Volume 13, Issue 1, January 2025 Edition - GSJ Journal Publication

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Essai d’une Ontologie du Panafricanisme. Pour une nouvelle Requalification. []


For many people, Pan-Africanism is a movement or an ideology. But it is more than that, because it releases a whole philosophy or an entire ontology. This starts from the vision that the Pan-Africanist fathers had when launching the movement in a particularly racial, racist and racialist historical context. It was believed that race was the criterion for determining the humanness of individuals. Hence, the ideology of pigmentation which gave rise not only to the hierarchy of races, but also to their separation. Pan-Africanism translates the ontological faith according to which there is no race, but only the human to be seen in individuals. - Keywords: Being black-ontological degradation-reaffirmation-requalification.

PREPARATION, CHARACTERIZATION, AND KINETIC DEGRADATION MODELLING OF POLYIMIDE-NICKEL NANOCOMPOSITE SERIES. []


In situ prepared polyimide series with incorporated nickel nanoparticles were fabricated by a solution blending technique. The chemical structure of the polyimide-nickel nanocomposites was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Proton-Nuclear Magnetic spectroscopy (H-NMR). The morphology of the polyimide-nickel series was verified by Scanning Electron microscopy (SEM). The non-isothermal kinetic behavior of the fabricated BPADA-BAPP-PINiNCs series was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in a nitrogen atmosphere at heating rates (β) of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25oC/min. This study is an attempted to clarify the effects of nickel nano particles (NiNPs) on the non-isothermal degradation kinetics using Flynn–Wall–Ozawa and Kissinger models of thermal degradation analysis. The derived apparent activation energies (Ea) were found to fit well with each other (showing the same trend) thereby justifying the models used for the studies. The Ea showed significant differences at conversion (α) > 0.7, which indicates the role of Ni loading towards degradation behavior. Based on the analysis of the results, the lifetime prediction at 5% mass loss was found to decreases in the following order: 1% > 5% > 10% directly related to the mobility of BPADA-BAPP PI backbone chain. Therefore, the presence of various nickel nanoparticle loading reveals their contributions towards thermal degradation and stability of the fabricated polyimide-nickel nanocomposites.

CHANGES IN HORTICULTURE CROPS PRODUCTIVITY IN INDAPUR TEHSIL, PUNE DISTRICT IN MAHARASHTRA []


The present study is an attempt to identify horticulture crop productivity region of Indapur tehsil for its better land use planning. Horticultural sector are including several crops, fruits, vegetables, spices and medicinal crops, ornamental crops etc. However, in agriculture sector horticulture sector has fastly emerged in India because of the Govt. policies and use of the technology. About 2/3rd population is involved in agriculture sector in India. Now, India has a surplus production in horticulture and agriculture crops production. The India has wide topographical ranges and variations in climate. While the first few Five-Year Plan assigned priority to achieving self-sufficiency in food grain production, over the years, horticulture has emerged as an indispensable part of agriculture, offering a wide range of choices to the farmers for crop diversification.

Harnessing the Power of AI: A Case Study of Digital Transformation in the Banking Sector []


The banking industry in Oman, has a strategic path of digital transformation through the integration of Artificial Intelligence AI across its operations. This AI transformation aims to address several crucial challenges such as the outdated systems that are no longer sufficient to provide modern banking needs, the growing demand for the personalized customer services, and the possible issues that might accrue as financial frauds (Noreen, Shafique, 2023, P27).Banking sectors digital transformation projects is one of the most important projects in the meantime, and modernising its legacy the IT systems have one of the key goals of the banking systems. Yet those outdated systems are just getting in the way of the banks processes of scaling the digital offerings and falling short of customers’ expectations for easy applications, zero conflicts, and instant services. Banks are aiming to increase the operational efficiency by adopting AI automated automation to handle repetitive duties, for example, document verification, transaction processing and onboarding on customers repetitive demands; where the aim of this automation will reduce the processing times significantly, cut down on human errors and improving services delivery (Aithal, P.S, 2023, P27). As a major entity in the financial world of Oman, Bank Muscat is taking a step forward in a new, advanced era by using the AI Transformation Plan in getting ahead in the changing digital scenario; Where the bank might be struggling with failing systems that make it inefficient and demands state of the art advanced personalised customer service (Janamolla, K.R, 2024, P27). Banks are aiming to modernise itself to provide the services customers expect, such as efficiency, security, and personalisation; and it also aims to protect itself against rising threats related to financial fraud and deals with measuring it on integration issues involving its legacy systems. This research paper seeks to evaluate the effects of AI on aiding operational efficiency, customer experience, as well as fraud detection methods in banks. Furthermore, it aims to shed light on how AI can be used to enable the bank’s strategic support to its long-term digital transformation goals. Literature review, case studies, survey, interviews, and secondary data analysis will be used, where those methods will show how AI can help in finding cost saving methods, enhancing customer satisfaction, and increasing the operational efficiency procedures.The main focus of analysis will be on processing time, cost savings, return of investment, and customer satisfaction levels, to measure how well an AI implementation will be. Where surveys and interviews will provide some qualitative data of employees and customer perspective on AI adoption. The preliminary results and finding will lead that AI has the potential to enhance the operational efficiency, customer services engagements, and reduces fraud potential issues. Nevertheless, system compatibility, regulatory compliance and staff adaptation might be the major challenges. Focusing on results and findings, the research will make strategic recommendations for AI integration optimisation towards fraud detection, personalised customer services, and fighting against internal resistance in coordination with banks digital transformation aspirations.

Destination Motivators and Destination Attachment: The mediating and moderating role of attitude towards destination and spiritual stimuli []


Abstract Purpose: The study aims to investigate the interplay between the mediating and moderating role of attitude towards destination and spiritual stimuli on the relationship between Destination motivators and destination attachment. Method: Data collection precisely employed a convenience sampling method, targeting 450 tourists. The study utilized a adapted questionnaire featuring a rigorous seven-point Likert scale. Likewise, a descriptive and causal comparative research design was employed, complemented by a comprehensive array of statistical measures, including Mean, Standard Deviation, Correlation, and Regression, Independent T-test, One way ANOVA, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal Wallis H Test, Mediating Effect, and Moderating Effect. Findings: The study revealed that Attitude towards destination fully mediates the relationship between Destination Motivators and Destination Attachment. Likewise, it has been also found that Spiritual Stimuli do not moderates the relationship between Attitude towards destination and Destination Attachment. Implications: Understanding that attitudes toward a destination significantly influence attachment suggests that destination marketers should focus on shaping positive perceptions to enhance visitor attachment, irrespective of spiritual stimuli involvement. Keywords: Destination motivators, Destination Attachment; Attitude towards destination; Destination Branding; Tourist satisfaction; Tourism marketing, Lumbini.

Hydroponics and its role in Vertical Farming: Opportunities and Challenges in Pakistan []


The rise in global population and change in climate require innovative agricultural solutions to meet the demand of organic and nutritious food. Vertical farming based on hydroponic systems propose a promising solution to sustainable agriculture by optimizing spatial usage, maximizing resource efficiency and ensuring year-round production of crops. In this review, the synergies of hydroponics and vertical farming are highlighted, the potential of vertical farming to address the challenges of agriculture sector of Pakistan such as water scarcity, climate change and rapid urbanization have been underlined and the opportunities and constrains of implementing them have been explored. The paper also represents global case studies and policy recommendations to promote the adoption of such innovation to ensure food safety and security.

Impact of yellow rust on different varieties of bread wheat in Agro-ecological zone of Gujranwala []


Wheat is the major crop cultivated from ancient times. The most of the area cultivated in wheat crop in Pakistan. The present study was conducted to evaluate the impact of yellow rust on different varieties of bread wheat in field conditions at Adaptive Research Farm, Gujranwala, Punjab-Pakistan during 2020-2022. In the present experiment wheat varieties Faisalabad-08, Anaj, Zincol, Borlog, Ujala, Fakhar e Bakhar, Bhakar Star & Akbar were selected. The data of climatic factors like maximum & minimum temperature (°C), relative humidity (%) & rainfall (mm) were collected during the January, February & March each year. Maximum disease incidence (86.67%) of yellow rust (YR) was recorded in Ujala followed by FSD-08 (80%) & Borlog (73.33%) and Anaj (46.67%) during 2020. Maximum disease incidence of YR was recorded by FSD (53.33%) followed by Akbar (33.33%) during 2021. Maximum disease incidence was recorded by FSD (66.67%) > Ujala (53.33%) > Borlog (46.47%) during 2022. Almost similar number of tillers m-2 were recorded by Borlog (346 tillersm-2) & Ujala (343 tillers m-2) and Anaj (337 tillers m-2) during 2021 and Ujala recorded maximum (333 tilersm-2) during 2022 which differed with number of tillers m-2 during three successive seasons. Maximum 1000 grain weight was found by Fakhar e Bhakkar (43.00g) during 2021 followed by Fakhar e Bhakkar (42.6g) during 2020. The low grain weight was recorded by Zincol (35g) during 2022. Maximum rust severity was found by FSD (21.33%) followed by Ujala (6.66%) during 2021. The minimum rust severity was found in Anaj (0.66%), Fakhar e Bhakkar (in traces), however, the noYR was recorded in Bhakkar Star during 2021. Maximum severity was found by FSD (29.33%) followed by Ujala (10.67%)>Akbar (8.67%). Fakhar e Bakhar recorded YR in traces; however no YR recorded in Bhakkar Star during 3rd observations during 2022. At the end it was concluded that the overall climatic condition played a significant role in flourishing the disease incidence (%) of rust. The increase in RF (mm) and RH (85%) with concise of Maximum Temperature (MaxT) range during January, February & March may increase in Disease Incidence (%) & Disease severity (%) of rust. The correlation regarding gap of MaxT during January-March beyond each other may lower the Disease Incidence with high RH and low RF (mm). However, the high temperature average during the three months fluctuates in maximum reduced the disease incidence & severity. The rust severity and disease incidence was gradually increased from 1st <2nd <3rd observations.

Immunological Factors in Cerebral Malaria []


Cerebral malaria (CM) is the most severe and fatal complication of Plasmodium falciparum infection, with a near 100% mortality rate if untreated. The pathogenic mechanisms of CM, which involve both host and parasite factors, remain incompletely understood. This review examines the pathophysiology of CM, emphasizing the diverse factors implicated in its development. Current evidence indicates that CM involves endothelial cell activation, disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and dysregulated cytokine production. Key contributors include red blood cells, CD8+ T cells, macrophages, cytokines such as IFNγ, TNFα, and LTα, as well as nitric oxide (NO), ICAM-1, heme, and parasite-derived molecules such as PfEMP1, PfHRPII and EPCR. These factors collectively compromise BBB integrity, promote endothelial activation, and drive the clinical manifestations of CM, thereby increasing its lethality.

Evaluation of Flexural Response of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Laminate Externally Bonded to Reinforced Concrete Beam- A critical Review []


Concrete materials have demonstrated high compressive abilities with low ductile performance. To improve its ductile performance, reinforcement of concrete with steel bars have been introduced to enhance it tensile performance. However, due to challenges relating to cracking and deterioration of steel members as a result of corrosion, the concept of concrete strengthening has been developed. A popularly strengthening material in concrete is fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) of which carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) is deployed significantly. In this paper, a review has been carried out on selected literature to evaluate the structural performance results obtained by various researchers on the application of CFRP and other FRP materials in the strengthening of reinforced concrete beams. The review has shown various application methods of FRPs and their impacts on the mechanical and durability performance of reinforced concrete beams.

PHYTO-NUTRIENTS AND VITAMIN CONTENT DETERMINATION OF SOME SELECTED CITRUS (Citrus spp) JUICE SOLD AT THE POLYTECHNIC IBADAN, NIGERIA. []


ABSTRACT Citrus fruits are the main fruit trees grown throughout the world and are well- appreciated for their refreshing juice and health benefits. Therefore, this study was carried out to determine the Phyto-nutrients and vitamin contents of extracts of juice of sweet orange, lime and lemon using ethanol as solvent. Qualitative Phyto-chemical screening results showed saponin, tannin, flavonoids, di-terpenes, coumarin, alkaloid, cardiac glycoside, terpenoids, phenols, charcones phlobatannin, anthocyanins and steroid The quantitative screening indicated orange with highest alkaloid content of (3.78±0.06 mg/mL), lemon (2.73±0.00 mg/mL) and lime (2.56±0.20 mg/mL). Phenolics content of lemon was the highest (5.500±0.020 µg/mL GAE), lime (4.850±0.000 µg/mL GAE) while sweet orange had the lowest content (4.687±0.150 µg/mL GAE). Sweet orange and lime had same quantity of tannin (3.36±0.00 µg/mL GAE) and was absent in lemon, Lemon showed saponin content of (3.30±0.10 mg/mL) lime had (3.00±0.00 mg/mL) and was totally absent in sweet orange. Determination of the vitamins showed vitamin A ranges from 0.036-0.060 (µg/mL) in the samples, vitamin B (0.389±0.000-4.241±0.000 (mg/100 mL), while vitamin C ranges from 28.179±0.05-116.240±0.100 (mg/100 mL).  These results agreed with the literature of chemical assay which confirmed that all the fruits assayed are rich in vitamin A( beta-carotene) and vitamin B( retinol). Key words: Phyto-nutrients, Vitamins, Citrus Spp, Juice

DEVELOPING AN ACCEPTABLE BEAN CAKE (AKARA) FROM AFRICAN YAM BEAN (AYB) AND COWPEA. []


Proximate composition, functional properties, and sensory analysis of bean cake, (Akara), made from cowpea and African yam bean (AYB) flours were determined using standard analytical procedures. The bean cake was made from AYB flour in substitution at various levels to the cowpea flour at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%. Substitution with AYB flour improved the nutritional composition of the bean cakes. Protein, ash, fat, and crude fibre contents ranged from 18.57% to 23.00%, 1.86% to 3.09%, 1.07% to 1.91%, and 6.11% to 8.35%, respectively. In contrast, the control sample prepared with cowpea flour showed the lowest values. The carbohydrate contents, ranged from 50.44 - 60.34%, revealed that increase in the level of substitution with AYB flour led to decrease in carbohydrate contents. Functional properties depicted the usefulness of AYB in the fortification of foods. The most acceptable substitute of AYB flour by the panelists was up to 50% based on the sensory qualities of the bean cakes (Akara). Other samples vary greatly in terms of flavor, color, texture, aroma, and general acceptability. Therefore, AYB could be used as partial substitution for cowpea at levels of 10% to 50%, thus providing alternative means of using a lesser utilized legume in the formulation of foods. Keywords: Bean Cake (Akara), African yam bean (AYB), Cowpea, Nutritional Properties, Substitution

Exploring Microbial Diversity and Probiotic Potential of Traditional Bangladeshi Fermented Foods and Dairy Products []


This study investigates the microbial diversity and probiotic potential of traditional Bangladeshi fermented foods: panta bhaat (fermented rice) and yogurt. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from these foods and characterized for their probiotic properties, including acid and bile tolerance, antimicrobial activity, and adhesion to intestinal cells. The results of this study highlight the probiotic potential of local fermented foods and suggest their applicability in functional food development in Bangladesh.

Relationship and Effects of Intellectual Capital on Profitability and Productivity: A Case Study on the Private Commercial Banks in Bangladesh []


The main goal of this study is to analyze the impact of intellectual capital on the productivity and profitability of the selected private commercial banks in Bangladesh. A sample PCB's return on assets (ROA), employment productivity (EP), and growth in operating income (GROI) from 2014 to 2023 are three dependent variables that are used to measure intellectual capital. The six independent determinants include human capital efficiency (HCE), structural capital efficiency (SCE), capital employed efficiency (CEE), physical capital intensity (PCI), debt equity ratio (DE), and assets turnover ratio (ATO). While multiple regression analysis and correlation of coefficient analysis are used to assess the relationship, descriptive analysis is used to analyze the data. The study's findings are derived using the VAICTM approach. After accounting for all sample dependent factors, the results show that the regression data only support the first hypothesis. Effective human capital management can boost staff productivity as well as sales growth. The study also concludes that a corporation can profit financially from investing in human capital. The results of the study do not show a meaningful relationship between structural capital and PCBs’ performance. The three cornerstones of sample private commercial banks’ financial performance are worker productivity, sales growth, and return on assets. This indicates that companies with greater intellectual capital will have higher financial performance. In order to maintain a sustainable pace of intellectual capital growth and to be able to predict future revenues, PCBs must also increase their investments in intangible assets.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MECHANISM AND FINANCIAL REPORTING RELIANCE OF QUOTED CHEMICAL AND PAINT COMPANIES IN NIGERIA []


Effective decision-making by investors and stakeholders depends on the availability of high-reliance financial reports. A financial report is deemed highly reliable when it embodies key attributes such as timeliness, faithful representation, full disclosure, and comparability. Given that these reports serve as critical communication tools for financial information, corporate governance plays a pivotal role in ensuring the integrity and reliability of financial statements. This study examines the relationship between corporate governance mechanisms and financial reporting quality in publicly listed chemical and paint companies in Nigeria from 2019 to 2023. Board size, board independence, and audit committee independence represent the corporate governance variables, while audit report lag serves as a proxy for financial reporting quality. An ex-post facto research design was adopted, using a census sampling technique to analyze secondary data from the Nigeria Stock Exchange and company websites. Hypotheses were tested using inferential statistics and panel regression analysis. The findings reveal a significant positive relationship between corporate governance mechanisms and the quality of financial reporting during the study period. The study recommends that boards and audit committees be appropriately sized and include qualified accounting and financial professionals to enhance financial reports' timeliness, thereby improving stakeholders' decision-making. It also advises strict adherence to the Nigerian Code of Corporate Governance, mandating companies to file annual reports within 90 days of the fiscal year-end to ensure timely financial disclosures. Keywords: Corporate Governance Mechanism, Board Size, Board Independence, Audit Committee Independence, Financial Reporting Quality, and Audit Report Lag

Taliban: It's foundation and Allies []


ABSTRACT: This research refers to the foundation of Taliban and with the support of Saudi and Pakistan they took over Kabul in the year 1996. The clash between Gulbadin Hikmatyar and Burhanuddin alliance benefited the Taliban and Pakistan found another proxy by taking over Kabul instead of HIG ( Hezb-e-Islami Gulbadin). Ahmad shah Massoud held Kabul for many years but at the hand he left kabul. Kandahar, the home of Taliban and all of Taliban law and orders were manufactured there instead of the city of interest. Before the formation of Taliban and after the withdrawal of USSR, Afghanistan was gripped under the civil wars that not only allowed Pakistan to change its proxy but also Afghanistan was connected with the major militants to function insurgencies.

Sri Lankan undergraduates’ perspectives towards enhancing their professional communication skills []


In this nixed-method study, Sri Lankan undergraduates’ perspectives towards practising professional communication are presented. Randomly selected three hundred undergraduates representing all subject disciplines across four universities in Sri Lanka were asked to complete an online survey on their perspectives about learning professional communication in their second year in 2023. The research method was descriptive. After analyzing the theoretical underpinnings of perspectives and professional communication, a survey was created, piloted, and given to all three hundred undergraduates. The survey results indicated that a significant majority of undergraduates (85%) recognized the importance of professional communication skills in their future careers. However, only 45% felt confident in their current communication abilities. The study also explored the role of technology in enhancing communication skills. With the rise of digital communication platforms, students recognized the need to adapt to new forms of communication. The findings may be helpful in designing professional communication courses for undergraduates in Sri Lankan universities. Key words: Professional communication, Undergraduates, Curriculum Design

Enhancing Occupational Therapy Practice in Saudi Arabia Through Artificial Intelligence []


The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into healthcare has opened new possibilities for enhancing service delivery across various fields, including occupational therapy. In Saudi Arabia, the evolving healthcare landscape has seen rapid technological advancements, presenting an opportunity to incorporate AI to improve occupational therapy (OT) practices. This article explores the potential of AI in enhancing OT practice in Saudi Arabia by reviewing the literature, analyzing AI applications, and assessing challenges and opportunities specific to the local context. Through the analysis, we discuss how AI can aid in assessment, treatment planning, monitoring progress, and fostering a more personalized approach to patient care. The article concludes with recommendations for integrating AI into OT services, outlining the importance of training, ethical considerations, and collaboration between OT professionals and AI developers to create meaningful and sustainable advancements in healthcare.

A review of Nanoscale Zero-Valent Iron (nZVI) as a Sustainable Technology for Groundwater Restoration []


The purpose of this article is to give a review of groundwater restoration principle and nanotechnology application in this field. Furthermore highlight Nanoscale zero valent iron (nZVI) which emerging as a new option for environmental cleanup like groundwater restoration for drinking and reuse. This review summarize mechanism of use of (nZVI), advantages, limitation and sustainability consideration to ensure protection of groundwater quality. The results in this article are based on literature review of relevant scientific papers and several book from different authors in order to determine strengths, weakness point for (nZVI) and compare the result to applicability in Gaza. Emergence of nanotechnology provided opportunities for innovative site remediation technologies such as (nZVI) .It is a cost-effective method for aquifer remediation. It is relatively inexpensive, non-toxic, It degrades certain chemical faster than other techniques of restoration, such as biotic remediation and has high energy effectiveness these nanoparticles have high specific surface area and reactivity, hence enhancing the removal efficiency of target pollutants gives nZVI promise for beneficial applications. Challenges to the commercialization of nZVI include mainly nontechnical aspects such as the possibility of a public backlash, the fact that the technology is largely unknown to consultants, governments and site owners as well as the lack of long-term experiences. it is simultaneously a cause of concern, as there is a degree of uncertainty with regards to nZVI particle behavior, fate and toxicity. The rehabilitation of the aquifer by nanotechnology -(nZVI) is a very modern and advanced way. It opens the door for more discussion about all subjects related to groundwater treatment, Also can be of immense benefit to policy makers and water experts and academicians.