British Journal of Multidisciplinary and Advanced Studies

Food and Diaspora: An Exploration in M.G. Vassanji’s the Book of Secrets

Manya Suri — 2025-03-06

M.G. Vassanji’s The Book of Secrets intricately examines themes of displacement, cultural memory, and adaptation within the diasporic experience. Food emerges as a significant motif, representing both the preservation and transformation of identity in a foreign land. Through the novel’s exploration of East African Indian communities, Vassanji highlights the ways in which culinary traditions serve as repositories of memory and mediums for intergenerational knowledge transmission. This paper investigates the role of food in The Book of Secrets as a symbol of cultural continuity and change, focusing on its function in sustaining identity, negotiating hybridity, and reinforcing familial and communal bonds. Drawing on theoretical insights from postcolonial studies, including the works of Homi Bhabha, Stuart Hall, and Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, the study argues that food encapsulates the complex realities of diasporic existence. The paper concludes that the novel’s depiction of food is central to understanding the emotional and cultural dimensions of displacement, as culinary practices become sites of both resistance and transformation.

New Textual Interpretation of "The Fall of Icarus" by William Carlos Williams

Bam Dev Sharma — 2025-03-06

The poem "Fall of Icarus "is one of the epochs making and experimental poems in terms of its stylistic composition, containing hybrid literary form based on visible and implicit imagery as an example of transformative poetry. This poem is a paint manifestation by Peter Brueghel who tries to capture rather vivid and descriptive imageries from past to the present. It is a Greek myth in which Daedalus threatens his son, Icarus, not to fly towards the sun. However, his exalted passions never deter him and finally he comes to an end by falling as his waxed wings melt down. The moments he falls down and the surrounding beside his dead body captured in the painting are also poetically captured in the poem. Different sources of textual formulations take place in the poem: Greek myth to modern experimental poetry. This poem can be interpreted from some of the dominant traces of new textuality. It has a strong cultural and mythical element in it and therefore it tries to manipulate deeper and inner textual features. This article, in this sense, explores hidden links and textual elements for a comprehensive analysis and objective interpretation of the poem. Though painting and poetry are inter- related, they, though, use two different ways of manifestation of texts that can enrich new textual premise for interpretation. So, this article tries to analyze it from new textual interpretation taking help from prominent critics of the time like Linda Hutenchon, Richard J. Lane, and Peter Stockwell.

The Importance of the Evil Forest in Things Fall Apart in the Wake of Climate Change

John Moono — 2025-03-11

This paper explores the importance of the Evil Forest in Things Fall Apart and its implications for contemporary environmental conservation, arguing that indigenous knowledge systems can contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Pragmatic (Im)politeness in the Language of Political Advertisements in Selected Nigerian Newspapers

Damilola Oluseyi Fafiyebi — 2025-03-11

Language is central to politics because it is the instrument through which politicians exercise authority and influence the people. While evidence abounds on numerous scholarly efforts to unravel the hidden meaning in varieties of political discourse, it can be observed that very little has been done on the pattern of impoliteness employed in political communication especially, political advertisements. Unlike previous studies that have examined political discourse from the angle of interviews and speeches, this study examines (im)politeness as a meaning-making tool employed by politicians in political advertisements. The study employs Leech’s (1983) politeness model to drive its analysis. Thirty political advertisements were published by the selected newspapers during the covered by the study. The study seeks to establish the extent of conformity to general communicative principles in political advertisement. Findings show that the competitive nature of elections is shown in the- language of political advertisements and that politicians use them to achieve two objectives: solicit for votes and blackmail their opponents, albeit indirectly because of the need for polite communication. Even though the adverts contain a blend of polite and impolite communication, the impoliteness is masked. In essence, the notion of politeness as a tool for maintaining social cohesion does not apply to political advertisements.

Teachers’ Understanding of the Communicative Language Teaching Approach in Zambia

Gwen Mutolwa — 2025-03-12

The Zambia Primary School Syllabus recommends the Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) approach as the methodology to use when teaching English Language as a second language to primary school learners. This implies that teachers should have adequate understanding of the methodology and how to implement it when teaching English language. The study aimed at establishing teachers’ understanding of the Communicative Language Teaching approach as a teaching methodology. The study was qualitative and collected data using face to face interviews. The participants were 20 teachers from three districts in Central province of Zambia who were purposively sampled. The findings were that while teachers were using the Zambia Primary School syllabus, most of them failed to mention recommended methodology in the syllabus which they were supposed to be using to teach English language. Instead, they mentioned some activities used to teach English using CLT. The findings also showed that most teachers had limited understanding of CLT as they failed to describe and explain what it is. Arising from the findings, the study recommended that teacher training colleges should intensively train teachers on the teaching methodologies, and schools should engage in-service teachers in continuous Professional Development (CPD) meetings on pedagogy to help teachers enhance their pedagogical skills.

English Language Teaching in Zambia: Balancing Colonial Legacies and Cultural Relevance

Ronald Lewis Kaunda — 2025-03-26

The teaching of English in Zambia plays a crucial role in the education system, serving as the dominant medium of instruction at all academic levels. However, the multilingual nature of the country presents significant challenges, as many students learn English as a second or third language. This study investigates the effectiveness and cultural relevance of English Language Teaching (ELT) methods employed in Zambian secondary schools. Using a qualitative research design, the study explores how teachers adapt their instructional strategies to Zambia’s diverse linguistic and cultural context. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with English teachers from various schools and analyzed using thematic analysis within a postcolonial theoretical framework. Findings indicate that teachers employ a combination of traditional and modern ELT methods, including Communicative Language Teaching (CLT), Grammar-Translation, Task-Based Learning (TBL), and teacher exposition. While communicative approaches have gained traction, the persistence of grammar-translation and lecture-based instruction reflects the lasting influence of Zambia’s colonial educational heritage. Teachers have made efforts to integrate culturally relevant pedagogy by incorporating local proverbs, storytelling, and translanguaging strategies to enhance student engagement. However, challenges such as large class sizes, limited teaching resources, and examination-driven curricula hinder the full implementation of culturally responsive teaching methods. The study highlights the ongoing tension between the need for English proficiency in a globalized world and the importance of preserving local linguistic and cultural identities. It recommends policy reforms that support more inclusive and culturally adaptable ELT strategies to bridge the gap between colonial legacies and contemporary multilingual realities in Zambia’s education system.

Challenges and Support Systems for Headteachers in the Implementation of Professional Learning Communities Concept in Effutu Municipality, Ghana

Hinneh Kusi — 2025-03-06

Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) concept was introduced in the pre-tertiary education system in Ghana in 2019 as a model of continuous professional development policy, following the education reforms. The aim is to offer teachers opportunity to take charge of their own professional learning so as to become competent professionals in the field of education as well as to promote collaboration and collegiality among them. This study explored the challenges facing the basic school headteachers in Effutu Municipality of Ghana in the implementation of PLCs concept as well as the support systems they needed. It was qualitative research underpinned by the interpretivist paradigm and employed a case study research design. Using maximal variation sampling strategy, 15 headteachers were selected for a semi-structured interview and the data collected was analysed thematically. The study revealed that the challenges confronting the headteachers in the implementation of PLCs in the municipality included time constraints and limited space for reflective activities, perceived lack of value, and inadequate knowledge about the concept. It also emerged that financial and material support from both internal and external sources within the fraternity were needed for effective implementation of the PLCs in the municipality, The study recommended that the Municipal Education Directorate should intensify school sensitization campaigns to raise awareness, and to promote the benefits of PLCs among the headteachers, teachers, and relevant stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the concept.

The Effect of Teacher Qualifications on Learners' Reading Achievement in Multilingual Learning Contexts of Livingstone District in Zambia

Stephen Moyo — 2025-03-07

The study investigated effect of teacher professional qualifications on learners' reading achievement in multilingual learning contexts of Livingstone District. The study used a quantitative approach and adopted and experimental design on three grade 1 teachers who were holding different qualifications in the same school and district. The study variables included phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. The study found that learners taught by the teacher with a Bachelor’s in Primary Education and a Primary Teacher’s Diploma achieved the highest post test scores (Cohen's d = 1.33), followed by those instructed by the teacher with a Primary Teacher’s Diploma only (Cohen's d = 0.85) while the lowest performance was recorded by the class taught by the teacher with a Bachelor’s Degree in English Language and History (Cohen's d = 0.84). These results suggest that specialised training in primary education, particularly at the bachelor's level, provides teachers with more superior pedagogical competences necessary for effective literacy instruction in multilingual learning contexts. The study recommended that primary schools should strengthen Continuing Professional Development (CPD) through tailored initiatives. These initiatives could include classroom demonstrations, collaborative workshops, and mentorship opportunities, all aimed at improving teachers' instructional strategies.

An Introspective on Zambia’s Competence Based Curriculum: Stakeholder’s Perspectives

Moses Chisala — 2025-03-09

The study introspected stakeholder’s perspectives on Zambia’s competence-based curriculum. This study was guided by an interpretive paradigm, employing qualitative interpretive phenomenology study design. Data was collected using observation and semi-structured interview guide with twenty participants who included teachers, school administrators, policymakers, and curriculum developers which was analysed thematically. The study revealed that Competence-Based Curriculum carries a liberal and inclusive approach, alignment with socio-economic needs, bridging the skill gap and enhanced career pathways to meet diverse learners. On the other hand, the study revealed that the new curriculum framework may face implementation challenges, such as inadequate resources, insufficient teacher training, and resistance to change, which will hinder its effectiveness. To address the projected implementation pitfalls of Zambia’s Competence-Based Curriculum, stakeholders must ensure adequate teacher training, resource allocation, continuous monitoring, and inclusive policy adjustments based on practical challenges and feedback. Therefore, transitioning to a Competence-Based Curriculum is a strategic move for Zambia, aiming to produce skilled, adaptable, and responsible citizens ready to contribute to national development and succeed in the global arena. Based on these findings, the study recommends that fully realize the CBC, Zambia must invest in capacity building, infrastructure development, and continuous stakeholder engagement.

Stories of Success: A Phenomenological Study of the Leadership Practices of High-Performing Secondary Schools in Selebi Phikwe, Botswana

Ndechedzelo Tau — 2025-03-24

This qualitative research study was intended to find the thoughts, feelings and actions of school principals of secondary schools in the town of Selebi Phikwe about the leadership styles they use in their high-performing schools and how their educational leadership practices align to the 21 leadership responsibilities coined by Marzano et al. (2005). The study used a phenomenological research design. Semi-structured interviews were used for collecting data from six school principals purposefully selected, who maintained high student achievement in the high-performing secondary schools. The evidence presented in this study established that to be successful in high-performing schools, principals must develop a school culture of high expectations with a focus on student achievement. Principals must be good managers who are compassionate. Effective principals build the collective efficacy of their teams by building strong relationships through effective means of communication. The participants of the study highlighted building school culture and having a clear and concise vision as the most prevalent characteristics principals must possess. In high-performing schools, the development of a strong culture is intentional and aligned to strong student achievement. Effective principals develop teacher instructional capacity through mentorship and coaching programs to assuage the challenges of inexperienced teachers and also value relationships with students, parents and the community. Effective principals retain experienced teachers in their schools by building strong relationships. Focus and being data-driven were also identified as leadership responsibilities that an effective principal must practice in an environment of their high-performance. School principals must also master accountability systems.

Re-Engineering the Importance of French Language to Diplomatic Practices and International Relations

Felicia Olufemi Olaseinde — 2025-03-25

This study examined the, relevance and connection of the French language to the practice of diplomacy and international relations. It has been argued severally that French Language seems not only an instrument of communication but part of the very essence of diplomacy. The reason for this assertion is not far-fetched; it was adduced that diplomats engage in negotiations, persuasion, presentation and communications, all of which necessitates language skills for the effective conduct of diplomatic works. French Language is one of the languages that is used to achieve the vital needs in diplomacy, likewise its antecedents in the world of diplomacy in the past and present day. Therefore, this study essentially argues that the French language remains relevant for the conduct of the relations generally and the necessity of its study by the students of Arts and Language Education, Language and Literary Studies and History and International Studies. Some of the major points highlighted in this work include origin of French language and its growth; History of Diplomacy and International Relations - Growth and Relevance; The Relevance and Interconnectedness of the Language and Diplomatic Practices and the Relevance of the Study of the French language to students of International Relations. In conclusion, the use of French laid emphasises on how beneficial it is to foster understanding and cooperation in this international community. The work further recommended that it is necessary for students to learn and understand French language so that they can function well in the global world.

Post - Traumatic Pseudoaneurysm of The Superficial Temporal Artery: A Clinical Case and Review of Literature

Zuccon William — 2025-03-06

Post-traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the superficial temporal artery (STA) represents a rare clinical condition that usually follows blunt trauma; it manifests as pulsatile swelling along the course of the artery in the fronto-temporal site. In this paper, the Authors present a case of post - traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the right STA that developed 2 months after suffering a contusive trauma in the temporal site. With reference to the literature data, we also reviewed the pathophysiology involved in pseudoaneurysm formation and the approach to diagnose and management this type of injury. A thorough clinical examination with the various imaging modalities allows for a correct diagnosis. The treatment of choice is mostly vessel ligation and pseudoaneurysm excision.

Global Health: Crossing the Equity Chasm

Jose Maria Paganini — 2025-03-13

Despite the commitments assumed and health`s declarations made in the last 80 years; it is a fact recognized by the international organizations that health equity still remains to be achieved in the majority of countries. In addition, there is a lack of agreements in order to define and advance towards systemic policies that can achieve this challenge. During the course of this 21st century, we have witnessed a global COVID-19 pandemic, the return of illness that we believed were already controlled such as Ebola, the progressive threat of environmental problems, the increasing bacterial antimicrobial resistance or the exponential growth of chronic pathologies; all challenges that forces us to make urgent decisions aimed to reorganize the existence of a global health system. As a contribution to a necessary and urgent debate in this sense, this document presents contributions on complexity theories that might be useful for the integration and optimization of the current health model.

Leveraging Google Forms for Surgical Site Infection Tracking: A Novel Approach to Post-Operative Wound Assessment

Annited Rashme — 2025-03-24

Effective tracking and timely assessment of surgical wounds are crucial for minimizing post-operative complications such as infections and delayed healing. This article explores the use of Google Forms as a No-cost, efficient tool for monitoring surgical site Infection and promoting patient self-reporting for post-operative care. We discuss the development of a "Surgical Site Infection Tracker" form, which enables healthcare providers to track the healing progress of surgical wounds remotely. The form includes various assessment parameters such as pain, redness, drainage, and signs of infection, and allows for easy integration with Google Sheets for data analysis. The potential benefits, limitations, and ethical considerations of this method are also explored.

The Influence of Trauma on Street Children and Their Family Relationships in Lusaka

Phiri Chinyama Daniel — 2025-03-27

The traumatic experiences of street children develop from neglect and physical abuse along with witnessing violent situations, which heavily damages both their mental health and family bonds. Learning about trauma effects on these bonding relationships becomes necessary for building effective support and reintegration programs. The research evaluates traumatic experiences’ influence on Lusaka Street children's family bonds while studying factors which promote and hinder their reintegrative success. The study relied on qualitative methods through extensive one-on-one interviews with both street children and their families to research the distressing behavioural responses created by trauma. The research outcomes show that traumatic experiences create substantial obstacles to family reintegration because they promote emotional separation and distrust as well as destructive behaviours that include anger control issues and drug use. The combination of resilience in children, sustained family backing, and community support generated better outcomes concerning reintegration. The research evidence shows that street children need trauma-based interventions alongside family therapeutic alignment and dependable community support systems to rebuild trust between children and their families through emotional reconnection, thus improving reintegration efforts.

Species-Specific Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals in Oreochromis Niloticus, Synodontis Clarias and Clarias Gariepinus from Kiri Reservoir, Nigeria

Buhari Jibrin — 2025-03-06

Anthropogenic activities such as crop production in the watershed of Kiri Reservoir give rise to the use of fertilizers and pesticides to increase yield and enhance quality produce. However, these xenobiotics enter into the aquatic environment via runoff and are sources of heavy metals that cause harmful effects on nontarget organisms. Species-specific bioaccumulation of heavy metals in some commercial fish (Oreochromis niloticus, Synodontis clarias, and Clarias gariepinus) from Kiri Reservoir, Nigeria, were assessed on a temporal basis from August, 2023 through January 2024. An Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer was used to identify and determine the bioaccumulation of six heavy metals; Cadmium, Nickel, Lead, Arsenic, Chromium, and Zinc in the fish species. Chromium recorded the highest mean bioaccumulation values in the order of 2.360 ± 0.016 µg/g, 2.060 ± 0.008 µg/g, and 2.043 ± 0.013 µg/g for C. gariepinus, S. clarias and O. niloticus respectively in October. Cadmium was the least with the following decreasing mean bioaccumulation of 0.080 ± 0.000µg/g in December, 0.038 ± 0.000 µg/g, 0.007 ± 0.000 µg/g in January for S. clarias, C. gariepinus and O. niloticus respectively. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the bioaccumulation of heavy metals among the three fish species and on a temporal basis. S. clarias recorded the highest level followed by C. gariepinus and then O. niloticus. This study concludes that the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in the fish species was influenced by the species type and local weather conditions beyond their chemical characterizations.

A Multifunctional Well-Placement in an Oil Rim Reservoir

John Victory Christopher — 2025-03-06

Enhancing hydrocarbon production and optimizing recovery at the lowest possible cost are the objectives of an oil field development research. Coning issues, gas smeared, and oil lost into the gas cap are always linked to optimizing oil production from oil rim reservoirs with an underlying aquifer and an overlaying gas cap. These issues will lower the oil recovery factor. Oil rim reserves are viewed as marginal by the majority of oil firms. A model with a horizontal and multilateral well in an oil rim reservoir is simulated using the Schlumberger Eclipse 100 Black oil simulator, with the horizontal well serving as the base-case. Sensitivity analysis, cost evaluation of the advantages of the multilateral well over the horizontal well, and the impact of standoff from such reservoirs were also investigated. The analysis of the simulation results, cost analysis, and sensitivity analysis revealed that the horizontal well produced 132,287 STB, a higher field oil production rate, and a good amount of profit than the multilateral well, which presented an increased oil production total of 134,135 STB. With 132,287 STB, the horizontal well's standoff resulted in the highest oil recovery production because to its tiny size. However, when the standoff was severe and the laterals were widely spaced, more oil—134,135 STB—was collected from the multilateral well. According to the aforementioned findings, multilateral wells can be utilized in an oil rim reservoir to improve oil recovery as opposed to traditional techniques, which do not yield the best output and render the oil rim reservoir marginal.

The Use of Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) to Determine the Water Velocity as Related to Sediment Deposition in Epe Lagoon, Lagos State, Nigeria

Oshomah Emmanuel Iluobe — 2025-03-24

Sediment deposition poses significant challenges to marine transport, aquatic ecosystems, and hydrogeological exploration. This study investigates the integration of Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) data with grain size analysis to estimate sediment deposition velocities in a lagoonal environment. Data from ten ADCP measurements revealed varying velocities, with the highest at 7.70 ft/s and the lowest at 0.99 ft/s. Analysis of ADCP data indicated high velocity zones at depths of 21 to 27 ft and 12 to 19 ft, while low velocities were observed at shallow depths (up to 18 ft) and near the bottom at specific locations. Concurrent grain size analysis identified a predominance of coarse-grained sand, with varying degrees of sorting from moderately well to poorly sorted sediments. The results demonstrated that areas of high sediment velocity are associated with larger grain sizes, whereas low velocity zones correspond to finer grains. This study suggests optimal navigation routes for vessels around the lagoon’s middle and recommends dredging edges to mitigate sediment accumulation. These insights provide valuable guidance for sediment management, coastal engineering, and marine transportation safety.

Analysis of Artificial Narrow Intelligence (Ani) in the Indian Retail and E-Commerce Sector

Prachi Malgaonkar — 2025-03-06

The study examines how artificial narrow intelligence innovation affect India’s retail and e-commerce industries with an emphasis on operational enhancement, moral issues and consumer satisfaction. Key parameters such as viability of chatbots interactions, suggestion precision, timeframe improvements for complaint settlement, frequency of consumer interactions, privacy related issue rate and permission level for utilizing information were examined via survey of 406 respondents. The real-world application and perks of artificial intelligence are demonstrated through Flipkart, Reliance Retail, Big Basket, Myntra and Tata Cliq. These investigations emphasize improvement in consumer experience, commitment and productivity and decrease in fraud and cost associated with inventory. The study proposes goals and theories to direct future research while identifying knowledge gaps in client responses, measuring client contentment, ethical considerations and regulatory effects. The result indicates that while ANI technologies greatly improve operational effectiveness and consumer happiness, more work needs to be done to deal with privacy and unethical practices. To promote safe and efficient implementation of ANI, important recommendations involve strengthening openness in ANI techniques, putting in place strong information securities safeguard and encouraging industry players and law enforcement agencies to collaborate.

Strategic Plan for a Coffee Company– Part 2

Laran Chetty — 2025-03-11

The purpose of this paper was to conduct a strategic plan of a Coffee Company in Durban, South Africa. The strategic plan strategies for growth were determined using the the SAFe criteria. The strategic plan included the McKinsey 7S model, the type of change being proposed and advise on sustainable strategy. The strategic opportunity identified for the Coffee Company was to diversify its products. In this regard, the recommendations to the Coffee Company focussed on product innovation. The recommendations were based on the 4R strategy of product diversification.

Enhancing Graduate Teacher Employability on the Complex and Volatile Labour Markets

Misheck Samakao — 2025-03-18

The levels of unemployment amongst the graduate teachers on the labour market have been increasing at an alarming rate. Every year, huge numbers of new graduates from institutions of higher learning are being offloaded on the market. Several institutions of higher learning however, have recorded sudden declines on the avarege numbers of enrollments per year. If the trends continue on the same trajectory, the future of teaching as a profesión will continue to remain clouded with high levels of uncertaininty. Several critical questions therefore have been posed as to whether graduate teacher education is still relevant to society today. As the labour market evolves, the graduate teacher education on the other hand has relatively remained static for many years. There is a close relationship between education and employability. Normally, education enhances employability. It has therefore become an urgent matter within the public domain to look for solutions to address this complex problem. This article therefore aimed at exploring how graduate teachers employability may be enhanced on the labour market. The researcher employed an embedded mixed methods research design which was grounded in pragmatism. Data was collected using both purposive and simple random sampling techniques. The quantitative data was analysed using inferrential and descriptive statistics while content thematic análysis was used to analyse qualitative data. The results indicated that there was need to consider graduate upskilling and reskilling for enhanced graduate teacher employability on the labour market. It was recommended further that the government could actively lead in the process of graduate teacher education and transformational processes through specific policy direction, robust curriculum reviews and continuos quality improvement.

An Employability Thermostatic Framework for Enhancing Graduate Teacher Employability in an Evolving Labour Market

Misheck Samakao — 2025-03-17

Enhancing graduate teacher employability has become a critical concern for educational institutions and policy-makers globally. This article anchored on three pillars of theory, thermostatic principles and mathematical predictions explored the development of an employability framework to improve the career prospects of graduate teachers. Further, the system approach, transformative, human capital and the skills development theories were intergrated into the early developments of the framework. Both the principles of an electric thermostatic properties and the transformative equation were used to strengthen the relevancy of the framework. By integrating these competencies into teacher education programs, the study advocates for a transformative and holistic approach that not only focuses on academic knowledge but also on practical skills and personal attributes. Grounded theory was used as the study methodology to develop an employability thermostatic framework that has capabilities to sense, regulate, control and give relevant feedback. Further, this article navigates through the process of developing the framework which documented a great tool that revolutionizes graduate teacher employability in the most novel and contemporary manner. The employability thermostatic framework offers a structured model for evaluating and enhancing graduate teachers' readiness for the robust employability. Through a combination of curriculum reforms, industry partnerships, and professional development opportunities, the framework aims to bridge the gap between academic preparation and job market demands. The findings further suggest that a transformative employability thermostatic framework provides a comprehensive approach in solving the problem of graduate teacher employability on the labour market. This article contributes to the ongoing discourse on teacher employability in the most innovative manner that challenges the traditional measures and approaches.

The Effects of Direct Assessment, Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) on Internally Generated Revenue in Ondo State

Simeon Olorunwa Adegun — 2025-04-01

This study analyzes the effect of personal income tax on internally generated revenue in Ondo State. The specific objectives are to examine the individual contributions of the components of personal income tax on internally generated revenue in Ondo State. This study used both primary sources and secondary sources of data. In doing this, two models were utilized. The secondary data focused on secondary data from eight years record from Ondo State Board of Internal Revenue (OSBIR), while the primary data employed survey through the aid of questionnaires distributed across the three senatorial districts (18 LGAs) of the state. Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression analysis was adopted to estimate the two models. The findings show that PAYE and other sources of taxes were statistically significant on internally generated revenue in Ondo State in model one. Meanwhile, in model two, the ability of state government to bring in more payers into the tax net and deploy effective collection of PAYE to enhance revenue have positive and statistically significant impact on IGR in the state. It is therefore recommended that the Ondo State government should bring to table the holistic approach to revenue collection of taxes in the state with a view of enhancing internally generated revenue and minimize bureauractic fraud involved on the part of revenue collection officers in the state.

Urban Scaling is Hardwired in the Human Brain

Airton Deppman — 2025-03-31

The emerging field of the Science of Cities has revealed universal power-law trends in urban scaling, transcending cultural and geographic variations. This study investigates the interplay between fundamental allometry, fractal dimensions, and city social dynamics. By linking these factors to the hierarchical social structures defined by Dunbar’s numbers, a causal relationship is established that illuminates the drivers of urban scaling. Notably, this research highlights the pivotal role of the Big Five personality traits in shaping the fractal nature of urban environments. These findings bridge the gap between human cognitive traits and urban structural patterns, offering a novel perspective on the universality of urban scaling and opening new opportunities for interdisciplinary exploration.

Illuminating the Connection: Breastfeeding, Lactose Intolerance, and Early Life Disease Prevention

Lynda Sedley — 2025-03-31

Breastfeeding plays a critical role in early-life nutrition, influencing epigenetic mechanisms that shape long-term health outcomes. This research reviews existing literature to explore new connections between quantum biology and human physiology, particularly pertaining to the relationship between breastfeeding, early disease prevention, and lactose intolerance, emphasising the role of light in biological systems and neurological conditions such as motor neuron disease and autism spectrum disorder. By integrating perspectives from nutritional epigenetics, quantum biology, and microbiome research, this study highlights the interconnectedness of biological processes that support infant development and lifelong health.

Radio Drama as a Synergy for Social Change

Zaccheaus Ojo Joseph — 2025-03-06

The study investigated radio drama as a synergy for social change. The research design for this study will be a qualitative type of research. The population of the study consisted of all government workers in Ekiti State. The sample size of one hundred fifty (150) respondents was used for the study. The instrument that was used is a self-structured questionnaire for data collection. The data gathered for this study will be analysed using percentage distribution of frequency counts and bar chart to analyse the demographic data of the respondent. It was concluded that radio drama can be very effective in political campaign and political propaganda. Radio drama has positive influence on behavioural change in the society. Since majority of the radio drama programme is focusing mainly on issues affecting the society, hence radio drama influences behavioural change in the society. Radio drama has more effectiveness to social change than other form of drama. It was recommended that drama should be use to educate listeners on important social issues, such as education and civil rights, radio drama has high potency in effective communication hence, it should be adopted where other means of communication fail.

Colonial Encounters Towards Agrarian Change: A Study of the Agricultural Landscape in Bukidnon During the American Period, 1901-1935

Keren Happuch D. Valleser — 2025-03-06

This paper seeks to present how the interaction between the native populations and American colonizer drastically altered the agricultural landscape of Bukidnon. As integrated into the colonial agricultural system, Bukidnon evolved into a modern economy. The American colonists brought a new set of agricultural policies, which led to the establishment of agricultural colonies, major plantations and new crop productions, which profoundly changed Bukidnon's agrarian structure. The agricultural development of Bukidnon during the American colonial era is the main subject of the study. It highlights the cooperation between the native people and the American colonists, asserting that traditional farming and colonial imposition shaped Bukidnon's agricultural landscape. The researcher has effectively consolidated primary sources and utilized secondary materials to conduct a thorough analysis of the study. By employing qualitative data generated through archival research and a historical-narrative approach, this study presents the relationship between Americans and natives within the agricultural landscape of Bukidnon. This research answers the following questions: What was Bukidnon's agricultural landscape prior to American colonization? What key agricultural policies did the Americans implement? How did the colonial interactions with the natives shape Bukidnon's agricultural landscape? Therefore, this study deals with Bukidnon's agricultural development in the period of American colonial rule. It stresses the role of collaboration in the interactions of natives and American colonizers, arguing that the agricultural landscape of Bukidnon is the result of both colonial imposition and sedentary farming practices. The results of the study offered a deep perspective on the effects of the American period in Bukidnon, and their continued influence on agricultural problems and practices today.

The Effect of Urbanization on Street Children in the Lusaka Central Business District

Phiri Chinyama Daniel — 2025-03-18

The research analyses the effects of urbanisation on street children in Lusaka, Zambia, by investigating their living situations, service access, and mental well-being. Using a mixed-methods research design, the study combines quantitative survey results with qualitative interview data to generate complete knowledge about these effects. The researchers recruited 80 street children through purposive sampling with local NGOs who assisted in the selection process. These children ranged from 6 to 17 years of age. The research shows that fast urban expansion leads to a 70% increase in street homelessness and causes education and healthcare barriers, as 65% have irregular schooling and 75% lack stable healthcare. The research demonstrates that older children specifically experience increased psychological distress because 75% of them reported violence or exploitation. According to qualitative findings, these children display remarkable resilience because many want to pursue education and achieve a better future, even though their situation is complicated. The study determines that protective and policy measures must be established because safe residential arrangements, available education and healthcare, more substantial child protection services, and family reunification efforts are essential. Research evidence demonstrates the immediate necessity to reduce the negative impact of urbanisation on street children while promoting their social integration.

Assessing the Effect of Subsidy Removal on Cost- Significant Material and Labour within Anambra State Construction Economy

Uchechi Vanessa Alintah-Abel — 2025-03-06

The goal of most countries is the desire to maintain a stable price level of goods and services. This however, appears to be an uphill task given the incidence of subsidy removal that is presently ravaging the developing economies of the world. The study aimed at establishing a relationship between subsidy removal and construction material, and labour prices. To achieve the aim, a survey design approach was conducted. Data was obtained in other to get the prices of the construction materials and wages paid to labourers, through quarterly prices of construction materials from Nigeria Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) published journals, Fobis International Market, and Ogidi Building Material Markets, Onitsha, Anambra State. Meanwhile, Descriptive statistics and a multiple regression model were used to analyze the data collected. It was discovered that subsidy removal in Nigeria has been far from stable, and has affected material and labor prices non-uniformly and inconsistently. Hypotheses was also postulated; results shows that there is a significant relationship between building material prices and the subsidy removal in Anambra State and that subsidy removal does affect the labour costs, wages of skilled and unskilled labour, within Awka, Anambra State. The study finally concluded that Government should also ensure a steady supply of power from the power sector as against the epileptic power supply and reduce the increase in power tariff, repair the local refineries, and focus more on encouraging the local refining of petroleum products instead of importing them in order to reduce constant increase on our domestic prices for petroleum products and consequently inflation on the materials too.