Asian Basic and Applied Research Journal

Study of Agglomeration Methods of Limestone Water

Yudi Sapta Prastya, Zuhdi Yahya, M. Taufan Tirkaamiana — Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Agglomeration is a widely used process that plays a key role in de-dusting, controlling particle size and shape, controlling density and the overall performance of bulk solid products. The description here aims to provide various information regarding limestone agglomeration.. Limestone agglomeration efforts are based on work intended to process granulated limestone for the purpose of producing aggregates for inclusion in concrete. Agglomeration, or particle size enlargement, transforms powdered bulk solids into larger materials, either with random or controlled shapes, and with different performance characteristics. The performance of agglomerated products is determined by their composition, structure, and formation process. The specific objectives achieved during this study were to determine the process and results of the process of clustering for forming pellets from limestone-derived substances that serve as filter media for the absorption of metals. This allows for the estimation of important properties of the agglomerated products.

Beyond Scheduling Tools: An Integrative Framework for Humanised Project Time Management in Complex Environments

Patrick Gichuru Muriuki, Paul Sang — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Project schedule overruns remain among the most persistent and costly failures in modern organisations, with studies consistently reporting that approximately 45–50% of projects fail to meet their originally planned delivery dates. Despite decades of accumulated scheduling methodologies and advanced digital tools, the fundamental challenge of time management in complex project environments remains unresolved. This gap reflects an incomplete understanding of the interplay between technical planning systems and the behavioural, psychological, and organisational forces that drive real-world project outcomes.

Objectives: This paper aims to: (1) critically examine the evolution of project time management theory from deterministic scheduling methods to adaptive, human-centred approaches; (2) synthesize empirical evidence on the behavioral and psychological dimensions of project delay; (3) evaluate the role of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and Building Information Modeling, as enablers rather than substitutes for human judgment; and (4) propose an integrative four-pillar framework that addresses the technical and human dimensions of project time management holistically.

Methods: A structured narrative literature review was conducted using the Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. Search terms included combinations of the following: "project time management," "schedule performance," "critical chain project management," "temporal leadership," "agile project management," "planning fallacy," and "AI in project management." Publications from 2016 to 2025 were prioritised, with earlier foundational works included where theoretically necessary. Inclusion criteria required that sources be peer-reviewed, published in English, and directly address at least one of the paper’s four thematic pillars: scheduling methodology, behavioural dimensions of time management, digital technology in project scheduling, or organisational culture and leadership. Sources were excluded if they were grey literature, conference abstracts without full text, or duplicated the argument of a more recent publication already retained. A total of 25 peer-reviewed sources were selected based on relevance, methodological rigour, and recency of publication.

Key Findings: The review identifies three interlocking failure modes in project time management: methodological limitations of deterministic scheduling tools in uncertain environments; behavioural biases, including the planning fallacy, Student Syndrome, and Parkinson's Law; and organisational culture that penalises honest estimation and open communication about delays. Evidence from infrastructure, software development, and healthcare IT projects indicates that integrated approaches combining adaptive scheduling, behavioural management, temporal leadership, and data-driven decision support yield significantly better scheduling outcomes than tool-only or method-only interventions.

Conclusions: Effective project time management requires a paradigm shift from purely technical scheduling optimisation to what this paper terms "humanised time management" — an approach that treats psychological safety, temporal leadership, and cultural reinforcement as coequal pillars alongside analytical rigour. The framework explicitly recognises that schedule efficiency (completing work within planned time boundaries) and schedule effectiveness (ensuring that the work delivered is meaningful, relevant, and fit for purpose) are distinct but interdependent goals; optimising for one at the expense of the other is a false economy that ultimately undermines project value. Practitioners are urged to invest in temporal leadership development, adopt hybrid scheduling frameworks, and build organisational cultures where realistic estimation is rewarded rather than punished. Future research should empirically validate the proposed framework across diverse sectors and geographies.

Comparative Analysis of Escherichia coli O104:H4 and O157:H7: Bridging Knowledge Gaps and Understanding Virulence Factors in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa

Christopher Ononiwu Elemuwa — Wed, 20 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This comparative review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the epidemiology, virulence mechanisms, transmission dynamics, and public-health implications of two major Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli (STEC) serotypes: the classical O157:H7 and the emerging hybrid O104:H4. While O157:H7 remains the most studied STEC globally, the emergence of O104:H4 revealed an unusual hybrid pathotype with enteroaggregative features that heavily complicate disease progression and outbreak management. By emphasizing available literature with a specific focus on Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa, this paper highlights critical knowledge gaps in genomic surveillance, diagnostic laboratory capacity, and outbreak response frameworks. Effective strategies to mitigate future STEC threats demand improved diagnostic infrastructure, integration of real-time genomic monitoring into national antimicrobial resistance (AMR) strategies, and enhanced food-safety systems.

Performance Optimisation of Hibiscus-Based Dye-Sensitised Solar Cells through PbS Quantum Dot Sensitisation

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Dye-sensitised solar cells (DSSCs) have attracted considerable attention as next-generation photovoltaic devices owing to their low fabrication cost, simple processing, and potential for achieving high efficiencies. Lead sulfide (PbS) quantum dots (QDs) were prepared and incorporated into dye-sensitised solar cells (DSSCs) employing natural Hibiscus sabdariffa dye as the primary sensitiser. The optical properties of the fabricated devices were analysed using UV–Vis spectroscopy, which revealed significant enhancement in absorption across the ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared regions, confirming that PbS QDs effectively broadened the spectral response and improved the light-harvesting capability of the system. Photovoltaic performance was evaluated through current–voltage (I–V) characterisation under simulated solar illumination at 100 mW/cm². The DSSCs containing a 0.05 M concentration of PbS QDs exhibited notable improvements in device parameters, achieving a short-circuit current density (Jsc) of 5.3 mA cm⁻², an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.680 V, a fill factor (FF) of 0.557, and an overall energy conversion efficiency (η) of 2.01 %. These values were substantially higher than those of control DSSCs fabricated without PbS QDs, highlighting the beneficial role of QDs in enhancing the photovoltaic response. The observed performance improvement can be attributed to the unique optoelectronic properties of PbS, including their tunable bandgap and high charge transport characteristics, which facilitated more effective electron injection into the TiO₂ conduction band and minimised electron–hole recombination losses. In addition, favourable energy level alignment between PbS QDs and TiO₂ contributed to improved charge separation and transport dynamics, thereby increasing both photocurrent and photovoltage outputs. Overall, the study demonstrates that the integration of PbS QDs with natural dyes in DSSCs represents a cost-effective and sustainable strategy to enhance solar energy conversion. These findings provide insight into the potential of quantum dot–dye hybrid systems for next-generation photovoltaics, opening pathways for the development of high-performance and environmentally friendly solar energy devices.

Digital Marketing and Sustainable Consumer Behavior in India

Mala Goplani, Nandini Jagannarayan, R Uma — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The fast growth of digital technology has redefined consumption trends in urban India with digital marketing playing a major role in defining online buying behaviour. Although this has changed, the literature has little empirical evidence that connects digital marketing and the use of the internet to sustainable consumption in emerging urban economies. To fill this research gap, the current study analyses the impacts of digital marketing influence and internet use on online purchasing behaviour as one of the Sustainable Development Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

The research is premised on primary data obtained after a structured survey of consumers in urban areas and uses chi-square, binary logistic regression, and exploratory factor analysis as the methodological tools to test the demographic and behavioural factors that determine online purchasing. The findings indicate that gender is not a significant factor in digital engagement, which means that there is no discrimination in the access to digital channels, whereas age is a significant factor in regard to online purchasing behaviour. The intensity and digital marketing influence become the best predictors of online purchasing than the traditional demographic variables.

Regarding sustainability, the results indicate that digital consumption has the potential to enhance efficiency through the cost reduction of physical travel and information search, and brings with it behavioural risks of overconsumption and digital inequality. The empirical results presented in the study contribute to the literature in that digital consumption choices in urban India are more likely to be based on behavioural exposure, but not demographics. The policy implications will include responsible digital marketing habits, online advertising transparency, and consumer awareness campaigns to allow digital market growth to assist in the sustainable and responsible consumption as part of SDG-12.

Sustainable Leisure Consumption Patterns in Urban Mumbai (2022–2025)

Nandini Jagannarayan — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Rapid urbanization and higher incomes have changed how people in India's big cities spend their money. This study considers leisure expenditure as a significant indicator of urban lifestyle, rather than merely an inconsequential expense. Current research on household consumption in India predominantly emphasizes food, health, or overall non-food expenditures, with insufficient focus on leisure expenditures as a separate category. Moreover, leisure spending is rarely analysed through a sustainability lens, despite its growing environmental and social footprint in large cities. Mumbai, as India’s financial and commercial capital, provides an appropriate urban context to examine these emerging consumption patterns. The paper analyzes household data from Mumbai spanning 2022 to 2025, investigating the socio-economic factors that affect leisure expenditure and elucidating the relationship between these trends and sustainable urban development. The case study of leisure spending of urban households in Mumbai between 2022 and 2025 shows that the consumption behaviour definitely shifts in the post-pandemic world. Leisure spending which encompasses expenditure on eating out, recreation and vacations comes out as a growing proportion of household budgets, which indicate economic recovery as well as change in the lifestyles of the urban population. Regression diagnostics show a moderate explanatory capacity over the four years, and the values of R 2 vary between 0.151 in 2025 and 0.290 in 2022. Although leisure spending is discretionary in nature, and experiencing behavioural heterogeneity, the values indicate that the socio-economic and demographic factors play a significant role in explaining differences in leisure consumption. Placing leisure spending in a sustainability context, the paper has indicated that discretionary consumption is an area that should be re-conceived as a policy-relevant area. Sustainable leisure does not mean limitations to pleasure but is the repositioning of city consumption that would ensure that economic activity, social inclusion and environmental stewardship are balanced.

Real-Time Tracking and Delivery Timeliness: Building Trust with Gen Z in Last-Mile Logistics

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: This study investigated the relationship between real-time tracking, delivery timeliness, and customer trust in last-mile logistics among Generation Z students in Rivers State, Nigeria. The aim was to assess how technology-enabled delivery systems shape trust in logistics providers among a digitally fluent demographic. Despite the rapid growth of e-commerce in Nigeria, consumers, particularly Generation Z, face significant challenges related to trust in delivery services, including fraud, delivery delays, and lack of transparency.

Methodology: A descriptive quantitative research design was adopted. Data were collected from a stratified random sample of 400 students drawn across four government-owned universities. A structured questionnaire was used as the primary instrument, with items adapted from validated logistics frameworks. A pilot test with 40 students ensured clarity and reliability. Questionnaires were distributed over four weeks using a mixed-mode strategy that combined online platforms (email, WhatsApp, Instagram) with printed copies across departments and faculty centers. Validity was established through content, face, and construct checks, while reliability was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability, and test-retest methods. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 26) through descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis to examine relationships between variables.

Findings: Results showed that real-time tracking had a strong positive association with customer trust (R² = 0.891), while delivery timeliness exhibited a moderate correlation with customer trust (R² = 0.506).

Originality: This study contributes to logistics and consumer behavior literature by providing empirical evidence from an under-researched context in sub-Saharan Africa.

Board Attributes and the Financial Performance of Commercial Banks in Kenya

Mikah Omondi Ouko Odete, Michael Njogo — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Kenyan commercial bank plays a significant role in stimulating the economy by balancing financial transactions between deficit and surplus sectors. However, profitability has faced challenges due to several factors such as corporate governance, interest rate cap and non-performing loans. The banks return on assets declined marginally between 2022 and 2023 highlighting governance challenges. This situation necessitates the need for the current investigation to establish whether board attributes have a noteworthy effect on the financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya. Determining how board characteristics (board size, meetings, and gender diversity) affect the financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya is the primary goal of this inquiry. The target population was all 46 commercial banks in Kenya and a data collection worksheet was used to collect secondary data from audited reports and the bank's financial records between 2014 and 2023. The secondary data collected was analyzed using panel data regression and the outcome was displayed in tables and line graphs. Findings indicated that board meetings and board size have insignificant (ρ=0.262; ρ=0.621) effects on the banks' financial performance with that of board meeting been positive (β=.0040729) while size been negative (β=-.0036218). However, board gender diversity revealed a significant positive (β=.1328822, ρ=0.023) effect on the bank’s financial performance. These finding suggests that increased gender diversity enhances decision-making, and perspectives, yielding measurable financial benefits. The study recommends that central banks should enact policies mandating a minimum gender diversity threshold, implemented through binding guidelines requiring banks to report board composition annually to the Central Bank of Kenya, with non-compliance triggering penalties such as increased capital reserve requirements.

Capital Adequacy Management and Profitability of Microfinance Banks in Kenya

Fridah Naitore Mwiti, Margaret Kosgei — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Microfinance institutions are vital for extending financial services to underserved and economically disadvantaged groups. In Kenya, the growth of the financial markets significantly augments this access, meeting the needs of a vast populace that depends on the microfinance industry. In spite of their enormous input to socio economic expansion, over time, the financial success of microfinance banks has fluctuated. The banks disclosed a drop in ROA in 2022 from 2.7 percent in 2018 to 2.5 percent. Therefore, this research explored the effect of capital adequacy management on profitability of Microfinance banks in Kenya for the year 2018-2024. This study specifically sought to establish the effect of asset quality, core capital ratio, and asset base on profitability of Microfinance banks in Kenya. The investigation was anchored on agency, Capital buffer theory, profit incentive theory, and shiftability theory. A descriptive research framework guided this study, encompassing fourteen 14 microfinance institutions selected through census sampling methodology. Secondary data collection was drawn from Central Bank of Kenya digital resources, including annual supervisory reports and AMFI institutional publications. The dataset undergo comprehensive diagnostic evaluation through stationarity testing, autocorrelation analysis, multicollinearity assessment, normality verification, and heteroscedasticity examination to ensure panel data integrity. Statistical analysis incorporated descriptive metrics alongside inferential panel regression modeling for thorough data interpretation. Research conduct maintained full compliance with academic ethical protocols. Findings showed that core capital ratio positively influenced profitability but this was only insignificant. Asset quality had an insignificant positive influence on profitability. The results indicated that the asset base positively and significantly influenced profitability. The outcome revealed that bank competition has an insignificant negative moderating effect on the capital adequacy-profitability nexus in the Kenyan context of microfinance banks. The study recommends that the financing approach that should be taken by microfinance banks is to maintain a balanced approach to capital management by gradually increasing the capital buffers to conform to prudential needs and at the same time, investing the excess capital in productive lending and investment opportunities that directly yield revenue instead of being inefficient due to idle capital.

Social Media Influence and Customer Experience in Public Sector Units: A Case of Huduma Center General Post Office, Nairobi, Kenya

Martin Kimani, Weldon Kibet Ng’eno — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Due to the widespread use of social media platforms, social media has altered or impacted the consumer experience today. The pleasant connections possible on social media can lead to long-term relationships and involve looking up product details, transactions for purchases, and/or the provision of services. The study assessed how social media affects public sector customer experiences of Huduma centre GPO in Nairobi County, Kenya. Research specifically assessed the effects of social media data gathering, mobilization and usage on customer experience. The research was anchored by agenda-setting, technological determinism and service determinant logic theories, respectively. A descriptive study design served as the foundation for the research. Target population comprised of 1200 customers of Huduma Centre GPO in Nairobi, Kenya. Employing a random sampling approach, responses were generated from customers totalling 360 respondents. First-hand information was collected via a questionnaire. The study looked at reliability and validity of research tools. Data was analyzed using both inferential and descriptive analysis. Inferential analysis employed regression techniques, while descriptive analysis used tables. Moral principles were upheld fully. Findings revealed that social media data gathering had a positive and insignificant effect (B = 0.084; p = 0.068) on customer experience. Results showed that social media mobilisation positively, but insignificantly, affects customer experience (B = 0.086; p = 0.219). Using social media also positively contributed to public sector customer experiences of Huduma centre GPO in Nairobi County, Kenya significantly (B = 0.308; p = .000). The study recommends that the matter pertaining to Huduma Centre GPO in Kenya needs to be dealt with by providing better training regarding data collection tools, which should relate to metrics, as well as analytics analysis, in order to derive insights from data collected. Government institutions, including other stakeholders, must provide customized training to employees regarding using tools for demographic analysis so that they get an opportunity to convert data into actions to work upon complaints received by them. The study also focused on usage patterns’ influence as far as customer experience. The output disclosed that customer experience has a strong direct positive influence on usage patterns for customers of social platforms and services.

Students’ Attitudes Toward Indigenous Attires among Home Economics Students in Universities in Delta State

L. A. Agadagba, D. O. Arubayi, Juliana Ego Azonuche — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated the attitudes and perceptions of Home Economics students toward indigenous attires in universities in Delta State, Nigeria, within the context of globalization and contemporary fashion influences. The study adopted a descriptive survey design, and the population comprised all seventy-five (75) Home Economics students in Delta State University, Abraka and University of Delta, Agbor; due to the manageable size, a census approach was used. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire measuring knowledge, attitudes, and influencing factors related to indigenous clothing. Descriptive statistics (means and standard deviations) were used to summarize overall attitude patterns, while inferential statistics (independent samples t-test) were applied to compare the perceptions of students across the two universities. The use of inferential analysis was justified by the study’s objective of determining whether statistically significant differences exist between the two groups rather than examining relationships among variables. Findings revealed generally positive attitudes toward indigenous attires, with students expressing strong cultural pride and identity attachment, although regular usage remained moderate due to economic and contextual factors. Significant differences were observed between the two institutions on selected attitude and perception items, indicating that institutional context shapes students’ views. The study concludes that strengthening curriculum integration, cultural exposure, and institutional support can enhance the appreciation and sustained use of indigenous attires among Home Economics students.

AI-Powered Nutrition Insight System Using RAG and Groq LLM

Shubhangi Shreya, Ankit Raj — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle requires proper nutrition awareness, but people frequently find it difficult to decipher food labels, comprehend ingredient compositions, and meaningfully assess nutritional value. The accuracy of traditional nutrition apps is limited when handling a variety of food items, handwritten labels, or blurry images because they rely on static databases and keyword-based matching. In order to overcome these obstacles, we suggest an AI-Powered Nutrition Insight System that combines an image-to-text pipeline, Groq-accelerated LLM inference, and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG). The system uses multimodal models to extract nutritional text from images, embeds that text into vector representations, and uses a RAG module in conjunction with RapidFuzz-based similarity matching to retrieve precise nutrition insights. The system was evaluated using a diverse set of food label images and textual dietary inputs to assess retrieval accuracy, response latency, and contextual reasoning performance. Experimental evaluation demonstrates significant improvements in retrieval precision and response time compared to baseline keyword-based search techniques. The Groq-accelerated inference pipeline further enables low-latency responses, supporting near real-time nutrition analysis and interactive user guidance. Compared to baseline search techniques, experimental evaluation shows big improvements in speed, accuracy, and contextual reasoning. The proposed system therefore provides an efficient, scalable, and context-aware framework for automated nutrition analysis, enabling users to better understand dietary information and make informed food choices.

Performance Optimization of YOLOv8 for Real-Time Vehicle and Crowd Detection under Dynamic Environmental Conditions

Ankit Raj, Shubhangi Shreya — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Object detection in dynamic situations is critical for applications such as traffic monitoring, surveillance, and public safety. Detecting and tracking many items is difficult due to changing lighting conditions, occlusions, and fast-moving objects. In this research, we provide a object recognition system based on the YOLOv8 deep learning model that can efficiently recognize automobiles and crowds in video streams.

The proposed system is built on a Convolutional Neural Net- work (CNN) architecture and is trained using a custom annotated dataset taken from RoboFlow. Data preprocessing techniques like normalization and augmentation are used to increase model generalization. The model is assessed using common performance criteria such as precision, recall, and F1-score.

Experimental results show that the proposed YOLOv8 model achieves an overall precision of 0.600, recall of 0.348, and an F1-score of 0.440. The system obtains a mAP@50 of 0.422 and mAP@50–95 of 0.169, demonstrating its capability to detect target objects in dynamic environments. These results indicate that the proposed approach can effectively support applications such as automated surveillance and intelligent traffic monitoring systems.

Analysis of a Measles Transmission Model Incorporating Population Awareness and Vaccination Interventions

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Measles remains a serious public health problem, especially in places where vaccination rates are low and public awareness is limited. This study develops a mathematical model that includes the incubation period and the impact of public awareness on disease spread, also considering environmental contamination. The analysis shows that the disease can be controlled when the reproduction number is below one i.e. . Key factors driving the outbreak include direct contact, environmental contamination, vaccination coverage, and awareness levels. Simulations reveal that higher vaccination rates and greater public awareness reduce the number of infections and the amount of virus in the environment, leading to shorter outbreaks. The model also highlights the importance of cleaning the environment and vaccinating target groups quickly to prevent indirect transmission. Faster progression from exposure to infectiousness makes outbreaks worse, which means early detection and response are crucial. Overall, these findings suggest that combining vaccination, education, and environmental hygiene is essential for controlling measles. This model can help guide public health strategies, especially in areas where measles is still common.

Determinants of Recreational Use of Naromoru, Chogoria and Sirimon Routes of Mount Kenya National Park

David Kithinji Mugambi, Nkatha Muthomi, David Muigai — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Mountain destinations worldwide are experiencing rapid growth in visitation and recreational use, yet empirical evidence on recreation patterns in many mountain regions remains limited. This study examined recreational use along the Chogoria, Naromoru, and Sirimon routes of Mount Kenya National Park, with a specific focus on user demographics, recreation patterns, and visitor satisfaction with available resources and services. A cross-sectional analytical design was employed to capture the prevailing recreation dynamics across the three routes. Data were collected using questionnaires and interview schedules from a target population comprising tourists, guides, porters, and wardens from the Kenya Wildlife Service. The study was conducted with 243 tourists. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations) were generated using SPSS version 20, while Chi-square tests and one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were applied to test hypotheses at a 0.05 significance level. Findings indicated that most visitors were Kenyan nationals (56.6%), predominantly aged 20–29 years, with graduate-level education, and largely from the working class. Results revealed a significant difference in satisfaction with campsites among the routes, F (2, 240) = 5.202, p < 0.05. Recreational use patterns showed that most visitors stayed for four days and travelled in small groups of one to four individuals. Inferential analysis revealed significant associations between recreation routes and selected demographic variables, notably age and occupation, while no significant associations were found for gender, origin, or education level. Significant differences were also observed in recreation use patterns (length of stay and group size) and in visitor satisfaction with recreational resources and services across the routes. Overall, the study provides valuable baseline data to support evidence-based decision-making by park managers, tour operators, and visitors, and contributes to understanding recreation trends in Kenya’s mountain tourism sector.

Funding Models and Sustainability of Public Universities in Kenya

Kevin Namaswa Kabisa, Anne Nabwile Wanyonyi — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Public universities in Kenya play a critical role in socio-economic development through the provision of higher education, research, innovation, and human capital development. However, the ability of these institutions to sustain their core functions has been increasingly constrained by inadequate and unstable funding, resulting in financial distress and rising institutional debt. This study examined the funding models used by public universities in Kenya and assessed their implications for financial sustainability and debt accumulation. The study was guided by Resource Dependence Theory, Sustainability Theory, and Public Choice Theory. A descriptive research design was adopted, and secondary data were obtained from government reports, parliamentary oversight documents, institutional financial statements, Auditor-General reports, and relevant empirical studies. Data were analyzed using descriptive techniques and content analysis to establish trends in funding sources, expenditure patterns, and outstanding liabilities. Findings indicate that heavy dependence on government allocations and tuition fees has contributed significantly to liquidity constraints and debt accumulation. The study also established that universities with diversified income sources such as consultancies, commercial ventures, research grants, and public–private partnerships demonstrate relatively higher financial resilience. The study concludes that improving financial sustainability in public universities requires predictable government funding, strengthened revenue diversification, enhanced financial governance, and effective debt management strategies.

An Extended Framework for Overcoming the Radiation Pressure Barrier: Anisotropic Diffusion-regulated Radiation Barrier (ADR-RB) Model

C. C. Onuchukwu, M. C. Onu, K. A. Onuchukwu — Thu, 07 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In the formation of massive stars (MS), the classical prediction of the radiation pressure problem requires that stars above ≈20 M_⊙ cannot form because their own luminosity would halt further accretion, remains a central puzzle in MS formation. We present a unified analytic model that synthesizes four key mechanisms: anisotropic radiation escape (flashlight effect), diffusive flux transport in optically thick regions, temperature‑dependent dust opacity, and a power‑law density profile in the infalling envelope. The resulting force balance yields a maximum stellar mass scaling \(M_*=100 f(\theta)^{\frac{3}{4}}\left(\frac{\dot{M}}{10^{-3} M_{\odot} \mathrm{yr}^{-1}}\right)^{\frac{4}{13}}\left(\frac{\kappa_R}{10 \mathrm{~cm}^2 \mathrm{~g}^{-1}}\right)^{-\frac{4}{13}} M_{\odot},\)
, where f(θ) ≈ 0.2 is the geometric reduction factor in a disk geometry, is the mass accretion rate, and is the Rosseland mean opacity, represents the temperature power-law index. The weak exponent is the geometric reduction factor in a disk geometry, \(\dot{M}\) is the mass accretion rate, and is the Rosseland mean opacity, represents the temperature power-law index. The weak exponent \(\frac{1}{13}\) ≈ 0.308 implies that increasing \(\dot{M}\) by a factor of 10 raises M_*by only a factor of ≈ 2.03, while doubling reduces \(\dot{M}\) by ≈ 1.24. Numerical evaluation for f(θ) = 0.2 and T_sub= 1500 K (T_subis the sublimation temperature) gives \(\dot{M}\) ≈3.6 M_⊙at \(\dot{M}\) =10^-6M_⊙ yr^-1, K_R =10 cm² g⁻¹; rising to \(\dot{M}\ = 10^-2M_⊙ yr^-1, K_R=2 cm² g⁻¹. These values span the observed stellar initial mass function from intermediate‑mass to the most MSs known and favor the formation of MS in the early universe, due to low metallicity. The model demonstrates that no single effect overcomes the radiation barrier; instead, multiplicative suppression through anisotropy, high accretion rates, and reduced dust opacity (e.g., in low‑metallicity environments) allows gravity to dominate. Observational tests include resolved imaging of polar cavities in high‑mass protostars and measurements of dust opacities in star‑forming clouds. The derived scaling provides a physically motivated, predictive criterion for the maximum stellar mass achievable under given infall and opacity conditions. The limitation of the ADR-RB lies in its simplified 1D formulation, which neglects magnetohydrodynamic effects, dynamic dust opacity evolution, and multidimensional processes such as stellar multiplicity and Rayleigh–Taylor instabilities that critically regulate angular momentum transport, accretion flow, and anisotropic radiation escape.

Corporate Governance Attributes and Tax Planning among Construction and Allied Firms Listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya

Henry Mutuma, John Mungai, Moses Aluoch — Mon, 11 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The construction and allied sector is central to Kenya’s ambition of attaining an industrialized economy status by 2030, as outlined in the Kenya Vision 2030 blueprint. It is vital in driving economic growth through housing, infrastructure advancement and employment creation, fuelled by rapid urbanization and increasing infrastructure demand. However, publicly listed firms in this sector face persistent challenges in achieving effective tax planning. These include disproportionately high effective tax rates, weak corporate governance structures, complex and overlapping tax obligations, and heightened competition from imports all of which constrain strategic tax planning and compliance. Therefore, this study investigated corporate governance attributes effects on tax planning among construction and allied firms listed on Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE). The study was underpinned by agency theory, stakeholder theory, political power theory, optimal corporate taxation theory and resource- based View theory theory, offering a robust multidimensional theoretical framework. An explanatory research design was adopted to assess relationships among the variables. The study targeted five NSE-listed construction and allied firms, using secondary data sourced from audited financial statements, company reports, and NSE publications using a secondary data collection tool spanning the period 2014 to 2024. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics for summarization and panel regression models for hypothesis testing. The study found that that corporate governance attributes which included board independence, audit committee effectiveness and ownership concentration are critical determinants of tax planning behaviour among NSE-listed construction and allied firms. The study concluded that corporate governance attributes shape tax planning behaviour among NSE-listed construction and allied firms.

Board Characteristics, Capital Regulation and Profitability of Microfinance Banks in Kenya

Remmy Osika, Jeremiah Koori — Fri, 22 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Microfinance banks in Kenya play a vital role in promoting financial inclusion and economic development, but persistent profitability challenges have raised concerns about their governance and sustainability. The study sought to examine the effect of board characteristics and capital regulations on the profitability of microfinance banks in Kenya. More particularly, the investigation explored the effect of board age, board education, and board activity on the profitability of microfinance banks in Kenya. Moreover, the study explored the effect of capital regulations on the relationship that exists between board characteristics and profitability in the microfinance banking sector in Kenya. The theoretical foundation of the study was based on agency theory, capital buffer theory, and stakeholder theory. A descriptive approach formed the basis of the methodological approach of the investigation. The study targeted a sample of 14 microfinance banks that were operational in Kenya from 2019 to 2024. Panel regression formed the basis of the data analysis approach. The findings of the proposed investigation indicate that board age has a negative and statistically insignificant impact on profitability. Board education has a negative and statistically insignificant impact on profitability. Board activity has a positive and statistically significant impact on profitability. Moreover, capital regulations have an insignificant yet positive impact on the relationship that exists between board characteristics and profitability. The study recommends that shareholders and boards of microfinance banks ought to officially enhance the minimum number of board activity annually and have it well structured, documented, and fairly concentrated on strategic control, risk management, and performance assessment as this was the only attribute that greatly enhanced profitability.

Enhancing the Livelihoods and Welfare of Cart Donkey Owners Involved in Solid Waste Management in and Around Hawassa City amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

Amare Argaw — Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The COVID-19 pandemic intensified occupational and public health risks among informal solid waste collectors, particularly youth operating donkey-drawn carts in Hawassa, Ethiopia. This study evaluated the impact of a One Health–based intervention on occupational safety, socioeconomic outcomes, and donkey welfare using a pre–post intervention design. A baseline census identified over 400 workers and 313 operational carts. The intervention combined cooperative formation, targeted training, provision of personal protective equipment (PPE), and ergonomic cart redesign. Nine savings and credit cooperatives (n = 313 members) were established. A total of 160 participants received structured training on COVID-19 prevention, zoonotic disease control, occupational health, and cooperative management, while 100 workers were equipped with PPE and sanitation materials. An improved, animal-friendly cart prototype was developed and field-tested. Comparative pre- and post-intervention analyses showed statistically meaningful improvements across key indicators. The prevalence of harness-related injuries in donkeys declined from 45% to 12% (absolute reduction: 33 percentage points), indicating a substantial effect size. Access to adequate feed and water increased to 80% of animals. Adoption of safe waste-handling and hygiene practices improved significantly among trained participants (p < 0.05). Household income increased by 20–35%, suggesting positive economic impact associated with enhanced efficiency and cooperative-based market access. Multi-sectorial engagement involving 12 institutions strengthened implementation fidelity and intervention uptake. Overall, the results indicate that integrated interventions grounded in the One Health framework can produce statistically and practically significant improvements in occupational health, animal welfare, and livelihood outcomes. These findings support the scalability of community-based, multi-sectorial models for strengthening informal urban waste management systems in low-resource settings.

Milk Production and Reproductive Performance of Indigenous Goat in Loka Abaya Woreda, Sidama Region

Amare Argaw, Debir Legesse — Sat, 30 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Goat production is an important livestock activity in Ethiopia, particularly in rural lowland areas where indigenous breeds contribute to household income, nutrition, and livelihoods. However, productivity remains low despite the large national goat population, especially in terms of milk yield and reproductive efficiency. This study was conducted to evaluate milk production and reproductive performance of indigenous goats at Loka Abaya woreda. A total of 50 households were selected for the survey and monitoring study. For milk data collection, 110 does were mentored from September 2021 to November 2022. A general linear model was employed for data analysis. Does constitute the largest proportion (46.6%), followed by kids under 6 months. Goat milk consumption is a common cultural practice, and all family members consume the milk. Average daily milk yield and lactation length of does were 0.65 liters and 89.3 days, respectively. Milk yield was affected (P<0.001) by birth type, parities, and birth season. Parturition was affected by season of birth; thus, the majority of parturitions occurred during the wet season. Average age at first kidding and kidding interval were 12.8±0.0.3 and 8.12 months, respectively. Liter size and fertility rate were 1.5 and 87.3%, respectively. In conclusion, litter size, parity, and season of birth were found to be important sources of variation in milk yield and lactation length. Therefore, goat milk production integrated with forage development and farmer awareness creation should be considered an important developmental intervention.

Enterprise Resource Planning System and Performance of Tea Factories Owned by Small-scale Farmers in Bomet and Kericho Counties, Kenya

Enock Osubo Ogara — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The adoption of digital technologies in agribusiness has become increasingly important as organizations seek to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance decision-making processes in highly competitive markets. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems have therefore gained prominence among agricultural processing industries, including tea factories, due to their ability to integrate business functions such as finance, procurement, production, and inventory management into a single coordinated system. The study examined the effect of enterprise resource planning implementation on performance of tea factories owned by small-scale farmers in Bomet and Kericho Counties. The study studied the effect of change management, system integration, user awareness and data migration on the performance of small-scale tea factories in Bomet and Kericho. Technology Acceptance Model, Resource-Based View theory, and Diffusion of Innovation Theory served as the theoretical foundations guiding this study. The research adopted a descriptive methodological design. Data was gathered through primary instrument and the target population consisted of 60 participants for the quantitative survey. Making the entire target population 60. The sample size for the study was 60 respondents and a census approach was utilized. Research instrument validity and reliability was assessed through a pilot test. Data was analyzed using multiple regression analysis. Descriptive statistics, including tables, measures of central tendency, and charts, was utilized to present the results. Inferential statistics was used to illustrate the relationships between variables. There was a diagnostics tests for heteroskedasticity, multicollinearity, normalcy and autocorrelation. All ethical requirements governing the conduct of research was strictly observed throughout the research. The results indicated that change management had an insignificant positive effect on performance. System integration effect was significant and positive effect on the performance of the factories. User awareness was found to be insignificantly negative on the performance of these factories. Findings of data migration disclosed a significant positive effect on the performance of tea factories owned by small-scale tea plants in Bomet and Kericho counties. It is thus recommended that the management of tea factories ought to invest in sound system integration strategies that would provide a smooth connection among the enterprise resource planning modules.