March 2026

Purpose: This study examines the moderating effect of customer satisfaction on the relationship between informal sector employee dynamics and the performance of food processing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Kakamega County, Kenya. Methodology: The study adopted a cross-sectional correlational survey design. The target population comprised 68,420 informal sector employees working within food processing SMEs across Kakamega County. A sample of 384 respondents was drawn using Krejcie and Morgan's (1970) formula, with stratified random sampling employed to ensure representation across the county's twelve sub-counties. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS Version 27 with Hayes' PROCESS macro (Model 1) for moderation analysis. Findings: The results revealed that informal sector employee dynamics (skills development, job security perception, and workplace conditions) significantly predict food processing SME performance (β = 0.342, p < 0.001). Customer satisfaction significantly moderates this relationship (ΔR² = 0.047, p < 0.01), with the interaction effect accounting for 4.7% of the variance in SME performance. The conditional effect of employee dynamics on performance strengthens as customer satisfaction increases, indicating that customer satisfaction amplifies the positive impact of effective employee management. Practical Implications: Food processing SME owners in Kakamega County should invest in both employee welfare and customer satisfaction simultaneously, as their interaction produces superior performance outcomes. County government policies should support integrated approaches to SME development that address both internal (employee) and external (customer) stakeholders. Value: This is the first study to examine the moderating role of customer satisfaction in the informal sector employee-performance nexus within Kenya's food processing subsector, providing novel insights for theory and practice in the 2026 context of devolved economic development.

To isolate the Aflatoxin producing Aspergillus species in different infected food materials, ground nuts, maize and coconut endosperm are infected with different types of fungal species in which some are contaminated with aflatoxin producing aspergillus species. The aflatoxin production was observed the plates are exposed to UV light followed TLC method. Then the aflatoxin producing species are identified by their growth on coconut agar medium blue fluorescence was observed when exposed to a UV-light, Aflatoxins are highly toxic, carcinogenic compounds produced by certain fungi (Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus) that grow on crops, particularly in warm, humid conditions. They commonly contaminate ground nuts, maize, coconut, peanuts, corn, tree nuts, and spices, posing serious liver cancer risks to humans and animals.

The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the information landscape and redefining the roles and responsibilities of library professionals. From automated cataloguing, intelligent discovery systems, and chatbots to predictive analytics and personalized user services, AI technologies are increasingly embedded in library operations and services. This chapter examines the impact of AI on the future of library professionals, focusing on how traditional roles are evolving into technology-enabled, data-driven, and user-centric functions. It explores emerging competencies such as AI literacy, data stewardship, algorithmic awareness, and ethical decision-making, which are essential for librarians in the digital age. The chapter also discusses challenges associated with AI adoption, including bias, data privacy, transparency, workforce reskilling, and the digital divide. By highlighting real-world applications and future trends, the study emphasizes the need for continuous professional development and institutional support to ensure that library professionals remain relevant and resilient. The chapter concludes that AI should be viewed not as a replacement but as an augmentative tool that empowers library professionals to enhance access to information, improve service quality, and strengthen their role as facilitators of knowledge in an AI-driven society.

This study explores the impact of Community-Based Tourism (CBT) on the economy of Bangladesh, focusing on the Khulna (Sundarbans) and Kushtia (Lalon&Khuti bari). CBT is a community-owned tourism model designed to foster economic development through the preservation of local culture and nature. Utilizing a primary survey of 50 participants alongside secondary data, the research evaluates how CBT influences income, employment, and poverty alleviation. Key findings indicate a significant positive shift in the demographic and economic status of participants. After joining CBT programs, unemployment among respondents plummeted from 42% to 6%, while self-employment rose from 26% to 50%. Income levels also saw substantial growth, with 44% of respondents moving into the Tk. 21,000–30,000 annual net income bracket and 84% reporting that their income had become sufficient to meet their needs. Despite these gains, the study identifies challenges such as the fragile state of the national tourism industry and lower participation rates among women and older age groups. The research concludes that with integrated national policies, public-private partnerships, and improved infrastructure, CBT can serve as a vital tool for sustainable rural development and foreign exchange earnings in Bangladesh.

The study was aimed at investigating the relationship between gender stereotype and students’ psychological wellbeing in the University of Buea. The study was guided by two research objectives which were to; find out how teachers attitude affects students’ psychological wellbeing and to determine how students’ self-esteem affects their psychological wellbeing. This study employed the convergent parallel design. The population of the study was made up of all the undergraduate students and lecturers teaching undergraduate from the University of Buea. The target population consisted 8254 undergraduate students from two selected faculties and a college, The accessible population was made up of 1222 level 200 students. The sample size was 260 students selected using simple randomly sampling technique and 9 lecturers were selected using purposive sampling technique. The data were collected using a questionnaire that was made up of close-ended items for students and an interview guide for lecturers. Data we reanalysed inferentially and thematically, For the inferential statistics, Pearson product moment correlation coefficient was used to analysis the data while the qualitative data were analysis using thematic analysis.Findings showed that there is a significant and positive relationship between teacher attitude and students’ psychological wellbeing. The positive sign of the correlation value implies that the psychological wellbeing of student increases when their teacher’s attitudes toward them are positive, findings also showed that there is a significant and positive relationship between self-esteem and students’ psychological wellbeing. The positive sign of the correlation value implies that the students’ psychological wellbeing increases when their self-esteem is positive. Based on the above findings, it was recommended that; training should be organize on gender sensitive techniques through workshops for teachers to change their attitudes and behaviours toward all gender and government should develop and implement gender sensitive polices in all academic institutions.

The review deals mainly with the intriguing facts of complex mechanism of interaction of the Gut-microbiota, Blood group antigens and Dietary interventions; further as per charismatic effect of yoga, its role in regulating the human metabolism cannot be denied. On the basis of the extensive work carried on in the past decade, and vast experience of the researchers of the institute, the present review has been sketched to establish a meaningful correlation between Gut-Microbiome, Histo-Blood Group and Diet, with intervening effect ofYoga, useful to evolve a holistic approach to deal with several chronic diseases and health problems.

The correlation between Artificial Intelligence and digital humanities paves the way to the pivotal transformations in the 21st Century. New technologies and AI tools are being used for assistance in writing and analysingtext through digital tools, which are stepping into the educational sector. The borders separating digital computation and humanistic understandings are reduced. This paper precisely examines the role of AI tools in the field of digital humanities and how they reconstruct the learning process, innovative mind and critical thinking of learners. The study includes some of the theories such as constructionism, universal design for learning, situated learning and cultural history activity theory. These literary frameworks showcase the process of learning through digital mediation, socio-interaction, and a comprehensive environment for learning and collaborative engagement. Moreover, learning through AI in the digital era emphasises knowledge through a collaborative learning approach and aims to enhance the futuristic learning environment. The incorporation of AI in academics fosters the learning and interactions of students as well as protects the emotions, critical thinking and cultural understandings when supervised by the moral frameworks and thoughtful pedagogy. This paper keenly sums up with the futuristic recommendations for academicians, scholars and industrialists seeking to maintain the balance between human and non-human intelligences in the digitalised era.

O presente artigo científico analisa o impacto do Instituto de Defesa Nacional (IDN) na preservação da Defesa e Segurança Nacional em Angola, destacando o seu papel na formação estratégica de quadros civis e militares, na consolidação das Políticas Públicas de Defesa e Segurança Nacional e no fortalecimento do Sistema de Segurança Nacional. A investigação adopta uma abordagem qualitativa, baseada em revisão bibliográfica, análise documental e enquadramento jurídico-institucional angolano. Conclui-se que, num contexto marcado por desafios como o terrorismo, o crime organizado transnacional, a cibercriminalidade e as ameaças híbridas, o IDN assume-se como um centro de excelência para a produção de conhecimento estratégico e para o fortalecimento da soberania nacional, através da andragogia e estratégias lineares por se constituir um pilar essencial na consolidação da Defesa e Segurança Nacional em Angola, contribuindo para a estabilidade institucional, a preservação da paz e o desenvolvimento sustentável do país. o IDN afirma-se como pilar basilar e fundamental na promoção da cultura estratégica, na articulação interinstitucional e na capacitação técnica para a governação da segurança, contribuindo directamente para a estabilidade, soberania e desenvolvimento nacional.

Okra is a vegetable renowned for its nutritional properties. It helps improve the standard of living of rural populations in Côte d'Ivoire. However, okra cultivation faces a major challenge in the form of the pest Podagrica decolorata. The aim of this study is therefore to assess the damage caused by P. decolorata in both the dry and rainy seasons over two consecutive years with a view to proposing effective control strategies at specific times. Sampling was carried out on 32 central plants, eliminating the plants at the edges. The study revealed that P. decolorata attacks all parts of the okra plant, with a preference for the leaves, with an attack rate of up to 100% at the flowering-fruiting stage. The extent of damage to the leaves revealed that in the dry season, the leaves are heavily attacked by P. decolorata at the pre-flowering and flower bud stages. The results of this study offer a good perspective in the control of this pest and thus improve okra production in Côte d'Ivoire.

Driven by the national "Carbon Peak and Carbon Neutrality" strategy and the Ministry of Education's "New Engineering" initiative, the traditional training model for environmental engineering talents faces structural transformation pressure, urgently requiring a shift towards a new engineering paradigm that cultivates interdisciplinary knowledge integration capabilities, outstanding engineering practical abilities, and cutting-edge innovative thinking. Taking the environmental engineering program at Hunan Institute of Technology as an empirical research object, this study identifies core issues in current talent cultivation through systematic investigation and in-depth analysis, including curriculum systems lagging behind industrial technology iterations, scattered practical teaching resources disconnected from real engineering scenarios, lack of interdisciplinary knowledge integration mechanisms, and evaluation orientations emphasizing knowledge memorization over ability innovation. Based on this, a "Knowledge-Ability-Platform" trinity practical and innovative ability training model oriented towards the "Dual Carbon" goals is constructed. Through modular curriculum restructuring, building a "Four-Dimensional Integrated" practical teaching platform, implementing interdisciplinary project-driven teaching, and innovating multi-dimensional dynamic evaluation mechanisms, this model forms a closed-loop system that organically connects the education chain and talent chain with the industrial chain and innovation chain. Over three years of practice have shown that this model significantly enhances students' comprehensive literacy in low-carbon technology application, complex environmental problem-solving, and teamwork, with graduates demonstrating markedly improved employment competitiveness, scientific research transformation capabilities, and social service effectiveness, providing a referable and scalable reform paradigm for cultivating environmental new engineering talents in local application-oriented undergraduate institutions.

Background: Childbirth rituals are profoundly embedded in cultural traditions. These traditions cover a diverse array of beliefs, rituals, and societal conventions that influence the experiences and choices of women throughout pregnancy, labour, and delivery. Sacred rituals, folklore, and customs handed down through the ages all have an impact on culture. Objective: The aim of this study is to explore the traditional and cultural practices followed during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum period. Methodology: Purposive sampling was used to choose the study participants. Data were gathered through comprehensive interviews. Thematic analysis was used to examine and understand the interview transcript and field notes. The researcher meticulously reviewed the transcript multiple times to enhance comprehension of the context and subsequently identified the principal themes and subthemes. Result: Respondents reported many cultural, traditional and religious practices experienced by the women of Deoria district during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum period. Practices like restriction, tying black cloth around arm, wearing small knife, food taboos, burying of umbilical cord, confinement in a room after delivery, drinking holy water, praying to god and body massage were some of the practices followed by the women. Conclusion: Traditional and cultural practices significantly influence women's experiences of pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period in the Deoria district. Numerous behaviours provide emotional and social support; nonetheless, it is crucial to comprehend them to ensure that maternal healthcare interventions are safe and culturally respectful.

Drawing on work/family border theory, this study aims to investigate the academic challenges experienced by mother students in India and their coping strategies for balancing academic and family roles. It will also explore how boundary integration and border keepers help Indian mother students balance these roles. A qualitative exploratory approach was adopted, and in-depth individual interviews were conducted with seven mother students in India as participants. The transcribed data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The results showed that time constraints, low technical competency and academic adjustment problems were the main hindrances faced by these students. The flexibility of online learning, family prioritization, benefits of higher education and support from husbands, family members, peers and teachers facilitated work/family balance. The findings indicate that boundary integration facilitates greater work/family balance than segmentation. A flexible curriculum would aid in balancing these roles.

Groundnut shell (Arachis hypogaea), a major agricultural residue in Senegal with an estimated annual availability exceeding 700,000 tonnes, represents a significant yet underutilised bioenergy resource in West Africa. While the thermochemical conversion of this feedstock has received growing attention, rigorous exergy-based assessments under conditions representative of the sub-Saharan African context remain scarce. This study presents a comprehensive energy and exergy analysis of groundnut shell slow pyrolysis for simultaneous biochar, bio-oil, and syngas production. Using proximate and ultimate analysis values alongside empirical yield data from recent experimental literature, thermodynamic simulations were performed across a pyrolysis temperature range of 400–600°C. Results indicate that the overall exergy efficiency of the pyrolysis system ranges from 75.8% to 79.3%, with maximum efficiency achieved at lower temperatures (400°C) where biochar yield is optimal. The exothermic char formation stage was identified as the dominant source of irreversibility, accounting for 42.1% of total exergy destruction. The chemical exergy of the produced syngas fraction (H₂, CO, CH₄) increased from 4.82 to 7.31 MJ/kg of dry feedstock as pyrolysis temperature rose. Comparison with energy efficiency values (80.5–84.3%) confirms that conventional energy analysis systematically overestimates system performance by masking thermodynamic quality losses. These findings provide a critical thermodynamic benchmark for groundnut shell pyrolysis, with direct implications for the design and optimisation of decentralised biochar production facilities within Senegal's Plan Sénégal Émergent renewable energy framework.

The development should be always for the betterment of people without affecting the environment, it should not harmful to the earth. This initiative is called Green Economy Development. But real-world concern is how to make development without depleting the resources, especially scarce resources. So, finding an optimum level is the need of the hour. Nowadays Green Economy, Sustainable Development are the buzz words, thanks to SDGs.In 2015 all UN member nations were adopted the 17 world Sustainable Development Goals.The purpose of this article is to present and analyse how to reduce the gap in Green Economy and Sustainable Development. Here we require the fostering development must not deplete the natural resources. Even in marketing we adopt societal marketing concept, selling a product must be beneficial for at least three parties, it should give profit for the producer, value for the buyer and benefit for the society. So, in every development, society must get its share. This paper focuses its attention on the Green initiatives taken by the Kerala Government and its impact on Sustainable Development.

Context: Hospital reception is a major determinant of user satisfaction and access to care. In Mali, despite a favorable legislative framework, the Gabriel Touré University Hospital faces chronic user dissatisfaction. Objective: This study aims to analyze the root causes of poor patient care and to propose a budgeted strategic improvement plan. Methods: A participatory action research project was conducted from August 2024 to February 2025. It involved 131 patients, 76 staff members, and a nominal group of 30 experts. Quality management tools ( Hanlon model , Ishikawa diagram, multi-criteria decision matrix) were used to prioritize problems and develop solutions. Results: "Unsatisfactory patient care conditions" were identified as the priority problem ( Hanlon score : 475). Causal analysis (5Ms) revealed the predominance of factors related to the workforce (insufficient and untrained staff) and organization (lack of procedures, inadequate signage). An action plan of 37.3 million FCFA, focused on the recruitment of 23 agents and the training of 46 staff members, has been validated. Conclusion: Improving customer service requires a systemic approach. Rigorous implementation of the proposed action plan should enable a satisfaction rate exceeding 80% by 2027.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, is a chronic immune-mediated disorder of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by episodes of inflammation and ongoing tissue damage. Standard medical treatments, such as corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, have improved patient outcomes but are limited by incomplete responses, systemic immunosuppression, and side effects. Anti-integrin therapies offer a targeted method that specifically blocks leukocyte movement into the intestinal mucosa. Integrins are cell adhesion molecules that facilitate immune cell migration and tissue infiltration. By blocking the interaction between leukocyte integrins and endothelial cell adhesion molecules, anti-integrin agents prevent inflammatory cells from entering the gastrointestinal tract. Currently approved anti-integrin drugs for IBD include natalizumab and vedolizumab, with newer options like etrolizumab under research. These medications demonstrate significant success in inducing and maintaining remission in patients with moderate to severe IBD. Notably, gut-selective agents such as vedolizumab provide enhanced safety by reducing systemic immunosuppression. This review explores the pharmacological mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, clinical effectiveness, safety profiles, and emerging therapeutic roles of anti-integrin therapies in inflammatory bowel disease.

Studying the trends in indirect tax revenue, Consumer Price Index (CPI), and inflation before and after GST implementation is essential to evaluate the reform's success in unifying the economy, ensuring fiscal stability, and protecting consumer purchasing power. The objective of this paper is to identify the trend and to study the propensity of price changes before and after GST by employing Model comparison using Regression analysis the different models (Linear, Quadratic and Exponential) has been considered. The data is collected from government website of Department of revenue, Ministry of finance, which provided yearly data for indirect taxes estimates, and Consumer Price Index (CPI) data and inflation rates are obtained from monthly publications by Central Statistics Office, Ministry of statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI) and using this secondary data average yearly values are calculated. The period of study is 10 years consisting of five years before the adoption of GST (2012-2017) and five years after the adoption of GST (2017-2022). The findings shows exponential model is the best fit for both periods, indicating a steady increase in indirect tax revenue and inflation rates. The higher R-squared values for the period before GST suggest that the models were better suited to the economic conditions before GST implementation.

Rachel Yoder's Nightbitch (2021) dissects the pathologisation of the maternal body under medical patriarchy, exposing how postpartum identity is fragmented and policed through clinical discourse. The novel's protagonist, transforming into a canine hybrid amid motherhood's corporeal demands, embodies feminist critiques of gynaecology as an extension of patriarchal control, where lactation, rage and bodily rebellion are recast as psychotic symptoms rather than valid responses to isolation and erasure. Drawing on theorists like Adrienne Rich and Susan Bordo, this analysis reveals how medical interventions such as therapy and pharmaceuticals reinforce normative femininity, stripping agency from the maternal subject while ignoring structural inequities like spousal detachment. Yoder subverts this through the narrator's feral reclamation, asserting a hybrid postpartum self that defies pathologisation. Ultimately, Nightbitch challenges the medical gaze, advocating embodied maternal knowledge beyond diagnostic confines.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of BabyOrgano Baalprashan Swarnaprashan Drops in enhancing immunity, promoting growth and improving overall well-being in children aged 5–15 years. Objectives: A total of 30 children (15 males, 15 females) participated in this observational study. Participants were primarily from the 5–10 years age group (n=24), with a smaller cohort aged 11–15 years (n=6). Methods: Anthropometric measurements, immune markers, frequency of illness episodes, and clinical impressions were assessed over a 90-day period. Results: Anthropometric parameters showed with a 3.12% increase in body weight, 0.38% in height, and respective improvements in WAZ (31.22%) and HAZ (22.52%). Chest circumference and mid-upper arm circumference increased by 2.21% and 2.78%, respectively. Conclusions: Anthropometric parameters showed positive trends improvement in body weight, height, WAZ, HAZ, chest circumference & mid-upper arm circumference. Clinical Global Impression – Improvement (CGI-I) scores reflected significant improvements, improved stamina, and immunity. BabyOrgano Baalprashan Swarnaprashan reduced the burden of illness, enhanced immune function, and promoted overall well-being in children. These results support its use as a better and effective pediatric health supplement.

In this paper, we study a new formula of Lagrangian dynamical system on generalized-quaternionic ka ̈hler Manifolds by using vector field: Z=∑_(a=0)^3▒〖Z^(an+i) ∂/(∂x_(an+i) )〗 in a canonical local basis {H} of V. Finally, the geometrical – Physical results related to generalized-quaternionic ka ̈hler mechanical systems are also given.