Table of Contents: Volume 18; Issue 09; September, 2026

Life Sciences

Formulation and evaluation of zolmitriptan nasal spray for rapid migraine relief

Dr. Asha Rani, M., Hikshitha, D.P., Hemanth Kumar, Y., Chethan Gowda, M., Shambhavi, D. and Suprith Gowda, G.N.

ABSTRACT:
Background: Migraine is a common neurovascular disorder with severe headaches, nausea, and photophobia. Oral triptans like zolmitriptan can be effective but may have delayed onset due to gastric stasis. Nasal delivery bypasses the gut, providing rapid relief. Objective: To formulate and evaluate a zolmitriptan nasal spray for the quick treatment of acute migraine, focusing on rapid drug release and onset of action. Methods: Zolmitriptan nasal spray formulations used different polymers (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, methylcellulose, or chitosan) as viscosity modifiers. They were characterized for pH, viscosity, spray content uniformity, in vitro drug diffusion through the nasal membrane, and drug-excipient compatibility (FTIR). A UV spectrophotometric method quantified the drug after constructing a calibration curve of zolmitriptan in pH 5.8 buffer. Results: All formulations had pH 5.5–6.0 suitable for nasal mucosa, with uniform drug content. FTIR confirmed drug-excipient compatibility. In-vitro diffusion showed chitosan formulation (F3) released about 20% of drug in 5 min and 61.86% in 85 min, much faster than HPMC or MC formulations. This rapid release correlated with quicker action. The spray delivered about 0.15 mL per actuation with consistent dosing. Conclusion: A zolmitriptan nasal spray with chitosan as a mucoadhesive polymer provides rapid drug release, achieving significant drug diffusion within minutes. This formulation offers a promising approach for quick relief in acute migraine, potentially benefiting patients who require a rapid onset of effect and those with migraine-induced gastric stasis. The nasal route thus combines the efficacy of zolmitriptan with an improved delivery profile for managing acute migraine.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24941/ijcr.50910.09.2026
Effect of rice cultivation stages on the structure of the bird community in an urban wetland in korhogo (Côte d’Ivoire)

Ekoun Michaël KONAN, Kouadio Jean YAO and Coffi Jean Magloire NIAMIEN

ABSTRACT:
Urban rice paddies are agroecosystems that help sustain bird populations amid the loss of natural wetlands. However, the relationships between rice cultivation and changes in the structure of associated bird communities remain insufficiently documented in urban rice-growing systems in Côte d’Ivoire. This study aims to analyze the impact of rice growth stages on bird community structure in an urban wetland. Surveys were conducted from July to December 2023, during the six stages of rice cultivation: pre-ploughing, ploughing, vegetative growth, immature rice, mature rice, and post-harvest. Five observation sessions per stage were conducted to survey birds through slow walks punctuated by 10-minute stops. Diversity and structure were analyzed using ecological indices, the Kruskal-Wallis test, the generalized linear model, principal component analysis, and ascending hierarchical cluster analysis. A total of 2,693 individuals representing 64 species, 33 families, and 15 orders were identified. Species richness ranged from 56 species during the pre-ploughing stage to 10 during the mature rice stage. Overall abundance increased from 264 individuals at the post-harvest stage to 593 individuals at the mature rice stage. The crop stage significantly influenced the structure of the avifauna (GLM: ddl = 5; W = 157.82; p < 0.0001). These results highlight the need to maintain habitat heterogeneity and preserve associated wetlands in urban areas in order to support a diverse bird community.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24941/ijcr.50936.09.2026
Distribution refinement and conservation implications of smooth-coated otter (lutrogale perspicillata) in asan barrage wetland, Uttarakhand, India

Arun Kumar, Javed Anver, Ashok Kumar and Ujjwal Kumar

ABSTRACT:
The Smooth-coated Otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) is a semi-aquatic carnivore widely distributed across South and Southeast Asia and is recognized as a key bioindicator of freshwater ecosystem health. Despite its broad distribution, site-specific records from several Himalayan foothill wetlands remain limited. The present study documents a baseline observation of (L. perspicillata) from Asan Barrage Wetland, Uttarakhand, India (30.4338473°N, 77.6726059°E), recorded during a biodiversity baseline survey on 31 December 2023. A solitary individual was observed exhibiting typical foraging behaviour, including swimming, diving, and surfacing within shallow water zones along riparian vegetation. Asan Barrage, a Ramsar site, is situated where the Asan and Yamuna rivers merge, and it harbors heterogeneous wetland habitats, which are favorable for aquatic life. Although this species is known to inhabit riverine ecosystems in Uttarakhand, documentation of this species from this wetland was lacking. This record is important in providing baseline data on the species, and it also underscores the importance of this wetland as a potential habitat for Smooth-coated Otters. In light of rising anthropogenic influences such as habitat alteration, tourism, and water pollution in freshwater ecosystems, this study reiterates the importance of conserving this species and its habitat, which is crucial in wetlands of the Himalayan foothills, and L. perspicillata acts as a flagship species for freshwater conservation in this region.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24941/ijcr.50622.09.2026
Pesticide residue contamination of vegetables: a case study of the félix houphouët-boigny international airport market gardening area (Côte d'Ivoire)

Gnagne Agness Essoh Jean Eudes Yves, Aka Camille, Seka Yapoga Jean, Coulibaly Djenebou Wagnidanhan, Traoré Satou and Ballet Tiama Guy

ABSTRACT:
Urban vegetable farming is expanding rapidly and often relies on the intensive use of plant protection products to improve yields, raising public health concerns. This study assessed residues of two commonly used insecticides, lambda-cyhalothrin and acetamiprid, in Lactuca sativa and Allium schoenoprasum leaves (chives). Analyses were performed by high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection, and the measured concentrations were compared with the Codex Alimentarius Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs). The results showed that all concentrations were below the MRLs, confirming the compliance of the samples with food safety standards. However, the Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests, together with Principal Component Analysis, revealed significantly greater accumulation in Allium schoenoprasum leaves. This difference is associated with the physicochemical properties of the compounds, application frequency, and leaf morphology. These findings support targeted monitoring and further assessment of chronic dietary exposure risks.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24941/ijcr.50876.09.2026
Advances in biosafety and biosecurity: challenges and future perspectives in India and Nepal

Dr. Roshan Kumar Yadav and Dr. Soma Chanda

ABSTRACT:
Global health security is currently a burning issue worldwide. This is primarily because the world is faced with the spread of newly emergent and re-emergence of infectious microorganism. The term Biosecurity is broadly the policies and practices that protect against the deliberate misuse of biology to cause harm. It is a comprehensive and strategic framework of measures, protocols and policies aimed at preventing, managing and reducing risks caused by harmful fatal biological agents. It covers the different parameters starting from protecting and safeguard the agricultural aspects on the other way the environment considering the human health against pandemics and bioterrorism. It covers agriculture, food safety, ecological or environmental protection, different defence mechanisms against intentional bioterrorism or the major one are accidental outbreak. Level of Biosecurity are considered as isolation of new animals in farm level as national control and border controls in international level. The major strategies of Biosecurity include physical, structural and management measures such as controlling access, equipment disinfection and also continuous monitoring of pests.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24941/ijcr.50883.09.2026
Structure et performance de mobilisation des ressources financières des collectivités territoriales de faranah en république de Guinée

Oumar CAMARA, Mamadi Mariame CAMARA, Sara Bailo DIALLO and Momoya SYLLA

ABSTRACT:
La mobilisation des ressources financières propres demeure un enjeu central de l’autonomie des collectivités territoriales guinéennes, alors que les recettes effectivement recouvrées restent souvent inférieures aux prévisions. Cette étude analyse la typologie, la structure et la performance de mobilisation des ressources financières des seize collectivités territoriales de la préfecture de Faranah entre 2018 et 2022. Une approche mixte a combiné l’exploitation des budgets, comptes administratifs et rapports financiers à une enquête auprès de 303 acteurs de la gouvernance locale. Les données ont été analysées sous IBM SPSS Statistics 26 au moyen de statistiques descriptives et d’une ANOVA à un facteur. Les ressources recensées se répartissent en sept catégories, dominées par les produits du domaine et les recettes fiscales. Les recettes mobilisées sont passées de 529,72 millions GNF en 2018 à 1,37 milliard GNF en 2022, tandis que le taux de recouvrement a culminé à 51,08 % en 2019 avant de retomber à 40,80 % en 2022. Des différences significatives existent entre collectivités pour tous les indicateurs financiers étudiés (p < 0,001). Ces résultats montrent que l’autonomie financière dépend surtout du renforcement du recouvrement, de la gouvernance financière et de la digitalisation des régies locales.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24941/ijcr.50866.09.2026
Seasonality of food groups and characterization of foodconsumption norms in sedentary and pastoral environments In Niger

RABIOU ABDOU Abdoul Rachid ABDOU SOULEY Roukaya OUMAROU DIADIE Halima and BALLA Abdourahamane

ABSTRACT:
This study aims to contribute to the analysis of food consumption in Niger. It is a descriptive cross-sectional study that included 845 households distributed according to their place of residence (urban, rural, and pastoral). The methodology used consisted of a series of surveys. The first survey (a focus group) was conducted to determine the seasonality of food products, their origin, and their use by households. In a second phase, a food survey was carried out to determine food consumption norms by incorporating the national food balance according to the method proposed by AGHRYMET (2004). The results showed that in Niger, food seasonality follows a distinct seasonal pattern. Six of the eight months of the dry season (October to March) showed varying levels of availability of the products most frequently found in the population's diet. Foods primarily imported (fruits and vegetables) exhibit a particular seasonality, changing differently from other staple foods. Regarding food consumption standards, the study revealed that average food intake varies from 316.80 ± 42.55 kg to 299.38 ± 40.86 kg per person per year in urban, rural, and pastoral areas, respectively. The seasonality of food groups and food consumption standards are key factors to consider in ensuring a better food and nutritional situation for the population.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24941/ijcr.50869.09.2026

Physical Sciences and Engineering

Identification phénotypique des champignons d’altérations des semences de sésame (sesamum indicum l.) et étude de leur sensibilité aux attaques de sclerotium rolfsii et d’aternaria sp.

DOUMBOUYA Mohamed, SANOGO Minlaharaban Inza, KONE Dotanah Tiépé Aicha and COULIBALY Noupé Diakaria

ABSTRACT:
Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an important oilseed crop that, valued for its edible seeds, could serve as a genuine source of income for farmers. However, its cultivation is threatened by numerous pathogens which limit its yield. This study aims to improve sesame crop productivity by identifying pathological constraints affecting the agronomic performance of farmers' seed varieties from a major production area in Côte d’Ivoire. Sesame samples were collected from producers in ten villages. The pH and moisture content of these seeds were determined. Seed-deteriorating fungi were then identified, and sensitivity tests against Sclerotium rolfsii and Alternaria sp. were conducted. The results obtained revealed that seed moisture content ranged from 1.45% to 5.82%, with a slightly acidic pH ranging from 5.24 to 5.91. Three fungal spoilage species were isolated from the seeds as epiphytic microflora, namely Aspergillus sp. (66.6%), Alternaria sp. (50%), and Sclerotium rolfsii (25%), whilst four (4) fungal species were identified in the endophytic microflora, namely Aspergillus sp. (50.67 per cent), Mucor sp. (30%), Phoma sp. (13.33%) and Penicillium sp. (06%) were isolated from the seeds. With regard to susceptibility tests, the plants grown in holes inoculated with Sclerotium rolfsii and Alternaria sp. showed symptoms of disease, unlike the control plants, which appeared healthy. The average weight of 1,000 grains was 2.51 g for the control plants and 1.31 g for the inoculated plants. The control plants produced an average of 16 grains per capsule, compared with 7 grains and 6 grains for plants inoculated with Sclerotium rolfsii and Alternaria sp. respectively. Plants inoculated with Alternaria sp. and Sclerotium rolfsii produced an average of 21 and 19 capsules respectively, compared with an average of 42 capsules for the controls. Furthermore, accessions A4 and A5 were the least susceptible to attacks by Sclerotium rolfsii and Alternaria sp., respectively.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24941/ijcr.50887.09.2026
Effet du compost à base de coques d’anacarde dans la gestion durable de ralstonia solanacearum, agent responsable du flétrissement bactérien de la tomate (solanum lycopersicum l.)

KONE Dotanah Tiépé Aicha, KONE Nahoua, DOUMBOUYA Mohamed and SANOGO Minlaharaban Inza

ABSTRACT:
In Côte d’Ivoire, tomatoes are a strategic crop, but their production remains limited by bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum. Conducted in the Korhogo department, this study evaluates the agronomic value of cashew-shell-based compost for sustainable tomato production. Two complementary approaches are being implemented: first, an in vitro analysis of the antibacterial activity of compost juice against three strains of Ralstonia solanacearum; and second, an in vivo greenhouse trial designed to measure the suppressive effect on wilt. In vitro results show that compost juice, whether sterilized or not, produces no inhibition zone, unlike streptomycin, which exerts strong inhibition. As for the in vivo trial, it is based on a split-plot design. The parameters evaluated are the wilting index (IF), colonization index (IC), severity index (IS), and reduction index (TR), as well as above-ground and root biomass. The T4 treatment, corresponding to a dose of 40 t/ha, yielded the highest biomass for both tested strains and reduced the incidence of bacterial wilt by 67%. The RUN 1827 strain proved to be more aggressive than the RUN 1539 strain. Thus, cashew shell-based compost could be an effective biological control strategy against bacterial wilt in tomatoes.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24941/ijcr.50907.09.2026
Status of the woody vegetation in the koyli-alpha community nature reserve (northern senegal): floristic composition, structure, and regeneration trajectory

Yacine BADIANE, Moustapha B. SAGNA, Oumar SARR, Sékouna DIATTA, Aly DIALLO, Mouhamadou I. KEBE, Eric S. BADJI, Papa I. NDIAYE and Daouda NGOM

ABSTRACT:
The Koyli-Alpha Community Nature Reserve, located in northern Senegal, is a major site for ecological restoration and biodiversity conservation within the Great Green Wall zone. This study establishes a baseline assessment of the reserve’s woody vegetation based on 29 systematic sampling plots covering a cumulative area of 7.25 ha. Floristic composition, diversity, stand structure, and natural regeneration were analyzed. A total of nine species, belonging to three families and five genera, were recorded, including six species in the adult compartment and eight in the regeneration layer. The adult stand exhibited a strong oligodominance of Vachellia tortilis subsp. raddiana and Balanites aegyptiaca, which accounted for 95.4% of individuals, 97.5% of basal area, and 97.0% of canopy cover. Adult stand density reached 106.9 individuals•ha⁻¹, with a basal area of 3.00 m²•ha⁻¹ and canopy cover of 28.6%. Natural regeneration was relatively abundant (229.4 individuals•ha⁻¹) but remained dominated by the same species, which accounted for 90.1% of young individuals. Floristic richness was comparable to that reported by Kébé et al. (2020), despite differences in secondary species composition and stand density. These findings indicate an active but still poorly diversified regeneration dynamic. The conservation of less abundant species, monitoring of seedling survival and recruitment, and assessment of herbivory by reintroduced wildlife are essential for evaluating the reserve’s restoration trajectory. Establishing permanent monitoring plots inside and outside the reserve would further strengthen long-term ecological monitoring.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24941/ijcr.50923.09.2026
In fuzzy transportation problem using ranking functions with hexagonal intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (ivifns)

Sathya, S. and Uma, S.

ABSTRACT:
By assuming α and β cut values, the idea of modified arithmetic operations on interval valued intuitionistic fuzzy numbers is used to solve interval valued intuitionistic fuzzy transportation problems with hexagonal intuitionistic fuzzy numbers. In this study, we use Hexagonal Intuitionistic Fuzzy Numbers (a1, a4) to convert the traditional transportation problem into a fuzzy transportation problem. Lastly, a numerical example was put out.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24941/ijcr.50843.09.2026
Rebuttingthe encroachment of the sacred: a community-centered analysis of adversity in song of the lion

Ebony K. Agboh

ABSTRACT:
This researchoffers a behavioral reading of Anne Hillerman’s Song of the lion(2017) by framing the Hopi and Diné communities’ responses to anact of ecoterrorism through Murray Bowen’s family systems theory. The bombing at Shiprock Hight School, initially perceived as an environmental protest, is revealed as a calculated strategy to inflame intertribal tensions and disrupt economic negotiations tied to Grand Canyon development. Rather than treating adversity as a simple external threat, the analysis positions it as a compound force that tests the emotional and relational cohesion of the Navajo Nation, the novel’s core community.While instigating an atmosphere of enmity and separation of the initially close-knit groups, the adversitydoes notinferthe final stage ofthearisen conflictwithin the community. Itratherunveils the family and community ties that maintain the unity of the group members ready to confront the forces jeopardizing the harmony and theirrelationship. By applying Bowen’s family systems theory to contemporary Native American crime fiction, this study bridges behavioral psychology and literary analysis to illuminate how Hillerman’s narrative models intertribal solidarity under duress.The article proceeds along three interrelated lines of inquiryincluding defining adversity and its literary function in the novel, Analyzing Navajo (Diné) and Hopi behavioral responses and Consolidation of community ties and resilience.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24941/ijcr.50904.09.2026
Possibility theory for managerial and economic decision-making under uncertainty

Dr. Jayesh Vijay Rao Karanjgaonkar

ABSTRACT:
Background: Managerial and economic decisions are routinely made under incomplete, vague, or ambiguous information that classical probability theory is not always well suited to represent, particularly when the uncertainty involved is epistemic or linguistic rather than purely a matter of chance. Methods: This is a conceptual review paper. It develops a taxonomy of uncertainty types relevant to managerial and economic decision-making, sets out the formal apparatus of possibility theory, and reviews methods for constructing possibility distributions, applying this apparatus to established managerial and economic decision problems drawn from the literature. Results: Only aleatory (chance-based) uncertainty is naturally suited to probabilistic treatment; epistemic, linguistic, model, completeness, value, recognition, and decision-related uncertainty are common in business practice but poorly served by forced probability estimates. Possibility theory, through crisp, fuzzy, and interval restrictions and six practical construction methods, applies directly to risk assessment, strategic planning, resource allocation, project scheduling, supplier selection, and negotiation, and to consumer behaviour, firm production decisions, macroeconomic forecasting, and investment decisions under Knightian uncertainty. Conclusion: Possibility theory merits a routine, taught place alongside probability theory in applied managerial and economic decision analysis, reserved specifically for uncertainty that is vague, judgement-based, and non-frequentist in character.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24941/ijcr.50909.09.2026
Existence of nash equilibrium in generalized b-metric spaces via multi-valued fixed-point theorems

Shivani Vishnoi and Dr. S. K. Malhotra

ABSTRACT:
In this paper, the existence problem for Nash equilibrium is restated as a fixed point problem for a multivalued mapping in a generalized b-metric strategy profile space with metric contractivity rather than the traditional topological properties of compactness, convexity, and continuity. The strategy space is endowed with a complete b-metric with constant s≥1, and the set-valued best response mapping Bis closed and bounded-valued with Pompeiu-Hausdorff contraction property H_d (B,(x)B(y) )≤λd(x,y). The central result establishes the compatibility threshold s√λ<1, at which Bhas a unique fixed point identical to a Nash equilibrium. The bound provides the trade-off between the level of contraction and the magnification caused by relaxing the triangle inequality, reverting to the well-known condition λ<1 when s=1. Based on this existence result, the article provides a geometric rate of convergence for best response iterations, a perturbation stability result for best response correspondences that are uniformly close, and a Tykhonov-type well-posedness result with extra assumptions. A two-person game with true set-valued best responses is solved analytically as an example for validating the assumptions, with some sensitivity analysis of the threshold s√λ<1. Contribution The contribution is methodological in that it finds sufficient conditions for equilibrium existence using metric completeness and contractivity without depending mainly on convexity and upper semicontinuity, and incorporates best response sensitivity explicitly.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24941/ijcr.50943.09.2026

Health Sciences

Structural transformation, spatial polarization, and the sub-national resource curse: a diagnostic and spatial trade analysis of Chhattisgarh, India

Aditya Raj Gupta and Ravindra Kumar Thawait

ABSTRACT:
This study investigates the structural, commercial, and spatial dynamics of Chhattisgarh—a landlocked, natural-resource-abundant province in Central India—using harmonized macroeconomic, banking, and trade records across the 2011–12 constant series. Despite accounting for a major share (approximately 13.4% based on recent Indian Bureau of Mines and state economic surveys) of India’s total mineral production value and maintaining base load electricity surpluses, the state exhibits classic sub-national resource enclave dynamics. Analysis of Gross Value Added reveals an industrial sector generating over 50% of real output, while modern commercial services—specifically Trade, Repair, and Hospitality (LQ = 0.67) and Financial Intermediation (LQ = 0.60)—exhibit persistent structural deficits. Outbound merchandise trade displays high commodity concentration (longitudinal mean HHI* = 0.294), with over 81% of export value concentrated in primary metals and bulk rice. Spatially, commercial bank credit is heavily polarized along the central urban spine (absorbing 68.4% of credit with a Credit-Deposit ratio of 88.6%), while peripheral agrarian and forested belts register ratios between 42.5% and 48.2%. The analysis clarifies that while decentralized public grain procurement cushions farm receipts, low credit deployment in peripheral belts reflects statutory collateral constraints under Fifth Schedule (PESA) land protections in tribal areas, alongside agricultural crop-financing dynamics in rural plains, rather than simple capital flight. We conclude by outlining targeted non-distortionary policy interventions in multi-modal logistics and non-timber forest produce supply chains to support regional economic diversification.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24941/ijcr.50937.09.2026
Severe diabetic ketoacidosis unmasking latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (lada): a case report

Dr. Sanjay P Khare and Dr. Minal Chaudhari

ABSTRACT:
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a dire emergency in patients with DM, but its severity and the triggering factors are not always plain and straightforward. We present the case of a middle aged man with known diabetes mellitus who presented with profound, life-threatening DKA with pH as low as 6.89, in the absence of an initially identifiable trigger. Beyond the acute resuscitation, the unusually severe presentation and the extraordinarily high insulin requirement during recovery raised clinical suspicion of an underlying autoimmune process, ultimately confirmed as Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA) ¹.This case underscores the importance of looking beyond the obvious, both in the search for an underlying aetiology and in reconsidering an existing diagnosis when the clinical course does not fit the expected pattern.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24941/ijcr.50859.09.2026
Implant retained mandibular overdenture: a viable treatment option for long span bilateral partial edentulism

Dr. Mitali Majumder

ABSTRACT:
Rehabilitation of distal extension partial edentulism prosthetically has remained a significant challenge over the years. Conventional partial dentures are not accepted satisfactorily by the patient due to lack of adequate retention and stability and reduction in bite force particularly in the mandible. Implant retained overdentures can bridge the gap between traditional removable prosthesis and fixed implant restorations.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24941/ijcr.50948.09.2026
Assessment of lead exposure, oxidative stress and biochemical changes in automobile workers

Dr. Desu Murali Krishna, Dr. Ravinoothala Vijaya, Bokkisam suneel R. and Deepa, M.

ABSTRACT:
Blood Zinc protoprophyrin (ZPP), serum total protein (TP) and total cholesterol (Tc) levels in auto mobile workshop workers in relation to lead toxicity were analyzed. In present study’s automobile workshop workers. Has the mean value of BPb was 15.76± 0.33 mg/dl while control was 8.20±0.15µg/dl control group exhibited man 11.5 ± 0.22 µg/dl. Workers exhibit significant Increase in BZPP corresponding to Increase in BPb level. TP levels in workshop workers showed significant decreased to controls but within reference range. Mean value of TP in workshop workers 6.9 ± 0.13g/dl and 7.71 ± 0.18g/l in controls. The serum total cholesterol level in workshop workers showed decreased compared to controls but within reference range. Mean value of TC in workshop workers 162.00 ±3.44 mg/dl and in control was 172.86 ± 4.32 mg/dl.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24941/ijcr.50967.09.2026
Ethnopharmacological study of plants used in the treatment of prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia in togo: the value of annona muricata (soursop)

Hounsi Vitangni, Feteke Lochina, Kouassi Kafui Codjo, Gbekley Holaly and Tchacondo Tchadjobo

ABSTRACT:
Background: Prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are common reasons for consultation in Togo, where prostate cancer is still diagnosed at an advanced stage. Leaves of Annona muricata L. (soursop) are among the most frequently cited traditional remedies for these conditions, yet their local uses have never been systematically documented. Objective: To document the knowledge, practices and perceptions of traditional medicine stakeholders regarding A. muricata in the management of prostatic disorders. Methods: A cross-sectional ethnopharmacological survey was conducted from 31 December 2025 to 25 January 2026 among 84 respondents (53 medicinal plant sellers, 18 traditional healers, 8 patients or former patients, 3 caregivers and 2 others) in Greater Lomé (Golfe and Agoè-Nyivé prefectures), using a semi-structured questionnaire digitised in KoboToolbox. Analysis combined descriptive statistics, ethnobotanical indices (relative frequency of citation, fidelity level), χ², Fisher’s exact, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests, Spearman correlation and logistic regression. Results: Soursop was known to 83 respondents (98.8%), mainly for its leaves (98.8%); knowledge was mostly inherited within the family (66.3%). The most frequently suggested indications were hypertension (78.0%), diabetes (75.6%), infections (65.9%) and prostatic disorders (62.2%; fidelity level = 62.2%). Thirty-nine of 79 respondents (49.4%) had already used or recommended the leaves for the prostate, particularly traditional healers (88.2%). The main preparation was an aqueous decoction or infusion (84.6%) taken orally, twice daily (82.8%) with honey (96.8%). Perceived efficacy was high (median 8/10; ≥ 7 in 78.9%), but 89.5% of respondents reported at least one adverse effect, mainly nausea (71.1%). Cost (60.5%) and lack of trust (63.2%) were the main barriers to biomedical care. Reported use differed markedly by survey area, an effect inseparable from the interviewer. Conclusion: A. muricata leaves hold an established place in the urban pharmacopoeia of Greater Lomé for prostatic disorders, with poorly standardised practices, modest gastrointestinal tolerability and frequent mixed care-seeking. These findings call for botanical authentication, chemical characterisation of traditional preparations, toxicity studies and structured collaboration between traditional healers and urology services.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24941/ijcr.51041.09.2026
Caractérisation floristique et structurale des sites maraichers de la vallée de la maggia dans la commune de dogueraoua

Kaïgama HAMISSOU SALAO, Rabé KANÉ, Habou RABIOU, Abdoul-Latif HAMANI NOMA and Ali MAHAMANE

ABSTRACT:
La caractérisation floristique et structurale des sites maraichers de la vallée de la Maggia a été conduite dans la commune de Dogueraoua/Niger. L’objectif été de caractériser les indices écologiques des espèces ligneuses sur les sites maraichers suivant le gradients (amont, centre et aval) à travers la réalisation des inventaires, les structures démographiques et la mise en relation entre les niveaux statiques des eaux et les espèces ligneuses. La méthodologie adaptée a consisté à l’indentification des sites cibles, la réalisation de 5 placettes (2500m²) par cites ainsi que les relevés floristiques. Les données ont été traitées à l’aide de tableur Excel 2019, de Minitab 22 et de logiciel Arc gis 10.8. Au total, 50 placettes ont été réalisées. Il est recensé 295 pieds d’arbres repartis en 23 espèces puis groupées en 13 familles (Anacardiaceae, Asclepiadaceae, Balanitaceae, Bombacaceae, Caesalpiniaceae, Combretaceae, Lythraceae, Meliaceae, Mimosaceae, Moringaceae, Myrtaceae, Rhamnaceae et Rutaceae). La famille de Mimosaceae est la plus représentée avec 5 espèces dont une fréquence de 21,7%. Azadirachta indica est l’espèces la plus dominantes avec 61,35% de l’effectif globale. Il est constaté cette dominance sur les zones amont et centre et celle d’Acacia nilotica sur la zone avale. La densité est de 23,6 pieds à l’hectare avec de légère différence par gradient. L’indice IVI calculé est de 3,17 bits expliquant une hétérogénéité et la diversité moyenne. L’équitabilité de Pielou (E) est de 0,70 dont il s’agit d’un phénomène de dominance moyenne entre les espèces recensées. Les autres valeurs de H’ sont de même comprise 2,5 ≤ H’ < 4 et E dispose d’une légère augmentation. La hauteur moyenne des espèces est de 7,9±4,8 m. La hauteur moyenne de Lorey (m) de 1,2±0,8 m pour l’ensemble des arbres recensées. Le diamètre moyen de houppier est de 4,5±1,9 m et un recouvrement moyen de 4,9%. Il s’agit d’un peuplement des arbres de petites et de grandes tailles plus ou moins élagués. Le paramètre de forme (c) de la distribution de Weibull est compris entre 1 à 3,6 et caractéristique d’une dominance des espèces ligneuses de faibles diamètres ou plus jeunes pour les parties (amont et aval) et de particularité au centre. La détermination de la variation de niveau statique des eaux en fonction des saisons et de gradients (amont, centre et aval) ont influencé certaines espèces ligneuses dont il est important de renforcer les plantations et d’entretiens. En fin, il est ressorti de l’ACP que la variation de niveau statique des eaux par saisons influe plus les espèces ligneuses par apport au gradient. Les Sclerocarya birrea et Ziziphus mauritiana sont plus fréquentes lorsque le niveau de nappe s’abaisse au détriment des Bauhinia rufescens et Faidherbia albida. Il est recommandé de lutter contre les espèces envahissantes (Prosopis Sp), de réaliser les travaux de CES/DRS et de plantations dans la zone d’étude.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24941/ijcr.50908.09.2026
Orthodontic space closure in a patient with congenitally missing mandibular second premolars and compromised first molars: a case report and focused literature review

Dr. Damodar Bhat, Dr. Ashok Kumar Jena, Dr. Jitendra Sharan, Dr. Iswariya A, and Dr. Abid Majeed Rather

ABSTRACT:
An 18-year-old female with skeletal Class I malocclusion, hyperdivergent growth pattern, bimaxillary crowding, compromised permanent first molars, and bilateral congenital absence of mandibular second premolars was treated with fixed mechanotherapy following strategic extraction of the compromised first molars. Maxillary molar mesialization was performed using NiTi closed-coil springs, while mandibular mesialization employed reverse helical loops with tip-back bends. Complete extraction space closure and sequential posterior tooth substitution were achieved without skeletal anchorage, resulting in a functional therapeutic Class III molar and Class I canine relationship, improved alignment, dental midlines, incisor inclination, and soft tissue profile. No significant root resorption or periodontal compromise was observed. The case demonstrates that controlled molar mesialization and sequential posterior substitution can provide a conservative alternative to prosthetic rehabilitation in selected patients with congenitally missing mandibular second premolars and compromised first molars.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24941/ijcr.50920.09.2026

Social Sciences and Humanities

Performance and management of a university social incubator: methodological development, implementation and adaptation of the porto sul social incubator (2023–2026)

Irlla Maria Santos Pereira and Gustavo da Cruz

ABSTRACT:
This article analyses the development of management, performance and methodological adaptation within the Porto Sul Social Incubator (ISPS), an outreach project of the State University of Santa Cruz (UESC), developed in partnership with Bahia Mineração (BAMIN) between 2023 and the first half of 2026. This is an applied, descriptive and analytical study employing both qualitative and quantitative approaches, conducted through a case study, documentary research and a literature review. Management plans, reports, activity records, spreadsheets, training materials and institutional dashboards were analysed. The results recorded 653 mobilisation activities, reaching 8,645 people across 28 communities, with 16 entrepreneurs selected and 18 training topics delivered. A substantial increase in advisory sessions was observed, from seven in 2023 to 22 in 2025, accompanied by an increase in average participation. Methodological adaptations were also identified, including the replacement of a formal public call with invitation letters, cohort restructuring, the expansion of training content and the introduction of complementary activities. The study concludes that the ISPS underwent progressive organisational structuring, intensified participant support and demonstrated adaptive capacity, although more systematic indicators of participant retention and enterprise outcomes are still required.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24941/ijcr.50924.09.2026
An Integrated Technology Acceptance Model And Servqual Framework For Assessing Customer satisfaction in digital banking

Srichandan Swain and Dr. Samira Patra

ABSTRACT:
The digital banking has revolutionized the banking system, providing enhanced access, convenience and efficiency of services. This study aims to find how digital banking infrastructure affects customer satisfaction and compares the performance of digital banking between public and private commercial banks. The quantitative research method used was the structured questionnaire which was administered to the customers of the banks. Reliability analysis, descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, regression analysis and ANOVA were used to analyze the collected data to see if there were relationships and differences between variables. The results confirm that digital banking infrastructure is a positive strong driver for customers' satisfaction and the private sector banks are more performing in digital banking. The usability, reliability and security are dominant factors in customer experience. The study concludes that continuous investments in customer oriented digital technologies are needed to make bank competitive in the evolving banking environment.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24941/ijcr.50857.09.2026
Evaluating the impact of asset-based approaches on enhancing quality community livelihoods in Uganda

Susanne Nambatya, Emmanuel Tweh Friday, Samuel Mayanja, Wilmot A. Reeves and Roselyne Omondi

ABSTRACT:
Uganda, a democratic republic with a decentralized governance structure, has implemented policies aligned with its Vision 2040 to uplift community welfare as part of its transition to middle-income status. Despite government, and NGO efforts, challenges persist in achieving sustainable community livelihoods, highlighting the need for innovative approaches. Asset-based approaches represent a shift from deficit-oriented frameworks, focusing on mobilizing existing community strengths rather than addressing needs only. This paper investigates the impact of asset-based approaches on enhancing quality community livelihoods in Uganda, focusing on community assets like people, natural resources, technology, and knowledge. The paper used a cross-sectional, mixed-methods design, collecting data from 338 respondents in Kabaale Township, Buseruka Sub-County, to analyze the relationship between asset-based approaches and community well-being. Results indicate a strong, positive correlation between asset-based strategies and livelihood quality (r=0.833, p<0.01), suggesting that investments in community assets significantly improve socio-economic conditions. Factor analysis showed that people’s involvement in productive activities, access to natural resources, the adoption of technology, and knowledge on asset management are key components influencing community livelihoods. Regression analysis further revealed that asset-based approaches account for a substantial proportion of livelihood improvement variance (adjustedR² = 0.741). The paper concludes that asset-based approaches are critical to enhancing community resilience, self-sufficiency and livelihood outcomes and empower communities to become active agents of change within their socio-economic landscapes. It recommends a shift in community development practices towards asset mobilization and empowerment to foster sustainable growth, aligning with Uganda’s broader socio-economic goals.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24941/ijcr.50871.09.2026
Impact of parliamentary oversight on budgetary credibility and the performance of public action in Benin

Kocou Edgard Romaric AKPOVO, Cyrille Mahoussi ADANKANHOUNDE

ABSTRACT:
The centrality of public finances in the implementation of state action raises the question of the quality of the institutional mechanisms responsible for ensuring their governance and control. Based on the theoretical framework of budgetary governance and public accountability, this research aims to measure the impact of the intensity of parliamentary oversight on budgetary credibility in Benin and to test its mediating role in improving the performance of public action over the period 2019-2025. It utilizes budget settlement laws, budget execution reports from the Ministry of Economy and Finance, reports from the Finance Committee of the National Assembly, and PEFA evaluation indicators. The methodology combines a descriptive analysis of budgetary trends with conservative econometric modelling to test the effect of the intensity of parliamentary oversight on budgetary credibility and its mediating role in improving public performance. The results indicate that a gradual strengthening of parliamentary oversight activities is accompanied by an improvement in the overall budget execution rate (from 88% to 95% over the period) and a reduction in the gap between forecasts and actual spending, suggesting a moderate positive association between oversight and budget credibility. The analysis also highlights a spillover effect of credibility leading to improved public policy performance. The study thus contributes to empirical research on the institutional role of Parliament and informs ongoing budget reforms in Benin.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24941/ijcr.50956.09.2026
Transformational leadership and talent retention in indian it organizations

Prof. Thiriveni Sripriya, S. and Dr. Somu A,

ABSTRACT:
Employee retention is a strategic concern in knowledge-intensive information technology (IT) organizations because the loss of skilled employees can disrupt organizational knowledge, project continuity, team cohesion and innovation. This study examines the relationship between transformational leadership and talent retention among IT employees in Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu, India, with employee engagement examined as an explanatory mechanism. Drawing on transformational leadership theory and Social Exchange Theory, transformational leadership is represented by idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation and individualized consideration. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey design was used with 379 valid responses obtained from IT employees through stratified sampling. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, multiple regression, covariance-based structural equation modelling and Hayes PROCESS analyses were used. Transformational leadership was perceived moderately positively (M = 3.5008, SD = 0.54965), while talent retention was also relatively favourable (M = 3.5482, SD = 0.68869). Transformational leadership was significantly correlated with talent retention (r = .606, p < .001), and the full regression model explained 63.3% of the variance in talent retention (R² = .633; F = 91.296, p < .001). Intellectual stimulation (β = .204, p < .001) and individualized consideration (β = .144, p = .017) were significant positive unique predictors. Employee engagement significantly mediated the leadership–retention relationship: the bootstrapped indirect effect was .581, 95% CI (.452, .715), and approximately 77% of the total effect operated through engagement. In contrast, the interaction between leadership and engagement was not significant (b = .0368, p = .466), indicating no moderation. The findings suggest that IT organizations should develop leaders who stimulate employee thinking, provide individualized developmental support and deliberately cultivate engagement. Importantly, the article treats intention to stay as one component of the broader talent-retention construct rather than incorrectly equating the two.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24941/ijcr.50905.09.2026
Vulnérabilité des exploitants du mil et niébé de la commune rurale de karma dans un contexte de changement climatique

YACOUBA ALI Razinatou, IDRISSA SAIDOU Mahamadou and SOUMANA Boubacar

ABSTRACT:
Au Niger, l’activité principale de la majeure partie des populations rurales est l’agriculture de subsistance. Cependant, cette activité phare rencontre depuis quelques années des perturbations liées à l’insuffisance des terres de culture engendrée par la démographie galopante, aux effets du changement climatique qui rendent les exploitants agricoles vulnérables malgré les multiples efforts qu’ils consentent. Cette étude réalisée sur 234 exploitants du mil et niébé à Karma, a pour but de mesurer la vulnérabilité de ces exploitants au changement climatique à travers des enquêtes. Les données ont été traitées avec le logiciel SPSS 20 et le tableur Excel 2016. Les formules destinées à l’obtention du besoin alimentaire annuel par ménage et celle permettant d’avoir le nombre de mois de couverture du mil et du niébé ont été élaborées en s’inspirant des normes en équivalent des produits proposés par le CSAN-Niger (2020) pour le mil et le CILSS (2004) pour le niébé. Les résultats montrent que les ménages investigués ont une consommation moyenne du mil de 905,74 ± 183,97 kg/personne/an contre 162,60 ± 60,22 kg/personne/an pour le niébé. S’agissant du nombre de mois de couverture, il est de 2,53 mois en moyenne pour le mil et 9,72 ± 4,48 mois pour le niébé sur une année. Les pertes post-récolte enregistrées sont en moyenne de l’ordre de 25,29 ± 24,76 kg pour le mil. En termes de fond, ces pertes s’élèvent à 6 070,53 ± 5 943,04 F CFA. Par ailleurs, pour le niébé, ces pertes après récolte sont de 9,88 ± 8,61 kg en moyenne soit 4 938,03 ± 4 307,57 F CFA en espèces. Ces pertes entraînent des réductions du pouvoir d’achat des producteurs qui entravent leur épanouissement socioéconomique accentuant ainsi leur vulnérabilité. Il faudrait alors lutter contre les pertes de culture, limiter la dégradation des terres de culture et leur occupation anarchique par des habitations pour permettre aux exploitants d’avoir les moyens de lutter contre la pauvreté, la faim et l’exode rurale.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24941/ijcr.50966.09.2026
The human+ model redefining masculinity through emotional courage, reciprocity and humanistic leadership

Dr. Ignacio Bonasa Alzuria

ABSTRACT:
Masculinity is not a fixed biological script but a socially learned and context-sensitive way of interpreting strength, responsibility, emotion, work, care and authority. In many organizations, however, masculine credibility continues to be associated with emotional restriction, invulnerability, extreme self-reliance, competitive dominance and uninterrupted work devotion. These expectations may reward some men in the short term while generating hidden costs for men, women, teams and organizations: silence, delayed help-seeking, burnout, poor-quality relationships, exclusion and leadership cultures in which appearing strong becomes more important than acting wisely. This conceptual research paper develops the Human+ Model, a strengths-based framework for a new, plural and accountable masculinity in organizational life. The study uses an integrative review of scholarship on masculinities, men’s mental health, leadership, psychological safety, workplace well-being and gender-transformative practice. It synthesizes this literature into eight mutually reinforcing dimensions: self-awareness, emotional literacy, conscious vulnerability, relational courage, reciprocity and care, purpose and ethical responsibility, integrated strength, and generative leadership. The model rejects both the idealization and the condemnation of masculinity. Instead, it distinguishes strength from domination, courage from emotional denial, autonomy from isolation, ambition from work addiction, and protection from control. The article presents a multilevel logic connecting individual identity, interpersonal behavior, team climate and organizational systems; formulates research propositions; proposes a Human+ Organizational Masculinity Index; and outlines practical interventions for leadership development and human-resource policy. The central argument is that healthier masculinities are not a concession that diminishes men. They are an expansion of human capacity. When men are permitted and expected to combine competence with care, authority with listening, and resilience with help-seeking, organizations gain more trustworthy leaders, safer teams and more sustainable performance.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24941/ijcr.50770.09.2026
Marchés fonciers et enjeux des arrangements marchands de la sous-préfecture de boguédia dans la région du haut-sassandra (Côte d’Ivoire)

KOFFI Koffi Gnamien Jean-claude, KONE Aboulaye and KONAN Koff

ABSTRACT:
Créés dans un contexte de crise agro-foncière, les arrangements fonciers connaissent une évolution notable. Ces pratiques régissent les relations socio-économiques des agriculteurs de la Sous-Préfecture de Boguédia. Cet article met en lumière les enjeux des arrangements de marchés fonciers entre les populations locales et les populations non autochtones et migrantes. La recherche qualitative a été menée par observation directe, des entretiens semi-directifs et l’analyse documentaire. Cette étude a mobilisé comme outils de collecte de données, des guides d'entretien, une grille d'observation et une grille de recherche. Les résultats démontrent l'imbrication de l'économie morale et de l'économie de marché dans les transactions foncières à Boguédia. Face à la rareté des terres et aux difficultés administratives liées à la vente des terres des populations allochtones et allogènes, les acteurs privilégient d'autres formes d'arrangements (location, métayage, gage, prêt et tontine des terres) issues de l'économie morale. Ces arrangements reposent sur la confiance, le contrôle social, la solidarité et la résilience des acteurs impliqués. Ils permettent non seulement aux migrants d'accéder individuellement ou collectivement à la terre pour une période déterminée, mais engendrent également de nouveaux conflits fonciers intercommunautaires. Toutefois, ces conflits fonciers liés aux nouveaux arrangements contribuent à la restructuration de la société et de ses mécanismes de régulation.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24941/ijcr.50911.09.2026