Digital Financial Inclusion in WAEMU: Socio-Demographic Factors Associated with Mobile Money Adoption
Gbenago Djessoukon Maxime NAKIZENON, Mamadou Abdoulaye KONTE
Abstract: This paper examines socio-economic factors associated with digital financial inclusion in WAEMU region, using harmonized household survey data. A logit model is estimated to analyze individual-level mobile money adoption across the eight WAEMU countries.
Deploying Autonomous Trucks in Middle-Mile Logistics: A Case Study of a 3PL and AV Startup Partnership
Ashvin Kulkarni
Abstract: Autonomous vehicles have been talked about for years, but actual commercial deployments at scale in logistics remain rare. This paper documents one such deployment: a major 3PL logistics company moving from a five-truck pilot to a 54-truck autonomous fleet through its partnership with an AV startup specializing in middle-mile logistics.
Genotyping and Morphological Characterization of Arabica Coffee (Coffea arabica): A Review
Marchelle C. Rodriguez
Abstract: Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica L.) is a globally important crop valued for its superior beverage quality and economic significance to smallholder farmers in tropical regions, including the Philippines. However, the true identity and genetic diversity of locally cultivated Arabica varieties remain poorly documented due to widespread informal seed exchange and limited characterization efforts.
Phenocrystic Texture and Morphologic Variation in K-Feldspars from Porphyritic Granite Suites in Southwestern Nigeria
Akinola, Oluwatoyin Olagoke, Abel Ojo Talabi, Aturamu Adeyinka Oluyemi
Abstract: Porphyritic granite is the commonest textural type in the basement complex of southwestern Nigeria. The preference for this type of texture and their morphological variation is investigated and reported in this article in the light of establishing a nexus between pluton’s emplacement, regional structural trends and feldspar crystal shapes. The syn-tectonic granite which outcrops in Idanre, Ikere, Ado-Ekiti and Omu-Aran forms a unique granite chain that extends over eighty kilometres in length.
The Lifetime Cardiac-Cycle Invariant in Endothermic Vertebrates : A 230-Species Comparative Dataset, Statistical Validation, and Explicit Falsifiability Criteria
Mesfin Asfaw Taye
Abstract: A pygmy shrew (Suncus etruscus, ≈2 g) sustains a resting heart rate near 1,000 beats min−1 and dies within two years; an African elephant (≈4,000 kg) beats at 28 beats min−1 and lives seven decades. Their chronological lifespans differ by a factor of 35, yet each accumulates close to 109 cardiac cycles before death—a near-constancy first noted by Rubner (1908) and quantified by Lindstedt and Calder (1981) [2], but never subjected to multi-clade statistical testing, phyloge-netic correction, or explicit falsifiability criteria with a large modern dataset.
Biological Time Equivalence in Vertebrates: Thermodynamic Framework, Comparative Tests, and Clade-Specific Deviations
Mesfin Asfaw Taye
Abstract: Across adult warm-blooded vertebrates, the product of resting heart rate fH and maximum lifespan L is approximately constant: N⋆ = fH L ≈ 109 cardiac cycles. This empirical regularity, noted since Rubner (1908), has lacked a widely accepted thermodynamic interpretation.
Forecasting Rainfall Patterns in the Naivasha Region Using ARIMA and SARIMA Models
Florence Awino Adem, Dr.Thomas Mawora
Abstract: Rainfall variability poses significant challenges to agricultural planning and water-resource management in the Naivasha region of Kenya. This study models and forecasts monthly rainfall using the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average and Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average approaches. Monthly data from 1990–2024 were analyzed, revealing strong seasonal patterns and high variability. Stationarity tests confirmed that the series was stationary in levels, while autocorrelation analysis indicated significant dependence at a 12-month lag. Model comparison showed that the SARIMA(1,0,0)(2,0,0)12 model outperformed ARIMA(1,0,0), with lower AIC and improved forecast accuracy. Forecasts suggest stable mean rainfall with increasing uncertainty over time.
Comprehensive Impact Report of APAR Foundation Activities in Uganda from Jul 2024 to Jul 2025
Jeya Sushimitha Jawahar Kanth, Sonali Thakrar Sanjay
Abstract: Over a 12-month period (July 2024–July 2025), APAR Foundation implemented integrated humanitarian interventions across Uganda, focusing on primary healthcare through free medical camps complemented by programs in nutrition, safe water, disability support, and education.
“The truth about value-based education”. An overview
Mr.Philip Kamei
Abstract: The solution to modern day problems can only be solved by puzzle code with pure hard work, consistency and with all-out effort in the formal education sectors. The informal education is where a person is taught by oral method viz. folk lore and folk song and culture and tradition of most tribal people where informal education plays a secondary role.
Framing Africa: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Western Media Representation of Africa and Africans
Joefrey Ngha Nji
Abstract: This article examines the linguistic and discursive mechanisms through which Western media constructs, reproduces, and perpetuates biased representations of Africa and Africans. Drawing on Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) as both a theoretical framework and methodological tool, the study interrogates a corpus of selected news reports, feature articles, and editorial commentaries from prominent Western media outlets including The New York Times.
The Role of Self-Esteem and Social Skills in Perceived Stress Among Female Secondary School Students
Maryam Khani Shirkoohi
Abstract: Objective: This study examined the roles of self-esteem and social skills in perceived stress among female senior secondary school students in Iran. Method: Using cluster random sampling, 357 female students (ages 15–18) were recruited from District 1 of Karaj. Participants completed the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory, the Matson Evaluation of Social Skills with Youngsters, and the 14-item Perceived Stress Scale. Pearson correlations and simultaneous multiple regression were conducted.
Global Perspectives on Management: Embracing Cultural Variance
Fagbemi Oluwaseun Nelson, Hongyang Yu
Abstract: In the contemporary landscape of interconnected economies and diverse workforces, the significance of global perspectives in management is paramount. This study navigates the realm of global management, specifically focusing on the pivotal role of embracing cultural variance.
Investigating Hybrid GRU-Conv1D-BiGRU Architectures for Enhanced Sentiment Classification in Thai Crisis News Tweets
Sasiphan Nitayaprapha
Abstract: This research examines the effectiveness of hybrid deep learning architectures for sentiment classification in Thai-language social media, focusing on applications in crisis management. The study proposes and assesses eight configurations of a Hybrid Bidirectional Gated Recurrent Unit (HBiGRU) architecture, employing a specialized GRU-Conv1D-BiGRU pipeline.
AI-Driven Media Production Workflows: The Narrative Systems Approach of Andriy Shvydkyy in Generative Video Production
Kristina Sokolova
Abstract: The rapid evolution of generative artificial intelligence has fundamentally transformed the landscape of visual media production. Diffusion-based models and transformer-driven video systems such as Kling, Runway Gen-3, and Luma Dream Machine now enable the creation of complex cinematic sequences within minutes. However, this acceleration has revealed a persistent structural problem: narrative fragmentation.
Enhancing Students’ Conceptual Understanding of Derivatives through a Motion-Based Approach
Wissam Hakawati and Mostafa El Hajjar
Abstract: The concept of derivatives is usually introduced first as a set of rules to perform symbol manipulations in high schools, without any prior understanding of the concept in terms of changes. Due to such an order, it is possible to become good at calculating the derivative of functions, but not be able to explain their meaning or practical use.
Exact Thermodynamic Analysis of a Hybrid Molecular Motor Switching Between Active and Passive Modes
Mesfin Asfaw Taye
Abstract: We present an exact analytical study of a hybrid molecular motor that operates under a com-bination of active and passive transport modes. Rather than modeling an explicit time-dependent switching process, we analyze the system in terms of a steady-state hybrid regime that interpolates between purely passive and active limits.
Noise-Activated Dopant Dynamics in Two-Dimensional Thermal Landscapes with Localized Cold Spots
Mesfin Asfaw Taye
Abstract: Controlling dopant transport with high spatial precision is crucial for improving the semiconductor functionality, reliability, and scalability. Although prior models of noise-assisted diffusion have been largely confined to idealized one-dimensional settings, we present a physically realistic twodimensional theoretical framework that integrates anisotropic quartic confinement with localized thermal cold spots to direct impurity dynamics.
A Universal Thermodynamic Inequality: Scaling Relations Between Current, Activity, and Entropy Production
Mesfin Asfaw Taye
Abstract: We derive a universal thermodynamic bound constraining directional transport in both discrete and continuous nonequilibrium systems.
An Exploratory Study of BiGRU Architectures for Thai-Language Crisis Sentiment Classification
Sasiphan Nitayaprapha
Abstract: The rapid dissemination of information during public health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitates robust automated systems to monitor public sentiment. This research presents an exploratory study of various Bidirectional Gated Recurrent Unit (BiGRU) architectures specifically tailored for Thai-language sentiment classification. Using a balanced dataset of Thai news tweets, the study systematically investigated eight distinct BiGRU configurations—ranging from simple bidirectional layers to deep-stacked architectures—to identify optimal frameworks for crisis management.
Students’ Perception on quality of online learning: case study of HNDIT students under COVID 19
K.K.J Chandima, D.N.P Attanayake, V.G.S. Pradeepika
Abstract: The Covid-19 pandemic profoundly affected traditional face-to-face education, particularly in Sri Lanka’s higher education sector, compelling institutions to adopt online learning methods. Online learning, supported by digital technologies such as virtual classrooms and learning management systems, enables students to access educational content beyond the physical classroom.
Reverberations of Woodland—Chhattisgarh: in Sync with Tribal Rhythm
Dr. NEETA PANDEY
Abstract: ‘Click-Click’ reverberations by the road-side of 100 million Jatropha and Carcus saplings—medicinal plants, and more concerted efforts by Chhattisgarh Tourism Board—CTB, and the residents of the state, will witness Chhattisgarh -- the Central Heartland of India, established on 1 November 2000-- as the ‘Greenest State’ of India. The vision of pronouncing the state as a ‘Tourism State’ is not far behind.
Demographic Transition and Age Structure Changes in Karnataka: A District-Level Analysis
Anand Mallikarjun
Abstract: Population age structure plays an important role in determining the social and economic development of a region. The present study examines the changing age structure of population in Karnataka at the district level using Census data from 1991, 2001, and 2011. The study mainly focuses on the variations in child population, working-age population, and elderly population across North Karnataka and South Karnataka regions.
The African Human Resource Management Philosophy and Institutional Management Practices: Contextual Realities, Indigenous Values and Contemporary Perspectives
Dr. Paul Olendo Ombanda
Abstract: The study examined how African Human Resource Management (HRM) philosophy that is grounded in principles such as ubuntu, communalism and relational accountability could be integrated into institutional management to foster sustainability, social cohesion and legitimacy. It sought to demonstrate the relevance of African HRM perspectives to global HRM debates and highlighted their potential to shape inclusive and ethical management systems.
RL-ACO: Reinforcement Learning Adaptive Consensus Optimization for Scalable Blockchain-Based Greenhouse Gas Monitoring
Alick Andrew Sakala, Yu Chen
Abstract: Byzantine Fault Tolerant (BFT) consensus protocols underpin data-integrity guarantees in permissioned blockchains, yet their O(N2) message complexity renders them impractical for the large multi-stakeholder consortia required by industrial greenhouse-gas (GHG) Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) systems. At N = 400 validators representative of a pan-West-African climate coalition classical PBFT throughput collapses from approximately 2,610 TPS to 337 TPS, violating the minimum viability threshold for continuous IoT-driven emissions tracking. This paper presents RL-ACO, an AI-driven consensus framework that embeds a Deep Q-Network (DQN) agent directly into the consensus control loop. The agent observes a ten-dimensional blockchain state vector and selects from 18 discrete parameter-adjustment actions to dynamically tune cluster count k, block interval I, and emission-alert priority weight ω. A composite climate-aware reward function R(s, a) jointly optimizes throughput, P99 latency, Byzantine fault-tolerance margin, and GHG alert timeliness. Minimum Spanning Tree (MST) hierarchical cluster formation reduces message complexity from O(N2) to O(N log N), while BLS threshold signature aggregation cuts per-round bandwidth by an order of magnitude. Security and liveness are formally proven under partial synchrony for f < N/3 Byzantine nodes. Evaluated on three public environmental datasets EPA GHGRP, CDP Supply Chain, and OpenGHG RL-ACO sustains 3,625 TPS at N = 400, a 10.8 improvement over PBFT and 3.0 over IBFT 2.0. The DQN agent converges in approximately 1,200 training episodes, raises anomaly-detection F1 from 65.3 % to 91.2 %, and achieves an ISO 14064-3 compliance score of 96/100. An 864-configuration sensitivity analysis confirms that the framework’s throughput advantage over IBFT 2.0 never falls below +127 % irrespective of workload, Byzantine rate, or hyperparameter choice.
Trust Calculation Models for Wireless Sensor Networks: A Survey
Abdul Rasheed, M R Rajesh, R Prema, K Thangavel
Abstract: Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) consists of resource constrained, distributed sensor nodes that are highly vulnerable to various internal and external attacks. The conventional cryptographic methods for security are inadequate due to heavy computational requirements.
The Socio-Economic Effects of Drought on Smallholder Maize Agrarian Households in Muswishi Farming Block, Chisamba District, Zambia
Mwamba Obby, Kalapula Shepande & Mundende Kasonde
Abstract: This paper examined the Socio-Economic Effects of Drought on Smallholder Maize Agrarian Households in Muswishi Farming Block, Chisamba District, Zambia. The main objective was to:
Medinaology: Introduction to the Science of al-Madinah al-Munwarah Studies
Rawaa Mahmoud Hussain
Abstract: Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah is the second holiest city for Muslims worldwide, after Makkah. It is an ancient city steeped in the past, whose establishment dates back thousands of years. Over the centuries, it has been a hub for influential events connected to the world’s narrative in public and Islam in particular.
Model Rocket Engine Gimbal and Thrust Vector Control For Solid Rocket Motor
Solomon Saiki, Uzuh Onyinye Christian, George Chijioke Okewih
Abstract: This paper presents a design study and literature synthesis of gimbaled nozzle Thrust Vector Control (TVC) applied to Solid Rocket Motors (SRMs). Starting from first principles, the study derives the equations of motion for a rocket vehicle with a two-degree-of-freedom (2-DOF) gimbal actuator, develops a state-space representation of the coupled vehicle-actuator system, and synthesises a PID control law via pole-placement.
Instructional Leadership Practices On The Implementation Of Peace Education In Public Upper Secondary Schools In Huye District, Rwanda
Marc Murwanashyaka, Dr. Faustin Mugiraneza
Abstract: This study investigated the impact of instructional leadership practices on the implementation of peace education in public upper secondary schools in Huye District, Rwanda. The research was driven by four specific objectives: (i) to evaluate the effects of school goal setting on the implementation of peace education; (ii) to examine the impacts of teacher professional development on the implementation of peace education; (iii) to determine the effects of supportive school environment in enhancing the implementation of peace education; and (iv) to analyze the effects of teacher supervision on the implementation of peace education. Guided by Instructional Leadership Theory and Peace Education Theory, the study employed a convergent parallel mixed-methods design.
Effectiveness Of Parental Education Programme On Knowledge Regarding Ill Effects Of Junk Foods Among Parents Of School Age Children In Selected Urban Areas At Vijayapura District, Karnataka
Mr. Aravind Hattikal
Abstract: Children frequently exposed to attractive media influences, mainly in the form of television, digital platforms, and social media, which often promote fast foods and sugar processed snacks. A lack of parental supervision, peer influences which reinforces unhealthy junk food consumption. Moreover, cheaply available junk foods make them a preferred choice for children over healthy foods.
Exploring The Effectiveness Of Community-Based Disaster Management Strategies In Urban Planning
Luke Nandasava Nabangala
Abstract: Rapid urbanization has significantly increased disaster vulnerability in cities across the developing world, necessitating a paradigm shift from top-down disaster management approaches to community-centered strategies. This study explores the effectiveness of Community-Based Disaster Management (CBDM) strategies in urban planning, drawing on empirical data collected from Bungoma, Kenya, and comparative case studies from India and the Philippines.
Role of Python and Mathematical Modeling in Financial Literacy Skill Development
Dr. Neelofar, Dr. Neha Gupta
Abstract: Financial literacy is an important life skill that helps individuals manage money, savings, investments, budgeting, and financial decision-making effectively. In the digital era, the integration of technology and mathematics has created new opportunities for improving financial education through practical and analytical learning methods. This study examines the role of Python programming and mathematical modeling in financial literacy skill development using secondary data analysis. The research is based on data collected from educational reports, financial literacy surveys, and publicly available datasets. Mathematical and statistical techniques such as percentage analysis, correlation, simple interest, compound interest, and regression analysis are used to understand financial behavior and literacy patterns. Python tools including Pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib, and Seaborn are applied for data analysis, visualization, and interpretation. The study highlights how Python-based practical activities can improve students’ understanding of financial concepts through real-world applications. The use of graphs, charts, and computational models helps learners develop analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. The findings indicate that combining mathematical modeling with Python programming enhances financial awareness and supports skill-based education. The study concludes that technology-integrated mathematics education can play a significant role in strengthening financial literacy and preparing learners for practical financial decision-making in daily life. The research also emphasizes the importance of digital tools and data-driven learning approaches in modern education systems.
EFFECT OF BUDGET RELIABILITY ON BUDGET EXECUTION OF COUNTY GOVERNMENTS IN KENYA
Carol Ntinyari Muriungi, Dr. Faith Nkuru, Dr. Jeremiah Koori
Abstract: Budget execution remains a major challenge in Kenya’s devolved governance system, with many county governments failing to implement approved budgets effectively. Budget reliability, defined as the extent to which actual revenues and expenditures align with approved budget estimates, is considered essential for effective budget execution. This study examined the effect of budget reliability on budget execution of county governments in Kenya. Guided by the Theory of Fiscal Decentralization, the study adopted an explanatory research design under a positivist research philosophy. Data was collected using structured questionnaires from 332 respondents drawn from finance, budget, planning, and audit departments in Nairobi City, Kiambu, Machakos, and Kajiado counties. A response rate of 85.52% was achieved. Secondary data were obtained from Office of the Controller of Budget reports. Data was analyzed using simple linear regression analysis in SPSS version 27. The findings revealed that budget reliability has a positive and statistically significant effect on budget execution (β = 0.701, t = 3.143, p = 0.004). The regression model explained 48.6% of the variation in budget execution (Adjusted R² = 0.486), while the ANOVA results confirmed that the model was statistically significant (F = 74.112, p < 0.05). The study concludes that counties with credible and predictable budgets are better positioned to improve service delivery, fiscal discipline, and accountability. The study recommends strengthening revenue forecasting, ensuring timely disbursement of funds, improving expenditure monitoring, managing pending bills effectively, and diversifying own-source revenue to enhance budget reliability and budget execution performance.
