive beta indicates that the e-book may result in a positive response in online shopping behavior. However, the result uncovered that e-books do not significantly affect online shopping behavior among female students at Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti. The study concluded that content marketing, by its nature, provides the opportunity to create an entertaining environment. After some time, people may forget why they bought the product, its features, and such information, but they will remember the experiences they had at that moment. For this reason, businesses can establish relationships with consumers by producing entertaining content. The important thing is to create humorous content that entertains people and appeals to people's emotions and is conveyed to the target audience through stories.
Davy Mainde, Dingase Mtonga, Magasu Oliver, Namukwanya Angela, Sakala Exsaviour
The purpose of the study was to explore the role of parental control on teenage pregnancy in Chipete Village, Chembe District as a Phenomenological Exploratory study. The following objective guided the study; to establish the role of parental control on teenage pregnancy in Chipete Village, Chembe District. A qualitative Phenomenology design was used. The data was collected using interview guides and focus group discussion guide, while thematic analysis was employed to analyse the data. The study revealed that some of the roles of parents in controlling teenage pregnancy included; providing basic needs, offering spiritual and emotional support, education on sex and relationships and protection against bad company. The study recommended; Traditional leaders to stiffen punishment for teenage pregnancy in Chipete chiefdom to discourage would be perpetrators, existing Non-Governmental Organisation such as Natwampane to be more proactive on teenage pregnancy advocacy. Comprehensive Sexuality Education to be prioritised and integrated into existing subjects and taught as a cross-cutting issue to the pupils.
Abu Bakar Abdul Hamid, Kamaljeet Kaur, Xiaoli Liu
This study systematically investigates the core dilemmas and resolution paths for software project management under sustainability constraints. Drawing on a comprehensive systematic literature review of recent peer-reviewed articles, international standards, and authoritative industry and policy reports, this research identifies and analyzes the lifecycle-wide challenges faced by software projects in integrating sustainability. The findings reveal a series of critical dilemmas, including the initial conflict between sustainability and business goals, the gap in standardized sustainability metrics, the dual constraints of technology and team capabilities during development, stakeholder coordination and acceptance issues at delivery, the trade-off between low-carbon operations and service quality, and the lack of effective evaluation and experience capitalization at project closure. In response to these dilemmas, this paper proposes a multi-dimensional, scenario-adaptive solution system, offering specific, actionable paths for different stages of the project lifecycle. Furthermore, it constructs a three-dimensional adaptation framework that considers enterprise scale—encompassing large, medium, and start-up organizations—and project management models such as Agile and Waterfall, providing targeted guidance for global software project managers and organizations. This research enriches the theoretical framework for sustainable software engineering and offers a practical roadmap for the industry to navigate the complexities of integrating sustainability into software project management, ultimately contributing to the broader goals of digital and global sustainability.
Marianne G. Wata, Stephen Paul L. Alagao
For years, the preparedness of students to enter the employment world has been affected due to the misalignment of academic skills and industry-related skills. This study explores the correlation between the general weighted average (GWA) and the on-the-job training (OJT) grades of the Computer Engineering graduates of the University of Mindanao from the Academic Year 2017-2018 to 2021-2022. The GWA and OJT grades of ninety-eight student records, representing the total number of graduates from 2018 to 2022, were logically adopted for analysis in this study to establish the relationship between academic achievement and practical skills performance. The GWA of the students shows a fair rating, with an average of 82.10%, while their OJT grades average 92.33%, indicating a very good rating. Additionally, the test for a significant relationship between the two variables yielded a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.255, indicating a weak but positive relationship. With a p-value of 0011, the result suggests that the observed correlation is statistically significant and unlikely to occur due to chance. It can be inferred that there is a weak positive correlation between Academic Performance and students' OJT grades, suggesting that other factors likely contribute more significantly to Academic Performance. To correlate students' academic performance (GWA) with their OJT grades, it is recommended that the OJT evaluation parameters be reviewed to include the specific skills applied that are directly relevant to students' subjects, such as programming, hardware design, networking, and basic cybersecurity.
Mostafa Ahmed
The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 triggered unprecedented Western support for Ukraine while placing wartime governance under intense scrutiny. This article examines how corruption, foreign aid, and military outcomes interacted in Ukraine from February 2022 through December 2025. The study uses a mixed-method design that combines a full-period qualitative event history of aid, corruption cases, and anti-corruption responses with an exploratory monthly quantitative analysis of matched aid–territorial data. Western assistance—military, financial, and humanitarian—exceeded €300 billion in commitments during the period and was central to Ukraine’s ability to block Russia’s initial advance and recover territory in 2022. At the same time, repeated scandals in procurement, recruitment, and public administration showed that wartime pressures created fresh opportunities for rent-seeking even as they strengthened incentives for enforcement. To reduce measurement ambiguity, the article distinguishes between verified official corruption actions and corroborated investigative revelations, and it treats territorial change as the primary performance indicator while using casualty and equipment-loss estimates as contextual measures. The quantitative results are exploratory: simple correlations are consistent with the proposition that higher aid is associated with reduced Russian territorial expansion, but the small, matched sample and lag structure do not support strong causal claims. The corruption–military relationship is clearer in qualitative process tracing than in linear models, especially in cases involving defense procurement and mobilization. The article concludes that Ukraine’s wartime resilience depended not only on external material support but also on continued efforts to protect institutional integrity and donor confidence.
Oluwatuyi Adesola PhD, Oyeniran, Idiat Abiodun
This study investigates the effect of credit risk on the financial performance of selected deposit money banks in Nigeria over the period 2012–2024. Using panel data for five banks, the study applies the Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) technique to examine the long-run relationship between credit risk indicators and bank profitability. Financial performance is measured by return on assets (ROA), while credit risk is proxied by non-performing loans and loan loss provisions. The empirical results reveal that credit risk has a negative and statistically significant effect on bank performance, indicating that higher levels of loan default and provisioning reduce profitability in the Nigerian banking sector. In contrast, bank size and interest rate are found to exert a positive and significant influence on financial performance, while inflation rate adversely affects bank profitability. Based on these findings, the study recommends that deposit money banks strengthen their credit appraisal, loan monitoring, and recovery mechanisms to minimize non-performing loans, while adopting prudent provisioning practices that do not excessively erode earnings. Additionally, banks should leverage economies of scale and implement effective interest rate management strategies to enhance performance. The study further stresses the need for regulatory authorities and policymakers to pursue policies that curb inflationary pressures and promote macroeconomic stability, as these are crucial for improving the resilience and financial performance of Nigeria’s banking sector.
Crishia Mae A. Paredes, Dr. Junvil A. Insong, James Kenneth F. Pegarido, John Daryl N. Acas, Khent Melchor P. Labastilla
The development of professional competencies, self-efficacy, and career readiness is a critical aspect of preparing criminology students for the workforce. This study examined the relationship between internship experiences, self-efficacy, and career readiness among Bachelor of Science in Criminology students from two tertiary schools in Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental, Philippines. A quantitative correlational research design was employed, with 120 interns who completed their internship during the 2024–2025 academic year serving as respondents. Data were collected through validated researcher-developed questionnaires measuring internship experiences, self-efficacy, and career readiness, and analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Findings revealed that internship experiences were generally high, with interns reporting meaningful tasks, supportive supervision, ample learning opportunities, and high perceived value. Self-efficacy was also rated high, encompassing task-specific confidence, problem-solving confidence, and learning self-efficacy. Career readiness was similarly high, with strong ratings in professionalism and work ethic, teamwork and collaboration, leadership and initiative, and career management. Correlation analysis indicated very strong, positive, and statistically significant relationships between internship experiences, self-efficacy, and career readiness.
Charlotte Joy Castillo, Daisy Mae P. Joromat, Dr. Junvil A. Insong, John Daryl N. Acas, Reyjay E. Sonogan
Police participation in culturally significant yet legally prohibited activities, such as cockfighting, poses critical ethical and institutional challenges in law enforcement. This study examined the lived experiences and perceptions of criminology students regarding police involvement in cockfighting, a practice that remains culturally embedded yet legally and ethically contested in the Philippine context. Using a qualitative phenomenological design, the research explored how students interpreted the relationship between cultural traditions, ethical obligations, and law enforcement conduct. Data were gathered through face-to-face semi-structured interviews with twelve criminology students enrolled in a private higher education institution in Misamis Occidental. The interviews were analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step method to extract significant statements, formulate meanings, and develop thematic clusters. The analysis revealed four major themes: (1) weakening of public trust and police credibility; (2) violations of ethical standards and conflicts of interest; (3) legal consequences and weak law enforcement implementation; and (4) cultural normalization of cockfighting and its influence on public perceptions. Findings indicated that although cockfighting is often socially accepted as a traditional activity, participants consistently emphasized that police officers are expected to uphold ethical and legal standards regardless of cultural practices. Police participation in such activities was perceived to compromise professional integrity, weaken public confidence, and challenge the legitimacy of law enforcement institutions. The study concludes that police involvement in culturally significant yet legally restricted practices undermines public trust, exposes persistent ethical and legal tensions, and highlights the need for professional integrity in policing. It is recommended that police institutions strengthen ethics-oriented training, enhance accountability mechanisms, and integrate cultural sensitivity instruction within criminology and law enforcement education to prepare future officers to navigate complex socio-cultural contexts without compromising ethical or legal standards.
Chen Ling, Mohd Nazir Md Zabit, Nik Muhammad Hanis bin Nik Rakami, Tan Peipei
To systematically reveal the research landscape and the evolutionary trends of research hotspots on critical thinking within Problem-Based Learning (PBL) in higher education, this study adopts a bibliometric approach. Journal articles and review papers published between 2000 and 2025 were retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection and analyzed through statistical and visual mapping techniques. The results indicate a steady growth in research output in this field, reflecting a continuously increasing level of academic attention. China ranks among the leading contributors in terms of publication volume, while Asian institutions, particularly The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and The University of Hong Kong, occupy central positions in institutional collaboration networks. However, the overall density of author collaboration networks remains relatively low, suggesting that cross-institutional and interdisciplinary cooperation requires further strengthening. Relevant studies are mainly published in journals such as Nurse Education Today and BMC Medical Education. The research focus has gradually shifted from validating instructional effectiveness to exploring underlying mechanisms, interdisciplinary integration, and instructional system optimization, highlighting the synergistic roles of collaborative learning, cognitive scaffolding, authentic problem contexts, and technological and organizational support in fostering higher-order thinking skills. Overall, research on PBL and critical thinking in higher education is transitioning from theoretical exploration toward the optimization of instructional practice. Looking ahead, with the continued advancement of digitalization and blended learning, this field is expected to further expand its application contexts, deepen research content, and enhance research quality and innovation through strengthened collaborative networks.
AMTD Abesinghe, BMC Madhusankha Bandara, MA Prasad Kumara, MKL Irangani
This study investigates the role of indigenous health-based culinary traditions in promoting sustainable tourism within the cultural corridors of Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, where ancient agrarian systems, paddy and chena cultivations and rural communities have preserved unique food heritage. The main objective is to identify and document traditional health-based food practices, evaluate their socio-economic and cultural significance, and examine their potential integration into sustainable tourism. The main problem of conducting this research was to discuss how local health-based culinary traditions in the North Central Province can be effectively integrated into sustainable tourism development while preserving cultural heritage and community well-being. Using a qualitative approach, the study collected data through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) with farmers, women, elders, and community stakeholders in Medawachchiya and Thulawelliya villages, followed by thematic analysis. The findings reveal that villagers possess extensive culinary literacy, preparing nutritionally rich foods such as kurakkan dishes (Eleusine Coracana), bada iringu dishes (Zea mays), herbal drinks, indigenous rice varieties, and medicinal plant-based recipes, which support health, food security, and rural livelihoods. Traditional food practices also contribute to income generation, women’s empowerment, and local economic sustainability. Community members expressed strong interest in integrating these traditions into tourism through village food experiences, homestays, and food festivals. The study concludes that integrating indigenous culinary traditions into tourism can strengthen rural economies, preserve cultural heritage, and enhance sustainable tourism, provided that community participation, proper documentation, and cultural tourism planning is guaranteed. This paper concludes that local culinary traditions can be transformed into a sustainable tourism asset, preserving the living heritage of Sri Lanka's ancient civilization.
Katwesigye Collins, Nabulongo Ali, Peter Both Goah Wiech, Specioza Asiimwe
Machine learning systems are increasingly functioning as epistemic infrastructures in high-stakes domains such as criminal justice, healthcare, finance, and employment. Despite this, their outputs are frequently treated as objective and neutral forms of knowledge. This study advances a synthesis of empirical and philosophical inquiry into cultural bias in machine learning, arguing that algorithms operate as sociotechnical agents embedded within historically situated structures of power and representation. Using the COMPAS Recidivism dataset (N = 7,214), a quantitative experimental design was employed to examine predictive disparities across protected attributes, specifically race and sex. Logistic Regression and Random Forest models were implemented within a controlled preprocessing pipeline and evaluated using standard performance metrics (accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score), alongside subgroup fairness measures including false positive rates (FPR), false negative rates (FNR), and disparate impact ratios. To ensure robustness, subgroup disparities were further assessed using statistical significance testing. While overall model performance was moderate in aggregate metrics, subgroup analysis revealed consistent and structured disparities: African-American defendants exhibited elevated false positive rates, whereas females and underrepresented racial groups experienced disproportionately high false negative rates. These patterns persisted across model architectures, indicating that bias is structurally embedded in the data rather than solely a function of model design. However, extreme subgroup values should be interpreted with caution due to potential sample size imbalances within certain demographic categories. The findings challenge the assumption of epistemic neutrality in algorithmic systems, demonstrating that machine learning models participate in the cultural production of knowledge by reproducing historically grounded classifications and power asymmetries. The study argues that algorithmic outputs should be evaluated not only in terms of predictive performance but also through fairness-aware and context-sensitive frameworks that account for their broader ethical and epistemological implications.
Dr. Endali Sydony Etoh
This article examines cultural festivals in Cameroon as dynamic expressions of living history and evaluates their contribution to tourism development. Unlike studies grounded in primary fieldwork, this research adopts a qualitative, desk-based methodology relying on secondary data, policy documents, academic literature, and tourism reports. The study explores how traditional festivals function as repositories of collective memory, identity, and intangible cultural heritage, while also serving as strategic assets in the tourism economy. Drawing on cultural heritage theory and sustainable tourism frameworks, the paper analyzes selected festivals across Cameroon’s cultural regions, including the Grassfields, Coastal, and Northern zones. Findings indicate that cultural festivals play a crucial role in preserving indigenous knowledge systems and enhancing destination attractiveness. However, their tourism potential remains underexploited due to infrastructural deficits, weak institutional coordination, limited global promotion, and concerns over cultural commodification. The study contributes to the literature by providing a theoretically grounded and comparative analysis of festival tourism in Cameroon, highlighting the intersection between heritage preservation and economic development. It recommends strengthening cultural policies, improving infrastructure, and adopting community-based tourism strategies to ensure sustainability and authenticity in the promotion of cultural festivals.
Abdillah Ubaidi, Abu Amar Bustomi, Siti Nur Atika Shahari, Sofea Maisarah Mohd Ali, Yustiana Wardhani
Cultural and religious diversity has become a defining feature of modern organisations, yet management scholarship has not fully explored how religious communication shapes workplace relationships. This conceptual paper proposes that religious communication mediates the relationship between management practices and workplace relational outcomes, including trust, psychological safety, inclusion, and cultural harmony. The paper draws on foundational theories of social construction, symbolic interaction, identity performance, and cultural interpretation to explain how religious expression operates through verbal, symbolic, and behavioural cues that influence meaning-making in organisational settings. A thematic synthesis of existing literature reveals that management practices acquire relational significance only when viewed through everyday communicative experiences that involve religious identity. Supportive practices foster open and respectful communication, whereas insensitive or unclear practices can contribute to discomfort, misunderstanding, or relational strain. The proposed conceptual framework positions religious communication as the central mechanism through which employees interpret managerial intent and negotiate their sense of belonging in diverse environments. This paper contributes to current discussions on diversity and inclusion by identifying religious communication as an essential yet underexamined construct in organisational life. Practical implications underscore the importance of communicative competence and culturally sensitive leadership in promoting workplace harmony in multicultural and multireligious contexts.
Ayres O. San Pascual, Consuelo R. Saenz
This study was conducted to determine the intercultural management practices of school heads and teachers in supporting cultural inclusivity and support system among students in Capalonga District secondary education. The study employed a quantitative research methodology using a descriptive-correlational design. Total enumeration was applied to ensure inclusion of all respondents, consisting of seven school heads two females and five males and 144 teachers 107 Junior High School, 3 LGU Funded and 34 Senior High School from the district. Data were collected through survey questionnaires. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and IBM SPSS Version 20 with weighted mean and Pearson correlation as statistical tools. The findings revealed that Capalonga District Schools consistently practice intercultural management, although gaps exist in formal diversity training, integration of cultural content, instructional adaptations, and recognition of diverse traditions. Instructional, administrative, parental and community support systems are generally strong but curriculum adaptability, administrative initiative, school-parent collaboration and community involvement need improvement. Correlation analysis shows strong positive relationships (r = .822-.941, p = .000), indicating that intercultural practices, particularly in language and communication, enhance support systems and stakeholder engagement. Implementation of cultural inclusivity measures is generally consistent (weighted means 3.26–3.43), but use of diverse resources, multilingual education, anti-discrimination enforcement, and leadership modeling are limited. Overall, curriculum, language, inclusive policies and staff cultural awareness were strongly associated with support systems (r = .871-.941, p = .000), highlighting their interdependence. Based on the findings the proposed handbook ‘’ A School Heads and Teachers Guidebook for Cultural Inclusivity Management Practices and Support System’’ provides strategies such as cultural awareness training and inclusive classroom practices to address these gaps and institutionalize culturally responsive practices.
Md. Abu Abdullah
This study investigates how cultural factors influence on learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL) among secondary school students in Bangladesh. Grounded in socio-cultural theory, identity-investment frameworks, empirical data from questionnaires, qualitative data from Semi-structured interviews; the research examines how cultural attitudes, family expectations, religious values, peer norms, and classroom interaction patterns influence learners’ motivation and participation. A mixed-method approach was employed with a sample of 100 secondary-level students from five non-government (MPO) schools in Narayanganj, Bangladesh. Quantitative data were collected using 20 structured Likert-scale questionnaires, while qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with 30 students and 10 English teachers. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis. Findings reveal significant positive relationships between cultural attitudes and motivation (r = .70, p < .001), and between family influence and motivation (r = .64, p < .001). Regression analysis indicated that cultural attitudes and family influence significantly predicted learner motivation, accounting for 49% of the variance. Findings suggest that cultural context plays a decisive role in shaping learners’ confidence, participation, and academic outcomes. The study recommends culturally responsive pedagogical practices and stronger school–community collaboration to enhance English language proficiency in Bangladesh’s secondary education sector.
Odunze Chizoba Temple
Culture fundamentally concerns patterns of meaning and the alignment of individuals to those patterns. As old as humanity itself, culture remains central to any discussion of human beings, history, and identity. While some view culture as communication and others as identity, all agree that culture is fundamentally about human social existence.
Anita Kristina, Faerozh Madli, James Alin, Khairunisah Kamsin, Mori Kogid
This conceptual article examines the interaction between current account balance, public debt, and economic growth within the context of open economies. While previous studies have widely explored the individual effects of public debt and external balances on growth performance, limited attention has been given to how these factors jointly shape long-term economic outcomes, particularly in economies with high trade openness and exposure to global financial conditions. This study develops an integrated conceptual framework that explains how current account positions influence the growth impact of public debt through multiple transmission channels, including external financing dependence, macroeconomic stability, fiscal space, and investor confidence. The article argues that persistent current account deficits may intensify the adverse growth effects of rising public debt by increasing vulnerability to capital flow volatility and external shocks, whereas sustained current account surpluses and strong external positions can reduce these risks and support more stable growth paths. By synthesizing insights from debt overhang theory, external sustainability frameworks, and open-economy macroeconomics, this paper contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of debt growth dynamics in globally integrated economies. The proposed conceptual model provides a foundation for future empirical research on the conditional effects of public debt on growth across different external balance regimes.
Dr. Jisha N. R.
The increasing use of mobile communication technologies among adolescents has led to the emergence of various cyber communication threats. The present study investigates the extent of such threats among higher secondary students, focusing on mobile phone calls, Short Message Service (SMS), and call recording misuse. A descriptive survey method was employed, and data were collected from 300 students using a Cyber Threat Inventory. The collected data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, including t-test, to determine the significance of differences in the levels of various cyber threats and correlation analysis to examine the relationship among different dimensions of cyber communication threats. The findings indicate that mobile call-related threats (M = 2.85, SD = 0.65) and SMS-based threats (M = 2.60, SD = 0.70) occur at a moderate level, whereas call recording misuse (M = 2.10, SD = 0.55) is comparatively low. The findings revealed that mobile call-related threats are significantly higher than the average level, indicating strong exposure among students. SMS-based threats were found to be moderately significant, suggesting a noticeable level of risk. Although call recording misuse was comparatively lower, it still showed statistical significance, indicating its presence among students. The correlation analysis reveals a moderate positive relationship between mobile call threats and SMS threats (r = 0.58), indicating that students exposed to one form of cyber communication threat are more likely to experience the other. The results highlight the growing exposure of students to communication-based cyber risks and emphasize the need for structured cyber safety education. The study provides implications for educators and policymakers to promote responsible digital communication practices among adolescents.
Zakir Khan
The Tirah Valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, is among the country’s most ecologically significant yet critically threatened highland forest systems. Situated between the Khyber Pass and Khanki Valley at elevations of 1,500–2,100 m, its forests have historically sustained biodiversity, regulated hydrological systems, and underpinned community livelihoods through a customary governance regime rooted in tribal law and collective responsibility. Post-2000 insurgency, military operations, and mass displacement dismantled these indigenous institutions, creating a governance vacuum exploited by organised criminal timber networks. A structurally weak state forest administration has proven unable to fill this gap, while credible allegations of official complicity in timber smuggling further erode institutional credibility. Drawing on in-depth qualitative interviews with community elders, activists, and displaced residents, supplemented by policy documents, grey literature, and international case studies, this paper adopts a comparative institutional approach. It situates the Tirah case within regional frameworks, including Ostrom’s (1990) common-pool resource theory and Scott’s (1998) legibility critique, alongside comparative evidence from Nepal and the Philippines, as well as Pakistan’s own indigenous governance traditions, including the Jirga, Shamilat, and Rewaj systems. The study examines the multi-layered causes of deforestation, the historical architecture of customary forest governance, structural shortcomings of state environmental policy, and the ecological and climatic consequences observed by communities. Respondents documented dramatic reductions in snowfall and rainfall, accelerated soil erosion, biodiversity loss, and the emergence of previously unknown disease burdens. The paper argues that persistent deforestation reflects a fundamental disarticulation between local knowledge-based governance systems and a state apparatus that has systematically failed to engage with them. Effective conservation in Tirah demands formal legal recognition of community authority, structural reform of enforcement accountability, and governance frameworks built upon, rather than displacing, the institutional traditions of tribal forest stewardship.
Godwin Aidenagbon
Birth registration underpins legal identity, reliable vital statistics, and evidence based population policy. Despite Nigeria’s compulsory registration law and accelerated digitalization, national coverage for children under five reached only 57 percent in 2024 with 14 million births registered between 2022 and 2024 through health facility integration and eCRVS. Using a demand–supply framework, this study examines birth registration in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) using mixed methods data collected in 2021. Demand side analysis draws on a multistage KAP survey of 1,266 residents; supply side data derived from structured questionnaires and key informant interviews with the FCT Head of Vital Registration and all six Area Council Comptrollers. Demand side results show 72.8 percent overall vital event registration practice (births dominant), with strong gradients by education, income, marital status, religion, and urban residence. Probit models confirm awareness (coef. 1.37, p<0.001) and process knowledge as the dominant predictors. Supply side findings document a functional NPC structure with 219 registration centres, PDA to RapidSMS digitization, free certificates, and 50 percent of registrants originating from co located health facilities. However, average travel distance (5.89 km) exceeds most respondents’ willingness, especially in peripheral councils. The FCT outperforms national averages because supply advantages in AMAC and Bwari translate directly into higher demand uptake, while peripheral gaps mirror broader Nigerian bottlenecks. Comparative analysis with other African capitals (Kigali, Accra, Nairobi, Dakar, Gaborone) shows that full health decentralization and interoperability—as in Rwanda and Botswana—achieve near universal urban coverage. This study contributes to CRVS scholarship by systematically quantifying the respective impacts of behavioural and infrastructural factors in a rapidly urbanizing capital territory. It also provides scalable insights applicable to Nigeria’s demographic transition.
Dr. Pooja. A
The main characteristic of bureaucrats in India is their unbiased and non-political function in the administrative system. They are the main players in charge of carrying out the policies and plans that the elected government has developed, making them the foundation of governance. Although politicians establish the direction by creating policies, bureaucrats are responsible for putting these ideas into practice through careful planning, resource management, departmental coordination, and on-the-ground execution. In a country as diverse and complex as India, their knowledge, tenure, and administrative background make them invaluable in making sure that the goals of public policy are successfully implemented. In a large and diverse nation like India, bureaucracy is essential to the operation of democratic governance. The function of bureaucracy in converting public policy into practical results is critically examined in this paper. It investigates the crucial role that bureaucratic institutions play in connecting the creation of policies with their execution at the local level. Although Indian bureaucracy is frequently hailed as the "steel frame" of governance, it is also criticised for its ineffectiveness, red tape, corruption, and opposition to change. It also examines the structural and operational difficulties bureaucrats encounter, such as political meddling, a lack of accountability, and insufficient training. The study concludes by urging systemic changes to improve bureaucratic responsiveness, transparency, and capacity in order to fortify governance and guarantee improved policy results for the general public.
Chavez, Robert Justin S, Laquindanum, Elijah M, Navarro, Francine Nicole D.G, Villanueva, Kie Sha M
Filipino Sign Language (FSL) is the recognized form of communication for the deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals under Republic Act No. 11106. Despite this, Filipino Sign Language remains underrepresented in technological research and development. This study aims to develop and evaluate an AI-based system for recognizing static FSL alphabet hand gestures. The study follows a quantitative and experimental research design. The study implements hyperparameter optimization of the regularization parameter of the Support Vector Machine (SVM) utilizing Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG) feature extraction. The regularization parameter controls the trade-off between the margin and minimizing classification errors. The system is trained and evaluated using a public dataset available in Kaggle consisting of 11,700 preaugmented hand gesture images representing the 26 letters of FSL alphabet. The preprocessing techniques used are grayscale conversion, otsu’s thresholding technique, and morphological operations to enhance the hand segmentation, afterwards HOG features are extracted and used as an input to the SVM classifier. Two data split configurations (50:50 and 80:20) employed to assess the model generalization and robustness. To compare the performance of the SVM model, a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) is implemented as a baseline for performance comparison. Results show that the SVM model achieved a maximum accuracy of 98.55% using a 80-20 training validation split outperforming its performance under a 50:50 configuration, which yields 91.86% accuracy. The baseline CNN model achieves a comparable accuracy of 97.99%, indicating that non-neural network techniques can perform as effectively as deep learning models for static gesture tasks. Moreover, confusion matrix analysis reveals that misclassifications primarily occur among visually similar gestures. Overall, SVM classifications for static FSL recognition are highly effective under 80:20 test validation split and C = 0.5 reaching an accuracy of 98.55%. The study demonstrates the potential of computationally efficient models for use in accessible learning tools, while at the same time providing a baseline for further work in dynamic and multimodal sign language recognition systems.
Amelia T. Buan, Douglas A. Salazar, Eddie P. Mondejar, Monera A. Salic-Hairulla, Rhea F. Confesor, Sasithep Pitiporntapin, Vanjoreeh A. Madale
This study aimed to develop and evaluate an inquiry-based activity sheet on the topic of evolution for Grade 11 learners. A developmental research design was employed, involving curriculum mapping, drafting of instructional content, expert validation, revision, and evaluation by science teachers and school administrators. The activity sheet was designed to align with curriculum standards while promoting inquiry-based learning and the development of science process skills. The developed instructional material underwent face and content validation by a panel of experts to ensure accuracy, clarity, alignment, and instructional quality. Feedback from the validators guided the revision and improvement of the material. Subsequently, the revised activity sheet was evaluated using a standardized instrument adapted from the Department of Education Evaluation Rating Sheet for Print Resources. The evaluation covered four components: content, format, presentation and organization, and accuracy and up-to-datedness of information. Results showed that the activity sheet obtained a very satisfactory rating in content (M = 3.86), format (M = 3.83), and presentation and organization (M = 3.83), indicating that the material is appropriate, well-structured, and supports higher-order thinking skills. It also achieved a perfect rating in accuracy (M = 4.00), suggesting that conceptual, factual, and grammatical errors were not present. The findings indicate that the developed activity sheet is a valid and high-quality instructional material suitable for teaching evolutionary biology. Although not implemented in a classroom setting, the material demonstrates strong potential to support effective science instruction.
Mimi Nur Iman Binti Ruduian, Mohd Hakimi Aiman Ibrahim, Norzihani Yusof, Nuzulha Khilwani Ibrahim, Zuraini Othman
Currently, many cooking enthusiasts, especially ones who live in hostels or on a budget, struggle with disorganized recipes and lack a centralized, user- friendly platform to achieve and share their recipes. They also struggle a lot in finding ideas to cook and thus will lead to stress due to lack of ideas and inspiration for their dish. Also, many existing platforms lack structured usability evaluation and user-generated content validation, especially among student users. To address this issue, FoodieDiary, a comprehensive web-based recipe management system, is developed. The research and development process involved utilizing a modern tech stack – including HTML, CSS, PHP and JavaScript for interface and functionality, alongside a database using phpMyAdmin for secure data storage. The system is designed to allow users to create, store, like, and share simple recipes. The output is a functional, responsive website that streamlines the digital cookbook experience while providing users with community-driven sources of culinary inspiration. The testing result shows 100% of test modules have passed the Unit Testing, while result for User Acceptance Test (UAT) are varied, but still majority of the feedback are happy with the sharing recipe platform
Amrit Kumar Sharma Gaire
This study examined the influence of financial literacy, financial behavior, financial knowledge, and financial attitude on the financial well-being of microfinance members in the Salyan district. Using a causal research design, primary data were collected through structured questionnaires from 271 active members selected via convenience sampling. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the predictors collectively explained substantial variance in financial well-being [F (4, 266) = 54.811, p < .001)]. Financial behavior emerged as the strongest determinant (β = .600, p < .001), followed by financial knowledge (β = .202, p < .001), highlighting the importance of practical financial practices and informed decision-making. Financial attitude showed a modest negative effect (β = -.104, p = .025), suggesting over-optimism may hinder well-being, while self-assessed financial literacy was not significant. The findings imply that interventions should prioritize behavior-focused strategies complemented by financial education to enhance members' financial well-being.
Brahim Chekima, Fatma Zohra Chekima, Najihah Hanisah Marmaya, Rudy Ansar, Suddin Lada
Foreign automobile brands in Malaysia operate in a market shaped by intensified local competition, shifting consumer preferences, and growing pressure to reflect actual purchasing behaviour better. This conceptual paper synthesises the study into a focused framework that explains foreign automobile purchase behaviour by jointly accounting for behavioural drivers and market signals. Drawing on the Theory of Planned Behaviour and Signaling Theory, the paper positions attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioural control as core behavioural predictors, while perceived product quality and brand credibility are treated as extrinsic signals that reduce uncertainty in high-involvement automobile decisions. The paper argues that actual purchase behaviour offers a stronger conceptual outcome than purchase intention in this context because automobile acquisition involves financial commitment, extended evaluation, and substantial risk. Building on the study’s literature synthesis and framework development, five propositions are advanced linking these determinants to actual foreign automobile purchase behaviour. The paper contributes by narrowing the explanatory gap between behavioural intention models and realised consumer action, while clarifying how signaling variables strengthen consumer confidence in foreign automobile brands.
Kamal Kandewatta, Refat Ferdous
The determinants of Information Technology (IT) and Information Technology Enabled Services (ITES) exports are investigated through panel data analysis of 34 countries spanning 2000-2023. The Hausman specification test results (χ²=109.6, p=0.000), supports the use of fixed effects estimation. The econometric results identify driving factors in the expanding IT and ITES exports sector. The estimated model indicates that GDP per capita, foreign direct investment inflows, telecommunications infrastructure, human capital development, political stability, and research and development expenditure exert a substantial impact on IT and ITES export volumes. A one percentage point increase in GDP per capita correlates with a 2.2 per cent expansion in IT and ITES exports, while an equivalent improvement in human capital and R&D expenditure generate 0.53 per cent and 0.55 per cent increases respectively. Suggesting specialization patterns within global value chains, IT goods exports exhibit an inverse relationship with IT service exports, contrary to conventional intuition. Additionally, the real effective exchange rate exerts no statistically significant influence, implying the predominant role of non-price factors in driving competitiveness in this sector. The above empirical findings provide valuable policy insights to design strategies to enhance participation in the rapidly expanding global IT and ITES trade. Designing such strategic policies is particularly instrumental for developing economies seeking to diversify their exports with knowledge-intensive services.
Abdoulie A. Jallow
Irregular migration from West Africa to Europe is a complex and pressing issue with far-reaching social, economic, and political consequences. Identifying the root causes of this phenomenon is critical to developing effective policies that can address the needs of sending and receiving countries. This study investigates the intricacies of irregular migration from West Africa to Europe and the determinants of these migration patterns by employing panel data and incorporating key migration theories. The data show a sharp increase in irregular migration to Italy in early 2017 as sea arrivals jumped by 48% when compared to the same period in 2016 and four of the top five source countries were all from West Africa. While West African nations were the primary sources of sea arrivals in 2017, there has been a notable shift towards Middle Eastern countries, particularly Syria, Tunisia, and Egypt in 2024. Empirical findings indicate that economic factors, particularly wage differentials between Europe and West Africa and domestic unemployment rates, are primary drivers of migration decisions. Corruption levels and demographic factors at home, such as age structure and education, are also important. While the allure of economic opportunities in Europe is a significant pull factor, push factors such as economic hardship and political instability in West African countries play a crucial role. The findings highlight the need for comprehensive policies addressing both origin and destination country challenges to effectively manage irregular migration flows.
Akwada Obioma Richards, Basil Bruno, Chukwu, chinyere Grace, Enaholo, Eromosele Joel, Felix Edoiseh, Ehidiamhen, Ikenna Chijindu, Nwigwe, Jegede, Olushola Olakunle, Ogbata, Stanley Emeka, Oshim Ifeanyi Onyema, Robinson Uchenna Ugwuamyi
Background: Cancer treatment outcome in Nigeria and in Sub Sahara Africa has been identified to be sub-optimum and implicated factors include delayed presentation, late-stage diagnosis, and inadequate treatment as challenges linked to poverty, prolonged treatment durations, social issues and non-adherence to treatment protocols. Many reports have focused on patient-related and health system challenges from symptom development through diagnosis. Despite the critical need for radiotherapy, many patients who start treatment do not complete the full course. It has been documented that only 46.5% of cervical cancer patients at an urban tertiary health center in the United States completed treatment within the recommended time frame of 56 days. Therefore, various factors could be responsible for the non completion of treatment leading to devastating effect of cancers in patients in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. Furthermore, underlying psychological factors, an area clinicians rarely take seriously, have become a major barriers to the timely completion of radiation therapy for cancer patient. Despite these findings, there is a notable lack of local studies in the Nigerian context that specifically examine the correlation between psychosocial issues and the extended duration of radiation therapy in cancer patients in relation to treatment compliance.
Rahimah Embong, Wan Marfazila Wan Mahmud, Zuraidah Juliana Mohamad Yusoff
This research investigates the underlying causes, consequences, and remedial strategies associated with reading difficulties among primary school pupils enrolled in remedial programs in urban Kuala Terengganu. Persistent literacy underachievement has been closely associated with unstable family structures, limited community engagement in education, and learner-related factors such as low intrinsic motivation and inconsistent school attendance. Employing a qualitative research framework, the study gathered data through semi-structured interviews with three experienced remedial language teachers. The findings indicate that an unconducive home literacy environment, socioeconomic constraints, and minimal community-based academic support significantly impede pupils’ reading development. These constraints not only undermine academic performance but also adversely affect learners’ emotional stability, self-confidence, and long-term educational progression. The study further identifies practical intervention measures, including the use of interactive teaching materials, activity-based learning approaches, positive reinforcement mechanisms, and strengthened parental and community involvement. It concludes by advocating for a coordinated and holistic strategy involving educators, school leaders, families, and policymakers to establish a sustainable support system that enhances literacy outcomes for struggling learners. The implications of this study are significant for informing inclusive, responsive, and equity-oriented educational policies.
Endang Susilawati, Ririn Nurfajrini, Yohanes Gatot Sutapa
This study aims to develop English reading materials tailored for tenth-grade students in the Software Engineering program at SMKN 1 Semparuk, addressing the lack of discipline-specific content in existing textbooks. Employing a Research and Development (R&D) design with a modified ADDIE model, the study focused on the stages of Analysis, Design, and Development. Data were collected through needs analysis involving students, teachers, curriculum documents, and textbooks, combined with expert validation using structured evaluation instruments. The resulting materials, consisting of descriptive and procedural texts enriched with software engineering vocabulary, were evaluated by two experts and achieved an average score of 3.45, which falls into the “Very Good” category. Teacher and student feedback further confirmed the practicality, relevance, and effectiveness of the materials in enhancing reading comprehension, motivation, and confidence in dealing with technical texts. The findings highlight the importance of integrating English for Specific Purposes (ESP) principles into vocational education, ensuring alignment between language learning and professional needs. This research contributes both theoretically and practically to ESP materials development, offering a replicable model for designing context-specific English resources in vocational high schools.
Christine Mae T. Pulot, Douglas A. Salazar, Jocelyn A. Pattuinan, Joy B. Bagaloyos, Liza A. Adamat, Monera A. Salic-Hairulla, Rhea F. Confesor
This study developed and evaluated Larong Pinoy-Integrated STEM (LaPiSTEM) instructional material designed to enhance the teaching of bioenergetics among Grade 11 learners. Anchored on constructivist learning theory, context-based science learning, and the ADDIE model, the material integrates traditional Filipino games—such as Agawan Base, Patintero, Slipper Game, and Tumbang Preso—with STEM-based activities to promote active, experiential, and culturally responsive learning. A developmental research design was employed, involving curriculum mapping, expert validation, and evaluation by science educators using the Department of Education evaluation rating tool. Results revealed that the instructional material achieved an overall rating of “Very Satisfactory” (M = 3.73), demonstrating high quality in terms of content accuracy, format, presentation, organization, and up-to-datedness. The findings indicate that LaPiSTEM effectively supports learners’ achievement, engagement, and appreciation of bioenergetics while fostering higher-order thinking skills and cultural awareness. Minor improvements were suggested in areas such as grammatical accuracy, visual clarity, and instructional detail. Despite not yet being implemented in an actual classroom setting, the material shows strong potential to enhance effective science instruction. Overall, the study confirms that LaPiSTEM is a valid, reliable, and culturally relevant instructional resource suitable for classroom implementation in science education.
Aidah Abdul Karim, Tan Kuan Yoon
The implementation of Malay Language KOMSAS teaching remains largely conventional, less interactive, and insufficiently engaging for students. As a result, previous studies have shown that many students experience difficulties understanding literary content, often perceive literature lessons as uninteresting, and are exposed to limited integration of digital technology in the teaching and learning process. This study aims to develop, implement, and evaluate an artificial intelligence (AI)-based animated video to enhance knowledge of the novel literary in the Malay Language KOMSAS component of secondary school students by employing Mayer’s Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning, the ASSURE Instructional Design Model, and the mastery learning strategy. The study employed a Design and Development Research (DDR) approach, using questionnaires, pre-tests and post-tests, and expert validation to collect data, involving 31 Form Three students and 2 Malay Language expert teachers. The findings indicated that the AI-based animated video demonstrates a high level of usability and is well received by students in terms of their comprehension, interest, and learning experience. Following the application of multimedia learning principles employed in the development of the AI-based video, the results also showed that the AI video has helped students to understand the synopsis, theme, and issues of the novel through the integration of visual and audio elements. The study also showed that there is a significant improvement in students’ knowledge of the literary aspects of the novel within the Malay Language KOMSAS component, after the implementation of the AI-based video. The study suggested that the used of AI-based animated videos have a strong potential to improve the Malay Language literature teaching and learning. The study further implicated that trainings on recent applications and tools necessary to help teachers develop their own AI-based video must be given to the teachers at regular intervals as a way to support the implementation of digital pedagogy in language education particularly in the Malay Language education.
Mimi Mohaffyza Mohamad, Nofouz Mafarja, Zheng Yiqiao
Blended teaching has become an important instructional approach in higher education, particularly in technology-related programs where students need to develop both theoretical understanding and practical skills. However, there is a lack of specialized instruments for assessing teachers' competencies in designing and implementing blended teaching in the technology education context. This study aimed to develop and validate a Blended Teaching Design and Strategy Scale based on an integrated theoretical framework combining the Practical Inquiry Model (PIM) and Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge with Collaborative Learning (TPACK-CL). An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was employed. First, qualitative interviews were conducted with 10 technology program teachers to inform item generation. Then, a quantitative survey involving 224 teachers from three polytechnics in Guangdong Province, China was conducted to test the instrument's psychometric properties. Item analysis, exploratory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis were used to examine the scale's reliability and validity. The final scale consists of 48 items across two subscales: the teaching design subscale includes four dimensions (triggering event, exploration, integration, resolution) with 20 items, and the teaching strategy subscale includes eight dimensions (technological knowledge, content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, pedagogical content knowledge, technological content knowledge, technological pedagogical knowledge, technological pedagogical and content knowledge, and collaborative learning) with 28 items. Reliability analysis showed strong internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha of 0.899 for the design subscale and 0.889 for the strategy subscale. Validity analysis confirmed good construct validity, convergent validity, and discriminant validity. The findings demonstrate that the developed scale is a reliable and theoretically grounded instrument for assessing blended teaching practices in technology education. This instrument can support teacher professional development, inform institutional training initiatives, and contribute to research on effective blended teaching implementation.
Joyzy Pius Egunjobi
Background: Severe mental illnesses, particularly schizophrenia spectrum and bipolar disorders, are frequently interpreted through spiritual and religious frameworks, especially within culturally and religiously embedded contexts. While spiritual meaning-making can be adaptive, rigid spiritual or diabolical attributions may delay help-seeking, intensify distress, and increase clinical risk. Existing psychiatric screening instruments rarely assess these attributional processes alongside symptom presentation. Objective: This study aimed to develop and provide preliminary psychometric evidence for the Psycho Spiritual Severe Mental Health Indication Scale (PS-SMHIS), a multidimensional screening instrument designed to identify indicators of schizophrenia spectrum and bipolar disorders while concurrently assessing spiritual distress and spiritual–demonic attribution. Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional instrument development and preliminary validation design grounded in Psycho-Spiritual Therapy and the Biopsychosociotechno-Spiritual framework. The Psycho Spiritual Severe Mental Health Indication Scale (PS SMHIS) was developed to assess clinical symptoms alongside psychospiritual attributional processes. Internal consistency reliability of the total scale and its subscales was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficients. Results: The PS-SMHIS demonstrated good to excellent internal consistency across domains, with Cronbach’s alpha values ranging from .773 to .915. Excellent reliability was observed for the Schizophrenia Spectrum and Mania indices, acceptable reliability for the Hypomania index, and good reliability for the Depression, Spiritual Distress, and Spiritual–Diabolic Attribution indices. These findings indicate strong internal coherence across both clinical and psychospiritual constructs. Conclusion: The PS-SMHIS shows promising preliminary reliability as a psychometrically sound, multidimensional screening instrument. By distinguishing psychiatric symptoms from spiritual distress and attributional risk, the scale supports ethical discernment, early identification, and appropriate referral. Further large-scale, cross-cultural validation studies are recommended to strengthen its clinical and pastoral applicability.
Dr. Tanaya Raha
In this era of artificial intelligence, tribal communities are those, who truly exist with their roots, ethnicity, tradition and simplicity and dedicated to maintain the same. Amongst several rights available to them, the land right including the forest right and some other customary rights is a pivotal one. Though there is subtle difference between the terms indigenous and tribal, both of them are used synonymously in the UN system. Land rights of the tribal community are quite protected constitutionally as well as legally in India except the man-made developmental issues often fail to secure the land rights and allied basic rights of this vulnerable class. Their Land rights have been strengthened by the Part XVI and Fifth and Sixth Schedules of the Indian Constitution, the Panchayat (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act,1996, and their Forest rights have further been safeguarded by the Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.The system of land appropriation by the State for public purpose has aptly been overhauled by the all new LARR Act,2013 that preserves their land rights in a very protective way replacing the rigid 1894 Act. In practice, displacement or relocation with monetary compensation, rehabilitation and resettlement seem to be a gimmick without a proper implementation of legal safeguards. Law seems useless except an appropriate implementation. Scattered acceptance and implementation of the LARR Act all over India worsen the plight of this marginalized community. The doctrinal paper is in search of probable solution to safeguard the basic and customary interests allied to land of the tribal community on the basis of a socio-legal study related to the sufferance faced by the unfortunate victims.
Melendez, Mark Leslie D, Oliveros, Christian Joshua R, Salcedo, Jerome Lloyd Q, Tobias, Aiza V
The management of academic records at Dasol Catholic School (DCS) historically relied on manual, paper-based processes, leading to administrative inefficiencies, data transcription errors, and risks of physical record degradation. This study aimed to develop and implement a Web-Based Student Portal System to modernize the school’s academic management by automating enrollment, grade management, and information dissemination. Guided by the Input-Process-Output (IPO) model, the researchers utilized the Agile methodology—specifically through planning, user design, development, testing, and deployment phases—to create a system featuring modules for online registration, teacher grading, and student profile management. The researchers chose the Laravel framework for its security features. It runs on a PHP and SQL stack, ensuring the portal is both fast and stable. The quantitative aspect of the research involved a systematic evaluation of the portal's quality based on the ISO 25010 software quality standards. A total of 50 stakeholders, including the principal, registrar, teachers, and parents/students, participated in the evaluation using a five-point Likert scale. Results demonstrated a high level of system acceptance, yielding an overall weighted mean of 4.38, interpreted as "Strongly Agree". Notably, Functional Suitability emerged as the highest-rated dimension at 4.49, suggesting that the tailored modules successfully addressed the specific administrative requirements of the institution. The study concluded that the web-based portal significantly improves data integrity and accessibility compared to traditional manual methods. By providing a centralized digital platform, the system minimizes human error in grade computation and streamlines the enrollment workflow, effectively bridging the gap between traditional school administration and modern technological standards for small-scale educational institutions
Khairi Khalid, Muhamad Saiful Alizan Nordin, Muhammad Azwan Sulaiman, Muhammad Nazim Alias, Muhd Eizan Syafiq Abd Aziz, Noor Halil Ismail
The rapid evolution of the global digital economy and the Fourth Industrial Revolution have necessitated a transformative shift in how higher education institutions manage experiential learning. Conventional industrial training assessment models, particularly in professional disciplines like Real Estate, have historically relied on analogue, paper-based workflows. These legacy systems are characterized by administrative delays, significant risks of document loss during transit, and a structural inability to facilitate real-time monitoring of student progress. To address these inefficiencies while advancing the objectives of a sustainable and digitalized future, the Real Estate Internship Supervisory Assessment System (REISAS) was developed. This research details the conceptualization, methodology, and output of Phase 1 of REISAS, which focuses on the digitalization of the industry supervisor module and the integration of a paperless submission framework. By replacing manual scoring with automated digital rubrics and centralized analytical dashboards, the system streamlines the dual-stakeholder evaluation model required for Real Estate students. The analysis demonstrates how REISAS aligns with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4, 9, and 12. Furthermore, the system’s architecture supports the Ministry of Higher Education Digitalization of Higher Education Action Plan 2025-2030 by fostering an effective, adaptive, and lifelong learning ecosystem. The findings suggest that REISAS serves as a scalable model for professional internship programs, offering a transparent, technology-driven framework that replaces manual inefficiencies with high-fidelity competency tracking and real-time administrative oversight
Jonjon V. Pantaleon
This study examined the development, acceptability, and effectiveness of interactive instructional materials (IIMs) in enhancing statistics education in selected higher education institutions (HEIs) in Metro Manila. A mixed-methods research design was employed, integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches. Quantitative data were collected from 256 students through structured surveys and pre-test–post-test assessments, while 30 mathematics experts evaluated the materials using standardized checklists. Qualitative data from interviews and open-ended responses provided deeper insights into user experiences. Findings revealed that the instructional materials were rated acceptable across all domains, including objectives, content, organization, navigation, evaluation, and application, with an overall mean of 3.97. The materials were particularly commended for their clarity, alignment with learning competencies, and learner-centered design. Students’ academic performance significantly improved, with mean scores increasing from 29.59 (Moving Towards Mastery) in the pre-test to 38.49 (Closely Approximating Mastery) in the post-test. A paired-samples t-test indicated a statistically significant difference, t(255) = 72.81, p < .001. Furthermore, the computed effect size (Cohen’s d ≈ 4.55) suggests an extremely large practical impact, indicating that the intervention produced substantial learning gains. Qualitative findings highlighted the effectiveness of interactive and contextualized activities in enhancing engagement and comprehension. However, respondents recommended clearer step-by-step instructions and the inclusion of more real-life applications. The study concludes that interactive instructional materials are an effective pedagogical innovation in statistics education. It recommends continuous refinement of instructional design and the adoption of experimental or quasi-experimental designs with control groups in future research to strengthen causal inferences.
Cristina C. Garucho, Hazel Mae C. Llorente, John Mark B. Lazaro, Kimberly D. Garucho, Teonie L. Castillo
Academic performance refers to a student's ability to achieve learning objectives, typically measured through grades, test scores, and overall educational outcomes. The study aimed to examine the different learning modality on the academic performance of working college students. Data were gathered from the 98 working college students. This study used stratified random sampling technique. This study utilized quantitative non-experimental research through a descriptive correlational design. The instruments utilized in this study were modified and thoroughly examined for relevance and accuracy. The statistical tools used in this study were mean and pearson r. Results revealed that different learning modality towards academic performance among working college students got a descriptive level of high which was oftentimes observed. Working college students' academic performance is positively impacted by a high level of involvement with various learning modalities because it offers them more flexibility, better time management, and easier access to learning materials. According to the relationship between different learning modality and academic performance, students' academic results can be improved by taking into account a variety of learning styles and timetables, especially for those who are juggling work and study obligations
Alaikieriekigha Saturday Frank, Dr. Ladebi Osuluku Otoro, Larry Ebikekeme Wada
This study examines the impact of digital communication on the preservation and transmission of indigenous languages and cultural practices in African societies. While digital technologies enhance connectivity and access to information, they also contribute to the marginalization of local languages and cultural expressions. Unlike prior studies that rely predominantly on conceptual argumentation, this research adopts a qualitative design integrating conceptual analysis with illustrative empirical evidence drawn from Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Ghana. Data were obtained through a structured review of scholarly literature, policy documents, and selected digital content, including a small-scale content analysis of social media posts. Findings indicate that digital platforms structurally privilege global languages through algorithmic visibility, interface design, and infrastructural limitations, thereby constraining the use of indigenous languages. However, case-based evidence demonstrates that these same platforms can support cultural revitalization through targeted initiatives such as language-learning applications, indigenous-language podcasts, and digital archiving projects. The study concludes that the effects of digital communication are contingent rather than deterministic. It recommends a coordinated, multi-level approach involving policy reform, technological inclusion, and community participation to strengthen indigenous languages and cultural sustainability in Africa.
Christophe A. Lavall, Jr, Ezekie Z. Ziah, Melissa Hawa Isabel Sackie, Monica D. Jones
This study examines the relationship between digital connectivity and agricultural supply chain resilience among smallholder farmers across all 15 counties in post-conflict Liberia. Adopting a cross-sectional quantitative design, the research uses seven validated secondary datasets from 2016 to 2022 to analyze the impacts of ICT access, digital literacy, and gender equity on core supply chain outcomes, including post-harvest losses, farm-gate prices, transport costs, and formal market participation. Four novel composite key performance indicators, the ICT-SCM Performance Index, Digital Supply Chain Readiness Score, Supply Chain Vulnerability Index, and Market Integration Score, are developed to enable standardized and replicable resilience measurement in data-scarce post-conflict contexts. Empirical results demonstrate strong positive associations between digital connectivity and supply chain resilience: a one-unit increase in the ICT Development Index reduces post-harvest losses by 6.2 percentage points, while digital literacy significantly improves farm-gate prices and market integration. Gender gaps in digital access moderate the ICT–resilience relationship, weakening the conversion of digital resources into supply chain benefits. Spatial analysis reveals significant clustering of vulnerability and digital readiness, with Montserrado County outperforming all regions and southeastern counties trapped in overlapping deficits of digital access, infrastructure, and income. Findings confirm that ICT effectiveness depends on complementary road infrastructure and household resources. This study addresses critical empirical gaps in fragile-state agricultural digitalization research and provides evidence to support gender-responsive, spatially targeted policy interventions for Liberia’s National Digital Strategy and agricultural resilience programs, offering a transferable framework for other post-conflict economies in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Mohamad Fazli Sabri, Nur Shuhamin Nazuri, Siti Shazwani Ahmad Suhaimi, Syuhaily Othman
The rapid digitalisation of financial services has transformed how individuals manage their personal finances, particularly in emerging economies such as Malaysia. While financial technology (FinTech) and digital financial services have expanded access to financial products, their implications for long-term financial sustainability remain insufficiently understood. This study investigates the role of digital financial literacy and FinTech usage in shaping financial behaviour and financial sustainability among Malaysian working adults. A quantitative research design was employed using a structured survey administered to working adults aged 30–65 across five Malaysian states. A multistage probability sampling approach was adopted, resulting in 410 valid responses. Data were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal that digital financial literacy and FinTech are significantly associated with financial behaviour. In turn, financial behaviour demonstrates a strong positive effect on financial sustainability. Mediation analysis further indicates that financial behaviour partially mediates the relationships between digital financial literacy and financial sustainability, as well as between FinTech usage and financial sustainability.These results highlight the critical role of financial behaviour as a behavioural mechanism through which digital financial capabilities translate into sustainable financial outcomes. The study contributes to the growing literature on financial capability by integrating digital financial literacy and FinTech within a unified behavioural framework. From a policy perspective, the findings underscore the importance of strengthening digital financial literacy and promoting responsible financial behaviour to enhance household financial resilience. Such initiatives are particularly relevant for Malaysia as it advances towards a digitally inclusive financial ecosystem.
Charisma M. Alagao, Mpa
This study examined the relationship between digital governance practices and service delivery performance in public administrative offices. Using a quantitative descriptive–correlational design, data were collected from administrative personnel in selected government offices through a structured survey questionnaire measuring digital governance practices and service delivery performance. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the levels of the variables, while Pearson’s r correlation analysis tested the relationship between digital governance practices and service delivery performance. Results revealed that digital governance practices were implemented to a high extent, while service delivery performance was rated high by the respondents. Furthermore, a significant positive relationship was found between digital governance practices and service delivery performance, suggesting that improved digital governance contributes to more efficient and responsive public services. The findings highlight the importance of strengthening digital systems, enhancing personnel competence in digital technologies, and expanding e-governance initiatives to improve administrative efficiency and citizen satisfaction.
Denni Kurniawan, Isa Halim, Mariam Md Ghazaly, Mohammad Kamil Sued, Mohd Amran Md Ali, Nor Ain Syafikah, Nurdiana Nordin, Shajahan Maidin, Zulkeflee Abdullah
This study applies a digital human modelling–driven approach to ergonomic risk assessment, workstation redesign, and usability evaluation in a manufacturing assembly line. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) remain a major occupational health concern in manufacturing environments, particularly in standing manual assembly workstations. Inadequate workstation design often leads to awkward postures, prolonged static loading, and repetitive movements, contributing to discomfort, fatigue, and reduced productivity. This study evaluates ergonomic risks associated with working postures at a manual insert workstation in an air-conditioner manufacturing company using Digital Human Modelling (DHM) integrated with Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). A cross-sectional assessment involving ten female operators was conducted using observational analysis, anthropometric measurement, and the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ). Existing work postures were simulated in CATIA to quantify ergonomic risk levels. Based on identified risk factors, an ergonomically improved workstation was designed and re-evaluated using RULA. Results showed that the existing workstation posed medium to very high ergonomic risks (RULA scores up to 7; REBA scores up to 11), particularly affecting the neck, lower back, and lower limbs. The redesigned workstation reduced the RULA score to 3, indicating a substantial improvement in postural risk. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of DHM-supported ergonomic interventions in reducing WMSDs risk and highlight the importance of user-centered workstation design in manufacturing settings.
Iskandar Hasan Tan Abdullah, Junaidi Awang, Sarman Mohamad, Wan Ahmad Tirmizi Wan Sulaiaman, Wan Mohd Firdaus Wan Mohamad
The rapid development of digital technologies has significantly transformed teaching and learning practices in higher education institutions worldwide. Universities increasingly adopt digital learning platforms to enhance student engagement, improve accessibility to educational resources, and support innovative pedagogical approaches. This study examines the effectiveness of digital learning innovation in the Malaysian Politics course through the integration of a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) and a mobile-based learning platform known as Politicbox. The Politicbox consists of eBrief Case in the Malaysian Politics course (PAD270). The research focuses on students enrolled in the Malaysian Politics course in a public university of Malaysia. A mixed-method research design was employed to evaluate the impact of the digital learning platform on students’ knowledge acquisition, cognitive development, and overall learning satisfaction. Quantitative data were collected from 100 students through a structured questionnaire, while qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with selected participants. The quantitative data were analysis using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), including descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression analysis. The findings indicate that the integration of MOOC and Politicbox significantly enhances students’ understanding of political concepts, improves cognitive learning outcomes, and increases student satisfaction with the learning process. The results also reveal that system quality, service quality, and perceived usefulness play a crucial role in influencing students’ acceptance of digital learning platforms. The study contributes to the literature on technology-enhanced learning in political science education and provides practical implications for universities seeking to implement digital learning innovations in social science disciplines.
Angela Anyango Ngesa, Dr. Michael Makau, Dr. Wambui Ngigi
With the rise of digital lending platforms, which enhance credit access for previously unbanked populations, concerns remain about issues like non-performing loans and regulatory oversight. This study examined the impact of digital lending on service-delivery efficiency at KCB Bank Kenya Limited. Specifically, it sought to assess the relationship between mobile lending platforms and digital customer onboarding and how they collectively affect service delivery efficiency at KCBs in Kenya. The study was grounded on the Technology Acceptance Model. It was guided by a descriptive design, and the target population consisted of employees of KCB bank in Nairobi County. To investigate the research aims, purposive, stratified, and simple random sampling methods were used to select a sample of 173 respondents. The number of respondents was determined using Fisher’s formula. The data was collected using a structured questionnaire and an interview schedule. A pilot test was conducted among KCB banks in Nakuru County to assess the validity and reliability of the instruments. In addition, secondary data was collected from audited statements to enhance the primary data. Analysis was performed using SPSS Version 26, and multiple regression was used to test the hypotheses. Both descriptive and Inferential statistics were used in the analysis. The results show that mobile lending and digital customer onboarding affect the service delivery efficiency at KCB bank. The regression analysis revealed that digital lending had a strong positive correlation with service delivery at KCB bank (r = 0.866 and Adj. R2 = 0.742; P<0.05). The study concluded that digital lending significantly affected the level of service delivery efficiency among commercial banks in Kenya. The model was a strong predictor of the relationship between digital lending and service delivery (F statistic = 103.326 and p value< 0.05). The study recommends that policymakers, commercial banks, and other stakeholders in the banking sector prioritize financial strategies such as improving the mobile banking platform in order to make it more inclusive and easier to use by the entire bankable population. This can be achieved by providing policymakers with a framework to design an effective digital lending system tailored for banking institutions.
Alabi, O. A., Alli, A. O., Oose, M. O., Oyeyinka, R. A.
The rapid global shift toward remote work has created unprecedented demand for digital literacy competencies, yet significant disparities persist across developing regions, particularly in Africa. This systematic narrative review synthesises existing literature to examine the role of digital literacy as a foundational element for remote work readiness among African graduates. Employing a systematic search strategy across multiple electronic databases including Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and African Journals Online, this review analysed peer-reviewed studies published. The findings reveal a substantial digital literacy gap among African graduates, characterised by limited awareness of remote work platforms, inadequate proficiency in digital collaboration tools, and significant barriers including infrastructural deficits, socioeconomic constraints, and institutional limitations. The review identifies critical training needs across multiple domains, including productivity tools, communication platforms, and project management software. Furthermore, the analysis highlights the mediating role of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and behavioural intention in determining technology adoption among African students. The study contributes to the extant literature by providing a comprehensive synthesis of digital literacy challenges and opportunities in the African context, offering evidence-based recommendations for policymakers, educational institutions, and industry stakeholders seeking to enhance graduate employability in the digital economy.
Danielle Beatrice Alajor
This research explored the readiness of micro-entrepreneurs at the Naga City People's Mall in utilizing digital tools for their daily business operations. This study primarily focused on their digital awareness and skills, attitude towards digitalization, and barriers affecting digital adoption. This research is anchored in the Diffusion of Innovations Theory and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). A quantitative, descriptive-correlational design was utilized, and data were collected through structured surveys administered to randomly selected micro-entrepreneurs using a 5-point Likert scale. The findings showed skilled, educated, and experienced micro-entrepreneurs working mainly in lean setups. Respondents showed a "Very High" level of digital awareness and "High" overall attitude towards digitalization. While highly confident in their personal digital skills, they feel only "moderately" comfortable with the specific tools needed for e-commerce, indicating a clear gap between personal digital use and business application. Results from the Chi-Square test showed that Age and Education are significantly related to both digital awareness and digital skills (p = 0.000). Length of Business Experience and Business Type also affected specific readiness dimensions. Furthermore, external barriers played a critical role, with poor internet connectivity (mean of 3.62) and a strong preference for cash transactions (mean of 3.94) as the main obstacles preventing digital adoption. Addressing these gaps, the study presents the "SAOD KITA" Digitalization Support Framework, which focuses on four key areas: specialized knowledge in strategic use of social media for business, cybersecurity, especially along the use of QR and digital payments, accessible infrastructure through reliable WiFi connection, operational improvements by use of POS, and a local "Digital Buddy" mentorship program. Ultimately, the framework offers tailored programs for local governments and private partners to promote sustainable, inclusive digital change in the public market ecosystem, specifically at the Naga City People's Mall.
Norhasyikin Rozali, Shazwani Mohd Said, Siti Murni Mat Khairi, Suheil Che Sobry
Rural entrepreneurship is increasingly recognized as a critical driver of local economic development, yet its progress remains constrained by structural barriers such as limited infrastructure, inadequate access to markets, and low levels of digital literacy. The rapid advancement of digital technologies has created unprecedented opportunities to address these challenges, but fragmented evidence and diverse contexts complicate a coherent understanding of how digitalization shapes rural entrepreneurial ecosystems. This review aims to analyze the current state of research on digitalization and rural entrepreneurship by consolidating existing literature, developing a concept map, identifying topic experts, and examining emerging themes. Using Scopus AI (25 September 2025), a structured search string was applied. The retrieved results were analyzed through the Summary, Expanded Summary, Concept Map, Topic Experts, and Emerging Themes features. Findings highlight consistent themes such as digital entrepreneurship for rural revitalization and agribusiness transformation, as well as rising themes including rural digital economies, women’s empowerment, and rural innovation. These results demonstrate both opportunities and challenges: digital tools enhance competitiveness, resource management, and inclusion, but adoption is hindered by uneven infrastructure, technical knowledge gaps, and socio-cultural barriers. The study contributes theoretically by linking digitalization with inclusive development and practically by offering insights for policymakers to strengthen infrastructure, literacy, and tailored support programs. Future research should deepen comparative analyses across diverse rural contexts and evaluate the long-term sustainability of digital interventions.
Ma. Tesa Medico Dacoylo
A disaster is a significant disruption to a community's or society's ability to operate that involves extensive losses and effects to people, property, the economy, or the environment, and that is beyond the capacity of the afflicted community or society to recover on its own. While disasters fall into many categories, their effects are universal. The Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is highly susceptible to seismic and volcanic eruption risks. World Risk Index of 2020 declared that Philippines ranked 9th globally in terms of disaster risk and 2nd highest among Asian countries. It is subjected to an average of 20 tropical cyclones per year and is highly vulnerable to disasters resulting from extreme natural events. According to World Risk Report of 2021, the Philippines is the 8th most vulnerable country to disasters. About 20-25 typhoons passed through the country every year, leading to the loss of lives and millions of damages to infrastructure and livelihood around 220 volcanoes are in the country and at least 22 of them are considered active. In 2022-2023, the World Risk Index (WRI) put the Philippines at the first rank for the disaster-prone country in the world followed by Indonesia and India. According to Vietnam News (VN) Express International News, the Philippines topped the list with the computed risk worldwide point of 46.86/100 WRI, while Indonesia and India got only 43.5 and 41.52 WRI, respectively. Bohol as part of the Philippine Island is prone to disaster. Destructions of the environment has also made it worse. The ecology is threatened by illicit fishing and deforestation. Families and communities are uprooted by the so-called development projects, exacerbating the already severe poverty situation. This prompted the researcher to assess the level of disaster awareness and preparedness among public elementary schools in Danao, Dagohoy, San Miguel, and Trinidad (DaDaSanTri) districts, Bohol Division to provide possible solutions to enhance the implemented programs and projects.
Claudine Fel C. Lauros
The world had experienced numerous disasters over the centuries - driving extreme events, human activities interfering with the Earth System, mismanagement of our natural system, the abrupt shift in human settlements and vulnerability are contributing to the increased effects of hazard events. While there are multiple natural disasters recently reported such as earthquakes, typhoons, tsunamis, and storm surge, it revealed that, both the mortality and economic loss are trending up. Human activities have caused an impact of disasters that are more destructive. We use to play with nature by being in the dreams of development through building infrastructures and forget about the destruction it will cause to nature. We rescind nature from every way - deforestation, massive earthquake, global warming, volcanic eruptions, floods, landslides ‘til to a serious disaster in which people are left homeless and evidently death. It is expected that there would be massive damages to infrastructure and the loss of lives, it would persist if there aren’t any appropriate measures immediately taken by the government.
Dr. Teresita Q. Adriano, Yasmen B. Guia
This qualitative study explored how violence in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is discursively constructed in Philippine news articles, utilizing Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) as the primary framework. Fifty-one news articles from five major media outlets were analyzed to identify discursive strategies, linguistic features, framing strategies and how it reflects underlying ideologies, power relations, or socio-political positions. Time frame for news articles selected were between 2017-2025. Findings indicate that media in BARMM employs various discursive strategies such as nomination, predication, argumentation, perspectivization, and mitigation. Linguistically, the articles predominantly used material, mental, and relational processes to portray violent events and their impact. The media employed framing strategies such as problem, cause, moral judgment, and suggesting remedy frames in shaping the understanding and perceptions of readers on the violence in BARMM. Moreover, the study revealed that these media constructions reflect dominant ideologies, legitimizing state-centered solutions to violence while marginalizing alternative narratives. The results underscore the significant role of media discourse in shaping public opinion and reinforcing socio-political power dynamics, highlighting the need for a more critical and balanced approach to reporting violence in conflict-affected regions. A critical, balanced, and context-sensitive approach to news reporting is essential to represent each side fairly and comprehensively without being subjective.
Dr. Parvathi. S, Mrs. Sutha.P
Domestic work forms a significant part of the informal labor sector in India, employing millions of women who contribute to household functioning and the urban economy. Despite their importance, domestic workers often remain marginalized and excluded from formal labor protections. This study examines the socio-economic conditions of domestic women workers in Namakkal District of Tamil Nadu. The research focuses on factors such as educational background, income levels, employment conditions, health status, family structure, and access to welfare schemes. The study adopts a descriptive research design and relies on both primary and secondary sources of data. Primary data were collected from domestic women workers through structured questionnaires and interviews conducted across selected regions of Namakkal District. The findings reveal that most domestic women workers belong to economically disadvantaged communities and possess low educational qualifications. Their employment conditions are informal and characterized by long working hours, low wages, and lack of social security benefits. Additionally, the study identifies significant challenges such as health problems, gender discrimination, and limited awareness of government welfare schemes. The research highlights the urgent need for policy reforms, legal protection, and welfare initiatives aimed at improving the socio-economic status of domestic workers. The study contributes to the broader discourse on labor rights and gender inequality in the informal sector.
Austin Musakabantu, Bernard Jason Chibuye, Chuma Like, Jonathan Ntambo
Malaria still remains a major public health concern faced by the sub-Sahara region despite continued control measures efforts by the world. In Zambia, there are periodic outbreaks in the incidence of malaria, especially in the highly populated urban settlements where the environment might be conducive to the breeding of mosquitoes. The Chipulukusu Compound in Ndola District recorded increased malaria cases within the last few years, whereas the malaria control intervention measures by the country are still underway. The aim of the study was to determine the household and environmental factors that promote high malaria transmission in Chipulukusu Compound.
Che Adenan Bin Mohammad, Muhammad Suhaimi Bin Sulong, Mustapahayuddin Abdul Khalim, Nur Zainatul Nadra Binti Zainol, Wan Ainaa Mardhiah Binti Wan Zahari
The mosque serves a crucial function in the propagation of Quranic exegesis, although the problems posed by the Fourth Industrial Revolution necessitate a reevaluation of pedagogical approaches to confront modern spiritual dilemmas. This study seeks to identify the teaching methodologies employed in tafsir lectures at mosques in Johor state, analyse their influence on the development of Muslim character, and propose empowerment strategies aligned with the Johor Islamic Religious Department (JAIJ) Strategic Plan 2023-2027. This study employs a qualitative design utilising document analysis and literature review methodologies. The results indicate that tafsir instruction in mosques preserves the techniques of talaqqi and general lectures by employing the Ijmali (global) and Maudhu'i (thematic) approaches, informed by authoritative literature. This method has demonstrated a considerable psychosocial effect in fostering piety and reinforcing faith to cultivate a virtuous individual. These findings theoretically enhance the conceptual foundation of Islamic Andragogy in non-formal institutions. It effectively endorses the management's policies, including the execution of the ASWAJA Takmir Module and the digitisation of da'wah. In conclusion, the sustainability of tafsir lectures in mosques is crucial as a stronghold of spiritual protection for the community. The study advocates for hybrid digitalisation projects and the creation of centralised thematic tafsir modules, while future research is recommended to quantitatively evaluate the impact of digital tafsir studies on the younger generation.
Roselyn G. Malong, Sherdelle M. Iyana
The integration of e-learning has emerged as a key strategy for expanding educational access among marginalized learners, particularly within the Alternative Learning System (ALS) serving geographically isolated communities. However, disparities in technological resources and socioeconomic conditions continue to shape learners’ participation in digital instruction. This study examined the level of accessibility of e-learning platforms among ALS learners in remote areas of Tago, Surigao del Sur, Philippines. Using a quantitative research design, data were collected from 48 respondents composed of ALS facilitators and Grade 11 learners selected through purposive sampling. A validated survey instrument measured accessibility across three dimensions: availability of devices and internet connection, affordability of e-learning tools, and platform compatibility with local technological infrastructure.Findings revealed that overall e-learning accessibility was perceived as accessible, with device and internet availability receiving the highest ratings. However, affordability emerged as the most significant constraint, as recurring expenses related to mobile data and device maintenance limited sustained participation in online learning. Although facilitators demonstrated greater confidence in platform compatibility, statistical analysis showed no significant difference between learners’ and facilitators’ perceptions of accessibility, indicating shared structural barriers within remote ALS contexts. The study highlights that improving e-learning accessibility requires coordinated policy interventions, infrastructure investment, and context-responsive instructional strategies. Without sustained financial and institutional support, the expansion of e-learning in remote learning environments may reinforce existing educational inequalities rather than mitigate them.
Oluwasegun Adeshina OLUKOYA
In this paper, a new subclass, E_(ψ,κ,τ) (σ,λ,μ,α,β,δ,η,l,t) of analytic functions, defined through a new generalized differential operator D_(μ,λ,σ)^m (α,β,δ,η,l,t) and the Janowski function is introduced and analyzed. The subclass E_(ψ,κ,τ) (σ,λ,μ,α,β,δ,η,l,t), is constructed via subordination involving a linear combination of the operator and its derivatives. For this class, sharp bounds for the initial coefficients |a_2 | and |a_3 | were established and a precise form of the Fekete–Szegö inequality derived.
Bamwa, Blessing, PhD, Churchill-Okoro, Chinwendu Judith, Nnam, Hilary Ikechukwu, PhD, Okoro, Chinonso Churchill, PhD
The study focused on earnings persistence and financial performance of listed firms in Nigeria. Earnings persistence was measured using earnings persistence, discretionary accruals and earnings volatility. Financial performance on the other hand was measured using net profit margin. To achieve the objective of the study, ex-post facto research design was adopted. The data were collected through secondary source from annual report and accounts of the selected firms in Nigeria from 2015 to 2024. The population of the study comprised of all the 149 firms listed in Nigeria exchange group as at 2025. The sample size was derived using both purposive sampling and stratified sampling techniques and 70 listed firms were purposively selected. The data collected were analyzed using Panel GMM analysis. The findings revealed that discretionary accruals, earnings persistence and earnings volatility have no significant effect on net profit margin. Based on the findings, the study recommends that Analysts, investors, and stakeholders should incorporate earnings quality indicators (e.g., accrual quality, volatility) when evaluating the financial performance of Nigerian listed firms. Income smoothing practices can mask true financial performance. Using metrics beyond traditional profitability ratios can provide a more accurate assessment of financial health. Implement models like the Modified Jones Model to assess the level of discretionary accruals and uncover potential earnings management that would affect net profit margin of firms.
Nurulizwa Rashid, Samer Ali Hussein, Vasugi Bala
The increasing environmental challenges and evolving regulatory expectations have intensified the need for sustainable practices among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly within the rapidly expanding halal industry in emerging economies. Halal SMEs face unique dual pressures of maintaining strict compliance with halal standards while simultaneously addressing sustainability and environmental concerns. Despite growing awareness, many halal SMEs encounter significant challenges in implementing eco-innovation due to resource limitations, capability constraints, and operational complexities, which may hinder their long-term competitiveness and resilience. This study aims to develop a conceptual framework that explains how halal SMEs can enhance sustainability performance through eco-innovation by leveraging internal organisational capabilities. The paper adopts a qualitative conceptual research design based on a structured and systematic review of existing literature on eco-innovation, SME sustainability, halal industry practices, and dynamic capabilities. Relevant studies were critically analysed and synthesised to identify key theoretical constructs and relationships influencing eco-innovation adoption in halal SME contexts. Drawing on the dynamic capabilities’ perspective, the study proposes that sensing, seizing, and reconfiguring capabilities enable halal SMEs to overcome structural, technological, and institutional barriers associated with eco-innovation. The findings suggest that eco-innovation acts as a critical mechanism linking organisational capabilities to improved sustainability outcomes while preserving halal integrity. Furthermore, the framework highlights the strategic role of capability development in aligning environmental sustainability with religious compliance requirements. This study contributes to the literature by contextualising dynamic capabilities within the halal SME sector and extending eco-innovation research into emerging economy settings. It also provides practical insights for SME managers and policymakers to support capability development, innovation readiness, and sustainable growth in the halal industry.
Felistas Richard Mahonge
African ecofeminist scholarship has increasingly emphasized the intersections of gender, ecology, and power, yet little attention has been given to how theatre mediates these struggles and translates activism into cultural performance. This study addresses that gap by critically examining Emmanuel Mbogo’s staging of Wangari Maathai’s activism, situating her ecological resistance within broader debates on patriarchy, environmental justice, and feminist leadership. The purpose of the study is to demonstrate how Mbogo’s dramatization transforms Maathai’s Green Belt Movement into a performative political project that mobilizes rural women, challenges authoritarian governance, and advances democratic participation. Using a qualitative interpretive methodology, the analysis draws on close reading of Mbogo’s play alongside ecofeminist frameworks such as nego-feminism, Ubuntu ethics, and embodied materialism. The findings identify six recurring themes: domesticity as political contestation, metaphors of marriage and betrayal, discursive pathologization of female activism, collective female solidarity, capitalist exploitation and ecological justice, and intergenerational ethics. These results show that Maathai’s struggle was simultaneously ecological and feminist, confronting entrenched patriarchal systems while affirming the transformative power of women’s collective resistance. The study concludes that Mbogo’s theatrical representation functions not merely as cultural reflection but as a constitutive force in shaping ecofeminist politics, enriching global understandings of ecological resistance, feminist leadership, and social justice. Its significance lies in demonstrating how African theatre contributes to international ecofeminist discourse by bridging local struggles with global debates on sustainability, equity, and democratic resilience.
Dr. Bharath Kumar N, Dr. Mohan. N, Namrata Kaushik
In the bustling heart of India's Silicon Valley, Bengaluru, a quiet revolution is underway, not in its gleaming tech parks, but in the homes and neighborhood corners where women run micro- enterprises. This study investigates how Artificial Intelligence (AI), when thoughtfully integrated with community-based support systems, enhances the operational capacity, confidence, and growth of these women-led businesses. Through a mixed-methods study of 200 women entrepreneurs affiliated with three local women’s NGOs, the research explores the adoption patterns, challenges, and benefits of accessible AI tools—such as digital bookkeeping apps, WhatsApp automation, and social media helpers—within the context of grassroots mentorship and peer networks. Our findings indicate that while AI tools alone are underutilized and often intimidating, their combination with structured NGO-led training, emotional support, and practical guidance significantly improves business outcomes. The study concludes that true technological empowerment arises not from tools alone, but from socio-technical ecosystems of care, learning, and local relevance. We argue that empowerment is a collective process, strengthened by both smart tools and warm support, and call for human-centered AI adoption strategies rooted in community trust and grassroots innovation. This study investigates how Artificial Intelligence (AI), when thoughtfully integrated with community-based support systems, enhances the operational capacity, confidence, and growth of women-led micro-enterprises in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Through a sample of 200 women entrepreneurs affiliated with three local women’s NGOs, the research explores the adoption patterns, challenges, and benefits of accessible AI tools—such as digital bookkeeping apps, WhatsApp automation, and social media helpers—within the context of grassroots mentorship and peer networks. Findings indicate that while AI tools alone are underutilized and often intimidating, their combination with structured NGO-led training, emotional support, and practical guidance significantly improves business outcomes. The study concludes that true technological empowerment arises not from tools alone, but from ecosystems of care, learning, and local relevance. It calls for localized, human-centered approaches to technology diffusion in women’s entrepreneurship.
Aka Augustine Chukwuemeka, Obonyano Dickson B.
This article applied the political philosophy of Edmund Burke to African political theory, with a specific focus on contemporary Nigerian politics. Burke’s skepticism towards abstract rights, radical egalitarianism, and revolutionary change offers valuable insights into postcolonial governance challenges in Africa. The paper discovered that despite the relevance of Burke's political thoughts, that it has a problem regarding its applicability, moral foundation and the potential for perpetuating injustice. By applying phenomenological method, the paper found out that by emphasizing tradition, gradual reform, moral law, and constitutional continuity, Burke provided a framework for understanding Nigeria’s persistent struggles with state legitimacy, democratic instability, ethnic pluralism, and institutional weakness. The paper therefore argued that many African political crises stem not from insufficient reform, but from reforms detached from indigenous social realities and historical continuity and concludes that by framing democracy as care, Burke’s conservatism unexpectedly converges with African political thought, offering a model of governance rooted in responsibility rather than radical autonomy.
EZEOGUERI-Oyewole Anne Nnenna
The relationship between educational accessibility and labor force participation serves as a critical barometer for measuring national development and gender equity in Nigeria. This paper presents an exhaustive historical analysis of the trajectory of gendered access to education and its subsequent impact on employment outcomes from 1960 to 2024. By tracing the evolution of pedagogical paradigms from pre-colonial functionalism and the colonial "domesticity" curriculum to post-independence modernization and the contemporary digital transformation, the study identifies persistent structural barriers that have hindered women’s full professional integration. Utilizing a summative qualitative content analysis (QCA) of 86 primary and secondary sources including National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reports, World Bank datasets, and peer-reviewed historical texts the paper explores the devastating impacts of the 1980s Structural Adjustment Program (SAP) on female schooling and the subsequent "learning crisis" in Northern Nigeria. The study argues that despite the adoption of the Universal Basic Education (UBE) Act of 2004 and various national gender policies, the "motherhood penalty" and the monetization of politics have sustained a significant gender-employment gap. The paper concludes with detailed narrative-based policy recommendations centered on legislative reform, Technical and Vocational Education (TVET) modernization, and digital inclusion strategies to ensure an inclusive and resilient democratic future for all citizens of the Nigerian federation.
Dr. Hanane El Aissi, Dr. Rachid Agliz, Jalal ZALZOULI
The interdisciplinary nature of education has made of it the subject matter of many scientific disciplines among which there are philosophy of education, sociology of education and educational psychology. And, this has contributed positively to the development of educational theory and approaches. Therefore, this paper will focus on the processes that can be applied to education through the scientific tools provided by these fields of research. The human sciences’ contributions to education have led to the adoption of many educational approaches that aim to make the activity of teaching and learning more rewardingly effective. Sincere questions on education development have enlightened educators and policy makers and urged the components of human society to think thoroughly about education which is a multifaceted subject. When education is discussed, many related ideas come to the surface as, for example, the idea that education is more than just schooling. It is more than that and it reaches all the societal sides such as the family, socio-cultural settings, media and any other contributive element in the shaping of the learner within society.
Debasmita Kar., Dr. Manikanta Paria, Srimanta Patra.
This paper examines education as a way for women to fully exercise their legal rights. The Indian Constitution has a set of laws that say everyone is equal and should be treated with respect, but in real life, these rights are not always given to women. This study says that education is very important because it helps connect the laws that are written down with what happens in life. The paper looks at four areas. How women can use the law to help themselves, how they can earn their own money, how they can take part in politics and how they can make their own decisions about their health. It shows that when women are educated, they know more about their rights, they can make decisions, and they are more involved in their communities. Educated women are better able to say what they want, get what they need and fight against things that're not fair. The study shows that education changes women from people who just receive what they are given to people who can make things happen. The paper ends by saying that we need to teach people about their rights in school so that we can have a society where everyone is treated equally and everyone is included.
Ramesh Prasad Gautam
Purpose/Objectives: This study investigates the effect of employee work motivation on organizational performance, with job satisfaction as a mediating variable. Conducted in Karnali Province, the research aims to explore how intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, along with job satisfaction, contribute to enhance organizational performance in the insurance sector. Methodology: A quantitative research approach was employed, using a structured questionnaire. The study collected data from a sample of 220 employees, selected through stratified random sampling from a total population of 400. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the direct and indirect relationships between work motivation, job satisfaction, and organizational performance. Findings: The findings reveal that employee work motivation has a significant positive impact on organizational performance. Furthermore, job satisfaction partially mediated this relationship, underscoring its critical role in translating motivation into improved organizational outcomes. Employees with higher levels of motivation and job satisfaction demonstrated greater productivity and efficiency, which positively influenced overall organizational performance. Conclusions: The study concludes that organizations aiming to enhance organizational performance should prioritize fostering a motivating work environment and improving job satisfaction. Strategies such as participative decision-making, recognition programs, and professional development opportunities can further amplify these positive effects. Implications: The implications of this research suggest that policymakers and organizational leaders in Karnali Province should focus on implementing workplace policies that enhance employee motivation and job satisfaction to achieve sustainable performance improvements. Future research could expand the scope to different regions and industries to validate and generalize the findings.
Chinemerem Eleke, Chude, Jane Ifediba, John E. Anieche, Okonkwo Ginika Oluchukwu
Accurate nursing documentation is essential for maintaining continuity of care, ensuring patient safety, and evaluating nursing performance. However, documentation practices remain suboptimal in many healthcare settings. Nursing audit feedback interventions have been widely used to improve clinical practice, yet their effectiveness in improving nursing documentation remains insufficiently explored in low-resource healthcare systems. This study evaluated the effect of nursing audit feedback intervention on the documentation of nursing care actions in in a tertiary hospital in the Southeastern Nigeria. A quasi-experimental pre- and post-intervention study was conducted in the federal tertiary hospital. One hundred and fifty patient care folders from medical and paediatric wards were selected using quota sampling. Documentation of 28 nursing care actions was assessed using a validated Nursing Action Audit Checklist. Baseline documentation was evaluated prior to the intervention, followed by the implementation of a structured audit feedback intervention. Post-intervention documentation was assessed two months later. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and relative risk estimation at a significance level of p < 0.05. Findings indicated that only 6 of 28 nursing care actions (21.4%) were adequately documented. Following the audit feedback intervention, adequate documentation increased to 24 of 28 actions (85.7%). Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant improvement in documentation practices (χ² = 23.26, p < 0.001). The intervention increased the likelihood of adequate documentation by approximately fivefold (RR = 5.50, 95% CI: 2.17–13.91). In conclusion, nursing audit feedback significantly improved the documentation of nursing care activities in the study setting.
Dr. M.M. Naburgi, Musedeek Adebola Adeniji, Prof. P.A. Adebayo
The study examined the effect of risk management on financial stability of quoted deposit money banks (QDMB) in Nigeria, with particular emphasis on credit risk management and market risk management. Using an ex-post facto research design, secondary data were collected from the thirteen (13) QDMB over the period 2015 – 2024. The study employed a dynamic panel estimation using the Generalised Method of Moments (GMM) to address endogeneity, unobserved heterogeneity, and autocorrelation, ensuring robust and consistent results. The findings revealed that credit risk management has a significant negative effect on financial stability, indicating that higher credit exposures, such as non-performing loans, undermine bank stability. In contrast, market risk management showed a positive but statistically insignificant effect suggesting that while market risk controls are important, they do not directly enhance financial stability under the observed conditions. The study concluded that robust credit risk management is critical for maintaining financial stability and that market risk practices should be integrated with governance mechanisms to maximise their impact. Consequently, it is recommended that banks should encouraged to enhance credit assessment, monitoring, and reporting processes, while regulators should provide clearer disclosure guidelines to improve transparency and strengthen investor confidence in Nigeria’s banking sector.
Fortunato M. Balbis Jr., Joan Tracy S. Orit
This study assessed the effectiveness of Barangay Agricultural Extension Workers (BAEWs) in the Municipality of Capalonga, Camarines Norte. Specifically, it examined the socio-economic profile of farmers’ association officers, their level of awareness of the agricultural extension program, the effectiveness of assistance provided by BAEWs, and the problems encountered along with proposed solutions. A descriptive-evaluative research design was employed, involving 54 respondents from 18 accredited farmers’ associations. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and face-to-face interviews and analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, weighted means, and ranking. Results revealed that respondents were extremely aware of the program (M = 4.50) and rated BAEWs’ assistance as strongly effective across key areas such as data collection, livestock profiling, RSBSA registration, reporting, and facilitation of meetings (overall M = 4.51). However, political conflict and insufficient manpower were identified as major challenges. Respondents recommended merit-based appointments and increased staffing. The findings highlight the critical role of BAEWs in rural agricultural development and underscore the need for policy and structural improvements to enhance program effectiveness.
Domingo P. Cabauatan Jr, Dr. Cecille Mae C. Canilon, Dr. Nelson C. Dizon
The increasing public scrutiny of police practices and the growing demand for transparency and accountability have led to the adoption of technological innovations such as Body-Worn Cameras (BWCs) and Alternative Recording Devices (ARDs) in law enforcement. These tools are designed to document police-citizen interactions, enhance evidence collection, and improve operational efficiency. In the Philippines, their implementation was reinforced through Supreme Court A.M. No. 21-06-08-SC and Philippine National Police (PNP) operational policies. Despite their widespread adoption, the effectiveness of BWCs and ARDs remains a subject of ongoing evaluation due to mixed findings in existing studies and various operational challenges. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of BWCs and ARDs in selected police sub-stations in North Caloocan City during the academic year 2025–2026. Specifically, it examined their impact on police operations, police assistance, police response, court presentation, and public perception. It also identified the challenges encountered by law enforcement personnel and proposed recommendations for policy enhancement. The study employed a quantitative descriptive research design using purposive sampling, with 150 respondents composed of patrollers, investigators, and stakeholders. Data were gathered through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using frequency distribution, weighted mean, ranking, and One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Findings revealed that BWCs and ARDs were generally assessed as very effective, particularly in improving documentation accuracy, accountability, decision-making, and the credibility of court evidence. However, their effectiveness in enhancing public trust and reducing citizen complaints was moderate. Key challenges identified included high acquisition and maintenance costs, storage limitations, inconsistent device activation, and privacy concerns. The study concludes that BWCs and ARDs are valuable tools in promoting transparency, accountability, and professionalism in policing. However, their effectiveness depends on proper implementation, financial sustainability, and efficient data management. It is recommended that law enforcement agencies adopt standardized protocols, strengthen training programs, ensure sustainable funding, enhance data security, and promote public awareness. Continuous monitoring and further research are encouraged to improve long-term effectiveness.
Mwema Issa Mwema, Prof. Ponsian T. Sewando
This study examined the effectiveness of innovation hubs in supporting quality secondary education in Tanzania, with a specific focus on the Bwejuu Innovation Hub in Kusini District, Unguja, Zanzibar. It assessed how the services provided by innovation hubs enhance the quality of secondary education. A cross-sectional mixed-methods research design was employed, involving 150 respondents drawn from seven satellite secondary schools affiliated with the Bwejuu Innovation Hub, together with four key informants selected through purposive and stratified random sampling techniques. Quantitative data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 27, while qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings indicate generally positive perceptions regarding the contribution of innovation hub services to teaching and learning processes. Descriptive results revealed high mean scores for service availability and accessibility (M = 4.46), perceived impact on quality education (M = 4.44), and usefulness and relevance of services (M = 4.33). Pearson correlation analysis further revealed significant positive relationships between availability and accessibility of services and perceived impact on quality education (r = 0.533, p < 0.001), as well as between usefulness and relevance of services and perceived impact on quality education (r = 0.522, p < 0.001). Despite these positive perceptions, several challenges were identified, including limited learning resources and accessibility constraints affecting some satellite schools. The study concludes that innovation hubs contribute meaningfully to improving learning environments and student engagement in secondary education. However, strengthening infrastructure, expanding learning resources, and improving accessibility mechanisms are necessary to maximize the impact of innovation hubs on educational quality in Zanzibar.
Ezrone Robert Mkandawire, Rukia Ally Himu
Student performance in physics at secondary school level remains a major concern in many developing countries, including Malawi. This study examined the effects of teacher qualifications on the performance of secondary school students in physics at the Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) examinations in the Lilongwe Rural West. A quantitative descriptive survey research design was used in the study. The sample consisted of 99 participants (N = 99) drawn from five secondary schools, including 85 Form Four physics students, 9 physics teachers, and 5 head teachers. Stratified sampling was used to select the schools while purposive sampling was used to select teachers and head teachers.
Ammar Abdullah Saeed Mohammed, Hartinie Abd Aziz, Sharifah Nuridah Aishah Syed Nong Mohammad, Sumaya Saeed Salameh Alqaraleh, Zuhairah Ariff Abd Ghadas
This study conducts a systematic comparative legal analysis of the merger and acquisition governance frameworks in Jordan and Egypt. Recognizing that both countries share a civil law heritage and face similar challenges in economic development, the study posits that the more detailed and sophisticated Egyptian regulatory approach offers valuable lessons for Jordanian reform. The research employs a comparative legal methodology, comparing the key pillars of the two systems: company laws, securities regulations, acquisition laws, and judicial interpretations, particularly concerning the treatment of contracts and stakeholder rights post-merger. The analysis reveals that while both systems agree on fundamental principles such as the principle of succession, the Egyptian framework demonstrates greater development in areas such as mandatory offerings, minority shareholder protection, independent financial advice, and creditor engagement procedures. A marked divergence is observed in the treatment of post-merger leases, highlighting differing policy priorities. The findings suggest that the Jordanian legal framework, embodied in the Companies Law No. 22 of 1997, could be significantly improved by selectively incorporating Egyptian best practices. The article concludes by proposing a structured “legislation transfer” strategy for Jordan, recommending the adoption of mandatory tendering rules along the lines of the Egyptian model, improved disclosure regulations, and a more balanced approach to third-party contracts, while adapting these imports to the specific context of the Jordanian market. This research offers a practical and regionally informed roadmap for achieving and strengthening legal harmonization.
Adanma Vivian Obiora, Anthony Ogbonna Uche
This study examines how Nollywood’s film, Love in Every Word, acts as a cultural conduit for The She Tank and BellaNaija’s Her Money, Her Power campaign; to evaluate the broader implications for feminist discourse in Nigeria and how it contributes to shaping Nigerian women’s perceptions of the feminist-aligned campaign with a particular focus on economic empowerment initiatives. It employs focus group discussion as research design to probe into how feminist ideologies are embedded in popular media to attain feminist-aligned objectives. The findings reveal that there exists discontinuity from the prevalent stereotypical depictions of women in the read Nollywood film with the presence of feminist aligned themes that portrays financial independence for women which confirms Nollywood’s role as a gendered public sphere where narratives of women’s financial and emotional empowerment are negotiated.; as well as give informed understanding about how Nollywood’s Love in Every Word influence perception and attitude of Nigerian women towards economic independence, which reveals progress in feminist messaging. Study recommends strengthening partnerships with creative industries to amplify feminist messages and leveraging film industry to reach wider audiences.
Joshua Mburu Ndungu
This study aimed at investigating the association between employee age and job performance. The need for it was informed by the ongoing trends and discussions taking place in many countries about raising the retirement age of their employees. The target population was the 14,013 members of academic staff in public universities in Kenya from which a stratified random sample of 398 was picked using the Taro Yamane formula for finite populations. The Generativity theory was used to explain the relationship between employee age and job performance. A realist positivist research philosophy and a descriptive cross-sectional survey research design were adopted. Primary data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. A linear regression analysis was conducted to establish the association between the study variables. All ethical aspects of scientific research were given due consideration. This study established that employee age had a statistically significant positive linear association with job performance. It therefore recommends that, the academic staff tenure be considered for extension to such an age when it can be scientifically and empirically determined that employees cannot effectively deliver on their jobs. This implies that the government, universities and other stakeholders would have to come up with policies, structures and finances for the lengthened tenure. Future research should consider investigating the age at which job performance is at its peak for purposes of enhancing employee motivation. Additionally, future research should seek to establish the age at which there is a decline in job performance which would then warrant retirement as well as a study on factors that mediate and/or moderate employee age- job performance relationship.
Allea A. Quinio, Jan Von Jovy M. Canua, Jasmin T. Dellosa, Jhondel S. Altomia, John Mark P. Tudom, Jovelyn O. Antolin, Keithlyza Jean B. Nobleza, Marebil Q. Almerol, Marievic A. Porras, Noli P. Julosan.
A quantitative correlational research design was used in the study. For the study, a total of 183 high school students from the Lorenzo S. Sarmiento Sr. National High School in the Mawab District Secondary Schools were selected as the respondents of the study. The weighted mean, Spearman's rho product-moment correlation and multiple regression analysis was used for data treatment. The results showed that the students performed at a high level of caregiving simulation activities; content was rated highest and was followed by quality and organization of the caregiving simulation. Students also reported high levels of self-confidence, problem-solving, active learning, and communication skills. These results show that caregiving simulation can positively influence students' self-confidence and communication skills. Competence, discouragement, and body language were considerably rated. The results establish an important positive relationship between caregiving simulation and student confidence and body language skills, suggesting that if appropriately designed, simulations are effective for teaching caregiving.
Angelica Gepiga, Earn Dabucol, Jhazmine Abiera, Ma Niña Angela Bacsal, Marvin C. Lofranco, Maxine Tiongson
Financial behavior plays a crucial role in achieving personal financial well-being, particularly in the context of the digital economy where financial tools and services are increasingly accessible. This study aims to examine the role of financial literacy in shaping the financial behavior of Generation Z college students, with specific alignment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 1: No Poverty, SDG 4: Quality Education, and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. Employing a quantitative descriptive correlational research design, data were collected through structured survey questionnaires administered to 100 Gen Z students at UM Panabo College. Findings revealed that participants demonstrated a high level of financial literacy, with a mean score of 3.68 (SD = 0.73), and exhibited positive financial behavior, with a mean score of 3.76 (SD = 0.66). Statistical analysis indicated a significant positive relationship between financial literacy and financial behavior (r = 0.443, p = 0.000), accounting for 19.62% of the variance. These results led to the rejection of the null hypothesis, confirming that financial literacy significantly influences financial behavior among Gen Z college students. The study concludes that enhancing financial literacy equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make responsible financial decisions, thereby improving their financial well-being. Recommendations include encouraging students to actively apply financial knowledge in daily decision-making, while educational institutions, policymakers, and families should strengthen financial literacy programs. Future researchers are advised to explore additional factors that may affect financial behavior, thereby contributing to more comprehensive strategies for financial empowerment among young adults.
Dr. Evershine Ndongwe, Mahwire Mbengo, Makomeke Iylletty Aleta, Tshili Modicai
This study critically examines the effectiveness of the Angel of Hope Foundation’s (AOHF) strategic initiatives in empowering street children in Zimbabwe within a complex socio-ecological context. Using a qualitative case study design based on a systematic desk review of scholarly and policy literature, the study is guided by Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory. Findings indicate that streetism is driven by interconnected structural and socio-behavioural factors, including poverty, family disintegration, and survival-oriented agency. Street children experience multidimensional vulnerabilities spanning health risks, exploitation, and social exclusion. The study demonstrates that AOHF’s integrated intervention model—combining non-formal education, vocational training, and psychosocial support—enhances reintegration and resilience. However, its long-term impact is constrained by systemic challenges, including weak policy coordination and resource limitations. The study contributes to the literature by conceptualising streetism as an adaptive, structurally embedded phenomenon and by demonstrating the value of integrated, multi-level interventions. It recommends strengthened policy alignment, cross-sector collaboration, and scalable intervention frameworks to achieve sustainable outcomes.
Azlan Md Thani, Enylina Nordin, Nor ‘Asyikin Abu, Nor Aishah Mohd Ali, Wan Shafizah Hussain, Zaharah Abdullah
This study presents the experiences, roles, and reflections of facilitators comprising Diploma in Accountancy students volunteering in a six-month community-based mathematics enrichment program targeting Form Four students in Malaysian secondary schools. The program aimed not only to improve students’ mathematical proficiency but also to provide meaningful teaching and learning skills for the facilitators themselves. Through structured tutoring sessions, interactive activities, and mentoring, facilitators supported students in developing stronger math skills while also enhancing their own confidence, communication skills, and instructional strategies. This study utilizes qualitative data collected through semi-structured interviews with the facilitators, focusing on their involvement in areas such as instructional planning, classroom engagement, emotional support, and adaptability to student needs. The findings imply that many facilitators gained increased self-confidence in teaching, improved their ability to communicate with students, and discovered a sense of fulfilment in assisting others. Some facilitators also reported challenges in handling diverse learning levels and maintaining participants’ motivation. Overall, the program highlights the dual impact of engagement initiatives, benefiting both learners and facilitators. The findings provide valuable insights for institutions planning similar outreach programs, aligning with literature on the importance of service-learning in fostering both personal growth and professional development among students.
Aini Azeqa Ma’rof, Amalia Madihie, Chong Siew Kian, Maizatul Mardiana Harun, Mohd. Shahrul Kamaruddin, Salmah Mohamad Yusuff
This study investigates the effectiveness of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) in reducing depression and irrational beliefs among technical students at a Malaysian public university. With increasing academic pressures contributing to rising mental health challenges, the need for targeted interventions has become increasingly urgent. A total of eighty students, identified as experiencing high levels of academic anxiety and low academic performance, were recruited and randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving REBT or a control group. Depression levels were assessed using the Zung Depression Inventory (ZDI) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), while irrational beliefs were measured using the Irrational Beliefs Inventory (IBI). The study employed a pretest-posttest design to evaluate the outcomes. The findings revealed a significant reduction in BDI–II scores among the intervention group, whereas scores in the control group remained stable. Similarly, irrational beliefs decreased substantially following the intervention. These results suggest that REBT effectively addresses mental health issues among technical students and highlights the effectiveness of REBT in addressing mental health challenges among technical students. The implications for higher education include integrating structured mental health programs to enhance student resilience and academic performance. By fostering coping strategies through REBT, institutions can better support students facing the unique pressures of technical disciplines, enhancing their overall well-being and success in a competitive educational environment.
Plamen S. Kushkiev
This reflective article presents a critical analysis of doctoral study results, which shed light on how the researcher’s perceptions as a Canadian English for Academic Purposes (EAP) educator during the sudden and dramatic pivot to emergency remote teaching in 2020 and 2021 informed his teaching realizations in virtual spaces. These perceptions were recorded in a teacher learning journal (Moon, 2006) after facilitating online classes with intermediate-level learners in March and April of 2020 and April and May of 2021. Utilizing autoethnography as a research method, the study explored how the researcher’s critical reflections as an EAP educator informed his teaching practice in the public college setting in Ontario, Canada. It also foregrounded the pivotal role that teacher emotions played in re-negotiating his EAP teacher identity and sense of professional self as he navigated the shift to virtual instruction. This article therefore weaves together the author’s doctoral research implications of EAP teacher identity and critical reflections on positive emotions and their constitutive role in shaping his professional identity roles. The study results offered three main implications for language educators: identity negotiation shapes pedagogical practices; reflecting on educators’ identity facets is closely related to their experiences of positive emotions, which can inform pedagogical decision-making; and language educators should continuously and critically reflect on the role their identity facets play in adapting teaching practices in times of major disruptions such as the global pandemic. This research paper therefore offers a critical reflective analysis of the doctoral research the author concluded in 2022 and serves as a provocation for language educators to critique the study findings and transfer pedagogical insights to their contexts.
Kupi Ausman, Pia Kaweechate
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the 5E inquiry-based learning approach integrated with thematic storybooks in enhancing the analytical reading skills of students regarding regional dialects. Specifically, the research sought to compare students’ analytical reading proficiencies before and after the educational intervention and to investigate student satisfaction toward the implemented instructional model. The research employed a quasi-experimental design, specifically a one-group pretest-posttest model. The sample consisted of 22 sixth-grade students from Thaweerat School, Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province, selected through purposive sampling during the second semester of the 2025 academic year. The research instruments included two 5E inquiry-based lesson plans integrated with thematic storybooks, totaling eight instructional hours. Data collection tools comprised an analytical reading skill assessment (20 multiple-choice and 10 subjective items) with an Item Objective Congruence (IOC) of 1.00, and a 5-point Likert scale satisfaction questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using mean (M), standard deviation (S.D.), and a dependent samples t-test. The findings revealed that students exhibited significantly higher analytical reading skills in regional dialects after the intervention (M = 26.45, S.D. = 1.83) compared to the pretest (M = 17.09, S.D. = 2.97), with a statistical significance at the .05 level (p < .001). Furthermore, the students demonstrated the highest level of overall satisfaction with the 5E inquiry-based learning approach (M = 4.87, S.D. = 0.24). The innovative storybook media received the highest satisfaction ratings among the evaluated domains. Conclusions: The integration of the 5E inquiry-based learning approach with thematic storybooks serves as a highly effective pedagogical strategy for elevating analytical reading competencies. This learner-centered framework encourages active knowledge construction and provides a robust model for educators seeking to enhance language instruction and curriculum development in regional linguistic contexts
Yasser D. Palantig
This action research examined the effectiveness of integrated and collaborative learning activities in enhancing Grade 5 pupils’ interest, self-confidence, and participation in Music, Arts, Physical Education, and Health (MAPEH). The study addressed observed affective and behavioral challenges among learners, particularly low motivation and hesitation in performance-based activities. A classroom-based action research design guided by the Plan–Act–Observe–Reflect (PAOR) framework was employed. Participants were 45 Grade 5 pupils selected through purposive sampling. The intervention was implemented over two weeks through daily 45-minute MAPEH sessions integrating music, arts, physical education, and health concepts using collaborative and learner-centered activities. Data were collected using a researcher-made Likert scale questionnaire administered as pre-test and post-test. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to examine the data. Results showed improvements in pupils’ interest, self-confidence, and participation, indicating that integrated collaborative learning activities effectively promote engagement and positive attitudes in MAPEH learning.
Chukwuemeka Etus, Egesi Pascal, Emeka Mathew Nwanga, Onyemechara Idong-esit Comfort, Onyeukwu Arinze Ayozieuwa
This study shows the construction and assessment of an IoT-based data logging system that can be used to improve real-time monitoring and control of evapotranspiration in farm environments. The aim of the research was to maximize water use, enhance crop production, and give a stable system of automated irrigation, which is capable of alluding dynamically to the changing environment. The system incorporates soil moisture, soil temperature and water tank level sensors with a microcontroller and a program of fuzzy logic to determine accurate irrigation needs. The collected data on the sensors are processed on real-time basis and adaptive controls can be used to adjust the water delivery using the pumps controlled by the relays. The main findings indicate that the system saves 20-30 percent of water used in the conventional irrigation systems, the system is 95 percent accurate in measuring the amount of soil moisture, and the system elevates the crop production by 15 percent. The system is also characterized by low response time of less than five minutes and high availability with a 98 percent availability during testing. The monitoring interfaces that allow advanced real-time monitoring such as the use of LCDs and mobile notifications make it possible to have a continuous monitoring and interventions take place. The results illustrate the benefits of using the IoT-based fuzzy logic control compared to traditional irrigation techniques, which can make substantial contributions to precision agriculture. The proposed system by offering cost-effective resource control, reducing human labor, and enhancing ecological approaches to modern agriculture is a viable, scalable, and sustainable solution to the current agricultural intensive methods. The further research of the system can be dedicated to its expansion and its integration with the current farm activities and the use of more sensors to monitor and secure the system.
Abdul Adamu, Adeola Oladapo Ojo, Ahmed A. Ibrahim, Coker O. Victor, Gabriel A.Sotade, Jegede A. Olorunbi, Oju Sunday Agboola, Olusegun Abel Oyinwola, Paulina Suleman, Rilwan A. Ajibade, Victor A. C. Biodun
The studies titled “Entrepreneurial Marketing as a tool for small business success” aimed at examine the impact of three motivation which are pro-activeness, innovativeness and risk taking on the performance of small and medium scale enterprise. The study was also motivated by the fact that S.M.E.S. find themselves in a competitive environment and may not know which strategy is effective Improving their business performance. The study adopted the use of primary data, were questionnaires was assured after analyzing the result show that entrepreneur performance leads to sustained advantage over competitor in the market. The study recommends that SEMS should be creative and self-motivated which would enhance the firm’s profitability. Customers should be valued and treated as kings and to be handled with good cordial relationship this with result to customer’s participation and patronage.
Hamidan Bello Haris, Rabi’u Aminu Nana
This study examined the role of entrepreneurship knowledge acquisition and cooperative societies in promoting new venture creation. Specifically, it investigated the effect of entrepreneurship knowledge acquisition on new venture creation and the mediating role of cooperative societies. A quantitative research design was adopted, and data were collected from 170 respondents using a structured questionnaire based on a four-point Likert scale. Entrepreneurship knowledge acquisition was measured through qualified personnel and skill development, while cooperative societies were assessed using initial capital and market access. New venture creation was measured using opportunity seeking and business initiation. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis. The findings revealed that entrepreneurship knowledge acquisition has a positive and significant effect on both cooperative societies and new venture creation. Cooperative societies also significantly promote new venture creation by providing financial support and facilitating market access. Furthermore, both variables jointly explain a substantial proportion of the variation in new venture creation. The study concludes that entrepreneurship knowledge acquisition is essential for stimulating entrepreneurial activities, while cooperative societies enhance the transformation of knowledge into viable ventures.
Abdulazeez Badarudeen Sani, Yusuf Abdulrafiu Tayo
This study assessed the environmental hazard awareness, sustainability practices, and production constraints of charcoal producers in Wamba Local Government Area (LGA), Nasarawa State, Nigeria, and identified the socioeconomic predictors of tree-planting behaviour. Primary data were collected from 100 charcoal producers selected through multistage sampling and analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression. Results showed that only 53% of producers were aware of environmental hazards, with air pollution (29.9%), biodiversity loss (27.1%), deforestation (24.3%), and soil erosion (18.7%) as the most recognised impacts. Despite this, only 43% engaged in tree planting, revealing a significant awareness–action gap. Chi-square analysis confirmed significant associations between educational level and both environmental awareness (χ² = 10.214; p = 0.015) and tree-planting engagement (χ² = 9.841; p = 0.020). Binary logistic regression (Nagelkerke R² = 0.421; correct classification = 74.0%) showed that environmental awareness, credit access, educational level, income, and cooperative membership were significant predictors of tree-planting behaviour. The dominant production constraints were environmental regulations (19.9%), government restrictions (19.4%), poor market access (18.8%), and lack of capital (15.1%). Comparative evidence from sub-Saharan Africa confirms that these constraints are not unique to Wamba LGA but reflect a regional pattern in charcoal-dependent communities where regulation without incentive generates compliance resistance. A circular economy framework, wherein charcoal licensing fees are reinvested into community-led nurseries and improved cookstove subsidies, is proposed as an actionable policy model. These findings offer evidence-based guidance for policymakers, extension agents, and development organisations working to balance rural livelihoods with environmental conservation in north-central Nigeria.
ADENIRAN, Taiwo Esther, AKINBOBOLA Oluwatobiloba Bolanle, OLUWAREMI Joel Bali
This study investigated the effect of environmental mitigation financing on financial efficiency of listed industrial goods firms in Nigeria. Financial efficiency is measured using Economic Value Added, while environmental mitigation financing is proxied by green loan financing, pollution control investment, renewable energy investment, and environmental remediation and clean-up cost. An ex post facto research design was adopted using a balanced panel of 11 industrial goods firms listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group over the period 2015 to 2024. Secondary data were sourced from audited annual reports, sustainability disclosures, and exchange filings, and analysed using panel regression techniques with robust standard errors. The results indicated that green loan financing has a negative but statistically insignificant effect on financial efficiency, suggesting that access to green credit alone does not guarantee value creation. Pollution control investment showed a negative and significant effect on Economic Value Added, reflecting short term cost pressures associated with compliance driven environmental expenditure. In contrast, renewable energy investment exerted a strong positive and significant influence on financial efficiency, while environmental remediation and clean-up cost also recorded a positive and significant effect, indicating that proactive environmental actions enhance operational efficiency and stakeholder confidence. Based on these findings, the study recommended that industrial goods firms prioritise strategic environmental investments, particularly renewable energy initiatives, integrate environmental remediation into core operational planning, and evaluate pollution control expenditures using value-based performance measures. Policymakers and financial institutions were also encouraged to strengthen green finance frameworks by linking funding access to measurable efficiency outcomes.
Enylina Nordin, Mohd Hisham Johari, Mohd Tarmizi Ibrahim, Muhamad Reduan Abdul Malik, Wan Shafizah Hussain
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors have become increasingly influential in investment decision-making and corporate strategy. However, empirical evidence regarding the relationship between ESG performance and stock returns remains mixed and sometimes contradictory. This study synthesizes findings from 234 empirical studies examining ESG–financial performance relationships, focusing on measurement approaches and contextual moderating factors. The findings indicate that ESG integration is generally associated with neutral to moderately positive financial outcomes, primarily through enhanced risk management, reputational advantages, and crisis resilience. However, substantial inconsistencies arise due to methodological differences among ESG rating agencies and contextual factors such as regional institutional environments, sectoral characteristics, and market conditions. Developed markets typically exhibit stronger ESG–financial performance relationships compared with emerging markets, while sector-specific ESG materiality determines which ESG pillars influence financial outcomes. Overall, the evidence suggests that ESG effects on stock performance are highly context-dependent rather than universally positive. The study highlights the importance of standardized ESG measurement frameworks and context-sensitive investment strategies for improving the reliability and practical relevance of ESG research.
Enylina Nordin, Mohd Hisham Johari, Mohd Tarmizi Ibrahim, Muhamad Reduan Abdul Malik, Wan Shafizah Hussain
This is a systematic literature review that summarizes 571 empirical and methodological studies that studied the implications of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) assessment of stock performance and investment choices between the year 2000 and 2025. We examine the multidimensional associations between ESG integration and financial performance in developed and emerging markets through the application of a strict scoping methodology, including citation chaining and relevance scoring. We find that the association between ESG performance and stock returns is more positive or neutral in nature, with the environmental factors proving to have more direct and consistent financial gains, whereas social and governance effects are even more context dependent. An important observation is the lack of regional homogeneity: developed markets have much more robust ESG-financial performance associations, and emerging markets encounter difficulties associated with data quality, regulatory frameworks, and institutional gaps in governance. The review of crisis periods, especially the analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights the importance of ESG in increasing the resilience of stocks and reducing downside risk. But the inconsistency of methods used to measure ESG, differences between ratings across agencies, and insufficient longitudinal studies limit causal inference. Our six research priorities are standardization of ESG measures, the identification of causes and effects that are disaggregated, the dynamics of emerging markets, long-term horizon research, and validation of artificial intelligence integration. This survey offers investors, corporate managers, and policymakers a general framework of how ESG has a complex and context-specific impact on investment performance and suggests a systematic agenda towards the promotion of sustainable finance research.
Yani M. Salindo
This study examined the integration of Social Studies–themed activities in early literacy instruction among Grade 1 learners in District V, Malaybalay City Division, during the School Year 2025–2026. A descriptive–correlational research design was employed, utilizing a researcher-developed questionnaire and the Comprehensive Rapid Literacy Assessment (CRLA). The study focused on five instructional domains: Philippine community helpers, local history, basic geography, Filipino folktales, and Makabansa-themed activities. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and Pearson’s r. Findings revealed that teachers implemented Social Studies–themed literacy activities to a very high extent, while learners generally demonstrated proficient reading levels based on CRLA results. However, the overall correlation between instructional practices and literacy achievement was not statistically significant. This suggests that while contextualized and culturally relevant instruction may support learner engagement, it does not independently predict reading performance. Selected instructional approaches, particularly those incorporating visual and contextual supports, showed weak but significant relationships with literacy outcomes, indicating that certain strategies may contribute modestly to reading development. The findings further imply that early literacy achievement is influenced by multiple factors beyond classroom instruction, including learner readiness and home support. The study highlights the importance of integrating culturally relevant materials with explicit, evidence-based literacy instruction. It also underscores the need for a more comprehensive approach that considers both instructional and contextual factors in improving early literacy outcomes.
Dr Ammal Dzulfiqar Bin Ismail
This study explores the ethical challenges that healthcare professionals experience in private hospitals in Sarawak, Malaysia, and the consequences of these challenges on the professionals' well-being and on the administrative structure of the hospitals. The central focus of this study is to capture the scope and type of ethical challenges that healthcare staff experience in private hospitals, the negative effects of these challenges on personal well-being and the administrative structure of an organization, and the impact of ethical standards and institutional frameworks on the challenges and issues that arise within these complexities. A cross-sectional, descriptive research design was utilized. Data were collected via an online survey that included a structured questionnaire targeting private hospital workers across Sarawak, Malaysia, including physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, administrators, and support staff. The participants were selected through convenience sampling, and their participation was voluntary and anonymous. Statistical analyses (mainly descriptive and inferential statistics) were conducted to study the interrelationships of ethical challenges, the well-being of healthcare employees, and administrative outcomes. The analysis shows the frequency of ethical dilemmas being encountered in the daily grind of the individual. Most acts of daily ethical dilemmas in the medical profession include informing a patient to consent to the treatment, how a doctor decides to allocate his services to his patients; is the action of a doctor in the best interests of the patient and does he keep the patients ethical dilemma, and what are the religious beliefs of a patient. Statistically, the more ethical dilemmas a person encounters, the more likely he or she is to experience negative outcomes, a decline in morale, and leaves a job because of lack of satisfaction and professional well-being. In the organizational world, the more ethical dilemmas a person encounters, the weaker the organization's governance is and the more the organization's ethical accountability and the more difficulty the organization has in applying standards to unethical behavior. On the contrary, governance and ethical behavior improves in the presence of ethically clear and unambiguous organizational criteria, social relations and a more ethical presence of organizational systems such as ethical committees and ethical consultations. In private hospitals, ethical dilemmas are a challenge to the individual professional, and a problem of governance. Strengthening ethical governance to institutional ethical support systems and organizational and regulatory frameworks is a means of maintaining the professional's honor, increasing accountability, and ensuring that private health care is sustainable.
Dr. Souvik Dutta
Immanuel Kant’s (1724 -1804) examines the interaction between morality and religion. He particularly as developed in his critical works such as Critique of Pure Reason and Religion within the Limits of Reason Alone. Kant argues that morality inevitably leads to religion, since ethical life requires the postulation of certain rational ideas that transcend empirical experience. The discussion focuses on three central aspects: finite rational volition, the practical postulates of reason, and the concept of the highest good (summum bonum). Kant maintains that human moral action is governed by maxims and guided by the autonomy of the will, where duty and respect for the moral law determine the moral worth of actions. In this framework, the postulates of God, freedom, and immortality are not theoretical proofs but necessary practical assumptions that sustain moral striving. The highest good represents the ultimate unity of virtue and happiness and serves as the final end of moral life. Through this analysis, the paper argues that religion in Kantian philosophy is grounded in morality and reason, and that the ethical pursuit of the highest good culminates in the ideal of the “kingdom of ends.”
Francis Boateng
The mining sector remains central to Ghana’s economy, yet large-scale operations in the Ashanti Region have generated persistent tensions between mining firms and host communities. Using a mixed-methods design, this study combines structured surveys (n=74) across four mining communities, namely, Obuasi, Manso Nkwanta, Konongo, and Mpasatia, with semi-structured key informant interviews with seven regulatory bodies. Quantitative data were analysed through frequency distribution and descriptive statistics, qualitative transcripts underwent thematic analysis using NVivo 14 software. Findings reveal a fundamental disconnect between firms’ stated commitments and community realities. Some 61% of respondents disputed that firms conduct Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), while 82% disputed the implementation of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policies. A core finding is that firms systematically substitute enforceable ESG frameworks, independently audited, legally structured, and tied to long-term accountability, with discretionary Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes that are voluntary, carry no legal enforcement mechanism, and fail to address structured community accountability. This substitution constitutes a governance failure with direct consequences for host communities. Stakeholder engagement is equally deficient, 63% of respondents disagree that structured engagement processes exist, and 71% rate firms as unresponsive to community concerns. The study concludes that sustainable mining governance in the Ashanti Region requires a decisive and policy-backed shift from voluntary CSR to enforceable ESG commitments, strengthened cross-institutional regulatory oversight, and inclusive stakeholder engagement processes that meaningfully incorporate marginalised groups, particularly women and youth.
Charity Ohotu Omaji, Obaya, Effiong Bassey
The growing overlap between mental health disorders and substance use conditions has led to increased adoption of integrated behavioral health models within primary care settings. This study evaluates the effectiveness of integrated mental health and substance abuse services in primary care clinics across Ohio, USA, using exclusively electronic health record (EHR) data for assessment. To achieve the aim of this study, two research questions guided the study, corresponding to two research hypotheses. The study employed a retrospective cohort design to analyze EHR-derived measures including diagnostic patterns, treatment engagement, care coordination indicators, medication adherence, and clinical outcomes such as symptom improvement and reduced acute care utilization. The study population included all the 869 adult patients receiving integrated behavioral health services between January, 2023 to December 2024 in five primary health clinics in Ohio. Data obtained from the electronic health record (EHR) were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Hierarchical Regression Analysis. Findings from the analysis of data reveal that, integration significantly improved depression, anxiety, and substance use outcomes over 12 months, reduced emergency department visits, and increased patient satisfaction. Based on these findings, it was recommended that, government should expand training and recruitment of behavioral health professionals in primary care settings to ensure adequate staffing for integrated services. Also, there should be investment in interoperable electronic health records and telehealth platforms to facilitate coordination between primary care providers and behavioral health specialists.
Amizahanum Adam, Fatimah Alwi, Mahfuzah Ahmad, Noor Faiza M Ja’afar, Noor Saatila Mohd Isa, Nurfarizan Mazhani Mahmud
Tax reliefs and rebates are designed to reduce taxpayers’ financial burden by lowering chargeable income and tax payable. However, increasing living costs, inflationary pressures, and rising household expenses have raised concerns regarding the adequacy and relevance of existing relief provisions. Therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of personal tax reliefs and rebates under the Malaysian Income Tax Act 1967 in reducing the financial burden of individual taxpayers for the Year of Assessment (YA) 2024.The data collection and discussion combined statutory analysis with survey-based evidence via a digital questionnaire. The population was Malaysian resident taxpayers and samples were chosen by means of random sampling. A total of 92 valid responses were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis to identify taxpayers’ perceptions regarding the relevance and adequacy of existing tax reliefs. Main findings showed that reliefs and rebates for the year assessment of 2024 were able to reduce financial burden but only to some extent. However, single taxpayers benefited less from the statutory provisions as compared to the married couples with children and parents. Several suggestions were obtained including to relax and revise the statutory provisions. The amount of reliefs and rebates were also should be increased to match the increase in cost of living. Additionally, new types of reliefs and rebates as per neighbouring countries are welcomed.
Catherine Wanjiru Gachutha, Dr Amos Keya Alumada, Dr Elizabeth W. Kamau
Objective: To determine a suitable content for Premarital counselling (PMC) programs in Kenya. Background: PMC is associated with positive marital outcomes, like stability, quality, and satisfaction. Yet, PMC effectiveness and utilization remain low globally. Inadequate training of the PMC practitioners and inadequate content coverage are contributing factors. No Kenyan study has explored contextually relevant content for PMC. Method: The research was qualitative, guided by interpretivist and constructivist paradigms of Grounded Theory. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving twelve PMC counsellors, male clergy members offering PMC, and twenty PMC beneficiaries married for 15 to 28 years. The couples and the clergy were conveniently drawn from four churches in Nairobi and Kiambu Counties, while counsellors were recruited from Nairobi County. The data were collected in April 2025 through clergy in-depth interviews, self-administered couple questionnaires, and counsellor-focused group discussions. Data cleaning and frequency analysis were conducted in R, followed by thematic analysis. Results: Ten themes emerged, comprising: marriage institution and legislation; creating self and spousal awareness; family roles and responsibilities; communication skills and conflict resolution; personality and character; religion, Christianity, and spirituality; financial management; tradition and cultural dynamics; sex, sexuality, and family planning; and social life and modernism.
Akomolehin Bolawale Victor, Akomolehin Francis Olugbenga
The paper performs a comprehensive systematic narrative review of the development of sustainable finance frameworks in emerging economies for 2010–2025. It focuses on the interactions among policy instruments, ESG integration practices, and institutional contexts. The study identifies three evolutionary phases: early efforts, 2010–2014, characterized by pilot initiatives and multilateral influence; institutionalization, 2015–2019, where policy coherence and ESG mainstreaming were at play; and consolidation, between 2020 and 2025, driven by digitalization, global alignment, and data transparency. Informed by more than 90 peerreviewed studies and policy documents, the review evidences that regulatory instruments, market mechanisms, and voluntary frameworks together developed sustainable finance systems, albeit with uneven regional coverage. The results point at key drivers of regulatory clarity, investor demand, and technological innovation-and persistent barriers of governance deficiencies, data gaps, and market immaturity. By proposing an integrated framework on policy design, ESG adoption, and institutional strength, the research provides practical insights to policymakers, financial regulators, and researchers. The paper concludes that a coherent, data-driven, and adaptive policy ecosystem has been a prime driver for embedding sustainability into financial systems and achieving long-term development goals in emerging economies.
Abdul Adamu, Adeola Oladapo Ojo, Ahmed A. Ibrahim, Coker O. Victor, Gabriel A. Sotade, Jegede A. Olorunbi, Oju Sunday Agboola, Olusegun Abel Oyinwola, Paulina Suleman, Rilwan A. Ajibade, Victor A. C. Biodun
This study examined the challenges of electronic records management in a modern office. Electronic records management provides security for records from unauthorized users through fire walls and passwords. In the course of this study, appropriate literature was reviewed based on published work on the challenges of electronic records management. Findings from the studies showed that proper maintenance of electronic record should be the first priority of the organization. Good storage/filling of electronic record should be safeguard by the use of back-ups and other external storage device in day to day activities of the organization. It was concluded that proper training of staff will improve the maintenance of electronic records. It was recommended among others that modern electronics records gadgets; software should be installed and managed by trained personnel in the organization.
Bader Hamd Sulaiman Salem Alsaeedi, Nurhayati Kamarudin
Innovation is widely recognized as a critical driver of organizational competitiveness in dynamic and knowledge-intensive economies. Leadership plays a central role in shaping employee behaviours that foster innovation within organizations. This proposed paper develops an integrated framework examining how leadership styles(transformational, transactional, and situational leadership) influence innovative work behaviour through the mediating role of innovation culture. Grounded in leadership and organizational culture theories, the study explains how leaders shape shared values, norms, and practices that support innovation. The proposed framework posits that leadership styles significantly contribute to the development of a strong innovation culture, which subsequently stimulates employees’ engagement in innovative work behaviours, including idea generation, idea promotion, and idea implementation. By synthesizing insights from leadership and innovation literature, this paper advances current theoretical understanding by positioning innovation culture as a key explanatory mechanism linking leadership styles to innovative work behaviour. The framework provides a foundation for future empirical research and offers practical insights for organizations seeking to cultivate leadership practices and cultural environments that enhance employee-driven innovation.
Francis Sonio, Jie-Ann Sarona, John Mark Samson, Rachelle Sabella
This study examined the relationship between mental health literacy and dispositional optimism among adolescent students in Argao National High School.The research is fundamentally anchored on a multi-theoretical framework encompassing: Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory (1979) to contextualize environmental influences on MHL; Keyes’ Dual Continuum Model (2002) to provide a holistic view of well-being; Positive Psychology Theory (Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2000) to frame Disposition Optimism as a personal strength; Carver and Scheier’s Self-Regulation Theory (1981) to explain optimism’s role in goal-directed behavior; and Bandura’s Bidirectional Relationship Theory (1986) to highlight the reciprocal influence between MHL and DO. Using a quantitative correlational design, the study examined the levels of mental health literacy and dispositional optimism among adolescents and determined whether significant differences existed when respondents were grouped according to sex. Standardized instruments were administered to measure both variables among the participants. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t test, and correlation analysis were used to analyze the collected data. Findings revealed that female students demonstrated higher levels of mental health literacy compared to male students, indicating that sex influences awareness and understanding of mental health concepts. However, no significant difference was found in dispositional optimism between male and female students, suggesting that optimism tends to remain stable across genders. The overall correlation between mental health literacy and dispositional optimism was very weak and not statistically significant, suggesting that knowledge about mental health does not necessarily predict optimistic attitudes. Interestingly, a significant positive correlation was found among male students, implying that mental health literacy may play a more influential role in fostering optimism within this group. These findings highlight the importance of implementing gender sensitive mental health interventions that strengthen mental health literacy among male students while sustaining high literacy among female students. Promoting dispositional optimism across both sexes may help foster emotional resilience, positive coping, and overall adolescent well being within the school environment.
Dang Duc Hoan, Do Thi Hong Nhung
This study examines how service quality influences student satisfaction at the campus gym center. Drawing on the SERVQUAL framework and the campus fitness context, service quality is conceptualized through seven dimensions: tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, empathy, accessibility, and hygiene and safety. Using survey data from 200 students who had used the campus gym center, the study finds that accessibility, assurance, hygiene and safety, tangibility, and responsiveness had significant positive effects on student satisfaction, whereas reliability and empathy did not. Accessibility emerged as the strongest determinant, indicating that students place particular value on convenience and the extent to which gym services fit their academic routines. The findings contribute to the literature by showing that student satisfaction in campus fitness services is shaped not only by traditional service-quality dimensions, but also by practical conditions related to service usability. In particular, the study highlights the importance of accessibility, hygiene, and safety as meaningful dimensions of service quality in a university fitness setting. From a managerial perspective, the results suggest that campus gym managers should focus not only on facilities but also on operational accessibility, staff professionalism, responsiveness, and environmental quality to improve student satisfaction. Because the study was conducted in a single university and focused only on satisfaction, future research could examine broader outcomes and test the model across multiple institutional settings.
Atirah Sufian, Saleh Mohammed Saleh Alahmdi
The media and creative industry operates in a highly dynamic and innovation-driven environment where collaboration, creativity, and voluntary employee engagement are critical for organizational success. This paper proposes a conceptual framework examining the relationships between knowledge sharing(KS), innovation culture, and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) within the media and creative sector. Drawing on Social Exchange Theory and the Knowledge-Based View of the firm, the study suggests that knowledge sharing positively influences organizational citizenship behavior both directly and indirectly through innovation culture(IC). Innovation culture is proposed as a mediating mechanism that enhances the positive effects of knowledge exchange on discretionary employee behaviors. The paper contributes to the literature by integrating these constructs into a unified framework tailored to the characteristics of the media and creative industry. The study concludes with theoretical and practical implications and directions for future empirical validation.
Asmahanim Haji Mohamad Yusuf, Dianna Suzieanna Mohamad Shah, Mohamad Safwat Ashahri Mohd Salim, Mohd Nur Fitri Mohd Salim
The rapid growth of mobile devices among higher education students has opened new doors to the application of Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL), a way for students to explore English language learning outside of traditional classroom settings. Previous studies have shown the potential of mobile technology to improve student performance in their second languages; however, there is little research into what motivates learners' perceptions of learning outcomes through MALL. Grounded within Self-Determination Theory (SDT), this study explored whether three motivational variables: interest/enjoyment, perceived competence, and value/usefulness are predictors of learners' perceptions of ESL learning outcomes through mobile-assisted learning environments. The methodology involved a quantitative, cross-sectional survey of 135 undergraduate students from a Malaysian public university, all of whom had experience in using either smartphones or mobile apps for learning English. Participants completed an adapted version of the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI) and a measure assessing participants' perceived ESL learning outcomes. Using SPSS software, descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, Pearson correlation coefficients and multiple regression analysis were used to analyse data. Findings indicated that participants reported moderate levels of motivation towards mobile-assisted ESL learning (M = 3.92), as well as moderate levels of perceived ESL learning outcomes (M = 3.88). Results also showed that all of the motivational constructs (i.e., interest/enjoyment, perceived competence, and value/usefulness) were positively correlated with learners' perceived ESL learning outcomes. Lastly, results from the multiple regression analyses found that motivation explained approximately 55% of the variance in learners' perceived ESL learning outcomes, and that value/usefulness emerged as the most powerful predictor of perceived ESL learning outcomes, followed by interest/enjoyment and perceived competence. These findings support the contention that learner motivation plays a pivotal role in determining learners' perception of the effectiveness of mobile-assisted ESL learning. This study provides further theoretical grounding for the growing body of MALL research and demonstrates the importance of understanding how learners perceive the motivational aspects of mobile-assisted language learning in higher education.
Pauline Swee Choo Goh, Pei Lin Tay, Zhuo Chen
Feedback is increasingly perceived as an interactive process instead of a one-way transmission of information. In this context, affective engagement, or how students respond emotionally to feedback, has become a critical factor shaping the effectiveness of feedback. While automated writing evaluation (AWE) feedback and peer feedback are widely used in university English writing classrooms, limited research has examined students’ emotional experiences and attitudinal responses across different feedback types. Using a qualitative case study design, this study investigates the affective engagement of four undergraduate English majors completing a writing task involving AWE feedback and peer feedback in a Chinese university writing course. Drawing on students’ drafts, feedback comments, reflective journals, and retrospective interview data, this study explores students’ emotional experiences and attitudinal stances toward both types of feedback. The findings indicate that AWE feedback elicits a combination of trust and mild anxiety, whereas peer feedback generates greater emotional variability. Learner beliefs, as well as feedback accuracy and features, significantly shape students’ affective engagement. The findings highlight affective engagement as a key psychological mechanism in feedback processing and suggest that effective feedback practices should attend not only to informational quality but also to learners’ emotional responses.
James L. Paglinawan, Novy Mhae C. Ylanan
This study investigated the relationships among school culture, teacher self-efficacy, and stress coping mechanisms of 250 public-school teachers in the Division of Valencia City, Bukidnon. Using a quantitative, descriptive-correlational design, data were gathered through standardized scales for school culture (α = 0.85), teacher efficacy (α = 0.82), and stress coping (α = 0.88). Results indicated high levels across all variables. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive relationships between school culture and coping (r = 0.728) and between self-efficacy and coping (r = 0.167). Regression analysis identified professional development as a significant predictor of stress coping. The findings suggest that fostering a collaborative culture and enhancing instructional efficacy are vital for teacher resilience.
Cherry Ann C. Inting, Dr. Junvil A. Insong, Gerry P. Palao Jr., Jasmine Kaye B. Calope, Mark Joshua C. Cortuna
Karaoke bars are widely recognized as popular leisure spaces where individuals gather to socialize and relax; however, these venues may also become sites of conflict and unlawful behavior. Anchored in criminological perspectives, particularly Routine Activity Theory, Environmental Criminology, and Situational Crime Prevention, this study examines how environmental and social conditions create opportunities for criminal encounters in karaoke bars. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, the study explored the lived experiences of twelve purposively selected patrons in Misamis Occidental, Philippines, who had encountered or witnessed crime-related incidents. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi’s method to identify significant themes. Findings revealed three thematic clusters: (1) the nature of criminal encounters, including physical altercations, verbal disputes, harassment, theft, and vandalism; (2) contributing factors such as alcohol consumption, inadequate security, peer influence, and environmental conditions; and (3) the impact on patrons, particularly in terms of safety perceptions, behavioral adjustments, emotional responses, and decisions to revisit. These findings support Routine Activity Theory by demonstrating the convergence of motivated offenders, suitable targets, and the absence of capable guardians in leisure settings. Environmental Criminology and Situational Crime Prevention further explain how spatial and managerial factors influence crime occurrence. By linking lived experiences to established criminological theories, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of crime in recreational environments and underscores the importance of situational strategies in promoting safer nightlife spaces.
Dr. Subha Chelliappan, Mrs. Rekha. C
This study explores the gender dynamics landscape of women’s participation and empowerment in family businesses. It focuses on along with Gender Dynamics, Decision-Making Power, Resource Distribution, Recognition and Respect, and Emotional and Social Climate are included. The growing context on gender equality, women in family businesses often raises leadership inclusion, decision-making authority, access to resources, recognition for contributions, and emotional support. The existing studies has identified individual aspects of women’s participation that also leaving structural, relational, and emotional factors on women’s empowerment within family enterprises. It identifies the gap in the underlying dimensions of the key variables by using factor analysis and develop the constructs using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). It analyse how gender dynamics, decision-making power, resource distribution, recognition and respect, and emotional and social climate comprehensively influence women’s engagement, influence, and recognition in family businesses. A sample of 306 family business members was surveyed and results revealed that recognition and decision-making power, significantly impact women’s participation, others, including resource distribution and emotional climate, show moderate effects. In this study identify the importance of equitable practices, transparent resource allocation, collective decision-making, and supportive social environments in enhancing women’s empowerment. From this study provide significant findings on family businesses to promote gender equity, inclusive participation, and strengthen organizational sustainability through a balanced and supportive environment for all family members.
Aireen P. Pacano, Mark Austin Alessandro E. Lopez
The Philippine Informal Reading Inventory (Phil-IRI) and the Rapid Mathematics Assessment (RMA), which measure students' reading and mathematics proficiency, can be used to identify learners who may require remediation and support. Currently, the Department of Education (DepEd) does not provide a diagnostic tool specifically for science, making it challenging for teachers and ARAL Program implementers to identify students in need of science assistance. This study aims to utilize existing English and mathematics diagnostic results to select potential Science ARAL beneficiaries. RMA and Phil-IRI results can help teachers identify students who may struggle in science due to insufficient literacy and numeracy skills necessary to comprehend scientific concepts, conduct investigations, and analyze data. The ARAL Program seeks to close learning gaps and provide a recovery plan from Kindergarten through Grade 10, ensuring that no student is left behind. Findings of this study indicate that existing diagnostic tools can effectively identify learners for science intervention, allowing for targeted support to enhance foundational skills and improve learning outcomes.
Nuzha Mohamed Taha, Pheba Elizabeth Thomas
This research focused on understanding what quality of life means for people with disabilities in Malaysia, emphasizing physical functioning, psychological well-being, social relationships, and experiences of stigmatization. Through a qualitative research design, six Malaysian adults who were living with a disability and residing in Klang Valley were involved in the research purposefully. The data were collected through virtual, semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. The participants' quality of life was affected by a combination of health-related limitations and social-emotional challenges. While some participants mentioned they had no concerns about their general health, they were bothered by chronic illnesses, disability-related complications, and mobility restrictions that seriously affected their sense of well-being, independence, and function in performing day-to-day activities. Stress, anxiety, loneliness, depression, and not knowing where they stand with employment and relationships were other occurrences. The social aspect was another challenge, with barriers of communication, exclusion, lack of mutual understanding by others, and loss of confidence in social settings greatly affecting the friends and relationship circles of the participants. Stigmatization also proved to be a significant issue as participants discovered that they were misunderstood, underestimated, overprotected, and treated unfairly. Nevertheless, most of the participants were so full of tenacious spirit and determination in overcoming the challenges facing them in their quest to live beyond the limits that life sets forth for them. Above all, research goes on to make us realize that life quality is decided for people with disabilities by factors well beyond their physical health, and it has been defended by their psychological and social experiences.
Dr. V. Govindu, M. Gayathri Anupama
Financial literacy plays a transformative role in unlocking women’s entrepreneurial potential. It equips women with essential knowledge of budgeting, savings, credit management, investment, and risk assessment, enabling informed financial decisions and sustainable business practices. Improved financial awareness enhances access to formal banking systems, government schemes, and digital finance platforms, reducing dependency and vulnerability. It also strengthens confidence, strategic planning, and resource mobilization, which are critical for enterprise growth. By bridging gender gaps in financial inclusion, financial literacy fosters economic independence, innovation, and leadership among women. Ultimately, it contributes to inclusive development, poverty reduction, and broader socio-economic empowerment at both household and community levels.
Charry P. Taping, Dr. Junvil A. Insong, Jasmine Kaye B. Calope, Keith Bryone D. Puga, Kristha Kaye N. Anoya
This study explored the influence of parenting styles on juvenile delinquency through the lived experiences of adolescents in one of the cities of Misamis Occidental, Philippines. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, twelve adolescents with histories of engagement in violent or risk-related behaviors were interviewed to gain insight into how parental discipline, emotional support, and family dynamics shaped their behavior and decision-making. Data were analyzed using Moustakas’ phenomenological framework, emphasizing credibility, dependability, and confirmability.
Camille M. Cuyag, Catherine Mae Campos
This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of para-athletes in Cebu, Philippines, emphasizing how they navigated personal and structural challenges, sustained motivation, and constructed perceptions of their performance. Grounded by Grit Theory, Self-Determination Theory, and Achievement Goal Theory, the study employed in-depth semi-structured interviews with eight para-athletes across diverse sports disciplines. Through Braun and Clarke’s Thematic Analysis, seven core themes emerged: Personal Journey of Growth and Identity, Social Relationships and Emotional Anchors, Challenging Barriers and Advocating for Change, Personal Fulfillment, Continuous Development, Mentorship and Mindset, and Systemic Barriers. Findings reveal that Cebuano para-athletes demonstrated exceptional grit, intrinsic motivation, and self-determination despite encountering discrimination, resource limitations, and inconsistent institutional support. Faith, family, and coaching relationships served as vital sources of encouragement that reinforced their psychological resilience and sense of purpose. The study revealed that parasport served as a transformative avenue for empowerment and inclusion, emphasizing the necessity of sustained governmental and organizational efforts to enhance accessibility, recognition, and equitable opportunities for para-athletes
Dangana Jonathan, Iyanuoluwa Ruth Famuyiwa, Onyeike-Nelson Obinna
Background: The growing popularity of social media among Nigerian youth comes with several concerning implications, including its strong association with adverse mental health outcomes such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and addictive behaviors. Objective: This study generally examined the mental health effects of social media usage among undergraduates in Ogun State, Nigeria, exploring how digital engagement influences psychological well-being in this specific demographic population. Methods: The study examined the mental health effects of social media through a cross-sectional survey conducted among 395 participants selected using multistage sampling techniques to ensure representative coverage across undergraduate institutions in Ogun State, Nigeria. To identify significant predictors of mental health outcomes, regression analysis was systematically conducted, examining the relationship between social media usage patterns and psychological well-being indicators. Additionally, ANCOVA analysis was employed to explore both direct and indirect relationships among the study variables while controlling for potential confounding factors. Statistical significance was established at p ≤ 0.05, ensuring rigorous evaluation of all findings and minimizing the likelihood of Type I errors in the interpretation of results. Results: The findings suggest a weak association between social media use duration and negative mental health outcomes (p=0.052); psychological influence from social media use significantly predicts poorer mental health outcomes (β = 0.636, p < .001), accounting for over 40% of the variance (R² = 0.404) and significant differences were noted in social media usage across academic levels (F(4, 388) = 3.15, p = 0.014), with higher usage reported among 300L students implying that increased academic stress or social validation pressures may occur as students advance academically. Conclusions: This underscores the pressing need for institutional mental health policies that go beyond monitoring screen time to addressing the psychological dimensions of social media use among university students.
Precilda B. Dacuyan, Virgilio P. Rapada Jr.
This study examined the relationship and predictive effect of parental involvement on the reading performance of Kindergarten pupils at Waso Elementary School. A total of fifteen (15) parent–pupil pairs participated in the study. Parental involvement was measured using a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire assessing home reading support, communication with teachers, and participation in school activities. The reading performance of the pupils was evaluated through the Early Grade Reading Assessment, with a focus on key early literacy skills, particularly letter recognition and phonemic awareness. This assessment provided insights into the pupils’ ability to identify letters and manipulate sounds, which are foundational skills for developing proficient reading abilities. Descriptive analysis revealed that parents demonstrated a high level of involvement, while most pupils performed at the Instructional level, with some at Independent or Emergent levels. Pearson correlation indicated a significant positive relationship between parental involvement and reading performance (r = 0.66, p < .01). Regression analysis showed that parental involvement significantly predicted reading performance (R² = 0.44, p < .05), highlighting the important role of active parental engagement in fostering early literacy development. However, the findings of this study should be interpreted with caution due to certain limitations. The small sample size and focus on a single school may limit the generalizability of the results. Additionally, the use of self-reported parental data may introduce response bias, as parents may overestimate their level of involvement. The adapted questionnaire, while reviewed for content validity, may still require further reliability testing to ensure measurement precision. Despite these limitations, the study provides valuable insights into the role of parental involvement in early literacy development
Anilaida A. Mamiscal, Darlene Mae C. Ramirez, Gay B. Mataganas, Karen Jean P. Mayor, Roselo L. Caduldulan Jr., Rosenharr Mae R. Antogop
The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education has introduced new learning opportunities while raising concerns about students’ potential overreliance on AI tools. Although prior studies have examined self-efficacy and digital competence independently, limited research has explored their relationship with AI dependence among senior college students in private higher education institutions in developing contexts. This study addresses this gap by investigating the relationship between self-efficacy, digital competence, and AI dependence among senior college students in a private university in Cebu, Philippines, during the academic year 2024–2025. A total of 320 students from the College of Teacher Education participated in the study by responding to adapted survey instruments measuring self-efficacy, digital competence, and AI dependence. Descriptive statistics and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC) were employed to analyze the data. Results revealed that the respondents demonstrated high levels of self-efficacy and digital competence, indicating strong confidence in performing academic tasks and effective utilization of digital technologies. Furthermore, a significant positive relationship was found between self-efficacy and digital competence, suggesting that students with higher confidence tend to exhibit stronger digital skills. However, no significant relationship was observed between self-efficacy and AI dependence, indicating that the use of AI tools does not necessarily reduce students’ perceived academic capability. These findings contribute to the growing discourse on AI in education and inform the development of a guidance and counseling enhancement plan to promote responsible AI use.
Dugerjav Galsanjamts, Sarangerel Tserenjav
This study investigates the relationship between vocabulary size and reading comprehension among 75 Mongolian university students using Paul Nation’s Vocabulary Levels Test (VLT) and the PET reading test. The aim was to determine whether students' receptive vocabulary knowledge predicts their ability to comprehend written English. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, group comparison, and linear regression analyses were performed. Results showed a statistically significant but modest positive correlation (r = 0.24, p = 0.038) between vocabulary size and reading scores. Learners with more than 5000 word families tended to perform better, though the difference was not statistically significant. Regression analysis revealed that vocabulary size accounted for 5.7% of the variance in reading comprehension scores. These findings suggest that vocabulary knowledge contributes meaningfully to reading ability, although it alone does not fully explain performance. The study highlights the need for structured vocabulary instruction in EFL contexts and calls for further research into additional factors affecting reading development among Mongolian learners.
Luu Vu Tram Anh, Tran Minh Anh
This study examines the pedagogical value and practical implementation of Total Physical Response (TPR) in primary-level English vocabulary instruction by integrating theoretical perspectives with empirical evidence from a mixed-methods investigation of teachers’ perceptions. Drawing on foundational work on TPR and recent research on embodied learning and teacher cognition, the study adopts a concurrent mixed-methods design in which quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 15 primary school English teachers in Hanoi, Vietnam. Questionnaire results indicate consistently high ratings across domains, including perceived instructional benefits, teacher confidence, classroom dynamics, implementation challenges, and professional development needs, suggesting that TPR is viewed as both highly effective and operationally demanding. Qualitative findings further elaborate these patterns by identifying three key themes: the role of TPR in reducing learner anxiety and enabling low-pressure participation, its contribution to sustaining engagement and attention through structured movement, and the practical constraints associated with classroom management, space, time, and limited professional training. The integration of findings supports a context-sensitive interpretation of TPR as a high-value yet resource-intensive approach whose effectiveness depends on instructional design and implementation conditions. Based on these insights, the study proposes a structured TPR lesson sequence that progresses from comprehension to production and highlights the importance of aligning assessment practices with embodied learning processes. While the findings are limited by their reliance on teacher self-report data within a single context, they offer pedagogically grounded implications for primary language teaching and identify directions for future research, including the need for classroom observation and direct measures of learner outcomes.
Dr. S. Suresh, S. Krishnapriya
In the Indian film industry, gender has traditionally played a crucial role in shaping, producing, and controlling identity formation. Traditionally, in Indian films, female characters have been depicted in limiting roles such as mothers, wives, and self-scarifiers. However, in recent times, womanhood, female autonomy, and self-assertion have emerged in a strong manner in contemporary Indian films such as Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam cinema.
Aida E. Padrique
This study aimed to examine the relationship between the extent of assessment strategies and the level of critical thinking ability of Special Needs Education (SNED) learners in three public elementary schools in Bukidnon: Halapitan Central Elementary School, Kalagangan Central Elementary School, and Valencia City Central School, School Year 2025-2026. The study employed a descriptive-correlational research design. The respondents consisted of SNED teachers and SNED learners selected through total population sampling. Data were gathered using the Assessment Strategies Questionnaire and the Critical Thinking Questionnaire (CThQ). The data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and Pearson’s Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that formative, criterion-directed, and self-assessment strategies were implemented to a very great extent. At the same time, continuous assessment was practiced to a great extent, while summative assessment was practiced to a low extent. In terms of critical thinking ability, learners demonstrated very high performance in applying, high levels in understanding and evaluating, and moderate levels in creating and analyzing. The study concluded with a correlation analysis that indicated a moderate positive relationship between assessment strategies and critical thinking ability; however, the relationship was not statistically significant at the 0.05 level. Thus, the null hypothesis stating that there is no significant relationship between assessment strategies and critical thinking ability was accepted.
Bryan M. Lagrama, Carl Dominic R. Sun, Jofel A. Ferolino, Marites M. Cuyos, Melody B. Miramonte
Facebook advertising has become a dominant tool for businesses to engage consumers, yet the specific features that drive purchasing decisions remain underexplored in localized contexts. This study investigated the relationship between Facebook advertising features—engagement, impressions, and click-through rate—and consumer purchase decisions among 130 residents of Barangay Apopong, General Santos City. Using a quantitative, descriptive-correlational design, data were collected via a validated and reliable self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using means and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results revealed that residents often interact with Facebook ads, demonstrating consistent engagement, repeated exposure, and responsiveness to visually appealing and promotional content. Consumer purchase decisions were rated as “always” for interest and “often” for trust and actual buying behavior. A significant positive correlation was found between Facebook advertising features and consumer purchase decisions, indicating that enhanced ad exposure and interaction increase consumer engagement and purchasing behavior. These findings underscore the practical significance of crafting interactive, informative, and visually compelling advertisements to influence online buying. Marketers are encouraged to leverage these insights for optimized ad design and targeting, while consumers are advised to engage critically with online ads to make informed purchasing choices. This study highlights the critical role of Facebook advertising metrics in shaping consumer behavior and driving measurable outcomes in digital commerce.
Austin Musakabantu, Bernard Jason Chibuye, Michael J. Mwanza
The cervix is the lower, narrow part of the uterus in the female reproductive system and connects the uterus to the vagina, forming part of the birth canal. In 2018, Zambia had the third highest incidence of cervical cancer in the world with 66.4 new cases per 100,000 women despite the establishment of the Cervical Cancer Prevention Program in Zambia (CCPPZ) in 2006. The high incidence of cervical cancer is linked to the heavy burden of HIV and AIDS. Globally, approximately 311,000 women died from cervical cancer in 2018, with over 570,000 living with the disease. Although there is substantial literature on factors affecting cervical cancer (CACX) screening among women living with HIV worldwide, there is inadequate knowledge on this topic in Ndola District of the Copperbelt Province. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Ndola District using a quantitative data collection method through a semi-structured questionnaire administered to women living with HIV aged above 15 years. Participants were selected using simple random sampling and were clients on ART for at least 12 months at their respective facilities. Data were entered in Excel and imported into STATA version 14.0 statistical software, where descriptive, chi-square, and logistic regression analyses were performed using a 95% confidence level. Out of the 400 participants, 67% had not been screened for CACX in the past 12 months while only 33% had been screened, indicating that screening coverage remains below the 75% target. The main reasons cited for not accessing screening were fear of pain during the procedure (43%), being shy (30.75%), lack of awareness of the service (13%), long distance to the facility (11.25%), and lack of qualified staff (2%). The study revealed low uptake of CACX screening services among women living with HIV, mainly associated with fear of pain and shyness.
Dave Wuo Kehnel, Jr, Princess Oberly
Introduction: About 70% of the population of Liberia do not have access to safe and managed drinking water. In Monrovia, exposed wells and poor sanitation systems often lead to the contamination of groundwater. Objectives: To examine the factors contributing to the consumption of unsafe drinking water in the Stephen A. Tolbert Estate. Methodology: We used the quantitative research design. We decided to use this design because of its ability to generalize findings based on its larger population sample size. The researcher uses the stratified probability sampling technique; using the Taro Yamane sample formula, the total sample size (n) for the research was equivalent to 120 from a population of 500. The studied population comprises household residents residing within Stephen Tolbert Estate. This technique positions everyone with an equal chance of being selected for the research. Finding: The vast majority of households rely on well and tap water sources that are highly vulnerable to local contamination. There were a total of one hundred and twenty households (120) participants. Most respondents were within the 18-45 age range, representing the economically active population. 43.3% of the respondents constituted the male population, while 55% constituted the female population. However, two people decided not to mention their sex. The research results show 76.70% of the respondents have little or no awareness of local water safety initiatives. Recommendation: To ensure water quality safety, regular testing of drinking water sources should be done by relevant agencies and authorities. Additionally, community health workers should design and redirect their awareness strategies to educate the citizens on home treatment of drinking water.
Charito B. Sugnot
This study investigated the level of participation of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in community and school decision-making processes in Barangay Namnam, San Fernando, Bukidnon, and examined the factors that facilitate or hinder such participation. Utilizing a descriptive-correlational research design, the study collected data from 380 respondents, including tribal leaders, elders, community members, Indigenous parent representatives, school heads, and teachers, through a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, were used to analyze participation levels and facilitating factors, while the Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient was used to test the relationship between these factors and IP participation. Findings revealed that Indigenous Peoples exhibit a very high level of participation in community and school decision-making, with indicators such as the opportunity to vote or decide on matters and attendance at meetings receiving the highest ratings. Facilitating factors, including access to information, cultural values, trust in officials, and inclusive decision-making processes, were rated very high and significantly support IP engagement. Statistical analysis indicated no significant relationship between the identified facilitating factors and the overall level of participation, suggesting that other contextual or intrinsic motivators may also play a role. The study concludes that Indigenous Peoples in Namnam are actively engaged in decision-making processes despite facing challenges, and that culturally sensitive approaches and inclusive practices are crucial for sustaining participation. Recommendations include strengthening community engagement, empowering community leaders, enhancing school-based participatory programs, and incorporating Indigenous perspectives at higher education institutions such as Valencia Colleges. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and community organizers seeking to promote meaningful Indigenous participation in governance and education.
Austin Musakabantu, Bernard Jason Chibuye, Chuma Like
Solid waste management remains a major environmental and public health challenge in many developing countries due to rapid urbanisation and inadequate waste management infrastructure. This study assessed factors influencing solid waste management practices among residents and traders at Masala Market in Ndola District, Zambia. A cross-sectional quantitative study design was used, and data were collected from 384 respondents using structured questionnaires. The data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 20, employing descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages.
Iman Marsya Hishamukhri, Mashita Abdul Jabar, Mohd Shafiq Abdul Jabar, Nik Rozilaini Wan Mohamed, Nur Fatin Aliyana Fisha Johar, Shareenie Shera Abdul Hamid, Zaity Akhtar Mukhtar
Recreational vehicle (RV) tourism has been identified as an emerging niche within Malaysia's domestic travel sector, yet the factors that motivate Malaysian travellers to consider undertaking an RV trip have not been sufficiently examined. This study was conducted to address that gap by investigating the determinants of travel intention among domestic RV travellers in Malaysia. Ajzen's (1991) Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) was adopted as the guiding theoretical framework, within which three constructs — attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioural control — were examined as predictors of travel intention. Data were collected from 416 respondents through a structured questionnaire administered both online and in person, and the relationships among constructs were assessed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). Attitude was found to be the strongest predictor of travel intention (β = 0.43), followed by subjective norm (β = 0.28) and perceived behavioural control (β = 0.17), with all three constructs found to be statistically significant at p < .01. Taken together, these constructs accounted for 68% of the variance in travel intention (R² = 0.68) — a strong result for a parsimonious three-predictor model. The findings are discussed in terms of their implications for the development and promotion of RV tourism in Malaysia.
Joynelorn B. Veloso
This study sought to identify the factors influencing job satisfaction and retention intentions among public school teachers in the San Fernando II District, Division of Bukidnon, during the 2025-2026 school year. Using a descriptive-correlational research design, data were collected from faculty members using an adapted survey questionnaire. Statistical tools, including the mean, standard deviation, Pearson r (Product-Moment Correlation), and Multiple Regression Analysis, were employed to analyze the relationships between administrative support, workload, compensation, professional growth, and school environment and teacher retention. The findings revealed a very high level of job satisfaction across all domains and a high level of teacher retention. A significant positive relationship was established between job satisfaction and the intention to remain in the service. Regression analysis further identified administrative support, compensation, professional growth, and school environment as significant predictors of retention, with opportunities for professional advancement emerging as the primary driver. The study concludes that a stable and resilient teaching workforce exists within the district, rooted in deep professional fulfillment and vocational purpose. The strong correlation between variables suggests that teacher loyalty is highly dependent on institutional support systems. Consequently, it is recommended that school administrators institutionalize flexible scheduling and wellness initiatives, while the Department of Education should strengthen policies linking career progression and competitive benefits to long-term retention strategies. Furthermore, teacher-education institutions are encouraged to integrate career mapping and leadership literacy into their curricula to prepare future educators for long-term commitment to the profession.
Leonides F. Sarilla
This study assessed the teaching competence and professionalism of faculty members handling the Research subject as perceived by 4th year College of Business Administration students at Wesleyan University–Philippines. The study employed a descriptive–correlational research design with 300 purposively chosen respondents. A validated survey questionnaire served as the main data-gathering tool, while descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation were used for analysis. Results revealed that most respondents were young, female, and single. Faculty were rated as competent in teaching, particularly in classroom management and instructional delivery, though weaknesses were observed in integrating updated research materials, providing clear instructions, and giving constructive feedback. Professionalism was rated positively, with punctuality and preparedness as the strongest attribute, while respectful interaction scored the lowest, especially in listening attentively and showing empathy. Correlation analysis showed that age and sex significantly influenced students’ perceptions in most dimensions of competence and professionalism, while civil status had limited effects. The findings emphasized that while faculty members are perceived as competent and professional, improvement is needed in fostering inclusivity, enhancing fairness and transparency in evaluation, and strengthening student engagement strategies. The study recommends faculty training, institutional support programs, and continuous quality assurance initiatives to improve teaching competence and professionalism in higher education.
Donald Wandere, Joan Koech, Joram Kareithi
Families in all their configurations are the key social groups within which different generations are embedded and supported. Following the recent demographic trends and shifts in the traditional family types and relationships, there is a need to explore actual lived kinship relational and support dynamics. Every kinship relations of a society are sustained through sets of kinship terminologies or kinship terms of reference which are signals on role expectations of those with particular labels. Kinship terminologies classify the kinship universe which helps every individual to reckon his/her kin members. The kinship terms are the vocabulary of differentiations and classifications of kinsmen with attendant role relations. However, little is understood on the mapping of kinship terms and their appropriate symbolic roles within the context of support systems in the Nandi culture. This paper explores the understanding of the concept of ‘family’ and kinship terms as indicators of support contexts within Nandi community of Kenya. The study findings indicate that, among the Nandi, family relationships are often constituted by individuals with different generational identities and world views whose connections are interactional and transactional. In this study, one of the potentially most important domains that characterizes family relationships among the Nandi people is the support and assistance that is exchanged between individuals. At the family level, the relationships are based on reciprocity and exchange. The study findings further indicate diversity in definitions of family, kinship and the embeddedness of individuals in their social networks. The study contributes to debate on how kinship classification systems work in the new era of digitalization of kinship practices in contemporary families.
Ann Julie M. Febreo, Haironesah A. Akmad, Irving T. Fajarito
Digital marketing has become a dominant force in the business world, bridging the gap between sellers and buyers through convenient global communication. Despite its widespread use, many farmers remain unaware of the diverse platforms available to market their agricultural products. This study sought to assess the level of awareness of vegetable farmers in M’lang, Cotabato regarding digital marketing. A total of 165 farmers were selected through simple random sampling, and data were collected using an interview guide. The study employed a descriptive-correlational design, with frequency counts and percentage distributions used for descriptive analysis, while Chi-square tests and point biserial correlations were applied to examine relationships between variables. Findings revealed that most respondents were familiar with social media marketing and traditional channels such as television and radio advertisements. However, awareness of other digital platforms including email marketing, websites, content marketing, and mobile marketing was notably low. Statistical analysis rejected the null hypothesis, showing significant relationships between farmers’ age, family monthly income, educational attainment, and their level of awareness of digital marketing platforms.
Ameril B. Maluag, Bryan L. Catulong, Jessa E. Horcerada, Joseph Elmer G. Noval, Ma. Preciosa B. Cedeño, Noime Marie M. Cañete, Rhianar Nicole E. Ubando, Ritchlie May P. Cona
Many individuals are unable to get optimal use of available funds and find it difficult to deal with economic situation due to inability to manage financial behavior. This study was conducted to determine whether financial literacy and financial capability influences financial behavior of business graduate students. A descriptive-correlational research design was used, and the survey covered 100 students enrolled in school-year 2022-2023 in the higher education institution who were chosen using purposive sampling. A descriptive-correlational research design was used in this study with 100 respondents from the business graduate students enrolled in school-year 2022-2023 in the higher education institution who were chosen using purposive sampling. Mean, Standard Deviation, Pearson r, and Regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Results revealed that both financial literacy and financial capability are evident while financial behavior is favorable. The result also showed that there is significant relationship between financial literacy and financial behavior. Also, the result revealed that there is a significant relationship between financial capability and financial behavior among the business graduate students. Financial literacy and financial capability significantly influence in its independent capacity to financial behavior. Moreover, 53.7% of the variation in financial behavior could be attributed to the combined influence of financial literacy and financial capability
Fah Foh Tella, Fah Noushi Mono, Kamdem Fah Foh, Molem Sama Christopher
This study examines the effect of financial knowledge and financial behaviour on the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in a fragile economic environment. Drawing on the Resource-Based View, human capital theory, and the OECD financial capability framework, the study conceptualises financial literacy as a multidimensional capability and operationalises it through its cognitive and behavioural components, namely financial knowledge and financial behaviour. Using cross-sectional survey data collected from 304 SMEs in the South West Region of Cameroon, the study employs Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression complemented by diagnostic tests including correlation analysis, Variance Inflation Factors (VIF), and the Breusch–Pagan test for heteroskedasticity. The results reveal that financial knowledge (β = 0.289, p < 0.01) and financial behaviour (β = 0.431, p < 0.01) significantly and positively influence SME growth, with financial behaviour exerting a stronger effect. The model explains approximately 37.3% of the variation in SME growth. The findings indicate that while financial knowledge enhances entrepreneurs’ decision-making capacity, disciplined financial behaviour translates into actual performance improvements. The study contributes to the literature by positioning financial capability as a strategic internal resource in fragile economies and provides policy-relevant insights for SME development in sub-Saharan Africa.
Mohd Sufian Ab Kadir, Ngau Duo Seng, Norashikin Adam, Norzahidah Binti Yacob
This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of research on financial literacy within the context of digital finance, covering the period from 2008 to 2026. Drawing on a dataset of 970 Scopus-indexed journal articles, the study examines the intellectual structure, publication trends, influential contributors, and thematic evolution of the field using performance analysis and science mapping techniques. The findings reveal a rapidly expanding and increasingly collaborative research domain, characterized by a high annual growth rate and growing international engagement. The analysis identifies financial technology (FinTech) and structural equation modelling as dominant motor themes, reflecting the field’s methodological and technological advancement. In contrast, financial literacy, financial inclusion, and digital financial inclusion emerge as foundational yet underdeveloped themes, indicating the need for deeper theoretical integration. The results further highlight a significant paradigm shift from traditional financial knowledge toward digital financial capability, emphasizing the importance of technological competencies in shaping financial behavior. Moreover, the growing prominence of emerging economies in knowledge production underscores the global relevance of digital financial inclusion. This study contributes to the literature by synthesizing fragmented research into a unified framework and offering a comprehensive overview of the field’s evolution. It also identifies critical research gaps, particularly in behavioral dimensions, digital inclusion disparities, and regulatory frameworks. The findings provide valuable implications for researchers, policymakers, and educators seeking to promote financial resilience and inclusive participation in an increasingly digitalized financial ecosystem.
Khadijah Md Ariffin, Sani Inusa Milala
The construction industry is a primary contributor to national GDP, yet small contractors suffer from disproportionately high failure rates within their first five years due to financial mismanagement. This problem is rooted in a critical deficit of financial-managerial capacity, where owner-managers often prioritize technical execution over the strategic cash flow management and debt control required for long-term viability. There is an urgent need for this study to bridge the gap between general SME financial literacy and the unique "project-based" financial risks inherent in the construction sector, particularly regarding the integration of modern digital and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) requirements. The aim of this study is to examine financial literacy as a strategic driver of business sustainability among small contractors, utilizing the Resource-Based View (RBV) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to map the transition from technical knowledge to sustainable performance. The methodology employs a conceptual framework that categorizes financial literacy into dimensions such as debt management, digital literacy, and investment awareness, proposing them as independent variables that influence business survival. The significance of this framework lies in its ability to serve as a "resilience filter," demonstrating that higher financial literacy leads to improved bidding strategies, reduced bad debt, and the adoption of sustainable technologies like Building Information Modelling. The study concludes that financial literacy is the foundational "strategic armor" required for small contractors to achieve solvency and operational longevity. It is recommended that policymakers and professional bodies implement sector-specific financial training to foster resilient enterprises capable of supporting stable employment and national infrastructure development.
Akpore Henry, Dr. (Mrs.) Ayeni-Agbaje Abiodun Rafiat
This study examines the effect of financial management practices on the financial performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Ekiti State, Nigeria. SMEs are vital to economic growth and development, yet many in Nigeria face challenges related to poor financial planning, inadequate capital structuring, and ineffective cash flow management. Guided by stakeholder, pecking order, and contingency theories, this research investigates how annual budgeting, capital structure management, and working capital management influence SME profitability. A quantitative research design was employed, utilizing a structured questionnaire administered to 230 registered SMEs. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis. The findings reveal that all three financial management practices have a significant and positive impact on financial performance, with annual budgeting identified as the strongest predictor of profitability. However, the regression model explains only 37.8% of the variance in financial performance, suggesting that other factors such as managerial expertise, market competition, and technological adoption also contribute to SME outcomes. The study highlights the need for SMEs to institutionalize formal budgeting processes, improve financial literacy, and adopt digital financial tools to enhance profitability and sustainability. It further recommends that policymakers and financial institutions provide targeted training, accessible financing options, and incentives for strong financial governance. These insights contribute to the broader discourse on SME development in emerging economies and offer practical guidance for improving business performance and resilience in the Nigerian context.
Louis Alozie, Nneka Chizoba Alozieuwa, ONIGAH Peter Oko
This study investigates the relationship between financial sector development and economic growth in Nigeria from 1981 to 2024. Its primary objective is to evaluate the contributions of banks, insurance, and stock market development to the country's economic growth over this period. Specifically, the research assesses the impact of banking sector development, examines the influence of the insurance sector, and analyzes the effect of stock market evolution on economic performance. Despite extensive empirical investigations, the existing literature reveals significant gaps: insufficient integration of Stage of Development Theory and McKinnon–Shaw Financial Theory with comprehensive empirical analyses; limited studies addressing the combined effects of all financial subsectors; inadequate exploration of the dynamic interplay among financial access, depth, efficiency, and stability; and a scarcity of research on the bidirectional causality between financial development and economic growth under varying macroeconomic conditions. Adopting an ex post facto design and leveraging secondary time series data from the World Bank’s World Development Indicators, this study applies the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model to evaluate long-run and short-run relationships. Results indicate that banking sector development and stock market growth significantly and positively influence Nigeria’s economic expansion, while the insurance sector's impact is positive but statistically insignificant. These findings underscore the need for targeted policies to enhance financial inclusion, strengthen credit allocation to productive sectors, and improve stock market infrastructure. The study contributes to closing literature gaps by offering an integrative, longitudinal perspective grounded in relevant theories, providing nuanced insights for policy formulation aimed at fostering Nigeria’s sustained economic growth through financial sector advancement.
Ace Ferdie Enriquez, Andrei John Delos Santos, Lech Walesa Navarra, Mary Katherine dela Cruz, Stephanie Kiel Cruz
This study assessed the gap between barangay fire preparedness measures and the actual response encountered during fire incidents in Bulacan. It aimed to determine how barangays organize and implement fire safety measures, identify the main causes of fire, examine the effects experienced when fire safety protocols are tested, and evaluate how preparedness helps address operational difficulties. The study employed a qualitative research design using semi structured interviews with barangay personnel from Barangay Sto. Niño in the Municipality of Plaridel and Barangay Sta. Cruz in the Municipality of Guiguinto, Bulacan. The study was anchored on Fire Dynamics by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, McClelland’s Theory of Competencies at Work by Esen Şen, and the Climate Change Vulnerability Risk Model by Sining C. Cuevas. Findings revealed that barangays establish their fire preparedness programs through scheduled activities, which they coordinate with the Bureau of Fire Protection together with ongoing training activities including regular trainings, drills, and seminars. The implementation of these measures resulted in improved staff skills and better operational coordination which enabled improved emergency response to incidents. Recurring fire causes were primarily electrical wiring issues and grassfires, indicating persistent household and environmental vulnerabilities. When protocols were tested during actual fire incidents, barangays experienced coordination challenges, limited communication systems, and insufficient equipment. Despite these constraints, trained personnel demonstrated improved response behavior and clearer role execution. The study concludes that while basic preparedness systems exist in the barangays, operational challenges remain due to limited resources and communication systems. Improvements in equipment distribution and communication systems are needed to strengthen barangay fire resilience.
Bak Aun Teoh, Boon Cheong Chew, Ganaga Laxamanan, Syaiful Rizal Hamid, Thivek P. Sinathamby
This study investigate the implementation of Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS) within the Electrical and Electronics (E&E) industry in Penang. Operating in a volatile global market, many E&E companies in Penang are implementing FMS to maintain their competitiveness. However, an actual understanding of the real FMS industrial practices has been lacking. The objective of this research is to investigate the actual FMS industrial practices of E&E companies in their manufacturing operations. A qualitative methodology was employed to address this gap, involving factory visits, observation and semi-structured interviews with eight factory managers from different E&E companies in Penang. The collected data were analysed thematically through prior codes matching to identify key patterns. The findings reveal the realities of FMS implementation in practice. While companies have implemented FMS principles, they face significant challenges. These include high capital investment and a pronounced skills gap within the workforce. In conclusion, the research demonstrates that FMS implementation necessitates a holistic strategy, addressing not only technical aspects but also human resource development on skilled workers for FMS implementation. This study offers valuable, practical insights for industry practitioners seeking to understand FMS. It also provides information for potential company decision makers to create targeted supporting programs, ultimately aiming to bolster the competitiveness of its E&E company through FMS implementation.
Meng Xin, Norfadilah Kamaruddin
As a core component of Chinese cuisine, dumplings represent everyday cultural identity and collective memory. However, a traditional dumpling making techniques are becoming less relevant to everyday living among younger generations due to the stresses of fast-paced lifestyles and industrialized food production. This also has weakened cultural awareness within younger generation. Taking Chinese dumplings as a case study, this study investigates how design-driven communication tactics might promote the modern transmission of traditional food culture using dumplings as a cultural medium. Using qualitative cultural analysis and semi-structured interviews, the study evaluates the cultural values ingrained in dumpling-making techniques. In order to improve audience engagement and cultural identity, the study suggests an innovative and interactive cultural communication method that combines seal collection with storytelling based on QR codes. The study adds to larger conversations about the modern spread of Chinese culinary culture and provides fresh perspectives on sustainable methods for the transmission of intangible food heritage.
D. Enkhjargal, D.Tsetsegsaikhan, N.Erdenesuvd, S S. Otgonsuren
Workforce planning and forecasting are critical for enhancing organizational performance, particularly in capital-intensive industries. This study analyzes and forecasts the internal labor supply of Baganuur JSC, a state-owned coal mining company in Mongolia, using a Markov chain model. The analysis draws on historical human resource data spanning 2005–2014, from which transition probabilities across workforce segments—including age, education level, gender, and tenure—are estimated. The findings reveal a pronounced aging trend, with a growing proportion of employees approaching retirement age, signaling a potential risk of labor shortages and loss of experienced personnel. Scenario analysis further demonstrates that variations in hiring and attrition rates significantly influence long-term workforce stability. Based on the quantitative forecasts, the study derives actionable strategic insights: by 2035, approximately 40% of the workforce is projected to be aged 50 or above, necessitating an estimated 60–80 new hires annually to sustain operational capacity. Three scenario-based HR strategy frameworks—baseline, high-attrition, and accelerated recruitment—are presented to support succession planning and human capital sustainability. The findings contribute to the limited body of quantitative workforce forecasting research in developing economies and provide data-driven decision-making tools for HR managers in Mongolia's mining sector.
Adriane John P. Luncido, Bernadette F. Nisnisan, Jaylou Micha A. Penus
Power outages remain a significant challenge in Malaybalay as it aims to become a highly urbanized city. Scheduled and unscheduled brownouts exacerbate economic losses across almost all sectors of the economy. This study attempts to examine the trends of the total electricity demand by type of consumer, namely residential, commercial, and industrial, utilizing the 2012 to 2025 monthly data from Bukidnon Second Electric Cooperative (BUSECO). It employed generalized least squares to estimate the demand function for total electricity demand and a seasonal autoregressive integrated moving-average model to forecast electricity demand for 2025 to 2031. The results of the study indicate that a percentage increase in the number of consumers leads to a 1.25 percent increase in total electricity demand, ceteris paribus. Moreover, the SARIMA (1, 1, 1) (1, 0, 1, 12) model has been statistically identified as the best predictive model based on Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) for total electricity demand. Also, the SARIMA (1, 1, 1) (1, 1, 1, 12) model was identified for the residential demand. The SARIMA (0, 1, 1) (0, 1, 1, 12) model for commercial demand, and the SARIMA (1, 1, 1) (1, 0, 1, 12) model for industrial demand. SARIMA model estimates show that total electricity demand could reach 25,859,611.8 kWh kilowatt hours (kWh) in the year 2031, while residential demand is estimated to reach 15,886,455.11 kilowatt hours (kWh), the commercial demand is 6,707,288.70 kilowatt hours (kWh), and industrial demand could reach 16,878,389.31 kilowatt hours (kWh) for the same year. Results highlight the importance of anticipatory planning to ensure a stable electricity supply and promote sustainable growth and development in the city.
Akomolehin F. Olugbenga
This study examines the dynamic relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) and economic growth in Nigeria over the period 1990–2022, with particular emphasis on long-run effects, endogeneity, and institutional influences. Using annual time-series data sourced from the World Development Indicators and the Central Bank of Nigeria, the study employs the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach to estimate short-run and long-run relationships, complemented by Vector Autoregression (VAR)-based robustness analysis to account for dynamic interactions and potential reverse causality. The results reveal the existence of a stable long-run equilibrium relationship between FDI and economic growth. While FDI exhibits a positive but statistically insignificant effect in the short run, its long-run impact is positive and significant, indicating that the benefits of foreign investment materialize gradually through channels such as technology transfer, capital accumulation, and productivity enhancement. Granger causality results show no direct causal relationship between FDI and growth, suggesting that the linkage is indirect and mediated by structural factors. Robustness analysis further indicates that the effectiveness of FDI is conditioned by domestic investment, macroeconomic stability, and institutional quality. The study concludes that FDI contributes to economic growth in Nigeria, but its impact is delayed and contingent on complementary domestic conditions. Policy efforts should therefore focus on strengthening institutions, promoting domestic investment, and improving the overall investment climate to maximize the developmental benefits of FDI.
Tushar Kanti Ghara
Tribal people and forest are preassembly related. This communication is aiming to find any relationship between forest area and tribal population. There is a moderate correlation between forest area and number of tribal population.
Muhammad Haziq Bin Norhashimi, Siti Nurhafizah Saleeza Ramlee
Malaysia is a country that frequently experiences natural disasters such as floods during the monsoon season, particularly along the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, which has significantly affected local communities. This situation has influenced flood risk perception among communities in Terengganu, which is shaped by several variables, including knowledge, preparedness, and awareness. This study was conducted to examine the association between knowledge, preparedness, awareness, and flood risk perception among communities in Terengganu. A quantitative approach was employed in this study, involving descriptive analysis and chi-square tests on data collected through questionnaires. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 26.0. The analyses conducted included descriptive statistics and chi-square testing. The results show that all variables, knowledge, preparedness, awareness, and flood risk perception among communities in Terengganu were at a high level, with mean values ranging from 2.34 to 3.67. Furthermore, the chi-square test results reveal a strong and significant association between knowledge and flood risk perception, indicating a moderate relationship. This study highlights the importance of flood risk perception, as critical situations persist with the increasing number of flood victims in Terengganu. In conclusion, this research is expected to provide new insights and inspiration to readers and researchers in the field of flood disaster studies.
Dela Cruz, Mart Russel P., Derecho, Eglicialyn, Lipana, Jhay Pee T., Manog, Mikaela, Navarro, Rafaella P., San Miguel, Emi Kiel P., Sanchez, Mark Rod C., Suniga, Kristine A.
This study explores the professional and personal experiences of educators regarding Student Evaluation of Teaching (SET), a long-standing academic practice designed to foster teacher growth, assess accountability, and inform development through student feedback. While SET serves a dual purpose of tracking performance and guiding instructional improvement, recent literature highlights significant reliability issues, as external factors often skew results and lead to inaccurate, emotionally distressing feedback for teachers. Current research on this phenomenon predominantly focuses on higher education, leaving the Senior High School (SHS) sector severely underrepresented and under-researched. To address this literature gap, this study utilizes qualitative interviews to examine recurring themes in SHS teachers' experiences with Online Teachers’ Evaluation (OTE). Ultimately, this research aims to provide critical insights into the importance of proper evaluation systems, serving as a guide for secondary institutions to simplify evaluation tools, train students to generate meaningful feedback, and better support faculty in handling constructive criticism.
TIAMIYU, Adewale Nuraeni
From time to time different individuals have changed the global ways of life. They confronted the system; subjected every belief to skepticism and dreamed of a new world. Some adopted behaviour, politics, Literature, Music and Fine Art to express their personal sentiment, which embodied the concept of Romanticism in the 19th century. This study therefore interpreted the revolutionary activities of Fela Kuti - a romantic of 20th Century who explored Music as a means of dissemination of his romantic philosophy. This study specifically used historical method by likening Romanticism in Literature to Romanticism in Music, from 19th Century Europe to 20th Century Africa through the period of colonialism and by proving that Romanticism can move from one generation to another. The study established that Romanticism often occurs as a result of quest for freedom and change; and this often leads to social problems, that Romanticism that manifested majorly in literature in the 19th century, now manifests majorly in films and music, and that Fela’s Romanticism is traceable to his mother’s Romanticism. This study has contributed to literature available on studies on Fela Kuti, Romanticism, Romanticism in Music, 19th Century European Literature, 20th Century Nigerian Music and Social Changes.
Christopher Chinedu Okpara, Dr. Ibrahim Aminu Mohammed, Florence Nkonye Akinrinlola, Mohammed Aliyu Haladu, Paul Shaibu Akogwu, Sunday Onuminya Yusuf
Purpose — Nigerian manufacturing HRM remains intuition-driven, applying uniform motivational strategies to an occupationally diverse workforce lacking data infrastructure. This article argues that people analytics applied to motivation and satisfaction data provides the methodological foundation for human-centred HRM consistent with Society 5.0's vision of technology serving individual flourishing. Aims — The article maps motivation–satisfaction evidence onto the four-level people analytics maturity model, develops a phased implementation roadmap for Nigerian industrial contexts, and constructs an ethical risk matrix ensuring analytics serves worker flourishing rather than surveillance. Design/methodology/approach — A cross-sectional survey of 144 employees across Lagos, Kano, and Port Harcourt employed validated instruments (Cronbach α = .76–.93), hierarchical regression, and moderation analysis (PROCESS macro), mapped as a proof-of-concept across descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive analytics levels. The study demonstrates how conventional survey methodology, when designed with occupational granularity, can populate each tier of the people analytics maturity model without requiring longitudinal or big-data infrastructure. Findings — Mean job satisfaction was M = 3.14 (SD = 0.86), concealing substantial heterogeneity. Working conditions and recognition were primary drivers (β = .19; β = .15); 34.7% of workers were educationally underemployed (d = 0.58); technical staff (M = 3.42) reported markedly higher satisfaction than non-skilled workers (M = 3.02).
Ariel Jr. P. Macalisang, Armie Lhyn D. Recla, Daryel B. Gamo, Dr. Junvil A. Insong, Mavy T. Sarona
This study explored the impact of internship experience on criminology graduate’s career success. It showed how experiences in the internship program influences the career success of criminology graduates, especially in terms of skills development, career development, and higher employability. This study employed a qualitative research design grounded in Colaizzi’s transcendental phenomenology. Twelve criminology graduates who passed the Criminologist Licensure Examination (CLE) from Academic Years 2019 to 2024 and were residents of Misamis Occidental were purposively selected as participants of the study. Data were gathered through semi-structured researcher-made, face-to-face interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step phenomenological method. The findings revealed three major themes: (1) Internship as Foundation for Career, which showed the influence of internship experience on criminology graduates’ career choices and expectations; (2) Internship Benefits, which highlighted the key skills and knowledge gained by criminology graduates from their internships and their contribution to job search and employment; and (3) Career Impact, which described the impact of internship experience on the employability of criminology graduates, including challenges and opportunities. The study concludes that a well-structured internship program can play a vital role in promoting career success among criminology graduates. To improve internship quality, it is highly recommended to strengthen the collaboration between academic institutions and criminal justice agencies.
Domingo, Reylie K., Eugenio, Andre Dennise C., Fulo, Jose S., Navarra, Lech Walesa M., San Pedro, Clark S.
The study emphasizes the overall analysis and understanding of factors that can cause piping leakages, patterns that can arise from said leaks, and ways to identify indicators that can assist in the hazard’s occurrence, with the target demographic centered on Pulilan, Bulacan. With the utilization of water distributor documents and records that highlight the Distribution Records, Production, and Rehabilitation History, and Leakage logs covered by the said company. The records indicated that unequal distribution and leakage anomalies were highlighted as the main areas of attention within the study. Ultimately, recommendations such as scheduled pipeline inspections, automated monitoring, swift repair response time, and aging pipeline replacements were mentioned.
Thach Thi Thanh Loan, To Xieu Ai
This paper investigates the semantic evolution of the Vietnamese term “chữa lành” (healing) within contemporary discourse. Originally confined to medical contexts denoting physical treatment and recuperation, the term has increasingly permeated broader spheres pertaining to mental well-being, self-care, and lifestyle practices, particularly within digital media environments. Grounded in theoretical frameworks of semantic change, cognitive linguistics, and socio-cultural discourse analysis, this study explores how "chữa lành" has transcended its clinical origins to become a cultural keyword in modern Vietnamese communication. Employing a qualitative approach, the analysis integrates semantic examination with cognitive linguistics, specifically drawing on Conceptual Metaphor Theory and the model of radial categories. The findings reveal that the semantic broadening of “chữa lành” embodies a conceptual reconfiguration, wherein emotional and psychological experiences are structured and understood through metaphors derived from physical healing processes. Concurrently, the pervasive influence of therapeutic discourse in digital culture has been instrumental in normalizing “chữa lành” as a lifestyle paradigm centered on self-care, emotional management, and aesthetically-driven personal experiences. The study posits that the semantic expansion of “chữa lành” serves as a compelling illustration of the dynamic interplay between language, cognition, and socio-cultural transformation in contemporary Vietnam. These insights contribute to broader scholarly conversations regarding lexical innovation, the discursive construction of emotion, and the globalization of therapeutic culture
Thembelani Khumalo
Background: Zimbabwe has enacted progressive disability rights legislation, including the Disabled Persons Act (1992), constitutional protections (2013), and ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD, 2013). However, significant gaps persist between policy commitments and lived realities for persons with disabilities. Objective: This systematic review synthesises empirical evidence on the implementation of disability rights legislation and policy in Zimbabwe, examining barriers, enablers, and lived experiences across key life domains. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we systematically searched eight databases (Scopus, Informit, PubMed, Google Scholar, African Journals Online, and grey literature sources) for studies published between 2005 and 2025. We screened 148 unique papers using predefined eligibility criteria and extracted comprehensive data from 80 included studies. Narrative thematic synthesis was employed to analyse implementation findings, barriers, enablers, and lived experiences across education, employment, healthcare, justice, and accessibility domains. Results: The review identified substantial policy-practice gaps across all domains. While Zimbabwe’s legal framework aligns with international standards, implementation is undermined by inadequate domestication, resource constraints, weak enforcement mechanisms, and pervasive attitudinal barriers. Institutional fragmentation, inaccessible infrastructure, and intersectional discrimination compound exclusion. Enablers include disabled persons’ organisations (DPOs), targeted institutional accommodations, and multi-stakeholder programming. Lived experiences reveal persistent exclusion in education, underemployment, healthcare discrimination, electoral barriers, and inaccessible public spaces. Conclusions: Zimbabwe’s disability rights framework remains aspirational rather than operational. Bridging the policy-practice gap requires strengthened domestication of CRPD provisions, dedicated funding, disability-disaggregated data systems, accessible infrastructure, capacity building for frontline workers, and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in implementation and monitoring.
Alexis B. Piscador, Angeline G. Criste, Carlo Keith M. Garcia, Elizabeth C. Fetalvero, Reycilda C. Cabilan
This study, From Sentences to Structure: Discourse Organization in the Writing of Multilingual Learners, investigates the discourse-level writing performance of multilingual senior high school students and the challenges they encounter in organizing ideas in academic texts. While multilingual learners often demonstrate adequate sentence-level proficiency, they frequently struggle with coherence, cohesion, and logical structuring, skills essential to effective academic writing. Guided by a qualitative–quantitative descriptive design, the research analyzed students’ written outputs using a rubric assessing content, organization, and mechanics. It explored their writing experiences through semi-structured interviews and a survey checklist. Quantitative results revealed satisfactory performance in content and mechanics but fair performance in organization, indicating that discourse-level structuring remains the most problematic area. Thematic analysis of interview data identified three major difficulties: fragmented idea organization, limited knowledge of cohesive devices, and dependence on surface-level revisions focused primarily on grammar and spelling. These findings confirm that multilingual learners often lack explicit awareness of rhetorical patterns and cohesive strategies needed to create logically connected paragraphs and sustained academic arguments. Based on the identified gaps, the study proposes an intervention plan integrating guided writing workshops, explicit instruction on transitions and discourse markers, process writing cycles, peer review, and reflective writing activities. The study concludes that teaching writing to multilingual learners must move beyond grammar-focused instruction and prioritize discourse organization. Strengthening learners’ discourse awareness can promote clearer, more coherent writing and support their broader academic communication skills.
Zhang Jianping
This study investigates the mechanisms through which living displays and experiential design drive audience engagement within the Majiayao painted pottery heritage in Lintao, Gansu. Drawing on the paradigm of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) inheritance, an exploratory sequential mixed-methods approach was employed. Qualitative semi-structured interviews with ten key stakeholders were first conducted to identify contemporary safeguarding models. Subsequently, a structured questionnaire (N=351) was utilized to examine how interactive experiences influence inheritance effectiveness, measured by cognitive elevation, emotional identification, and communication intention. The results demonstrate that experiential displays foster substantive inheritance by facilitating the reconstruction of the audience’s internal mental models through deep psychological resonance. These findings offer a theoretical framework for the psychological mechanisms of heritage transmission and provide strategic pathways for the sustainable revitalization of prehistoric ceramic culture.
Guo Dongmei
This conceptual paper examined the transformative challenges and opportunities posed by generative artificial intelligence (AI) in vocational digital media art programs. It first reviewed the evolving relationship between AI and higher education, highlighting the pressures on curricula traditionally centered on technical skill mastery. The paper critiqued the limitations of a skills-only approach and proposes a pedagogical reframing that foregrounds human agency, purposeful revision, and ethical decision-making. Using a conceptual-argumentative methodology, the study synthesized literature on AI adoption, arts pedagogy, and institutional governance to construct a multilevel framework for vocational reform. The framework identified six interconnected layers for curriculum redesign: learning outcomes, module structure, pedagogy, industry linkage, program scaffolding, and teacher development. These layers collectively emphasize student capacity to direct human–AI workflows, document creative decisions, and maintain professional and ethical integrity. Assessment strategies were reconceptualized to prioritize process evidence over product output, incorporating prompt logs, rationale statements, and revision histories to make creative agency observable. The framework also advanced a model of relational authorship, where students act as “directors” of final outputs while AI functions as an assistive partner, shifting evaluation away from binary notions of human versus machine creation. By situating AI within a systemic, institution-wide approach rather than isolated classroom exercises, the study offers practical guidance for curricular design, faculty development, and policy formulation, ensuring that vocational programs remain relevant, ethically grounded, and responsive to the generative AI era.
Chinyere Chigeru, Gondyi Ohnan, Monica Emea, Nelson Onyeike, Victoria Nwankwo
Background: Adolescent suicidal ideation is an emerging mental health concern in sub-Saharan Africa, where multiple psychosocial stressors heighten vulnerability. Objective: Therefore, this study examined the contribution of traumatic experiences to suicidal ideation among in-school adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design was used to survey 355 senior high school students (male and female) across six secondary schools, selected through stratified random sampling from the Lagos State Schools. Descriptive statistics and regression modeling were applied at a 0.05 significance level. Results: Academic stress emerged as the most severe traumatic experience among participants (M = 1.27, SD = 0.93), with notably higher prevalence observed in private school settings compared to public institutions. Other adverse experiences, including physical abuse (M = 0.65, SD = 0.96), sexual abuse (M = 0.40, SD = 0.77), and bereavement (M = 0.57, SD = 0.77), were reported at comparatively mild levels across the sample. Suicidal ideation indicators were generally low to mild overall, with the highest endorsement rates observed for hopelessness (M = 0.68) and farewell wishes (M = 0.82). Regression analysis confirmed that cumulative traumatic experiences significantly predicted suicidal ideation outcomes (R = 0.337, R² = 0.113, F(1, 319) = 40.819, p < 0.001), collectively explaining 11.3% of the variance in suicidal thoughts. These findings underscore the substantial role of academic pressure in youth mental health outcomes. Conclusions: Traumatic experiences, though modest in effect, remain significant predictors of adolescent suicidality. Preventive strategies should prioritize trauma-informed care, early detection of abuse and stress in schools, and strengthened psychosocial support through families, NGOs, and faith-based organizations.
Varnita Dubey
The growing adoption of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in workplace settings has generated significant interest in its implications for productivity, employee perceptions, and job security. This systematic literature review synthesises findings from 40 empirical and conceptual studies published between 2020 and 2025 across organisational and professional contexts to evaluate the multifaceted impact of generative AI on organisational and workforce outcomes. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework, a structured search was conducted across Google Scholar and Dimensions.ai, yielding 3,252 database records, with 8 additional hand-searched studies, of which 40 met the inclusion criteria. The review identifies consistent evidence of productivity improvements driven by task automation, decision support, and knowledge augmentation. However, these gains are accompanied by mixed employee perceptions, with increased efficiency and job satisfaction coexisting alongside concerns about skill obsolescence and role displacement. Job insecurity emerges as a critical mediating factor influencing employee attitudes and behavioral responses, including upskilling intentions and resistance to technological change. Importantly, the review reveals a significant research gap in the comparative understanding of generative AI's impact across developed and developing economies, where differences in technological infrastructure, labor market dynamics, and skill distributions may lead to uneven outcomes. The findings highlight that the effects of generative AI are heterogeneous and context-dependent, shaped by job roles, skill levels, and institutional environments. By integrating fragmented literature into a cohesive framework, this study contributes to the emerging discourse on AI-driven workplace transformation and offers implications for managers and policymakers to ensure more balanced, inclusive, and context-sensitive AI adoption strategies.
Ng Pui Sze, Nurhafizah Zainal
This study examines the impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) and Large Language Models (LLMs) on retail banking effectiveness in Hong Kong. Drawing on an integrated theoretical framework combining the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Task-Technology Fit (TTF), and Resource-Based View (RBV), the research adopts a mixed-methods approach using a convergent parallel design. Quantitative data were collected from 100 retail banking users using structured questionnaires, while qualitative insights were obtained from semi-structured interviews with 50 banking employees. The quantitative findings reveal that both GenAI usage and LLM integration have significant positive effects on retail banking effectiveness, with LLM integration emerging as the stronger predictor. The model explains a substantial proportion of variance in performance outcomes, particularly in operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and decision accuracy. Complementary qualitative findings indicate that AI technologies enhance banking operations through automation, improved customer service, and data-driven decision-making. However, key challenges such as system integration, implementation costs, and concerns regarding transparency and reliability persist. The study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence from a major financial hub and demonstrating how technological, organisational, and task-related factors jointly influence AI-driven performance. The findings offer practical implications for financial institutions seeking to leverage AI for competitive advantage while addressing ethical and operational challenges.
Mohamad Khairul Duan, Mohd Rusydi Abdul Rahim
Geopolitical conflicts have increasingly influenced global economic stability and international business environments. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly in emerging economies such as Malaysia, are highly vulnerable to these disruptions due to their dependence on global supply chains, limited financial resources, and exposure to international market volatility. This conceptual paper examines the key challenges faced by Malaysian SMEs during periods of geopolitical instability. Drawing on existing literature, the study identifies four major challenges affecting SMEs: supply chain disruptions, rising operational costs, market uncertainty, and financial constraints. The paper discusses how geopolitical tensions and global economic uncertainties can negatively impact SME operational performance and long-term sustainability. The study contributes to the growing literature on SMEs and global economic uncertainty by highlighting geopolitical conflict as a critical external risk factor influencing SME resilience. The findings provide insights for researchers, policymakers, and business stakeholders to better understand the implications of geopolitical instability on SMEs in Malaysia and emphasize the need for further empirical research to explore SME resilience strategies in uncertain global environments.
Kerry Muhati, Prof. Samuel Nyanchoga
The purpose of this paper is to examine the interrelationship between intensifying geopolitical competition and the global pursuit of sustainable development in the twenty-first century. The key objectives are to analyse how geopolitical dynamics shape and constrain sustainable development, to explore the interaction between power, spatial contestation, and resource competition, and to assess their implications for achieving global development goals. The study adopts an interdisciplinary methodology, drawing on critical geopolitics, political ecology, international relations theory, and development studies, supported by comparative case studies and the use of statistical and environmental performance data. The findings demonstrate that geopolitical competition significantly influences development outcomes through three main dimensions: the distribution of power in the international system, the governance and contestation of geographic space, and competition over natural resources such as fossil fuels, critical minerals, and freshwater. Case studies reveal stark inequalities between developed and developing countries, showing how structural power imbalances hinder equitable progress toward sustainable development. The study also finds that traditional geopolitical approaches often undermine cooperative frameworks necessary for sustainability, while alternative perspectives rooted in critical and environmental geopolitics provide pathways for more collaborative and inclusive governance. The paper concludes that sustainable development and geopolitics are fundamentally interconnected and must be analysed within a unified framework. It proposes a reconceptualised “green geopolitics” that integrates power, ecological sustainability, and global cooperation, offering important implications for policy, theory, and the future of global governance.
Boyi Mairiga, Dr. Emmanuel Omomoh, Dr. Rogers Rengje Danlami Gujahar, Dr. Sunday Nannim, Gwamzhi Ponsah Emmanuel, Moses Omitunde Omirinde
Irish potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a globally significant tuber crop, ranking fourth in global food production after rice, wheat, and maize (Ezekiel et al., 2023; Barta et al., 2022). Varieties such as Nicola, Marabel, and Caruso are commonly cultivated in Nigeria as well as in Egypt, Italy, Turkey, Germany, Pakistan, and China (Youssef and Hassan, 2022). The crop was first introduced to the Jos Plateau in Plateau State, central Nigeria, in the early nineteenth century (Taiy et al., 2017; Tadesse et al., 2018). However, its productivity remains constrained by multiple factors, including pest and disease pressure, inadequate supply of quality seed material, poor post-harvest storage infrastructure, a progressive decline in soil fertility associated with intensive cropping practices, limited access to improved varieties, and high labour costs. This study was undertaken to generate spatial data on soil quality variability and its implications for sustainable Irish potato production in Jos South and Riyom Local Government Areas. The study area spans latitudes 9°01′50.2″N to 9°44′6.5″N and longitudes 8°41′27″E to 9°19′56″E, at an elevation of approximately 800 m above sea level. The study area is underlain by crystalline basement rocks comprising migmatite, granite-gneiss, and Pan-African (Older) granites. A total of 240 composite soil samples were collected from Irish potato farms at a sampling depth of 0–30 cm and analysed for key physicochemical properties. Spatial distribution maps were generated using Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) interpolation within ArcGIS 10.8. Results indicate that macro- and micro-nutrients are adequate to support Irish potato cultivation in areas with moderate to high concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and organic matter, combined with slightly to moderately acidic soil pH. The application of geospatial technologies equips farmers with the means to implement site-specific nutrient management strategies, optimize resource allocation, and enhance the productivity and sustainability of Irish potato cultivation across the study area.
Advincula, Jirvin Syrus M, Dela Cruz, Louie Anne L, Elic, Hazel Joy S, Espiritu, John Robert Y, Lipata, Lalaine Charisma E, Nuguid, Mark Andrei S, Ochoa, Josefina C
Since the Philippines has experienced the strongest typhoons, residents in flood-prone areas continue to experience distress related to flooding. Despite this, Filipinos are known to smile through everything. The study explored how Filipino humor is utilized to promote ginhawa among residents amid flooding. The study involved fifteen (15) participants living in the frequently flooded barangay of Frances, Calumpit, Bulacan, through a Focus Group Discussion (FGD). Employing a qualitative phenomenological approach and semi-structured interviews, the research explored their attitudes toward Filipino humor during flooding, their utilization of Filipino humor, their psycho-emotional experiences, and how it contributes to ginhawa. Ethical standards, including informed consent and confidentiality, were strictly upheld throughout the study. The thematic analyses revealed that residents generally have a positive attitude towards Filipino humor, viewing it as socially acceptable in stressful circumstances. Despite this acceptance, it was noted that Filipino humor must be used with caution depending on the person, context, and relationship. Moreover, the study indicated that while Filipino humor alleviates burdens, it does not eliminate the realities caused by flooding's impacts but rather serves as a means of temporary emotional relief. Given these findings, the study suggests exploring other community strategies for enhancing ginhawa amid flooding. The study also emphasizes the need for policymakers to offer concrete institutional support for residents of flood-prone areas to achieve long-term ginhawa.
Fahri Bajgora
This study examines the relationship between governance quality and socioeconomic development in Western Balkan countries using secondary quantitative data. Drawing on internationally recognized datasets, including the World Bank World Development Indicators (WDI) and Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI), as well as Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), the analysis explores how institutional performance correlates with key development outcomes such as GDP per capita and unemployment rates. The study employs a comparative cross-national design covering six Western Balkan countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. Findings indicate a consistent association between stronger governance indicators—particularly rule of law and control of corruption—and higher levels of economic development. Countries with relatively improved institutional performance also demonstrate more favorable labor market outcomes. The results support existing theoretical frameworks emphasizing the centrality of governance in development processes. Policy implications highlight the need for institutional reforms aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, and administrative efficiency.
Aisha Abimbola Adaranijo, Dr. Obasi David Ukoha
Background: Climate change has become a central governance and social development challenge in Nigeria, reshaping ecosystems, livelihoods, and welfare while intensifying food insecurity, displacement, and conflict. Although Nigeria is party to major international climate agreements, the effectiveness of these regimes depends on how they are domesticated and implemented through national laws, institutions, and budgets. Objective: The paper examines how international climate protocols are translated—or fail to be translated—into enforceable obligations within Nigeria's dualist constitutional system, and how this governance chain affects social protection outcomes. It focuses on Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution, the Climate Change Act 2021, the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), and the Directorate of Legislative Budget and Planning (DLBP) of the National Assembly. Methodology: The study adopts a qualitative interpretive design, employing thematic synthesis of secondary sources within an ex post facto causal-comparative analytical framework. Social epidemiological theory is applied as an interpretive lens, treating institutional governance arrangements as upstream determinants of population-level climate vulnerability. Data are drawn from international treaties, constitutional provisions, statutory instruments, official policy documents, budget analyses, and peer-reviewed literature. Results: Findings show that none of Nigeria's three major climate treaties (the UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol, or Paris Agreement) has been formally domesticated under Section 12, leaving a critical constitutional implementation gap. While the Climate Change Act 2021 provides a comprehensive statutory framework, persistent institutional instability (including three DG appointments in the NCCC since 2022) overlapping mandates, weak enforcement capacity, and chronic underfunding of climate-related MDAs undermine mitigation and adaptation efforts. The DLBP, though statutorily established, operates with minimal public visibility and no documented role in climate-responsive budget analysis. Conclusion: Nigeria's climate implementation gap arises less from an absence of legal instruments than from domestication delays, institutional fragility, and weak fiscal governance. These failures heighten social vulnerability and strain social protection systems. The paper recommends fast-tracking formal domestication of climate treaties, stabilising NCCC leadership within statutory terms, operationalising Section 22 of the Climate Change Act 2021 in relation to MDA budget vetting, and developing a formal climate budget analysis role for the DLBP.
Abdullah Al Himel, Faria Zahan Sarna
The global fashion industry is increasingly shifting toward sustainable production and environmentally responsible marketing practices. As one of the world’s largest apparel exporters, Bangladesh’s Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector faces growing pressure from international buyers, regulators, and consumers to adopt green marketing and sustainable manufacturing strategies. This study examines the adoption of green marketing practices within Bangladesh’s RMG sector, focusing on sustainability strategies, implementation challenges, and emerging market opportunities. Using a qualitative industry analysis and case-based approach, the research draws on both primary insights from industry stakeholders and secondary data from academic literature, industry reports, and sustainability publications. The findings indicate that many garment manufacturers are integrating environmentally friendly practices such as the use of organic and recycled materials, energy-efficient production technologies, and sustainable supply chain management. These practices not only help reduce environmental impacts but also enhance brand reputation and competitiveness in global markets. However, the sector continues to face several challenges, including high costs associated with sustainable production, limited access to eco-friendly raw materials, insufficient infrastructure for green technologies, and limited consumer awareness in local markets. Despite these constraints, the growing global demand for sustainable fashion, increasing government support for green initiatives, and technological advancements in eco-friendly production present significant opportunities for the RMG sector. The study highlights that effective green marketing strategies can enable Bangladeshi garment manufacturers to strengthen their position in international markets while contributing to environmental sustainability. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, industry practitioners, and researchers seeking to promote sustainable development and green innovation within the global apparel supply chain.
Diana Šateikienė
Green ports have become an important research topic because contemporary seaports function not only as cargo-handling nodes, but also as sources of air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, noise, intensive energy use, and pressure on surrounding urban areas. Against this background, the objective of this article is to analyse how the concept of the green port is defined in the scientific literature, which development directions are treated as central, and which implementation barriers are most frequently identified. The study applies analysis and synthesis of scientific literature and is based on academic sources dealing with port sustainability, decarbonisation, electrification, environmental protection, digitalisation, and port-city interaction. The review shows that the green port is no longer understood as a narrow set of pollution-control measures. Instead, it is described as an integrated transformation model that combines decarbonisation, shore power supply, terminal electrification, waste and water management, data-driven governance, and stronger coordination with urban and regional stakeholders. The analysed literature also indicates that technological solutions alone do not guarantee progress. Implementation depends on investment capacity, institutional coordination, common data standards, and the ability of port authorities to align environmental goals with operational and territorial planning priorities. The article concludes that the green port should be interpreted as a comprehensive and strategic framework for sustainable maritime logistics transformation.
Bett Samwel Kiptoo, Dr. Joseph Mutai
Sustainability has emerged as a central concern in contemporary strategic management due to escalating climate change, environmental degradation, and resource scarcity. This study provides a rigorous systematic review of green strategic management practices and their contribution to sustainable development. Guided by the PRISMA framework, the study synthesizes peer-reviewed literature across six major domains: green energy, green manufacturing, green procurement, green finance, and green human resources. Grounded in the Resource-Based View (RBV) and Triple Bottom Line (TBL) theory, the review integrates empirical evidence to evaluate how organizations leverage internal capabilities and sustainability-oriented strategies to achieve economic, environmental, and social outcomes. A structured search across major databases yielded 100 articles, of which 18 met the inclusion criteria after screening and quality assessment. Findings indicate that green strategic practices significantly enhance organizational efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and improve long-term competitiveness. However, inconsistencies exist across sectors, and gaps remain in SME adoption, longitudinal evidence, and technological integration. The study contributes to theory by advancing the integration of RBV and TBL in sustainability discourse and offers practical implications for policymakers, firms, and financial institutions.
Adeboye Adebiyi Oladipupo, Ajayi Feyikemi O., Amubode Adetoun Adedotun, Falodun Beatrice Mufuli, Shittu Esther Adebisi
This study assesses the acceptability of integrating the Yoruba handwoven textile, Aso-Oke , into contemporary wedding suits among grooms in Lagos, Nigeria. Through a sequential mixed-methods approach, a prototype suit was first designed and constructed using adapted Aso-Oke fabric. Subsequently, a survey was administered to 110 grooms, sampled from the Ikoyi marriage registry, to evaluate their awareness, perception, and overall acceptance. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired sample t-tests at a 0.05 significance level. The results revealed a strong baseline awareness of Aso-Oke as a traditional fabric, coupled with entrenched perceptions of its heaviness and expense. Despite this, the prototype suit received a very positive perception (mean score=3.31), with respondents strongly agreeing on its uniqueness, quality of construction, and potential for job creation. Overall acceptability was high (mean score=3.06), driven primarily by the suit's aesthetic appeal, distinctiveness, and perceived promotion of cultural heritage. Notably, 58.2% of respondents agreed they would accept it if readily available at reasonable prices. However, significant barriers were identified, including poor market accessibility and doubts about its competitiveness with imported suit fabrics. Hypothesis testing confirmed significant relationships between socio-economic characteristics (p<0.05) and factors influencing clothing choice (p<0.05) on acceptability. The study concludes that while a clear market potential exists among urban, fashion-conscious grooms, realizing it requires a continuous technical adaptation of the fabric to meet contemporary standards of comfort and tailoring, and a concerted consumer re-education campaign to rebrand Aso-Oke from a static heritage artefact to a viable, premium material for modern formalwear.
Aina Athirah Rozman Azram, Najwa Zulkifli, Noor Hanim Rahmat, Nur Liyana Johari, Siti Sarah Roselan.,
Collaborative learning has been a fundamental aspect of education, particularly in higher education, where learners engage in both individual and group tasks. This study aims to explore learners' perceptions of teamwork stages based on Tuckman’s Model, with a specific focus on the influence of the storming stage on group development. The research follows a quantitative survey approach, employing a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire rooted in Tuckman’s (1965) framework. The findings reveal that learners exhibit mixed reactions toward the storming stage. While they acknowledge the importance of discussions in defining goals and structuring teamwork, conflicts and role disagreements emerged as challenges. As an implication, educators and team leaders should foster a positive team culture by clearly defining roles and encouraging constructive conflict resolution strategies. Implementing structured protocols and training on effective communication can enhance teamwork efficiency.
Ifenowo B. O., Ojenike, O. T, Omojaro A. O.
The issue of youth unemployment is a long-term socio-economic problem in Nigeria, prompting youths to focus on the opportunities of digital entrepreneurship. This research examined the role of social media content creation on youth employment in Ogun West Senatorial District, Nigeria. A survey research design was used and data gathered by way of structured questionnaire that were administered to the youths in five local government areas in the district. The Cochran formula was used to determine a sample size of 384 respondent but which only 261 responses were obtained and used in the study. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation and multiple regression analysis. The findings indicated that there were strong positive correlations between the independent variables and the youth employment. The positive impact of digital skills on the employment of youth was significant (β = 0.348, t = 5.610, p < 0.000). Finance was also important in influencing youth employment (β = 0.279, t = 4.754, p < 0.000). Creativity came out as the best predictor of youth employment (β = 0.481, t = 10.217, p < 0.000). The regression model showed a good ability of explaining a high level of variation (R = 0.815; R2 = 0.663; F = 168.869; p < 0.001) of youth employment outcomes when the predictors were combined. The research concluded that empowering digital skills, access to finance and creativity are key elements that can be used to improve youth employment in the emerging digital economy in Nigeria by creating social media content.
Janaki Manokaran
Hedging and stance markers play an important role in academic writing because they allow writers to express evaluation and manage the strength of their claims. However, these linguistic features can be challenging for second language writers who are still developing control over academic discourse conventions. This study examines the use of hedging and stance markers in argumentative essays written by Malaysian ESL undergraduates. The research aims to identify the types and frequencies of stance markers used in student writing and to explore how learners express certainty and evaluation in academic arguments. The study adopts a corpus-based analytical approach guided by Hyland’s stance framework, which categorises stance markers into hedges, boosters, attitude markers, and self-mentions. Thirty argumentative essays written by undergraduate ESL students were collected and analysed. The essays were coded manually to identify the occurrence and distribution of stance markers across the texts. The findings indicate that students rely heavily on a limited range of hedging expressions, particularly modal verbs such as may and can. Boosters and attitude markers appear less frequently, suggesting that learners have a restricted repertoire of stance resources. The results also show that some claims are presented without sufficient hedging, which may affect the level of academic caution expected in scholarly writing. The study contributes to research on second language academic writing by highlighting patterns of stance use among ESL learners. The findings provide insights for writing instruction and suggest that explicit teaching of stance and hedging may support the development of more effective academic arguments.
Doreen Dillah, Haseena Kutty Abdul Aziz, Jebakumari Selvarani Ebenezer, Noor Hanim Rahmat, Nor Azlina Binti Ramli, Wan Syariza Binti Wan Yadri
Resource management in language learning is an important aspect in language acquisition. It helps language learners to plan, monitor, as well as use their time, materials, and strategies effectively to make learning more focused and efficient. With good resource management, learners become more independent and are better able to maintain ongoing language development. The study is carried out to explore the influence of resource management on language learning, particularly on learners’ perceptions of resource management, cognitive components, and metacognitive self-regulation, as well as the relationships among these components. It also seeks to identify whether significant differences exist across learner clusters. To extract the necessary data, a quantitative research approach using a survey method grounded in Self-Determination Theory (Ryan & Deci, 2000) was distributed among a total of 138 respondents from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and AIMST University, Malaysia. The findings show consistent uses of resource management, cognitive strategies, and metacognitive self-regulation across learner clusters, with a positive relationship among these components. This suggests that strengthening learners’ resource management and self-regulatory skills should be emphasised in Malaysian ESL classrooms to support more effective and sustainable language learning.
Ataur Hossain, Md Sajjad Hossain Ansari, Puja Roy, Suraj Bhattacharjee, Wasim Akram Khan
Creative thinking is crucial in higher education, fostering problem-solving, innovation, and adaptability. This study explored how students in West Bengal perceived creative thinking in their learning, drawing from theories and existing research. While global studies emphasized creativity’s importance, students in West Bengal struggled to integrate it due to rigid curricula, exam-driven learning, and institutional barriers. The research analyzed how socio-cultural factors, teaching methods, and policies like the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 influenced students' creative engagement. Findings revealed that although students valued creative thinking, traditional academic structures often restricted its practical application. Institutional support, faculty training, and curriculum flexibility were essential for fostering creativity. The study underscored the importance of interdisciplinary learning, alternative assessments, and digital tools in promoting creative engagement. Bridging the gap between urban and rural institutions was also necessary to ensure equal access to creativity-driven education. By assessing theoretical perspectives and existing challenges, this study provided insights into how higher education in West Bengal could evolve to nurture creativity. Future research should investigate the impact of innovative teaching strategies and policy changes on students' creative development. Integrating creativity into academic structures would better prepare students for dynamic careers and equip them with skills for an ever-changing global landscape.
Dr. Chibesa Felix
This study critically examines human rights gaps in Zambia’s mental health legislation and policy framework, with particular focus on the Mental Health Act No. 6 of 2019. The overall objective of the study was to analyze the extent to which Zambia’s mental health legislation and policies align with international human rights standards and to identify gaps affecting the protection of the rights of persons with mental health conditions. Specifically, the study sought to examine alignment with international frameworks such as the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), identify key human rights provisions, analyze gaps and inconsistencies, assess governance and accountability mechanisms, evaluate the protection of specific rights such as legal capacity and freedom from coercion, and propose evidence-based reforms. A qualitative doctrinal research design was employed, relying on document analysis of legal instruments, policy documents, and international frameworks. The findings reveal that the Mental Health Act No. 6 of 2019 represents a significant shift from a custodial to a rights-based framework, incorporating principles such as dignity, non-discrimination, and access to mental health services. However, substantial gaps remain, including the persistence of substituted decision-making, broad provisions for involuntary admission and treatment, weak accountability mechanisms, and limited prioritization of community-based care. The study concludes that while Zambia has made notable progress in reforming its mental health legislation, the current framework remains only partially aligned with international human rights standards. It recommends comprehensive legal and policy reforms, including strengthening autonomy, reducing coercive practices, enhancing accountability, and promoting community-based mental health care to ensure full protection of human rights.
Karlo C. Balabat, Sittie Aisha T. Manucang
This Study Assesses the Impact of Agricultural Extension Services on Cacao Yield Improvement in Monkayo, Davao de Oro, Philippines, Using a Quantitative Descriptive Research Design. It Examined Extension Interventions Across Four Dimensions: Cacao Production, Environmental Management, Social Dynamics, and Marketing Support. Findings Reveal that Farmers Perceive a Moderate Impact of Extension Services in All Areas. Production Interventions Moderately Improved Yield, Plant Protection, and Post-Harvest Practices, While Environmental, Social, and Marketing Initiatives Moderately Enhanced Soil Fertility, Climate Adaptation, Networking, Group Management, Income Generation, and Market Access. A Strong Positive Correlation (R = 0.747, P < 0.001) Indicates that Consistent, High-Quality Extension Support Significantly Contributes to Productivity Improvement. However, Survey Responses Revealed that Past Training Activities, Field Demonstrations, and Technical Visits Were Not Institutionalized, Resulting in One-Time Interventions that Failed to Build Lasting Capacity. This Discontinuity Weakened Farmer Organizations, Reduced Participation, and Limited Coordination with Government Programs. Many Farmers Abandoned Cacao, Replaced It with Other Crops, or Cut Down Existing Trees Due to the Lack of Updated Practices, Production Support, and Market Information. Previously Distributed Processing Equipment Also Deteriorated, Halting Fermentation, Drying, and Processing Initiatives that Once Provided Income. Based on These Findings, Policy Recommendations Include Enacting a Municipal Ordinance to Institutionalize Continuous Cacao Extension Services, Establishing a Municipal Cacao Farmers’ Federation to Unify Associations, and Developing a Unified Municipal Cacao Development Roadmap. These Measures Aim to Sustain Cacao Production, Address Farmers’ Shared Challenges, Enhance Capacity, Restore Value-Adding Activities, and Build a Resilient, Market-Ready Cacao Sector.
Helen Funmilola OKUNADE, Margaret Olanireti Ayodele
This study investigated the impacts of cash scarcity and hike in fuel price on teachers' productivity in secondary schools in Ado Local Government Area of Ekiti State. The study adopted a descriptive survey method and included all teachers and principals from 10 public secondary schools. A questionnaire was used to elicit information from respondents; a sample of one hundred (100) respondents was used for the study. Ten teachers were randomly selected from ten public secondary schools. The findings revealed that working under cash scarcity was frustrating, as teachers found it difficult to purchase the materials needed for academic duties. Also, a shortage of cash to buy necessary materials reduced the number of hours teachers spend in school and hindered unplanned purchases of educational materials, making teaching less effective. Furthermore, it was revealed that it is difficult for teachers who partially depend on fuel to research subject matter. This discourages teachers from being effective in their task, as they are unable to register or attend educational conferences. This results in teachers being emotionally unstable and unfriendly with everyone around them, including students. Teachers' disposition towards teaching and learning is diminished, and students' individual differences are hardly recognized.
Kishaeen Nambiar, Shazreena Khan Kamaruzaman Khan, Yuvavatania Dass
The rapid transition to online learning in Malaysian universities has influenced how ESL students develop their speaking skills. This study investigates the impact of online learning on the English- speaking proficiency of Malaysian university students. A quantitative approach was employed, with a structured survey administered to 54 students from various faculties at a private university. The survey explored students’ perceptions of how online learning supports communication, participation in discussions and confidence in speaking English. The data were analysed descriptively using frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations to identify overall trends. The results suggest that online learning provides moderate support for improving speaking skills, especially through structured interactive activities and access to digital resources. However, many students reported neutral experiences regarding engagement and comfort during online interactions. Students reported key challenges such as grammatical inaccuracies, difficulty forming complex sentences and maintaining fluency and accuracy. Overall, the findings suggest that although online learning offers useful opportunities, careful instructional design and interactive strategies are essential to fully develop speaking proficiency. These insights contribute to research on digital language learning and offer recommendations for improving online English instruction in higher education.
Ge Heping, Normurodov Shukhrat Akmal Ugli
The global economic and trade pattern has undergone in-depth adjustments in the post-pandemic era. Supply chain restructuring, intensified geopolitical games, and the transition toward green and low-carbon development have become the core variables affecting overseas port investment. Based on the current development status of China’s overseas port investment, this paper systematically analyzes the investment opportunities and risk challenges brought by the post-pandemic era. Combining typical cases and quantitative analysis models, it puts forward countermeasures and suggestions for optimizing investment layout, strengthening risk management and control, promoting technology empowerment, and deepening multilateral cooperation, providing theoretical references and practical paths for the high-quality development of China’s overseas port investment.
Siphehliwe Hove, Wellington Samkange
The adoption of United Nations sustainable goal number four represents a global concern for quality and inclusive education. The goal aims at ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all (UN, 2015). To meet the targets of sustainable development goal number four, schools must be inclusive, healthy, physically safe, emotionally, and psychologically enabling. A school must control and minimise threats to child friendly environments. Threats include food and water insecurity, undernutrition, gender discrimination, and chronic poverty. It is against this background that developing countries have initiated school feeding programmes. The government of Zimbabwe, supported by UNICEF and the WFP developed the school nutrition guidelines to improve nutrition in schools. Apart from implementing the school nutrition programme as a tool to fight hunger and starvation, the programme aimed at boosting school attendance and educational outcomes. The paper aims at assessing the implementation and monitoring of Zimbabwe’s school feeding programme in Mberengwa District of Zimbabwe. It uses the qualitative methodology, interpretivist paradigm, and a case study design. Data is generated through interviews and focus group discussions. Parents, school heads, teachers-in-charge, and schools inspectors were purposively selected from seven primary schools, and Mberengwa district education office. The paper focuses on implementation and monitoring strategies and the role of different stakeholders in the school feeding programme. It further explores the challenges encountered in the implementation and monitoring of the school feeding programme. The paper makes recommendations on the establishment of robust policy mechanisms and increased government commitment to enhancing implementation and monitoring of the school feeding programme in the district. The challenges on the implementation and monitoring of the school feeding programme have wide implications on the development of learners as they come from diverse backgrounds. The provision of food and nutrition, security, safety, and a child friendly environment goes beyond the call of duty. It is a human rights issue.
Ryan Abdullah Uda, RN, AL-HADJ
The study assessed the implementation of Nursing Service Operations at Maguindanao Provincial Hospital, focusing on Emergency Room (ER) and in-patient services. It also examined staff processes—triaging, profiling, admission, treatment, and discharging—and patient outcomes in terms of admission to wards and discharge from care. Using a descriptive-evaluative method, data were collected through researcher-made questionnaires from 255 respondents, including 107 hospital staff and 148 discharged patients (based on medical charts). Data were analyzed using the weighted mean. Results showed that ER (3.84) and in-patient services (3.70) were both moderately implemented. Among the processes, triaging (4.76) and profiling (4.74) were highly implemented, while admission (4.23) was moderately implemented. Treatment (4.50) and discharging (4.61) were again highly implemented. In terms of outcomes, admission to the ward (3.56) was highly executed, whereas discharge from care (3.44) was moderately executed. Overall, despite challenges such as understaffing, limited specialized training, and organizational constraints, the hospital staff maintained a relatively high standard of nursing care in line with operational guidelines. The findings suggest that addressing both strengths and weaknesses can support the sustainability and improvement of the hospital’s Quality Management System (QMS), particularly within the Nursing Service unit.
Eworo J. E, Eze M. O, Nwowu O. I, Odion I. D, Okemiri H., Uche-Nwachi E. O
A web-based admission system is an online platform designed to streamline and automate the process of student admissions for educational institutions. It allows prospective students to apply online, submit required documents, and track their application status. The system typically includes modules for application management, document verification, fee payment, interview scheduling, and communication. It provides a user-friendly interface for applicants, reduces administrative workload, minimizes errors, and improves efficiency by integrating with databases and automating repetitive tasks. Additionally, the system offers data analytics features to help institutions make informed decisions based on application trends and statistics.
Roy Mamerto A. Diampon, Yasser D. Palantig
This study examined the effect of modified games on the physical activity participation of Grade 5 MAPEH pupils at Mindanao State University–Integrated Laboratory School (MSU-ILS). A classroom-based action research design guided by the Plan–Act–Observe–Reflect (PAOR) framework was employed to address observed low levels of active engagement and confidence in Physical Education (PE). Two hundred Grade 5 pupils participated in a two-week intervention consisting of daily 45-minute PE sessions integrating modified games designed to promote inclusive, developmentally appropriate, and learner-centered physical activities. Data were collected using a researcher-developed Likert-scale questionnaire administered as both pre-test and post-test, measuring three dimensions: Active Engagement in Physical Activities, Confidence in Physical Activity Participation, and Enjoyment and Motivation in Physical Education. Descriptive statistics, including mean and standard deviation, were computed using IBM SPSS Statistics 21 to analyze changes in pupils’ responses. Results revealed observable improvements across all three dimensions following the intervention. Several indicators shifted from High to Very High levels, particularly in persistence, willingness to try new activities, pride in task completion, and enthusiasm toward PE. Qualitative reflections further indicated increased enjoyment, reduced hesitation, and stronger peer collaboration during physical activities. The findings suggest that modified games effectively enhance pupils’ behavioral, cognitive, and affective participation in PE. Overall, the study affirms the value of integrating modified games as a practical and effective strategy for promoting active, confident, and motivated learners in elementary physical education.
Nuryanti Rahayu, Putu Sudira
Vocational education plays a strategic role in preparing students not only for employment but also for entrepreneurship, particularly in remote regions like Merauke where access to business resources is limited. However, many vocational students struggle with essential entrepreneurial skills such as SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Project-Based Digital Learning (PBDL) in improving students’ SWOT analysis skills. A quasi-experimental approach with a non-equivalent control group design was employed, involving 98 vocational students and 4 teachers from four accredited vocational schools in Merauke. Data were collected through pretests, posttests, and observation sheets focused on the implementation of PBDL elements. The data were analyzed using paired and independent sample t-tests. The findings showed significant improvements in all four SWOT dimensions in the experimental group compared to the control group. The discussion revealed that PBDL supports critical thinking, collaboration, and digital competence, especially when implemented in a structured, contextual, and reflective learning environment. Despite its limitations in scope and duration, this study recommends broader adoption of PBDL in vocational entrepreneurship education. Practically, teachers should be trained to deliver digital project-based instruction, while theoretically, this study contributes to the development of blended learning models that integrate strategic thinking into vocational curricula.
Dr. Sadhana Tandle, Dr. Subhash Sonune, Dr. Sukanya Biswas
Inclusive education has emerged as a key reform within contemporary educational systems, aiming to ensure equitable learning opportunities for children with disabilities (CWDs). Teachers’ understanding, beliefs, and professional preparedness are critical determinants of successful inclusive practices. The present study examined and compared the understanding of inclusive education among general teachers and resource teachers working in mainstream schools under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) in Maharashtra, India. A quantitative descriptive survey design grounded in the positivist paradigm was employed. Data were collected from a stratified random sample of 200 teachers (100 general teachers and 100 resource teachers) using a researcher-developed instrument, PINNACLE, comprising six validated and reliable subscales. Descriptive statistics and inferential analysis using the z test were applied. Results indicated no statistically significant difference between general and resource teachers in their overall understanding of inclusive education, including conceptual and component-based aspects. Both groups demonstrated moderate to high levels of understanding. The findings highlight the positive influence of policy initiatives, professional training, and experiential learning on teachers’ understanding of inclusive education and underscore the need for sustained professional development to strengthen inclusive practices.
Ottiliah Jim, Wellington Samkange
Education inclusiveness is a global imperative, which aims to ensure that all learners, irrespective of their diverse needs, abilities, or backgrounds, are taken care of within the mainstream education system. The global concern for inclusive education is expressed in the goal and targets of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development goal number four, which states that governments must ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all (UN, 2015). The targets aim at addressing issues of gender, access, quality, skills development, affordability, facilities, and the supply of qualified personnel. In Zimbabwe, the inclusive education policy was formalized through various legal instruments, including the Education Act, 2016. Despite the existence of policy frameworks, the implementation of inclusive education in rural schools faces systemic challenges. The paper uses mixed methods research. A total of one hundred participants responded to questionnaires and interviews. The participants were from ten purposively selected primary schools in Goromonzi district. School heads from the selected primary schools automatically became respondents, and teachers and parents were selected through random sampling. The paper analyzes the gap between the national policy of inclusive education and implementation practices in Goromonzi District of Zimbabwe. Drawing from Disability Studies in Education and the Socio-Ecological Model, the paper argues that true inclusivity remains a pipedream due to inadequate teacher training, a lack of specialized resources, structural barriers in infrastructure, and insufficient allocation of the national education budget toward specific learning needs. Lack of access and the requirement for parents to pay fees and levies still function as hinderances to education inclusivity. The paper proposes a multilevel intervention framework which focuses on capacity building for resource teachers, community sensitization, and equitable distribution of assistive technologies. Recommendations are centered on policy enforcement and resource mobilization to transform inclusive education from a mere policy declaration to an actionable and sustainable reality.
A.C. I. Kinkini, W.N.U. Fernando
Concerns regarding declining moral behaviours among early secondary school students in Sri Lanka have intensified the need for empirically grounded value education practices. Despite the recognised importance of character education, research on faith-based pedagogical interventions in the Sri Lankan context remains limited. This study employed a mixed-methods action research design to investigate the effectiveness of a Christian education–based intervention in promoting honesty, respect, and sharing among Grade 6 students. The intervention was implemented with one intact class of 40 students in a Christian school, while 40 Grade 6 students from five schools served as a comparison group. Quantitative data were collected using pre- and post-intervention Likert-scale questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics, paired-sample t-tests, and correlation analysis. Qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with 10 teachers and 10 parents, classroom observations, and reflective notes were analysed thematically. Results indicated statistically significant improvements in students’ mean scores for respect, honesty, and sharing following the intervention, with strengthened post-intervention correlations among the three values (e.g., respect and honesty, r = .765, p < .01). Qualitative findings highlighted the pedagogical value of storytelling, reflection, prayer, and home–school collaboration in reinforcing moral development. The study concludes that culturally contextualised Christian education interventions can positively influence the internalisation of values and the expression of behaviour among early secondary students.
Dr. Meenakshi Wagh
The burgeoning adversity of student suicides in the Indian Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) exemplifies the inadequacy of both, the organizational governance and the individual resilience and fortitude. Undoubtedly, the dual legislation – the Mental Healthcare Act (MHCA), 2017 and the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita (BNS), 2023, provide a legitimate “Defence” in the form of Decriminalization of Suicide, thereby assigning an “Obligation of Protection” on the judiciary and the Tertiary Educational Institutions (TEIs). However, this framework is reactive in its approach. Thus, this study scrutinizes the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 from the angle of incorporating the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) as a pre-emptive “Internal Governance” mechanism. It attempts to draw a symbiotic relationship between the legislative proviso of the MHCA, 2017 and the BNS, 2023 on one hand, with the cognitive-behavioral principles of the Bhagavad Gita on the other, with an objective to recommend a didactic model for Life Skills Development. It contends that the lessons like the Nishkama Karma Yog (self-less action) and Samatvam (equanimity), advocated by the Bhagvad Gita are crucial professional capabilities that the HEIs need to inculcate in the students to accomplish its stewardship accountability of sustaining the latter’s emotional well-being.
David Masinde, David Sang, Elizabeth Herman
Introduction: Globally, Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the leading cause of ano-genital cancers with cervical cancer as the top cause of cancer deaths in women. Over 90% of these deaths occur in low-income countries where cancer control strategies remain inadequate. The HPV vaccine was introduced in 2019 as a primary prevention strategy targeting girls aged 9 to 14 years. However, vaccine uptake remains suboptimal undermining its population-level impact especially amongst uderserved populations like pastoralists. Uptake of the HPV vaccine has been sub-optimal with only 33% of the targeted population receiving the first dose in 2020 and 16% returning for the 2nd dose. HPV vaccine uptake among pastoralist populations is generally low compared with national averages because pastoralists are mobile, live in remote places often underserved by health systems. While the disruption of vaccination programs by the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the low coverage, other determinants such as low demand associated with individual level factors fueled by misinformation have also play a role. Objectives: This study assessed the HPV vaccine coverage among adolescents aged (9-14) years in pastoralist communities in Kajiado North, Kajiado County, Kenya. Methodology: This was an analytical cross-sectional study anchored on Andersen Behavioral Model of Health Services Use. Adolescent girls (n=422) aged 9-14 years selected through simple random sampling method constituted the study population. Purposive sampling was used to select Ministry of Health representative. Structured questionnaires were used collect quantitative data while In-depth interviews and Key Informant Interviews collected the qualitative data. SPSS version 28 was used for data analysis. HPV vaccine coverage was summarized in frequencies and proportions. Influence of individual level factors associated with HPV vaccine uptake was determined using chi square and binary logistic regression Results: Some 41% of the participants had received two doses of HPV vaccine while 70% had receive at least one dose. Age and education had statistically significant associations with uptake of the HPV vaccine. Parent’s/ caretaker’s education and HPV vaccine had statistically significant relationships with uptake of HPV vaccine differed. Conclusion: This is one among the few studies that focused on the individual level factors associated with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine coverage among adolescent girls in pastoralist communities in Kenya and specifically Kajiado North Sub- County, Kajiado County. Uptake of the HPV vaccine was sub-optimal with only 41% of the targeted population receiving the recommended two doses. Therefore, Ministry of Health and the County Government of Kajiado County and with should develop appropriately tailored messages for communities for upscaling of HPV vaccine uptake.
Marjanah B. Antok
This study explored the relationship between Industrial Activities, the Quality of Inaul weaving, and the Sustainability of the Inaul industry in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) using an explanatory sequential design. Sustainability, measured as the dependent variable, was examined across three dimensions: socio-cultural, economic, and environmental. The independent variables comprised Industrial Activities, covering raw materials, production, and marketing, and the Quality of Inaul weaving, assessed through stakeholder collaboration, respect for cultural traditions and natural resources, commitment to continuous process improvement, reputation, adherence to standards and procedures, and support for education and skills development. Quantitative data were first collected from weavers, retailers, and designers to determine the level of industrial activities, the perceived quality of inaul weaving and the extent of sustainability of the inaul industry. These findings were then supported and clarified through interviews that explored the lived experiences of participants. Results revealed that the Inaul weaving industry continues to operate through strong cultural persistence and community participation despite challenges on financial resources, traditional handlooms, marketing, and intermediaries. The weavers remain resilient, acknowledging these obstacles as key factors for sustainability. The quality of Inaul is sustained through skilled craftsmanship, adherence to cultural motifs, and the collective support of stakeholders. Sustainability is further reinforced by its socio-cultural significance as a source of livelihood, women empowerment, and cultural identity preservation. The qualitative results confirmed that collaboration, training, and institutional support are essential to ensure continuity of the craft. The study concludes that strengthening financial assistance, initiating formal organization or association, providing capacity-building programs, and modern marketing strategies can enhance industry activities, quality and long-term sustainability of Inaul industry in BARMM.
Agah, P. M, Maigana, B. M
This study investigated the effect of bilingual (Margi-English) instruction on mathematics achievement, retention, and gender performance among Margi-speaking Junior Secondary School students in North-East Nigeria. A quasi-experimental design involving non-equivalent control groups with pretest and posttest measures was adopted. The sample comprised 231 JS II students selected through simple random sampling from Margi-speaking public Junior Secondary Schools in Adamawa and Borno States. The Mathematics Achievement Test (MAT), validated by experts, was used for data collection. The experimental group received bilingual instruction (Margi-English), while the control group was taught using English only. Data obtained from the pretest, posttest, and retention tests were analyzed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA).Findings revealed that students taught through bilingual instruction achieved significantly higher mathematics scores than those taught in English alone. The use of the mother tongue (Margi) improved students’ retention of mathematical concepts, indicating deeper comprehension and long-term recall. Both male and female students benefited from bilingual teaching, with females performing slightly better, showing that the approach promotes inclusivity and equitable learning outcomes.The study concluded that integrating mother-tongue instruction alongside English enhances comprehension, retention, and overall performance in mathematics. It was recommended that bilingual pedagogy be incorporated into Nigeria’s secondary school curriculum, with adequate teacher training and the development of bilingual instructional materials to support effective classroom implementation.
Dafton Boma Mwalala, Daniel Mange, Felicita Njuguna
Teachers play a central role in effective syllabus coverage and enhancing high academic achievements among students. Studies done on influence of career development on teacher turnover intentions mostly feature in developed countries and a few in African contexts with inconsistent findings and no similar study identified in the study locale. The study investigated the influence of career development on teacher turnover intentions in public secondary schools in Taita-Taveta County, Kenya to extend knowledge and literature in the Kenyan context. The research objective was: to examine how career development influences teacher turnover intentions in public secondary schools in Taita-Taveta County, Kenya. The study was guided by Social Exchange Theory. The researcher adopted explanatory research design combined with in-depth interview. The researcher targeted 89 principals and 1,291 teachers a total of 1,380 participants. The researcher employed stratified and simple random techniques to select cases for the study. The researcher used proportional allocation technique to determine sample size. The sample study comprised 40 principals and 247 teachers. The researcher administered questionnaires and in-depth interviews to teachers and principals respectively. Validity of research instruments was based on content validity through expert judgement. Reliability of research instruments was ensured by deriving and adapting items developed by other researchers. Furthermore, Cronbach’s Coefficient Alpha formula was adopted to determine reliability of questionnaire items on the basis of Cronbach’s Alpha Coefficient formula and an Alpha Coefficient Value of 0.72 was obtained. The researcher used descriptive statistics to analyse questionnaire items on Likert scale. The researcher employed Chi-square, Pearson product moment correlation, Multiple linear regression and Analysis of Variance to test the research hypothesis at 95% confidence interval. Thematic analysis technique was used to analyse qualitative data and presentation of finding in thematic narratives. The study revealed career development has statistically significant influence on teacher turnover intentions; avenues to advance career (β = 0.009, p = 0.921 > 0.05), career growth programmes (β = - 0.020, p = 0.832 > 0.05), scheme of service (β = - 0.032, p = 0.770 > 0.05), career growth policies (β = 0.030, p = 0.693 > 0.05) commitment to TSC (β = - 0.145, p = 0.594 > 0.05) and funds for career advancement (β = 0.151, p = 0.158 > 0.05). The study concluded that career development and in particular avenues to advance career has the most significant influence on teacher turnover intentions in public secondary schools in Taita-Taveta County, Kenya.
Dafton Boma Mwalala, Daniel Mange, Felicita Njuguna
Studies done on influence of compensation on teacher turnover intentions mostly feature in developed countries and a few in African contexts with inconsistent findings with no similar study identified in the study locale. The study unveiled influence of compensation on teacher turnover intentions in public secondary schools in Taita-Taveta County, Kenya to extend knowledge and literature in Kenyan context. The research objective was: to examine how compensation influences teacher turnover intentions in public secondary schools in Taita-Taveta County, Kenya. The study was conceptualized in view of lens of Social Exchange Theory. The researcher adopted explanatory research design in combination with in-depth interview. The target population was 1,380 participants; 89 principals and 1,291teachers. Stratified and simple random methods were employed to select cases for the study. Determination of sample size was on basis of proportional allocation technique. Sample size was; 40 principals and 247 teachers. The research instruments were semi-structured questionnaire and in-depth interview for teachers and principals respectively. Validity of research instruments was on basis of content validity through expert judgement. Reliability of research instruments was on basis of deriving, adapting items developed by other researchers as well as through internal consistency technique and an Alpha Coefficient Value of 0.93 was obtained. Descriptive statistics was employed to analyse questionnaire items based on Likert scale. The researcher employed Chi-square, Pearson product moment correlation, Multiple linear regression and Analysis of Variance for hypothesis testing at 95% confidence interval. Content analysis technique was employed to analyse open-ended question and thematic analysis technique in-depth interview. The study found compensation has statistically significant influence on teacher turnover intentions; pay structure review (β = 0.026, p = 0.758 > 0.05), information on remuneration (β = - 0.058, p = 0.427 > 0.05), policies on remuneration (β = 0.079, p = 0.394 > 0.05), salary and allowances (β = 0.096, p = 0.255 > 0.05) self-worth and self-esteem (β = - 0.146, p = 0.094 > 0.05) and proportional remuneration (β = 0.154, p = 0.062 > 0.05). The study concluded that, compensation more so, pay structure of teachers is revised continuously in tandem with remuneration practices in private sector has the most significant influence on teacher turnover intentions in public secondary schools in Taita-Taveta County, Kenya.
Nedwena G. Achacoso
This study examined the relationship between family structure and the values and behavior of Junior High School learners at Impasugong National High School, Bukidnon, during the School Year 2025–2026. Emphasizing the local rural context and less-explored variables such as sibling composition, the study analyzed four family-related factors: family type, parental marital status, parental involvement, and sibling composition. A descriptive–correlational research design was employed, involving 317 randomly selected learners. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire and learners’ Values Education grades and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis.
Christhoffer P. Lelis, Ronilo S. Dela Peña
This study examined the influence of personality traits and coping strategies on mental health status among Generation Z students in a Philippine higher education context. Anchored in the Transactional Theory of Stress and Coping and aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all. It explored how the Big Five personality traits and coping strategies predict mental health outcomes. A quantitative correlational–predictive design was employed using validated instruments and simple random sampling. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and multiple regression. Results indicated that personality traits were at moderate levels, coping strategies were generally high, and mental health outcomes reflected low levels of stress and depression, with moderate anxiety. Conscientiousness showed a significant negative relationship with mental health, whereas neuroticism and coping strategies showed significant positive relationships. Regression analysis revealed that coping strategies were the strongest predictor of mental health, followed by neuroticism and conscientiousness, explaining 44.2% of the variance. The findings highlight the critical role of coping strategies in shaping mental health outcomes and underscore the importance of developing coping-based interventions and mental health programs to promote psychological well-being among Generation Z students.
Christianah Tinuola Oladosu Phd, Emmanuel Oludele Oladokun, Kehinde Gabriel Ogunkanmi, Olusina Sunday Oyelere
This study investigated the influence of principals’ and teachers’ collaborative strategies on students’ academic achievement in public and private secondary schools. The primary goal was to examine the effects of specific cooperative strategies between educators and school administrators on student learning outcomes. For the study, a descriptive survey research approach was chosen. The population consisted of teachers and administrators from both public and private secondary schools in the Local Government Area. There were 100 responders in the sample. Methods of multi-stage sampling were used. The “School Culture Questionnaire” (SCQ), a modified structured questionnaire from Gruenert & Valentine (2006), was used to gather data. Experts in the area validated the instrument, and its good internal consistency was evidenced by its reliability coefficient of 0.82, which was calculated using Cronbach’s Alpha. Research issues were addressed using percentages, frequency counts, and mean scores; the null hypotheses were tested at the 0.05 level of significance using the t-test. The results of the study demonstrated that collaborative strategies between principals and teachers have a significant impact on students’ academic achievement, demonstrating that schools with strong collaborative practices, consistent leadership, opportunities for professional growth, and shared academic goals typically record higher student academic achievements. In order to maximise student academic success, school administrators were advised to deliberately create and institutionalise collaborative frameworks, encourage continuous teacher-principal communication, and develop a cooperative professional climate.
Dr. Ann Muiru, Dr. Catherine W. Gathitu
Scholars have found out that the precursor of entrepreneurial behavior among potential entrepreneurs is entrepreneurial intention hence the attention of this study. The government of Kenya has for a long time struggled with the bulging number of unemployed graduates and the solution to this can be explored in entrepreneurship development intentions and realization among the youth majority of whom are undergraduates. Many studies on entrepreneurial intention among undergraduates have focused mainly on developed countries and less on developing nations like Kenya. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to bridge the gap by investigating influence of self-efficacy on entrepreneurial intentions among undergraduate students in Kenya.The study was anchored on Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behavior that views behavioral intent as an immediate determinant of planned behavior. The study adopted a quantitative, cross-sectional survey design. This design was appropriate for capturing data at a single point in time from a large population. The study had a population of 40,000 students from the selected university students out of which, 1% (400) was picked as the study sample size thorugh a multistage sampling technique. Of these 336 students responded to the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and Inferential statistics were used in the analaysis. The students generally reported high levels of self-efficacy and strong intentions to engage in entrepreneurship as a career pathway. The study found that self-efficacy positively impact entrepreneurial intentions. The study recommends that programs aimed at building students’ entrepreneurial self-efficacy should be prioritized. Students should also be encouraged to undertake small-scale business projects during their studies.
Dr. Sarah W. Mwangi, Harrison N. Kimani
Teenage pregnancy remains a major global public health concern with significant health, educational, and socio-economic consequences for adolescent girls. Complications related to pregnancy and childbirth remain among the leading causes of death among girls aged 15–19 years (World Health Organization, 2023; Neal, Channon, & Chintsanya, 2018). This study examined the influence of socio-cultural practices on teenage pregnancy among school-going adolescents in public primary schools in Magarini Sub-County, Kilifi County, Kenya. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed. Multistage sampling was used to select respondents comprising 96 teachers, 12 head teachers, 32 teenage mothers, and 32 parents of teenage mothers. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and interview schedules. The validity and reliability of the instruments were established through piloting and Cronbach’s alpha reliability testing. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics including Spearman’s rank correlation, t-tests, and multiple regression analysis using SPSS. Qualitative data from interviews were analyzed thematically to complement the quantitative findings. The results revealed a statistically significant positive relationship between socio-cultural practices and teenage pregnancy (r = 0.617, p < 0.05). Cultural norms, peer influence, poverty, and community ceremonies were identified as key contributors to teenage pregnancy. The study recommends strengthening community awareness programs, enforcing child protection policies and improving the implementation of the school re-entry policy for adolescent mothers.
Addriene O. Mina, April P. Facun, Bent Jaryl Panaligan, Divine Grace P. Carnicer, Gilla S. Versano, Hanny Grace T. Pelandas, Jade E. Punay, James Arthur Retiza, Jenieza L. Laab, Keanne L. Gorit, Kian Kisspher M. Good, Kian O. Ayento, Mika Jean E. Tabuno, Modesto luige P. Mendez, Noli P. Julosan, Tristan Bataque
This study examined the effect of ICT skills and study habits on students’ everyday digital literacy. It used a quantitative correlational research design with 136 high school students from Lorenzo S. Sarmiento Sr. National High School as respondents. The study used the weighted mean, Pearson r, and multiple regression analysis as statistical tools. The results showed that students had very high levels of ICT skills, especially in using digital tools, managing information, and performing basic technical tasks. Study habits were also rated very high, particularly in time management, learning strategies, and discipline in studying. Overall, students’ everyday digital literacy was found to be very high in terms of accessing information, communicating digitally, and using technology responsibly. The findings showed that ICT skills and study habits have a significant relationship with everyday digital literacy. This highlights the importance of improving both technology skills and good study habits to help students become more digitally capable in their daily academic activities.
Godivah Irish A. Reyes
Globally, teacher motivation remains a challenge. This study determined the significance of instructional competence, autonomy, and relatedness as predictors of teacher motivation. Utilizing a descriptive-correlational predictive approach, involving the entire population of 159 private elementary teachers using a total enumeration sampling technique yielded results that the predictive model for teaching motivation (MT = -0.242 + 0.073x1 + 0.316x2 + 0.663x3) is significant supporting the Self Determination Theory. Further research is recommended to examine additional variables that may explain the remaining 33.8% of variance in teaching motivation not accounted for by this study’s predictors. Qualitative research may also be conducted to identify themes that could inform and support future investigations.
Faith V. Casas, James L. Paglinawan, Raul C. Orongan
This study examined the relationship between instructional leadership and organizational behavior to the teaching competence of the Private Basic Education School Teachers in Valencia City, Bukidnon. Specifically it aimed to: describe the level of instructional leadership of teachers in terms of developing and communicating shared goals, monitoring and providing feedback, and promoting professional development; determine the organizational behavior of teachers in the following aspects, products and services, vision and leadership, work environment, and social responsibility; assess the level of teaching competence exhibited by teachers in the following areas of, social regard for learning, learning environment, diversity of learners, and curriculum; ascertain the relationship between instructional leadership and organizational behavior on teaching competence of private school teachers; and identify the variables that best predicts teaching competence.
Paulo Tunac Edd, Phd, Roger Jr. Agandao
This study explored the lived experiences of Senior High School student-fisherfolk at the Ilocos Norte Regional School of Fisheries (INRSF) during the goby (ipon) fry season in La Paz, Laoag City, as basis for developing responsive school support mechanisms. Utilizing a descriptive phenomenological research design, the study examined how students balance academic responsibilities and seasonal fishing activities, and how these experiences influence their attendance, academic engagement, and personal growth. Twelve (12) purposively selected Grade 11 and Grade 12 students with at least three years of goby fry fishing experience participated in the study. Data were gathered through in-depth, semi-structured face-to-face interviews guided by an aide-mémoire and were analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step phenomenological method to identify significant statements and emergent themes. Findings reveal that participation in the ipon season results in occasional absenteeism and academic challenges, yet cultivates responsibility, resilience, time management, and strong motivation to complete schooling. Teacher and family support emerged as critical factors in sustaining academic continuity. The study concludes that the dual role of student and fisherfolk reflects both constraint and growth, highlighting the need for structured catch-up mechanisms and flexible academic support for coastal learners.
Adedoyin Oluwatoyin Omidiji, Happy Pere-ela Omodu
Microplastics (MPs) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) pose more and more risks to freshwater ecosystems and overall human health, especially in Nigeria where communities depend heavily on surface waters, and the available data on these contaminants remain limited. This study reviews existing evidence on the occurrence, eco-toxicological implications, the dangers to health associated with MPs and PFAS in Nigerian freshwater systems. A qualitative narrative review was conducted using peer-reviewed studies, reports, and regional investigations focusing on freshwater organisms, sediments, and water matrices. Emphasis was placed on bioindicator studies, analytical techniques, and exposure pathways. Findings indicate widespread microplastic contamination in Nigerian rivers, with fibers and films of polyethylene, polypropylene, and nylon detected in freshwater invertebrates and water samples at eco-toxicologically significant levels. Transfers to fishes from the affected organisms are made possible because of their position on the cycle of feeding for aquatic organisms. PFAs data are comparatively scarce but confirm detectable concentrations in water, sediments, and wastewater sludge, underscoring their persistence and bioaccumulative potential. Evidence suggests potential sub-lethal ecological effects and plausible human exposure through drinking water and fish consumption. MPs and PFAS represent a growing environmental and public health concern in Nigeria. Despite limited local data, existing evidence supports the need for precautionary management, expanded monitoring, and integrated eco-toxicological and health-focused research to mitigate future risks
Addy Putra, Khadija Zia, Maimuna Akram, Shahruddin bin Saleh
Design Thinking is widely adopted in design education to foster creativity and innovation; however, its pedagogical implementation often lacks instructional clarity and consistent approaches to learning design and assessment. Design Thinking is frequently presented as a sequence of stages, which can obscure the underlying learning demands and provide limited guidance for educators. At the same time, instructional design models offer structure but are rarely aligned with the iterative and exploratory nature of design learning. This article proposes an integrated pedagogical framework that aligns Design Thinking with the ‘Read, Reflect, Display, Do’ (R2D2) instructional design model. Using a conceptual framework development approach, Design Thinking phases are analysed in terms of their dominant cognitive and social learning demands, while R2D2 is interpreted as flexible instructional engagement modes rather than a linear sequence. The framework specifies phase-to-mode alignments, associated learning activities, observable learning artefacts, and indicative educator and learner roles. By making reflection, representation, and action explicit, the framework supports more coherent pedagogy, inclusive participation, and transparent assessment of creativity and innovation in conceptual design education.
Ahmad Zaidi Abdullah, Mohamad Fani Sulaima, Mohd Hafiz Jali, Muzamir Isa, Nur Azura Noor Azhuan, Ping Jack Soh, Siti Nor Atirah Samuji, Zul Hasrizal Bohari
This review explores the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven Variable Air Volume (VAV) systems and Building Management Systems (BMS) to enhance thermal comfort and energy efficiency in commercial buildings. With HVAC systems accounting for up to 70 percent of energy use in Malaysian commercial sectors, improving their performance is both an economic and environmental imperative. The paper evaluates how intelligent BMS architectures comprising field devices, automation controls, and centralized management layers enable real-time data driven optimization of indoor climate. Special emphasis is placed on the role of VAV systems in enabling zone-specific climate regulation and reducing energy waste. National initiatives such as MS 1525:2019, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act 2024, and the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) are examined to contextualize Malaysia’s policy framework for sustainable building practices. Despite technical and financial barriers such as outdated infrastructure, high retrofitting costs, and control complexity, the convergence of IoT technologies and AI based predictive control shows strong potential to overcome these limitations. This review highlights critical pathways for future research and industry adoption toward more resilient, efficient, and occupant centric building environments.
Aaron Gabriel H. Ersando, Adrian Jude Y. Fabros, Alberto C. Cruz, Jr, Josh Lendl M. Cagara, Kiel Sebastian A. Dela Cruz
Agriculture plays an important role in the Philippines, but Filipino farmers' reliance on traditional practices due to limited access to scientific technology, services, and guidance leaves them vulnerable to poor crop choices, income loss, climate risks, and low yields. This research study proposes developing a reliable, accessible, and climate-resilient crop recommendation approach for farmers. The objective of the study is to identify trends, technological methods, and research gaps. A systematic review with meta-analysis and secondary data analysis of carefully selected published studies is used as the population sampling, rather than actual human beings. To classify crop recommendation systems and identify trends, limitations, and research gaps, data were extracted using a standardized extraction form, categorized, and analyzed using descriptive statistics, mode identification, cross-tabulation, and qualitative thematic analysis. Out of the twenty (20) published studies selected, soil and weather with soil nutrients, pH, moisture, and important field factors constantly influencing the right choices are identified as the crucial input parameters in this study. Common AI-based systems primarily use machine learning and deep learning, deployed via cloud-based architectures, and are organized into a taxonomy based on method, data inputs, and deployment. Reliance on internet connectivity, high hardware costs, and difficult explainability are the challenges found in this study. Furthermore, unexplored areas are conducive to system deployment and also include inadequate farmer-centered design, limited generalizability, limited field validation, and insufficient local datasets. Moreover, researchers recommended using low-cost modular sensors, hybrid cloud–edge or TinyML deployment, and locally representative datasets with field validation.
Lady Rose R. Daquiado
Game based learning has been applied to the social sciences as means to heighten motivation and attainment. Employing a quantitative quasi-experimental research design, this study sought to investigate the effectiveness of Interactive Game-based Learning Environment (IGLE), a gamified technique using online application Wordwall, to enhance the performance of Grade 7 learners in Araling Panlipunan. The pedagogical design was based on classical conditioning of Ivan Pavlov and constructivist foundations of Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky. Specifically, this research determined the effectiveness of IGLE on Grade 7 learners' performance, active learning, and student engagement in the secondary school of Koronadal City Division in School Year 2024 to 2025. The study composed of heterogeneous students for the control and experimental groups. Data consisted of pretest and posttest measures of academic performance. Descriptive statistics and independent samples t tests were used to examine within and between group differences. Validated scales assessed students’ active learning and engagement. Pretest scores for both groups were similarly low. After the intervention, the experimental group using the Interactive Game-based Learning Environment (IGLE) achieved significantly higher posttest scores (M = 29.74, SD = 7.12) than the control group (M = 24.39, SD = 6.86), t(?) = 3.84, p = 0.0002, a difference of 5.35 points favoring the experimental group. Learners in the experimental group also reported very high active learning (M = 4.38, SD = 0.12) and very high student engagement (M = 3.66, SD = 0.07). These findings indicate that IGLE effectively enhances academic performance, active learning, and learner engagement in Grade 7 Araling Panlipunan and is a promising strategy for sustaining mastery and involvement in social studies instruction.
Beberlyn N. Barbechu, Marites M. Cuyos, Marjory R. Palen, Mayleth B. Toreta, Richene W. Buenaventura
Internship programs have become an essential component of higher education, serving as a bridge between classroom learning and real-world practice and playing a crucial role in shaping students’ career readiness and confidence. This study aimed to examine the internship exposure and career confidence of college students at Cronasia Foundation College, Inc., focusing on how experiential learning influences their preparedness for future employment. Employing a descriptive-correlational quantitative design, the researchers gathered data through an adapted survey questionnaire distributed to 220 fourth-year interns across four academic programs. Results revealed that students strongly agreed with the level of internship exposure, particularly in task accomplishment, skill development, and workplace engagement, which provided them with meaningful opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in professional settings. Career confidence was rated highly, especially in career decision-making and job readiness, indicating that internships not only enhance technical skills but also foster self-assurance in pursuing career paths. Statistical analysis confirmed a significant relationship between internship exposure and career confidence, underscoring the importance of structured experiential learning in higher education. The study concludes that internship experiences contribute to both professional growth and psychological readiness, equipping students with the competence and confidence needed to transition successfully into the workforce. Therefore, it is recommended that internship programs be strengthened through structured guidance, industry partnerships, and active student involvement to maximize career outcomes and support students' smooth transition from college to employment.
Maria Rowena B. Plando, Marie Feb T. Rosales, Mary Shayne B. Caminade, Michellin L. Cabico
This study explores the lived experiences of cancer survivors in Cebu, Philippines, focusing on how their perceptions of life across different phases of survivorship influence the development of death positivity. Specifically, it examines survivors’ reflections prior to diagnosis, during active treatment, and in the post-treatment phase, highlighting physical, social, and psychological transformations. Anchored in Post-Traumatic Growth Theory by Tedeschi and Calhoun, and supported by Terror Management Theory (Greenberg, Solomon, & Pyszczynski) and the Meaning-Making Model (Park & Folkman), the study seeks to understand how confronting a life-threatening illness reshapes survivors’ worldviews and attitudes toward mortality. This research utilized a qualitative narrative inquiry design, as conceptualized by Connelly and Clandinin (1990), which emphasizes understanding lived experiences through personal storytelling and chronological reconstruction of life events. Eight cancer survivors from Cebu, Philippines aged 20–45 who had been in remission for 5–8 years participated in semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis framework. Findings revealed that prior to diagnosis, participants perceived life as stable and routine, often taking health for granted. The active treatment phase disrupted this normalcy, marked by physical limitations, emotional distress, shifting identities, and heightened mortality awareness. In contrast, the post-treatment phase emerged as transformative, characterized by renewed purpose, strengthened relationships, lifestyle changes, and deeper gratitude for everyday experiences. Survivors developed greater acceptance of death, reframing mortality as a natural and meaningful aspect of life rather than solely a source of fear. The study concludes that the confrontation with cancer can catalyze existential growth, fostering resilience, meaning making, and death positivity. These insights informed the development of Project BIDLISIW, a community-based psychosocial intervention aimed at sustaining survivors’ positive life perspectives and promoting open conversations about mortality in the Philippine context.
Nor Aslily Sarkam, Nor Faezah Mohamad Razi, Nor Hazlina Mohammad, Nur Amirah Izzah Zainudin
In the era of rapid technological advancement, digital literacy has become an essential competency for educators, particularly primary school teachers who shape students’ early digital experiences. Despite ongoing efforts to integrate technology into Malaysian schools, empirical evidence on the determinants of teachers’ digital literacy remains limited. This study investigates the factors influencing digital literacy among primary school teachers using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as the guiding theoretical framework. A quantitative research design was adopted, and data were collected through self-administered questionnaires from 236 primary school teachers in the Northern Region of Malaysia using multistage cluster sampling. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to examine the relationships among digital literacy, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, intention to use, and technology acceptance. The findings reveal that digital literacy significantly influences perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. However, digital literacy does not directly affect teachers’ intention to use technology. Instead, intention to use significantly predicts technology acceptance, highlighting its crucial mediating role within the TAM structure. These results suggest that while teachers may possess adequate digital competencies, motivational factors remain critical in translating literacy into actual technology acceptance. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on educational technology adoption by providing empirical evidence from the Malaysian primary education context. The findings offer practical implications for policymakers and educational stakeholders in designing targeted professional development programs to enhance teachers’ digital competencies and support sustainable technology integration in schools.
Miyanda, M, Phiri, G
This study was undertaken to investigate the psychosocial effects of climate change on school-going teenage girls in Chirundu, Zambia. The aim of this study was to understand how climate-related challenges manifest in the psychological, educational, and social lives of teenage girls. The research employed a descriptive survey design using a mixed-method approach. The study was guided by four objectives: To assess psychological effects of climate change on teenage girls, examining impacts on school attendance and performance, identifying short-term social challenges, and investigating how climate change affects the social responsibilities of girls. The sample consisted of 240 school-going teenage girls aged between 13 and 19 years who were randomly selected from three schools; and a purposive sample of 12 teachers, 3 administrators were selected form the three schools. The findings revealed that psychological impact associated with climate change among girls include higher levels of stress (80%), anxiety (70%), and emotional distress (65%). Environmental disruptions like droughts and floods negatively affected school attendance and academic performance, often leading to absenteeism. Regarding social challenges related to climate change, the participants reported increased domestic responsibilities (77%). The most common coping mechanisms reported by participants include participation in climate education programs (25%). and community support initiatives (20%). The study recommended the integration of psychosocial support programs in schools, the development of climate-resilient infrastructure, gender-sensitive community awareness programs, and the inclusion of girls in decision-making processes to protect the mental health and educational access for the teenage girls
Azahari Salleh, Eliyana Ruslan, Maizatul Alice Meor Said, Mohamad Harris Misran, Mohd Azlishah Othman, Mohd Zahid Idris, Noor Azwan Shairi, Siti Normi Zabri
The Faculty of Electronics and Computer Engineering (FTKEK) at UTeM faces operational challenges due to a traditional lost and found system reliant on manual, paper-based reporting. These conventional methods are frequently ineffective, leading to unclaimed items, high administrative workloads, and potential disputes over rightful ownership. To address these inefficiencies, this paper presents the development of an IoT-enhanced Lost and Found System utilizing QR code technology and automated hardware. The system architecture integrates a PHP-based web interface with a MySQL database managed via a local XAMPP server to provide real-time tracking and centralized data management. Hardware implementation features an Arduino Uno microcontroller, which interfaces with MG90S servo motors to control secure locker compartments and LED indicators for visual status feedback. The solution employs unique QR codes generated upon item registration to bridge digital records with physical belongings, ensuring secure verification during the recovery process. Experimental results from prototype testing confirm successful database integration and synchronized bidirectional communication between the web server and Arduino hardware at a 9600 baud rate. The outcome is a reliable, automated platform that improves recovery rates, fosters user accountability, and minimizes the risk of wrongful claims within the academic environment.
Alberto C. Cruz, Jr, Dave Anthony R. De Jesus, Ian Kenneth M. Agustin, Princess Ann S. Nicolas, Sophia Marielle V. Tubuan
Food spoilage is a growing global issue, particularly for perishable foods such as meat, fruits, and grains, causing substantial losses in the supply chain. Standard quality verification usually relies on subjective organoleptic tests or laboratory techniques such as Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), which are cost-prohibitive and cannot be used in real time. In recent years, electronic noses (e-noses), which are Internet of Things (IoT)-based artificial olfaction systems, have emerged as effective, non-destructive tools for monitoring food quality.
Bob Vincent Tud Gonzales
This study focused on the local events that impacted Iriga City’s social development. It aims to develop an Open Educational Resource that will give a platform for the Contemporary Study of the Local History of Iriga City available for students and teachers. This research thoroughly gave significance in continuing the study of Dr. Gerona in 2018 by relating Iriga City’s local history to the concepts of teaching the Contemporary World. With this initiative, college students can be able to apply the updated body of knowledge of this research by integrating local history into the New General Education Curriculum. This research study made use of the qualitative historical method of research that aimed to have a systematic and critical inquiry of the whole truth in the Contemporary Study of Iriga City’s Local History. Interviews and documentary analyses were conducted. The events that transpired during the contemporary period of Iriga have seen essential contributions to the participation of Irigueños in globalization. Major findings showed that global migration has impacted the children of OFW as reported by CSWD & PESO. Teenage pregnancy was rampant during the pandemic in local and in global demography. Participation in international events on cultural arts were also participated and won by young Irigueños. Awards were also received by the city such as the Seal of Good Housekeeping that maintained the trust of local investors. Best practices in the Sustainable Development Goals specifically in COVID-19 response were evident. A university in Iriga is preparing the young people for global citizenship through exchange student programs.
Ayesya Azreena Mohd Azhar, Nadiah Zubbir, Noor Hanim Rahmat, Nurul Fazirah, Sharifah Nurul Shahirah Syed Roslee, Zaiton Md Isa
Learning a foreign language, such as Japanese, presents various challenges, involving psychological and cognitive aspects like self-efficacy and language learning anxiety. Self-efficacy, or the belief that one can complete certain tasks, significantly influences students' motivation and academic performance. Learners' engagement and communication willingness may be lowered by their fear of making mistakes and receiving unfavorable feedback. This study fills a research gap on self-efficacy among Japanese language learners in Malaysia. Investigating how learners perceive their production and reception self-efficacy in learning Japanese, as well as the connection between these two forms of self-efficacy, are the goals of this study. 171 Malaysian students studying Japanese participated in a quantitative survey. The instrument used was a 5-point Likert scale survey that was divided into two main sections: Section C carried 10 items on production self-efficacy (speaking and writing) and Section B had 9 items on reception self-efficacy (reading and listening). The findings show that students believe they are somewhat more capable of receiving than producing. Reception and production self-efficacy are positively and significantly correlated, suggesting that confidence in language comprehension is correlated with confidence in language production. The findings indicate that in order to increase student engagement and academic success in Japanese language instruction, educators and curriculum developers must create strategies that enhance both production and reception self-efficacy while lowering learners' anxiety about learning a new language.
Karen Joy A. Sapico
This study examined job satisfaction, perceived career growth opportunities, and challenges experienced by gig-based virtual assistants in the Bicol Region, Philippines. Using a quantitative descriptive research design, data were collected from 60 virtual assistants through structured questionnaires. Job satisfaction was measured in terms of compensation, autonomy, and work–life balance, while career growth opportunities were assessed through training, skill development, and advancement prospects. Results revealed that respondents were generally satisfied with compensation (WM = 3.65) and work–life balance (WM = 3.52), while autonomy showed a moderate level of satisfaction (WM = 3.40). Career growth opportunities were positively perceived, particularly in training and skill development, although advancement pathways were less clearly defined. Among the challenges, workload management emerged as the most significant concern, followed by communication barriers and misaligned client expectations. The findings indicate that while virtual assistant work provides flexibility and income opportunities, improvements in workload management, communication systems, and structured career pathways are necessary to enhance long-term sustainability. The study contributes to the growing literature on gig economy employment by providing localized insights and practical recommendations for virtual assistants and stakeholders.
Evelyn Datche, Ojwando Fredrick Otieno, Yusuf Muchelule
The general objective of this study was to examine the influence of knowledge integration on implementation of geothermal energy infrastructure projects in Nakuru County, Kenya. The study was underpinned by knowledge-based theory. The first level target population of the study is ten geothermal energy infrastructure projects in Nakuru County and the accessible population is two hundred and four specialist staff working on the projects seconded by KenGen, contractors, and consultants. The research adopted proportionate stratified random sampling method with descriptive survey research design. A pilot study was carried out to check the reliability and validity of the research instrument. Cronbach’s coefficient alpha was used to test for reliability whereas expert opinion from practitioners in the energy sector was conducted to validate face and content validity; while KMO and Bartlett’s test was used to check construct validity of the questionnaire. Data collection was carried out using questionnaires and the obtained data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 and presented in tables and graphs with clear interpretations based on the findings. F-test and t-test were done to determine the statistical significance between the variables and in drawing conclusions for the study. The study established that knowledge integration had significant influence on implementation of geothermal energy infrastructure projects. The study concluded that knowledge integration had a high correlation with implementation of geothermal energy infrastructure projects. The study recommends that geothermal projects need to embrace knowledge integration as it is crucial for project success and performance by creating a unified understanding among diverse project teams, establishing a shared knowledge base, and improving overall team effectiveness.
Eudeliza Pana-Anong, Nenita I. Prado, Zenaida G. Gersana
This study examined the influence of knowledge, attitude, and usage of artificial intelligence (AI) on students’ adaptability. It specifically assessed AI-related knowledge in homework assistance, student engagement, and assessment accuracy; students’ attitudes in terms of awareness, understanding, and familiarity; and AI usage across functionality, availability, and complexity. Predictive correlational research designs were employed with participants selected from a higher education institution. Data were gathered using validated and reliable survey instruments and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson product-moment correlation, and multiple regression analysis to determine the significant relationships and predictors of adaptability. Results revealed moderate levels of AI knowledge, usage, and adaptability, alongside a high level of positive attitude toward AI. Significant positive relationships were found between adaptability and all AI dimensions, indicating that stronger engagement, familiarity, access, and effective utilization of AI tools are associated with better adaptability. Regression analysis identified familiarity, availability, complexity management, and student engagement as significant predictors of adaptability, while awareness alone did not necessarily translate into improved results without practical competence. The study concludes that meaningful interaction, guided usage, and hands-on experience with AI significantly enhance students’ adaptability. It is recommended that higher education institutions implement structured AI literacy programs, provide continuous training and institutional support, and integrate AI tools strategically into instruction to maximize their educational benefits.
Azizah Ismail, Maziah Ismail, Nurul Izzah Ahemad, Wee Siaw Chui
Agricultural land conversion in Sabah poses an increasing challenge to regional food security, particularly in the context of rapid urbanisation, tenure vulnerabilities, and fragmented land governance. This study aims to examines the extent, patterns, and implications of agricultural land conversion in Sabah by analysing 36 verified conversion cases recorded in 2023, involving approximately 238.08 acres of land. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining descriptive analysis of verified land conversion records with qualitative document analysis of a rezoning appeal case in Papar. The study applies the Driving Forces–Pressures–State–Impact–Response (DPSIR) framework to systematically interpret the socio-economic, institutional, and governance dynamics influencing agricultural land loss. The findings show that urban expansion, speculative development, and housing demand act as key driving forces that generate pressures on agricultural land, particularly through rezoning applications and weak tenure safeguards. These pressures have weakened the state of agricultural land protection, especially for Native Title holdings, which appear particularly vulnerable to conversion. The impacts of this trend include the reduction of land available for food production, increasing pressure on local food systems, and heightened risks to Sabah’s food sovereignty. The Papar case further demonstrates how land designated for food security purposes may remain vulnerable to development pressure when institutional coordination and zoning enforcement are weak. Institutional responses, including zoning controls, departmental objections, and planning procedures, were found to be inconsistent and insufficient. The study underscores the need for stronger and more enforceable land governance mechanisms to protect agricultural land and strengthen food security in Sabah.
Ahmad Muhyiddin B Yusof, Halimatun Saadiah Abd Mutalib, Haslinda Md. Nazri, Noor Aileen Ibrahim, Norasyikin Abdul Malik, Nurul Munirah Azamri, Raihana Abu Hasan, Sheema Liza Idris
Language learning is daunting for many learners particularly when they do not have the appropriate exposure to the target language and culture. For some learners, they mistakenly believe that they can get by in life by just mastering a few common phrases. However, this is unwise. In the workplace, it is necessary to be highly proficient in a language especially English and Mandarin as the latter is found to emerge as an important language as China is fast emerging as one of the world's major superpowers. This study focuses on language learning and the way gamification and artificial intelligence (AI) enhance motivation and engagement of the language learners. This study focuses on library research which involves a systematic examination of the relevant literature related to language learning, gamification and AI. This study will discuss the advantages, drawbacks and the future of AI and gamification in language learning. The findings revealed that AI and gamification have a positive influence on language learning particularly on student engagement and motivation. Nevertheless, there are certain challenges of AI and gamification to the language learners.
Anna Marie Piodena, Danilo Caburnay, Maria Araceli Juliano
Leadership succession is increasingly important in educational institutions because it shapes continuity, sta-bility, and strategic alignment. This study examined the status of leadership succession and its contribution to organizational performance in selected tertiary institutions in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Mus-lim Mindanao (BARMM), using strategic planning as an institutional lens. An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was employed, combining survey responses from 140 participants and qualitative insights from 10 key informants. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman's rank-order correlation, thematic analysis, and triangulation. The findings showed that leadership succession was evident in the par-ticipating institutions, although its formalization and regularity varied. Succession planning contributed ex-tensively to organizational performance by strengthening leadership continuity, organizational stability, and strategic alignment. The study further found a strong and statistically significant positive relationship be-tween the status of leadership succession and organizational performance. At the same time, implementation remained challenging because of limited successor readiness, turnover pressures, resource constraints, and resistance to change. The study proposes the Adaptive Participatory Leadership Succession Framework for Schools, anchored on Policy, Pipeline, Participation, and Review. Overall, the findings affirm that succession planning is not merely a replacement mechanism but a strategic, evidence-based institutional function that can improve continuity, resilience, and long-term performance. The study underscores the need for educa-tional institutions to adopt more systematic, inclusive, and development-oriented approaches to leadership succession.
Dr. Ma. Magdalena V. Gatdula, Engr. Abel M. Lugtu Jr., Engr. Allen Levin DC. Bautista, Engr. Amado T. Valencia Jr., Engr. Arvin C. Cabrera
The increasing reliance on digital learning has introduced challenges in maintaining effective communication and collaboration among students. Many learners struggle when studying independently due to limited access to immediate academic support, while rising transportation costs reduce opportunities for face to face group study. Although online platforms are available, many do not provide a structured and integrated environment specifically designed for collaborative learning. This study presents Learn Together, a web-based platform that integrates real-time chat and video conferencing into a centralized study space. The system was developed using modern web technologies to ensure accessibility, usability, and smooth interaction. The platform includes features such as user profiles, study space creation, messaging, and a community ranking system to support engagement. Initial testing suggests that Learn Together improves communication, supports collaboration, and provides a more accessible approach to group learning. These findings suggest that integrated platforms can help address common challenges in collaborative learning and improve the overall learning experience.
Efrena U. Sawalan
This study examined the attitudes toward digital media and the learning engagement of Grade 6 learners in Araling Panlipunan in San Fernando District II, Division of Bukidnon, during School Year 2025–2026. Specifically, it assessed learners’ attitudes toward digital media, including support for digital media, attitudes toward technology, understanding of the assignment, and knowledge construction. It also assessed learners’ engagement in Araling Panlipunan and investigated the relationship between learners’ attitudes toward digital media and their engagement in learning. The study employed a descriptive–correlational research design and involved 188 Grade 6 learners selected using proportionate stratified random sampling. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, Pearson's product–moment correlation, and multiple regression at the 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that learners demonstrated a high level of attitude toward digital media across all dimensions and a high level of learning engagement in Araling Panlipunan. However, the correlation analysis revealed no statistically significant relationship between learners’ attitudes toward digital media and their learning engagement. None of the attitude dimensions significantly impacted learners’ engagement. The study concludes that although learners exhibit positive attitudes toward digital media and high engagement in Araling Panlipunan, attitude toward digital media alone does not significantly influence learning engagement. Other instructional and contextual factors may play a more substantial role in shaping learners’ engagement. Based on these findings, teachers are recommended to provide structured guidance when integrating digital media into instruction, particularly in helping learners organize ideas, understand learning goals, and communicate their thoughts effectively through digital activities.
Wilbert S. Gupit
This study examined the levels of self-regulation behavior and cultural competence among Grade 6 learners in San Fernando II District, Bukidnon, and explored the relationship between these variables. Employing a descriptive-correlational design, the research involved 199 Grade 6 learners selected through simple random sampling. Data collection used a two-part instrument adapted from Toering et al. (2012) and Fenech, Baguant, and Abdelwahed (2020), measuring self-regulation dimensions (self-planning, self-monitoring, self-instruction, self-evaluation, and self-reaction) and cultural competence on a 5-point Likert scale. Mean scores and standard deviations assessed variable levels, while Pearson correlation tested relationships.
Fung Lan, Loo, Zhong Yu Li
Learning motivation plays an important role in students’ engagement, persistence, and academic development, especially in vocational education, where learning often involves practical tasks, performance evaluation, and emotional pressure. Although previous studies have shown that socio-emotional competence, self-efficacy, and emotion regulation are all related to motivation, these factors are usually discussed separately. As a result, there is still a lack of an integrated explanation of how learning motivation develops among vocational college students. To address this gap, this paper proposes an integrative conceptual framework to explain learning motivation in vocational education from a socio-emotional perspective. In this framework, socio-emotional competence is viewed as a foundational resource that helps students manage interpersonal and emotional challenges in the learning process. Self-efficacy is positioned as a mediating factor that connects socio-emotional competence with learning motivation, because students who better understand and manage emotions are more likely to believe in their own abilities and stay motivated. Emotion regulation is treated as a moderating factor that can strengthen or weaken this process, especially when students face stress, setbacks, or evaluation pressure. By bringing these three factors together, the paper offers a clearer understanding of why vocational students may show different levels of motivation even in similar learning environments. This framework not only extends current research on learning motivation in vocational education, but also provides useful ideas for future empirical studies and for educational practices that support students’ emotional development, confidence, and sustained motivation.
Mohammad Hidir Baharudin, Mustaffa Kamal Shamsudin
Malaysian federalism divides the authority over education and Islamic affairs between the federal and state governments, creating a complex governance landscape. This division has influenced the establishment and management of Islamic higher education in the country. Therefore, this paper discusses federalism and its influence on Islamic higher education in Malaysia, claiming that the separation of powers, in which the federal government, in charge of education, and the state, in charge of Islam, should be the main stakeholders, has built a grey area of governance as opposed to a legal restriction. Tracing through a doctrinal approach to the constitutional and statutory texts, complemented with a secondary analysis and a narrow case study of the Sultan Ibrahim Johor Islamic University College (SIJIUC), the research indicates that the approach of State Islamic Religious Councils (SIRCs) can legitimately manage the Islamic universities within the framework of MOHE/MQA. A scalable model can be illustrated by comparative examples of Kedah (INSANIAH/UniSHAMS) and Selangor (KISDAR-KUIS-UIS), which highlight state ownership, recurrent grants, waqf/endowments, and the diversification of the programme into professional spheres. The paper, whose argument is framed by the maqasid al-shari’ah, particularly hifz al-din and hifz al-aql, argues that states and SIRCs have a normative responsibility to promote Islamic universities by expanding access, reducing attrition, and circulating talent in line with current needs. The acquisition of SIJIUC in favour of the Johor case, in support of the JS-SEZ and Industry 4.0 goals, is justified by the connection of these goals to moral rehabilitation and technical competence. The rules are rounded out with policy levers to institutionalise excellence: long-term funding, faculty training, research strengths, and an industry-focused curriculum.
Clementina Okeke-Linus
This article critically examined the adequacy of the legal and institutional framework governing the commercialisation of football in Nigeria, with particular emphasis on the structural and normative deficiencies embedded within extant laws. While football has emerged globally as a multi‑billion‑dollar industry driven by broadcasting rights, sponsorship, merchandising and private investment, Nigeria’s domestic football sector remains under-commercialised despite its vast talent pool and market potential. Adopting a doctrinal research methodology, this study analysed key legislative and regulatory instruments including the Nigeria Football Association Act, the Nigerian Football Federation Statutes, the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018, and the National Broadcasting Commission Act. The study found that the legal regime is characterised by obsolescence, fragmentation, and regulatory incoherence. The coexistence of the Nigeria Football Association Act and the Nigerian Football Federation framework creates legal uncertainty and undermines institutional legitimacy. Several statutes failed to reflect the commercial realities of modern football, particularly in areas such as broadcasting rights, private investment protection, intellectual property enforcement, and sports-specific corporate governance. Furthermore, weak enforcement mechanisms, excessive governmental interference, and the absence of a specialised sports commercialisation framework significantly constrain market growth. The article argued that without a coherent and modernised legal architecture, Nigeria cannot effectively attract investment, develop infrastructure, or integrate into the global football economy. It recommended that comprehensive legislative harmonisation, regulatory clarity, and governance reforms are imperative to unlock the full commercial potential of football as a tool for economic diversification and sustainable development in Nigeria.
Nuzulia Kumala Sari, Sindhy Wahyu Dwi Agustin
The development of information technology and electronic commerce has made domain names more than just internet addresses; they are now part of a business's identity and strategy, closely related to its brand. In practice, there have been instances of domain names that are identical or similar to registered trademarks being registered and used in bad faith (cybersquatting). This practice has the potential to harm trademark owners as it can cause consumer confusion and exploit the reputation of established brands. Legal issues arise because the Indonesian legal system does not yet have regulations that explicitly classify domain name abuse as a form of trademark infringement. This study aims to analyze the urgency of domain name regulations in trademark protection, examine the forms of legal protection that trademark owners can pursue against domain name abuse, and compare these regulations with those in the United States. The method used is normative legal research with a legislative, conceptual, and comparative law approach. The legal materials analyzed include the Trademark and Geographical Indications Law, the Electronic Information and Transactions Law, and the Anti-Cybersquatting Consumer Protection Act (ACPA) in the United States. Article 83 of the Trademark and Geographical Indications Act does provide a basis for compensation claims for trademark infringement, but there is a normative gap because it does not explicitly regulate the misuse of domain names as part of trademark infringement, indicating that there is a normative gap in Article 83 of the Trademark and Geographical Indications Act because it does not explicitly regulate the misuse of domain names as part of trademark infringement. As a result, dispute resolution still depends on the interpretation of judges and general provisions regarding trademark infringement or unlawful acts. Legal protection in Indonesia is carried out in two forms, namely preventive protection through trademark registration and objection and cancellation mechanisms, and repressive protection through civil lawsuits based on Article 83 of the Trademark and Geographical Indications Law and the possibility of criminal charges. However, there is a normative gap in Article 83 because it does not explicitly regulate the misuse of domain names as a form of trademark infringement, so dispute resolution still depends on legal interpretation. In contrast, the United States clearly regulates the registration and use of domain names in bad faith as trademark infringement through the ACPA. Therefore, adjustments and strengthening of regulations in Indonesian trademark law are needed to provide greater certainty and more effective legal protection for trademark owners in the digital age.
Angcao, James Lenard M., Cruz, Ashley Mae D., Dela Cruz, Josephine B., Jimenez, Monaliza S.
This research paper investigates the daily life challenges and educational deficiencies experienced by the irregular third-year Computer Engineering students at Bulacan State University – Main Campus. The study focuses on exploring the institutional, personal, and instructional factors which led the irregular students to their current academic status. The researchers used a Mixed Methods Convergent Parallel Design based on Tinto's Student Integration Model and related theories which study stress and coping and constructive alignment. The researchers conducted total enumeration, also known as universal sampling, which included twenty-three (23) irregular third-year Computer Engineering students from all three (3) sections. The researchers collected data through a validated structured questionnaire that included a five-point Likert scale and open-ended responses. The results revealed that academic difficulties were mostly caused by institutional elements which included tight class schedules, difficult subject content, limited laboratory facilities, insufficient academic advising, and frequent system errors. Academic performance was also strongly influenced by personal and external factors which included family problems, poor time management, financial constraints, health-related issues, and mental health challenges. The students' learning experiences were also affected by instructional-related concerns which included limited consultation opportunities and instructors' unclear explanations. The findings in this research demonstrate that irregular status comes from multiple factors which include institutional barriers, personal hardships and instructional challenges. The study recommends academic advising system improvements together with better institutional support services, increased instructional clarity, development of mental health, and student support programs which will help students stay enrolled and achieve academic success.
Hashim Khan, Irfan Hussain
This research investigates the complex language attitudes and ideologies surrounding English and Urdu in the contemporary sociolinguistic landscape of Pakistan. Utilizing a quantitative survey of 80 respondents, primarily from urban and educated backgrounds, the study examines how speakers perceive the social, economic, and symbolic value associated with English in comparison to Urdu. The analysis is informed by the theoretical framework of Pierre Bourdieu, particularly his concepts of linguistic capital and symbolic power, as well as the framework of Standard Language Ideology (SLI), which explains how certain language varieties become socially legitimized and associated with authority and prestige. The findings reveal a clear hierarchical relationship between the two languages, where English is widely perceived as an essential resource for socioeconomic advancement and professional recognition. A substantial majority of respondents associated English with global opportunities and academic achievement, with 96.3% agreeing that English is necessary for international development and 93.8% viewing it as crucial for academic success. At the same time, the data highlights a strong ideological tension regarding the role of English in relation to Urdu. While English is valued for its instrumental benefits, many respondents also expressed concern about its influence on national linguistic identity, with 72.6% agreeing that the growing dominance of English may threaten the status of Urdu as a symbol of national unity and cultural heritage. In addition to these ideological tensions, the study also identifies the psychological and social consequences associated with the unequal status of languages. More than half of the respondents (55%) reported feeling judged or evaluated negatively when they make mistakes while speaking English, and 48.8% indicated that they experience social pressure to use English in formal or professional contexts. These responses suggest that language use in Pakistan is not only a matter of communication but also a mechanism through which social hierarchies are reproduced. Taken together, the findings support the argument that the dominance of English can operate as a form of symbolic power that privileges certain linguistic competencies while marginalizing others. In line with Bourdieu’s concept of symbolic violence, the internalization of these hierarchies may lead speakers to accept linguistic inequality as natural or inevitable. The study therefore highlights important implications for language policy, suggesting the need for more balanced and inclusive approaches that recognize both the practical advantages of English and the cultural and symbolic significance of Urdu within Pakistan’s multilingual society.
Fatima May B. Bautista, Judy Jane S. Revelo
Hypertensive disorders during pregnancy are high-risk conditions that often culminate in preterm delivery and expose mothers to profound physical, emotional, and psychosocial challenges. This study explored the lived experiences of hypertensive mothers who delivered preterm infants in selected public and private hospitals in Zamboanga del Norte. Guided by Moustakas’ transcendental phenomenological approach, this qualitative study recruited eight hypertensive mothers using purposive sampling. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and analyzed following the Moustakas’ framework for analysis. Five essential themes emerged from the analysis: (1) embodied challenges and adaptation and physical management; (2) temporal disruption and adaptation during preterm labor and postpartum recovery; (3) perceived safety as a dual experience of separation anxiety and security; (4) interpersonal networks as a source of strength; and (5) medical objects as instruments of safety and empowerment. The findings highlight that maternal resilience in hypertensive preterm birth is shaped by the dynamic interaction of physical conditions, emotional responses, relational support, care environments and medical resources. Based on the findings, the study recommends the integration of structured psychosocial support, family involvement and clear communication on medical interventions into maternal care to strengthen coping, safety and empowerment among hypertensive mothers delivering preterm babies.
Caryn N. Marquez, Jennifer S. Rubio
School leadership in the 21st century requires adaptability, innovation, and strong interpersonal competencies. This study described and documented the lived experiences of school heads in navigating their roles as 21st-century leaders in public elementary schools in the Capalonga District, focusing on how they exercise critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication; the challenges they encounter; and the strategies they employ to cope with leadership demands. Ten (10) purposively selected public elementary school heads participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically using NVivo, following framework analysis procedures. The study revealed the following findings: 1.) School leaders consistently demonstrated the 4Cs of 21st-century leadership critical thinking was shown through root-cause analysis, evidence-seeking, and reflective judgment; creativity appeared through classroom innovations, improvised resources, and encouraging teacher initiative; collaboration was practiced through shared planning, stakeholder involvement, and strong community partnerships; and communication was reflected in transparent information flow, regular consultations, and conflict-resolution practices. 2.) Leaders encountered key challenges such as excessive workload, limited resources and manpower, overlapping policies, and competing expectations from parents, teachers, and the division office. 3.) To cope with these challenges, school leaders relied on task prioritization, delegation, peer mentoring, emotional regulation, continuous learning, and mobilizing support from parents, LGUs, and community partners. 4.) Based on the results, an intervention program, the “LEAD21: Leadership Enhancement and Development Toolkit for 21st-Century School Heads” was developed to strengthen school leaders’ competencies through structured routines, reflection tools, governance templates, communication guides, and resilience-building strategies. From these findings, the study concluded the following: 1.) 21st-century leadership among school heads is characterized by an iterative cycle of analysis, creativity, collaboration, and communication that guides their everyday decision-making. 4.) A structured leadership support program is needed to strengthen capacity, reduce role strain, and promote sustainable leadership practices.
Ashley S. Mahay, Gwayne G. Mendoza, Norio Jr. B. Bayanes, Wilbert B. Wanas, Zyril Nicole L. Buli-e
This qualitative study explored the lived academic and farming experiences of student farmers enrolled in a public senior high school in Mankayan, Benguet. Anchored in a phenomenological–thematic approach, the research sought to understand how student farmers experience schooling while simultaneously engaging in sustained agricultural work, the challenges they encounter, the strategies they use to cope, and how these experiences shape their personal growth and motivation. Ten senior high school student farmers participated in in depth, semi structured interviews. Data were analyzed using a phenomenological–thematic procedure informed by Colaizzi’s method, allowing shared meanings to emerge from participants’ narratives while preserving the integrity of their lived experiences. Analysis revealed that academic life for student farmers is characterized by persistence under constrained conditions, shaped by time scarcity, physical fatigue, and overlapping responsibilities between school and farm work. Findings showed that student farmers cope through personal discipline, deliberate time management, family support, and situational school based consideration. Rather than disengaging from schooling, participants actively sustained academic participation by adapting routines and prioritizing responsibilities. Farming experiences also contributed to personal growth, fostering responsibility, resilience, independence, and strengthened motivation to continue schooling. Hardship was not viewed solely as a burden but was reframed as a source of meaning and direction. The study concludes that the academic experiences of student farmers are inseparable from their agricultural responsibilities and community context. Education is lived alongside labor, shaping how students construct meaning, manage challenges, and envision their future. The findings highlight the importance of understanding student farmers’ experiences holistically and recognizing lived responsibility as an integral part of learning in rural and agricultural settings.
I. L. Ismail, M. Z. A. Chek, N. Jamal, Rinda Nariswari, Z. H. Zulkifli
The rapid expansion of online learning in higher education has generated large volumes of learner interaction data through Learning Management Systems (LMSs), Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), and related digital platforms. These data provide new opportunities for machine learning to predict academic performance, identify at-risk learners, and support timely intervention. This study presents a systematic literature review of machine learning approaches used for student performance prediction in online learning environments, with specific focus on MOOCs, LMS data, and digital learning traces. Guided by the PRISMA 2020 framework, the review synthesizes evidence from peer-reviewed studies and addresses five questions: the most common machine learning algorithms, the types of online learning data and predictive features employed, the major prediction targets, the evaluation methods used, and the main research gaps in the field. The literature indicates that classification-based models dominate the field, with Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, Decision Tree, Artificial Neural Network, and Naïve Bayes among the most frequently used approaches. LMS logs, MOOC clickstreams, assessment records, historical grades, and demographic variables are the most common predictive inputs, while final grades, pass/fail outcomes, dropout, and retention are the main targets. The review also identifies persistent weaknesses, including limited explainability, weak cross-institutional validation, inconsistent reporting of feature importance, and relatively few studies that evaluate the effect of interventions after prediction. The manuscript concludes with a conceptual framework and a future research agenda to support robust, ethical, and actionable machine learning in online higher education.
Ismalaili Ismail, Mohd Imran Khusairi Shafee, Noor Azreen Mohd Khushairi, Normy Rafida Abdul Rahman, Sabiroh Md Sabri
The integration of digital technologies into classroom instruction has become increasingly important in modern education as institutions seek to enhance teaching effectiveness and improve student learning experiences. Rapid technological advancement and the digitalisation of society have encouraged educators to adopt various digital tools and platforms to support interactive, flexible, and student-centred learning environments. Despite the growing body of literature, the field remains fragmented, with limited comprehensive bibliometric mapping of global research trends. Consequently, a clearer understanding of the development and intellectual structure of this field remains limited. This study aims to examine the scholarly landscape of research on technology integration for classroom instruction through a bibliometric analysis. Specifically, the study seeks to identify publication trends, leading contributors, collaboration patterns, influential sources, and major research themes in this field. The data for this study were retrieved from the Scopus database using a structured search strategy covering publications related to technology integration in classroom instruction. Following the screening and exclusion process, a total of 1,408 documents were retained for analysis. Bibliometric techniques were applied to analyse document characteristics, citation metrics, authorship patterns, country and institutional collaborations, source titles, and keyword relationships. Microsoft Excel was used for descriptive analysis, while VOS viewer was employed to visualise collaboration networks and keyword co-occurrence patterns. The results indicate that research on technology integration for classroom instruction has grown significantly over the past decade, particularly after 2020. The analysis identifies several influential journals, authors, and countries contributing to the development of this research area. Keyword analysis reveals major research themes including technology integration, technology-enhanced learning, e-learning, ICT integration, and TPACK. The findings also highlight strong international collaboration and an interdisciplinary research landscape involving education, computer science, and engineering. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive overview of the global research trends on technology integration for classroom instruction and offers valuable insights for researchers and educators seeking to understand the evolution of this field and identify potential directions for future research.
Abubacarr Jagne, Hakeem Gbadamosi, Lamin ES Jaiteh, Lamin Sima, Mariam Jaw, Musa Cham, Ousman Nyan, Ramou Njie, Salifu Jawara, Sheikh Omar Bittaye, Sunday Musa Oguche
Background: Malaria is still an important public health problem in The Gambia, particularly in the adolescent and young adults (AYA). This study therefore assesses the clinical characteristics and outcome of malaria related AKI in AYA in The Gambia. Method: This is a cross sectional retrospective descriptive study that reviewed records of admitted malaria patients in the Department of Internal Medicine, EFSTH, from October 18th2020 to February 2nd, 2022. A specific designed form was used to extract patients’ biodata, clinical features, referral facility, laboratory investigations, treatment, and outcome. STATA/SE 14.2 software was used for data analysis. Results: The study included 163 malaria patients. Fifty patients (30.7%) had AKI. The mean age of patients with AKI was 26.5 years and majority were AYA 35 (70%). Most of the malaria patients with AKI were also male 31 (62%). The most common symptom in these patients was fever 47 (94%) and the most common sign was jaundice 26 (52%). Malaria patients with AKI had a lower haemoglobin level 9.7 (4.8-14) vs 11 (4.1-18.3), p value=0.001 compared to those without AKI. 14 (28%) AKI patients had haemodialysis. Male patients with AKI were more likely to have haemodialysis as compared to female patients 13 (92.9%):1 (7.2%) vs 18 (50%):18 (50%), p value=0.004. The total mortality amongst the patients with malaria-related AKI were 10 (20%). Patients with malaria related AKI were more likely to die as compared to malaria patients without AKI 10 (20%) vs 5(4.4%), p value=0.002. Conclusion: This study has showed that malaria-related AKI is a significant problem in AYA in The Gambia and mortality is high. There is therefore a need for targeted interventions in this age group to help reduce morbidity and mortality related to malaria in The Gambia.
Asrol Hasan, Normaziana Hassan
Malay wedding door gifts are widely practiced cultural elements for matrimonial rituals. However, currently they are increasingly shaped by commercialization, standardization, and short-life consumption patterns that risk weakening their cultural meaning and craft-based origins. Despite their recurring role in social exchange and ritual reciprocity, these artefacts remain under-theorised within intangible cultural heritage (ICH) discourse. This study aims to reconceptualize Malay wedding door gifts as living ICH and to develop a conceptual framework for safeguarding craft-based design that supports contemporary innovation. Adopting a theory-driven conceptual methodology, the study systematically reviews and synthesizes literature on Malay wedding practices, ICH safeguarding, craft knowledge transmission, and design collaboration. The findings propose a framework in which craft-based design mediation integrates community participation, tacit knowledge exchange, cultural translation, and sustainable material strategies. The study contributes to heritage and design scholarships by positioning everyday ritual artefacts as micro-heritage systems and highlights opportunities for culturally grounded, sustainable innovation in wedding-related craft products.
Faridah Johari, Mohd Saiful Affendi, Musliha Mohamed, Syed Fareez Syed Nasir, Zabedah Othman
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a persistent global health challenge, particularly in countries with moderate to high disease burden such as Malaysia. Despite continuous national and international efforts, TB continues to present significant challenges related to delayed diagnosis, ongoing transmission, and treatment adherence. These challenges are further intensified in military healthcare settings, especially within confined training environments where individuals live, train, and interact in close proximity for prolonged periods. Such conditions create an ideal environment for the transmission of airborne infectious diseases, including pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). This study presents a case of PTB involving a young adult male who developed symptoms while participating in a physically demanding training course conducted in a confined environment. The study aims to examine the clinical management of the patient, the diagnostic challenges encountered, and the public health interventions implemented to prevent further transmission. Additionally, it evaluates the screening and management of close contacts within the same course setting, highlighting the risks associated with confined group environments. A case study methodology was adopted, incorporating patient medical records, laboratory findings, radiological imaging, and follow-up outcomes. A comprehensive screening programme was conducted among course participants to identify latent TB infections and prevent progression to active disease. The findings revealed delays in early detection, gaps in pre-course medical screening, and procedural inefficiencies that contributed to increased transmission risk. This study underscores the importance of early identification, systematic screening, and proactive infection control strategies in confined environments. It contributes to the broader understanding of TB management in military healthcare settings and provides practical recommendations for strengthening disease surveillance, improving screening protocols, and preventing outbreaks in high-risk environments.
Glenn Ian M. Vetonio
This paper examines managerial practices to support employees with autism in fast-food workplaces in Halifax, Nova Scotia. It aims to find out the practices used by the managers, the problems they encounter and how the practices have contributed to inclusion in the workplaces. The research design applied in the study was qualitative research design based on semi-structured interviews on five managers who had a real experience on how to be a manager of employees with autism. The analysis of data was done using the thematic analysis in order to reveal important patterns and insights. The results show that structured communication, simplifying tasks, and frequent supervision are common methods used by the managers in helping the employees with autism. Nonetheless, issues like communication barriers, high-paced working conditions, and deficiency in organizational training continue to exist. Empathy, encouragement, and patience were identified as supportive leadership behaviors that had a significant positive impact on employee performance and inclusion. The research enhances the knowledge on front line management practices within service-based sectors and the significance of adaptive leadership and organizational support towards encouraging inclusive workplaces.
Josephine Obebi Ebhesi Matthew
This study examined the management of deviant behaviours in secondary schools during a period of economic recession in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted. The population consisted of 400 students drawn from eight public secondary schools in Bayelsa State using proportionate stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled Management of Deviant Behaviours in Secondary Schools during Economic Recession Questionnaire (MDBSSPERQ). The instrument was validated by experts in educational administration and measurement and evaluation. Reliability was established using Cronbach's Alpha (α = 0.78). Data were analysed using mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions, while inferential statistics including chi-square and one-way ANOVA were used to test the hypotheses at the 0.05 level of significance. Findings indicated that clear school rules, peer influence, and disciplinary enforcement significantly affect students' compliance with school regulations. The study concludes that collaborative efforts among teachers, school administrators, parents, and policymakers are essential for effectively managing deviant behaviour, particularly during periods of economic hardship. Specific recommendations are provided for key stakeholders.
Karim Hassanali Omido, Majani Loice Vivianne, Patrick Mutua Kimaku
This study investigated the effect of managing resistance to change on the performance of state corporations in the Nairobi Metropolitan Area, Kenya. Despite ongoing reforms, many state corporations continue to face challenges such as inefficiencies, financial losses, and poor service delivery, largely attributed to resistance to change. The study examined four key strategies; communication, employee involvement, technological adaptability, and capacity building, as well as the moderating role of government policies and regulations. It was guided by two objectives: to establish the effect of managing resistance to change on performance of state corporations in Nairobi Metropolitan Area, and to determine the moderating effect of Government Policies and Regulations on the relationship between Resistance to Change management and Performance of State Corporations within Nairobi Metropolitan, Kenya. Guided by established theories including Lewin’s Change Model and the Technology Acceptance Model, the study adopted a descriptive research design involving a sample size of 215 respondents determined by Yamane 1967 formular which was selected from 187 state corporations. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that all four strategies significantly and positively influence organizational performance, collectively explaining 42.6% of performance variation. Government policy compliance was also found to significantly strengthen the relationships between the predictors and organizational performance. The study concludes that effective management of resistance to change enhances organizational performance, particularly when aligned with regulatory frameworks, underscoring the position that organizational initiatives are more effective when implemented within the boundaries of government policies and regulatory guidance. The study recommends strengthening communication, employee involvement, technological investment, training programs, and policy alignment to improve performance outcomes.
Abdul Rashid Zailan, Mohd Haykal Adli Abdul Rahman, Muhamad Norfiqiri Hamid, Nurshikin Mohamad Shukery
Construction planning and scheduling remain critical processes in project management, yet projects frequently experiences delay due to complex coordination, resource constraints, and dynamic project nature. While research into digital technologies to improve scheduling practices has increased steadily, systematic studies on the evolution of these solutions within the broader academic discourse of planning and scheduling remain limited. This study aims to map the development of technological solutions to construction planning and scheduling challenges through a bibliometric analysis of academic literature published between 2015 and 2025. Scopus databases were selected resulting in 359 peer-reviewed journal articles. Keyword co-occurrence analysis was conducted using VOS viewer to identify thematic relationships and research trends. The analysis revealed five major research themes: (1) optimization-based scheduling, (2) BIM and information integration, (3) operational construction management, (4) decision support and economic evaluation, and (5) artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. Results indicate that optimization algorithms remain backbone for methodological approach in addressing scheduling challenges, while BIM is the hub for digital platform in data integration and coordination. Emerging AI and machine learning themes currently augment predictive capabilities rather than replacing established scheduling methods. Overall, the finding demonstrates gradual shift in construction scheduling research from managerial-centric approaches towards computational aided optimization and digital planning environments. This study provides a structured overview of technological evolution in construction planning and scheduling domain.
Grad student. Lai Nguyet Anh, Professor. Lai Quoc Khanh
This article explores the evolution of Vietnamese political culture from 1975 to the present through the lens of political values. It examines how Vietnam’s political value system has evolved across historical periods and the implications for its current governance. Grounded in Marxism–Leninism and Ho Chi Minh Thought, the core values include national independence, socialism, democracy, the rule of law, unity, human development, and integration. Using a qualitative, historical-institutional method, the study traces four phases: post-war centralization (1975–1986), renovation and democratization (1986–2000), modernization and global engagement (2000–2015), and integration with digital transformation (2015–present). Each stage demonstrates continuity of ideology alongside adaptive reforms in response to new domestic and international conditions. The study highlights challenges in political trust, legal culture, digital governance, and citizen participation. It recommends strengthening legal transparency, developing inclusive digital platforms, and expanding civic education. The article concludes that aligning Vietnam’s political culture with democratic principles, the rule of law, and human-centered development is crucial to ensuring legitimacy and effective governance in the digital era.
Shabeesh P.
Marriage is a fundamental institution in human societies, serving as a cornerstone of social organization and cultural continuity. Among the tribal communities of India, marriage holds a distinctive place, shaped by deep-rooted traditions, customs, and community norms. Unlike the mainstream Indian society, where religious doctrines predominantly govern matrimonial practices, tribal marriages are primarily regulated by indigenous customs, emphasizing kinship ties, social cohesion, and economic cooperation. Marriage is not merely a personal or family affair among tribal groups but a collective social institution that strengthens community bonds and ensures the survival of cultural identity.
Bailey Ray S. Lee, Cynthia S. Superable, EDD, DSCN
Childbirth is both a physiological process and a profound psychosocial experience, with women’s perceptions of birth shaping their mental health and early mother-child relationships. Using a qualitative phenomenological design, the study involved five purposively selected primiparous mothers who had given birth in a government hospital in Ozamiz City within the last six months. Data were gathered through semi-structured, in-depth interviews and analyzed following van Manen’s thematic-reflective approach. Ethical protocols, including informed consent, confidentiality, and institutional approval, were strictly observed. Findings revealed five major themes: (1) Corporeal Intensity, characterized by overwhelming pain, exhaustion, and the physical struggle of labor; (2) Spatial Vulnerability, reflecting mixed emotions of safety and discomfort within the hospital environment; (3) Temporal Distortion, describing childbirth as a slow, prolonged, and emotionally charged experience; (4) Relational Dynamics, highlighting the crucial role of support whether nurturing or distressing from healthcare workers and companions; and (5) Material Conditions, outlining how medical tools, procedures, and environmental stimuli shaped mothers’ sense of safety, anxiety, and emotional well-being. These findings illustrate that childbirth for first-time mothers is not merely a medical event but a complex interplay of bodily sensations, emotional challenges, relational encounters, and environmental influences. It was suggested that improving emotional support, enhancing hospital conditions, and fostering respectful healthcare interactions can significantly enhance the childbirth experiences of first-time mothers.
Asliah C. Mamalampac
This study investigates the mechanisms and strategies employed by teachers and students to address learning gaps and losses in reading, writing, and arithmetic (3Rs), focusing on four domains critical to foundational learning: infrastructure availability, pedagogical approaches, teacher competencies, and teacher support. Drawing on quantitative data from 287 teachers and 381 students from 54 public elementary schools under the Division of Lanao del Sur I. The study reveals notable disparities between teacher-reported access to instructional resources and students’ actual experiences, particularly in technology availability and digital integration. While teachers generally indicated adequate access to instructional materials, conducive learning environments, and supportive administrative systems, students reported substantial limitations in device access, unstable internet connectivity, and insufficient training in educational technologies. Pedagogically, teachers and students both identified strengths in active learning strategies, real-life applications, and lesson organization; however, gaps persisted in differentiated instruction, consistency of feedback, and technology integration. Teacher competencies in curriculum understanding, instructional delivery, collaboration, and reflective practice were rated positively, though the need for ongoing professional development remains evident. The findings underscore the importance of systemic interventions to strengthen technological infrastructure, enhance teacher capacity-building, and improve pedagogical responsiveness in addressing learning recovery. Recommendations highlight the need for equitable resource distribution, targeted training programs, and strengthened support systems to ensure effective remediation of learning gaps in the foundational 3Rs.
Zhang Jianping
This study investigates the mechanisms through which living displays and experiential design drive audience engagement within the Majiayao painted pottery heritage in Lintao, Gansu. Drawing on the paradigm of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) inheritance, an exploratory sequential mixed-methods approach was employed. Qualitative semi-structured interviews with ten key stakeholders were first conducted to identify contemporary safeguarding models. Subsequently, a structured questionnaire (N=351) was utilized to examine how interactive experiences influence inheritance effectiveness, measured by cognitive elevation, emotional identification, and communication intention. The results demonstrate that experiential displays foster substantive inheritance by facilitating the reconstruction of the audience’s internal mental models through deep psychological resonance. These findings offer a theoretical framework for the psychological mechanisms of heritage transmission and provide strategic pathways for the sustainable revitalization of prehistoric ceramic culture.
Simon Terngu UWUA
Hate speech has become a persistent feature of Nigeria’s media environment, particularly within digital and political communication spaces. This study empirically examines how hate speech is produced, framed, and disseminated through Nigerian media and analyses its implications for national unity and security between 2018 and 2025. Anchored on media framing and agenda- setting theories, the study adopts a mixed-methods approach relying on secondary quantitative media-monitoring data and qualitative discourse analysis of selected media texts. Findings reveal a consistent rise in hate speech during election cycles and conflict-related reporting, with social media and online news platforms serving as major amplification channels. The results further indicate a strong association between media hate speech narratives and increased incidents of communal violence, political tension, and security threats. Weak regulatory enforcement and politicization of media institutions limit the effectiveness of existing responses. The study concludes that unchecked media hate speech undermines national cohesion and security and recommends stronger media regulation, ethical journalism enforcement, and sustained digital media literacy initiatives.
Alphonce Odeva Akondo, Dr. Isaac Mutwiri, Wilson Ugangu
This study examines the role of internet memes in digital activism for political accountability in Kenya, focusing on the #RejectFinanceBill2024 and #OccupyParliament campaigns. Using a qualitative research design, the study analyzed 500 political memes from TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) alongside semi-structured interviews with 182 participants including digital activists, meme creators, policymakers, and political analysts. Grounded in Networked Publics Theory and Framing Theory, the research investigated how memes simplify complex policy issues, shape political discourse, mobilize citizens, and interact with platform dynamics. Findings reveal that satirical images and video memes (62% of content) effectively framed political leaders as accountable for governance failures, while viral political jokes (24%) and remix culture (14%) enhanced engagement through cultural resonance. The study demonstrates that memes function as powerful instruments of digital resistance, generating public pressure (74% of cases) and government responsiveness (58%), though their impact on sustained policy reform remains limited. Platform algorithms significantly influenced visibility, with TikTok's For You Page amplifying protest content to wider audiences compared to X's reported content suppression. The research concludes that while memes successfully mobilize episodic activism and shape public opinion, translating online momentum into structural accountability requires complementary offline advocacy strategies and transparent platform governance frameworks.
Richard Armah
This paper is an empirical investigation of how masculinity is constructed and the locus of responsibility in online communities responding to a scandalous teacher-student sexual relationship in Ghana. The research question is the gendered normalisation of sexual relations with a minor, in which case the digital discourse takes a specific form and continues to hold unequal moral standards. Online platforms were used in the collection of data, specifically the SecretNewsGhana and GhanaPage News, which led to a corpus of 85 user comments. The mixed-method design was used that incorporated the qualitative thematic analysis and quantitative statistical analysis using SPSS. The remarks were coded into five themes, which were celebratory masculinity, moral condemnation, humour and trivialisation, gender double standards, and responsibility debate. There was also an analysis of patterns of blame attribution in four categories namely: teacher blamed, student praised, shared responsibility and system blamed.
Dr. Pham Thanh Hai, Hoang Thi Thu Hoai
This study examines the mobilization of resources to support persons with disabilities (PWDs) in accessing social work services in Bình Mỹ Commune. The research is based on a survey of 207 persons with disabilities living in the locality. The main objective is to assess the current situation of resource mobilization aimed at facilitating PWDs’ access to social work services and to identify factors influencing the effectiveness of these mobilization activities within the community. A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating both quantitative and qualitative techniques. The quantitative component involved a structured questionnaire administered to 207 PWDs to collect data on service accessibility and available support resources. In addition, qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews with selected PWDs and local officials in order to explore contextual factors, lived experiences, and barriers encountered when accessing social work services. The findings indicate that support resources are primarily mobilized from families, community networks, local authorities, and social organizations. However, persons with disabilities still face several obstacles, including limited access to service-related information, mobility challenges, and insufficient coordination among support actors. Based on these findings, the study recommends strengthening linkages among community resources and enhancing the role of social work in order to improve service accessibility for persons with disabilities at the local level.
Dewi Maharani Rachmaningsih, Sardjijo
This study aims to describe the results on the Customary Law subject in the Civics Education Program using the Research & Development approach in the first year, namely the first step to the seventh step as UT new model of learning material development. This study is also conducted to produce products in the form of prototypes of UT learning materials and learning strategies that follow the characteristics of UT students, namely conventional, blended, and fully online approaches. This study applies the R&D approach and modifies it into a combination model of Gall and Borg, which includes fifteen steps with a three-year-period study or a multi-year study. The first year of study is the first step to the seventh step, the second year is the eighth step (product development), and the third year covers the ninth step to the fifteenth step. The technique of collecting data is carried out through FGD activities, which are attended by experts about Customary Law, instructional design experts, web design experts, stakeholders, and UT tutors. Data analysis is carried out through qualitative descriptive analysis. The results of the study of Customary Law subjects show, as follows: (1) the number of students who take the subject in semester 2018.1 is 184 persons, 2018.2 is 164 persons, 2019.1 is 178 persons, and 2019.2 is 197 persons. (2) The number of students registered in the online tutorial (Tuton) semester 2018.1 is 55 students, 2018.2 is 44 students, 2019.1 is 32 students, and 2019.2 is 43 students. (3) The number of students who are active in Tuton implementation, semester 2018.1 is 30 students, 2018.2 is 29 students, 2019.1 is 17 students, and semester 2019.2 is 27 students. (4) The average result of Tuton's scores in semester 2018.1 is 32.83, semester 2018.2 is 36.73, semester 2019.1 is 36.67, and semester 2019.2 is 35.83. The contribution of Tuton's score to the final grade of the subject is 50%. Besides producing the results of the first year of study, it also produces development products in the form of (1)learning objectives, competencies that are expected to be achieved by students at the end of the lecture, (2)general instructional objectives into specific competencies that are arranged logically and systematically between one another and end on general instructional objectives, (3)the results of student analysis on the characteristics of students related to their learning abilities as UT students, (4)the results of the context analysis produce a description of the availability of student learning facilities and infrastructure, resulting in specific learning objectives that contain the performance that students are expected to achieve at the end of the lesson, (5) an assessment instrument to be used in measuring student learning outcomes, (6) an instructional strategy for Customary Law that follows the instructional objectives of the subject.
Ahmad Faiz Azizi Bin Ahmad Fauzi, Kherun Nita Bte Ali, Mohammed Sabri
The global architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry is undergoing a profound digital transformation driven by the adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM). However, the actual uptake in emerging economies remains constrained by a confluence of unique socio-economic and infrastructural challenges. This paper critically evaluates technology acceptance theories from 2020–2025, addressing the methodological debate between the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). Utilising a Systematic Comparative Review (SCR), the study identifies an "explanatory ceiling" in TAM when applied to organisational settings. Consequently, the research establishes a methodological imperative for UTAUT, which formalises Social Influence (SI) and Facilitating Conditions (FC) to better model the professional hierarchies and fragmented infrastructures of developing nations. By strategically focusing on Behavioural Intention (BI) and omitting 'Actual Use' (AU), the study provides a robust, context-sensitive roadmap for digital innovation in resource-scarce environments
Aliyu Baba Usman, Ewuga Anzule, Isah Shittu, Salihu Ndagi
Motivated by the persistent fiscal discrepancies evident in Nigeria, the ongoing inadequacies in revenue collection, along with the volatility of oil prices, have resulted in chronic budget deficits, thereby jeopardizing Nigeria's long-term fiscal viability. This research seeks to elucidate the moderating influence of digitalisation on the relationship between petroleum revenue and budget performance in Nigeria, with annual data spanning from 1981 to 2024. The study employed quantitative longitudinal research design. Key variables included petroleum revenue as independent variable, with global oil prices and government expenditure growth as controls. The Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model was employed to analyze both short-run and long-run dynamics after unit root tests (Augmented Dickey-Fuller and Philip-Perron) confirmed a mix of stationary variables. The results revealed that petroleum revenue has a significant negative effect on budget performance in both the short and long run, aligning with the "resource curse" theory. The interaction term with petroleum revenue was positive and statistically significant. This indicates that digitalisation effectively moderates the relationship, enhancing the efficiency and transparency of revenue collection and thereby bolstering budget performance. The consistently significant negative error correction terms across all models confirmed a long-run equilibrium relationship. Government expenditure growth also demonstrated a positive and significant influence on budgetary performance, highlighting the importance of prudent spending. Robustness tests revealed that both pre-digitalization (1981–2002) and post-digitalization (2003–2024) eras significantly and positively influenced Nigeria's short-run budget performance. The study concluded that digitalisation adoption in Nigeria significantly moderates the relationship between petroleum revenue and budget performance. The study recommends that the Nigerian government should increase the current 0.5% stabilization fund to mitigate the negative effects of oil price volatility and strengthen fiscal discipline by insulating the fund from political spending pressures. Moreover, it advocates for the full implementation of the Nigeria Tax Act 2025, which promotes the digitalisation of government revenue streams to improve collection efficiency and effectiveness by agencies and institutions of the federal government of Nigeria.
Adamu Ahmed Girei, Hauwa Adamu Duhu
Employee’s commitment is crucial for institutional success, and job characteristics significantly influence it. The perception of fairness in organizational policies, procedures, and interpersonal treatment can enhance or weaken this relationship. Specifically, the study examined the effect of task variety, autonomy, and feedback on employee’s commitment as well as examined the moderating role of organizational fairness on the relationship between job characteristics and employee’s commitment in universities across Nigeria's North-Eastern states. This research employed a quantitative approach via structural equation modeling (SEM) with the help of Smart PLS 4 in analyzing the data that was obtained from the university’s employees. It was found out that job characteristics (task variety, autonomy, and feedback) and organizational fairness directly affect employee’s commitment at work place. Primarily, results shows that organizational fairness positively moderate the relationship between feedback job characteristic and employee’s commitment in Nigeria northeast universities. It is concluded that organizations in the region can leverage the understanding of the interplay between job characteristics, organizational fairness and employee commitment to design targeted interventions to help improve employee’s commitment. It was recommended that job characteristics attributes and organizational fairness be emphasized when dealing with staff in their institutions as it improved employee’s level of commitment.
Akhtar Hussain, Novikova V. P.
This paper examines how modernist narrative techniques of stream of consciousness and fragmentation are remediated in contemporary virtual reality (VR) storytelling. Drawing on discourse-narratological frameworks, it analyzes how these literary strategies transform from linguistic expression into spatial, sensory, and ergodic discourse structures. The aim is to demonstrate that VR does not constitute a narrative rupture but continues modernist principles through new semiotic channels, positioning users as active interpreters rather than passive recipients. The empirical material consists of three VR films—Dear Angelica (2017), Notes on Blindness (2016), and Spheres (2018)—selected for their emphasis on subjective perception, memory, and non-linearity. These works are compared with modernist novels including Virginia Woolf's Mrs Dalloway and To the Lighthouse, and James Joyce's Ulysses. The methodology employs qualitative discourse analysis combined with Transmedial narratology, focusing on spatial transitions, sensory cues, and user navigation patterns across multiple viewings of each VR piece. Key findings reveal that stream of consciousness manifests as spatial flows driven by sensorial montage rather than syntactic disruption, while fragmentation becomes ergodic reconstruction requiring embodied navigation. In Dear Angelica, memory fragments orbit the user spatially; Notes on Blindness organizes consciousness through auditory episodes; and Spheres externalizes cosmic reflection without temporal markers. These techniques decentralize narrative authority and compels users to assemble coherence through movement and perception, echoing modernist interpretive demands but physicalizing interpretive labor. The study contributes to digital humanities by bridging literary modernism with VR discourse, challenging immersion-centric VR research. It extends Transmedial narratology to account for embodiment and spatiality, offering new analytical tools for immersive media. Findings suggest VR creators draw implicitly from modernist strategies with implications for narrative design that prioritize ambiguity and reconstruction over linear exposition.
Fourry Handoko, Isa Halim, Mariam Md Ghazaly, Mohammad Kamil Sued, Muhammad Syafiq Syed Mohamed, Muhammad Syukri Azri Razli, Shajahan Maidin, Zulkeflee Abdullah
This study presents the design and development of a modular furniture system optimized for small living spaces through the use of CAD-based design and rapid prototyping methods. The project addresses common challenges in compact urban homes, where traditional furniture is often rigid, oversized, and poorly adapted to limited spatial layouts. An iterative design-thinking framework was adopted, supported by user surveys, concept screening, and a House of Quality (HOQ) analysis to translate user requirements into functional design specifications. A scaled prototype was fabricated using 3D printing to evaluate functional mechanisms and validate the design’s adaptability, modularity, and usability. Structural simulations demonstrated strong performance, with a maximum deformation of 0.094 mm and stress values well below the material yield limit, confirming the robustness of the design under expected loads. A comparative assessment also highlighted the benefits of digital design and prototyping in reducing material waste and enabling higher customization compared to conventional manufacturing. The findings demonstrate that modular furniture systems developed through CAD methodologies can significantly enhance space efficiency and user adaptability in small living environments, offering valuable insights for future urban furniture innovation.
NGNOULAYE Janvier
In a Cameroonian educational context marked by the transition to the Competency-Based Approach (CBA) and the rapid expansion of digital technologies, this study analyzes the effectiveness of teaching monitoring systems in teacher professionalization and examines their impact on student learning outcomes. Using a mixed-methods sequential explanatory design, data were collected from 50 secondary and higher education teachers and 68 students across three regions of Cameroon (Centre, Littoral, and West). Results reveal that only 38% of monitored teachers receive systematic formative feedback, while 72% report a substantiated need for artificial intelligence (AI) tools in their pedagogical practices. Hierarchical regression analyses demonstrate that monitoring effectiveness exploratorily suggests associations with teacher professional development (β = 0.61; p < 0.001) and student academic performance (β = 0.47; p < 0.01). A bootstrapping mediation model (5,000 iterations; Hayes, 2022, PROCESS macro v4.2) reveals that AI integration into monitoring systems positively mediates the relationship between monitoring and professionalization (indirect effect = 0.29; 95% CI [0.18; 0.42]; mediation ratio = 50.9%). These findings underscore the urgent need for a substantial reform of monitoring systems in Cameroon, integrating CBA requirements with the strategic opportunities offered by AI-enhanced pedagogical support.
Elacion MA, Fernandez U, Luable, M, Malabago, J, Raposo, M, Villarias, R
“Poverty is not a hindrance to success.” A positive quote that brings encouragement and serves as a motivation to a lot of individuals. At some point, poverty is often perceived as a significant barrier to academic success due to the countless challenges it presents, such as limited access to resources, inadequate learning environments, and increased stress levels. However, this viewpoint overlooks the resilience and potential that economically deprived students can exhibit when given appropriate support and opportunities.Using a phenomenological approach, this study explores the relationship between academic achievement and motivation in children from low-income families. The purpose of the study is to understand the ways in which motivational factors affect the academic success of children from low-income families. Through use of qualitative methods, such as in-depth interviews with five participants and the use of Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis for comprehensive data analysis ensuring credibility of findings. The rigors of findings were upheld through credibility checks via member validation, narrative extraction for transferability, code-recode strategies for dependability, data validation by participant’s conformability, enhancing trustworthiness of the study. The research reveals the real-life experiences of these children, focusing on their challenges, goals, and support systems. Results show that a combination of strong work ethic, encouraging family relationships, and supportive school environments can promote academic resilience and achievement even in facing severe financial limitations. Overall this investigation highlights the relevance of individualized educational strategies and policies that suit to the unique needs of economically disadvantaged children, indicating that improving motivation might be a key factor in closing the achievement gap in academics.
Norhayati Idris, Norliza Che Mustafa, Seng Hui Zanne
This research investigates the motivating and demotivating factors experienced by university students during foreign language acquisition. The questionnaire was given to 126 students learning French in Malaysia. A five-point Likert scale questionnaire was adapted from Gardner’s (2001) motivation framework and Horwitz et al.’s (1986) anxiety framework to measure motivating and demotivating factors. The survey consisted of three sections. Section A contained the demographic profile with three items. Section B focuses on motivating factors with 11 items, and Section C has 33 items directed at demotivating factors. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, and Pearson correlation. The result indicates a high level of motivation toward learning French (M = 4.40, SD = 0.61) and also a high tendency towards peer assistance when facing difficulties (M = 4.49, SD = 0.59). However, several anxiety-related factors were identified as sources of demotivation, such as communication apprehension, fear of negative evaluation and, test anxiety. Students become nervous when they are asked questions without being prepared in advance (M = 3.83, SD = 0.97). The correlation analysis indicated no significant association between motivating and demotivating factors, r(124) = -.002, p = .979. These results indicate that motivation and demotivation may exist at the same time as distinct variables in foreign language acquisition.
Arif @ Kamisan Pusiran, Brahim Chekima, Fatma Zohra Chekima, Zhang Ling.
The rapid rise of short video platforms has reshaped hospitality marketing, especially in the Chinese market, where Douyin, Xiaohongshu, and WeChat Video Channel influence consumer engagement and booking-related decisions. This conceptual paper synthesizes the study into a Stimulus-Organism-Response framework in which narrative structure operates as the stimulus, narrative transportation, flow experience, and sense of presence operate as organism states, perceived value and reservation intention operate as responses. The paper argues that the effectiveness of hotel short-video marketing depends on narrative coherence, emotional appeal, and immersive capacity rather than on mere promotional exposure. It develops six conceptual relationships: narrative structure enhances narrative transportation; transportation strengthens flow experience and sense of presence; flow experience and sense of presence elevate perceived value; and perceived value shapes reservation intention. The paper also positions these mechanisms within the Chinese digital ecosystem, where emotional engagement, cultural proximity, and relational meanings influence how hospitality content is interpreted. Its conceptual contribution lies in reframing short video marketing as experiential value creation rather than routine digital promotion. Its practical contribution lies in demonstrating why hotel marketers should priorities coherent storytelling, culturally adaptive platform strategies, and collaborative narrative ecosystems that involve hotels, travel agencies, key opinion leaders, and users.
Nguyen Thi Hue
This ethnographic study explores the relationship between natural environment and cultural expression among Khmer communities in Southern Vietnam, focusing on two emblematic practices: Du Ke theater and the Chrôy Rum Chêk sea blessing ritual. Drawing on participant observation, symbolic content analysis, and retrospective interviews with 40 elderly Khmer individuals in Tra Vinh and Soc Trang communes, the research reveals how ecological conditions shape ritual and performative traditions. The findings demonstrate that Khmer cultural forms are deeply embedded in environmental realities and reflect a unique synthesis of Theravāda Buddhist spirituality, subsistence-based adaptation, and communal participation. Comparative insights highlight distinctions between Khmer practices and those of ethnic groups, including Kinh, Hoa, and Cham communities, particularly in terms of religious orientation, spatial engagement, and cultural transmission. Despite pressures from industrialization and urbanization, Khmer communities continue to preserve and adapt their intangible heritage, affirming the resilience of cultural identity in the face of ecological and social transformation
Anthony Ndambiri Njuno, Wycliffe Nyachoti Otiso
Medical insurance fraud is currently a pressing challenge in Kenya, yet its detection and scale, especially within consumer-initiated schemes, remain under-examined in scholarly literature. This study sought to investigate the relationship between the nature of detected consumer-type medical insurance fraud and the size of the associated financial losses among insurance providers in Kenya. Anchored in the Fraud Hexagon Theory and the Red Flag System Approach, the study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design using a non-reactive methodology. A census of 53 fraud cases detected over a six-month period across 14 medical insurance providers was conducted. Data were gathered from organizational records, and analysis was performed using SPSS version 28. Descriptive statistics assessed forms of fraud, while chi-square tests and Pearson correlation was used to examine associations between fraud characteristics and financial impact. Findings showed that falsification of claims, pharmacy-related fraud, and member substitution were the most prevalent forms of insurance fraud. The study established that while the nature of fraud (e.g., form, perpetrator, motivation) contributes to variability in loss magnitude, there is limited use of predictive detection models within the sampled organizations. The study concludes that fraud detection strategies, including the application of red flag indicators and institutional capacity to act on early signals, are critical to minimizing financial losses. It recommends the institutionalization of predictive analytics, integration of fraud typologies into detection protocols, and establishment of a national guideline on fraud detection and reporting. The study also contributes to existing criminological and financial fraud literature by providing reliable empirical data on the typologies and economic impact of medical insurance fraud in the Kenyan context. Limitations and areas for future inquiry are discussed.
Hong Xia
The marginalization of critical AI research—which examines the social, ethical, and political implications of algorithmic systems—is not a reflection of its intellectual rigor, but rather a result of the structural and economic forces that define the current AI landscape. Critical AI research often acts as the "single, high-quality voice" attempting to correct a powerful, well-funded "consensus" of techno-optimism. Structural Asymmetry in Research Funding The primary driver of the AI research landscape is the immense capital required for large-scale model development. This creates a "funding-driven paradigm" where research that advances capability is prioritized over research that questions the societal cost. Corporate Capture of Talent. A significant portion of AI PhDs are recruited by "Big Tech" firms. According to the AI Index Report (2023), the number of AI PhDs entering industry (approximately 70%) significantly outpaces those entering academia (approximately 20%). The Incentive Gap. Research that improves model efficiency or accuracy has a direct Return on Investment (ROI). Conversely, critical research—such as audits of algorithmic bias or environmental impact studies—often presents a legal or reputational risk to the funders (Metcalf & Crawford, 2016).
Kumar Arun, Md Shafiqul Islam, Rifat Mia, Takia Akter, Yunu Maya Gurung
The strategic relationship between China and Nepal has described the significant transformation since 2005, from traditional diplomatic relations to a multifaceted trade partnership, investment, infrastructure development, and regional connectivity. This paper unveils the evolving nature of the Sino-Nepalese relations through trade, strategic, and geopolitical lenses, employing qualitative analysis of policy documents, academic literature, and media reports. The study used a qualitative research methodology, which involved content analysis of policy documents, trade data, trade MOUs, and elite interviews; the paper discusses the drivers, aspects, and challenges of this bilateral trade connectivity. The result highlights that Chinese investments under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) play an effective role in ensuring infrastructural development in Nepal. In addition, the study unveils that infrastructure development increased trade connectivity and provided alternative development financing. Furthermore, this study also talks about the concerns regarding debt sustainability, strategic autonomy, and trade imbalances, where the trade deficit reached NPR 12.55 billion in the 2004/2005 FY and NPR 338.47 billion in the 2024/2025 FY. The Sino-Nepalese cooperation is also very significant from the regional perspective, particularly in the India-China competition perspective. The geographical location of Nepal also pushes China to make strategic cooperation with Nepal, and it helps to shift power alignments in South Asia. This study developed theoretical perspectives from realism and complex interdependence that provided a balanced analysis of the opportunities and challenges in the Sino-Nepalese relationship. The paper contributes to broader discussions on South Asian geopolitics, small-state diplomacy, and the prospects of Sino-Nepalese collaboration and suggests some policy to ensure sustainable partnership in future perspectives.
Akshyashri S, Deepika J, Dr. Kodhai Nayaki N
In an increasingly volatile global business environment, organizations face heightened uncertainty due to economic instability, supply chain disruptions, technological change, and external shocks such as pandemics and geopolitical events. These conditions have intensified cash flow instability and supply chain risks, posing challenges to organizational continuity and resilience. The purpose of this study is to examine the role of advanced risk analytics in mitigating cash flow instability and supply chain disruptions in uncertain business environments. The study adopts a descriptive, quantitative approach using primary survey data and percentage analysis, supported by secondary literature. The findings indicate that organizations adopting analytics-driven risk management practices report higher levels of preparedness in managing financial and operational risks. The results also show that the use of predictive analytics and early warning systems is associated with greater visibility into cash flow patterns and supply chain conditions. The study concludes that advanced risk analytics supports proactive risk management and contributes to improved resilience planning by enabling organizations to anticipate and respond to disruptions more effectively.
Dr Tatenda Chitaka, Marks Chitaka
Background: Zimbabwe’s girl-child empowerment initiatives have achieved notable educational milestones, with primary school completion rates of 89% for girls and 78% for boys (Mugabe & Ndlovu, 2022; Tafara, 2025). However, these successes have coincided with emerging patterns of boy-child vulnerability, including 22% suicidal ideation among male university students (Mutsvairo et al., 2023; Mhlanga & Chidarikire, 2025), 28% higher secondary school dropout rates, a 41% male youth NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) status, and a 35% depression prevalence among rural males. Cultural pressures, such as lobola costs averaging US$3,500, further compound these psychological and sociological strains Objective: This scoping review systematically maps existing evidence on boy-child neglect occurring alongside girl-child empowerment programmes in Zimbabwe. Methods: Employing a six-stage scoping approach, the review synthesises 40 sources (20 empirical studies, 12 reports/policy papers, and 8 theoretical works). The analysis follows the PRISMA-ScR flow, the PCC (Population, Concept, Context) framework, and a three-part conceptual lens combining General Strain Theory, Attachment Theory, and Self-Determination Theory. Results: Four main evidence domains emerge: (1) representation and funding gaps, where 85% of gender-focused resources are allocated to girls and less than 5% to boys; (2) educational and employment disparities, characterised by high male school disengagement and NEET rates; (3) mental health and substance use, including a 42% prevalence of alcohol use disorder; and (4) cultural dynamics, notably lobola-related debt and rigid masculinity norms. Conclusions: The review indicates that neglect of boy children occurs alongside, rather than in competition with, progress for girl children. Interdependent family resilience relies on expanding effective interventions, such as vocational training (with a 27% re-engagement rate) and peer support, alongside ongoing programmes for women to foster national stability.
Yap Jin Hin, Zhang Jianyue
Chinese art song represents a distinctive vocal tradition that emerged from the interaction between indigenous Chinese musical aesthetics and Western classical vocal techniques. Since the early twentieth century, composers and performers have sought to reconcile Chinese linguistic and poetic traditions with Western vocal pedagogy, particularly the bel canto tradition. Despite growing scholarly attention, existing studies often examine Chinese vocal performance from fragmented perspectives, addressing vocal technique, pedagogy, or cultural aesthetics in isolation. This conceptual article synthesizes interdisciplinary scholarship from musicology, vocal pedagogy, ethnomusicology, and cultural studies to examine how Chinese vocal traditions interact with Western vocal practices in contemporary art song performance. The review identifies three interrelated dimensions shaping Chinese vocal performance: cultural identity and hybridity, vocal technique and pedagogical adaptation, and aesthetic interpretation rooted in linguistic and poetic traditions. The analysis suggests that Chinese art song performance functions as a hybrid artistic practice in which Western vocal techniques are selectively adapted to accommodate the tonal, phonetic, and expressive characteristics of the Chinese language and cultural aesthetics. Such hybridization reflects broader processes of intercultural exchange in global musical practice while preserving distinctive elements of Chinese vocal expression. This article contributes to the literature by offering a conceptual synthesis of research on Chinese vocal music and by highlighting the importance of pedagogical frameworks that integrate technical training with cultural authenticity in contemporary vocal performance.
Dikshita Das, Dr. Garima Kalita
This paper examines the politics of cultural identity in postcolonial African feminist literature through Mariama Bâ’s So Long a Letter (1981) and Buchi Emecheta’s The Joys of Motherhood (1979) and Second-Class Citizen (1974). Employing postcolonial feminist theory—particularly Chandra Talpade Mohanty’s critique of Western universalism and Obioma Nnaemeka’s “nego-feminism”—the analysis explores how Bâ and Emecheta portray women negotiating patriarchal traditions, colonial legacies, and diasporic alienation. Ramatoulaye in Bâ’s epistolary narrative embodies communal introspection and nego-feminist negotiation within Senegalese Muslim society, while Emecheta’s protagonists—Nnu Ego and Adah—illustrate the oppressive weight of Igbo motherhood ideals and the individualistic defiance required in Nigeria and Britain. The paper compares Bâ’s emphasis on relational agency and collective reflection with Emecheta’s focus on solitary resistance and self-redefinition, arguing that these complementary strategies highlight diverse pathways to empowerment in African feminist discourse. Ultimately, the works challenge stereotypes of African women as passive victims, centering education, resilience, and cultural re-negotiation as tools for reclaiming identity amid postcolonial flux.
Darwalis Sazan, Lim Xiao Wei
The George Town Heritage Celebrations feature a series of events and activities in the historic Malaysian city, celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, diverse traditions, historic sites, artistic expressions, and culinary offerings. This study examines the visual and linguistic components of the celebration brochures to uncover how heritage narratives are constructed through images, layouts, and textual elements, reflecting both denotative and connotative meanings, as well as ideological perspectives, based on the framework of van Leeuwen and Jewitt (2004) and Critical Discourse Analysis by Fairclough (1995). The findings reveal that heritage landmarks are the most prominent explicit visual elements, while implicit representations of multiracial groups include figures from Malay, Chinese, and Indian backgrounds, symbolizing unity and the collective identity of the George Town Heritage Celebration. The interplay of denotative and connotative elements serves as a central synecdoche of the city’s cultural representation, and this study offers insights into the preservation and promotion of George Town Heritage Celebrations.
Dr. Reginald Nalugala, Kerry Muhati
Neopatrimonialism gives a good grid to scholars to analyse governance in Africa and was used as a description for state-society relations in Africa. This article takes the example of the Luhya Council of Elders in western Kenya and examines the council's political survival and the significance of its institution. A neopatrimonial approach is used to explain the continued possible existence of councils of elders in spite of the constitutional reforming and electoral democratization processes in Kenya. Such councils have played an influential role in mobilizing political support to leaders, in aggregating ethnic constituencies and building moral legitimacy. The article offers a historical-institutional analysis based on secondary academic literature, media archives, policy documents and religious literature with an aim of explaining the ways in which the Luhya Council of Elders functions as a strategic intermediary in the neopatrimonialism order of Kenyan politics. Although the council lacks state support, it is run along Luhya cultural lines, and aided by the support of faith-based organizations. The article advances an analytical model consisting of three layers: cultural legitimacy, moral endorsement and patronage brokerage which explains how the layers are interrelated in terms of the role that the council plays within contemporary Kenyan governance. The research recognizes traditional authority as being composite and dynamic in nature and still in the process of reproduction in the contemporary context of politics. These findings add to growing debates over African political traditions, the consolidation of democratic regimes, and society-versus-institutional relationships.
Dr. Adriano G. Sabado
This study examined the non-intellectual factors influencing the Statistics performance of Graduate School students in Northeastern College, Santiago City. Utilizing a descriptive-quantitative research design, data were gathered from 356 graduate students across different master’s program through a validated 76-item questionnaire. Findings revealed that student-related issues, teacher practices, parental involvement, instructional materials, teaching methods, administrative and supervisory support, and school environment were perceived as slightly to moderately serious factors affecting performance. However, correlation analysis indicated no statistically significant relationship between these factors and students’ actual Statistics achievement. Despite the presence of challenges, a substantial number of students attained 'Proficient' or 'Approaching Proficiency' levels. The results suggest that while non-intellectual factors exert some influence, personal motivation and broader socio-environmental variables may play a more critical role. Based on the findings, an intervention program was proposed to strengthen Statistics performance by enhancing teaching practices, increasing parental engagement, improving resource allocation, and promoting a more supportive school environment.
Bosede Clara Akinlosotu, Olayemi Ayoola-Akinjobi
The issue of Non-Performing Loan has become a matter of serious concern among listed deposit money banks in Nigeria, as loans granted by banks to their customers are often not being repaid according to the terms and conditions of the loan agreement. The effect of this on the financial performance of banks is the reduction in banks' profit and their intermediation capacity. Therefore, this study investigated the impact of non-performing loans (NPL) on the performance of listed deposit money banks in Nigeria; using Return on Asset as performance variable. The study employed" ex-post facto" research design because of the availability of published audited financial statements of listed deposit money banks as contained on the Nigerian Exchange Group Website and Fact Book 2022.The population of the study comprised all the 10 listed deposit money banks for the period of the study (2009-2022) ;while census sampling technique was employed to select all the 10 listed deposit money banks because they were not delisted, and their operations were not disrupted during the period. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and panel data estimation techniques were employed for data analysis. The findings revealed that Non-Performing Loan have statistically positive and significant impact on Return on Asset with p-value 0.01386. Therefore, the study recommended that banks should place a strong emphasis on enhancing their credit risk management practices maintain strong Capital employed to mitigate the potential negative impact of Non- Performing Loans. This includes implementing more rigorous credit assessment procedures, improving loan portfolio diversification, and closely monitoring the credit worthiness of borrowers
Airish V. Palmerola, Alexa Mae I. Sereno, Clinilyn P. Solon, Cristine S. Tagal, Ma. Krystelle G. Auxtero, Maricar R. Dela Cruz, Ronald D. Manolong
Oral proficiency is a key indicator of English language mastery, particularly for students majoring in English. It has been observed that English has the strongest position as a second or foreign language across the globe (Somroo, 2022). However, many first-year English major students struggle with speaking, which negatively impacts their academic performance and confidence. This qualitative-descriptive study aimed to explore the common challenges that hinder the oral communication skills of first-year English major students at Monkayo College of Arts, Sciences, and Technology (MonCAST). Drawing on the principles of Communicative Competence Theory (Canale & Swain, 1980), the Affective Filter Hypothesis (Krashen, 1982), Sociocultural Theory (Vygotsky, 1978), Interaction Hypothesis (Long, 1981) and Kurt Lewin’s Action Research Framework (Lewin, 1946), it specifically aimed to identify the difficulties students face in speaking English and to use these insights to guide the design of a targeted intervention. Fourteen participants who experienced difficulties in oral presentations were selected based on academic performance and teacher recommendations. According to Armea et al. (2022), it is essential for education students—especially English majors—to acquire strong linguistic skills and attain advanced proficiency at the tertiary level, as this serves as a foundation for academic success and future teaching careers. Through in-depth interviews and thematic analysis, the study identified recurring barriers to oral proficiency, including fear of making mistakes, limited vocabulary, low self-esteem, and lack of speaking practice. The findings serve as the basis for designing an intervention program called Journey to the West, tailored to address students’ specific needs and enhance their oral communication skills. This study highlights the importance of supportive teaching strategies and learner-centered approaches in improving oral proficiency among English majors.
Angelica Mae C. Ledres, Fatima Bien C. Abobon, Geraldine Marie E. Barcelon, Kiel Clarence M. Alberto, Raphaela Raia Ikar D. Ramos
The Philippines faces numerous environmental challenges, particularly in Hagonoy, Bulacan, which regularly experiences tidal flooding. While Tikling serves as the main transportation in Hagonoy, Bulacan, existing studies have mostly focused on technical and economic aspects of Tikling transportation, leaving a significant gap in overlooking the lived experiences and meaning-making processes of Tikling commuters. This study aimed to examine the lived experiences of Tikling commuters in Hagonoy, exploring Sikolohiyang Pilipino (SP) values that shape their loob (inner experiences), labas (external challenges), emerging cultural values, purposes of Tikling use, and perceived implications during flooding. The study employed a qualitative phenomenological design, utilizing Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) for an in-depth understanding. Data came from semi-structured interviews, observations, and Sikolohiyang Pilipino indigenous methods such as Pakikipagkwentuhan, Pagtatanong-tanong, and Pagpapatotoo with eight purposively and snowball-sampled participants. The findings exhibited five key themes that highlight the emotional coping, external barriers, cultural meaning-making, Tikling's dual role of benefit and sacrifices, and its essential mobility. Commuters showed resilience through collective practices, faith, and adaptability despite recurring risks. The research findings indicate that resilience is both relational and rooted in culture, influenced by the interplay of loob and labas. This underscores the necessity for transportation solutions that are sensitive to context and based within the community, particularly in areas vulnerable to flooding.
Dr Washington Wachianga, Dr. Samuel Wanyera
The disorder we call “Sickle Cell Disease” had been present in Africa for at least five thousand years and has been known by many names in tribal languages. People with SCD have abnormal hemoglobin, called hemoglobin S in their red blood cells. The objective of the study was to establish how parents are involved in management of their children with sickle cell anemia to access formal education. The methodology of study snowball is a non-probability sampling technique where existing study subjects recruit future subjects from among their acquaintances. The study found out that most of the parents discovered about the condition through hospital testing but some few tried the herbs. The study found that majority of the family members had positive relationship with the sickler and most of them empathize with the child in this condition. However some members of the extended family including some parents had mixed reactions. The study found that parents give their children a variety of porridge which balanced. It was found that maintaining the child in this condition together with education was expensive. It was established that the children mostly attend regular schools. The parents are aware of the rights of the child rights to access education however this may be interfered with by crisis. The government should avail medical facilities. Teachers train in special education should be posted to these schools. Parents should be made aware of condition of this disease
Mohammad Soleimani Amiri, Muhammad Wasif Amjad
Global path planning for autonomous navigation aims to generate safe, efficient, and collision-free routes, particularly in complex and dynamic environments where uncertainty and obstacles pose significant challenges. Among various environment modeling techniques, grid-based map representations are widely adopted due to their simplicity, scalability, and effectiveness in discretizing space for computational processing. This work presents a hybrid path planning approach that integrates the Salp Swarm Algorithm (SSA) with a Genetic Algorithm (GA) to enhance navigation performance in grid-based environments. The proposed method leverages the strong global exploration capability of SSA to initially identify promising and feasible paths across the search space. These candidate solutions are then utilized to initialize the Genetic Algorithm, which further refines the paths through evolutionary operations such as selection, crossover, and mutation. This cooperative integration enables a balanced trade-off between exploration and exploitation, improving convergence behavior and avoiding premature stagnation. As a result, the hybrid SSA-GA approach produces higher-quality paths in terms of reduced path length, improved smoothness, better convergence stability, and enhanced computational efficiency. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated on six planar grid maps with progressively increasing size and complexity to test robustness and scalability. Comparative analysis is conducted against well-known algorithms including A-star (A*), Ant Colony Optimization (ACO), Genetic Algorithm (GA), Salp Swarm Algorithm (SSA), Improved Sparrow Search Algorithm (ISpSA), Proposed Grey Wolf Optimization and Genetic Algorithm (GWO-GA) and proposed Salp Swarm Algoritjm and Genetic Algorithm (SSA-GA) . Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed SSA-GA method achieves a 100% success rate across all tested scenarios, consistently generating feasible solutions where several standalone algorithms fail, while maintaining competitive runtime and superior path optimality.
Marfazila Binti Wan Mahmud, Rosmiza Binti Yasok
The rapid expansion of digital technology education has intensified expectations for teachers to demonstrate strong pedagogical readiness in designing and implementing meaningful technology-enhanced learning. However, existing empirical evidence remains fragmented across contexts, conceptually inconsistent, and heavily focused on technological competence rather than pedagogical enactment, creating a significant gap in understanding teachers’ readiness for digital technology teaching. This study therefore conducted a systematic literature review guided by the PRISMA framework to synthesise empirical findings on teachers’ pedagogical readiness and the contextual challenges shaping digital pedagogy implementation. A comprehensive search of Scopus and Web of Science databases identified studies published between 2022 and 2026, yielding 38 eligible journal articles following screening and eligibility procedures. An integrative analysis approach was employed to synthesise findings across diverse methodological designs. The review revealed two overarching themes: (1) Teachers’ Pedagogical Readiness for Digital Technology Integration and (2 )Contextual and Instructional Challenges in Implementing Digital Pedagogy.Findings indicate that pedagogical readiness is a multidimensional construct shaped by technological pedagogical knowledge, professional development experiences, beliefs, self-efficacy, and contextual support. Although teachers generally demonstrate positive perceptions and basic digital competence, persistent challenges remain in translating technological familiarity into pedagogically meaningful and student-centred practices. Moreover, digital pedagogy implementation is constrained by infrastructure limitations, institutional support gaps, assessment complexities, and subject-specific pedagogical demands, resulting in uneven and context-dependent classroom practices. Overall, the synthesis highlights that effective digital technology teaching depends on the dynamic interaction between teacher competence and systemic conditions. Strengthening pedagogical readiness therefore requires sustained pedagogy-centred professional learning, coherent policy alignment, and supportive institutional ecosystems. This review contributes theoretical clarity to the conceptualisation of pedagogical readiness while offering evidence-based implications for policymakers, curriculum developers, and teacher educators seeking to advance sustainable and equitable digital technology integration in schools.
Nabihah Alia Abd Rahman
Translation has long been marginalized in foreign language pedagogy, often associated with non-communicative practices. However, recent developments in pedagogical translation, particularly within Translation in Language Teaching (TILT) and translanguaging frameworks, suggest that translation can function as a valuable cognitive and pedagogical resource. Despite this shift, limited research has examined how students perceive the role of translation in supporting grammatical development in Chinese as a Foreign Language (CFL) contexts. This study examines students’ perceptions of translation tasks in a CFL course at a Malaysian public university. A cross-sectional mixed-methods design was employed, involving 140 undergraduate students who completed a structured questionnaire, followed by semi-structured interviews with five participants. Quantitative findings indicate consistently positive perceptions of translation as a tool for enhancing grammatical understanding, improving sentence accuracy, and promoting attention to both meaning and form. Qualitative findings further reveal that translation supports vocabulary retention and contributes to increased communicative confidence. At the same time, students identified challenges related to homophonous pinyin, tonal distinctions, and syntactic differences in Chinese. To address these challenges, students reported using strategies such as context-based analysis, collaborative discussion, and systematic vocabulary learning. The findings suggest that TILT-informed translation tasks, when integrated within a translanguaging-oriented pedagogy, can effectively support grammatical development and broader language competence. These results highlight the potential of pedagogical translation as a central component of effective CFL instruction, particularly at the foundational level.
Abelgos Aileen, Catarina Sharlene, Dela Cruz Catherine, Jaspe Leobert, Rellamas John Wyeth Emmanuel, Santos Mark Jezreel
This research aimed to identify the perceived advantages and disadvantages of the Zero-Based Grading System based on the perceptions of third-year Computer Engineering students at Bulacan State University. It was also intended to identify the level of awareness of the students regarding the grading system and its effects on the learning process in terms of their academic performance and motivation. The study was based on the significance of the effects of the implementation of the grading system on the students. A descriptive quantitative research design was used for the study. A survey questionnaire was used in gathering data from 30 third-year Computer Engineering students at Bulacan State University using Google Forms. A five-point Likert scale was used for the survey questionnaire. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results revealed that the respondents have a high level of awareness about the Zero-Based Grading System. The impact of the Zero-Based Grading System on the students' learning process, especially in terms of academic performance and students' motivation, was found to be moderately significant. In terms of the advantages and disadvantages of the Zero-Based Grading System, the respondents were able to agree that the system can help in promoting accountability and time management in academic performance. The disadvantages were given the highest rating by the respondents, indicating that students face a lot of academic stress and burden, especially those who have different learning abilities. The study revealed that the Zero-Based Grading System has a high level of significance in the academic life of the respondents. The disadvantages were given a higher rating than the advantages. The study concluded that although the Zero-Based Grading System is advantageous in promoting transparency and objectivity in academic performance, its implementation should be enhanced in a way that lessens its negative effects on students' motivation.
Angile R. Dag-uman, Armie Lhyn D. Recla, Dr. Junvil A. Insong, Princess Nerje C. Dado, Regie boy M. Dura
The increasing incidence of traffic accidents and road violations has drawn renewed attention to the effectiveness of traffic law enforcement and its influence on road-user perceptions. This study investigated the level of traffic law enforcement implementation effectiveness and its relationship with public utility drivers’ satisfaction in Oroquieta City. A quantitative, descriptive–correlational research design was employed to examine how drivers assess enforcement policies, officer presence, violation enforcement, and public awareness initiatives, as well as how these assessments relate to their overall satisfaction. Data were gathered from 321 registered public utility drivers selected through an appropriate sampling procedure to ensure representativeness. A structured survey questionnaire was utilized, and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation analysis.
Fatma BAKINI, Hajer MACHERKI
In a hyper-competitive environment where offerings are becoming increasingly commoditised and consumers increasingly demanding, the search for new levers of differentiation, beyond functional quality and adaptation to new trends and marketing innovations, is proving essential. Hence the importance of an experiential approach that highlights the central role of the overall customer experience, integrating emotional, relational and symbolic dimensions. Research in the field of health and wellness tourism is the cornerstone of our research work. Several studies have shown that the factors influencing spa customer loyalty vary mainly according to region and cultural factors. However, the experience of an innovative, appreciated and memorable service, enabling consumers with a real need for emotional, symbolic and spiritual relief to rediscover their enchantment, proves to be an important factor. Motivated by the managerial deficit, this article aims to study the effects of the novelty dimension of the perceived quality of the consumer experience of a wellness tourism service on spa customer loyalty: the case of Tunisia. A model combining cognitive and experiential variables (sensation seeking, variety seeking, need for stimulation and delight) is proposed to explain intentions to return to the location. We followed a hypothetical-deductive approach based on a quantitative questionnaire survey. Data were collected in centres across Tunisia, from north to south. Statistical tests and structural equation modelling were used to study the effects of the perceived quality of the wellness tourism service experience and to test the research model. The results made it possible to explain and analyse the novelty dimension of the perceived quality of the service experience and show that it provides more intense positive emotions, even delighting customers. In addition, the explanatory power of the affective component (delight) in relation to satisfaction in building spa customer loyalty was clearly demonstrated. The article also provided a series of practical recommendations for implementing marketing programmes that emphasise innovation in the experiential quality of the offering and target delight as the best tool for building loyalty.
Mohd Faeez Saiful Bakhtiar, Noor Azmi Ahmad, Nor Adila Kedin, Nurliyana Nasuha Othman @ Fazri, Zulhan Othman
The integration of cross-border Quick Response (QR) payment systems, such as Malaysia's Duit Now and Indonesia's QRIS, represents a pivotal advancement in the ASEAN digital economy. Despite its potential to enhance the tourism experience by streamlining financial transactions, security and privacy concerns remain significant barriers to adoption among international travelers. Grounded in an extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), this study investigates the structural interrelationships between perceived security, intention to adopt, and actual usage behavior of the DuitNow platform among Indonesian tourists in Malaysia. Employing a quantitative cross-sectional research design, primary data were collected through self-administered questionnaires from 184 Indonesian tourists at high-traffic destinations in Kuala Lumpur. The proposed hypotheses were analyzed using Pearson correlation, multiple linear regression, and the Sobel test for mediation. The empirical results reveal that perceived security significantly and positively influences both intentions to adopt and actual usage behavior of DuitNow. Furthermore, intention to adopt strongly predicts actual usage and functions as a significant mediator in the relationship between perceived security and actual usage behavior. This research contributes theoretically by positioning perceived security as a paramount antecedent in cross-border financial transactions and demonstrating its critical role in shaping user intent. Practically, the findings provide actionable insights for policymakers, fintech developers, and hospitality stakeholders to optimize user-centric and secure digital payment infrastructures, thereby fostering trust and adoption within the regional tourism sector.
Dr. Junvil A. Insong, Edcel Jane N. Sedeño, Ever Sweet A. Catane, John Daryl N. Acas, Mariel D. Fabringa
This study explored the perceptions of male criminology students regarding the “boy cut” hairstyle required of female interns during criminology training. Using a qualitative phenomenological design, twelve male students from in a university in Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental, Philippines were interviewed to understand their experiences and interpretations of female grooming standards. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s phenomenological method to identify themes reflecting participants’ initial reactions, perceived professional impact, and treatment of female interns. The findings revealed three major themes: (1) Initial Reactions toward Female Interns with a “Boy Cut” Hairstyle, which described participants’ initial surprise and curiosity that gradually shifted to acceptance as they became familiar with grooming standards in criminology training; (2) Perceived Impact on Professional Image, which highlighted how the hairstyle was associated with discipline, confidence, and professionalism, contributing positively to the interns’ professional identity; and (3) Treatment of Female Interns with “Boy Cut” during Internships, which showed that female interns were generally treated equally, with performance and competence valued more than physical appearance. The findings indicate an evolving understanding of professionalism and femininity within a traditionally male-dominated training environment, where competence, discipline, and conduct are valued more than conventional expectations related to appearance. The study therefore recommends that criminology institutions implement orientation programs, awareness initiatives, and gender-sensitive professional development activities that promote inclusivity while reinforcing grooming standards associated with discipline and professional identity.
Intan Farahana Binti Kamsin, Mohd Shukor bin Mohd Taslim
This paper presents a comprehensive literature review relating to primary school teachers' perceptions of the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in teaching. AI in education refers to the use of intelligent technologies capable of supporting, analyzing, and personalizing the teaching and learning (PdP) process. This paper employs a literature review methodology by analysing previous research articles related to the use of AI in education, particularly those focusing on teachers’ perceptions. Articles were selected from relevant academic databases based on specific criteria such as year of publication, relevance of topic, and educational context. This paper explores the current state of research in this field as well as identifying knowledge gaps for future studies. The literature review shows that teachers generally have a positive perception of the capabilities of AI, but there are still challenges in terms of readiness, training, and understanding of the technology. The findings suggest that more research needs to be conducted to better understand the level of teacher acceptance, the suitability of AI applications in the classroom context, and the forms of support needed. Overall, this paper acts as a platform for future research and strategies to support the implementation of AI technology in teaching at primary school level in Malaysia.
Mohammad Hafiz Bin Zaini, Zhou Jingbo
The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly reshaped instructional practices in accounting education within higher education institutions. This study conducts a systematic literature review to synthesize current empirical research and address a notable gap in the integrated understanding of instructional practices and perceived outcomes. Guided by the PRISMA 2020 framework, the primary objectives are to identify major research themes and examine how AI is applied, including the associated learning outcomes, benefits, and challenges reported in the literature. The methodology involved a systematic search of three electronic databases, Scopus, Web of Science, and ERIC, retrieving peer-reviewed empirical studies published between 2021 and 2025. A total of 22 articles met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed using a thematic synthesis approach. Results indicate that research is predominantly concentrated on "challenges, risks, and ethical concerns" (59.09%), "adoption and acceptance of AI" (54.55%), and "perceived benefits" (45.45%). Geographically, research is heavily focused on Asian emerging economies, particularly Indonesia and Malaysia, while methodologically, quantitative surveys utilizing structural equation modelling (SEM) prevail over qualitative or experimental designs. Key findings suggest that while AI enhances learning efficiency and higher order skills such as critical thinking, adoption is primarily driven by perceived usefulness and users’ digital competencies. Conversely, barriers such as academic integrity, overreliance, and data privacy remain significant concerns shaping implementation. This review concludes that the current research landscape is primarily technology-adoption oriented, with limited emphasis on pedagogical transformation or learning theory. Future research should move beyond feasibility studies to develop systematic pedagogical frameworks and evaluate the long-term impact of AI on accounting competencies and professional readiness.
Reggie R. Panis
This study examined the relationship between teachers’ perceptions of social inequality and their emphasis on justice-oriented values in classroom discussions among public elementary school teachers in Kibawe West District, Schools Division of Bukidnon, during the School Year 2025–2026. Anchored on Critical Pedagogy Theory, the research explored how teachers’ awareness of economic disparities, educational inequity, gender and identity bias, cultural marginalization, and structural discrimination influences their promotion of equity, critical dialogue, learner empowerment, ethical reasoning, and inclusive curriculum practices in classroom instruction. The study aimed to determine the level of both variables and the significance of their relationship. A descriptive-correlational research design was utilized involving public elementary school teachers through complete enumeration. Data were collected using an adapted questionnaire and analyzed using means, standard deviations, and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation. Results revealed that teachers generally held high to very high perceptions of social inequality and placed a high to very great emphasis on justice-oriented values, particularly in empowerment and critical dialogue practices. Furthermore, the findings indicated a strong, statistically significant relationship between teachers’ perceptions of social inequality and their emphasis on justice-oriented values. The results suggest that teachers with greater awareness of inequality are more likely to integrate inclusive and justice-centered approaches into classroom discussions, highlighting the importance of strengthening socio-political awareness in teacher development programs.
V. Srilekha
This study investigates the use of Cow Dung Ash (CDA) and Eggshell Powder (ESP) as partial cement replacements in M20 concrete. Experimental results indicate that optimum replacement at 7.5–10% (combined CDA+ESP) improves compressive strength up to 36 MPa at 28 days compared to 32 MPa for control mix. Workability decreases with increasing replacement. The study confirms the potential of CDA and ESP as sustainable materials in concrete production.
Igbokwe Ifunanya Lynda, Nwankwo Basil Chukwuemeka
This work evaluates the relationship between performance management and service delivery in tertiary institutions in South East Nigeria. Effective service delivery in tertiary institution is paramount for achieving academic excellence, student satisfaction, and institutional reputation. The research investigates how effective feedback mechanism, employee reward and recognition enhances service delivery in tertiary institutions in South East Nigeria. The study adopted the Goal Setting theory. A total 5452 staff (academic and non-academic) of tertiary institutions in South East Nigeria (Federal Polytechnic Oko, Anambra State, and Enugu State University of science and technology) participated in the study, with a sample size of 373. The questionnaire was used to solicit information from the respondents. Two research questions was formulated to guide the study. This is a descriptive survey design and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean). The findings shows, that feedback mechanism has significant effect on service delivery in tertiary institutions in South East Nigeria. The results also shows that, Rewards and recognition encourages staff to strive for excellence in their work. It is recommended that, there should be constant and participatory feedback to the employees to boost work productivity. Again, there is need to adopt a communication channels where staff, students and management can send their feedback weather positive or negative. Also, good reward system should be encouraged.
Ann Julie M. Febreo, Esmaira G. Gunsayan, Glenn M. Demillo, Haironesah A. Akmad, Huven Jeanne F. Osmena, Irving T. Fajarito, Jr, Jowhina M. Calabroso, Juart Joy P. Aparece
Entrepreneurship education has become an integral component of higher education curricula in the Philippines, emphasizing the development of entrepreneurial knowledge and competencies across academic disciplines. This study examined the level of Personal Entrepreneurial Competencies (PECs), the level of entrepreneurial knowledge, and the relationship between PECs and entrepreneurial knowledge among non-business college students who completed the Entrepreneurial Mind course at University of Southern Mindanao (USM). A descriptive–correlational research design was employed. The respondents consisted of 798 non-business students enrolled during the First Semester of School Year 2025–2026. Data were gathered using two instruments: an adapted Personal Entrepreneurial Competencies (PEC) questionnaire based on the framework of David McClelland, and a researcher-made entrepreneurial knowledge test aligned with the official course syllabus. Descriptive statistics (mean, frequency, and percentage) were used to determine the levels of PECs and entrepreneurial knowledge, while Pearson’s Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient was applied to examine the relationship between the two variables. The PEC instrument demonstrated excellent reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.96).
Ana Fe A. Ablong, Angie Bhe Cahilap, Dr. Junvil A. Insong, Jhun Floyd Nuñezca, John Daryl N. Acas
This study investigated the relationship between police visibility and community perceptions of public safety in one of the cities in Misamis Occidental, Philippines. Using a descriptive-correlational design, data were collected from 150 residents aged 18 years and above, selected through simple random sampling across multiple barangays. A researcher-developed questionnaire measured police visibility through patrol frequency, community engagement activities, and visibility of police resources, while community perceptions of safety were assessed via feelings of security, trust in law enforcement, perceived crime trends, community involvement, and overall satisfaction with police efforts. Prior to the main study, a pilot test was conducted to refine the instrument, and internal consistency was confirmed using Cronbach’s Alpha. To minimize social desirability bias, respondents were assured of anonymity and confidentiality during data collection.
Bianca Mae R. Tacalan, Mona L. Laya
Studies have highlighted shortcomings of voters in choosing leaders and making decisions on political matters. Thus, this study investigated the moderating effect of demographic factors, such as sex and educational attainment, on the relationship between political awareness and political decision-making among the residents of Davao del Norte. Using a quantitative research design specifically descriptive correlational research approach, stratified random sampling was used to select the respondents of the study. Data utilized in this study were gathered through adapted and validated questionnaires. The study used statistical tools such as frequency and percentage, mean, standard deviation, Pearson r, and moderated multiple regression analysis. Results revealed that there were more female respondents than male and there are more college graduates. Additionally, the level of political awareness obtained a very high rating while the level of political decision-making gained a rating of high. Moreover, there was a positive correlation between political awareness and political decision-making. Further, sex and educational attainment significantly moderate the political awareness. However, sex and educational attainment do not significantly moderate political decision-making.
Dr Raed Nafea Farhan
The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen (2015) became a milestone of novel literature to question the mainstream suppositions of the Vietnam War and enact the dysfunctional identity of refugees. Scholarship has tended to study hybridity, or the dual consciousness or counter-memory, individually rather than focusing on how the two frameworks intersect, despite much critical attention. This paper fills that gap by exploring how Nguyen incorporates this three-dimensional approach, building a fractured and resistant postcolonial identity. Basing the research on a qualitative textual approach, which is based on postcolonial literary criticism, the author employs the theories of hybridity, the concept of double consciousness, and the counter-memory in close readings of the significant passages in the novel. This discussion makes it evident that hybridity is reflected in the divided lineage and shifting loyalty of the narrator; the concept of a dual consciousness is reflected in his divided self-perception as viewed by more than one gaze; and counter-memory is manifested in his confession, satire, and critique of American cultural memory. In combination, these results indicate that The Sympathizer develops an intricate paradigm of postcolonial subjectivity that subverts the East/West dichotomies and rediscovers the oppressed refugee and history. The paper adds to the postcolonial and diaspora literature by providing a comprehensive framework that illuminates the interdependence of identity and memory in diasporic literature.
Nurateela Atasya Roziky Effendy, Sharifah Nadia Syed Nasharudin
This study explores how Hofstede’s two cultural dimensions of Power Distance and Collectivism are represented through linguistic features and framing devices used in political news articles in Malaysian English-language newspapers. The study is informed by Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory and Fairclough’s Three-Dimensional Framework for Analysing Discourses. The specific research aims are to examine the linguistic features that represent Power Distance and Collectivism values and to explore how framing devices are used to represent these two cultural dimensions in Malaysian English-language political news articles. A qualitative research design was used to obtain the required data through the process of purposive sampling of five political news articles published in the Malaysian English newspapers between January 2024 and June 2025. Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) was employed as the method of content analysis. The CDA was based on two theoretical notions: linguistic features and framing practices. Linguistic features include honorifics, modality, pronouns, and the passive voice. While framing practices include headlines, themes, sources, and perspectives. A theoretical coding system was used to organise and analyse the data. The results are expected to contribute to a better understanding of how culture influences media discourse in Malaysia and contribute to a better understanding of cultural linguistics in media communication. This study is important to media studies, sociolinguistics, intercultural communication, and journalists who want to incorporate culture into their work.
Azizan Januin, Irma Wani Othman, Ismail Maidin, Kasoma Thia, Md Razali Saibin, Saifulazry Mokhtar
Prayer (ṣalāh) is a core act of worship in Islam that not only constitutes a ritual obligation but also functions as a primary mechanism for the formation of personal integrity, moral character, and Muslim identity. This article analyses the role of prayer as a manifestation of personal integrity from an Islamic perspective by examining the internalization of properly performed, sincere, mindful (khushūʿ), and consistent prayer. The discussion focuses on the historical development and status of prayer in Islam, the performance of its pillars and conditions, tranquillity (ṭumaʾnīnah), mindfulness, sincerity of intention, avoidance of ostentation (riyāʾ), and the role of consistency in observing prayer as an indicator of spiritual and moral integrity. This study adopts a qualitative approach using a conceptual library research design. This approach was chosen to enable an in-depth exploration of the meanings, values, and implications of prayer in shaping personal integrity from an Islamic perspective without involving statistical analysis. Data sources include the Qur’an, the Prophetic traditions (ḥadīth) of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), classical works by authoritative scholars such as Imam al-Ghazali and Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah, as well as contemporary academic and scholarly literature. Data were analysed descriptively and interpretively through content analysis to identify key themes related to the relationship between prayer, integrity, moral conduct, and the formation of Muslim character. The findings indicate that prayer performed with sincerity, commitment, and comprehensive internalization functions as an internal control mechanism that cultivates self-discipline, honesty, trustworthiness, and social responsibility. Prayer also serves as an effective spiritual safeguard against immoral and wrongful behaviour, thereby contributing to the development of a balanced Muslim personality in spiritual, moral, and social dimensions. In conclusion, prayer that is deeply internalized not only strengthens the relationship between humans and Allah SWT but also serves as a fundamental foundation for nurturing Muslims who possess integrity, noble character, and a strong personal identity in daily life.
I. L. Ismail, Jamal. N, M. S. Asrulsani, M. Z. A. Chek, Rinda Nariswari, Z. H. Zulkifli
Predicting student academic performance has become an essential research focus in higher education as institutions seek to improve retention rates, academic success, and educational quality. The increasing availability of educational datasets through student information systems and learning management systems provides opportunities for applying machine learning techniques to predict academic outcomes and identify at-risk students. This study presents a systematic literature review (SLR) of machine learning approaches used for predicting student performance in higher education. The review follows the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) framework to ensure transparency and replicability. Peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2025 were collected from major academic databases including Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, ACM Digital Library, and Google Scholar. The screening process resulted in a final selection of relevant studies examining predictive models in educational data mining and learning analytics. The results indicate that Random Forest, Support Vector Machines (SVM), Decision Trees, Logistic Regression, and Artificial Neural Networks are the most frequently used algorithms for student performance prediction. Several studies demonstrate predictive accuracy ranging between 70% and 95%, indicating the effectiveness of machine learning models for identifying students at risk of academic failure. The most influential predictive features include previous academic performance, attendance records, LMS engagement, assignment submissions, and demographic characteristics. The review also identifies several research gaps, including limited use of explainable artificial intelligence, insufficient cross-institution datasets, ethical concerns related to student data, and underutilization of deep learning methods. The findings highlight the importance of integrating predictive analytics into educational decision-making systems and developing interpretable models that support early intervention strategies in higher education.
Daniel Enosegbe, Kareem Ameerah, Ojo Rasheed, Ojo Sadia O.
The late stage diagnoses of breast in Nigerian women poses a significant public health concern that often results from screening delays and diagnostic inefficiencies. This research presents the design and development of a machine learning powered system for diagnoses meant to aid laboratory personnel in early breast cancer prediction. The system utilizes readily available key clinical features such as age, gender, laterality, tumor shape, nature of aspirate, and family history to classify aspirates as either malignant(cancerous) or benign (Non-cancerous). Data sourced from a pathology lab in Kano served as the training set for both the classical and deep-learning models with the deep learning model attaining better performance (F1 Score: 88.31%, Accuracy: 91.11%). Early patient-prioritization and screening are made possible by this system hence improving diagnostic turnaround times and healthcare results and healthcare outcomes especially in resource-constrained areas, the solution includes an easy-to-use interface for the smooth integration into laboratory workflows.
Godwin Kwame Aboagye (PhD), Isaiah Atewini Asaki, John Ametefe
Study skills are vital for academic achievement in higher education, as they help students improve and manage their learning processes. Understanding these strategies is essential for educators, policymakers, and students to develop interventions that promote effective, lifelong learning. Despite extensive research, there remains a limited understanding of how diverse study strategies interact to influence concentration, particularly within non-Western educational settings like Ghana, where students often rely on rote memorisation and surface learning approaches. Guided by Self-Regulated Learning theory, which posits that effective study skills and concentration stem from cyclical processes of forethought, performance, and self-reflection, this cross-sectional study examined the multidimensional structure of study skills and their ability to predict students’ concentration. Data were gathered from 273 Level 400 students at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, using the Study Skills Assessment Questionnaire (SSAQ). Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) supported a seven-factor model- Concentration, Information Processing, Motivation and Attitude, Study Aid/Note-taking, Time Management, Test Strategies, and Writing Skills. Hierarchical regression showed that Time Management, Study Aid/Note-taking, and Information Processing were significant predictors of concentration, collectively explaining over half of its variance. Test Strategies, Motivation and Attitude, and Writing Skills were not significant. These findings emphasise the importance of organisational and cognitive strategies in maintaining attention during learning. They have implications for higher education teaching, especially the development of targeted workshops on time management, note-taking, and deep information processing, to foster enhanced student engagement and academic success. The limitations of the cross-sectional and self-report methods are acknowledged, with suggestions for future longitudinal and experimental research.
Nandita Sharma, Smriti Sedhayanee
This study aims to examine the predictors of marital adjustment and quality of life of school teachers. A cross-sectional research design was adopted and convenience sampling was used as a method of data collection from 161 married teachers working in different private and public schools of Kathmandu Metropolitan City. The Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale was used to assess marital adjustment and World Health Organization Quality of Life – BREF Scale was used to assess quality of life. Multiple regression analysis was conducted using various socio-demographic variables to determine the predictors of both marital adjustment and quality of life and the results showed that the model was statistically significant for both marital adjustment (R2 = .07) and quality of life (R2 = .25). Age group (B = -4.02) and duration of marriage (B = 1.551) were statistically significant predictors of marital adjustment. In case of quality of life, relationship satisfaction (one of the subscale of marital adjustment) (B = 1.729) appeared as a significant predictor. The findings showed that age group and marriage duration were significant predictors of marital adjustment and relationship satisfaction was a significant predictor of quality of life of school teachers.
Devika Aththanayaka, Koojani Samarasekara
Chronic Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) have been a significant public health problem in Sri Lanka, accounting for approximately 83% of all deaths nationally. Although the physical burden of conditions such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and chronic respiratory diseases is well established, their psychological consequences remain insufficiently explored in routine clinical care. This cross-sectional study included 365 adult patients attending the medical clinic at Teaching Hospital Kalutara. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms, and to identify associated sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors. Depression, anxiety, and stress were estimated using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21, and a questionnaire was designed specifically to collect data on associated factors. The prevalence of anxiety, depression, and stress was 43.0%, 27.4%, and 9.3%, respectively. Age was significantly associated with all three domains (p<0.05), with younger participants exhibiting higher levels of severe depression. Gender was significantly associated with anxiety and stress (p<0.05), with males reporting higher mean scores. Lower educational attainment, unemployment, and low income were significantly associated with increased depression and anxiety (p<0.05). Clinical factors, including type of chronic illness and increased healthcare utilization, were also significantly associated with higher psychological distress (p<0.01). Economic strain and lack of social support were also significantly associated with the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress (p<0.05). The findings indicate the importance of integrating routine psychological screening and psychosocial support into chronic disease management programs in Sri Lanka.
D. Nanee, Dr. R. Jaishankar
This paper explores how pricing, promotion discounts, and EMI plans are major factors influencing consumer purchasing behaviour when buying home appliances on online market places in Coimbatore. The cross-sectional survey design was employed where the primary data were obtained through a structured questionnaire, after getting a total of 384 respondents. The researchers aimed at examining the effect of financial constraints and promotion mechanisms on the purchase intention and purchasing behaviour of customers in the online home appliance market. The theoretical model suggested that the purchase intention is driven by pricing, discounts and EMI payments, which further results in the buying behaviour. PLS-SEM was used to measure the measurement and structural models with data analysis. The measurement model demonstrated satisfactory reliability and convergent validity, with Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability exceeding recommended thresholds and AVE values AVE values ranging from 0.502 to 0.837, all surpassing the minimum acceptable threshold of 0.50. The HTMT criterion was also used in establishing discriminant validity. The structural model depicted great explanatory power with R 2 of purchase intention and buying behaviour of 0.892 and 0.791 respectively. The structural model showed that discounts and EMI options had stronger positive effects on purchase intention than price, while purchase intention had a strong positive effect on buying behaviour. The results indicate that the discount appeal and payment flexibility is highly sensitive to consumers in Coimbatore and highly influences the purchase willingness and the ultimate buying behavior of home appliances on electronic marketplaces. However, the findings are limited to self-reported responses from purposively selected consumers in Coimbatore and therefore should be interpreted with caution beyond similar contexts. The paper offers useful insights on how e-marketplace operators and sellers can enhance the transparency of prices and develop proper discount policies and effectively convey the terms of EMI to improve customer conversion and facilitate sustainable online appliance retailing.
Athirathan, S, Viththiyayini, V
In the 21st century, with the rapid development of education, technological advancement, and social changes, private expenditure on education has reached a significant level. The increase in private expenditure on education has an impact on student enrollment, dropout rates, subject choice, learning persistence, the desire to continue higher education, and educational path planning. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of private expenditure on education on student learning in plantation area schools and urban schools. A sample of 116 students, 116 parents, 19 teachers, and 10 principals were selected from Tamil Moho Moola 1AB 1C and VuluPnu 2 schools under the Ratnapura Education Zone, and this study was conducted as a mixed-method study following a descriptive quantitative research design. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and document analysis, and descriptive statistics were analyzed using the LuPlulu software. The data were interpreted. The results of the study reveal that the continuous increase in private spending has negative effects, such as a lack of learning support, a decline in learning engagement, low attendance, and poor student achievement. The study also highlights that as a result of the increase in private spending on education, the gap in educational development between urban and rural schools, learning inequality, teacher-parent expectations, and conflicts are emerging. Therefore, the results of the study emphasize the need for education policy, planning, school development plans, financial allocation, and ensuring equity-based educational opportunities.
Amily Fikry, Khairul Nazlin Kamaruzaman, Noorita Mohammad, Nor Sharul Nizam Muhamad Nor
Higher education must undergo continuous transformation to equip students with critical thinking skills required to meet national and societal demands. Improving teachers' skills is crucial in this situation, especially when it comes to teaching cutting-edge courses. Thus, this article explores the benefits of problem-based learning (PBL), the difficulties in putting it into practice, the gaps in the literature, and possible avenues for further research
Esmaira G. Gunsayan, Huven Jeanne F. Osmeña, Jowhina M. Calabroso
Swine farming is an important agricultural activity that involves raising swine for pork production and income generation. It plays a significant role in the food supply and supports the livelihood of many farmers, especially in rural areas. This study examined the production practices and profitability analysis of swine raisers in Mlang, Cotabato. Specifically, it looked into the socio-demographic profile of the respondents, the production practices of the swine raisers, the cost and return analysis of swine raisers and the major constraints encountered by swine raisers. A descriptive research design was employed in the study. The respondents consisted of 50 swine raisers who manage small-scale swine farms with fewer than twenty pigs (<20). A survey questionnaire was used to gather data from the respondents. The results revealed that most swine farmers were within the ideal age of 39-45 years old, were married, and had formal education. All respondents had no formal training in swine farming; most had 3-7 years of experience, and all used their personal savings as their source of capital. Most of them raised 6-10 crossbred pigs. Almost all respondents fed their swine three times a day and provided commercial feeds. Most kept their swine in concrete housing with swine drinkers and utilized family members as labor. All respondents also consulted veterinarians when needed. The return on investment was 40.59%, which implies that swine raising was profitable. However, the major constraints faced by the respondents were the high cost of feeds and unstable pricing. The findings suggest that small-scale swine farming with fewer than 20 pigs (<20) in M’lang, Cotabato is profitable and can serve as a viable source of income for farmers despite challenges such as high feed costs and unstable prices. This study recommends that swine raisers be provided with training, technical support, and access to affordable feeds to improve production practices and address the challenges they face.
Sarahiza Mohmad, Soo Kum Yoke, Tuan Sarifah Aini Syed Ahmad*, Zhang Yaqiu
Programming and multimedia tools have become essential to education as they offer opportunities to foster creativity, computational thinking, and problem-solving skills. Scratch is a block-based visual programming language which has been widely adopted to introduce coding concepts in an engaging and accessible manner. However, students with limited programming experience often face challenges in adopting such technologies due to low digital literacy, limited confidence, and anxiety toward unfamiliar tools. The objectives of the study were to assess the change in participants' familiarity, interest, and confidence in using Scratch for interactive multimedia development before and after the workshop, to examine participants' acceptance of Scratch for interactive multimedia development post-workshop, specifically applying the constructs of the Technology Acceptance Model, and to determine the relationships among perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, attitude towards use, motivation, and preference for using Scratch following the workshop. The study employed a quantitaive method by using a questionnaire as the instrument for data collection. The sample consisted of 37 undergraduate students from Heilongjiang University of Finance and Economics, Harbin, China. The students were exposed to Scratch through a university social responsibility workshop which was conducted at the university. The findings demonstrated that there was a positive change in participants' familiarity, interest, and confidence in using Scratch for interactive multimedia development after the workshop. They also perceived Scratch as user-friendly and beneficial for developing interactive multimedia projects, and they expressed positive attitudes toward continued use and recommendation to peers. The correlation analysis demonstrated strong positive relationships between PEU, PU, and ATU with motivation and preference, underscoring the importance of these constructs in technology adoption. The study highlights the effectiveness of structured interventions in enhancing digital literacy and fostering sustained engagement with educational technologies.
Halideen Fathima Rifasha, Thanabalasingam Krishnamohan
Since the inception of the parliamentary system of government, women’s political participation and representation in decision-making institutions have not grown in proportion to their population. Consequently, awareness of the need to promote gender equality as a mechanism to address women’s issues has emerged at the international level. It has been recognised that empowering women can be achieved by encouraging their participation in decision-making and policy-formulating bodies, particularly in politics and legislatures. There are significant differences in women’s political participation across various countries. This paper focuses on South Asia and examines the situation in Sri Lanka by analysing the increasing involvement of women in the legislature. In the history of Sri Lanka, the year 2024 marked the highest level of women’s representation in Parliament. This study considers how the rise in the number of women representatives in the Sri Lankan Parliament can contribute to women’s empowerment.
Abdul Jalil Omar, Amir Aris, Khadijah Md Ariffin, Muhammad Azwan Sulaiman, Nur Nabeeha Mohd Mustafa Kamal, Nurul Hana Adi Maimun
Durian farmland investment in Malaysia has attracted growing interest due to its high export potential, especially for premium varieties such as Musang King and Black Thorn. However, the high development cost of durian farms, reaching hundreds of thousands of ringgit (RM) per hectare, remains a major barrier for small investors, making such opportunities exclusive to high-profile investors. Crowdfunding emerges as an inclusive alternative mechanism, enabling small investors to participate with lower capital while still accessing potential returns. Yet, public understanding and acceptance of this approach remain limited. The objective of this study is to identify the investment process of durian farmland via crowdfunding and to assess the level of investor acceptance. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, involving semi-structured interviews with Durian Capital Berhad and questionnaires distributed to working individuals with investment potential. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically, while quantitative data were examined using descriptive statistics with SPSS to assess demographics, awareness, and risk perception. Findings reveal that transparent structures such as the one-tree-one-investor concept, third-party trustee control, and capital guarantees enhance investor confidence. However, overall acceptance remains moderate, with risk and return perception as the most significant factors, followed by financial capacity, knowledge, discipline, and openness to expert advice. This study contributes to academic literature on alternative agricultural investment and provides practical insights for farm operators, small investors, and policymakers in strengthening Malaysia’s crowdfunding ecosystem.
GOODMAN, Daniel Diegha, PhD, WODU, Ebimowei, PhD.
This research investigates the link between public debt sustainability and economic stability in Nigeria over the period from 1981 to 2023. Given the rising concerns about increasing public debt levels and their potential effects on the broader economy, the study employs an ex post facto research design. Data were sourced from the Debt Management Office (DMO), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the World Bank Development Indicators. Time series econometric methods were utilized to assess how different components of public debt influence exchange rate stability, with initial analyses including unit root tests to confirm the stationarity of the data. Additionally, the study implemented the Error Correction Model (ECM) to capture both short-term adjustments and long-term equilibrium relationships among the variables. The findings indicate that domestic debt has a negative and statistically significant impact on exchange rate stability, suggesting that increases in domestic borrowing can destabilize the currency, likely due to liquidity constraints and the crowding out of private sector investment. Similarly, external debt negatively influences exchange rate stability, reflecting susceptibility to exchange rate fluctuations and global financial shocks. Conversely, debt servicing is found to positively and significantly contribute to exchange rate stability, emphasizing that timely servicing of debt can offset destabilizing pressures. Overall, total public debt exhibits a strong positive and highly significant effect, implying that strategic and well-managed borrowing can enhance macroeconomic stability. The study concludes that careful management of domestic and external debt, prompt debt servicing, and the targeted use of public debt for productive investments are essential for sustaining exchange rate stability and promoting economic growth. Recommendations include strengthening debt monitoring systems, prioritizing productive borrowing, and reinforcing fiscal policies to protect Nigeria’s economic stability.
Brian S. Bantugan
This paper investigated the essential link between developing a qualitative mindset and the successful use of Grounded Theory (GT). While traditional academic training often prioritizes data-heavy, positivist methods, this study argues that a qualitative mindset is a functional requirement for building abstract theories. This mindset consists of five core areas: awareness of how knowledge is created, self-reflection, sensitivity to social context, flexible methods, and analytical rigor. By synthesizing the history of GT across three generations—Classic, Straussian, and Constructivist—the research shows how these approaches are used in fields like Nursing, Business, and Education. The findings demonstrate how specific tools like memo-writing and constant comparison turn philosophical ideas into a rigorous research process. Finally, the paper suggests a teaching path that moves from basic observation in early education to advanced theorizing at the graduate level.
Dr. Jagannath Patil, Umesh Kumar R.
The internationalisation of higher education has rapidly expanded student mobility, cross-border higher education (CBHE), and new forms of transnational provision, while simultaneously exposing governance gaps in quality assurance (QA) and recognition. In this context, trust is not a rhetorical aspiration but a functional necessity: students, employers, and regulators rely on “abstract systems” of accreditation and recognition that operate across borders. This paper develops policy‑oriented analysis that positions the Bengaluru Statement—2016 on Next‑Generation Quality Assurance as a normative governance milestone in the evolution of transnational QA. Drawing on mobility and expansion trends reported in international sector analyses, findings from the Quality Assurance of Cross‑Border Higher Education (QACHE) project, and core ideas from trust theory and transnational regulatory scholarship, the paper proposes a Trust Cycle Framework explaining how transparency, information‑sharing, cooperation, and mutual recognition can shift systems from a vicious cycle of fragmentation and duplicative regulation to a virtuous cycle of confidence and coordinated assurance. The analysis advances three contributions. First, it connects the micro‑level “international student experience” to macro‑level governance architecture, arguing that student protection, recognition, and mobility depend on inter‑agency trust and interoperable frameworks. Second, it interprets the Bengaluru Statement as a values‑anchored governance instrument—moving beyond procedural harmonisation toward ethical commitments, professionalisation, and network‑of‑networks cooperation. Third, it offers a practical policy agenda: linked quality registers, shared information portals, risk‑based cooperation for CBHE, integrity action against degree and accreditation mills, and capacity building for emerging QA bodies. The paper also articulates how emerging economies can exercise “network leadership” in global QA through convening power, normative alignment with UNESCO commitments, and credible domestic QA systems. The conclusion emphasises that next‑generation QA must be collaborative, technology‑aware, and equity‑conscious, with trust as the core operating principle.
Dr. Semichan Joseph, Resmy john
Background: Breast cancer, one of the most common type of cancers affecting women in worldwide, and it is continuously increasing in India. Mastectomy and Chemotherapy are the essential treatment for recovery.it affect women’s physical as well as, emotional, and social well-being and overall, their quality of life, The rural regions like Idukki district where access to specialized Health care facilities and support system may be limited. Objective: To study the socio-demographic profile of women with breast cancer in Idukki district and to identify the relationship between selected socio-demographic variables with their quality of life. Methodology: This study followed a quantitative descriptive Cross-sectional design to examine 50 women with breast cancer (N=50) selected through purposive sampling in Idukki district, Kerala. Data were collected by using a structured questionnaire and the EORTC QLQ-BR23 scale and analysed using a t-test and one-way ANOVA. Results: The mean quality-of-life scores ranged from 40.33 to 68.67, indicating moderate levels of quality of life. No meaningful difference was found between married and unmarried women (p > .05). Monthly income showed a significant association with body image (F = 3.077, p = .037), while other domains were not significant (p > .05). Conclusion: This study found a moderate level of quality of life among participants. Economic factors such as income may influence body image, highlighting the need for social work interventions such as counselling, financial assistance, and support groups to improve their well-being.
Anthony Ly B. Dagang, Joanne B. Abella
Livelihood programs in the Philippines aim to empower beneficiaries to establish microenterprises and improve socio-economic conditions. Despite these interventions, sustaining livelihood projects remains a persistent challenge due to beneficiaries’ limited managerial skills and inconsistent access to high-quality training. Studies show that deficiencies in financial and managerial competencies can hinder the long-term success of livelihood initiatives, particularly among small-scale and community-based enterprises (Nunnally & Bernstein, 1994; Sachs, 2015). However, existing literature has largely focused on program outputs, with limited examination of how the quality of training and management practices influences long-term sustainability outcomes. Anchored on Becker’s Human Capital Theory (Becker, 2018), this study assessed the quality of training and management practices among beneficiaries of a government-assisted livelihood project in a municipality in Bukidnon and examined their influence on livelihood sustainability. Using a quantitative, descriptive-correlational design, data were collected from 154 beneficiaries via a factor-analyzed, researcher-modified survey questionnaire and analyzed using means, standard deviations, and multiple linear regression. Findings revealed high levels of perceived effectiveness and relevance of training, indicating that participants viewed it as practical, skill-enhancing, and aligned with their livelihood activities. Management practices, including monitoring, financial record-keeping, and technical support, were also rated highly, indicating effective program implementation and ongoing guidance. Multiple regression analysis showed that both training quality and management practices significantly influence livelihood sustainability, with management practices emerging as the stronger predictor. It is recommended to strengthen post-training support mechanisms, enhance monitoring and evaluation systems, and improve organizational and financial management practices. Future researchers are encouraged to examine additional factors such as market access, entrepreneurial competencies, social support, and financial resources, and to replicate similar studies in other localities to validate and expand these findings. These insights provide a foundation for policy refinement and program enhancement of government-assisted livelihood initiatives.
Farheen Siddiqui, Mohd Nadeem
Quantum computing represents one of the most transformative technological shifts in computational science since the advent of classical computing architectures. This systematic literature review (SLR) synthesizes 212 peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2024 to map the current landscape of quantum computing research as it intersects with software development practices, tools, frameworks, and methodologies. Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we searched six major academic databases and identified relevant literature through a rigorous multi-stage screening process. Our analysis reveals five dominant research themes: quantum algorithm development and software frameworks, quantum machine learning integration, quantum cryptography and security applications, quantum software testing and verification, and hybrid quantum-classical software architectures. We further document major challenges including hardware decoherence, limited qubit availability, the absence of mature quantum DevOps pipelines, and a critical shortage of quantum-competent software engineers. The review concludes with a structured research agenda identifying six high-priority gaps where future scholarly work is most urgently needed. This paper provides a foundational reference for software engineers, researchers, and technology strategists seeking to understand and navigate the rapidly evolving quantum software ecosystem.
Anshu Kumari Pandey, Mohd Nadeem
The rapid advancement of quantum computing poses an unprecedented and existential threat to the cryptographic foundations underpinning modern software systems. Classical asymmetric cryptographic primitives — including RSA, Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC), and the Diffie-Hellman key exchange — are provably vulnerable to Shor's algorithm, executable on sufficiently powerful quantum hardware. This data analysis study presents a comprehensive investigation of quantum computing security threats across the software design lifecycle, employing a Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (Fuzzy-AHP) to systematically quantify and prioritize eight critical security dimensions: confidentiality, integrity, availability, authentication, non-repudiation, key management, side-channel resistance, and forward secrecy. Data were collected through structured expert surveys involving 47 domain specialists, supplemented by empirical performance benchmarks of six post-quantum cryptographic (PQC) algorithms standardized or under consideration by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in 2024. Our Fuzzy-AHP analysis yields a global Consistency Ratio (CR) of 0.047, well within the acceptable threshold of 0.10, validating the reliability of expert judgments. Results demonstrate that confidentiality (weight: 0.920) and integrity (weight: 0.880) are the highest-priority security dimensions in the quantum threat context. Comparative data analysis of classical, hybrid, and full post-quantum deployments reveals that quantum attack resistance improves by 9,300% under full PQC adoption relative to classical cryptography alone, while introducing a 663% increase in key exchange latency. A five-phase quantum-safe software design framework is proposed and validated against the SDLC. The study concludes with actionable guidance for software architects, security engineers, and organizational decision-makers navigating the transition to quantum-resilient software infrastructure.
Bazrina Ramly, Nur Afiqah Amani Mohd Nazri, Nur Alya Humaira Khairul Pahmi, Nur Zulaikha Mat Kamil, Nurul Fatin Shuhada Mohamad Falik, Rachael Anne Sylvester
This paper introduces ‘Pomo Law-No’, an innovative law-themed card game integrated with a focus control device designed to enhance law students’ learning experiences. Legal education often requires students to comprehend complex and abstract concepts, demanding sustained attention. However, many law students struggle with engagement and concentration, frequently due to distractions from mobile devices. ‘Pomo Law-No’ addresses these challenges by combining interactive, game-based learning with a focus-control device modeled on the ‘Pomodoro Technique’, which restricts phone use during study sessions. The game requires players to answer law questions through engaging activities that foster active learning and lively discussions. This approach not only makes legal education more interactive but also supports the development of better study habits and self-regulation among students. Employing a qualitative, concept-driven methodology, the research draws upon established theories in game-based learning, focus management, and legal pedagogy. Findings indicate that integrating game-based learning with structured focus-control significantly enhances student engagement, concentration, and retention in legal education. For future studies, it is recommended to explore the long-term effects of Pomo Law-No on academic performance, its applicability in other fields of study, and its effectiveness in diverse educational settings. Such investigations could provide deeper insights into the broader impact and adaptability of this innovative tool across various learning environments.
Leopoldo B. Bitara Jr, MM
This study is descriptive-correlational methods of research which described the readiness of Capalonga District on gradual resumption of face-to-face classes. Specifically, it sought to answer the following problems; 1) What is profile of the public schools in Capalonga District in terms of category; enrolment for SY 2021-2022; MOOE? 2) What is the extent of readiness of Capalonga District in the gradual resumption of face-to-face classes in terms of; managing safe school operations; ensuring teaching and learning well-being and protection; and home-school coordination?; 3) Is there a significant relationship between the profile of the public schools in Capalonga District and their extent of readiness for the gradual resumption of classes?; 4) What are the challenges in the gradual resumption of face-to-face classes encountered by the public schools in Capalonga District?; and 5) What intervention may be formulated to ensure the readiness of the schools gradual resumption of face-to-face classes in Capalonga District? According to the school profile data, 63 percent of schools fall into the small category. More than 50 percent of the schools with 101 to 300 students enrolled. The majority of the schools have MOOE allocations of 300,000 or less, although one (1) recently founded school has no MOOE. According to the results, there are differences in the category, enrollment, and MOOE profiles of the schools in the Capalonga District. It is advised that schools continue to work closely with parents, the local community, national organizations, and other interested parties to increase enrollment and supplement resources. This study also showed that, according to the perceptions of the school heads or principals, all schools have attained an excellent level of readiness for the gradual return of face-to-face instruction, along with managing safe school operations, ensuring teaching and learning, well-being and protection, and home-school coordination. It has been determined that all of the schools in the Capalonga District are prepared to start offering face-to-face instruction. According to this, schools should continue to adopt face-to-face lessons with outstanding readiness, especially when it comes to health regulations. Furthermore, the profile of schools and extent of readiness for the three (3) variables considered obtained no significant relationship between the variables considered except for school’s category profile and managing safe school operations. Based on the findings, it is concluded that the category of the school, enrolment and MOOE has no significant relationship on the readiness of schools on gradual resumptions of face-to-face classes in terms of ensuring teaching and learning, well-being and protection and home school coordination except managing safe school operations. It is recommended that the extent of readiness should be maintained and sustained all throughout the implementation of face-to-face classes. Moreover, the findings revealed the three (3) top challenges encountered such as; lack of hand washing area; no provision of an isolation room, and absence of waiting area in the school vicinity. It is concluded that despite obtaining excellent in readiness in all variables considered, there are challenges that surfaced along the preparation of the schools on the gradual resumption of face-to-face classes. So that, it is recommended that schools should construct additional handwashing facilities to achieve the handwashing-learner ratio for group handwashing and identify permanent isolation rooms and waiting areas even without the pandemic for health care purposes and provide additional space for isolation rooms and buildings intended for the purpose of holding the student and personnel with sign and symptoms of COVID- 19. Based on the findings, the researcher proposed an intervention plan to make sure that will effectively happen to all schools in Capalonga District. The intervention plan focuses on addressing the revealed challenges encountered in the preparations of schools on the gradual resumption of face-to-face classes. It is recommended that the intervention plan should be adopted and implemented by Capalonga District after the approval of the public school’s district supervisor and schools division superintendent.
Arieff Salleh Rosman, Hamad Mohamad Al-Yassi
The proliferation of decentralized cryptocurrencies has introduced significant epistemological and regulatory friction within Islamic finance due to their disconnect from real economic activities. Traditional cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, suffer from a severe "ontological deficit" as they exist purely as abstract cryptographic data without any physical manifestation, central sovereign authority, or intrinsic value. This lack of material foundation relegates these digital assets to extreme price volatility and speculative trading, directly violating Shariah prohibitions against excessive uncertainty (gharar) and speculative gambling (maysir). To reconcile blockchain innovation with Islamic ethical imperatives, this study shifts the narrative from basic binary halal-haram debates toward establishing a comprehensive ontological framework. Through literature analysis and personal interviews, the study proposes that "real economic backing" is an uncompromising foundational prerequisite for Shariah-compliant cryptocurrencies. The findings highlight four critical analytical dimensions required to legitimize cryptocurrencies: (1) Cryptocurrencies must overcome their ontological deficiency by possessing a real existence, rather than being purely imaginary or virtual data. (2) Cryptocurrencies must hold intrinsic value and legitimate utility to be classified as legally recognized and tradable wealth (māl mutaqawwam). (3) Cryptocurrencies require structural linkage to the real economy through asset-backed tokenization, ensuring returns originate from genuine productive activities rather than zero-sum speculation. (4) Pegging digital tokens to tangible reserves like gold or stable fiat currencies acts as a mechanical stabilizing mechanism to neutralize extreme price shocks and aligns with the classical Islamic monetary tradition. Ultimately, the study concludes that asset-backed tokenization transforms blockchain technology from a high-risk speculative tool into a robust, stable financial infrastructure. This structural integration ensures that cryptocurrencies serve the real economy, safeguard wealth, and fulfill the core objectives of Islamic law.
Kerry Muhati, Prof. Samuel Nyanchoga
The purpose of this paper is to address the persistent divide between geopolitics and state security, on the one hand, and human development on the other, by proposing an integrated analytical framework. The key objectives are to examine the theoretical separation between realist approaches to power and security and liberal-ethical perspectives on human dignity and development, and to develop a unified framework that connects these domains. The study adopts a conceptual and normative methodology, drawing on political theory, international law, and contemporary international relations scholarship. The findings reveal that while geopolitics and state security continue to be shaped by realist notions of power, their legitimacy and sustainability increasingly depend on international legal norms and ethical considerations of human development. The paper demonstrates that these dimensions are not mutually exclusive but are interdependent in shaping global governance. The paper concludes by proposing a triangular framework linking power, law, and ethics as essential and interconnected pillars of a stable and humane international order. This integrated approach has significant implications for international relations theory, public policy formulation, and the future direction of global governance.
Kevin William Alvarez, Kim Nas, Maria Lorena Villena, Mark Gevi Caparas, Mary Kyla Marcelo
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been developing in several ways that can generate new content, which has an impact on the media industry and the community. This study uses a quantitative research approach, which aims to determine the relationship between levels of exposure to hyper-realistic AI-generated content and levels of media literacy of computer engineering students at Bulacan State University. A total of 40 respondents answered the validated online questionnaire, containing the demographic profile, assessment of AI exposure, and an evaluation of media literacy using Likert scales and a human-AI identification test. The collected data were gathered using frequency distribution, weighted mean, standard deviation, and Spearman’s rho correlation at a 0.05 significance level. The results revealed that students often encountered hyper-realistic AI-generated content (overall weighted mean = 4.07). The respondents reported that they often encountered the diversion of AI formats (overall weighted mean = 4.12). The students highly understand the concept of AI-generated content and how to use it in other ways (overall weighted mean = 4.66). They also have a high sense of digital responsibility in determining the authenticated content across social media platforms (overall weighted mean = 4.54). Spearman’s rho indicated a weak relationship (ρ = 0.299) between exposure to hyper-realistic AI-generated content and media literacy. Their relationship is not statistically significant (ρ = 0.061). This research concluded that the digital experiences of the respondents are part of their everyday lives, revealing that they are frequently exposed to AI-generated images, videos, and music. This also fosters the media analytical and technical skills development. The findings revealed that the computer engineering students have a high level of media literacy as they can recognize algorithmic patterns and validate sources effectively.
Adlin Zahida Daut, Jamilah Kamis, Kamisah Supian, Nadya Abdullah, Nuur Izzati Alyaa, Siti Nurhazirah Abu Ashari
This study investigates the correlation between destination hospitality and credibility to ascertain competitive advantage in the sports tourism sector. The study, which is based on Value Co-creation theory, says that a destination's strategic positioning is based on how trustworthy it seems and how good the service environment is. Data from 262 participants in various domestic and international sporting events in Malaysia were gathered using a quantitative technique. Structural research shows that great hospitality is a key factor that makes a destination much more appealing, even though credibility is a must for tourists to be interested. The results show how important it is for professionals to manage operations and for stakeholders to get involved in creating unique, value-co-created experiences that keep tourists coming back. This research offers tourist authorities a strategic framework by underscoring the need to integrate intangible social factors into infrastructure-focused development plans to enhance global competitiveness.
Dr. Norshaliza Kamaruddin, Muaz Hafizuddin Ahmad Muzir, PMgr Sr. Dr. Mustafa Omar, Sr. Dr. Maimunah Sapri
Real estate valuation has long been characterised by tensions between subjective professional judgement and objective scientific methodology, resulting in a persistent art-science dichotomy within the discipline. Traditional valuation practice has relied heavily on interpretive expertise, contextual reasoning, and experiential judgement, while subsequent efforts to professionalise the field have emphasised standardisation, empirical validation, and methodological consistency. More recently, advances in artificial intelligence (AI), automated valuation models (AVMs), and machine learning have introduced a third paradigm, prediction, shifting valuation practice toward data-driven forecasting and algorithmic intelligence. These developments raise fundamental questions regarding the nature of valuation knowledge and the epistemological foundations that underpin professional valuation practice in the AI era. This conceptual paper examines the epistemological evolution of real estate valuation across art, science, and prediction paradigms and argues for the need to move beyond binary debates that position these approaches as competing or mutually exclusive. Adopting a conceptual analytical approach, the study synthesises peer-reviewed valuation literature, professional valuation standards, and contemporary research on AI-enabled valuation. Through comparative epistemological analysis and the application of a Pragmatist philosophical lens, the study develops the Valuation Epistemological Continuum (VEC), a unifying framework that conceptualises valuation knowledge as progressing from interpretive understanding to methodological validation and predictive optimisation. The findings demonstrate that art, science, and prediction are underpinned by distinct yet complementary epistemic logics, each contributing essential forms of knowledge to valuation practice. Rather than displacing professional judgement, predictive intelligence can be understood as extending the epistemological repertoire of valuation when appropriately integrated. This paper contributes theoretical clarity to emerging debates on AI-enabled valuation and provides a coherent epistemological foundation for future empirical, technical, and interdisciplinary research, particularly studies examining structured human-AI collaboration in real estate valuation. As a conceptual and theoretical study, this paper does not involve empirical model testing or performance evaluation.
Nurhanifa S. Abolais
This study examined the effectiveness of the Family–School Digital Balance Program (F-SDBP) in addressing excessive gadget use and strengthening self-regulation among Grade 6 pupils. Guided by the Kemmis and McTaggart Plan–Act–Observe–Reflect framework, a participatory action research design with a mixed-method approach was employed, integrating pre-test and post-test survey measures with qualitative reflections. Baseline findings indicated that while daily gadget use was common, problematic behaviors were generally moderate. Post-intervention results revealed an unexpected increase in self-reported problematic gadget use behaviors, suggesting that the intervention may have heightened pupils’ awareness and reporting of their digital habits rather than immediately reducing them. Despite this, significant improvements were observed in self-regulation, time management, and perceived parental and school guidance. Qualitative findings further indicated increased awareness, intentional screen use, and stronger family–school collaboration. These results suggest that while behavioral change may require longer intervention periods, coordinated family–school strategies can enhance awareness and self-regulatory capacities essential for sustainable digital balance.
Nguyen Thi Hanh
Professional liability insurance is a necessary coverage for individuals in high-risk professions, including lawyers. Participation in professional liability insurance gives rise to legal relationships among the relevant parties based on an insurance contract governed by law. This article analyses current Vietnamese legal provisions concerning the relevant parties in professional liability insurance contracts for lawyers. It further identifies existing shortcomings in the legal framework and proposes recommendations to enhance the effective practical implementation of professional liability insurance for lawyers.
Gloward E.D. Baysah
High recidivism rates remain a persistent challenge for criminal justice systems worldwide, particularly in developing regions where structural limitations hinder effective corrections. This article examines the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs in reducing reoffending, drawing on recent studies (2020–2026). It finds that multi-faceted interventions such as combining education, vocational training, psychological treatment, and post-release support can significantly reduce recidivism (Waweru & Muhindi, 2025; UNODC, 2025). However, systemic barriers such as overcrowding, underfunding, and social stigma continue to undermine outcomes, especially in African contexts (Excellence-Oluye et al., 2025). The article argues for a shift toward holistic, evidence-based correctional strategies that prioritize reintegration over punishment.
Rosemary Onoja, Syed Ahmed Salman
This study examines the relationship between ownership structure and financial performance of listed companies in Nigeria. Drawing from agency theory, the study investigates how managerial ownership and blockholder ownership influence firm performance, proxied by return on assets (ROA). The separation of ownership and control in modern corporations creates agency conflicts between managers and shareholders, potentially leading to managerial opportunism and expropriation of minority interests. Ownership structure is therefore considered a key corporate governance mechanism capable of mitigating agency problems. Using an ex-post facto research design, panel data were collected from 74 companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group covering the period 2012–2021, yielding 740 firm-year observations. Data were sourced from annual financial statements and analyzed using multiple regression techniques. The findings reveal that blockholder ownership has a significant negative effect on financial performance, suggesting that excessive ownership concentration may enable controlling shareholders to pursue private benefits at the expense of firm value. Conversely, managerial ownership exhibits a significant positive relationship with financial performance, supporting the alignment hypothesis that managerial equity participation reduces agency costs and enhances firm outcomes.The study concludes that ownership structure plays a significant role in shaping corporate performance in emerging markets such as Nigeria. The findings provide policy implications for regulators and investors regarding optimal ownership design and minority shareholder protection.
Anthonia Nwabugo A. Ani, Edith Uzoamaka Ezemba, Judith Nneka Okafor, Pius Okechukwu Chukwu, Regina Nwamaka Chukwu, Rosita Nwaribeaku Ogbo
This study investigated the relationship between peer group dynamics and academic performance in secondary schools in Awka Urban, Anambra State. The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship between peer academic support and academic performance of secondary school students, examine the relationship between peer pressure and academic performance of secondary school students, and determine whether gender moderates the relationship between peer group dynamics and academic performance of secondary school students. Three research questions guided the study. The study targeted the 8,642 senior secondary students (SS1–SS3) enrolled in the twelve public secondary schools of Awka Urban during the 2025/2026 academic session. The study utilized a sample of 384 students. The Peer Group Dynamics Questionnaire (PGDQ) is a 72-item instrument designed to measure academic support, peer pressure, social interactions, and peer modeling, employing a 4-point Likert scale for responses. Reliability was established through pilot testing with 50 students from two schools in Awka North, demographically similar to the study population. Internal consistency measured by Cronbach’s alpha indicated excellent reliability. The PGDQ achieved an overall alpha of .91, with subscales for Peer Academic Support (.87), Peer Pressure (.84), and Peer Modeling (.82). Pearson Product Moment Correlation examined relationships between peer dynamics dimensions and academic performance. The findings of the study revealed that peer academic support accounted for 48.6% of the variance in academic performance, highlighting its meaningful contribution to students’ academic outcomes. There is a significant moderate positive relationship between peer academic support and academic performance; peer pressure significantly affects academic performance, but its impact varies by type; and gender significantly moderates the relationship between peer group dynamics and academic performance. Based on the findings, the study recommended that schools should formalize peer tutoring and study group structures to leverage strong peer academic support effects and gender-responsive interventions should be designed, focusing on instrumental support for males and norm-based achievement cultures for females.
Enesi Chukwuemeka Majebi, Obinna Nonso Anachuna, Pius Okechukwu Chukwu, Stephen Abuchi Ezenwagu, Tonia Uchechi Chigbo-Obasi, Valentia Anulika Etele
This study investigated the relationship between peer social interactions and socio-emotional development in secondary schools in Awka Urban, Anambra State. The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship between peer social interactions (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making) and socio-emotional development of secondary school students. One research question guided the study. The study targeted the 8,642 senior secondary students (SS1–SS3) enrolled in the twelve public secondary schools of Awka Urban during the 2025/2026 academic session. The study utilized a sample of 384 students. The Peer Social Interactions Questionnaire (PSIQ) is a 18-item instrument designed to measure social interactions with 4-point Likert scale for responses. Reliability was established through pilot testing with 50 students from two schools in Awka North, demographically similar to the study population. Internal consistency for the PSIQ was measured using Cronbach’s Alpha statistic which indicated excellent reliability, with the correlation coefficient of 0.85. The findings of the study revealed that there is a significant moderate-to-strong positive relationship between peer social interactions and socio-emotional development. Based on the findings, the study recommended that teachers should transit from seeing peer interactions as distractions to viewing them as pedagogical tools by integrating structured peer tutoring and cooperative learning. The study concluded that peer group dynamics serve as strong predictors of socio-emotional development among secondary school students.
Abdullah H. Sarip
This study examined the factors that shaped the Coastal Road Project in Cagayan de Oro City, focusing on adherence to policies, knowledge of infrastructure standards, and compliance with road safety regulations. It aimed to evaluate how these factors contributed to mitigating traffic congestion, enhancing travel time, and reducing road accidents despite ongoing infrastructure improvements. Using a descriptive-correlational research design, the study was guided by the Sustainable Urban Transport Theory (SUTT) and surveyed 134 respondents, including drivers, commuters, and local government officials. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, and regression analysis were employed to examine relationships among key variables and their contributions to the project’s outcomes. The results revealed that policy adherence, particularly the enforcement of penalties for traffic violations, played a significant role in reducing traffic congestion and improving road safety. However, no significant correlation was found between policy adherence and improvements in travel time. Regression results further indicated that although policy adherence, knowledge of infrastructure standards, and compliance with road safety regulations were important, they did not significantly contribute to the project's overall success in reducing travel time or road congestion. This suggested that other factors, such as improvements in infrastructure quality, were essential to optimizing the project’s outcomes. The study concluded that while policy enforcement could play an important role in improving road safety and reducing traffic congestion, it was crucial to pair it with ongoing infrastructure improvements, consistent rule enforcement, and heightened public awareness. Overall, the findings contributed to a broader understanding of how multiple factors collectively impacted urban mobility and road safety in rapidly growing cities like Cagayan de Oro.
Lilian Lee Shiau Gee, Wang Bo
In the experience economy, coffee shops have evolved into urban “third spaces” where consumers seek not only functional services but also immersive, emotionally engaging experiences. This study investigates the impact of multisensory spatial design—encompassing visual, auditory, olfactory, and tactile elements—on user stickiness in coffee shop environments. Data were collected from 328 urban coffee shop users in China and analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results indicate that multisensory experiences significantly enhance user stickiness, including longer dwell time, higher revisit intentions, and stronger emotional attachment to the space. The findings highlight the importance of integrating multiple sensory dimensions in spatial design to improve user engagement and loyalty. The study contributes to both theory and practice by bridging environmental psychology, experience economy, and spatial design research, offering actionable insights for designing more engaging and user-centered coffee shop environments.
Armie Lhyn D. Recla, Bobby L. Docoy Jr, Carlos Miguel M. Martinez, Dr. Junvil A. Insong, Vince Julianne A. Salcedo
This study examined residents’ perceptions of the effectiveness of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) in one of the barangays in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental, Philippines, focusing on security, response time, and community trust. A quantitative descriptive–correlational research design was employed, with 260 residents selected through simple random sampling completing a validated researcher-developed questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and Pearson correlation to assess BPAT effectiveness and the relationships among the variables.
Diksha Dwivedi, Dr. Alka Dwivedi
This qualitative research examines educational experiences and career aspirations of 20 slum students (aged 14-18) from Kanpur City's Shastri Nagar, Juhi, and Karachhiya slums. Through narrative inquiry and thematic analysis, three themes emerge: educational barriers (leaky infrastructure, teacher absence), resilience sources (family, NGOs), and career gaps (engineering dreams vs. mill work). Findings align with ASER 2024's 40-50% UP slum dropout rates. Recommendations target NEP 2020 via slum coaching hubs and scholarships.
Chukwuyem, Obi Paul, Egbuna, Ngozi Eunice, Ekwugha, Uchenna Patricia, Kalu, Chris Olua
The Lagos Plan of Action and Abuja Treaty serve as foundations for the AfCFTA, which is based on Africa's economic unification goal. Its five-year implementation is evaluated in this research, which also highlights opportunities, advancements, and problems for Nigeria and Africa. The AfCFTA, rooted in Africa’s economic integration agenda, builds on the Lagos Plan of Action and Abuja Treaty. This study assesses its five-year implementation, highlighting challenges, progress, and opportunities for Nigeria and Africa. Drawing lessons from other Regional Trade Agreements, such as the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Free Trade Agreement (FTA) called AFTA, it explains the difference between AFTA and AFCFTA and why AFTA is making progress.
Rashed Saeed Alneyadi, Zuhriah Ebrahim
In today’s dynamic and uncertain business environment, organizations must simultaneously pursue operational excellence and long-term sustainability. Strategic management provides direction and competitive positioning, yet the successful realization of strategic objectives depends on effectively managing uncertainty. In increasingly volatile and complex business environments, organizations must simultaneously enhance operational efficiency and achieve sustainability goals. This paper proposes a conceptual framework positioning risk management as a mediating mechanism between strategic management and organizational outcomes—specifically operational efficiency and sustainability performance. Strategic management provides long-term direction, while risk management addresses uncertainty and potential disruptions. This review examines the mediating role of risk management in linking strategic management practices to operational efficiency and sustainability performance. Drawing on theoretical perspectives such as the Resource-Based View (RBV), Dynamic Capabilities Theory and stakeholder theory, this paper synthesizes existing literature to develop a conceptual framework positioning risk management as a strategic enabler. The review concludes that risk management strengthens the effectiveness of strategic initiatives by reducing uncertainty, improving decision quality, aligning sustainability risks with corporate objectives, and enhancing organizational resilience. the framework explains how risk management translates strategic intent into measurable operational and sustainability outcomes. The proposed model offers theoretical grounding and practical guidance for future empirical validation.
Assoc. Prof. Canice Esidene Erunke, Dr. Atsiya Godiya Pius, Obiajunwa Smart Tochukwu
The renewed wave of military coups in West Africa since 2020 represents a significant setback to democratic consolidation and regional stability. Despite established regional norms against unconstitutional changes of government, countries such as Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger have experienced repeated coups, which are detrimental to the region. This study explores the factors responsible for the resurgence of military coups in West Africa and examines the role of regional organizations in preventing and resolving coup d’état crises, with particular focus on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) between 2020 and 2025. Guided by neoliberal institutionalism, the study adopts a qualitative research design, drawing on in-depth interviews, policy documents, reports, and scholarly literature. Findings indicate that the resurgence of military coups is largely driven by poor governance, corruption, weak democratic institutions, electoral manipulation, insecurity, and socio-economic deprivation, which undermine public trust in civilian governments. The study further finds that ECOWAS has employed sanctions, mediation, diplomatic engagement, and peace support mechanisms in response to coup crises. However, its effectiveness has been constrained by institutional limitations, inconsistent enforcement, popular support for military juntas, and geopolitical pressures. The study concludes that strengthening early warning mechanisms, consistent enforcement of democratic norms, and addressing governance deficits are essential for preventing future coups in the sub-region. It recommends that ECOWAS engage member-state leadership to address root causes through inclusive, transparent governance and enforce sanctions consistently against coup perpetrators.
AJOGBEJE, Olamide Olutoke, OLOIDI, Christiana Kikelomo, OPARINDE, Folasade Odunola
Youth restiveness, political violence, and declining civic responsibility remain persistent challenges threatening institutional stability in Nigeria. These realities raise concerns regarding the effectiveness of civic education in empowering young people for responsible social participation. This study investigated the role of Social Studies pedagogical approaches in empowering Nigerian youths for institutional stability and peaceful social participation. A parallel mixed-methods research design was adopted, combining quantitative survey data with qualitative insights. The study was conducted in Ekiti, Osun, and Oyo States, with a sample of 930 respondents comprising principals, Social Studies teachers, and senior secondary school students selected through multi-stage sampling. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire (α = 0.82) and reflective qualitative prompts. Quantitative data were analysed using mean, standard deviation, and regression analysis, while qualitative responses were analysed thematically. Findings revealed that institutional stability in schools—manifested through leadership consistency, policy continuity, teacher stability, adequate learning resources, and a supportive psychosocial climate—significantly promotes youth empowerment. The study further found that debate-based instruction reduces restive behaviours (grand mean = 3.23), service learning enhances peaceful social participation (grand mean = 3.31), and problem-based instruction strengthens institutional understanding and stability (grand mean = 3.26). Regression analysis indicated that participatory learning significantly predicts youth empowerment (β = .62, p < .05). Qualitative findings corroborated these results by revealing that participatory and experiential pedagogies promote dialogue, civic responsibility, and peaceful conflict resolution among students. The study concludes that learner-centred pedagogical strategies are critical pathways for empowering Nigerian youths and strengthening democratic and social institutions. It therefore recommends the integration of participatory, debate-based, service-learning, and problem-based pedagogies into Social Studies instruction to enhance civic competence and institutional stability.
Justice Agyei Ampofo, Mohammed Muniru Sa-ad, Obeng Owusu-Boateng
This paper examines how the judiciary in Ghana has contributed to safeguarding democracy and human rights as enshrined in the 1992 Constitution. The aim was to assess the role of constitutional enforcement, electoral decision-making and the protection of rights in consolidating democracy, as well as to identify institutional challenges and reform options. A total of 122 primary and secondary sources, including constitutional provisions, landmark decisions and academic publications by the judiciary and peer-reviewed academic sources published from 1992 to 2025 were consulted. Data collection was carried out by combining a doctrinal analysis of the Constitution and case law with a thematic analysis of institutional documents and academic commentaries. The review has been structured in five areas: constitutional implementation, electoral conduct, human rights, institutional constraints and the path to reform. The results show that the judiciary has played a key role in democratic consolidation, ruling on petitions for presidential elections in 2013 and 2021, developing human rights law and participating in the control of unconstitutional state actions. Specialised courts and e-justice systems are reforms which have improved access to justice in selected jurisdictions. However, the judiciary continues to face such challenges as lack of funding, large backlogs of cases, perception of corruption, political interference in appointments and a loss of trust in the judiciary. These restrictions limit the capacity of the judiciary to fulfil its constitutional mandate. The document finds that the judiciary in Ghana remains a core of democratic stability, but that its performance is determined by resources and independence as well as legitimacy. Some key recommendations include isolating judicial appointments from political considerations, ring fencing budget allocations, strengthening case management systems, promoting civic education to restore confidence and enforcing accountability and ethical standards.
Genevieve C. Sarongon
Education in the twenty-first century should focus on educating the whole learner. The goal of learning should not just be to help learners strive to achieve academic excellence in school but should also help develop other facets of the learner such as building emotional intelligence and improving one’s higher-order thinking skills. This quantitative experimental study aimed to explore if Scenario-Based Learning can help improve the emotional resilience and Contemporary Issues performance of Grade 10 learners. The research was based on Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development Theory, Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory, and Positive Psychology. The study used a Pretest–post test control group design. Data were obtained from students who were taught traditionally and those who have experienced Scenario-Based Learning. The results revealed that learners that were exposed to SBL had Very High emotional resilience with high marks in stress management and adaptability. When gathering data on academic performance both groups had improved scores from pretest to post test. When doing a mean gain analysis, the study showed that there was a greater increase in objective test performance from pre to post in the control group. Although independent samples t-tests showed that there is no significant difference between the groups’ post test scores, ANCOVA showed a statistically significant difference on the dependent variable when having pretest scores as the covariate. Thus, the study implies that while traditional methods of instruction may have better short-term quantitative gains in objective testing, the use of learner-centered methods such as Scenario-Based Learning can help learners improve their emotional resilience.
Fatima Duterte Polinar
School leadership is an important factor in quality education. Leaders who positively influence their teachers, students, community, and stakeholders may result in high-level students and school performance. Good leadership in schools helps to foster both a positive and motivating culture for staff and a high-quality experience for learners. Leaders at all levels in schools can contribute to this by developing the top skills, styles, and commitment needed by school leaders (Ahmad & Ghavifekr, 2017). The worldwide research gap in the job commitment, leadership styles, and skills of school heads and their impact on school performance underscores the need for comprehensive studies that explore how different leadership approaches and competencies influence teacher commitment and overall school outcomes across diverse educational settings globally. Existing research has highlighted the significance of leadership in shaping school success, but there is a lack of detailed analysis on how specific leadership styles affect teacher commitment and subsequent school performance (Jamal, 2014). Additionally, there is a call for research that examines the role of emotional intelligence, cultural sensitivity, and adaptive leadership practices of school heads in multicultural and diverse educational environments worldwide. Understanding how leaders navigate cultural complexities, create inclusive environments, and inspire teacher dedication is crucial for fostering positive school climates and enhancing student learning globally (Polat, Arslan & Dincer, 2017). Furthermore, as eloquently stated by Khan (2019), there is also a challenge in studying the lasting effects of leadership development programs, mentorship initiatives, and continuous professional learning opportunities for school heads on sustaining teacher commitment, motivation, and performance over time. Exploring the impact of ongoing leadership training on enhancing school leadership practices can help identify effective strategies for promoting long-term teacher commitment and driving continuous improvements in school performance on a global scale. However, in the Department of Education, the role of school leaders has changed radically as countries transform their education systems to prepare young people to function in today's world of rapid technological change, economic globalization, and increased migration and mobility. One of the new roles they are being asked to play is to work beyond their school premises so that they can contribute to the success of their school and the entire system. The role, responsibilities, and expectations of school principals make their job challenging, stressful and frustrating. Addressing these challenges is essential for the success of schools in providing high-quality education (Brooks & Sutherland, 2014). Thus, the researcher would like to evaluate the job commitment and leadership styles and skills of school heads in relation to school performance in Danao, Dagohoy, San Miguel, and Trinidad (DaDaSanTri) districts for the School Year 2024- 2025, and point out the connections of these variables. The researcher would also like to formulate an action plan that can be beneficial to the research participants.
Antonia S. Nobles
This study examined the relationship among school heads’ supervisory strategies, teachers’ empowerment, and classroom management practices. Specifically, it determined the levels of supervisory strategies, teachers’ empowerment, and classroom management practices, tested differences when respondents were grouped according to selected demographic variables, and analyzed the relationships among the major variables. The study employed a quantitative descriptive-correlational design with 484 teacher-respondents from the three congressional districts. Data were collected using a structured survey instrument and analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, and regression analysis at the 0.05 level of significance. Results revealed that school heads’ supervisory strategies were rated high (M = 4.09), teachers’ empowerment was also high (M = 4.01), and classroom management practices were practiced (M = 1.90). Significant differences in supervisory strategies were found according to rank and position, while teachers’ empowerment significantly differed according to rank and position and educational attainment. No significant differences were found in classroom management practices across demographic variables. Regression analysis showed that school heads’ supervisory strategies significantly predicted teachers’ empowerment and classroom management practices, and teachers’ empowerment significantly predicted classroom management practices. The findings suggest that effective supervisory leadership strengthens teacher empowerment and enhances classroom management practices in schools.
Aires Jean E. Duave, Analisa U. Nalitan, Cristila Marie Ibonia, Wilfred G. Alava
The use of educational technology in the Philippines has been gaining attention in recent years due to the increasing demand for quality education and the advancement of technology. Technology integration as supplementary instructional material has been seen as a potential solution to address the challenges of traditional teaching methods. The present study aimed to enhance the academic achievement of students in physical science and science motivation to the use of interactive supplementary instructional material using Kotobee Author Application. The study used a Quantitative Research employing a Quasi-Experimental Research Design. Data were gathered using the Science Motivation Questionnaire II (SMQ II) consisting of 25 items developed by Glynn et al. (2011), and a researcher-made 30-item achievement test. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANCOVA and Pearson product correlation. The findings revealed that the use of Kotobee Author Application enhances significantly the Science Motivation and academic achievement of the learners. Moreover, results revealed that there is a significant relationship between the level of Science Motivation and academic achievement on students exposed to Kotobee Author Application. These findings provide a benchmark data on the effectiveness of developing interactive instructional materials to enhance content knowledge and motivation in a certain topic while learning in this new normal education.
Kueh Tze Siew, Lim Siong Hee, Romano Ngui, Sam Froze Jiee
This study evaluates the occurrence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and trihalomethanes (THMs) in raw and treated water from the Batu Kitang Water Treatment Plant, Sarawak, Malaysia. Sampling occurred seasonally over one year at the inlet and outlet stages of the treatment process. All samples were analyzed for BTEX compounds and regulated THMs using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results consistently showed concentrations below the method detection limits, indicating the effectiveness of the conventional treatment system and minimal contamination from the urban catchment area. This longitudinal study highlights the robustness of tropical water treatment systems and contributes to the regional dataset on disinfection by-products in Southeast Asia. Recommendations are provided for continued monitoring and potential inclusion of emerging contaminants.
Nseabasi Fortune Archibong, Nsisong Effiong Etim
The budget is the primary function of the government. Due to inefficiency of sectoral allocations in Nigeria, the study therefore seeks to examine how sectoral composition of government expenditure influences development outcomes in Nigeria, employing data from the publications of central bank of Nigeria's statistical bulletin and World Development Indicators from 1986 to 2023. The study employed descriptive research design and expo facto research design. To achieve this objective, the study employs the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) technique. Findings show that budgetary allocations of government expenditure to economic services and social/community services have a positive and insignificant relationship with economic development in Nigeria in the short-run, sectoral allocations of government expenditure to economic services has a positive and insignificant relationship with economic development in the longrun and sectoral allocations of government expenditure to social and community services has a positive and significant impact on economic development in Nigeria. Moreover, the diagnostic test result shows robustness of the model, satisfying the ordinary least squares assumptions of no autocorrelation, no multicollinearity, and no heteroskedasticity in the regression result. The study, therefore, recommends that the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and Planning should raise allocations for economic services such as agriculture, infrastructure, and electricity and social/community services such as education and health, to at least 20-25% of total expenditure to build skills and capacities for an increase in productivity and as well strengthen monitoring, transparency, and accountability mechanisms to ensure that allocated funds to sectors of the economy are utilize optimally.
Jacinta Beckley, Paul E. Jose
The aim of this study was to determine whether valenced emotion motives assessed by the General Emotion Regulation Measure (GERM, Bloore et al., 2020) constrain stimulus selection behaviour. We hypothesised that pro-hedonic emotion motives would predict selection of positive stimuli, and contra-hedonic emotion motives would predict selection of negative stimuli. Self-reported GERM-based emotion motives were assessed, yielding continuous scores for trait-based assessments of pro-hedonic and contra-hedonic emotion motives. A sample of 199 university students (149 female, average age = 19.8 years) was asked to select 12 out of a total of 36 valenced descriptive labels (e.g., “cute puppy”) that briefly described corresponding images, and the same for news headlines (e.g., “147 people dead in massacre”). Stimuli were previously rated for valence, and each participant received an average valenced selection score based on which stimuli they chose. A latent variable moderation analysis found that pro-hedonic motives significantly and positively predicted selection of positive stimuli. And second, it showed that contra-hedonic motives significantly and positively predicted selection of negative stimuli, but only if the individual lacked pro-hedonic emotion motives. These findings suggest that valenced general emotion motives play a significant role in what Gross (1998a) described as ‘situation selection’ emotion regulation.
Mazlen Arepin, Noor Hanim Rahmat
This study examines how self-regulation influences grit, motivational beliefs, and cognitive strategy use in learning among university students. Recognizing that academic success is shaped not only by cognitive ability but also by non-cognitive factors, the study focuses on how learners regulate their learning processes and how this relates to persistence, motivation, and learning strategies. A quantitative survey design was employed using a 5-point Likert scale instrument adapted from Martin et al. (2022). The instrument consisted of several sections measuring grit, motivational beliefs, and self-regulated learning strategies. A total of 61 university students participated in the study. Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis using SPSS were conducted to examine students’ perceptions and the relationships among the variables. The findings reveal that students demonstrate generally high levels of self-regulation, particularly in planning, monitoring, and persisting in their learning tasks. Students also showed moderate to high levels of grit, motivational beliefs, and cognitive strategy use. Correlation analysis indicated significant positive relationships between self-regulation and grit, self-regulation and motivational beliefs, and self-regulation and cognitive strategy use. These results suggest that students who actively regulate their learning are more likely to demonstrate perseverance, maintain positive beliefs about their learning abilities, and apply effective cognitive strategies. Overall, the study highlights the important role of self-regulation in supporting students’ motivation, persistence, and strategic learning behaviours. The findings also provide useful insights for educators in promoting self-regulated learning strategies to enhance students’ engagement and academic performance.
Ann Julie M. Febreo, Haironesah A. Akmad, Irving T. Fajarito, Jr.
Past studies have predominantly highlighted awareness within agricultural degree programs. Yet, limited research has explored the depth of knowledge regarding agribusiness degree programs. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the senior high school students’ perception and awareness on Agribusiness degree program. The study employed a descriptive-correlational design among Grade 12 senior high school students from both public and private schools in M'lang, Cotabato. There were 304 students identified using convenience sampling. A survey questionnaire was utilized as a research instrument. Chi-square test for association and the point biserial were used for correlation. Frequency count and percentage distribution were used for descriptive data. Data show that most respondents were well-informed about the program's details and perceived employment benefits. The null hypothesis was accepted for school, home background and occupation's relationship to awareness of the Agribusiness degree. However, the null hypothesis was rejected for sex, civil status, strand, and age in relation to awareness
Obed Rashdi Syed, Rosmini Omar, Umar Pervaiz
This systematic literature review examines how seventh-generation (7G) telecommunications and innovation may shape entrepreneurship in the telecommunications sector. While prior studies emphasize technological visions and network capabilities, limited research explicitly links emerging 7G use cases to entrepreneurial value creation. Addressing this gap, the study explores how 7G technologies may enable new entrepreneurial opportunities.
Elden Mar T. Yocor, Eucil P. Hussien, Jack B. Isolana, Novalyn T. Matuan, Perla P. Palomares
This study examines how governance practices, behavioral factors, and socio-cultural dynamics shape road safety culture in Marawi City. Anchored in the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), the research explores how attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control influence compliance with traffic regulations in a complex urban context. A qualitative case study design was employed, utilizing in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with key informants from local government units, traffic enforcement agencies, and community leadership sectors. Data triangulation was achieved through document analysis and field narratives. Findings reveal that road safety culture is not solely dependent on regulatory frameworks but is strongly influenced by community-based education, institutional coordination, and culturally embedded values such as maratabat (honor and dignity). Persistent challenges include weak traffic education, less multi-sectoral participation, cultural sensitivity, and behavioral resistance shaped by socio-cultural norms. The study highlights the importance of continuous capacity-building for traffic enforcers, grassroots-level engagement through barangays, and culturally sensitive policy implementation. The study concludes that sustainable road safety in Marawi City requires an integrated approach combining governance reform, behavioral change strategies, and culturally responsive interventions. These findings contribute to the growing literature on urban safety governance in developing and post-conflict cities.
Arieff Salleh Rosman, Hamad Mohamad Al-Yassi
The exponential growth of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology offers significant benefits to the global financial ecosystem but raises critical structural tensions within Islamic finance due to their exposure to prohibited elements such as riba (usury), gharar (excessive uncertainty), and maysir (gambling). Existing academic discourse primarily focuses on binary halal-haram debates, lacking holistic design frameworks to embed Shariah compliance directly into blockchain protocols. To address this critical gap, this study shifts the focus toward establishing foundational principles to guide technology developers in creating inherently Shariah-compliant cryptocurrencies. Through literature analysis and interviews, the study proposes the elimination of "Shariah-Prohibited Elements in Transactions" as a core foundational principle. The findings highlight five analytical dimensions essential for cryptocurrency legitimacy: (1) Freedom from Riba by avoiding interest-based lending and hidden interest disguised as pure price speculation. (2) Absence of Gharar by mitigating extreme price volatility and ensuring cryptocurrencies are backed by tangible assets (asset-backed tokens). (3) Avoidance of Gambling (Maysir) by preventing zero-sum speculation and preventing trading environments based on luck. (4) Prohibition of Purely Unlawful Speculation by integrating real economic mechanisms, such as profit-and-loss sharing models (mudarabah and musharakah), to direct funds toward productive projects. (5) Freedom from Fraud and Forgery by leveraging blockchain's inherent transparency while implementing strict regulatory governance and identity verification to protect users' wealth. Ultimately, the study concludes that cryptocurrencies can become legitimate Islamic financial innovations if they are transformed from high-risk speculative assets into stable, transparent instruments that serve the real economy and fulfill the objectives of Islamic law, particularly the preservation of wealth.
Noel Naanman Kelong, Osayemwenre Igbinigie, Uriji Oshen Morphy
Street children known in Cross River state as “skolombo”, a name that carries with it different derogatory and dangerous meanings have witnessed sustained growth and proliferation for over three decades with attendant threats to personal and public safety. The growth of street children in the city however in recent times is reportedly due to the fact that children continue to be tossed into the streets on a daily basis for reasons such as witchcraft stigmatisation, child dumping, trafficking from neighbouring states and dis-inheritance by families. The futuristic implications of the growing trend of antisocial boys and girls in the Cross River region is the focus of this study. Specifically, this study investigates how the activities of skolombo poses a threat to public safety in the state and practical policy actions that could forestall these futuristic possibilities if tackled early on. Engaging mainly secondary sources and desktop review, this paper provides insight into the activities and implications of the activities of these street children in Calabar. Thematic approach was used to relate the findings of the study. Findings showed the various dimensions and implications of street children on Calabar, the capital city of Cross River state both in present and future times especially relating to public safety and security. Hence, this paper recommends a decisive implementation of the various policies and legislations as well as the strengthening of collaborative efforts to rid the city of street children that pose threat to the security of the state through non-coercive approaches.
Garry S. Bitco, Sittie Aisha M. Enonaria
This study examined the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of small-scale rice farmers regarding pesticide use in Monkayo, Davao de Oro, Philippines. Using a quantitative, descriptive, correlational design, data were collected from 60 farmers using an adapted survey questionnaire. Descriptive statistics revealed very high levels of knowledge, a high level of attitude, and very high levels of perceptions regarding pesticide use among respondents. Correlation analysis showed significant positive relationships between knowledge and perception, and between attitude and perception, while regression analysis indicated that knowledge and attitude combined explained 52% of the variance in perception. These results indicate that farmers with stronger knowledge and more favorable attitudes tend to form responsible, benefit-oriented perceptions of pesticide use, supporting the applicability of the Theory of Planned Behavior to explain behavioral tendencies toward pesticide practices. The study highlights that while farmers highly value the economic benefits of pesticides, they also acknowledge associated health and environmental risks, which shape their perceptions and decision-making. Based on these findings, enhancing farmer training in safe pesticide handling, promoting less-toxic alternatives, and strengthening extension programs in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) are recommended further to improve knowledge and attitudes toward sustainable pest control. Institutional support through policies, incentives, and hands-on community education is likewise encouraged to cultivate safer, more informed, and environmentally responsible farming practices among small-scale farmers.
Olugbeko Smart Odunayo
This paper explores the intersection of social constructivist theory and reading comprehension strategies, with a particular focus on Lev Vygotsky’s concept of the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD). Social constructivism posits that learning is inherently social and contextual, emphasising the role of interaction, culture, and collaboration in the construction of knowledge. Within this framework, reading comprehension is not merely a cognitive skill but a socially mediated process that evolves through guided participation and scaffolded learning. The article examines how reading strategies align with the principles of ZPD, enabling learners to move beyond their current capabilities. The paper concludes by advocating for instructional practices that balance independence with guided support, ensuring that reading comprehension remains a dynamic, socially enriched experience.
Alfian Thomas, Alinda Minsion, Hassnah Wee, Joseph Pang, Zanariah Ibrahim
The Tawau International Cultural Festival, held annually, has a substantial impact on the local community by promoting social interaction, nurturing cultural pride and encouraging community participation. Nevertheless, this commemoration of cultural diversity also presents obstacles, such as traffic congestion, increased pollution levels, and potential disturbances caused by large crowds. The primary goal of this research is to examine the social benefits and costs associated with the Tawau International Cultural Festival and their consequent impact on the local community's overall wellbeing. A total of 206 data were obtained through judgmental sampling on-site. The festival's substantial positive influence on the quality of life of residents is substantiated by the results. In addition, this festival provides an invaluable opportunity for locals to commemorate with their social circles, which may include friends, relatives and even new acquaintances, thus facilitating the renewal of existing connections and the development of new relationships.
Christen Joy I. Albarracin
This study assessed the relationship between social inclusion policies and learner engagement in District V, Division of Malaybalay City, during the 2025–2026 school year. Using a descriptive-correlational design, the research examined policy implementation across five domains: teachers’ knowledge, attitudes, school resources, professional development, and administrative support. Data were collected through complete enumeration of public-school teachers using a validated questionnaire and analyzed via descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings reveal a large extent of implementation across all social inclusion domains, with teachers demonstrating robust knowledge and egalitarian attitudes. Similarly, learners exhibit high engagement in both curricular and co-curricular activities, reflecting strong academic investment and a sense of belonging. Correlation analysis confirms a significant positive relationship between policy implementation and learner engagement (r = .497, p = .000), with administrative support and resource availability emerging as the strongest predictors of student involvement. The study concludes that while teacher readiness is high, sustained success depends on bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and structural support. Structured policy implementation, driven by proactive leadership and equitable resource distribution, directly enhances student participation. Recommendations include institutionalizing specialized professional development for teachers to refine inclusive pedagogies and empowering learners to take active roles in classroom discourse. Furthermore, school heads must champion a supportive climate by regularly evaluating policies and strategically allocating resources. By fostering a "wraparound" support system, schools can transform inclusive frameworks into a lived reality that ensures the academic and social success of every learner.
Allen Marc R. De Jesus, Eric Martin B. Aquino, Ma. Maica D. Paloyo
The study examined the correlation between social media exposure and level of acceptance on same-sex relationships (SSR) among Senior High School learners. It utilized correlational design and thematic analysis in analyzing data from an online survey conducted among four schools in Pasacao, Camarines Sur. Specifically, this looked at: (1) demographic profile; (2) level of acceptance of SHS students in SSR; (3) level of social media exposure; (4) examination whether there is or there is no significant relationship between the level of social media exposure and the level of acceptance of SSR; and (5) reasons on how the social media affect perceptions on the SSR acceptance. It was conducted to 100 learners from two public and two private schools. This study applied Pearson correlation in determining significant relationships. Thematic analysis was applied in processing inputs on how social media affects perceptions on SSR. Results showed that (1) there were a total of 45 males and 55 females; (2) the level of acceptance came up with a weighted mean of 3.51, indicating high acceptance. (3) On the level of social media exposure, it was identified as 3.54 indicating a high or frequent social media exposure. (4) There was a 0.53 correlation meaning a moderately positive one. (5) Two themes arose: (a) expands knowledge and ideas and (b) appeals to free expression of emotions. It is recommended that these results be used for the enrichment of education programs; develop studies, policies, and paradigms focusing on the effects of social media exposure on SSR acceptance.
Grescin J. Obial
This study assessed the relationship between social skills and learning engagement among Grade 4 learners in San Fernando II District, Division of Bukidnon, during the 2025-2026 school year. Specifically, it examined the levels of social skills, affectivity, responsibility, civility, and assertiveness, and their association with learning engagement. The research employed a descriptive-correlational design with a sample of 188 randomly selected Grade 4 learners. Two adapted questionnaires were used: one measuring social skills based on Freitas and Del Prette (2015), and another assessing learning engagement following Bertolani, Mortari, and Carey’s (2014) framework.
Ernest D. Padiwan, Julie Ann L. Benemerito, Shella Marie V. Manatad
Academic performance is conditioned by varied factors such as the teaching modality, learning environment, family background, peer influence, and the challenges met in the academic journey. One of which is social stigma felt by students from students of other programs, instructors and professors and academic leaders. This has been a phenomenon among social science students of Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College. The study examined the relationship between social stigma and academic performance among Bachelor of Arts in Social Science (BASS) students at Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College–Tagudin Campus and developed an infographic material to promote inclusivity and student support. Using a descriptive-correlational design, data were collected from 60 purposively selected students through a validated questionnaire adapted from Goffman’s stigma framework, complemented by academic records. Correlation analysis determined the association between social stigma and academic performance, while a developmental phase focused on designing an infographic material to address the stigma. Findings showed that most respondents are female, aged 20–21, and from low-income households earning less than ₱10,000 per month. Students demonstrated high academic performance as they experienced moderate social stigma particularly fear of judgment, and verbal remarks undermining confidence, and coped primarily through resistance strategies, including working harder academically, expressing opinions, seeking support, and using stigma as motivation while avoiding judgmental situations was also common. There is no significant relationship between profile and social stigma and likewise academic performance. Further, the perceived social stigma does not influence the respondents’ academic performance. It is inferred that social stigma is experienced by BASS students regardless of their gender, age, family income, or academic standing but this serves as structural motivation for them to pursue and finish the program. It is suggested that the BASS Program and the whole CAS Department should implement anti-stigma campaigns, inclusive teaching strategies, resilience training, peer mentoring, academic support programs, and formally adopt the infographic material to foster understanding, gain self-trust, reduce stigma, and enhance student engagement towards academic success.
Esmaira G. Gunsayan, Jeric D. Valenzuela
Agribusiness extension activities play a vital role in strengthening rural communities by enhancing livelihoods, building capacities, and promoting sustainable practices. Higher education institutions, particularly State Universities and Colleges, are mandated to implement extension programs that contribute to socio-economic development and environmental sustainability. Despite the growing implementation of agribusiness extension initiatives, limited studies have comprehensively assessed their social, economic, and environmental contributions at the community level. This study was conducted to address this gap by evaluating the contributions of agribusiness extension activities implemented by the Department of Agribusiness of the University of Southern Mindanao in selected rural communities in Kabacan and Midsayap, Cotabato. The primary purpose of the study was to determine the social, economic, and environmental contributions of agribusiness extension activities to their beneficiaries. Specifically, it aimed to describe the socio-economic profile of the respondents, assess the knowledge, skills, and practices acquired from the extension activities, and evaluate the perceived social, economic, and environmental contributions of these initiatives. The study employed a descriptive research design and utilized complete enumeration involving 120 beneficiaries from four extension programs, namely I-CARES, CBDEM 3Ps, CBDEM Delicacies, and CBDEM Promotion of Halal Kagikit. Data were collected using a modified survey questionnaire and supported by pre-test and post-test results. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, and mode were used, while the Shapiro–Wilk and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were applied to determine significant changes in knowledge levels. Results revealed that most beneficiaries were female, married, and belonged to low-income households, indicating the relevance of agribusiness extension activities in supporting economically vulnerable groups. Findings showed that three extension programs significantly improved beneficiaries’ knowledge, while one program exhibited no significant change due to prior exposure. Beneficiaries demonstrated advanced to expert levels of technical and business-related skills, with most practices applied on a daily basis. Socially, the extension activities enhanced community participation, self-confidence, and social inclusion. Economically, they contributed to income augmentation, improved self-employment opportunities, and strengthened livelihood sustainability. Environmentally, the programs promoted responsible production practices and increased environmental awareness, although waste management practices require further enhancement. In conclusion, agribusiness extension activities significantly contributed to the social empowerment, economic improvement, and environmental awareness of rural beneficiaries. These findings highlight the effectiveness of university-led extension initiatives in promoting sustainable agribusiness development and underscore the need for continuous program enhancement and monitoring.
Yohanes Bahari
This study aims to explain the socio-cultural integration in the implementation of the Cap Go Meh tradition in Singkawang, West Kalimantan. The approach used is descriptive qualitative with ethnographic study method. Research informants were purposively determined and consisted of leaders of the Chinese, Dayak, and Malay communities as well as Cap Go Meh cultural activists. Data collection was carried out using observation, interviews, and documentary study techniques. In data analysis, a data coding process is conducted, then developing themes and subsequently identifying the main concepts. The results of the study show that socio-cultural integration in the implementation of the Cap Go Meh tradition in Singkawang runs very well, as seen from the support of the local government and all ethnic groups as well as grassroots communities. The specific conclusion of this study is that the socio-cultural integration in the implementation of Cap Go Meh in Singkawang (1) takes the form of normative, functional, coercive integration, participative, cultural exchange, community activities, and cooperation in local institutions, (2) the driving factors are the understanding of Pancasila ideological values, strong attitude, determination, and the desire of the residents to unite, (3) the supporting factors are the spirit of togetherness and mutual cooperation within the community and the desire to progress together, and (4) the inhibiting factors are dissatisfaction and social jealousy from certain elements. This study contributes to uniting the community from various backgrounds, promoting tolerance and togetherness, as well as strengthening unity and social harmony in a plural society.
Dr. Salam Anand Singh, Makakmayum Jahudah
Royal Chronicles of Manipur, Cheitharol Kumbaba recorded that Meitei Pangal started settlement in the valley of Manipur from the reign of King Khagemba (1597- 1652). They are the second largest community next to Meitei and assimilated into Meitei society by marrying Meitei women. Manipuri Language (Meiteilon) is considered their mother tongue. They adopted the Meitei way of living, though they adopted Islam as religion and strictly follow the Islamic norms and personal laws. The paper is an attempt to highlight the socio-cultural life of Meitei Pangal such as family, marriage, birth and death, beliefs and practices, etc. This work is qualitative research based largely on open ended interviews, oral discussions and other secondary sources such as Royal Chronicles (Cheitharol Kumpaba and Ningthourol Lampuba), Puyas (archaic manuscripts), journals, books etc.
Olabode Mumud Ojuolape PhD, Olawale Idowu Babalola
Adolescence is a major directional transition and a stage of development that involves a multifaceted interaction of emotional, social and academic issues that have a tremendous impact on an individual development. Emotional resilience -resilience is the ability to deal with and withstand stress effectively- is a critical factor in the wellbeing and academic performance of students attending secondary schools. In the Nigerian setting, such issues are often worsened by the lack of supportive facilities and persistent socio-economic inequalities. In this regard, it is important to explain that resilience depends on the variables of the socio-economic background and self-efficacy in order to further enhance the developmental results of adolescents. The current research design was a descriptive survey study of correlational nature that determined the level of emotional resilience among secondary-school students in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Target population was represented by all the students in the secondary schools; a stratified random sample of 250 respondents was taken so that sufficient representation is achieved based on school typologies and gender lines. The structured questionnaire was created to collect information about emotional resilience, socio-economic background, and self-efficacy. The data was collected in schools in a normalised environment. The Statistical package of the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to do further analyses. Demographic characteristics were summarised using descriptive statistics and Pearson product-moment correlation was used to test the relationship between variables at a significant level of p < 0.05. Findings showed that adolescents had an intermediate level of emotional resiliency, which implies that, even though a few of them can cope with stress, a significant number of them are at risk. Socio-economic background showed an affirmative relationship with emotional resilience showing that resources and favourable environments enable coping. Additionally, a positive correlation was found to be strong between resilience and self-efficacy, and this shows that students with confidence in their skills will be more willing to face emotional adversity and continue to fight in spite of it. The researcher finds out that situational and personal factors influence the emotional resilience of in-school adolescents in Abeokuta. The interventions or programmes meant to enhance resilience must include school based programmes, parental participation, and interventions that encourage self-efficacy and at the same time address the socio-economic differences.
Dr. LRK Krishnan, Dr. Poorani Sundarrajan
The sustainability of healthcare systems in India is closely linked to the well-being and performance of the nursing workforce. However, nurses continue to face a range of socioeconomic and institutional challenges that affect their work and overall quality of life. This study examines how socioeconomic conditions influence nurses’ quality of life (QoL), quality of work life (QWL), and quality of work (QoW), while also considering the role of institutional governance in shaping these relationships. Drawing on the Job Demands–Resources (JD-R) framework, the study adopts a qualitative approach using in-depth interviews and non-participant observations with nursing professionals across tertiary healthcare institutions in India. The data were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis. The findings show that issues such as job insecurity, low and unequal pay, and limited access to social protection—especially in contractual roles and private hospitals—have a direct impact on nurses’ well-being and work experiences. Governance plays an important role in shaping these conditions. Participants highlighted gaps in leadership, weak implementation of policies, and uneven resource distribution, which often make workplace challenges more difficult. At the same time, supportive practices such as clear communication, fair management, and responsive leadership help improve work environments and reduce stress. The study also shows that QoL, QWL, and QoW are closely connected, with poor well-being affecting the quality of patient care. This study provides a context-specific understanding of how structural conditions and organizational practices interact within the Indian healthcare system. It also extends the JD-R framework by showing how governance influences the availability of resources and the experience of job demands. The findings point to the need for better labour protections, improved governance, and stronger investment in the nursing workforce to support both employee well-being and the quality of healthcare delivery.
Fatai Toyin Kareem, Rabiat Opeyemi Jimoh
Conflict is an intrinsic aspect of human contact; nonetheless, cultures vary greatly in the approaches they use to manage and resolve disagreements. Within the Yorùbá community in southwestern Nigeria, traditional knowledge, especially proverbs, has historically functioned as a primary tool for mediation and social governance. Despite the growing dependence on formal legal systems, the practical use of Yorùbá proverbs in dispute resolution has garnered little academic scrutiny. This research examines the role of Yorùbá proverbs as sociopragmatic instruments for dispute resolution and the preservation of societal peace. The study used a qualitative, text-based research approach to analyze purposively chosen conflict-related Yorùbá proverbs sourced from recognized literary and scholarly materials. Utilizing Speech Act Theory and Politeness Theory, the research demonstrates that Yorùbá proverbs serve essential communication purposes, including warning, advising, persuading, and reconciling, while also maintaining dignity and interpersonal connections. The results indicate that these proverbs function as nuanced but potent tools for peacebuilding, often bolstered by the moral authority of elders and community principles. The research indicates that Yorùbá proverbs are not only ornamental language constructs but vital cultural assets that persist in providing pertinent frameworks for dispute resolution and enduring social cohesion in modern cultures.
Dr. Anita Singh, Dr. Teena Agrawal, Vivek Yadav
The objective of this research was soil testing to ensure soil quality, soil health, and nutrient management in CARRER POINT UNIVERSITY CAMPUS ALNIYA KOTA. Here in this research article we are presenting preliminary studies of physicochemical properties of soil across the Career Point University campus, Kota in winter season. The chemical analysis of soil is based on a number of factors such as pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, macronutrient and micronutrients. Soil pH and Electric conductivity plays a significant role in regulating the availability of nutrients to plants. Organic carbon enhances soil structure, increases moisture retention, and supports beneficial microbial activity. Macronutrients were analyzed due to their vital roles in plant physiology. Micronutrient required in small quantities, these elements are essential for enzyme function, chlorophyll formation, and overall metabolic processes in plants. Soil testing is only way to determine available nutrient status in campus soil and this research article provide detailed information about properties of soil across the Career Point University campus and find out any deficiency of minerals from the soil. The soil across Career Point University exhibits good fertility and is generally well-suited for both cultivation and ornamental landscaping.
Ahmad Fauzi Hassan, Muhammad Nurul Salihin Mazni Fairuz, Syed Abdul Majid Ghouri, Zulhilmi Mohamed Nor
The study of asbab al-nuzul plays a crucial role in understanding the historical and contextual background of Quranic revelation. While classical works dedicated specifically to asbab al-nuzul have been widely utilized in Quranic studies, narrations concerning the circumstances of revelation are also preserved in major hadith compilations. This study investigates the presence and analytical significance of asbab al-nuzul narrations within the nine major hadith collections (Kutub al-Tisʿah), with particular emphasis on Sahih al-Bukhari as a representative model. Using a qualitative textual analysis approach, the research examines selected narrations that explain the circumstances surrounding the revelation of specific Quranic verses. The findings reveal that although Sahih al-Bukhari was not compiled as a specialized work on asbab al-nuzul, it nevertheless contains numerous narrations that provide valuable contextual insights into Quranic revelation. These narrations are dispersed across various chapters, particularly within Kitab al-Tafsir, and are predominantly transmitted by Companion narrators who witnessed or were closely associated with the events of revelation. The study further demonstrates that the rigorous methodological standards applied in Sahih al-Bukhari contribute to the reliability of these contextual reports. By highlighting the role of hadith literature in preserving historical explanations of Quranic verses, this research underscores the importance of integrating hadith studies with the discipline of ulum al-Quran. The findings contribute to contemporary scholarship by demonstrating the potential of hadith compilations as important sources for the systematic study of asbab al-nuzul..
Don Saa-Aondo Lorngurum, Ejembi Emmanuel Ejembi
Ola Rotimi’s Hopes of the Living Dead occupies a central place within Nigerian protest theatre, mobilizing narrative, performance, and audience engagement to critique governance, social injustice, and civic apathy. While existing scholarship has predominantly approached the play through ideological, linguistic, and textual analysis, this study advances a performative reorientation by examining how Rotimi’s staging strategies including chorus, ritualized enactment, multilingual performance, and direct audience address function as mechanisms of civic resistance and political intervention. The study is guided by two complementary theoretical perspectives: performance studies and civic resistance theory, which together conceptualize theatre as an embodied, participatory practice capable of shaping political consciousness. Employing a qualitative methodology that combines close textual analysis with performance-oriented interpretation of dramaturgical structures, the study analyses how staging techniques generate civic meaning and audience engagement. The findings demonstrate that performance itself, rather than textual narrative alone, enacts civic resistance by transforming the theatrical space into a site of collective reflection and political critique. The study therefore highlights theatre’s capacity as a material, participatory, and politically consequential form of cultural intervention in postcolonial contexts.
AJANI Sodiq Olayemi, OLORUNFEMI Gbenga Samuel
Stakeholder Theory is a foundational framework in business ethics, corporate governance, and strategic management that challenges the traditional shareholder-centric view of the firm. Unlike the classical perspective, which assumes that the primary responsibility of an organization is to maximize shareholders’ wealth, Stakeholder Theory posits that firms exist within a broader network of relationships and are accountable to multiple parties whose interests may be affected by organizational activities (Freeman, 1984). These parties referred to as stakeholders include shareholders, employees, customers, suppliers, creditors, regulators, host communities, and society at large.
Huynh Thi Hong Nhung, Nguyen Thanh Hung
Administrative procedure reform is a critical driver of public sector efficiency and service quality, particularly in the context of digital transformation. This study aims to critically assess the effectiveness of state management of administrative procedure reform at the Department of Health of Vinh Long Province, Vietnam, and to develop evidence-based policy solutions. The research adopts a mixed-method design integrating qualitative policy analysis and quantitative survey data collected from 10 experts and 100 citizens and businesses. Secondary data were obtained from official reports and legal documents for the period 2020–2024. The findings reveal substantial improvements in administrative efficiency, with a high on-time dossier processing rate (99.7%), enhanced transparency, and increased application of information technology. However, persistent structural challenges remain, including inadequate digital infrastructure, limited data integration, and uneven digital competencies among civil servants. Based on these findings, the study proposes targeted and actionable policy measures to enhance institutional frameworks, strengthen implementation mechanisms, improve human resource capacity, and promote digital transformation. The study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence from a provincial health governance context and offering policy-relevant, theoretically informed insights into administrative procedure reform in the era of digital transformation.
Asmuda khatun
This paper examines the intersection of state welfare and political economy through a critical analysis of the Lakshmi Bhandar Scheme in West Bengal. Introduced as a direct cash transfer initiative targeting women, the scheme aims to enhance financial security and promote gender inclusion. The study explores how such welfare measures function not only as tools of social protection but also as instruments within broader political-economic strategies. By combining secondary data with limited primary insights, the paper evaluates the scheme’s impact on women’s economic agency, household decision-making, and social status. It also critically engages with debates surrounding welfare dependency, fiscal sustainability, and electoral politics. The findings suggest that while the scheme contributes to immediate financial relief and symbolic empowerment, its long-term transformative potential remains contingent on structural factors such as employment opportunities and institutional support. The paper contributes to the discourse on welfare governance and gendered development in contemporary India.
Athirathan, S., Thevaki, V.
Sri Lanka is a multi-ethnic country, so knowledge of the language is essential for students. Although Tamil is a national language in Sri Lanka and is a compulsory or optional subject for social integration, there are many challenges in teaching it. Because of historical reasons such as the Sinhala Act of 1956, linguistic discrimination and denial of rights have led to the Tamil language facing a decline. Most studies indicate that the curriculum is too challenging for students learning Tamil as a second language and is ineffective because it places too much emphasis on grammar and vocabulary. On average, 20% of students fail to pass the Tamil Language and Literature subject in the G.C.E. Ordinary Level examination. However, the average pass rate for the Tamil Second Language subject is 73.74%. Since learning is mainly aimed only at passing the examination, the necessary spoken Tamil and communication skills are not developed. This research was conducted to identify teachers’ teaching practices in the process of collecting, verifying, and analyzing data in the context of teaching and learning Tamil as a second language. Recently, it has been identified that social factors are a barrier for students learning Tamil as a second language. In this research, secondary school students (Grades 7, 8, and 9) studying in Colombo international schools were selected. A total of 320 students, 15 teachers, and 5 principals were selected using a stratified sampling technique from international schools in the Thimbirigasyaya Division. Data collection tools such as questionnaires and interviews were used, and secondary data were obtained from documents. Quantitative analysis was performed using SPSS, including tables, T-tests, correlation coefficients, and other relevant statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The results of the Research show that there is a direct relationship between teachers’ teaching status and students’ learning levels. The teaching methods of teachers in classroom activities have influenced students’ learning. This research concludes that there needs to be a change in the teaching methods used by teachers. Based on the research results, suggestions are made to teachers to improve effective learning related to Tamil language lessons in international schools and to develop activity-based approaches such as drama, discussions, and debates to increase students' participation and confidence by connecting learning to real-life situations.
Ahmad Syahrin Yusof, Norzihani Yusof, Nur Hani Ayesha Saiful Nizan, Nuzulha Khilwani Ibrahim, Zuraini Othman
Hostel management in educational institutions often relies on manual or semi-digital processes, leading to inefficiency, data inconsistency, and delays in room allocation and complaint handling. This paper presents StaySmart, a web-based hostel management system developed using PHP, MySQL, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript under a WAMP server environment. The system adopts a three-tier client-server architecture with role-based access control (RBAC) for two user types: students and administrators. Students can submit hostel applications, view room assignment results, report maintenance complaints, and receive in-system notifications. Administrators manage applications, allocate rooms, monitor occupancy across five hostel blocks totalling 2,700 rooms, and resolve complaints through a centralized dashboard. The system incorporates AI-assisted logic using keyword-based classification to automatically categorize maintenance complaints into five issue types and assigns urgency levels (Urgent, Normal, Low) accordingly. System evaluation was conducted through unit testing, integration testing, system testing, and usability assessment with six participants. Testing confirmed accurate room allocation, correct complaint categorization with 93.3% category accuracy and 86.7% priority accuracy, real-time data synchronization, and intuitive user navigation with a 95% task completion rate. The findings demonstrate that StaySmart effectively reduces administrative workload, improves transparency, and enhances the overall efficiency of hostel management operations.
Fatai Aliu Oguntade, Fidelis Omachonu, Godwin Dele Imohi, Nwamaka Grace Ajaegbu, Raymond Osi Alenoghena, Segun Amos Adewale
This study examines the roles of the stock market and financial deepening in Nigeria's industrial development, with a particular focus on their relationships with Industrial Output, Stock Market Capitalisation, and Credit to the Private Sector. Data covering 43 years (1981–2023) on annual time series used for the study were obtained from the World Bank Development Indicators (2023) and the Central Bank of Nigeria's Statistical Bulletin. The control variables adopted in the study were government expenditure, foreign direct investment, inflation and interest rate. The study used the Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) estimator to examine the long-run relationship among the variables. Empirical findings indicate that while Market Capitalisation has a negative and significant effect on industrial output, the effect of financial deepening was negative and not significant. Also, the interactive effect of stock market capitalisation and financial deepening showed a positive, though non-significant, relationship with industrial output. Overall, the industrial sector in Nigeria is not receiving the necessary support from the Nigerian capital and financial markets to drive the required expansion in activities. The study recommends, among other measures, strengthening the performance of the stock market, improving the level of financial deepening in the country and ensuring the availability of low-interest, longer-tenured funds for industrial investments.
Antonette Flora-Resurreccion, LPT
This study aimed to assess the sustainability and develop a strategic framework for establishing a community-based food bank for indigent households in selected barangays of Naga City, Philippines. Anchored on the Food and Agriculture Organization’s four dimensions of food security—availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability—the research employed a mixed-methods design involving 100 household respondents and 50 key stakeholders from local government units, non-government organizations, private sector partners, and community groups. Quantitative data were gathered using structured survey instruments, including a household food security assessment and an integrated stakeholder sustainability questionnaire, and analyzed through descriptive statistics, weighted means, and ranking. Findings revealed that while households continue to experience moderate to severe food insecurity—characterized by inconsistent access to nutritious food and vulnerability to economic and environmental shocks—there exists strong institutional readiness, stakeholder willingness, and availability of recoverable food resources. However, challenges related to logistics, storage, coordination, and long-term financing were identified as critical constraints. Through methodological triangulation, the study developed the N.A.G.A. Food Bank Strategic Framework, integrating needs assessment, resource mobilization, stakeholder collaboration, and sustainability mechanisms within local governance systems. The proposed model emphasizes multi-sectoral partnerships, policy support, and community engagement to ensure operational viability and long-term resilience. The study concludes that a structured, systems-oriented food bank model can serve as a sustainable intervention to address urban food insecurity while reducing food waste and strengthening social protection mechanisms in Naga City.
Al'Hassan-Ewuoso H.O., Ayo-Balogun A.O., Raji A.O.
The escalating flight of skilled professionals in Nigeria’s banking industry, popularly referred to as the “Japa” syndrome, has raised concerns about talent loss, erosion of institutional memory, and operational vulnerabilities. This study examines the impact of strategic talent retention practices on operational efficiency and financial performance in selected Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Adopting a descriptive survey design and a census of 170 technical and management staff across five banks, data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed with Pearson Product-Moment Correlation. Of the 170 questionnaires administered, 162 were returned and found usable (95% response rate). Results indicate a strong positive correlation between strategic talent retention and operational efficiency (r = 0.784, p < 0.001) and a very strong positive relationship between retention strategies and financial performance (r = 0.812, p < 0.001). Item‑level analysis further reveals that flexible work arrangements, recognition programmes, and career development opportunities were the most valued non‑monetary incentives among respondents. Drawing on Herzberg’s Two‑Factor Theory and the Resource‑Based View, the study argues that strategic retention represents a critical human resource capability and a source of competitive advantage for regional banking hubs operating in volatile, talent‑constrained environments (Boxall & Purcell, 2016; Collings et al., 2019). The paper concludes with implications for HRM theory and practice in emerging markets and offers actionable recommendations for managers.
Lea Azur-Gomalog, Michael Francis C. Garma, Ofelia T. Catama
This study explored ways to strengthen Technology-Enhanced Learning (TEL) in multigrade classrooms in Asipulo District, Ifugao. It investigated teachers’ experiences with TEL, the challenges they faced, and the strategies they used to meet learners' needs across multiple grade levels. Using a qualitative design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews and were analyzed thematically. Results showed that TEL increased student engagement, supported differentiated learning, and encouraged collaboration. Challenges included unstable internet, limited access to resources, and classroom management difficulties. Teachers addressed these issues through blended instruction, localized digital materials, peer-assisted learning, and contingency plans for technology failures. Based on these findings, a context-specific plan was proposed to enhance TEL through better support, resource access, and professional development. The study emphasizes the importance of adaptable, sustainable TEL practices for improving outcomes across multiple grade settings.
Audrey Mtangadura
Stress management among clergy has become a global concern in recent decades, as the demands of ministry continue to increase alongside social, cultural, and economic pressures. Studies have consistently highlighted that clergy worldwide face significant stress due to factors such as long working hours, insufficient financial resources, exhaustion, lack of motivation, cynicism, decreased satisfaction, frustration, inability to concentrate, negative outlook, self-doubt, frequent mood changes, social isolation, and depression. This universal challenge affects even the most devout and dedicated ministers who may feel conflicted about admitting their struggles due to expectations of spiritual strength and resilience. Research by Amadi-Nche (2022) revealed that these stressors often culminate in burnout, compassion fatigue, and serious mental health challenges. Globally, conversations around pastoral care and self-care are growing, with denominations increasingly acknowledging the need for wellness programs, sabbaticals, peer support groups, and access to professional counseling as part of clergy development. The issue is no longer confined to individual pastors but is seen as a structural concern within church organizations that impacts congregational health and the broader mission of the church. At the regional level, in East and Southern Africa, clergy stress is increasingly being documented as a public health and ecclesiastical issue. Among Pentecostal leaders in East Africa, for example, there is recognition of the deep impact that ministry-related stress and trauma have on pastors. Research shows that junior pastors, who often work under senior leaders without adequate mentorship or psycho-social support, are internalizing trauma in ways that affect them spiritually, emotionally, and physically (Phalatsi-Shilubana, 2024). These pastors face the dual burden of serving congregants who are themselves struggling with poverty, unemployment, HIV/AIDS, and political instability, while also dealing with their own personal and familial struggles. In many cases, congregants expect their pastors to be the constant source of encouragement and hope, leaving little room for clergy to express vulnerability or seek help. Furthermore, the limited resources allocated to pastoral well-being mean that stress management strategies are often improvised rather than structured. Regionally, there is also an emerging discourse on the intersection of African cultural expectations and Christian ministry, where pastors are often pressured to provide material support to church members, compounding financial stress and blurring professional boundaries. Locally, in Zimbabwe, the stress experienced by pastors is deeply intertwined with the socio-economic realities of the nation. The country has faced prolonged economic challenges marked by inflation, unemployment, and unstable livelihoods. These conditions directly affect pastors whose financial support depends largely on congregational giving. With members themselves struggling to make ends meet, the sustainability of congregational support for pastors becomes uncertain. Scholars and church leaders have increasingly emphasized the need for “tent-making ministries” where pastors engage in bi-vocational work alongside ministry to alleviate financial pressures and ensure long-term sustainability (Mhembere, 2020). However, while tent-making may provide financial relief, it can also increase the workload and fatigue of clergy who already struggle with time management. The lingering emotional and spiritual toll of events such as the COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated stress, as pastors had to adapt quickly to new forms of worship, provide pastoral care in the midst of grief and loss, and respond to congregants’ fears and anxieties. The Baptist Union of Zimbabwe, like many denominational bodies, is now grappling with how to equip its leaders with effective stress management tools that go beyond prayer and spiritual disciplines, incorporating psychological, social, and organizational strategies to safeguard clergy well-being. This study therefore aims to bridge the gap in understanding the specific stressors and coping mechanisms of Christian leaders within the Baptist Union of Zimbabwe. By examining how pastors in this context experience, perceive, and manage stress, the research contributes valuable insights to the broader discourse on clergy well-being, while also offering practical recommendations for church leadership, theological education, and policy formulation within the Zimbabwean setting.
Azlina Bujang, Jati Kasuma Ali, Leviana Andrew, Yusman Yacob
This narrative review examines the "democratic paradox" within the global women’s cooperative movement, where theoretically egalitarian organizations often replicate the "glass ceiling"—invisible structural and socio-cultural barriers that restrict vertical mobility. Despite being grounded in principles of equity and open membership, cooperatives frequently mirror the patriarchal norms of their broader societies, leading to a persistent under-representation of women in senior management. Applying role congruity theory and the "iron law of oligarchy," the review analyzes how the professionalization of cooperatives can lead to "institutional degeneration," where strategic decision-making becomes dominated by a male-centric managerial elite. Key systemic barriers identified include "time poverty" resulting from unequal domestic labour burdens, limited access to formal education, and a lack of land and financial asset ownership. Cross-continental case studies highlight successful interventions: the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) in India demonstrates a bottom-up model for formalizing informal labour through a comprehensive support system; Ghana’s Kuapa Kokoo Farmers Union illustrates how "cascading training" and land rights advocacy increased female leadership to 40.7%; and Nicaraguan coffee cooperatives use "new masculinity" training to challenge entrenched gender biases. While mandatory government quotas in Europe facilitate descriptive representation, the review concludes that substantive empowerment requires a dual strategy: integrating care infrastructure and securing economic autonomy through asset ownership to prevent the re-emergence of invisible barriers.
Ayodele Steven Salami, Bayero Salih Farah, Muhammed Zaly Shah, Sani Barau
Risky driving behavior among commercial transport drivers remains a major contributor to road safety challenges in many developing countries. While previous studies have largely focused on individual attitudes and driver characteristics, limited attention has been given to the broader institutional and economic pressures that shape driver’s behavior. Drawing on the Theory of Planned Behavior, this study examines how perceived behavioral control, enforcement dynamics, peer influence, and financial pressures affect fatigue, driving behavior and regulatory non-compliance among commercial drivers. A structured questionnaire survey was administered to commercial drivers operating in Kaduna State, and the data was analyzed using multiple regression techniques. The results show that financial pressure, perceived behavioral control, and owner–loan repayment obligations significantly increase fatigue-related driving behavior, while regulatory non-compliance is primarily influenced by financial pressure, enforcement pressure, and peer norms within driver networks. The findings suggest that risky driving behavior in informal transport systems is shaped not only by individual decision-making but also by structural labor and institutional conditions. The study emphasizes the need for transport safety policies that address economic incentives, enforcement practices, and operational governance within the commercial transport sector.
Ginafe F. Generale, Jaspergin Engbino, Joana G. Saren
Academic performance refers to the extent to which a student, teacher, or institution has attained their short- or long-term educational goals. This study determined the relationship between student engagement and academic performance among college students in Santo Tomas. Data were gathered from the 309 college students. This study used stratified random sampling technique. This study utilized quantitative non-experimental research through a descriptive correlational design. This study made use of specially designed tools that had undergone extensive testing for accuracy and relevance. The statistics used in this study were mean and pearson r. Results revealed that student engagement got a descriptive level of high which was oftentimes observed while academic performance got a descriptive level of moderate which was satisfactory. A high level of student engagement significantly enhances academic performances by fostering motivation, focus, and active participation in learning. This engagement fosters deeper understanding, better retention information, and a greater commitment to learning goals.
Christian Ndede, ThankGod Amukele Mahel
This study explored the teacher-student interpersonal relationship and its influence on the psychological and subjective well-being, and students’ academic performance/achievements in the overall academic weighted grade point average (GPA) of high school students in public and private schools in Trece Martires City School District, Philippines. The descriptive-quantitative research design, the purposive sampling technique, and stratified sampling techniques to stratify the respondents based on their grade levels. Four hundred and ten (n=410) respondents participated in the study. The study data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The frequency and percentage, mean, and standard deviation tools were used in the data treatment, while tables were used to visualize the results. The findings revealed both moderate and low levels of teacher-student interpersonal relationships. The research also showed a very high level of satisfaction with life about their families, friends, and belief in themselves. Similarly, a high level of satisfaction with their school and living environment was found. The research revealed that the construct joy for learning had a very high mean score, while school connectedness had a high level of academic efficacy. The findings on psychological well-being disclosed an extremely high level of psychological flourishing. This study concludes with implications for secondary school educators, basic education institution stakeholders, program developers, and curricula designers to consider the mental, emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal relationships between teachers and students as fundamental to their overall well-being and academic performance.
Melgene V. De la Cruz
This study determined the learning styles and General Mathematics achievement of Grade 11 students in Congressional District 4 of Batangas Province for the School Year 2024-2025. The study used a quantitative-descriptive research design and utilized two instruments, Kolb’s Learning Style Inventory and a researcher-made test. Three hundred sixty-four respondents were determined through the use of the Raosoft sample size calculator with a 5 percent margin of error. Results revealed that the General Mathematics achievement of the students under the Academic and TVL Tracks falls under the category Did Not Meet Expectations. Most of the students under the Academic track prefer a Divergent Learning Style, while students in the TVL track prefer an Accommodating Learning Style. There is a significant association between the students’ learning styles and their Senior High School (SHS) Tracks, the Academic and TVL Tracks. However, there is no significant association between the General Mathematics achievement and the students’ learning styles. Consequently, the proposed Strategic Intervention Material (SIM) was based on the identified least mastered competencies in the General Mathematics test and the dominant learning styles of the Academic and TVL students.
Talal M. Amara
This study investigates how English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students respond to Written Corrective Feedback (WCF), particularly when it is provided in the form of coded error feedback in their writing. Written corrective feedback is widely used in second language writing instruction to help learners identify and correct linguistic errors, yet students’ ability to interpret and effectively apply such feedback varies considerably. Understanding how learners engage with coded feedback can provide valuable insights into the role of feedback in supporting language development. Using a qualitative research design, data were collected from 10 university-level EFL students who were asked to revise their written drafts after receiving coded feedback from their instructor. The feedback consisted of standardized error codes indicating specific grammatical or language-related issues. The study analyzes the students’ original and revised drafts in order to examine how they interpreted the feedback and to what extent they were able to successfully revise their errors. The findings indicate that when students clearly understand the meaning of the feedback codes, they are generally able to make accurate revisions, suggesting active engagement with language rules and the development of self-editing strategies. However, cases of partial or incorrect revisions reveal that some learners experience difficulty interpreting the codes or applying them appropriately. In addition, uncorrected errors in the revised drafts may reflect factors such as limited motivation, lack of confidence, or unclear feedback. These findings support previous research (e.g., Hyland & Hyland, 2006) highlighting the importance of context-sensitive feedback practices. The study recommends combining focused WCF with opportunities for teacher guidance, discussion, or peer collaboration to improve learners’ understanding and uptake. Overall, the study emphasizes the pedagogical value of WCF in EFL writing instruction and calls for more interactive feedback practices and further research on its long-term effects and learner-related variables.
Danieca M. Demegillo, Danilo G. Baradillo, Frenzy Mar D. Damole, Ivan T. Barroga, Marivic A. Salapayne, Marriane Clair B. Tudlas
Generation Alpha, born into a digital and social media-driven environment, frequently integrates slang terms in academic discussions, which creates both opportunities and challenges for English language learning, particularly for English teachers and other learners. This study explored the academic responses of junior high school teachers to the students’ use of Gen Alpha slang in academic discussions. Using a qualitative phenomenological design and discourse analysis, the study examined the teachers' lived experiences in private junior high schools across Region XI and Region XII in Mindanao. Findings reveal that teachers interpret slang as a multifaceted communicative tool for humor, identity, and peer connection, they also discover its potential to disrupt academic rigor and cause miscommunication. Academic responses include modelling academic language, guided reformulation, scaffolding slang into academic concepts, and establishing contextual boundaries to balance student expression with formal standards. Teachers effectively acknowledge students’ linguistic creativity while guiding them towards academic standards, utilizing slang as a means to foster engagement and sociolinguistic significance. This research finds that although Gen Alpha slang presents difficulties in maintaining academic conversations and discussions, it can be used as a scholarly tool when framed correctly, thereby promoting students’ active involvement, engagement, focus, and language awareness in the classroom.
Dr. Pramod Kumar Rajput, Nageshwari Sonkar
The objective of the present study Raipur The study aims to examine the impact of e-learning on the academic achievement and academic awareness of higher secondary school students in the district. In the current digital age, e-learning has emerged as an effective medium of education , making the teaching-learning process more flexible and student-centered. The study used a descriptive survey method and a comparative research design. A total of 200 students were selected through random sampling , including 100 e-learning users and 100 non-users. Mean , standard deviation, and t- test were used to analyze the data . The results showed that e-learning had a significant impact on students' academic achievement at the 0.01 level and on academic awareness at the 0.05 level. Therefore, it can be concluded that e-learning is helpful in increasing the achievement and awareness of students.
Salaudeen Jubril Abdulahi
This study is positioned to do a critical review of a quasi-sovereign sukuk in Nigeria; the Lagos State government Sukuk performance; based on its financial returns, risk attributes, project implementation performance and adherence to Shariah principles, within the context of conventional subnational bonds issued in Nigeria. The research is a quantitative and ex-post facto, research design was taken from Lagos state in Nigeria, which is purely quantitative and it is based on a secondary data collected by studying sukuk offer documents, capital markets publications, and official records of the Lagos state government finance. The yield to maturity and the volatility indicators were used to measure financial performance and the outcome of project delivery was measured using efficiency ratios that were based on the timelines, that the project was expected to be completed and actual time that the project was completed. The Shari'ah compliance was measured by the structural conformity measures based on asset backing, project linkage and non interest-based cash flows. The results indicated that the Lagos State Sukuk had slightly lower nominal yields as compared to the traditional sub-national bonds, but the returns differences were not statistically significant. The sukuk was much less volatile and it performed better in terms of risk adjustment, which means that it is more stable in terms of its returns. There were high efficiencies in the project delivery outcomes as sukuk financed projects were delivered within the estimated timelines. The Shari'ah compliance assessment has shown that the adoption of Islamic finance principles is high, supporting the integrity of ethics and structure of the instrument. Overall, in the results, it was shown that the performances of the Lagos State Sukuk were competitive in terms of financial, developmental and compliance aspects, and the model could be utilized as a sustainable instrument of subnational financing across Africa.
Mary Grace Salcedo Tubay, May L. Larena
This study examines the critical role of accessible road infrastructure in fostering sustainable community development within rural, agricultural settings. Focusing on Barangay Baras in San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, Philippines, the research investigates how poor road conditions and distant access undermine agricultural productivity, economic livelihoods, and social equity, while exacerbating vulnerability to seasonal flooding. The purpose was to diagnose these multidimensional impacts and generate a community-informed development planning framework that aligns local infrastructure projects with global sustainability goals (SDGs 2, 9, and 11). Employing an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, the study integrated quantitative survey data from 312 stratified respondents with qualitative insights from 18 purposively selected participants. Results conclusively establish that deficient road infrastructure acts as a systemic constraint, triggering severe economic leakage through high hauling costs and crop spoilage, deepening social exclusion by limiting access to education and healthcare, and amplifying climate risks through annual flood disruptions. These findings underscore the imperative for a paradigm shift in infrastructure planning. The study culminates in the proposed "Dalan sa Tinubdan" framework, a participatory and climate-resilient governance model designed to translate community-identified priorities into actionable, sustainable road development, thereby breaking the cycle of poverty and fostering inclusive, resilient growth.
Jessa R. Lorella
This study investigated the adoption of sustainable green practices among coffee businesses in Naga City, Philippines. It identified practices in green marketing, product sourcing, and waste disposal; analyzed customer awareness of sustainable practices and eco-friendly product offerings; examined implementation challenges across business operations, customer perception, and environmental outcomes; and developed a framework to support informed adoption. A mixed-methods design was employed, combining quantitative survey data and qualitative insights from open-ended responses. Using purposive sampling, 100 respondents were selected 50 coffee shop owners or managers and 50 customers to ensure representation across operational profiles and customer perspectives.
Adeyemo, Timilehin John, John Iwuh
Nigeria’s cultural heritage sites, including Obudu Cattle Ranch, possess strong tourism potential but face challenges such as poor infrastructure, limited government support, and weak community participation. This study assessed the sustainability and tourism development of Obudu Cattle Ranch over a 10-year period using a mixed-method cross-sectional design. Quantitative data from 100 respondents and qualitative interviews with staff and stakeholders revealed that 79% of visitors had tertiary education, 66% lived in urban areas, and 44% found the site memorable. However, 66% were dissatisfied with amenities, and only 21% noticed new development. Qualitative insights identified funding gaps, poor maintenance, and weak promotion as major barriers. The study concludes that sustainable repositioning of the ranch through improved infrastructure, enhanced service quality, community engagement, and policy reforms is crucial. Recommendations include off-season tourism promotion and the enforcement of environmental sustainability to unlock the site's full potential for long-term growth.
Engr. Emmerito S. Palino
This study examines the operational efficiency of CASURECO II by analyzing the relationship between its System Loss Reduction Strategies (SLRS) and Electricity Collectible Recovery Program (ECRP), addressing the limited integration of technical and financial performance frameworks in electric cooperatives. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from employees and consumers and analyzed through descriptive and correlational techniques, supported by stakeholder insights. Findings reveal differences in stakeholder perceptions of resource allocation, communication, and operational effectiveness, with technical personnel expressing greater confidence in system implementation and non-technical staff highlighting administrative constraints, while consumer responses indicate inconsistencies in service experience. Results further show a significant relationship between SLRS implementation and ECRP performance, confirming that technical efficiency and financial recovery are interdependent. The study contributes to cooperative management by proposing an integrated approach that aligns system loss reduction with collection strategies, emphasizing the need to strengthen both technical operations and consumer engagement to enhance financial sustainability and service delivery, with implications for policy development and strategic planning in electric cooperatives.
Amelyn Q. Sanchez, April B. Verdadero, Arlene P. Pagay, Dr. Elizabeth C. Fetalvero, Marvin M. Inay
This study looked at how Filipino social media users use taboo language in online conversations. It focused on the communicative purposes, contextual meanings, and sociocultural mechanisms that make these words and phrases normal on sites like Facebook and TikTok. Employing a qualitative descriptive research design alongside document analysis, the study scrutinized a corpus of publicly accessible posts and comments featuring 15 frequently utilized Filipino taboo expressions, gathered via purposive sampling, and evaluated them through qualitative content and thematic analysis. The results showed that taboo words do more than just offend people; they can also be used for humor, criticism, emotional expression, and symbolic social commentary in digital interactions. The analysis revealed four primary functional categories: direct insults and negative evaluations directed at individuals; metaphorical terms like buwaya and demonyo employed to condemn perceived immoral conduct; mild curses utilized to articulate annoyance or emotional distress; and vehemently offensive expressions employed to express anger or frustration in online discourse.
Dr. Bunyasi Awori, Dr. Franciscah Irangi Wamocho, Osiche Rosemary Nasimiyu*
The research was intended to find out to what extent Kenyan Sign Language can be moderated to enhance the use of residual hearing to promote verbal speech to learners who are hard-of-hearing. The study aimed to explore the effects of KSL on verbal speech development of hard of hearing learners in a School for improved academic performance in Kakamega County, Kenya. A case study research design was utilized for the research study. A standardized questionnaire and interview schedule were utilized to gather data. Pilot study was carried out at St. Antony School for the Deaf in Webuye, Bungoma County. Headteachers, deputy headteachers, and teachers of learners with HI were chosen based on random selection, as well as learners with HI were chosen from Kakamega County. The sample size consisted of one headteacher from the research school, one deputy headteacher, five class teachers from each of the five selected schools, and five learners with HI from each of the five classes, bringing to a total of 25 learners with HI. A total of 32 participants were sampled for the study. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were utilized in the research. Quantitative data collected was coded, analysed and presented through descriptive statistical techniques. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), version 26, was utilized in the research's quantitative methodology. Narrative approach and thematic approach were employed qualitatively. The results were displayed in form of percentages, frequency tables and charts. The outcomes revealed that teachers generally have a positive and fair perception regarding the verbal speech development of hard of hearing learners. The research concluded that teachers implement various instructional techniques utilized by teachers to improve the academic performance of learners with hard hearing. The research concluded that teachers encountered obstacles and difficulties that limit their efforts to enhance the academic performance of learners with hard of hearing. The Ministry of Education should develop and enforce policies that integrate KSL into the national curriculum, ensuring that all schools are equipped to teach and support hard-of-hearing learners. Teacher training programs should be revised to include comprehensive modules on KSL, instructional techniques, and the use of specialized resources. The Ministry of Education should also conduct regular assessments to identify gaps and provide targeted interventions.
Muhammad Sofwan Bin. Mahmud, Tiong Siew Lang
The advancement of digital education in Malaysia has accelerated the adoption of integrated learning platforms, such as the Digital Educational Learning Initiative Malaysia (DELIMa), to enhance teaching and learning, particularly in mathematics. Developed by the Ministry of Education Malaysia, DELIMa provides both educators and students with access to a wide range of digital resources, interactive content, and online tools that facilitate the integration of technology into instructional practices. The effectiveness of such platforms, however, largely depends on teachers’ perceptions, acceptance, and readiness, as they are the main facilitators of classroom instruction. This study aims to examine the levels of acceptance and readiness among mathematics teachers in using DELIMa for mathematics instruction in Chinese National Type Schools within the Johor Bahru district, as well as to determine whether these levels differ according to age. A quantitative survey design was adopted, involving 80 mathematics teachers from eight schools selected through cluster random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with SPSS. The findings reveal that teachers display high levels of acceptance (mean = 4.113) and readiness (mean = 4.02) toward the DELIMa platform, indicating positive perceptions regarding its usability, functionality, and relevance in supporting lesson preparation, classroom management, and student assessment. Additionally, the Kruskal–Wallis test shows no significant differences in acceptance or readiness across age groups. Overall, the study demonstrates that DELIMa is positively received by teachers and holds significant potential to support effective mathematics teaching, suggesting that integrated digital platforms can play an important role in promoting interactive and student-centered learning in Malaysian primary schools.
Dr. Dexter R. Arnejo
Globalization places new instructional, organizational, and relational demands on basic education, including the development of intercultural competence, digital fluency, and school–community alignment. This study presents a descriptive profile of teachers’ self‑reported agreement with mitigation strategies for globalization challenges in the Catmon District, Cebu Province. Using a descriptive‑quantitative design, stratified random sampling yielded 191 teacher respondents who completed a researcher‑developed 7‑point Likert instrument across five domains: pedagogical practices, technological integration, professional development, classroom management, and community/stakeholder engagement. Item‑level medians clustered at 6 across domains, with relatively tight dispersion, indicating generally positive perceptions of implementation. To clarify why certain strategies received stronger endorsement and how teachers reported enacting them, the study incorporated concise explanatory inputs from open‑ended survey items that were analyzed thematically. Teachers tended to endorse practices embedded in everyday routines—such as integrating critical‑thinking tasks, establishing inclusive classroom norms, and collaborating with peers—more strongly than strategies requiring greater infrastructure or coordination, including live cross‑cultural exchanges. Given the descriptive, self‑report nature of the evidence and the single‑district scope, findings are interpreted as perceptions of practice rather than verified enactment or impact. Implications emphasize consolidating high‑leverage routines, scaffolding low‑bandwidth global collaborations, and strengthening school–home–community partnerships, while recommending triangulation with observations and instructional artifacts in future research.
Luu Vu Tram Anh, Tran Minh Anh
This study investigates the interplay between teachers’ beliefs and classroom management This study explores the relationship between teachers’ beliefs and classroom management practices in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) primary education in Vietnam, with a focus on how teachers conceptualize and enact effective management strategies in real classroom contexts. A mixed-methods design was employed, combining quantitative data from a questionnaire administered to 60 primary EFL teachers in Hanoi with qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews and classroom observations. The findings indicate that teachers predominantly favor an authoritative approach characterized by clear rules, structured instructional procedures, and active monitoring, alongside efforts to foster a supportive and engaging learning environment. However, the enactment of these practices is significantly shaped by contextual constraints, including large class sizes, diverse student proficiency levels, limited instructional time, and institutional expectations, which often lead teachers to adopt more controlling strategies to maintain discipline and instructional effectiveness. The results further show that teachers’ beliefs function as a central framework guiding pedagogical decision-making, while remaining flexible and responsive to situational demands. These findings highlight the dynamic interplay between belief and practice and underscore the need for teacher education and professional development programs that are responsive to contextual realities and support teachers in implementing effective and adaptive classroom management strategies.
Andrea Amor L. Dimalibot, Jeoffrey J. Domingo, Kyla D. Figuerres, Oscar O. Ancheta Jr, Rei Alexis L. Ragragio, Trisha Mae N. Molina
This study examined the teachers’ experiences in implementing the Madrasah Education Program (MEP) in early childhood education in La Union, focusing on their instructional practices, observed outcomes, challenges, and forms of support needed. A qualitative research design was employed to gain an in-depth understanding of their lived experiences. The participants of this study were teachers implementing the Madrasah Education Program in various schools across La Union. A criterion-based sampling method was used to select the participants. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews guided by open-ended questions. The gathered data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis framework to identify recurring themes and patterns. The findings revealed that teachers Implemented the MEP by integrating Islamic teachings and Arabic literacy through play-based and learner-centered approaches. The program fostered learners’ confidence, moral values, and strong Muslim identity. However, challenges such as limited materials, lack of training, and scheduling difficulties hindered smooth implementation. The study highlights the need for continuous professional development, adequate instructional materials, and institutional support to strengthen the delivery of the Madrasah Education Program.
Gladys Manzunzu, Simufosa Magwa
The study explored teachers’ experiences on the implementation of Guidance and Counselling in junior primary schools. The research was prompted by the growing recognition of the importance and the need for formal inclusion of Guidance and Counselling into the Zimbabwean primary education system. To gain a deeper understanding, a qualitative research design was utilized enabling teachers to share their experiences and thoughts in a naturalistic setting and allows the researcher to capture detailed, nuanced perspectives from teachers in the real-world contexts. This study adopted a case study design, focusing on four purposively sampled schools to gather detailed, contextual data and foster a deeper understanding of the phenomenon. The schools were drawn from a peri- urban area and rural areas respectively. Semi- structured interviews, observations and document analysis were used to generate data. The study comprised sixteen primary school teachers and four school heads. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis. The findings outlined that; teachers had mixed experiences as they were found ill-prepared as their arguments were confirmed by their professional documents which were silent about G&C. The research also revealed that teachers are treating G&C as a club not as a core and standalone learning area. The results of the study further pointed out that though some teachers wanted to implement G&C properly they were hamstring by lack of resources such as the G&C syllabus. The study recommends that culturally relevant pedagogies such as embracing cultural counselling villages should be adopted.
Josefenita N. Canos
This study examined the levels, differences, and relationships among teachers’ motivation, competence, and collaborative skill across selected profile variables. Using a quantitative descriptive–comparative–correlational design, data were collected from 484 teachers from the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Congressional Districts. Frequency counts and percentages were used to describe the demographic profile of respondents, while mean and standard deviation determined the levels of teachers’ motivation, competence, and collaborative skill. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) tested significant differences across profile variables, and Pearson’s r determined the relationships among the three constructs. Results revealed that teachers demonstrated high levels of motivation (M = 4.17), competence (M = 4.20), and collaborative skill (M = 4.20). Significant differences were found in motivation, competence, and collaborative skill when teachers were classified according to rank and position and educational attainment, while no significant differences were observed across age and congressional district. Additionally, teachers’ motivation, competence, and collaborative skill showed significant positive relationships, indicating that higher motivation is associated with stronger competence and collaborative capacity. These findings highlight the importance of professional development, academic advancement, and leadership roles in strengthening teachers’ professional effectiveness and collaborative engagement within schools.
Jonrel L. Hiyangan
This research aimed to determine teachers’ perceptions of the effectiveness of mental health activities in improving the motivation to learn of elementary learners at Maramag Central Elementary School during School Year 2025–2026. In particular, it aimed to determine the perceived effectiveness of mental health activities across emotional, behavioral, and social aspects. It also aimed to determine the perceived improvement in learners’ motivation to learn, in terms of academic performance, engagement and participation, behavioral changes, and retention and understanding. The research design adopted was descriptive-correlational. The study employed frequency counts, percentages, means, standard deviations, and the Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient to collect and analyze data and determine the level of perceived effectiveness and examine relationships among variables based on teachers’ responses. The findings showed that teachers viewed the mental health activities as highly effective across the emotional, behavioral, and social domains. This implies a strong and positive implementation of the activities in the school setting. In addition, teachers observed that learners’ academic performance improved significantly, learners became more engaged and participated actively in class, their behavior improved, and they retained lessons more effectively. Further analysis revealed a statistically significant relationship between the effectiveness of mental health activities and the extent of improvement in learners’ learning motivation. This indicates that higher perceived effectiveness of mental health activities is associated with greater improvements in learners’ academic performance, engagement, behavioral development, and retention. The results suggest that structured mental health programs play a crucial role in strengthening learners’ overall motivation and academic growth. Therefore, it is recommended that mental health initiatives be continuously enhanced and institutionalized to sustain learners’ holistic development and long-term academic success.
Rinlyn T. Balacy, Ruby M. Cambongga
This study assessed the proficiency of general education teachers in implementing inclusive education and identifying the characteristics of specific learning difficulties (SLD) in public schools in Liloan, Cebu, Philippines. Using a descriptive-correlational quantitative design, data were gathered from 30 teachers at Lataban Elementary School and Lataban National High School through a validated questionnaire. Results indicated that while teachers exhibited an overall proficient level in inclusive education, their practical competencies in areas such as using assistive technologies, applying evidence-based strategies, and teaching students with special needs were only moderate. In contrast, teachers demonstrated strong agreement in recognizing SLD characteristics, particularly for dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. A significant positive relationship was found only between teachers’ educational attainment and their proficiency in implementing inclusive education. Furthermore, a significant difference was identified, with teachers scoring higher in SLD identification than in the practical implementation of inclusive strategies. The findings highlight a critical gap between theoretical knowledge and classroom application, influenced by factors such as large class sizes and limited targeted training. To address these concerns, a structured action plan was developed, focusing on enhanced professional development, resource provision, and collaborative support systems to bridge proficiency gaps and promote equitable, effective, and inclusive education.
Haydee D. Villanueva, Ilyanor H. Saludo
Teachers play a crucial role in integrating technology into instruction amid the various challenges that may arise in effectively utilizing digital tools to enhance student learning. This study explored the utilization of video-based instructional materials by teachers in relation to students’ engagement and academic performance. The research was conducted at a state college in the Municipality of Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur. A descriptive–correlational design was used, with 140 Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English students as respondents selected through stratified random sampling. Researcher-made questionnaires were used in determining the teachers’ utilization of video-based instructional materials and students’ academic engagement, while documentary analysis for assessing the respondents’ academic performance. Data were analyzed using Mean, Standard Deviation, and Pearson’s Product-Moment Correlation. Findings showed that teachers’ utilization of video-based instructional materials was to a very great extent in terms of instructional support, pedagogical strategies, and technological competence. Students’ engagement was very high across cognitive, behavioral, and emotional dimensions, while their academic performance was generally excellent. A significant relationship was found between teachers’ utilization of video-based materials and students’ engagement; however, no significant relationship was observed with academic performance. The results highlight the importance of integrating video-based instruction to enhance student engagement, and teachers are encouraged to pursue continuous professional development in the use of technological resources to sustain effective teaching practices. The findings indicate that while video-based materials effectively foster engagement, they may not directly translate into improved academic outcomes, as academic performance may also be influenced by other factors such as motivation, prior knowledge, and learning strategies. It is recommended that educators complement video-based instruction with targeted academic support, formative assessments, and timely feedback to ensure that increased engagement leads to improved academic performance.
Dmitri Poletaev
This article introduces the LitESL model (Literature-based Integrated ESL), an approach to foreign language teaching that places contemporary literary texts at the center of the learning process. The model was developed as a pedagogical framework for integrating authentic literary narratives into language instruction. While the idea of incorporating literature into language teaching is not new, the LitESL model introduces a significant methodological distinction from other literature-based approaches. This distinction justifies considering the model as an original conceptual framework, which is outlined in greater detail below. Although the model can be applied to different languages, the present study focuses on English as the primary example. The LitESL model responds to a common limitation of traditional language instruction, in which learners are often exposed primarily to simplified dialogues, isolated grammar exercises, and decontextualized vocabulary lists. Such materials, although pedagogically structured, frequently fail to reflect the complexity and richness of language as it functions in modern authentic communicative environments. The objective of this study is to conceptualize the LitESL model and outline its theoretical foundations and practical pedagogical applications. The model integrates principles of contemporary language pedagogy, including lexical learning, contextual grammar awareness, and communicative interaction. However, it differs from many existing approaches by systematically organizing language instruction around contemporary literary narratives that provide learners with exposure to natural discourse, stylistic variation, and culturally embedded language use. Methodologically, the article presents a conceptual analysis of the LitESL framework supported by examples of classroom practice. The model proposes a structured sequence of instructional stages, including guided reading of literary excerpts, lexical exploration of key expressions, interpretative discussion, and productive speaking tasks facilitated by the instructor. The analysis suggests that integrating contemporary literature into language instruction can significantly enhance learner engagement, deepen contextual understanding of linguistic structures, and encourage active communicative use of newly acquired vocabulary. The article also discusses the potential application of the LitESL model in English for Specific Purposes (ESP), particularly in courses designed for creative and humanities-oriented disciplines.
Giezel A Moscoso
This study assessed the technological adaptation of aquaculture practices in Sagñay, Camarines Sur, with the objective of identifying entrepreneurial opportunities that enhance profitability and sustainability. It examined aquaculture practices in terms of hatchery and nursery management, feed and feeding systems, water quality monitoring, and production reporting systems. It also identified key environmental challenges, explored technological and entrepreneurial opportunities, and developed an Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) adaptation manual. The study involved 50 registered fisherfolk engaged in aquaculture operations, selected through purposive sampling to ensure relevant experience. Data were collected using structured questionnaires. Findings revealed that technological adaptation was implemented to a great extent, particularly in feed and feeding systems, water quality monitoring, and production reporting systems, contributing to improved operational efficiency and cost management. However, hatchery and nursery practices were only moderately implemented, indicating gaps in early-stage production. Key challenges included water quality fluctuations, temperature variability, and limited adoption of advanced technologies, which affect production stability. Based on the findings, entrepreneurial opportunities were identified in aquaculture diversification, IMTA adoption, seaweed integration, value-added processing, and cooperative-based marketing. The study concludes that strengthening technological adoption, enhancing environmental management, and promoting entrepreneurial innovation are essential to improving the competitiveness and sustainability of aquaculture enterprises. It recommends strengthening training programs, improving access to technology and financing, and supporting IMTA-based systems to promote resource efficiency and income diversification.
Abere, T.E., Akiagba, O.N., Eneyo, I.S., Iyama, W.A., Ogolo, I.
The Niger Delta region of Nigeria is a critical hub for marine transport and oil exploration, with numerous vessels operating in its waterways. However, ensuring safety amidst complex operations and security challenges remains a concern. This study assesses the adoption of technology for enhancing marine fleet safety in the Niger Delta. The research employed a mixed-methods approach which includes surveys, interviews, and observational assessments as to evaluate the current state of technology adoption, identify barriers, and provide recommendations for improvement. This study employed the use of percentages, frequencies, charts, inferential statistics to illustrate trends. The study identified some barriers to technology adoption which included high costs, lack of infrastructure, limited awareness of benefits, and inadequate regulatory frameworks. The Findings reveal constrained adoption of advanced safety tools (78%), with barriers including high costs (72%), lack of infrastructure and limited awareness of benefits (60%). Quantitative complements involved survey results where 70% of respondents reported using some form of safety technology; top barriers such as cost (85%), lack of improved technology and infrastructure (76%), and training-technology enhancement through job creation (62%) while statistical analysis depicts correlation between technology adoption and reduced accident rates (r = 0.65, p < 0.05) as well as regression analysis in which technology adoption predicts safety performance (β = 0.42, p < 0.01). The study also highlights the potential benefits of technology adoption (67% by the control group), including reduced accidents, enhanced emergency response, and improved overall safety. The use of artificial intelligence AI and robotics were absent and not encouraged (90%) by the operators. Therefore, modern technology adoption was not supported (75%) by same operators except the regulators and non-operators. The research recommends increased investment in safety technology and training for crew members, collaboration between regulatory agencies and operators to promote technology adoption, and the implementation of policies to support technology integration. The study suggests the provision of incentives for adoption and the focus on specific needs of small-scale operators. This study exposes the current low state of technology adoption for marine fleet safety in the Niger Delta and offers practical recommendations for stakeholders to enhance safety and reduce risks in the region's marine transport sector.
Charles Chiponda, Tongai Dana
This study investigates the roots of tension, mistrust, and social dichotomy between war veterans and communities in Zimbabwe, across the 10 provinces. Despite multiple welfare interventions, including the War Veterans Act (1992), veterans remain economically vulnerable and socially isolated, while communities perceive them as politically privileged yet disconnected. It aimed to (1) analyse the historical, political, and socio-economic factors contributing to this mistrust and (2) explore community perceptions, coping mechanisms, and potential pathways for reconciliation and integration. It was grounded in two complementary theories: Social Identity Theory, which explains how veterans are positioned as an “in-group” with symbolic authority, and Conflict Transformation Theory, which emphasizes relational and structural change for sustainable peace. Methodologically, the study adopts a pragmatic philosophy, qualitative dominant mixed method approach with an explanatory design. Data were collected through key informant interviews, document analysis of five institutional texts, including the War Veterans Act and African Union DDR Standards complemented by questionnaires. Thematic coding and content analysis, guided by Braun and Clarke’s framework, were used to identify recurring patterns and policy gaps. Abductive reasoning linked empirical findings to theoretical insights. The study concludes that Veteran–community relations in Zimbabwe are defined by a paradox; war veterans, once celebrated as liberators, are now perceived as politically privileged yet socially disconnected, while communities feel excluded and marginalized. This entrenched mistrust cannot be resolved through welfare alone. Sustainable reconciliation requires structural reforms that embed community voices, foster inclusive dialogue, and support grassroots cooperation. Veterans must be repositioned as equal participants in national development, moving beyond politicized, welfare-centric frameworks toward inclusive, community-driven reconciliation strategies that bridge divides and foster genuine social integration. Reconciliation requires more than welfare, it demands structured dialogue, community-driven economic cooperation, and cultural mediation. Reconciliation requires more than welfare, it demands structured dialogue, community-driven economic cooperation, and cultural mediation. It therefore recommendations reforming veteran legislation to embed integration mechanisms, empowering traditional and religious leaders to mediate tensions, and supporting grassroots initiatives that foster shared livelihoods and mutual respect. Ultimately develops an integrated reconciliation and cohesion model for transforming veteran–community relations and advancing inclusive development in Zimbabwe is proposed.
Amador, Jel Ester C, Artigas, Carl Gavin Slet, Asuncion, Jessa B, De Torres, Lyra A, Escriba, Christian Mier C
Nowadays, experts are actively seeking ways to become more eco-friendly in response to the pressing environmental challenges. Similarly, educational institutions are encouraged to implement sustainable practices by promoting the use of environmentally safe materials in scientific activities. The goal of this study was to assess the acceptability of Bignay pH indicator as an alternative to synthetic pH indicators in school laboratories. To achieve this, the study employed an Explanatory Sequential Research Design, which combines both Experimental and Descriptive approaches. To obtain the necessary data, the researchers conducted controlled experiments, in-depth interviews with Professional Chemistry Teachers using structured survey questionnaires along with live demonstrations, and the product underwent a phytochemical laboratory test by DOST. Upon analyzing the results, it was revealed that Bignay extract showed potential as a natural pH indicator. This claim was strengthened by the DOST phytochemical test; the test report revealed that Bignay fruit extract pH indicator contained significant constituents such as Sterols, Triterpenes, Flavonoids, Alkaloids, Glycosides, and Tannins, which were known to have color-changing properties in response to varying pH levels. Hence, the extract proved to be suitable for use as a natural pH indicator. Moreover, the acceptability phase garnered a mean of >3.50 for parameters such as Color, Odor, and Accuracy, which unveiled that the Bignay pH indicator was an acceptable alternative to synthetic indicators used in schools its sharp color transitions ranging from pink, green, blue, and yellow, its subtle odor, and its accuracy in determining the pH level of substances. In addition, the shelf life extended up to sixty (60) days making it appropriate for use in laboratory activities. To obtain more accurate results, the researchers recommend the use of fully ripened (violet-colored) Bignay (Antidesma bunius) fruits.
Edouard B. Kanku
The study examined the factors affecting the adoption intention of internet banking services and their effects on customer satisfaction in Zambia, utilizing a framework adapted from the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). A quantitative correlational design was employed, and data was analyzed using the SPSS software. A sample of 179 respondents comprised of internet banking users was acquired through a structured survey questionnaire. The findings showed that Awareness of Service, Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use and Perceived Credibility have statistically significant contributions to Adoption Intention of internet banking in Zambia. Additionally, Adoption Intention has a significant and positive effect on Customer Satisfaction. The mediation analysis showed that adoption intention mediates the relationship between independent variables and customer satisfaction in the Zambian context. The study urges financial and banking institutions to prioritize developing awareness campaigns to educate customers about their financial technology solutions, as a lack of awareness can be a major barrier to adoption. These campaigns should focus on demonstrating the practical benefits and use cases of internet banking services in ways that resonate with the Zambian market, particularly highlighting how these services can solve common financial challenges faced by local customers.
A. Nazilah, A.R. Zawawi, Nor Aizal Akmal Rohaizad, Raja Zirwatul Aida Raja Ibrahim
The Door-in-the-Face (DITF) technique, a cornerstone of compliance research, employs an initial exaggerated request anticipated to be rejected, followed by a more modest true request, capitalizing on reciprocity norms and perceptual contrast. This single-case naturalistic field experiment examines DITF efficacy within familial financial negotiations via WhatsApp, a context underexplored in recent digital literature. Objectives include applying DITF principles—compromise perception, reciprocity, and contrast—to elevate compliance rates from a projected 0% to higher acceptance. Findings showed that the target (subject's brother) rejected RM100 for a fabricated "traffic fine" but acquiesced to RM50 subsequently, yielding 100% compliance on the target request which affirm DITF robustness and underscore relational trust as a key moderator in close-knit dyads using digital channels. Theoretical contributions refine social influence models, practical implications span family dynamics, digital negotiation training and everyday persuasion.
Fatai Asimi, Kehinde Atoyebi, Samuel Olaleye
This study examines the dynamic, non-linear relationship between energy efficiency and total factor productivity (TFP) in Nigeria's manufacturing sector from 1981 to 2023. Using a novel combination of Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) and a Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) model, we uncover an asymmetric nexus in which improvements and deteriorations in energy efficiency have differential impacts on sectoral performance. Our findings reveal an average energy efficiency score of 82.2%, indicating significant potential for improvement. Crucially, we demonstrate that while efficiency gains positively influence TFP, efficiency losses exert a disproportionately larger negative effect—approximately 2.4 times greater in magnitude. These results challenge conventional symmetric assumptions in production theory and carry substantial implications for industrial policy in energy-dependent developing economies. We argue that energy efficiency should be reconceptualized as a strategic determinant of industrial competitiveness rather than merely a cost-containment measure.
Joyzy Pius Egunjobi
This paper presents a psycho theological analysis of the film The Book of Clarence (2023) in dialogue with the Catholic understanding of the Paschal Mystery. Employing an observational film review method and thematic analysis derived from a focus group discussion of seven postgraduate students in psycho spiritual therapy, who are also Catholic priests, the study examines how the film’s fictional narrative symbolically engages themes of suffering, conversion, death, and resurrection. While The Book of Clarence utilizes satire, anachronism, and creative liberty, the analysis demonstrates that its narrative structure mirrors key dimensions of the Paschal pattern through the journey of a marginalized and morally flawed protagonist. Clarence’s movement from skepticism and self-interest toward selflessness, faith, and moral transformation is interpreted not as a parallel or salvific event, but as an analogical participation in the Paschal rhythm made possible by Christ’s grace. The paper further explores themes of faith and doubt, moral courage, divine mercy, racial representation, and the role of suffering in spiritual growth. From a Catholic psycho theological perspective, the study affirms the uniqueness and unrepeatable salvific character of Christ’s Paschal Mystery, while proposing that the film, when approached with theological discernment, may function as a contemporary cultural text that invites reflection on redemption, conversion, and hope.
Bernard Ojonugwa Anthony, Friday Ogbu Edeh, Kiweewa Emmanuel, Muhereza franklin, Oumo Bosco
This study examines the contributions of exports to economic growth in Uganda. An Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) modelling framework was employed. Using annual data spanning 35 years, the study first tests for stationarity and integration of variables through Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) tests, revealing that GDP, exports, FDI, and exchange rate are I(1), while inflation is I(0). The ARDL Bounds Test confirms the presence of a significant long-run cointegrating relationship among these variables, justifying the estimation of both long-run coefficients and an Error Correction Model (ECM) for short-run dynamics. Long-run results indicate that FDI positively influences GDP, while exports and currency depreciation exhibit negative coefficients, although these effects are statistically insignificant, suggesting potential model limitations or omitted factors. In contrast, short-run results highlight the immediate positive impacts of lagged exports, FDI, exchange rate depreciation, and inflation on economic growth, with the ECM term confirming adjustment toward long-run equilibrium. Robust diagnostic tests, including Jarque-Bera, Breusch-Godfrey, and Breusch-Pagan-Godfrey, validate the model’s assumptions of normality, absence of serial correlation, and homoskedasticity. The findings suggest that Uganda’s economic growth is influenced more by short-run momentum and lagged macroeconomic factors than by long-run structural effects of agricultural exports, underscoring the need for policies that enhance the efficiency of export sectors, attract FDI, and stabilize macroeconomic conditions.
Isabella Cruz Reyes, Ricardo Lim Tolentino
Contemporary governance and corporate systems increasingly rely on the logic of “decoupling,” the theoretical separation of economic and technological progress from their material and human consequences. This paper argues that such abstraction produces a profound “crisis of the decoupled subject,” where the human being is treated as a manipulable data point rather than a sensing, feeling entity. By synthesizing recent ethnographic analysis of sensory displacement among climate migrants in Bangladesh and quantitative investigations into the affective paradoxes of AI service interactions, this study identifies a parallel mechanism of “embodied erasure” operating across environmental and digital domains. The analysis demonstrates that while systems prioritize “legibility” and quantitative efficiency, human well-being remains stubbornly tethered to sensory richness and affective connection. Drawing on theories of digital damage, solastalgia, and embodied knowing, the paper contends that the privileging of the “machine metaphor” over lived experience systematically undermines human resilience. Ultimately, it calls for a re-entanglement of efficiency with embodiment, proposing that sustainable futures depend on recognizing the moral and sensory primacy of the feeling subject.
Char-Lee Lok, Hanbin Lin, Tingting Xie
This study develops a behavioral–resource framework to explain how managerial cognitive bias and board human capital jointly shape corporate investment decisions. We argue that CEO overconfidence distorts risk perception and induces overinvestment, whereas board financial expertise provides informational and cognitive resources that counteract such bias. Fixed-effects and system GMM estimations using panel data on listed companies in China from 2013 to 2024 show that CEO overconfidence greatly increases overinvestment, while financially astute boards lessen this effect. By integrating behavioral finance with resource dependence theory, this study shifts the governance literature from a monitoring-based explanation toward a resource-based mechanism for constraining bias-driven corporate risk-taking.
Fakrul Hazely Ismail, Masznim Yahaya, Muhammad Syafiq Haikal Mohd Shahzuan, Nor Ikhmar Madarsa, Nurul Aisyah Nazri
Introduction: Contrast training (CT), the sequential combination of heavy resistance exercises and plyometrics, is a potent method for developing athletic power. However, the acute neuromuscular fatigue response to CT in football players and, consequently, its feasibility as a consistent training stimulus are not well established. Understanding this acute response is the first step toward optimizing long-term training prescription. Objective: This preliminary study aimed to determine the consistency and magnitude of acute neuromuscular fatigue induced by a specific CT protocol in trained football players, thereby assessing its feasibility as a reliable method for imposing mechanical tension and metabolic stress. Methods: Ten male football players (age: 19.3 ± 0.4 years) participated in a repeated-measures design involving four identical CT sessions. Each session comprised one set of two back squat repetitions at 80% of one-repetition maximum (1RM), immediately followed by ten squat jumps. Squat jump height (cm) was measured pre- and one-minute post-session using the My Jump app. The percentage reduction in jump height quantified acute fatigue. Descriptive statistics and paired t-tests (α = 0.05) were used to compare pre- and post-test performance. Results: The CT protocol induced a highly significant and consistent acute fatigue response, with squat jump height decreasing by 29-32% after each session (p < 0.00). Individual reductions ranged from 20–45%, but the consistency of the mean effect across all four sessions (Cohen's d > 2.5) confirms the protocol's reliability in inducing substantial neuromuscular fatigue. Conclusion: This preliminary study confirms the feasibility of using this specific CT protocol to consistently and acutely impair neuromuscular performance in football players. The consistent fatigue pattern validates its use as a controlled stimulus for imposing mechanical tension (via heavy back squats) and metabolic stress (via repeated squat jumps). However, the authors acknowledge that future investigations should address the current study's limitations by including larger and more diverse samples, incorporating control or comparison groups, and assessing multiple physiological indicators such as electromyography, blood lactate, and heart rate responses. Extended monitoring of recovery patterns and chronic adaptations to contrast training will further enhance the scientific and practical contributions of this research.
Adeyiola Ibiwumi, Olaoye Clement Olatunji (Ph.D)
This study investigates the effect of electronic payment (e-payment) systems on total revenue generation by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) in Nigeria. Against the backdrop of ongoing digitalization reforms in public finance, the research addresses gaps in the literature regarding the empirical impact of e-payment adoption on government revenue. Utilizing quarterly data from 2011 to 2022, the study employs descriptive statistics, paired sample t-tests, and regression analysis to compare revenue outcomes before and after the implementation of e-payment platforms. The findings reveal a significant increase in total revenue following the adoption of e-payment systems, with the mean revenue rising by 37.7% in the post-e-payment era. The paired sample t-test confirms the statistical significance of this increase, while regression results indicate that e-payment adoption is a strong and positive predictor of revenue growth, even after controlling for company income tax and non-oil revenue. The study concludes that digitalization, particularly through e-payment systems, has substantially enhanced revenue mobilization, transparency, and compliance in Nigeria’s tax administration. However, challenges such as infrastructural deficits, digital literacy, and taxpayer awareness persist. The paper recommends sustained investment in digital infrastructure, targeted taxpayer education, and robust stakeholder collaboration to maximize the benefits of e-payment systems and support fiscal sustainability in Nigeria.
Ahmad Bazli Ahmad Hilmi, Ahmad Fuad Mohamad Amin, Mahiz Spawi, Mohd Arubi Ismail, Mohd Zamrus Mohd Ali, Musa Mohamad
Gifted and talented education in Malaysia has undergone significant development over the past few decades. This article examines the historical evolution of gifted and talented education, from an elite education system to more systematic specialised programmes, including the establishment of Fully Residential Schools (Sekolah Berasrama Penuh, SBP), MARA Junior Science Colleges (Maktab Rendah Sains MARA, MRSM), the PERMATA Pintar Programme (2009), and Kolej PERMATA Insan (2010). In addition, government policies such as the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013–2025 have played an important role in strengthening gifted education in the country. Despite this progress, several major challenges remain, including limited awareness among the public and teachers regarding this specialised form of education, constraints in government funding, the suitability of the curriculum for gifted learners, and difficulties in identifying talent from psychometric and cognitive perspectives. In addressing these challenges, the study proposes the utilisation of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) in gifted and talented education systems, as well as the expansion of collaboration with international institutions to enhance the standards of gifted education in Malaysia. With continuous improvement in the education system, strong policy support, and the integration of modern technology, gifted and talented education in Malaysia has the potential to continue growing and to produce high-quality human capital capable of contributing to national development and global innovation.
Michael Msusa, Patrick Manyengo, Winfrida Malingumu
This study aimed to examine the extent to which monitoring of instructional practices influences students’ academic performance in Mtama District public secondary schools. The theory which guided this study is Mwoshe’s Adaptive Competence Development Theory (MACDT). The study was guided by a mixed research approach with a convergent research design. The total sample size for all respondents was 171 respondents (149 teachers, 14 heads of schools and 8 District School Quality Assurers [DSQAs]). Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were adopted to select the participants of the study from fourteen (14) selected public secondary schools in Mtama District. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically, while quantitative data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics through statistical package for social science (SPSS) software, 29.0 version. The findings of the study revealed the extent to which monitoring of instructional practice influences students’ academic performance in Mtama District’s public secondary schools. The study found that monitoring instructional practice improves teaching effectiveness; consistent instructional supervision improves students’ academic performance; feedback from the head of school motivates teachers to work harder and achieve better results; and teaching time is effectively utilised. Moreover, monitoring instructional practice helps improve syllabus coverage in schools and promotes accountability among teachers. The study concluded that, monitoring of instructional practices plays a significant role in enhancing students’ academic performance in public secondary schools. Therefore, it is recommended that School leaders and education authorities should strengthen leadership monitoring of instruction by conducting regular classroom observations, reviewing lesson plans and providing constructive feedback to teachers
KAHIL Fatimazahra, NEJJAR Wafae Nada
Today, financial inclusion is a central issue in economic and social development, facilitating equitable access to financial services such as bank accounts, credit, savings and insurance. Its recent expansion has been stimulated by the digitization of financial services, incentive-based public policies and the involvement of private players, thus helping to reduce poverty and inequality. It is seen as a strategic lever for strengthening economic resilience and promoting more inclusive growth. However, despite these advances, challenges remain, including disparities in access, regulatory constraints and the risks associated with digital financial services. Morocco, while committed to this global dynamic, still has to overcome structural obstacles, such as limited access to banking services in rural areas and the prevalence of the informal sector. To remedy this, the country has set up the Stratégie Nationale d'Inclusion Financière (SNIF), aimed at improving access to financial services, particularly for vulnerable populations and small businesses. As such, this study will analyze the role of financial inclusion in strengthening Morocco's economic resilience. The aim is to assess how SNIF contributes to the country's ability to cope with economic shocks and foster sustainable growth. To do so, we will examine the main elements of this strategy and its impacts, which will be developed throughout this research.
Akwasi Owusu Bempah, Ezekiel Adu Mensah, Foster Oppong Adu Twum, Juliet Appiah Osei-Afoakwa
The rapid expansion of financial technology (Fintech) has transformed the way individuals’ access and manage financial services, particularly among young adults in emerging economies. In Ghana, mobile-based financial platforms such as mobile money have become widely used among tertiary students for receiving funds, making payments, and conducting daily financial transactions. While this transformation has improved financial inclusion and convenience, concerns remain about whether students possess the necessary digital financial literacy to manage these tools responsibly. The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between Fintech adoption, digital financial literacy, and financial behaviour among students of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Ghana. The study adopted a descriptive and correlational cross-sectional research design. Data were collected through a structured digital questionnaire administered to 440 students selected using a stratified random sampling technique. The collected data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize fintech usage patterns and financial behaviour, while Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression were applied to examine the relationships among fintech adoption, digital financial literacy, impulse spending behaviour, and financial distress. The findings reveal a very high level of fintech adoption, with 91.8% of respondents reporting active use of mobile money as their primary digital financial tool. However, digital financial literacy among students was found to be moderate, particularly regarding transaction cost awareness, digital security practices, and the use of budgeting or savings-control mechanisms. The results further indicate that 41.4% of students reported that the ease of digital payments encourages spending beyond their planned budget, while 50.7% experienced end-of-month financial shortfalls. Regression analysis shows that impulse spending linked to the convenience of digital payments significantly predicts financial distress among students. The study concludes that fintech adoption among students has progressed faster than the development of financial competence, creating behavioural risks associated with digital convenience. The findings suggest the need for universities to integrate structured digital financial literacy education into student support programmes and for fintech providers to incorporate behavioural tools that promote responsible financial decision-making among young users.
Huynh Trung Hon, Pham Duc Thuan
This article analyzes the healthcare system established by the French government in Cochinchina from the latter half of the 19th century to 1945. Based on colonial sources such as Annuaire de la Cochinchine française, French military medical reports, and research on the history of colonial medicine, this study examines the formation of hospitals, health centers, and urban sanitation policies in Cochinchina. The article argues that the colonial healthcare system both contributed to introducing elements of modern Western medicine into Cochinchina society and served as a tool for the French government's colonial rule and exploitation. From a socio-historical and colonial perspective, the study shows that colonial medicine in Cochinchina was characterized by “modernization within a colonial framework” reflecting the close relationship between medical science, power, and colonial structure.
Musa Mohammed, Norlina Kadri, Rossazana Ab-Rahim
This study examines the role of Human Resource Management (HRM) in fostering industrial peace in public universities in North-Central Nigeria. A quantitative research design was adopted, involving a population of 10,368 academic and non-academic staff across eight universities. Using the Yamane formula, a sample of 385 respondents was selected, and data was collected through a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize respondent characteristics, while Pearson correlation analysis was employed to examine relationships between HRM practices and industrial peace. The findings reveal significant positive relationships between all HRM practices and industrial peace, particularly employee relations and voice mechanisms (r = 0.674), compensation and benefits (r = 0.627), performance management (r = 0.525), training and development (r = 0.496), and recruitment and selection (r = 0.423). The results suggest that industrial peace is achieved through deliberate and strategic HRM practices rather than occurring by chance. The study recommends that university management prioritize fair compensation systems, strengthen communication channels, invest in employee development, and ensure merit-based recruitment processes. These measures are essential for promoting stability, improving productivity, and enhancing institutional performance.
Anita Abu Hassan, Mursyda Mahshar, Rosliza Md Zani, Shakirah Mohd Saad, Syukriah Ali
In today’s hyperconnected workplace, digital communication has become essential for collaboration and productivity but also a major source of psychological strain. Employees’ continuous exposure to digital platforms often leads to technostress, information overload, and blurred work–life boundaries, affecting their overall mental wellbeing. This study aims to review and analyse how digital communication influences employee mental wellbeing using Scopus AI as an analytical tool. The study identifies key research areas, constructs a concept map to visualise thematic relationships, and highlights topic experts and emerging trends in the field. Findings reveal that digital communication can both enhance and impair wellbeing, while it promotes flexibility, autonomy, and collaboration, it simultaneously contributes to digital fatigue and stress when mismanaged. Organisational support, digital literacy, and mindfulness are found to mitigate negative outcomes by fostering resilience and trust. Theoretically, the study extends the Job Demands–Resources (JD–R) model and technostress theory to explain how digital demands and resources shape mental health. Practically, it recommends that organisations develop structured digital communication policies, promote digital disconnection, and strengthen leadership empathy to maintain a healthy digital culture. Overall, the study underscores the need for human-centred digital practices to balance connectivity with mental wellbeing.
Pasquale Quaglia
This essay examines the figure of Francesca da Rimini as she appears in nineteenth-century Italian opera, focusing on the libretto written by Cavalier Paolo Pola in 1829 for the Teatro La Fenice in Venice. Rather than tracing the character back exclusively to Dante's Inferno, the analysis argues that the Francesca staged by Pola and his contemporaries is a fundamentally new creation - shaped by Jacobin ideology, Romantic sensibility, and Risorgimento politics. Through close reading of selected passages from the libretto, the essay explores two competing interpretations of the character: a moral absolution, which presents her as a victim of circumstance faithful to duty despite the pull of love, and a revolutionary condemnation, which reads her passivity as an allegory for an Italy unable to rise against foreign domination. The essay also traces the onomastic shift from Francesca da Polenta to Francesca da Rimini, arguing that this renaming reflects a broader cultural appropriation of the character by patriotic authors. The conclusion situates Francesca within the wider context of proto-feminist discourse and the Risorgimento canon, proposing that her enduring relevance lies in her capacity to be reinterpreted by every generation
Sancho Jr. P. Cagampang
The primary objective of the study was to assess the perceived impact of artificial intelligence (AI) tools on decision-making styles of administrative staff in Public Schools. It employed descriptive- documentary and survey methods with aid of standardized questionnaires. There were composed of forty-seven (47) administrative staff and twenty-eight (28) school heads, using cluster sampling technique. The study found that position or designation, years of experience, and decision-making style showed significant relationships with work efficiency. Despite differences in professional experience, administrative staff demonstrated generally uniform perceptions of AI tools, suggesting that both novice and experienced personnel similarly recognize their usefulness, ease of use, and benefits. The findings conclude that the effective integration of Artificial Intelligence tools significantly enhances decision-making practices by improving self-efficacy, technological readiness, and positive work attitudes, which contribute to better task and contextual performance. Professional roles and accumulated experience further strengthen efficiency, while the consistently positive perception of AI tools across varying experience levels highlights their value as supportive administrative resources.
Akujor A, J, Anoke C.S, Eze M.O, Mikop E, Orogwu C. P, Uche-Nwachi E, Umennakenyi U
The advancement of blockchain technology has revolutionized the field of data security by introducing a decentralized, transparent, and tamper-resistant system originally designed for secure cryptocurrency transaction. Blockchain technology plays a pivotal role in a wide range of data protection applications beyond finance, to sectors like healthcare and supply chain management, where safeguarding sensitive data is essential. This paper explores how blockchain enhances data security by decentralizing data storage, using cryptographic algorithms, and enabling transparency and immutability. Through an analysis of case studies and research literature, we survey the significant impact blockchain has on reducing vulnerabilities, preventing data breaches, and ensuring trust in digital systems. The findings emphasize the potential of blockchain in the revolution of data security while focusing on current limitation in scalability and privacy.
Sirilius Seran
International immigration plays an increasingly important role in shaping Indonesia’s demographic structure and economic development trajectory. Alongside traditional economic determinants, national security conditions have emerged as critical factors influencing cross-border migration decisions. This study aims to examine the effects of economic growth, the Global Peace Index (GPI), and inflation on international immigration to Indonesia. Annual time series data covering the period 2005–2024 were analyzed using multiple linear regression, incorporating dummy variables to represent different levels of GPI classifications. The empirical results reveal that economic growth has a positive and statistically significant effect on international immigration (β = 164,908; p < 0.001), indicating that improved economic performance enhances Indonesia’s attractiveness as a destination country. In contrast, high instability conditions (D2) have a significant negative impact on migration inflows (β = –657,414; p < 0.001), suggesting that deteriorating security conditions discourage international migrants. Meanwhile, moderate instability (D1) and inflation do not exhibit statistically significant effects, implying that migrants may be less sensitive to moderate fluctuations in peace conditions and price levels. The overall model demonstrates strong explanatory power, accounting for 93.3% of the variation in international immigration (R² = 0.933; p < 0.001). These findings underscore the importance of both economic performance and national security in shaping migration patterns to developing countries such as Indonesia. This study contributes to the migration literature by integrating peace and security indicators into an economic-demographic framework, offering a more comprehensive understanding of the determinants of international migration.
Guo Changqing, Thariq Khan Bin Azizuddin Khan
Physical education is an important component of higher education because it supports both physical development and learning-related motivation. However, track and field classes are still often taught through repetitive, teacher-centred drills that may not sustain students’ engagement. This study examined whether game-based instruction could improve student engagement in a university track and field course. A quasi-experimental design was employed with 60 students from the School of Physical Education at Jiaying University, including 30 students in an experimental group and 30 in a control group. Over a 12-week intervention, the experimental group participated in structured game-based sprint, relay, and jumping activities, whereas the control group received conventional instruction. Student engagement was assessed using a five-point Likert questionnaire adapted from validated higher-education engagement instruments and organized around interest, participation, and motivation. Descriptive statistics, paired-samples t tests, independent-samples t tests, and effect sizes were reported. The experimental group improved from 3.15 ± 0.42 to 4.42 ± 0.38, t(29) = 5.87, p < .001, Cohen’s dz = 1.07, whereas the control group changed only from 3.12 ± 0.45 to 3.35 ± 0.40, t(29) = 1.21, p = .236, Cohen’s dz = 0.22. Post-test comparisons also favoured the experimental group in overall engagement and in the dimensions of interest, participation, and motivation, all p < .001, with large between-group effects. These findings suggest that well-structured game-based instruction can substantially enhance student engagement in track and field courses.
Gary Pen Siaw Seng, Norhafifah Samsudin, Nuradibah Mokhtar, Nuraini Abdullah
The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of interest rate, gross domestic product (GDP), and debt-to-income ratio on debt management practices among students at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS). The study employs a mixed approach, with primary data collected via structured surveys targeting 300 respondents and secondary data on Malaysia's macroeconomic indicators obtained from the World Bank. Findings reveal that interest rates and GDP have weak, insignificant effects on debt management, while the debt-to-income ratio shows a slightly stronger link. Respondents who compare loan options and manage loans well tend to have lower debt burdens. This suggests personal financial behaviour plays a more crucial role than macroeconomic factors, highlighting the need for financial literacy programs to support responsible borrowing in university communities.
Akid Ashrof, Alyaa Safia Omar Shariff, Ashrof Zainuddin
This study investigates the impact of flooding on property values and the level of flood-risk awareness among prospective homebuyers in Shah Alam, Selangor. As a rapidly developing urban centre, Shah Alam faces frequent seasonal flooding, which poses a significant challenge to the local real estate market by influencing both asset valuation and residential preferences. Despite ongoing mitigation efforts, the complex relationship between flood incidents, property depreciation, and buyer behaviour remains under-explored. The primary objectives of this research are to analyse the effects of flooding on housing values and to evaluate the awareness of homebuyers regarding flood-prone areas. Adopting a mixed-methods approach, the study utilizes a survey of 70 homebuyers in Shah Alam alongside house buyer preferences and awareness. Findings reveal a high level of risk consciousness: 71.4% of respondents consulted flood-risk maps prior to purchase, and 70% were aware of the flood history of their target areas. Furthermore, 48.6% indicated they would seek expert consultation before committing to a property in a high-risk zone. These results suggest that homebuyers are increasingly proactive in mitigating environmental risks, a trend that carries significant implications for future housing market dynamics and urban policy development.
Carlos Kibet Ndiwa, John Ndikaru wa Teresia
This study explored the application of Situational Crime Prevention (SCP) strategies in Starehe Constituency, Nairobi. It examined how environmental design and community-based interventions influence crime reduction. Grounded in rational choice and routine activity theories, the study viewed offending as a product of opportunity structures rather than fixed offender dispositions. A case study design was employed using a mixed-methods approach. Surveys, interviews and direct observations were conducted with a sample size of 400 respondents including residents, security officials and community leaders. The findings indicated that SCP measures such as improved street lighting, CCTV surveillance and access control increased the perceived risks and effort of offending. These strategies also reduced potential rewards for offenders. However, the effectiveness of these interventions was constrained by inadequate funding, vandalism of infrastructure and political interference. Awareness and participation among residents were moderate leading to the opinion that people engaged with the interventions but not consistently. The study concluded that SCP offers a practical and adaptable framework for addressing urban crime. Its success in Starehe Constituency requires greater investment, inter-agency collaboration and stronger community ownership. The study recommends enhancing public awareness, safeguarding installed infrastructure and ensuring political goodwill to strengthen the sustainability of SCP initiatives.
Deng Ting, QianYing Ma
Background: As China experiences rapid population aging, the well-being of older adults in institutional care has become a critical concern. Nursing home residents are often frailer and more socially isolated than their community-dwelling counterparts, making them a vulnerable population. While social media use has been linked to psychological well-being, its role and underlying mechanisms within this specific context remain underexplored. Objective: This study aims to investigate the relationship between social media use and the psychological well-being of older adults residing in Chinese nursing homes. It further examines the mediating roles of loneliness and perceived social support in this relationship. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in February 2025 with 320 older adults (aged 60 and above) from several nursing homes in Chaozhou City, Guangdong Province. Participants completed validated measures assessing social media use, loneliness, perceived social support, and psychological well-being. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and mediation analysis (PROCESS) were used to test the proposed hypotheses. Results: Social media use was positively and directly associated with better psychological well-being. The structural model demonstrated a good fit to the data. Mediation analysis revealed that loneliness and perceived social support partially and serially mediated this relationship. Social media use was associated with reduced loneliness and enhanced perceived social support, both of which were directly linked to improved psychological well-being. The total indirect effect of the serial mediation was significant.
Emad Alani
This paper investigates the imperative connection between Strategic Orientation, Knowledge Sharing and Educational Innovation in the unstable academic environment in Baghdad, Iraq in response to the global shift in approach to academic practice being more innovation driven. Although institutional resilience usually requires an active strategic stance, internal processes of the vision to action are poorly studied in non-developed settings. The study employed a quantitative research design since the data was gathered in 214 academic members in six major universities (public and private). The analysis, which is performed using (Partial Least Squares) Structural Equation Modeling and results indicate that an entrepreneurial and proactive strategic orientation positively contributes to the ability of an institution to introduce new pedagogical and organizational changes. Importantly, the findings also pinpoint knowledge sharing, namely the two processes of giving and receiving expertise as critical mediator that can be described as an operation bridge between strategic intent and innovative outcomes. The paper emphasizes that strategic leadership cannot be effective but when a strong culture of intellectual engagement is adopted, the effect is greatly enhanced. Such lessons imply that to outperform competitors by having a competitive edge and being sustainable in the long term, universities in high pressure settings are advised to focus on the systematic flow of knowledge to enable the co-construction of modernized curricula and digital learning systems.
Bulumulla D. S. K., Rajapaksha G. G. W. M.
This study examines the impact of supply chain agility on sustainable supply chain performance, with sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) practices as a mediating mechanism and supply chain innovation as a moderating factor within the context of Sri Lankan manufacturing firms. Drawing on Dynamic Capabilities Theory, the Resource-Based View, and the Triple Bottom Line framework, the study develops and tests a conceptual model through a quantitative, cross-sectional survey. Data were collected from 78 people involved in supply chain operations across export-oriented manufacturing industries, and the hypotheses were tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The results reveal that supply chain agility has a significant positive effect on SSCM practices, while its direct effect on sustainable supply chain performance is not significant. SSCM practices, however, have a significant positive impact on performance and fully mediate the relationship between agility and performance, indicating that agility contributes to sustainability outcomes only when translated into operational practices. In contrast, the moderating effect of supply chain innovation is not supported. The model demonstrates acceptable explanatory power and predictive relevance. The study contributes to the literature by providing evidence of full mediation and highlighting the importance of operationalizing dynamic capabilities through sustainability practices to achieve performance outcomes, particularly in emerging economy contexts. The findings offer practical insights for managers and policymakers to integrate supply chain agility into SSCM practices to enhance sustainable performance.
Arnold Maviya
Entrepreneurs and traders are dynamic players in Zimbabwe economy but their individual traits and contribution are misunderstood or confused. This distorted perception has far reaching effects on the economic growth rate because the end result of the high number of traders, compared to the low number of entrepreneurs, is the development of dependence on imported products which in turn restricts the development of local enterprises and ads to the foreign currency deficits. To fill this gap, the current paper aims at distinguishing the distinct characteristics and the role of entrepreneurs and traders in Zimbabwe, which include their contribution to the development of the local economy and job creation and the hindrances they may face. The design of a qualitative research was used, which involved the use of in-depth interviews of 40 respondents in the Midlands province. Thematic analysis was done to identify recurring patterns and insight in the nature, contribution and challenge of both the entrepreneurs and traders. The results provide a subtle insight into the interaction between the two groups, which will guide policy suggestions on how to create a more stable and balanced economy in Zimbabwe
Irrish B. Abellanosa, Maura L. Peña, Morgan Jr. E. Fuertes, Myra Flor G. Cagas, Vicel T. Villoria
This study assessed the relationship between collaboration skills and artificial intelligence (AI) competence, grit, and prosocial behavior among Bachelor of Science in Business Administration students at a private university during the 2024–2025 academic year. It aimed to develop a career intervention plan to enhance students’ AI competence, grit, prosocial behavior, and collaboration skills, thereby preparing them to meet evolving industry demands. A total of 150 third-year Marketing Management and Operations Management students at the University of San Jose-Recoletos completed survey questionnaires. AI competence was measured using the Artificial Intelligence Literacy Scale (AILS; Wang, 2022), grit with the Triarchic Model of Grit Scale (TMGS; Datu, 2017), collaboration skills via the Entry-Level Interprofessional Questionnaire (ELIQ; Pollard, 2004), and prosocial behavior using the Prosociality Scale (Kanacri, 2021). Data were analyzed using frequency count, percentage, weighted mean, and regression analysis. Most respondents were between 18 to 23 years old, lived with both parents, and had 1 to 3 siblings. Regarding birth order, the majority were youngest, while combined family monthly income varied, with the largest group earning above PHP 76,700. Respondents were predominantly female, reflecting a young, diverse, and family-oriented population with varying socio-economic backgrounds. Results indicated good overall collaboration skills, with interprofessional learning rated excellent; AI competence and grit were good, while adaptability and prosocial behavior were excellent. Regression analysis revealed that grit, prosocial behavior, and AI competence significantly predicted collaboration skills, with grit as the strongest predictor. Based on the findings and conclusion, a career intervention plan is proposed for adoption.
Ana Grace T. Alcaria, Cashema M. Cabajes, Jamaica Reah B. Espiritu, Jhuliana E. Rulete, Marvin C. Lofranco, Shiendee Kris A. Algarme
Climate change awareness means knowing how the environment is changing and taking action to protect it. In the Philippines, many people are aware of environmental issues, but there is still a gap between what they know and what they actually do at home. This study examined how climate change awareness affects energy-saving behaviors among 100 college students at UM Panabo College. This study is anchored to SDGs 7, 11, 13, and 17 by integrating renewable energy and multi-stakeholder partnerships to reduce emissions in urban and rural communities. It utilized a descriptive - correlational design with a validated questionnaire. Students were chosen fairly from different departments. Results showed very high levels of climate change awareness with a mean of 4.45 and SD of 0.29, and energy-saving behaviors with a mean of 4.38 and SD of 0.36, both interpreted as Strongly Agree. Risk behaviors recorded the highest mean at 4.54 and SD of 0.43. A positive relationship exists between awareness and consumption where r = 0.610 and R² = 0.3721, showing that students with better environmental understanding are more likely to practice energy-saving behaviors. Urban residents should adhere to collective action, while policymakers, and institutions should provide more support, while schools should help students turn their knowledge into permanent habits. Future researchers can also look into other things that make people act for the environment.
Mohamad Ridhuan Nasarudin, Noor Hanim Rahmat, Nur Sherina Zainal Abidin, Nur Syazana Arman, Nurmarsya Batrisya Suhar Rezwan, Nurul Afiqah Yusri, Sharifah Amani Syed Abdul Rahman
Public speaking anxiety (PSA) is widely recognized as one of the most common fears among university students and can significantly affect academic performance, communication effectiveness, and confidence in learning environments. This study investigates the influence of confidence and worry on fear of public speaking by examining how these psychological factors relate to behavioural and physiological fear responses. Grounded in Self-Fulfilling Prophecy Theory and Self-Efficacy Theory, the study proposes that confidence serves as a protective factor that can reduce fear, whereas worry intensifies anxiety and heightens fear responses during speaking situations. A quantitative research design was employed, involving 446 respondents, and data were collected using a questionnaire adapted from the Public Speaking Anxiety Scale, which included 17 items measuring cognitive (confidence and worry), behavioural, and physiological dimensions of public speaking anxiety. The data were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) through SmartPLS 4 to assess both measurement and structural models. The measurement model demonstrated acceptable reliability and validity, with satisfactory values for factor loadings, Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability, and average variance extracted. Structural model results revealed significant relationships between confidence and both behavioural and physiological fear, as well as significant relationships between worry and both fear dimensions. Effect size analysis indicated that confidence had small effects on behavioural and physiological fear, while worry had a small effect on behavioural fear and a medium effect on physiological fear. These findings suggest that although confidence helps mitigate fear-related responses, worry plays a stronger role in intensifying physiological symptoms associated with public speaking anxiety. Overall, the study highlights the importance of strengthening confidence while addressing worry in order to reduce fear of public speaking among students and enhance their communication competence in academic settings.
Adrian P. Acido, Crian Lanz C. Otanes, Darvy John T. Tabudlong, Eloiza Jane P. Loyo, James Jekyll A. Relampagos, Jarred R. Balicat, Jay M. Ruales, Jean D. Lucero, Jebie M. Abais, Michelle P. Gabato, Phyron Luna, Presnel Jay C. Jover, Recca Pearl J. Villaruel, Roland C. Dagami, Romz Juryle S. Deparoco, Xyron M. Panaligan
This study examined the influence of digital skills and attitudes toward technology on learning engagement of Computer Systems Servicing (CSS) students at Lorenzo S. Sarmiento Sr. National High School in Mawab, Davao de Oro Philippines. The research aims to determine the level of students’ digital skills, attitudes toward technology, and learning engagement, as well as to identify the significant relationships and influence among these variables. The study employed a quantitative correlational research design to analyze the relationships between the independent variables, digital skills and attitude toward technology and the dependent variable learning engagement, a total of 136 Grade 11 and Grade 12 CSS students were selected using stratified random sampling from a population of 208 students. Data were collected using an adapted survey questionnaire measuring digital skills, attitudes toward technology, and behavioral, emotional, and learning engagement. This study uses statistical tools this includes Means, Pearson(r) correlation coefficient (r), and multiple regression analysis. The results showed that the level of digital skills among students was high (M = 4.02), while their attitude toward technology was also high (M = 3.83), indicating generally positive perceptions and competencies in using technology for learning. The findings further indicated a significant relationship between digital skills and learning engagement and also attitude toward technology and learning engagement. The regression analysis also showed that selected domains of digital skills and attitudes toward technology significantly influenced students, learning engagement. These findings suggest that strengthening students’ digital skills and fostering positive attitudes toward technology can enhance their participation, motivation, and overall engagement in technological educations. The study provides valuable insights for, department of educations, school administrators, teachers, students and finale future researchers.
Pohnenji Silvanus Alanpepoh
Technical and vocational education plays a significant role in equipping learners with practical competencies required for employment and national development. However, the effectiveness of technical education depends largely on the availability and proper procurement of educational material resources. This study examines the influence of educational material resources procurement on skills acquisition among learners in government technical schools in the Mfoundi Division of the Centre Region of Cameroon. The study was guided by the objective of determining how the procurement of educational material resources influences skills acquisition in technical schools. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, integrating qualitative approaches to obtain comprehensive dataas sujested by Kerlinger (1986). The target population consisted of administrators, teachers, and students from selected government technical secondary and high schools in Mfoundi Division. A sample size of 250 respondents was selected using purposive, convenient, and simple random sampling techniques in line with the reccomendations of Amin, (2005). Data were collected using interviews, focus group discussions, and observation checklists. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically and presented in narrative form (Gall et al., 2003). Findings revealed that the availability and adequacy of material resources such as workshops tools, laboratory equipment, library documents, and classroom infrastructure significantly influence learners’ ability to acquire technical skills. However, the study also identified challenges such as inadequate equipment, outdated workshop tools, insufficient learning materials, and overcrowded classrooms which hinder effective skills acquisition. The study concludes that proper procurement and management of educational material resources are essential for improving practical competence among learners in technical schools. It therefore recommends increased government investment in educational infrastructure, effective management of instructional materials, and continuous updating of workshop equipment to enhance skills acquisition in government technical schools.
Erhijakpor Judith Eseoghene, Igbinosun Blessing Modupe, Justice Tenna Ogbaburu, Olley Faith, Olley Mitsan
This study examined the influence of principals’ administrative roles on teachers’ job performance in secondary schools in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The study was premised on the recognition that quality secondary education depends largely on effective school leadership and teacher performance. A survey research design was adopted to elicit the views of principals and teachers in selected public and private secondary schools. The population comprised 120 secondary schools, from which 12 schools were randomly selected. The sample included 24 principals and 600 teachers randomly selected, data were collected using a structured questionnaire validated by experts, with a reliability coefficient of 0.93 obtained through the test–retest method. Descriptive statistics and t-test analysis were used for data analysis at a 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that principals’ supervisory roles, communication skills, and managerial competencies significantly influence teachers’ job performance. Although both principals and teachers generally agreed on the positive impact of administrative practices, slight differences existed in their perceptions. The study concluded that effective supervision and communication by principals enhance teachers’ performance and, by extension, students’ academic achievement. It recommended strengthened leadership capacity and inclusive decision-making practices in secondary schools.
Merecris C. Frani
The National Learning Camp (NLC) was scheduled during the 2022–2023 End-of-School Year (EOSY) break in support of the MATATAG Basic Education Agenda and as a sub-program under the National Learning Recovery Program (NLRP) designed to alleviate learning loss. The NLC aimed to create a camp-like atmosphere by integrating fun and engaging activities to foster learner interests, socio-emotional skills, personal growth, and character development. DepEd underscored the need for a learning recovery program such as the NLC to address “learning losses” arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, among others. Moreover, DepEd also repealed its policy on the delivery of remedial and advancement classes during summer vacation, realizing the critical importance of "catering to the diverse needs of learners and empowering teachers with effective teaching strategies" through learning action cells (LACs) and job-embedded learning. An important factor to consider while encouraging the teaching during the National Learning Camp to elementary school learners is the preparation of the teachers. The degree of a teacher's readiness for NLC can be determined by the following criteria: Professional knowledge, Professional Practice, Professional Engagement, and Self-management. Readiness of teachers is a combination of professionally significant knowledge and skills, as well as a focused expression of personality, including internal prerequisites for the teacher's activities using innovative technologies in the educational process. The teacher's effectiveness and his intent on raising his professional level are related through the personal phenomena of the indicated readiness.
Dian Antonette N. Reantillo, Reyma Grace E. Batara
Indigenous knowledge systems and practices (IKSP) remain an influential factor to how communities take care of their environment and maintain their culture. The Lapat System is one of the traditional practices of the Isnag people of Pudtol, Apayao, which governs the use of natural resources together with reinforcing the values of the community. Nevertheless, with modernization and social developments, passing such indigenous practices to the younger generations has become an issue of concern. This research investigates the Isnag Lapat System in Pudtol, Apayao, and discovers that it is a culturally appropriate, TEK-based system for managing natural resources that use culturally ingrained beliefs and restrictions to suggest the process of nature's regeneration and social cohesion. The findings underscore the importance for conservation of indigenous knowledge systems as a basis for sustainable environmental management and continuity of Indigenous cultures and traditions.The qualitative narrative method was taken and data were collected by semi structured interviews with the chosen community leaders and elders as well as culture bearers having knowledge about Lapat tradition. The stories gathered were analyzed through thematic analysis in order to find out the common notions and meanings that were common among the participants. It was found that the Lapat System is highly related to the ethical system termed Supdina which is informed by the concept of Annaw, Aliyaw and Ngilin. These values define the relationships between people, the society, and nature. It was also revealed that Lapat assists in the preservation of natural resources since it provides a temporary limitation of forests, rivers, and other spaces to enable the regeneration of the ecology. Besides that, the practice enhances social cohesion through the strengthening of values like respect, responsibility, cooperation, and harmony in the community. The paper provides a spotlight on the importance of recording and safeguarding indigenous knowledge systems as valuable pillars towards sustainable environmental management as well as in cultural heritage protection.
Abdul Razif Zaini, Julia Madzalan, Khairani Kaharuddin, Mohd Amin Mohd Noh, Mohd Izzuddin Mohd Pisol, Salman Zainal Abidin
Financial problem is amongst the issues frequently faced by students at the higher education level, particularly in private higher education institutions. This issue contributes to the decline in students’ academic performance and discipline throughout their period of study. The objective of this study is to identify the issue of “tightening one’s belt” or “living frugally” among students, as well as to analyze daily spending patterns in order to understand their financial management practices. The study also examines the relationship between knowledge of daily expenditure management and attitudes toward daily expenditure management. The study employs the planned behavior theory to evaluate the roles of knowledge and attitudes, as well as the relationship between intention and financial management behavior. A quantitative approach was adopted, using a questionnaire distributed to 214 respondents to obtain relevant data on daily expenditures and the issue of living frugally faced by students. The findings indicate that students’ knowledge of financial management is at a moderate level with a mean score of 3.36 (SD = 1.23), while students’ attitudes toward financial management is also moderate, with a mean score of 2.95 (SD = 1.15). The research hypothesis was rejected, as the correlation values showed no significant relationship between the two constructs. Both the Pearson test (r = 0.066, p > 0.05) and the Spearman test (rs = 0.053, p > 0.05) indicated statistically very weak and insignificant correlations. Nevertheless, this study still provides guidance for students on more efficient financial management practices. In addition, universities and religious institutions have the potential to serve as role models in assisting students to overcome financial difficulties. Overall, this study makes a valuable contribution on efforts to improve students’ well-being in private higher education institutions through better financial management and support from religious institutions
Anuar bin Ahmad, Fatin Nabilah binti Abdullah
This study aims to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices of primary school teachers towards the implementation of Document-Based Learning (DBL) in History teaching. The DBL approach emphasizes the use of historical resources such as documents, maps, artifacts and pictures to help students think critically and build an understanding of history based on evidence. This quantitative survey study involved 300 primary school History teachers who were selected through stratified random sampling. A questionnaire instrument was used to measure the study variables. The findings of descriptive analysis showed that the level of knowledge (Mean=4.08), attitude (Mean=4.15) and practice (Mean=4.12) of teachers were at a high level. Inferential analysis also proved that there was a positive and significant correlation between attitude and teacher practice (r=0.521). In conclusion, primary school teachers have a high willingness to implement DBL, but the success of its implementation depends greatly on the positive attitude of teachers as a driver of practice. This study implies that the Ministry of Education Malaysia needs to strengthen the provision of digital document resources to support teacher motivation in implementing historical inquiry pedagogy
Mohammad Hafiz bin Zaini, Nagheswari Gouwndar Sundaraju
This study presents a systematic literature review on the level of teachers’ readiness and the challenges faced in implementing gamification in the context of education. Gamification is an interactive approach to teaching and learning. This strategy is proven to increase students’ interest, motivation and involvement in learning As the use of gamification in teaching and learning continues to increase, understanding the level of teachers’ readiness and the key obstacles they face to implement is essential to have a successful implementation. This research is grounded in the PRISMA framework and analyzes the journal articles published between year 2020 and 2025 from the databases such as DOAJ, Ebasco, Eric, Frontiers, Proquest, SciDirect, Web of Science, Springer, ResearchGate and Scopus. This review is conducted to answer the following questions about the level of teachers’ readiness in implementing gamification in education and the key challenges faced by teachers in implementing gamification across various contexts and teaching environments. The results indicate that varying levels of teachers’ readiness are influenced by factors such as skills, knowledge and access. Teachers’ readiness towards gamification is not uniform and reflects mixed perceptions. Key challenges include unstable internet connection, technical constraints, time constraints, lack of resources and limited professional skills training in gamification are identified. On the other hand, this review reveals crucial gaps in existing research and offers suggestions for further research and policy development to enhance the implementation of gamification in education.
Christian Ndede, ThankGod Amukele Mahel
This empirical research study examined student-teacher interpersonal relationships as a factor in psychological quality and their impact on students’ educational performance. This study is of great importance given that evidence supports a connection that teacher-student relationships are critical in high school student life development, including the achievement of academic success, acceptance in society, and satisfaction of students learning about society. The descriptive-correlation research design, purposive sampling, and stratified sampling techniques assisted in stratifying the respondents based on their sex, grade levels, and schools. The descriptive-correlational and inferential statistics aided in the discussion of the findings. SPSS version 21 helped with data analysis, whereas Pearson r and t-test tools assisted in the data treatment, and tables helped to visualize the results. The results showed a positive and significant correlation between teacher-student interpersonal relationship constructs and the subjective and objective psychological well-being indicators. The findings also revealed significant negative associations with family and belief in self. Also, the findings revealed significant mean differences between teacher-student interpersonal relationships when grouped and compared according to sex and school affiliations. The research findings' theoretical implications amplify the interpersonal and relational theories anchored in positive psychology approaches in connecting interpersonal relationships in high school and basic education, daily teaching, and learning pedagogies. The practical and social implications are that teacher education programs should emphasize the ability of educators to develop and foster positive interpersonal and interactional classroom cultural behaviors that empower students to assimilate respectful relationships with teachers and schoolmates.
Angelica P. Lazaro, Ardrien Ken T. Vitanzos, Janiella Mae B. Collado
Academic procrastination is the voluntary delay of academic tasks despite anticipating negative consequences, often linked to self-regulation failures and associated with reduced performance and well-being. The purpose of this study was to analyze the mediating role of digital literacy between time management and academic procrastination among college students. A quantitative, non-experimental, descriptive-correlational research design was used to obtain data on 353 college students in Santo Tomas using a stratified random sampling technique. Digital literacy, time management, academic procrastination were measured through standardized tools. Statistical methods, including mean, pearson correlation, and path analysis were used to check the inter-variable relationships along with the digital literacy mediating role. The results showed that students demonstrated strong time management skills, high digital literacy, and noticeable levels of academic procrastination. Digital literacy significantly mediated the relationship between time management and academic procrastination. The correlation analysis indicated that time management had a positive yet weak correlation with academic procrastination (r = 0.641, p < 0.001), and digital literacy also had a significant positive effect on reducing procrastination (r = 0.271, p < 0.001). The mediation analysis further showed that 22.2% of the total effect between time management and academic procrastination could be attributed to digital literacy. This suggests that students with stronger digital skills are better equipped to manage their tasks efficiently, reducing procrastination tendencies. The findings emphasize the importance of improving digital literacy to enhance students' time management strategies and reduce academic procrastination effectively.
Rinante L. Genuba, Wellie E. Cuenca, Jr
The central aim of this quantitative non-experimental study was to determine the significant mediating effect of classroom learning environment on the relationship between social skills and students’ academic motivation in Libungan District, Region XII, Philippines. This study employed a causal design and a stratified random sampling technique to select 302 respondents. The data were collected using standardized, adapted questionnaires and analyzed using the mean, standard deviation, Pearson’s product-moment correlation and mediation analysis. Results revealed a high level of social skills and a very high level of academic motivation and classroom learning environment. In addition, a significant relationship existed between social skills and academic motivation, as well as between social skills and the classroom learning environment, and between the classroom learning environment and academic motivation. Moreover, the mediation analysis showed a statistically significant partial mediation of social skills on academic motivation through the classroom learning environment. These contributions suggest that students’ social skills are associated with higher academic motivation, both directly and indirectly, by contributing to a more positive classroom learning environment.
John Mark B. Lazaro, Krizsha P. Tabirao, Zenie H. Geromiano
Students' ability to handle academic difficulties and preserve their psychological health depended on their academic resilience. The current study determined the mediating role of coping strategies on the relationship between psychological well-being and academic resilience among college students. A mediation analysis was conducted using data from 353 local college students of Santo Tomas Davao Del Norte. A stratified random sampling technique was utilized for the study. Statistical tools like mean, pearson’s r, and path analysis were utilized for the study. Data were collected from respondents using modified, previously validated survey questionnaires. The study’s results demonstrated that local college students of Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte reported very high descriptive levels for coping strategies, psychological well-being, and academic resilience. A strong positive correlation was found between psychological well-being and academic resilience. Furthermore, coping strategies were found to partially mediate the relationship, explaining 63.3% of the effect of psychological well-being on academic resilience and concluded that the remaining 36.7% was either direct or influenced by other factors not included in the study. These findings suggest that students with high psychological well-being were likely to have high academic resilience, especially when coping strategies were utilized.
Anthony Ly B. Dagang, Jea Quiño Labrado
This study examines the role of crisis management practices as a mediating mechanism in the relationship between financial wellness and business resilience among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. While financial wellness is widely recognized as a critical driver of business sustainability, limited empirical research explains how it translates into resilience outcomes, particularly in localized SME contexts. Using a quantitative, descriptive-correlational design, data were collected from 195 SME owners and managers through a structured questionnaire. The study employed descriptive statistics, multiple linear regression, and mediation analysis to examine the relationships among variables. Findings reveal that SMEs exhibit high levels of financial wellness, crisis management practices, and business resilience. Financial wellness has a statistically significant but relatively small direct effect on business resilience. However, mediation analysis confirms that crisis management practices partially mediate this relationship, indicating that financial capacity enhances resilience both directly and indirectly through structured crisis preparedness, response, and recovery mechanisms. The study contributes to the literature by empirically demonstrating that financial wellness alone is insufficient to ensure resilience; rather, its effectiveness depends on the firm’s ability to operationalize resources through crisis management practices. The findings provide practical implications for SME owners, policymakers, and support institutions in strengthening resilience through integrated financial and strategic management approaches. Furthermore, future researchers are encouraged to expand the study across different locations and industries to improve generalizability, examine additional variables such as innovation capability and digital transformation, and may utilize advanced methods to analyze more complex relationships influencing business resilience.
Sheryll S. Gamino, Teresita Q. Adriano, PhD
This study explored the role of language ideology in shaping the relationship between teacher beliefs and classroom discourse on translanguaging among public school teachers. Grounded in applied linguistics, the study addresses how internal belief systems influence actual pedagogical practices in multilingual classrooms. Specifically, it aims to determine whether language ideology mediates the relationship between teacher beliefs and classroom discourse. An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was employed, involving 300 public school teachers from Region XI, Philippines. Quantitative data were analyzed using structural equation modeling to test the mediation model, while qualitative data were gathered through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 17 purposively selected participants to enrich and validate the findings. Results revealed that language ideology serves as a significant full mediator between teacher beliefs and classroom discourse on translanguaging. Qualitative findings further confirmed the relationships among variables, emphasizing that language ideology functions as a critical internal filter through which teacher beliefs are translated into instructional discourse. The integration of quantitative and qualitative data are mostly characterized as connecting-confirmation, with language ideologies described as connecting-expansion. In conclusion, the study provides substantial evidence that language ideology plays a pivotal role in bridging teacher cognition and classroom practice, highlighting its importance in promoting effective translanguaging strategies in multilingual education contexts.
Aang Jeneano L. Lucero, Benz B. Reyes, Brigette S. Arellano, Heart May J. Perez, Jayven E. Impas, Joshua A. Alon, Joshua A. Donato, Lourence D. Opeña, Lyka G. Galloniga, Marjun J. Penegan, Martin Kaye P. Martinez, Michael M. Megabon, Nel Ailyn P. Ramos, Noli P. Julosan, Riza Joy E. Jancinal, Terrence C. Manlunas
This study examined the mediating role of social anxiety cognition on the relationship between computer literacy skills and self-motivation among Computer System Servicing (CSS) students of Lorenzo S. Sarmiento Sr. National High School. The research aimed to determine the level of computer literacy skills, social anxiety cognition, and self-motivation among the students, as well as the relationships among these variables. A quantitative non-experimental research design using a descriptive-correlational approach was employed. The respondents of the study consisted of 136 Senior High School CSS students selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected through standardized questionnaires measuring computer literacy skills, social anxiety cognition, and self-motivation. The data were analyzed using the average weighted mean, Spearman’s rho correlation, and multiple regression analysis to determine relationships and mediating effects. The findings revealed that the students demonstrated a highly literate level of computer literacy skills in terms of word processing, spreadsheet use, multimedia presentation, and general computing. Results also showed a high level of social anxiety cognition among the students in terms of self-perception, social skills, emotional control, and cost estimation. Furthermore, the students exhibited a very high level of self-motivation, particularly in personal drive, commitment, initiative, and optimism. The study found significant relationships between computer literacy skills and self-motivation, between social anxiety cognition and self-motivation, and between computer literacy skills and social anxiety cognition. The results of the regression analysis confirmed that social anxiety cognition significantly mediates the relationship between computer literacy skills and self-motivation. The findings suggest that both technical competence and psychological factors play an important role in strengthening students’ motivation to learn. Therefore, educational programs that enhance computer literacy while supporting students’ emotional and social well-being may help improve their overall motivation and academic performance.
Noor Hamzani Farizam, Riyan Hidayat, Shamsulariffin Samsudin, Wang Jianxun
In recent years, the physical fitness of university students has declined, prompting China to promote the digital transformation of education. Although the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework has been shown to improve instructional effectiveness, how teachers’ digital competence translates into students’ physical performance remains insufficiently understood. This study examined the relationships among teacher TPACK, student engagement, and physical performance among undergraduate physical education (PE) students in China. It also tested the mediating role of student engagement based on the Stimulus–Organism–Response (S–O–R) model, which explains how external stimuli influence internal states and lead to observable outcomes. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between November 2025 and January 2026 with 872 PE undergraduates from four universities in Guangdong Province, China. Teacher TPACK, student engagement, and physical performance were measured using validated instruments. Structural equation modeling (Smart PLS 4) was used to examine both direct and mediating effects. Teacher TPACK significantly predicted student engagement (β = 0.780, p < 0.001) and physical performance (β = 0.337, p < 0.001). Student engagement also had a positive effect on physical performance (β = 0.321, p < 0.001) and partially mediated the relationship between TPACK and physical performance (β = 0.250, p < 0.001). The model explained 60.8% of the variance in student engagement and 38.6% of the variance in physical performance. Teacher TPACK enhances student engagement and physical performance, supporting the applicability of the S–O–R model in physical education contexts.
Geralyn T. Familgan, Teresita Q. Adriano
This qualitative study aimed to determine the translanguaging affordances in multilingual secondary English class, its benefits, the challenges and coping mechanisms in its implementation, and how it shapes learners’ socioemotional development and multilingual identities. The study is gleaned through Wei’s Practical Theory of Language,” which suggests that multilinguals have unified linguistic repertoire rather than separate language systems. Employing sociocultural discourse analysis, this study gathered data from five multilingual secondary English classes through video-recorded classroom interaction and in-depth interviews with 5 teachers and 15 students. Results showed that teachers’ translanguaging pedagogical practices included conceptual scaffolding, contextualizing content, and elaborating instructions, while students practices translanguaging in inquiry, meaning-making, and peer collaboration. Benefits of translanguaging included cognitive, affective, behavioral, communicative, and equity-based gains. Meanwhile, challenges involved linguistic leniency, learner variability, instructional constraints, and linguistic diversity, with coping mechanisms including behavioral adaptability, learner agency, strategic adjustment, and linguistic flexibility. Translanguaging practices also shaped students’ socio-emotional development and maintained their multilingual identity through redistribution of participation power, negotiation of interactional authority, repositioning of learner identity, regulation of emotional expression, transformation of classroom norms, reconstruction of social relations, and disruption of linguistic hierarchies. Data implied that strategic scaffolding, collaborative learning, inclusive design, and student-centeredness are important educational practices in implementing translanguaging. Overall, the study highlights how translanguaging transform classrooms intro psychologically safe spaces that celebrate student identity and foster both academic and social-emotional growth.
Jean-François Kouadio
The persistence of poverty in post-apartheid South Africa despite decades of formal economic interventions \[20\] reveals a fundamental gap in how mainstream development economics conceptualises human behaviour in marginalized communities. This article introduces the Neuro-Anthropological Leadership Model (NALM), an interdisciplinary framework developed through doctoral research in Nederburg, Western Cape, South Africa — a community characterised by 32% unemployment, pervasive informal economic structures, and apartheid-era legacies affecting 40% of families \[6, 7\]. \[1, 6\] NALM synthesises three theoretical pillars: neuro-anthropology, which examines how neural processes and cultural practices co-constitute economic behaviour; Ubuntu philosophy, which centres communal interconnectedness as the organizing logic of economic decision-making; and trauma-informed development, which addresses the neurobiological and institutional consequences of historical trauma on economic participation. \[9, 4, 5\] The framework argues that conventional economic interventions — microfinance, vocational training, individual entrepreneurship programmes — achieve adoption rates of only 15–20% in communities like Nederburg not because of programme design failures alone \[1, 2\], but because they systematically misread the neurobiological, cultural, and historical logics through which economic life is organized. NALM proposes that effective intervention requires simultaneous engagement across all three dimensions. The article examines NALM's theoretical foundations, its comparative advantages over existing scholarship in behavioural economics, development economics, and anthropological approaches, and its methodological innovations through biometric measurement of trust and stress indicators. A 12-month pilot cluster randomised controlled trial is designed to assess feasibility and generate preliminary effect estimates. \[14, 15\] Projected outcomes include community participation rates of ≥75%, ≥80% cultural appropriateness scores, and 10–15% reductions in income volatility — targets grounded in comparable contexts rather than confirmed findings. The article concludes with implications for development economics research and policy design in informal economies.
Aruoren Emmanuel Ejiroghene, Dovwebayire Alex, Egigba Simeon
This study examined the nexus between Green Leadership and Organizational Competitiveness among synthetic production firms in Delta State, Nigeria. The increasing global demand for sustainable business practices has made green leadership a crucial determinant of organizational success. The study specifically explores the effect of green sustainable decision-making and green environmental stewardship on the competitiveness of synthetic production firms. To achieve this objective, two research questions were raised, leading to the formulation of two hypotheses. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design, with a total population of 10850, where 371 were sampled using Krejcie and Morgan Sample Size Calculation. Structured questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection, of which 315 valid responses were retrieved and analyzed using multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that green sustainable decision-making has a significant positive effect on organizational competitiveness (β = 0.914, p< 0.05), Similarly, green environmental stewardship was found to have a significant positive effect on organizational competitiveness (β =0.087, p<0.05). The adjusted R² value of 0.895 implies that approximately 89.5% of the variation in organizational competitiveness can be explained by the independent variables. Based on the results and findings, it is recommended that synthetic production firms integrate green leadership principles into their core business strategies and increase investment in sustainable innovations. These measures will not only enhance competitiveness but also ensure environmental responsibility and long-term business sustainability.
Dr. Lubo Ebisnde, Dr. Zuobomudor Edwin Agbana
This study examines the paradox of Nigerianisation in Nigeria’s oil and private sectors, where indigenous ownership and local content policies were expected to strengthen national capacity, improve worker welfare, and align employment conditions with international best practice. Drawing on the ILO decent work framework and a mixed-methods design, the study compares wages, welfare packages, and employment security across Nigerian-owned oil firms, IOC/IOC-linked service companies, and Nigerian-owned private enterprises, supported by interviews with workers, HR managers, and union officials. The Findings indicate a marked erosion of welfare provisions, especially medical insurance, pensions, and workers allowances, alongside wage suppression, graduate devaluation, and widespread casualization through short-term and outsourced contracts. The study further highlights a widening gap between executive wealth accumulation and workforce vulnerability, deepening class fragmentation and weakening social cohesion. In many cases, employment in high-revenue sectors functions as underemployment: workers remain in precarious jobs due to unemployment pressures rather than decent work incentives. The study concludes that Nigerianisation has often produced ownership transfer without labour responsibility. It recommends redefining Nigerianisation metrics to include enforceable welfare standards, stronger labour regulation, and incentive structures tied to decent work compliance, to restore dignity, productivity, and inclusive development.
Dyan Kiem R. Parcon, Teresita Q. Adriano
This study investigates the experiences and pedagogical practices of Filipino English as a Foreign Language (EFL) tutors in one-to-one synchronous online instruction, an increasingly important mode of global language education. As online tutoring continues to expand, tutors must respond to diverse learners while teaching through digitally mediated environments. However, limited research has examined how Filipino EFL tutors experience their teaching practices in culturally diverse one-to-one online contexts. The study aimed to explore how tutors adapt their instructional strategies, respond to classroom demands, and interpret their professional roles in synchronous online teaching. The study used a qualitative research design guided by Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Data were collected through in-depth interviews with seven Filipino EFL tutors who had at least two years of online teaching experience. The analysis focused on understanding how tutors make sense of their lived experiences while teaching learners from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds in virtual settings. The findings show that tutors experience one-to-one online teaching as requiring continuous adjustment to learners’ participation, proficiency, pace, and emotional state. Tutors actively sustain engagement by using multimodal strategies, digital tools, and interactive techniques suited to the online environment. They also build connection with learners to support confidence and participation. Tutors recognize that their instructional decisions are shaped by institutional conditions such as structured lessons, time limits, and platform expectations. Over time, tutors develop greater confidence and adaptability through repeated exposure to diverse teaching situations. They also become more aware of cultural differences that influence communication and interaction. Overall, the study suggests that effective online EFL teaching involves adaptive expertise, relational attentiveness, emotional regulation, and intercultural awareness. These findings provide insights for teacher training, professional support, and future research on one-to-one online language instruction, particularly for enhancing the quality of online EFL teaching and informing professional development.
Alberto Z. Laborte, Jr., Babylyn P. Regachuelo, Cyrha Mae E. Baldado, Jela Mae F. Bermudo
In recent years, there has been significant public concern regarding the increased use of smoking products, such as combustible cigarettes and electronic smoking devices like e-cigarettes, especially within schools. Despite warnings and recommendations from health experts, government organizations, and school policies, the number of students who smoke or vape continues to rise.
Lovelygin L. Tan
This study examined the relationship between coping mechanisms and self-efficacy in learning Social Studies among 372 Grade 3 learners in San Fernando District II, Division of Bukidnon, during the School Year 2025–2026. A descriptive–correlational research design was employed to determine learners’ coping mechanisms across five dimensions: advanced learning and motivation, self-direction and focus, enthusiasm and positive outlook, pursuing the course and rigorous study, and teacher aid and assistance, as well as their level of self-efficacy. Data were collected using validated survey instruments and analyzed using means, standard deviations, and Pearson product–moment correlations.
Dr. Shafiq Bin Shahruddin, Ikmal Bin Abd Malik
This research paper focuses on employee engagement in a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous (VUCA) environment among private-sector employees across the Klang Valley, Malaysia. The study is based on Kahn's Engagement Theory, which explores the direct influence of personal factors (resilience and agility), impactful work, work-life balance, and technological safety on employee engagement. The article also examines how ambidextrous leadership mediates the contribution of strengthening such relationships. Simple random sampling was used to select 372 employees working in the private-sector organizations in the Klang Valley. Part of the analysis was conducted in SPSS using descriptive statistics and basic analyses; the remaining part was conducted using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to test the measurement and structural models, as well as the mediation effects. The results show that employee engagement is directly correlated with resilience, impactful work, work -life balance, technological safety, and ambidextrous leadership. Agility, on the other hand, does not have a significant direct impact on employee engagement. The mediation analysis indicates that ambidextrous leadership partially mediates the relationships between resilience, impactful work, work-life balance, and employee engagement, and fully mediates the relationship between agility and employee engagement. Nonetheless, the mediation effect between technological safety and employee engagement does not exist. Comprehensively, the research shows the paramount importance of ambidextrous leadership in promoting employee engagement in private-sector organizations operating in a VUCA environment. The results are a reminder of the importance of supportive leadership practices, valuable work experiences, and balanced work conditions in promoting long-term employee engagement and enhancing organizational performance.
Dr. Ines V. Danao, RSW, MSSW, Rhea Lynne M. Estrosos, RSW
The professional competence of the aspiring social workers in the Philippines is determined by the Social Work Licensure Examination (SWLE). Although there is a growing body of literature on licensure examination performance, there remains a scarcity of studies that explore the lived experiences of those who excel in the examination. This study involved five SWLE topnotchers from a university in Region XIII that has consistently produced topnotchers in SWLE. Using a transcendental phenomenological approach, the data were gathered through Seidman’s interview series and analyzed using Colaizzi’s method. The study generated five themes: Resilience and Purpose-Driven Aspiration, Enabling Socio-Environmental Supports, Positive Adaptations, Continuing Personal Growth, and Service Oriented Professional Identity. The findings revealed that success was not only attributed to academic capability but also a combination of their purpose-driven aspirations, resilience and socio-environmental support system, which further strengthened their desire to serve others. It is concluded that the experiences of SWLE topnotchers are consistent with the Resilience Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Theory, and Ecological Systems Theory. The study highlights the significance of the personal, cognitive, and environmental factors in the topnotchers' excellent performance in the SWLE. The results may be used by social work educators, institutions, and prospective examinees to improve the review programs, support systems, and preparation strategies for the licensure examination.
Nighat Sultana
Good governance is widely recognized as a fundamental requirement for effective public administration, democratic stability, and socio-economic progress. In developing countries such as Bangladesh, the quality of political leadership plays a crucial role in shaping governance outcomes. This study examines the role of educated political leadership in promoting good governance in Bangladesh from a public policy perspective. The research adopts a qualitative approach based on secondary data analysis, drawing on academic literature, governance reports, and policy studies. The study applies thematic analysis to explore the relationship between leadership education and governance performance. The findings suggest that educated political leadership contributes to governance improvement through several interconnected mechanisms, including enhanced policy literacy, evidence-based decision-making, institutional effectiveness, ethical governance, and improved development planning capacity. Educated leaders are more capable of interpreting complex policy issues, coordinating administrative institutions, and promoting transparency and accountability within governance systems. The study also highlights the importance of collaboration between political leaders, bureaucratic institutions, and policy research organizations to strengthen governance capacity. The paper concludes that leadership education should be considered an important component of broader governance reform strategies in Bangladesh. Strengthening leadership training programs and promoting evidence-based policy making can enhance governance effectiveness and improve public policy outcomes.
Abu Bakar Ahmad Mansor, Ahmad Zamil Abd. Khalid, Azman Md Zain
Drug addiction is a global crisis that affects public health and social well-being and involves complex interactions in biology, psychology, society, and spirituality. Relapse after conventional treatment reveals the limitations of existing approaches and demands holistic psychospiritual interventions. Inabah da’wah has emerged as a systematic psychospiritual intervention that has proven effective in addressing this issue, but the lack of empirical and conceptual synthesis in Malaysia and Indonesia means that its role is still not fully described. Therefore, the study aims to examine the role of Inabah da’wah in drug rehabilitation and assess its implications for the psychospiritual rehabilitation of addicts, especially in terms of its contribution. This study uses a qualitative approach based on a narrative review with a synthesis of indexed library sources that are analysed inductively. The findings show that Inabah da’wah serves as a structured psychospiritual rehabilitation approach that focuses on the internal transformation of addicts through strengthening the relationship with Allah SWT, restoring the bio-psycho-social-spiritual dimensions, and contributing significantly to the contemporary rehabilitation framework. The study emphasises Inabah da’wah as a complementary and contextual psychospiritual intervention for mainstream drug rehabilitation, strengthening its relevance in the contemporary rehabilitation landscape in the Nusantara region and international discourse
Loo Yew Liang, Yu Jiazhen
Global brand communication and cultural interaction have become increasingly frequent in recent years. This study selects the niche fragrance brand Le Labo as the research object. The purpose is to examine whether visual design, cultural localization and media integration jointly influence brand communication performance and shape brand marketing outcomes. The analysis focuses on three dimensions, namely brand visual management, cross-cultural visual localization and integrated media communication. Based on these dimensions, the study develops a conceptual model built on visual consistency, cultural resonance and communication synergy. The model is intended to explain how brands maintain a balance between global standardization and local adaptation, and how they build emotional connection and value recognition in this process. Theoretical foundations are drawn from visual recognition, cross-cultural communication and integrated marketing communication. The study uses a mixed approach combining quantitative questionnaires and qualitative visual analysis. Consumers from Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen are selected as samples, and their feedback reflects their perception of visual consistency, cultural fit and media integration. The findings show that brand marketing performance comes from the combined effect of visual cues, cultural contexts and communication strategies. The results also indicate that emotional perception and value recognition are often formed through the synergy of these elements. The study concludes by summarizing the main findings and acknowledging limitations in both sample coverage and analytical scope. It further recommends that future studies continue to test this logic in broader cultural settings and more diverse media systems so as to expand research in visual communication and brand management.
Dg Norizah Ag Kiflee, Kamariah Binti Liashin
Effective leadership communication is increasingly recognized as a critical determinant of educational effectiveness, particularly in fostering collaborative cultures and enhancing school performance. This study examines the direct effect of principals’ communicative practices on teacher collaboration and school performance, as well as the mediating role of teacher collaboration in this relationship. Grounded in transformational leadership theory and organizational communication perspectives, leadership communication is conceptualized as a relational process shaping teachers’ collective engagement and organizational outcomes. A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed involving 400 secondary school teachers in Malaysia. Data were collected using structured questionnaires measuring leadership communication, teacher collaboration, and school performance. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was utilized to test the hypothesized relationships. Confirmatory Factor Analysis established satisfactory validity and reliability, while bootstrapping procedures examined mediation effects. The findings reveal that leadership communication significantly predicts teacher collaboration. Principals who communicate clearly, transparently, and supportively are more likely to foster shared decision-making and professional dialogue among teachers. Teacher collaboration, in turn, significantly influences school performance. Mediation analysis confirms a partial mediating effect, indicating that communication enhances performance primarily by strengthening teachers’ collective capacity. Overall, leadership communication functions as a strategic relational resource that sustains collaborative professional cultures and drives school improvement.
D. Nanee, Dr. R. Jaishankar
Online market places have emerged as one of the major channels used to buy home appliances but the chances of high uncertainty remain high in appliances as product of high value that cannot be viewed physically prior to purchase. This paper explores how the quality of product listing, that is, three elements, product images, product videos, and product specifications, can affect consumer purchase intention of online purchased home appliances. Quantitative, cross sectional survey design was used and primary data was gathered by using a sample of 384 consumers who had purchased or had considered purchasing home appliances online using online marketplaces. The questionnaire had surveyed the perception of the respondents in terms of quality of listing and purchase intention as well as the listing related cues that could affect the evaluation. The findings reveal that the quality of product listing is significantly and positively correlated with purchase intention, which confirms that the great quality of pictures, handier videos, and more precise specifications are associated with greater intentions to buy home appliances online. According to the regression findings, the quality of specifications is the strongest contributor of the purchase intention especially when specifications are complete, accurate, well presented and compared across the models. Videos of application and the main features of the products tend to make a positive impact as well, as it enhances consumer knowledge and trust. Simultaneously, the results reveal that the uncertainty cues decrease the purchase intention such as ambiguous or inadequate images, unsupportive or suspicious video information, or anxieties related to delivery or installation and warranty or return policies. The paper concludes that online retailers and marketplaces may intensify consumer purchase intention towards home appliances by focusing on completeness and accuracy of specifications, enhancing comparative support, offering clear multi angle images and practical demonstration videos, and lessening uncertainty by the means of transparent delivery, installation and post sales information.
Liang Jingjing, Suraya Md Nasir
The growing influence of digital media has significantly reshaped contemporary learning environments, particularly for Generation Z learners whose educational experiences are closely connected with visual, interactive, and fast-paced forms of content. Within this context, short-form video has emerged as a widely used medium across both informal and formal learning settings. Despite its increasing adoption, its pedagogical value remains open to debate, especially in relation to whether enhanced engagement necessarily leads to meaningful learning outcomes. This study aims to explore how short-form video functions within digital education, with a particular focus on its relationship with student engagement and learning outcomes. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative data collected through structured questionnaires with qualitative insights derived from semi-structured interviews. The study involved 120 undergraduate students, allowing for a comparative analysis of learning behaviors before and after exposure to short-form video-based instructional materials. The findings suggest that short-form video can enhance student engagement by aligning with learners’ existing media practices, particularly in terms of attention, interaction, and perceived relevance. In addition, its concise and multimodal structure appears to support comprehension and short-term retention of key concepts. However, the results also indicate that increased engagement does not automatically translate into deeper learning, especially when content lacks coherence or instructional guidance. Overall, the study highlights that the educational value of short-form video lies not in the format itself, but in how it is integrated into structured learning environments. These findings contribute to ongoing discussions on digital education by offering a more nuanced understanding of both the potential and limitations of emerging media formats.
Fathul Nabila binti Abd Karim, Mohd Syuhaidi bin Abu Bakar, Muhamad Amirul Hafiz bin Zulkifli, Muhammad Harraz bin Rahimin, Nur Shahizani binti Zambri, Raja Nurdeanna Shah binti Raja Rezman Shah
Recently, social media has been viewed as one of the preferred platforms among Malaysian society, particularly by politicians who use these platforms as an approach to engage more closely with local communities and to expand their political activities. This study examines five aspects underlying the selection of social media as a universal medium for disseminating information to the public, namely the influence of the internet, the enhancement of political participation, social interaction, information channels, as well as the expression of opinions, ideas, and aspirations. A qualitative research methodology was employed to obtain research data through interview techniques. The findings reveal that in today’s context, traditional media (print) has become less appealing as a source of information for the public, whereas social media has emerged as a medium for rapidly accessing information. Consequently, social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and others have become key informational tools for politicians in advancing their political agendas.
Badrul Hakimi Bin Mohd Supian, Basyiruddin Md Ghazali, Hasiah Mat Salleh, Mohd Norhusairi Mat Hussin, Siti Marsitah Mohd Mokhtar, Tengku Fatimah Muliana Binti Tengku Muda, Zurita Binti Mohd Yusoff
The development of the spread of Islam and the practice of Sharia and Islamic law in the Malay Peninsula was greatly influenced by the efforts of past ulama. However, specific studies on the role of ulama in the state of Pahang are still limited particularly in relation to the spread and practice of Islamic law. This article analyses the role of ulama in the past and the present in the development of Sharia and Islamic law in the state of Pahang. The study uses a qualitative approach based on document analysis of historical sources, legal materials, and academic writings that discuss the process of Islamisation, scholarly networks, the relationship between ulama and the sultanate and the evolution of religious administrative institutions. The findings show that ulama in the past functioned as disseminators of knowledge and Islamic preaching, pioneers of Islamic education, advisors to the sultan on religious and legal matters and contributors to the codification of law through the Hukum Kanun Pahang which was based on Sharia principles of the Shafi‘i school of thought. In the contemporary context, the role of ulama continues through the institutionalization of the positions of mufti and fatwa committees, the coordination of Sharia administration and state legislation, formal education, the preservation of the position of Islam within the framework of the state constitution and Islamic preaching integrated with social development. This article concludes that the transformation of the role of ulama from individual authority to a formal institutional structure does not weaken the continuity of their core functions as agents of knowledge, references in legal matters and guardians of the Sharia identity of the state.
Maizatul Haizan Mahbob, Mohamad Hafifi Jamri, Nazri Kahar, Noor Afzaliza Nazira Ibrahim
The rapid advancement of digital technology has transformed the global media landscape, leading to significant changes in how audiences consume entertainment content. Traditional television broadcasting, which once dominated the entertainment industry, is increasingly challenged by digital streaming platforms that provide more flexible and personalized viewing experiences. Among these platforms, Netflix has emerged as one of the most influential streaming services worldwide. This conceptual paper examines the factors contributing to the growing preference for Netflix compared to traditional television. Specifically, the study explores the role of technological convenience, audience engagement, cultural influence, and educational opportunities associated with streaming platforms. By reviewing existing literature on media consumption and digital entertainment, the paper highlights how features such as on-demand viewing, personalized recommendation systems, diverse international content, and ad-free streaming enhance user satisfaction and engagement. In addition, streaming platforms are found to facilitate cultural exchange and informal learning through access to global films, series, and documentaries. Guided by Uses and Gratifications Theory, this study emphasizes that modern audiences actively choose media platforms that best satisfy their entertainment and informational needs. The findings suggest that Netflix represents a major shift in media consumption patterns, reflecting broader technological and cultural transformations in the digital era. The paper concludes by discussing the implications of streaming services for the future of television and media industries.
Didachos Mbeng Afuh
This article discusses female education and punishment in Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre and Buchi Emecheta’s Second-Class Citizen, and considers the novelists as writers who do not only advocate for the education and empowerment of the woman, particularly the girl child but also shed light on the societal punishments and limitations imposed on them. In other words, the article shows that both authors emphasize the significance of education in empowering girls and promoting personal growth while critiquing societal restrictions and punishments that girls who desire education face. To both novelists, limited access to education for the girl child, patriarchal oppression and social stigma which characterize(d) Victorian and the post independent African societies serve as containments that attempt to suppress potentially subversive feminist narratives. Using new historicist approach, and drawing from Michel Foucault’s Discipline and Punishent, and his observations on the nature and purpose of punishment to show both novelists’ destabilization of class and gender hierarchies, the work offers insights into the contentious relationship between British fin de siècle and postcolonial African societies on the one hand, and the education of the girl child on the other hand, thereby questioning the authenticity and representation of society as a disciplinary unit, leading to the conclusion that Bronte and Emeheta harbor a social and cultural agenda with focus on female education.
Dr. Ma. Theresa P. Llano, Dr. Ronald G. Mamaril, CPA, Dr. Shannah Mhey B. Antok- Mamison
The halal industry has gained significant global attention and has become an important concern in international business (Rusydiana and Mahszar, 2024). The designation "halal" on a product is no longer a sign of duty to Muslims but also a sign of the global need for quality assurance and a way of life for both Muslims and non-Muslims (Khasanah, 2021). The improper use of halal signs, food tainted by pork, and the denial of halal certificates—all of which indicate a lack of respect for the halal religion—are growing which are part of the many concerns in halal industry and a lack of information available on the Halal brand (Ahmad et al., 2019). Halal orientation is very fundamental in gaining halal certification (Zailani et al., 2019). Businesses would be able to establish appropriate operational strategy to guarantee that all aspects of production from the staffing, materials, and production process, to the storage and transportation, will truly adhere to the halal requirements in production (Talib et al., 2018). Moreover, supply chain management has the ability to use information effectively when transporting, storing, and warehousing goods (Rizki et al., 2023). The halal supply chain is one of the most crucial elements for Muslims since the product must be halal from the point of origin to the final consumers (Wahyuni et al., 2020). Thus, supply chain management areas such as logistics and warehouse are important to determine how products are distributed and stored. According to the study of (Ngah et al., 2014), there is still a low acceptance rate for halal warehouses and logistics which results in the numerous problems that would prevent halal producers from utilizing halal warehouses and logistics to operate their products and that more research be done in order to learn more about the acceptance of halal supply chain services. This is supported by (Tumiwa et al., 2023) as they stated that halal logistics plays a crucial role in the process of storing, transporting, and delivering halal products to consumers and it calls for assurances of halal products from the manufacturers all the way to the distributor. However, there has been no process monitoring by the supplier from the beginning to the time it reaches the store. In the BARMM, halal certification is administered by the Muslim Mindanao Halal Certification Board Inc. (MMHCBI), a private agency. The MMHCBI will assume full responsibility in ensuring that food and non-food products being produced, catered, served, or distributed in the region or elsewhere are Halal-compliant or acceptable for the Muslims to consume (Kuit, 2023) Thus, this study is important because despite of the growing importance of halal compliance across the entire supply chain, the implementation of halal warehouse and logistics services remain low. Existing studies tend to focus primarily on the production and processing stage; there were limited studies specifically focusing on the supply chain management practices related to halal orientation within the restaurant operations in the context of BARMM. This lack of acceptance has led to operational challenges that hinder halal procedures from being fully implemented throughout the supply chain where insufficient process of monitoring from the point of origin until products reach establishment.
Aisah Ahmad, Irma Wani Othman, Kasoma Thia, Ku Hasnan Ku Halim, Romzi Ationg, Saifulazry Mokhtar
This study examines the concept and use of Humor in Islamic da’wah from the perspective of the Qur’an, focusing on the biography of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the practices of the Companions, and the distinction between permissible and impermissible Humor according to the principles of Shariah. Islam recognizes Humor as part of human nature and as an effective means of communication, provided it is grounded in truth, good character, and wisdom. Through qualitative analysis of Qur’anic verses, hadith, the Prophet’s biography, the views of classical and contemporary scholars, and literature on da’wah communication, the study finds that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used Humor moderately as a medium of education, a psychological approach, and a da’wah strategy, without involving lies, insults, or negligence. The Companions also emulated this approach by maintaining a balance between religious seriousness and cheerfulness in social interactions. The findings indicate that permissible Humor in da’wah includes light jokes, educational analogies, and subtle, creative forms of constructive criticism that do not offend others. This type of Humor is effective in attracting the audience’s attention, enhancing understanding of the message, strengthening moral and ethical values, and reducing the communication gap between preachers and society, especially in digital media contexts such as religious lectures, da’wah cartoons, short videos, and social media content. In contrast, impermissible Humor includes harsh mockery, insults, slander, exposing others’ faults, and Humor that promotes immorality and division, as these contradict Islamic ethics and may undermine the objectives of da’wah. The study also proposes a Qur’an-based Humor in Da’wah Model that encompasses the sources of Humor, delivery strategies, objectives of da’wah, and Shariah ethics as a practical guide for preachers. In conclusion, the study emphasizes that Humor in da’wah should be applied in a balanced (wasatiyyah) manner, guided by the Qur’an and Sunnah, and tailored to the audience’s context so that da’wah becomes more effective, relevant, and ethical without compromising the sanctity of the Islamic message.
Arancon, Charmyn C., Asuela, Kent Adrianne V., Bermoy, Eric James S., Edusma, Helen D., Guitones, Jeanelyn B., Valenzuela, Gelou J.
This study examined the effect of utilizing Desmos on students’ Mathematical problem-solving skills. A quasi-experimental approach was used with 50 Grade-8 students from Pasian National High School in Davao De Oro, Philippines. Two sections were assigned to two groups: the experimental group, which utilized Desmos, and the control group, which utilized direct interactive instruction. Pretests and posttests results showed significant improvement in both groups, with the experimental group who utilized Desmos demonstrating statistically greater gains. Quantitative data revealed that Desmos improved students’ comprehension of Algebraic concepts such as graphing, factoring, linear functions and solving equations, and increased active participation during the problem-solving activity. The study recommends the integration of Desmos as an effective instructional tool in teaching Algebra and encourages its exploration across other branches of Mathematics such as Geometry, Trigonometry, and Calculus. Further qualitative and longitudinal research is suggested to gain deeper insights into student experiences and the long-term impact on Mathematical skills. Additionally, proper teacher training and support are advised to maximize the effective use of Desmos in classroom instruction.
Ahmad Daud Marsam @ Dollah, Aina Adlina Zainudin, Rozaiha Ab Majid, Siti Aisyah Basri
Many accounting firms are increasingly exposed to cyberattacks due to evolving digital environments and inadequate cybersecurity preparedness. The rapid shift towards remote work has further intensified these risks, contributing to a significant rise in cyber incidents. Financial and accounting institutions are particularly attractive targets due to the sensitive nature of the data they manage, their reliance on technology, and insufficient cybersecurity measures. This conceptual paper synthesises existing literature to examine the key drivers of vulnerability and the potential consequences of cyberattacks. The findings highlight the urgent need for robust cybersecurity strategies to safeguard financial information and ensure organizational resilience.
Ali Mohammed Rabiu, Garuba Ojo Fredericks
The World Trade Organization (WTO) was established to provide a stable, rules-based framework for international trade, ensuring predictability, transparency, and the peaceful resolution of trade disputes among its members. However, in recent years, the WTO has experienced a significant erosion of institutional authority, most notably reflected in the paralysis of its Appellate Body and the increasing resort to unilateral trade measures by major powers. This study critically examined the extent to which the contemporary weakening of the WTO is better explained by the reassertion of great power politics rather than by internal institutional or procedural deficiencies. Anchored in realist theory, the analysis emphasized the primacy of state power, strategic interests, and shifting power asymmetries within the global political economy. The paper argued that the erosion of the WTO’s authority is fundamentally driven by the strategic behavior of dominant trading states, particularly as emerging powers challenge established economic hierarchies. As major economies prioritize national interests and geopolitical competition over multilateral commitments, compliance with WTO rules became increasingly selective. The dispute settlement mechanism, once the cornerstone of the organization’s credibility, has been constrained by great power resistance, limiting the WTO’s ability to enforce compliance effectively. This reflects a broader pattern consistent with realist expectations that international institutions function only insofar as they align with the interests of powerful states. Furthermore, the study demonstrated how strategic rivalries and asymmetric power relations undermine the WTO’s enforcement capacity, marginalizing smaller and developing economies that relied heavily on multilateral dispute resolution mechanisms. Rather than signaling institutional failure, the WTO’s current challenges highlighted the limits of liberal institutionalism in a system dominated by power politics. The paper concluded that while institutional reform alone cannot override great power interests, restoring the functionality of the Appellate Body is a critical step toward reasserting the WTO’s authority. Strengthening dispute settlement would constrain unilateralism, enhance predictability, and partially rebalance power within the multilateral trading system. Ultimately, the future effectiveness of the WTO depended on reconciling institutional rules with the realities of contemporary great power competition.
Bless Etornam Agbo, Evans Asante, Frank Oppong, Gloria Serwaa Boakye
Truancy remains a persistent challenge in Ghanaian basic schools despite national education policies aimed at ensuring universal access and retention. This study examines the application of Theatre for Development (TfD) as a participatory intervention to address school truancy in Gomoa Mankoadze, a coastal fishing community in the Central Region of Ghana. Using a participatory action research design, the study engaged 147 participants including pupils, teachers, parents, community elders, and task force members over an eight-month period (February–September 2024). The intervention employed an eight-phase TfD cycle integrating community entry, exploratory workshops, story harvesting, collective script devising, forum performances, post-performance dialogues, action planning, and follow-up monitoring. Baseline data revealed a mean attendance rate of 68.4% among Basic 4–6 pupils during the pre-intervention period (January 2024). Post-intervention monitoring (August–September 2024) showed improvement to 87.6% representing a statistically significant increase of 19.2 percentage points. Qualitative data from 34 semi-structured interviews and 8 focus group discussions, analyzed using thematic analysis, identified five primary drivers of truancy: seasonal fishing economy pressures, fear-based disciplinary practices, household food insecurity, parental ambivalence toward education, and weak enforcement mechanisms. The forum theatre methodology proved particularly catalytic, creating spaces for stakeholders to rehearse alternative behaviors and negotiate shared accountability. The study proposes a Community–School Partnership Model grounded in five principles: shared diagnosis, cultural embeddedness, institutional anchoring, multi-stakeholder accountability, and iterative monitoring. While the intervention demonstrated measurable effectiveness, limitations include the absence of a control group and the short follow-up period constraining assessment of long-term sustainability. The model offers a replicable framework for TfD-based educational interventions in similar coastal fishing communities across Ghana, aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 4 commitments for inclusive and equitable quality education.
Mohammed Suleiman Mohammed, Salum Nassor Simba
Coral reefs globally face degradation from anthropogenic stressors, often shifting toward dominance by non-reef building organisms like Corallimorpharia. This study investigated 0distribution and competitive dynamics on the reefs of Bawe and Changuu Islands, Zanzibar, which experience differing human pressures. Benthic surveys using line intercept transects were conducted across reef zones in December 2023 and January 2024. Results showed hard coral dominance at both sites (Bawe: 62.1%; Changuu: 58.3%), with Porites as the predominant genus. Corallimorpharia cover was statistically similar between sites (Bawe: 12.4%; Changuu: 12.1%; p=0.45), with four species recorded: Discosoma rhodostoma, D. nummiforme, D. unguja, and Ricordea yuma. Spatial adjacency modeling revealed Corallimorpharia as disproportionately aggressive competitors, engaging in 34-37% of competitive encounters despite moderate cover. Direct contact with Corallimorpharia caused visible coral tissue mortality and bleaching. Correlation analysis identified Physogyra and Plerogyra as particularly vulnerable genera. Changuu exhibited significantly higher macroalgae cover (p = 0.0109), adding competitive pressure absent at Bawe. Although Corallimorpharia do not currently dominate these reefs, their persistent presence and competitive impacts on scleractinian corals suggest increasing pressure on reef-building communities. Management of land-based pollution and long-term monitoring are essential to prevent potential coral–Corallimorpharia phase shifts.
Dr. Manasi Echaune
Teachers play a critical role in the provision of quality education. Yet, many teachers across Sub-Saharan Africa exhibit low competence to offer quality education. However, teacher professional development can enhance teacher competence. Unfortunately, existing professional development programmes are not adequately enhancing teacher pedagogical skills, enabling quality teaching. This paper provides insights into how an innovative school-based in-service teacher mentorship and support (SITMS) can transform teacher competence, resulting in effective classroom instructional practices and quality learning outcomes. The study was conducted across 35 primary schools in Kenya. Purposive sampling was used to select 105 teachers from 35 primary schools. A mixed research design was employed, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative techniques. Self-administered questionnaire, interview schedule, and FGD guide were used for data collection. The study revealed that school-based teacher mentorship and support caused a significant improvement in teacher pedagogical competence in inclusive instructional practices, collaborative teaching integration of ICT in teaching and learning, and life skills. Based on these findings, it is recommended that education stakeholders and policymakers scale up and institutionalize school-based mentorship and support models to enhance teacher competence across schools. Embedding transformative teacher professional development frameworks within the education system will not only strengthen pedagogical competence but also ensure sustainability, inclusivity, and improved learning outcomes for diverse student populations.
Erap L. Ordaneza, Lenrell Ivan P. Cantong, Rhyan Mike R. Bacaro
This tracer study investigates the employment status and career pathways of Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Social Studies (BSED SS) graduates of the Monkayo College of Arts, Sciences, and Technology (MonCAST) Batch 2022. Utilizing a quantitative descriptive design, the study gathered data from 68 graduates representing 12.8% of the total population through surveys administered via mobile, online platforms, and alumni networks. Findings revealed that 83.8% of graduates were employed at the time of the study, with 85.3% passing the licensure examination on their first attempt, reflecting a high degree of professional readiness. However, only about half (50.9%) of the graduates were employed in roles directly related to their degree, highlighting ongoing curriculum-to-industry alignment challenges. Employment was predominantly contractual or casual (81%), indicating early-career job insecurity despite favorable initial earnings, with over half earning 15,000 and above monthly. Most graduates secured their first jobs within 1 to 11 months post-graduation. Barriers to employment included family responsibilities, health conditions, and limited local opportunities. Based on these findings, the study underscores the need for enhanced career services, curriculum updates, stronger industry-academe linkages, and improved alumni engagement. It provides critical insights to inform policy, curriculum development, and graduate support systems, ensuring that teacher education remains relevant and responsive to labor market demands.
Agnes Lim Siang Siew, Chong Siew Kian, Julia Cliffton, Mohamad Aqram Syhamiran bin Sahadil, Mohd. Shahrul bin Kamaruddin, Nur Fatihah Abdullah Bandar, Surena Sabil, Zaiton Hassan
As organisations increasingly operate in digitally driven environments, understanding how leadership translates into performance through learning-oriented cultures has become critical. Despite extensive research on transformational leadership and employee outcomes, limited empirical attention has been given to the mechanisms, particularly digital learning cultures that explain this relationship, highlighting a significant research gap. This study examines the mediating role of Digital Age Learning Culture (DALC) in the relationship between transformational leadership (TL) and employee performance (EP) within the food and beverage (F&B) industry in Malaysia. Adopting a quantitative research design, this study collected survey data from 151 employees in Malaysia’s F&B sector. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) via SmartPLS, both measurement and structural models were assessed for reliability, validity, and predictive relevance. Mediation analysis was conducted using bootstrapping techniques to evaluate indirect effects. The findings reveal that TL strongly predicts DALC, which in turn positively influences EP, confirming a significant mediating effect. The model demonstrates substantial explanatory power (R² = 0.629) and strong predictive capability, reinforcing the robustness of the proposed framework. In practice, the findings suggest that organisations and managers, particularly in digitally evolving industries, should cultivate a strong digital learning culture alongside transformational leadership practices to maximise employee performance. Policymakers and HR practitioners can also leverage these insights to design leadership development and digital upskilling initiatives. This study contributes to the literature by integrating leadership theory with digital learning culture, offering a novel explanatory mechanism that enriches the understanding of performance outcomes in modern organisational contexts.
AYODEJI Chris Okegbemi, OBI-JOHNSON Goodness Chinyere, Prof. SULEIMAN A. S. Aruwa
Nigeria's petroleum sector contributes approximately 76% of federal revenue, yet remains plagued by systemic governance deficits. This paper examines transparency and governance challenges in Nigeria's petroleum supply chain, focusing on the impact of post-Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 reforms. Drawing on institutional and political economy theories, the analysis reveals that despite the PIA's comprehensive restructuring including the creation of new regulatory bodies and the commercialization of NNPC Limited significant implementation gaps persist. Key challenges include opacity in crude allocation, incomplete beneficial ownership disclosure, regulatory overlap, weak enforcement, and pervasive crude oil theft resulting in estimated losses of N8.41 trillion (2021–2025). The paper argues that entrenched rent-seeking, weak institutional coordination, and political interference undermine reform efforts. It recommends strengthening regulatory coordination, enhancing beneficial ownership transparency, and introducing independent auditing and robust oversight mechanisms to realize the PIA's transformative potential.
Dayang Suhana binti Abg. Madzhi, Lim Siong Hee, Sam Froze Jiee
Objective: To assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to solid waste management (SWM) among rural longhouse communities in Sibu, Sarawak, and to examine factors influencing behavioural outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted among 51 residents using universal sampling. Data were collected באמצעות a trilingual interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from Eshete et al. (2023). Descriptive and inferential analyses (t-tests and Pearson correlations) were performed using SPSS Version 27.0, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Respondents demonstrated moderate knowledge, positive attitudes, and suboptimal practices. Knowledge was positively correlated with attitude (r = 0.424, p = 0.002) and practice (r = 0.371, p = 0.007). Age showed a significant negative association with all KAP domains. Despite high awareness, sustainable practices such as recycling (31.4%) and waste segregation (37.3%) remained low. Conclusion: The findings highlight a significant knowledge–practice gap driven by structural and contextual constraints. Interventions should prioritise community-based education, decentralised waste systems, and policy implementation tailored to rural settings.
White Manganda*
This systematic review examines travel claim management practices in Zimbabwean public universities and focuses on governance effectiveness, administrative and financial accountability. Its main purpose is to review existing literature and empirical evidence on travel claim management in higher education institutions. The objectives of the study are, to synthesize existing literature on Zimbabwean Universities travel claim management and practice, to identify challenges affecting travel claim processing and reimbursement, and to examine opportunities and practice to improve travel claim management. The study adopts a systematic literature review (SLR) methodology guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) framework. From a pool of 116 articles extracted from Google scholar and Scopus databases 21 articles were selected for the final inclusion based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study reveals that despite growing international evidence supporting automation on travel claim management, a significant research gap exists where Zimbabwean universities rely mostly on manual systems. The findings of the systematic review revealed a persistent reliance on manual systems and a significant unacquitted travel advances. The results indicated that automation enhances compliance and improves financial transparency. This study recommends the adoption of integrated digital travel management systems.
Julian Philip D. Lacanlale
The preparation on board exams for licensure as a physical therapist is a major and stressful event for would-be professionals. Sources of stress include overload and underperformance, personal problems such as financial issues, and coping mechanisms such as social support and mindfulness. The nature of the stressful event of board exam preparation underscores the importance of well-being initiatives to attain balance and success. This qualitative phenomenological research employed a semi-structured interview approach to examine sources of stress and coping mechanisms of first-time board examinees for the physical therapy board exam ages 22-26 years, BS PT graduates from Philippine schools. Thematic analysis was employed to look for recurring patterns and themes in context with quotes to enhance understanding of examinee experiences. Financial pressures (costs, lost revenues, retakes) cascading into academic, emotional, social, and performance pressures, with vicious cycles that need interventions such as scholarships, spaced repetition, mutual support, mindfulness, and exposure therapy to enhance resilience and equitable licensure. Excellent adaptations savings buffers, counseling, prioritization, humor/religion, autonomy-enhancing networks, self-care, and growth mindsets comprehensively address burnout, addressing calls for financial intelligence and well-being support to improve pass rates and professional competence. Learning institutions and review centers in the Philippines must implement and validate comprehensive stress management interventions for Physical Therapy Licensure Exam examinees, including mindfulness, relaxation, academic assistance, and time management to address financial, academic, emotional, social, mental, and performance-related pressures. Learning institutions must work with licensing organizations for comprehensive academic-mental health training. Review centers must integrate mental health screening and well-being interventions, relevant to physical and online teaching.
Armie Lhyn D. Recla, Dr. Junvil A. Insong, Hazel Mae L. Semino, Jhino C. Asentista, Marille D. Banaybanay
This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of criminology students in a university in Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental, Philippines, who were compelled by family expectations to pursue the program. Using semi-structured interviews with twelve participants, the study examined how external pressures influenced their academic, emotional, and personal experiences. Findings revealed six cluster themes: emotional impact of being forced into a course, influence of family expectations on course choice, motivation and academic performance challenges, emotional responses to studying an unchosen program, academic, physical, and social challenges in the criminology program, and positive discoveries and personal growth. The study concludes that while forced enrollment may initially hinder motivation and emotional well-being, students can gradually adapt, demonstrating resilience, personal growth, and evolving academic engagement over time. It is recommended that educators, counselors, and families implement supportive strategies that enhance student autonomy, foster emotional resilience, and provide opportunities for skill development and engagement. Such interventions can help students navigate academic challenges, balance familial expectations with personal aspirations, and maximize learning outcomes, even in unchosen educational pathways and diverse sociocultural contexts.
Benson O. Sila, Prof. Lazarus Ngari
Political violence poses a significant threat to tourism development and security, particularly in tourism-dependent economies such as Kenya, where the sector plays a critical role in economic growth and inter-sectoral linkages such as Agriculture, Manufacturing, and Transport, among others. In politically unstable environments, especially urban tourism hubs, insecurity undermines destination image, investor confidence, and the overall resilience of the tourism industry. Therefore, the study examined political violence and tourism security in Mombasa and Nairobi City counties, Kenya, 1992-2024. The second objective of the study was to identify the underlying causes of political violence that affect tourism security in Mombasa and Nairobi City Counties, Kenya. The study used the theory of the Triangle of Violence and Media Dependency Theory. A retrospective longitudinal survey design was used to analyze quantitative data on underlying causes of political violence, while a phenomenological design captured qualitative insights on opinions, perceptions, attitudes, and interpretations of causes of political violence and tourism security. The target population for the study was employees from tourism stakeholders who were responsible for tourism security. Therefore, the target population was divided into study population strata, such as employees from the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, Hotels and tour managers, local and international tourists, security personnel, such as tourist police unit officers, and private security officers. A sample of 385 respondents was drawn using stratified and purposive sampling. Data were collected through questionnaires, focus group discussions, interviews, and secondary documents such as OB, online databases, among others. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were thematically analyzed. Findings revealed that Political motives, economic inequality, and corruption were identified as key causes of political violence in Mombasa and Nairobi City counties, Kenya. To reduce the causes of political violence, the study recommends strengthening political stability, reducing corruption, unemployment, and inequality, and enhancing tourism crime research tools. These recommendations guide the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife and the Ministry of Interior and the coordination of the national government, and other tourism stakeholders in promoting sustainable tourism development through enhancing tourism security.
Brahim Chekima, Fatma Zohra Chekima, Najihah Hanisah Marmaya, Rudy Ansar, Suddin Lada
Foreign automobile brands in Malaysia face intensifying competition from national brands, yet the drivers of actual foreign automobile purchase behaviour remain insufficiently explained. This empirical paper reports the direct-effect portion of a broader study and examines whether attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control, perceived product quality, and brand credibility explain actual purchase behaviour among Malaysian consumers. Grounded in the Theory of Planned Behaviour and Signaling Theory, the study addresses the limitation of intention-based models by focusing on realised behaviour in a high-involvement context. A cross-sectional survey design was employed using a structured questionnaire administered to Malaysian consumers who had purchased or owned foreign automobiles, yielding 161 valid responses. Data were analysed using SPSS 28 and SmartPLS 4. The measurement model demonstrated satisfactory reliability and validity. The structural model showed that all five predictors had positive and significant effects on actual purchase behaviour. Brand credibility, product quality, and attitude emerged as the strongest direct predictors, while perceived behavioural control and subjective norm also made significant contributions. The findings support the continued relevance of TPB in high-cost consumer decisions and show that signaling variables add substantial explanatory value by reducing uncertainty and reinforcing consumer confidence. Practically, the results indicate that foreign automobile marketers in Malaysia should strengthen positive evaluations, social reassurance, purchase manageability, quality perceptions, and brand trust to improve actual market uptake.
Louise Omollo, Nancy, A. Ong’onda, Omondi Oketch
This paper re-examines data from a broader doctoral study to provide a focused linguistic analysis of lexical and morpho-syntactic error patterns in Grade 6 reading comprehension under Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). Specifically, the study identifies dominant error types and examines how these errors relate to learners’ overall comprehension performance. Drawing exclusively on pre-test data, the analysis is limited to errors that compromise clarity and meaning in learner responses. Guided by Schema Theory, Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT), and Error Analysis, the study analyses scripts from 611 learners across six public primary schools in Athi River Sub-County, Kenya. Findings reveal that errors are largely intralingual, with lexical errors accounting for 58% and morpho-syntactic errors 42% of the total identified. Frequent issues include incorrect collocations, morphological overgeneralization, and grammatical inaccuracies, all of which significantly obscure meaning and contribute to reduced comprehension scores. The study argues that learner errors in reading comprehension are systematic and closely linked to cognitive processing demands, underscoring the need for instructional approaches that integrate attention to linguistic form within comprehension tasks. The findings offer important implications for both pedagogy and assessment in upper primary English classrooms.
Izzat Al-Hadi Razali, Leviana Andrew, Siti Salwa Hassan, Wan Muhd Faez Wan Ibrahim
Retirement planning has become a critical aspect of personal financial management, particularly as life expectancy increases, employment patterns evolve, and dependence on public pension systems declines. In Malaysia, despite sustained national initiatives to enhance financial literacy, many young people especially those in Sarawak remain inadequately prepared for retirement. Recent statistics are concerning: approximately 70 percent of EPF contributors in Sarawak have retirement savings of less than RM10,000, and 60 percent of young individuals are unable to meet an unexpected RM1,000 expense without borrowing. These figures underscore the growing urgency of improving financial preparedness among this group. This study seeks to investigate the determinants of personal retirement planning among Sarawakian youth aged 15 to 30. In particular, it focuses on the influence of financial knowledge, numerical and computational ability, exposure to financial education, and attitudes toward financial products. A cross-sectional survey methodology will be adopted, with data analyzed using Structural Equation Modelling to assess the magnitude and direction of relationships among the variables. The questionnaire comprises sections on respondents’ socioeconomic characteristics as well as validated measurement scales for each construct. The anticipated findings are expected to shed light on the financial literacy levels, attitudes, and planning behaviors of youth in Sarawak, highlighting critical gaps and areas for improvement. For educators and practitioners, the results will offer practical insights for designing targeted financial literacy initiatives that align with the realities faced by young individuals. From a policy standpoint, the study supports the development of region-specific strategies that integrate financial education into broader socioeconomic planning. Overall, this research contributes to the expanding literature on fostering long-term financial resilience among youth in emerging economies.
Claire G. Bunagan, Clyde K. Sugot, Kenjie C. Osben, Nixon G. Nasuchod, Wilbert B. Wanas
Unemployment among persons with disabilities (PWDs) remains a persistent concern shaped by structural barriers, social attitudes, and everyday realities within marginalized communities. In the Cordillera region of the Philippines, where rural livelihoods and community relations influence access to opportunities, unemployment is experienced beyond economic deprivation. This study explores the lived experiences of unemployed persons with disabilities in a rural Cordillera community, focusing on how unemployment is understood, endured, and negotiated in daily life. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach informed by Colaizzi’s method, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten purposively selected participants. The analysis examined participants’ processes of meaning-making, their everyday experiences, and the ways they cope within conditions of constraint.
Fitri Suraya Mohamad, Juriah Sulehan, Keh Li Yew, Melissa Siaw Han Lim, Rekaya Vincent Balang, Zai Yang Yong, Zulkifli Jantan
Background: Early detection of breast cancer plays a critical role in reducing morbidity and mortality. However, uptake of screening practices remains uneven across many rural communities in Sarawak, contributing to late diagnoses and widening the disparities in access to timely treatment. Objective: This descriptive qualitative study explores how cultural beliefs, social norms, and personal perceptions shape women's attitudes and behaviours toward early breast cancer detection with a focused lens on the Penan, an Indigenous minority group in Sarawak. Methods: In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with women aged 18–60 in a rural area of Sarawak to elicit their lived experiences, health beliefs, and decision-making processes regarding self-examination, clinical screening, and seeking medical consultation. Results: Thematic analysis revealed five overarching themes: (1) Trust, Experience, and Accessibility: Determinants of Willingness to Undergo Clinical Breast Examination; (2) Cultural interpretations of breast cancer; (3) Fear and stigma influencing breast cancer screening behaviour; (4) Logistical refrain for seeking medical treatment and breast cancer screening; and (5) Factors Influencing Future Willingness for Clinical Breast Examination. These cultural and perceptual factors collectively influence screening behaviours, often creating barriers despite awareness of breast cancer risks. Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for culturally responsive health communication strategies and community-engaged interventions that address sociocultural concerns while empowering women to participate confidently in early detection practices.
Dr. Junvil A. Insong, Felipe T. Talento, Glydelle M. Radoc, John Daryl N. Acas, Val A. Aban
Surveillance cameras have increasingly become an important component of local crime prevention initiatives and urban security systems. This study examined the effectiveness of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in crime detection and suspect identification in one of the cities in Misamis Occidental, Philippines. The research aimed to explore how surveillance technology contributes to crime prevention, investigative processes, and community safety within the local context. A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing in-depth interviews with selected participants who were knowledgeable about the city’s surveillance operations and public safety practices. Data gathered from the participants were analyzed using thematic analysis in order to identify recurring patterns and perspectives regarding the implementation and performance of CCTV systems. The analysis generated five major themes that describe the perceived effectiveness and operational realities of surveillance cameras in the city. These themes include: (1) perceived effectiveness of surveillance cameras in crime prevention and detection, (2) role of CCTV in solving specific crimes, (3) challenges and limitations of CCTV use, (4) responses and workarounds to surveillance gaps, and (5) recommendations for system improvement. The findings suggest that surveillance cameras contribute to crime monitoring and investigative efforts, although their effectiveness is influenced by technical limitations, system coverage, and maintenance practices. Strengthening surveillance infrastructure, improving monitoring capabilities, and fostering collaboration between local authorities and community stakeholders may further enhance the impact of CCTV systems on public safety. The study recommends continuous system upgrades, strategic expansion of camera coverage, and stronger coordination among local government units, law enforcement agencies, and private establishments to improve the overall effectiveness of surveillance operations in the city.
Dr. Junvil A. Insong, Edgar Claude C. Eslit, John Daryl N. Acas, Kharlou B. Adelan, Ricarlo P. Tumanda
Alcohol-impaired driving remains a persistent public safety concern that contributes to road traffic injuries and fatalities. While national policies in the Philippines prohibit driving under the influence of alcohol, limited empirical studies have examined how local social practices, enforcement conditions, and community perceptions influence the persistence of this behavior in smaller urban settings. This study explored the experiences and perceptions related to drunk driving in a city in Misamis Occidental, Philippines. A qualitative phenomenological design was employed to capture the lived experiences of individuals affected by drunk-driving incidents. Twelve participants who had experienced such incidents as victims were purposively selected based on inclusion criteria such as direct involvement in alcohol-related road incidents within the past three years. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi’s phenomenological method to identify significant statements, formulate meanings, and generate thematic categories. Data saturation was achieved after the twelfth interview, as no new themes emerged. The analysis produced several interrelated themes: the growing prevalence and cultural normalization of drunk driving; alcohol accessibility and weak law enforcement; drunk driving as a major cause of road accidents; challenges in law enforcement and social attitudes; and community-based and policy solutions for road safety. The findings suggest that alcohol-impaired driving is influenced not only by individual behavior but also by cultural norms, enforcement limitations, and structural conditions within the community. Anchored in deterrence theory and social norms theory, the study highlights how perceived low risk of punishment and cultural acceptance reinforce risky driving behaviors. Addressing the issue therefore requires coordinated responses that combine stronger law enforcement, institutional support, and sustained public education on responsible alcohol consumption and road safety. The study recommends strengthening community awareness programs, enhancing sobriety checkpoint operations, and improving enforcement capacity through training and adequate equipment. These measures may contribute to more effective prevention strategies and promote safer road practices within local communities.
Danish Ali
This research paper aims to examine the strategic policies of President Donald Trump, Joe Biden, and Trump 2.0 in relation to China. It seeks to highlight how the United States has shifted its foreign policy from engagement to strategic competition. Both administrations believe that China is their primary strategic competitor, challenging US hegemony economically, politically, and ideologically. Furthermore, the thesis will examine the Indo-Pacific Strategy, the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), and the Build Back Better World (B3W) initiatives as countermeasures to China's Belt and Road Initiative. The research will also examine the impact of the rivalry between the US and China on Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan, where the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is situated. Balochistan has been geopolitically significant since the nineteenth century, and Gwadar has captured the interest of major powers. Both China and the US have vested interests in Gwadar due to its strategic location for import and export and warm-water access. The research paper will argue how the US-China rivalry impacts CPEC and Gwadar, where a long-standing insurgency has been ongoing since Pakistan's independence.
Hashim Khan, Irfan Hussain
The integration of artificial intelligence chatbots as conversational partners in second language speaking instruction has gained considerable attention in recent years, driven by advances in natural language processing and automatic speech recognition technologies. This systematic review examines the pedagogical affordances, technical and instructional limitations, and learner perceptions of AI chatbots for speaking practice in English as a Foreign Language contexts. Drawing on 30 empirical studies and systematic reviews published between 2018 and 2025, this paper synthesizes evidence regarding the benefits of chatbot-mediated speaking practice, including increased practice opportunities, reduced speaking anxiety, enhanced learner engagement, and personalized learning experiences. However, the review also identifies persistent technical constraints---particularly speech recognition errors, limited contextual coherence, and inadequate pragmatic competence---alongside pedagogical challenges such as variable feedback quality, curriculum misalignment, and insufficient teacher preparation. Learner perceptions reveal a complex landscape: while students appreciate the accessibility, convenience, and low-pressure environment chatbots provide, they express frustration with unnatural interactions, repetitive responses, and limited corrective feedback. The paper situates these findings within established second language acquisition frameworks, including the Interaction Hypothesis, Affective Filter Hypothesis, and Sociocultural Theory, and discusses implications for pedagogical practice, teacher professional development, and future research directions. This review concludes that AI chatbots represent a valuable supplementary tool for speaking practice when thoughtfully integrated into curricula, but cannot replace human interaction in developing comprehensive communicative competence.
Kaycee S. Linaza
This study aimed to determine the extent of self-regulated learning (SRL) strategy use and its relationship to the critical thinking disposition of Grade 6 learners. Specifically, it examined learners’ SRL practices in establishing self-study strategies, managing structured learning environments, exercising time management, and setting learning goals. Additionally, it assessed the level of critical thinking disposition and analyzed the significant relationships between SRL strategies and critical thinking. The study employed a descriptive-correlational design and was conducted in the San Fernando II District, Division of Bukidnon, Philippines, involving 225 Grade 6 learners selected through random sampling. Data were collected using an adapted instrument from Prudente and Acar (2021), which yielded a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.952. Weighted mean and standard deviation were used to determine the extent of SRL utilization and the level of critical-thinking disposition. At the same time, Pearson product-moment correlation analysis was used to assess the relationships among variables. Findings revealed that learners’ utilization of SRL strategies in all dimensions was very high, indicating strong autonomy and disciplined learning behaviors. The level of critical thinking disposition was also very high, reflecting learners’ curiosity, persistence, problem-solving, and reflective thinking. Correlational analysis demonstrated significant relationships between all SRL dimensions and critical thinking disposition, suggesting that learners who actively regulate their learning are more likely to develop higher-order cognitive skills. Based on these findings, it is recommended that learners continue to strengthen SRL practices with parental support, that school administrators provide programs and resources that promote SRL, and that future researchers investigate additional factors influencing SRL and critical thinking, including subject-specific effects and broader academic outcomes. These measures aim to enhance learners’ independent learning habits, cognitive growth, and capacity for critical thinking.
Diva Ristie Valentina, Heryanto Nur Muhammad, Noortje Anita Kumaat, Sri Wicahyani, Taufiq Hidayat
The purpose of this study was to test the validity and reliability of the Lecturers' Behaviors Questionnaire and Student Instructor-Relationship Scale (SIRS) instruments. This study used a quantitative approach. Respondents in this study were students of the Physical Education, Health, and Recreation study program, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Surabaya State University. The researcher used the Slovin formula in determining the number of respondents. Data were collected using an online Likert-scale questionnaire. The researcher conducted validity and reliability tests using SPSS. The results showed that 22 of the 24 total statements in the Lecturers' Behaviors Questionnaire were deemed valid (Sig.). (2-tailed) <0.05. The reliability of the Lecturers' Behaviors Questionnaire was .916. In the Student Instructor-Relationship Scale (SIRS), Researcher 34 of the total 36 statements in the Lecturers' Behaviors Questionnaire were valid (Sig.). (2-tailed) <0.05. The reliability of SIRS is .852. Based on the research results, the Lecturers' Behaviors Questionnaire is suitable for measuring students' perceptions of lecturers' behavior during the learning process. SIRS is suitable for assessing the quality of the relationship between students and lecturers in the learning process for students of the Physical Education, Health and Recreation study program in higher education.
Tinatin Janjgava
This article examines anti-American propaganda in Soviet Georgian political caricature during the early Cold War period, with particular attention to works created by Mikheil Chiaureli and published in the satirical magazine “Niangi.” The study argues that caricature in Soviet Georgia functioned not merely as humorous illustration but as an important instrument of ideological communication embedded within the wider propaganda system of the Soviet state. By combining art-historical analysis, visual semiotics, and historical context, the article explores how exaggerated bodies, symbolic props, compositional distortion, and accompanying texts were used to construct hostile images of Western political leaders, especially Harry S. Truman and Ernest Bevin. The research is based on archival work conducted in the National Parliamentary Library of Georgia and in the Art Palace – the Georgian State Museum of Theatre, Cinema and Music, as well as on the study of Georgian satirical periodicals published between 1900 and 1950. The article situates the Georgian material within broader debates on the political force of satire, the visual culture of the Cold War, and the role of caricature in shaping public perception. It demonstrates that Soviet Georgian caricature translated international political conflict into emotionally legible visual narratives for a Georgian-speaking readership and contributed to the formation of a stable ideological image of the West as aggressive, deceptive, and morally degraded. In doing so, the study highlights the value of Georgian satirical graphics as a major yet still insufficiently studied source for understanding twentieth-century visual propaganda. It also demonstrates that Georgian satirical material deserves a more prominent place in international scholarship on Soviet visual culture because it reveals how local media adapted global ideological narratives for regional audiences.
Dr. Karabi Konch, ParameshChowdhury
This study examines the challenges and lived experiences of special children residing in children’s homes, with particular emphasis on their psychological, social, and educational development. Special children—those with physical, cognitive, or emotional disabilities—often face multiple barriers that require specialized care, rehabilitation, and supportive institutional environments. The research aims to assess how the institutional setting influences their well-being, self-esteem, and opportunities for skill development. It also evaluates the adequacy of available resources, the level of caregiver training, and the inclusiveness of educational and rehabilitation programs within these homes. The study adopts a mixed-method approach, combining qualitative and quantitative techniques, including interviews with caregivers and educators, case-based narratives, and observational analysis of 16 resident children. The findings reveal that while some children’s homes provide supportive environments with structured interventions and care practices, several challenges persist, including limited funding, shortage of trained professionals, and inadequate access to therapeutic and rehabilitation services. These constraints affect the overall quality of care and developmental opportunities available to the children. The study highlights the need for strengthened institutional support through policy reforms, improved caregiver training, and greater collaboration with community and rehabilitation services. It concludes by recommending the development of a more inclusive and comprehensive support system within institutional care to promote the holistic development, dignity, and social integration of special children.
Chenee O. Baňez, Francine P. Gacosta, Lailanie B. Soriano, Mae Kyla D. Casison, Oscar O. Ancheta Jr, Winston Denz C. Cortez
This study employed a qualitative research design and thematic analysis to explore the identities of Indigenous students in relation to gender and culture and to understand their lived experiences within a Philippine higher education institution. It sought to examine the different forms of identity expressed by Indigenous students, how these identities are manifested in academic and social spaces, and the coping strategies they develop in response to the social and academic challenges they encounter in the university setting. Rich and diverse narratives from students representing various ethnolinguistic groups were gathered through in-depth interviews, enabling their perspectives, voices, and lived realities to be meaningfully documented and interpreted. Findings revealed that although the institution formally promotes equality, inclusion, and respect for diversity, Indigenous students continue to experience subtle and often unrecognized forms of discrimination, cultural misrepresentation, marginalization, and gender-related stereotyping. These experiences influence their sense of belonging, classroom participation, interpersonal relationships, and freedom of self-expression. Despite these difficulties, participants demonstrated strong resilience, adaptability, and personal agency. They remained deeply connected to their cultural heritage, actively practiced and preserved their traditions, and strengthened their identity through solidarity with fellow Indigenous peers. Support systems such as peer networks, community engagement, family guidance, and participation in cultural events served as important sources of empowerment, emotional support, and identity affirmation. This study contributes to existing literature by emphasizing the urgent need for meaningful and transformative changes in university academic environments toward genuine inclusivity, gender sensitivity, cultural responsiveness, and equitable representation. It underscores the vital role of educators, administrators, and institutions in amplifying Indigenous students’ voices, fostering intercultural respect and understanding, and supporting the preservation and accurate representation of diverse cultural identities in higher education.
Andre Lue Mindaña, Dariel B. Madis, James Lee F. Lumakang, Joseph Jr. T. Miomio, Jude Anthony A. Perez, Mark Anthony Ocampo, Michael James Mataksi, Yunishalyn Mae S. Udtohan
Electrical injuries remain a significant occupational hazard, particularly among construction workers, electricians, and technical-vocational trainees in the Philippines. Despite existing safety protocols, many workplaces lack affordable and real-time electrical hazard detection systems. This study aimed to design, develop, and evaluate a wearable current sensing technology capable of detecting electrical current exposure and providing immediate alerts to prevent electrical injuries. The results show that the mean values of the indicators range from 4.05 to 4.38, which are numerically interpreted as "High" to "Very High." These results indicate that the respondents positively evaluated the wearable device in terms of its ability to detect electrical current exposure in real time. The overall mean of the table falls within the "High" interpretation, suggesting that the respondents generally perceive the wearable current sensing technology as accurate, reliable, and effective for electrical injury prevention. In addition, the standard deviation values range from 0.81 to 1.08, which are considered low, indicating that the responses are closely clustered around the mean.
Shelton Chinorumba
Women’s empowerment has become a central objective in agricultural research for development, yet its complex, context-specific nature poses conceptual, methodological, and operational challenges. This article reflects on a long-term, feminist-informed collaboration of more than a decade that used mixed methods to study women’s empowerment in agriculture across diverse projects, countries, and research teams. Drawing on quantitative indices, including adaptations of the Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index (WEAI and pro-WEAI), and complementary qualitative work, the collaboration interrogated how empowerment is defined, measured, and experienced, and how these understandings evolve over time. Mixed methods were applied within single projects, across related sub-projects, and cumulatively across projects to generate insights into joint asset ownership, intra-household decision-making, time use, and agency, revealing empowerment as multidimensional, relational, and dynamic rather than a static outcome. The article examines how sustained collaboration among researchers from the Global North and South, and across disciplines, challenged assumptions embedded in standardized measures, sharpened conceptual precision, and exposed tensions between instrumental and intrinsic, as well as individual and collective forms of agency. It also highlights the institutional conditions that enable meaningful collaboration—particularly long-term funding, leadership, and iterative learning processes—and how these conditions shape knowledge production and policy influence. The article concludes by proposing priorities for the next generation of agricultural research for development on women’s empowerment, including deeper integration of qualitative inquiry, attention to shifting norms and power relations, and the continued co-development of metrics that remain sensitive to context while enabling comparison across interventions and time.
Mel-Ann L. Gerona
This study developed a structural model of employability among Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) graduates in the tourism sector in the Caraga Region, Philippines. It examined the influence of work environment, efficiency, effectiveness, and competency on employability outcomes. A quantitative descriptive–correlational and causal design was employed, with Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) as the primary analytical approach. Data were collected using a validated survey instrument, with reliability and validity confirmed through Cronbach’s alpha and Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Results indicated high levels of perceived work environment, efficiency, effectiveness, competency, and employability. Significant positive relationships were found among all variables, with competency emerging as the strongest predictor. Regression analysis showed that attitudinal and behavioral competencies, technical skills, industry alignment, and time utilization significantly predicted employability. The best-fit structural model confirmed that competency, supported by effective training and a conducive learning environment, enhances employability among TESDA tourism graduates.
Ayeni, Daramola Kayode, Fapohunda, Tinuke Moradeke, Genty, Kabiru Ishola
This study investigated the interplay between work-related stress and drug use among commercial tricycle riders in Ilorin Metropolis, Nigeria. Utilizing a quantitative research design, data were gathered from 220 participants through a structured questionnaire. The study unveiled a range of significant work-related stressors faced by these riders, including financial instability, prolonged working hours, traffic congestion. Remarkably, the study found that majority of respondents resorted to drug use as a coping mechanism for stress, encompassing substances like alcohol, inhalation and injection of substances. Regression analysis confirmed a noteworthy association between work-related stress and drug use. These findings underscore the urgent need for tailored interventions and policies to address the well-being and safety of commercial tricycle riders. Recommendations include implementing stress management programmes that are customised to the particular issues that tricycle riders experience, Create and implement financial literacy programmes tailored to tricycle riders.
Md. Mahmudul Hasan, Parul Parvin
The twenty-first-century geopolitical environment is also more marked by the activism of the youth in the Global South as the formulation of national and international policies becomes a matter of centre-stage actors and not peripheral ones. This revolution has reached a historical peak in Bangladesh after the July Revolution of 2024, which was an epochal "Monsoon Revolution" by students that essentially ousted an authoritarian regime that had become entrenched in Bangladesh over many years and revitalised the legacy of resistance. In this research paper, the posture of youth leadership in diplomacy in Bangladesh is discussed based on the fact that the institutionalisation of the youth demographic serving 33% of the population is a critical concern in attaining a sustainable global future. The mixed-method approach which combines quantitative data collected through surveys on 2,545 individuals and takes the form of qualitative thematic analysis of new policy changes offers an insight into the process of replacing informal activism with formal diplomatic representation. The results indicate that there is a big reluctance gap with 95% of the youth feeling that traditional politics is risky; and 94% willing to take the lead in climate and social action, were they offered institutional backing. The report evaluates the current frameworks, including the UN Youth Delegate Program, the UNESCO Youth Voice Mechanism, and the BIMSTEC Young Leaders Summit, as a means of finding ways of integrating further. The discussion provides a conclusion that Bangladesh can reinvent itself as a regional beacon of justice and democratic developments by utilising the three Zeros framework proposed by Dr. Muhammad Yunus as follows: zero poverty, zero unemployment and zero net carbon. This paper gives policy suggestions to the policy makers on how to go beyond mere symbolic inclusion into meaningful youth-led diplomacy.