20 Articles
Ashwini Motekar, Indrani Patil, Kashish Shah, Ramsha Khan, Shubhangi Bankar
Background: Critically ill patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) often develop muscle weakness, reduced functional capacity, and prolonged immobilization, leading to delayed recovery. Early mobilization through structured progressive mobility protocols has been suggested to improve clinical and functional outcomes. Aim:To evaluate the effectiveness of progressive mobility protocols on functional outcomes and clinical parameters in ICU patients. Materials and Methods:A prospective controlled study was conducted on 30 ICU patients who were divided into experimental (n=15) and control (n=15) groups. The experimental group received a progressive mobility protocol, while the control group received conventional physiotherapy. Outcome measures included ICU Mobility Scale (IMS), MRC Muscle Strength Scale, and Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Duration of ICU stay and mechanical ventilation were also recorded. Data were analyzed using paired and unpaired t-tests, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results:The experimental group showed significant improvement in functional mobility, muscle strength, and functional independence compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, a reduction in ICU length of stay and duration of mechanical ventilation was observed in the experimental group. Conclusion: Progressive mobility protocols are effective in improving functional outcomes and reducing ICU-related complications. Their incorporation into routine ICU care can enhance patient recovery and overall clinical outcomes.
Dr. Thressiamma K. L (Sr. Teena), Ms. Amalajames, Ms. Ancyjoy, Ms. AngelMariaJolly, Ms. AnoofaPrasad, Ms. AnugrahaTreesa, Ms. JencyJhnson, Ms. Jissa Jesso, Ms. Nithya, Ms. SunuK.Rajan
Introduction: Child neglect and abuse are major public health and social problems that affect the physical, emotional, and psychological development of children. According to the World Health Organization, child abuse includes physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, as well as neglect and exploitation that may harm a child’s health, development, or dignity. Children under the age of five are particularly vulnerable because they depend entirely on caregivers, especially mothers, for protection, care, and emotional support. Methods: A quantitative study was conducted to assess the effect of structured teaching program on level of knowledge regarding child neglect and abuse among mothers of under-five children in a selected hospital at Kollam district .The objective of study were to assess the level of knowledge regarding child neglect and abuse among mothers of under five children, to evaluate the effect of structured teaching program on knowledge regarding child neglect and abuse among mothers of under five children, to find out the association between the pre-test knowledge on child neglect and abuse among mothers of under five children with selected socio demographic variable. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 30 mothers of under five children for the study. The tools used were demographic profile and structured knowledge questionnaire. Result and discussion: The findings of the study shows that the mean pre-test score is 12.033 and mean post test score is 14.87 the paired t test value for the pre-test and post-test knowledge scores is 5.22 which is greater than the table value at 0.01 level of significance and there is significant difference in the mean post-test knowledge score, thus there was a significant improvement in the knowledge regarding child neglect and abuse among mothers of under five children and statistically significant at 0.001 level. Conclusion: Hence the study concluded that structured teaching programme on child abuse and neglect was effective in improving the knowledge of mothers of under five children.
Hari Prashanth.P.R, Isha.I¹, Varshini.K, Janani.A.M
Hairfall is the excessive loss of hair beyond the normal limit of 50-100 hairs per day and may result in thinning / alopecia. It can occur due to stress, nutritional deficiencies and medical conditions. According to siddha medicine, hairfall is caused by dearrangement of mukkutram, particularly aggravated vatham, pitham and deficiency of enbu thathu(bone marrow).² This study reviews a traditional siddha formulation prepared using quail bone ash (Coturnix coturnix) and sesame oil for topical application. The formulation was observed to reduce hair fall, stimulate dormant follicles and promote new hair growth. Sesame oil provided scalp nourishment and reduced dryness through its emollient action. The study concludes that this traditional preparation may support hair growth and scalp health, however further scientific and clinical validation is required
Dr. Sanjay Kumar Tripathi, Dr. Shubham Banolta
Anaemia is Decrease in RBC count, Haemoglobin and/or Haematocrit values resulting in lower ability for the blood to carry oxygen to blood tissues. The clinical condition of Pandu in Ayurveda can be co-related with Anaemia described in Modern Medical Science, due to the resemblance in the clinical signs and symptoms. Pandu Roga is one of the diseases mentioned in Ayurveda, which is one of the “Varnopalakshita Roga” i.e., a disease characterized by the change in the colour of an individual. Anaemia is a major global public health problem and the most prevalent nutritional deficiency disorder in the world which is a significant issue for global public health. Each has its own cause. It can be short term or long term. Different types of anemia have different causes i.e; it can be due to Nutritional deficiency, Haemolytic, Haemorrhagic, Aplastic or may be due to any Chronic Disorder. In Ayurvedic classics, the description of Pandu is available in three forms i.e. Pandu as a disease, Pandu as a complication and Pandu as a sign of certain diseases. Several oral iron preparations are used to treat anaemia, but they come with a variety of side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and a metallic taste. Due to changes in the intestinal flora, these worsen the patient's condition. There are many forms of anemia. The article is a case study which focus over the management of anaemia due to chronic disorders by Ayurvedic prospective.
Aditya Gupta
The merger of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and renewable energy technologies is changing the face of the sustainable cooling technology space. Among the technologies being developed in this space include DC Solar Air Coolers that are air cooling technologies that utilize Direct Current (DC) electricity that can be produced using Solar PV Panels. Solar Air Coolers are experiencing setbacks in terms of energy efficiency techniques and adaptability to environmental variability. There are also setbacks concerning maintenance and operation. The adoption of AI technologies has presented an opportunity for the development of DC Solar Air Coolers that are adaptable and fit for sustainable and efficient cooling.
Ejike, O.U, Essien, U.A, Ibeagwa, O. B, Uhuegbulem
Evaluating and providing evidence for Nigeria’s Agricultural budgetary provision and the performance of crops given the allocated budget is imperative. This study examined the budgetary provision for agriculture and output performance of selected crops in Nigeria (2000-2024). It relied on secondary data obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Annual Bulletin and Food and Agriculture Organization Corporate Statistical (FAOSTAT) Database. To compute the annual compound growth rates of output of selected crops (Rice, cassava, and Yam) exponential equations in time were fitted to these data. In confirming the acceleration, deceleration and stagnation in growths, quadratic equations in time variables were fitted to the output data. The actual performance of rice, yam, and cassava was evaluated using descriptive statistics by comparing their average outputs to the average budgetary allocation from 2000-2024. To estimate the correlation between budgetary expenditure and the output of the selected crops. Correlation analysis was estimated to quantify the strength and direction of the relationship between budgetary expenditure and the selected crop outputs. The result showed that rice output increased at annual rate of 2.53% but at a decelerating rate. Both yam and cassava experienced negative annual growth rates, with yam at -1.49% and cassava at -2.66%. The study confirmed statistical significant deceleration in rice and cassava output variables and stagnation in the output of yam. There was a positive correlation between budgetary expenditure and rice output, but negative correlations for yam and cassava. The low performance in the crops indicates budgetary allocation does not effectively result in higher crop yield. The result indicated that despite budgetary expenditure, the selected crops reflect inconsistencies in funding or lack of complementary investments. This implies that increases in budgetary allocations were associated with increases in rice output but decreases in yam and cassava outputs. The study recommended that a thorough review of the budget allocation processes should be conducted to identify inefficiencies and ensure equitable distribution of resources among all crops thereby optimizing the allocation which could enhance the performance of crops
Abdullah Al Himel, Faria Zahan Sarna, NHM Hassan Imam Chowdhury, SMM Jafor Imam Chowdhury
This study examines mobile banking trends in Bangladesh from January 2016 to April 2024 using statistical and time-series analysis to explore key patterns in the sector’s growth and transformation. The findings reveal steady expansion in the number of mobile banking agents, subscribers, transactions, and transaction values over the study period. Statistical techniques such as time-series decomposition, moving averages, and correlation analysis indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated the adoption of digital financial services. The results also highlight clear seasonal patterns, with notable spikes in transaction volumes during major cultural and religious events such as Eid, Pahela Boishakh, and Durga Puja. Correlation analysis demonstrates strong positive relationships among mobile banking agents, subscribers, transaction counts, and transaction values, suggesting that these metrics evolve in a closely interconnected manner. A comparative assessment of pre-COVID, COVID-19, and post-COVID periods shows a substantial increase in mobile banking activity during the pandemic, followed by a moderated but sustained growth trajectory in the post-pandemic phase. Moving average analysis further confirms the long-term upward trend in transaction volumes by smoothing short-term fluctuations. Overall, the findings indicate that mobile banking has become an essential component of Bangladesh’s financial ecosystem, with important implications for financial inclusion, digital financial services, and policy development.
Ganeshkumar.N, Ms. Sowmiya. S M. Sc, Rhenius Solomon, Sanjay.S, Shanmugasabarinathan.B
The rapid expansion of the digital underground has transformed the dark web into a critical sanctuary for cybercriminal activity, facilitating the illicit exchange of stolen credentials, leaked databases, and sensitive organizational intelligence. Traditional security frameworks often fail to monitor these hidden networks as they are not natively designed to navigate anonymous onion services. This research introduces the Dark Web Keyword Alert System (DWKAS), a proactive, open-source monitoring framework that automates the detection of data leaks using cost-effective tools. By integrating Tor-based anonymity with a Python-driven scanning engine, the system identifies high-risk indicators across four severity levels and delivers instantaneous alerts via the Telegram Bot API. The proposed architecture utilizes a secure SOCKS5h proxy to eliminate IP and DNS leakage, ensuring the operational safety of the investigator. Experimental validation across fifty live hidden services demonstrated a detection accuracy of 92% and a low alert latency of approximately 2.2 seconds, confirming the system's practical feasibility. Furthermore, this paper addresses the critical ethical and legal implications of dark web monitoring and proposes the future integration of Natural Language Processing (NLP) to transition from static keyword matching to context-aware threat intelligence. The result is a scalable, reproducible, and containerized solution that significantly reduces the window of exposure for organizations facing modern cyber threats.
Anthony C. Cabrillas
A PCB-based BJT-FET Circuit Card and Small Signal Analysis of BJT Circuit Card were designed, developed, and evaluated in this study consisting of three instructional modules: Module 7 (BJT Circuit Card/BC Card), Module 8 (Small Signal Analysis of BJT Circuit Card/SABC Card), and Module 9 (FET Circuits Card/FC card). Pertaining to Objective 2, the module provides a BJT Circuit Card using an integrated PCB design that clearly identifies network paths for biasing signals, hardware test points and utilities, as well as test point access directly with respect to schematic alignment more easily translatable for students. To address Objective 2, validation of the developed PCB modules was achieved by comparing the electrical performance against design specifications and criteria. The results of DC biasing confirmed stable operating points suitable for instructing a transistor at the input (CE bias values: VB = 0.69 V, VC = 5.92 Volt near mid-supply), tracking behavior on common collector level crossing (VE = 5.95 Volt, VB = 6.66 Volt), and common base stability (VC = 6.05 Volt). At this point, I verified expected behavior dependent on configuration through small-signal testing where measured gains were Av = −39.0 Common Emitter with 180° phase inversion (in-phase follower), Av = 0.90 for Common Collector (follower behavior again) and Av = 29.5 for Common Base (follower in-phase). Device configurations of FET module, CS, CD and CG measurements were also stable (VG ≈ 2.48 V; VS ≈ 1.44–2.32 V; VD ≈ 5.85–5.90 mV) thus confirming that reliable amplification and follower properties performance could be demonstrated with the module developed here. As per Objective 3, usability in terms of functionality was assessed through a Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)-based survey for 35 students who displayed very high acceptance across the constructs (PU = 4.62, PEOU = 4.55, BI = 4.58, US = 4.60; mean overall = 4.59). The instrument was good-to-excellent reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.88–0.93) and one-way ANOVA showed no significant differences among construct means (F = 1.10, p = 0.35) with a small effect size (η² = 0.024), confirming balanced uniform usability perceptions. Explaining, data in comparison to other considerations, the performance and design negotiation result are considered very permissible for the long laboratory aggregation with sector able skills training of all devised circuit cards.
Augustine Ben OKOUBULU, Oghenemaro Geraldine EDUVIERE, Okiemute Dickson OFUYEKPONE, Yaabari NAENWI
The paper presents a MATLAB model based analysis and evaluation framework of the dynamic losses of HVAC and the HVDC systems in high-penetration integration of renewable power. In comparison to the conventional research, in which the conditions are assumed to remain constant or even nominal, this paper tackles the challenge of time-varying renewable generation, like PV and wind variability, and the impact of the renewable penetration level (20 to 80 percent) to the transmission loss. The MATLAB simulations represent the line and transformer losses of HVAC and HVDC line and converter losses in a 300km corridor, which carries 1000 MW base load. The significant results have revealed that the average losses experienced by the HVDC (25 MW-20 % penetrations to 17 MW-80 % penetration) HVDC systems consistently exhibited lower losses compared with HVAC systems across all penetration levels. HVAC losses (HVAC losses changes up to 53MW and 24MW at 20% and 80% penetrations) Loss variability in HVAC systems was approximately 52% higher than in HVDC systems. The study also identifies regions of operational desirability of HVDC and has provided loss composition, density heatmaps, crossover points, dynamic disturbance responses and this gives good guidance in regard to planning transmission according to prevalence of renewable. The outcomes of this study prove the efficiency, stability, and scalability of high renewable integration conditions of HVDC corridors at a greater level.
Araceli J. Angeles, Carina B. David, Dr. Ronald L. Pancho, Ellery D. De Leon, Mark Ian C. Abrias, Mercedito V. Tambalque, Nanette N. Tabuac, Ricky Boy Garcia
This quantitative, descriptive-correlational study examined the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption and leadership styles on strategic planning effectiveness among technology firms in the Philippines. Guided by frameworks from Biloslavo et al. (2024), Gichuki et al. (2024), and Phillips and Moutinho (2000), the study explored how leadership behaviors mediate the relationship between AI integration and effective planning. A total of 105 executives and managers participated in the survey, using a validated questionnaire with a reliability range of .71 to .91 across three scales. Descriptive statistics revealed very high levels of AI adoption (M = 6.40, SD = 0.79) and strategic planning effectiveness (M = 6.30, SD = 0.79), and a high level of leadership styles (M = 5.64, SD = 0.61). Pearson’s correlation showed significant positive relationships among the three variables, while multiple regression confirmed that AI adoption and leadership styles collectively explained 72% of the variance in strategic planning effectiveness (R² = .72, p < .001). Mediation analysis further indicated that leadership styles significantly mediated the relationship between AI adoption and strategic planning outcomes (β = 0.31, p < .001). The findings underscore the importance of aligning AI initiatives with effective leadership to achieve sustainable organizational planning. The study recommends enhancing leadership development programs to strengthen digital integration strategies and maximize the benefits of AI in strategic management.
Arturo T. Fernandez, Marilou Limpot
This study examined the levels of language learning strategies, language attitude, and language exposure among senior high school students and analyzed their relationships with motivation in language learning using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). A quantitative, descriptive–correlational research design was employed. Results indicated that language learning strategies, language attitude, language exposure, and motivation in language learning were all at a very high level. Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant relationships among the variables and students’ motivation in language learning (p < .01). Regression analysis further showed that language learning strategies and language exposure were significantly associated with students’ motivation in language learning. Attitude toward language also demonstrated a statistically significant relationship with motivation, although the direction of the relationship varied across model estimations. Three alternative structural models were tested, and Model 3 demonstrated the most acceptable goodness-of-fit indices based on established SEM criteria, including CMIN/DF, GFI, CFI, NFI, TLI, RMSEA, and P-close. The findings suggest that students’ motivation in language learning is related to the interaction of cognitive, affective, and environmental factors, particularly strategy use, language attitudes, and exposure to language in different contexts. These results highlight the importance of providing learners with opportunities to apply effective language learning strategies, develop positive attitudes toward language learning, and experience meaningful exposure to language both inside and outside the classroom.
Dr. B. Muralidhara Rao, Dr. D. Tata Rao
The Govt. of India is set to introduce a new rural employment law in the Lok Sabha, proposing to repeal the two-decade-old Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with another legislation, titled the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, 2025. The bill seeks to replace the MGNREGA with a revamped framework aimed at aligning rural employment and development with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 (MGNREGA) is considered to be a game changer for rural India. India's rural economy remains the backbone of its socio-economic condition, with approximately 60% of the population residing in rural areas and a majority dependent on agriculture and allied activities. Yet, the sector faces persistent structural challenges that manifest as agrarian distress, including fragmented landholdings, low productivity, scarcity of irrigation, and fluctuating market prices the study evaluates the scheme’s effects on employment, income, women’s empowerment, poverty, and migration. The review confirms that MGNREGA has significantly improved rural livelihoods by providing income security, enhancing women's participation, and reducing distress migration. However, the analysis also highlights persistent implementation challenges, including regional disparities, wage payment delays, and corruption. The findings are summarized using tables to provide a robust, evidence-based assessment for policymakers and researchers. In light of such questions, this article, rather than engaging in debate over the various divisions of opinion, lets the figures speak for themselves. It collates the relevant statistics in user-friendly form and the concluding analysis then briefly analyses particularly the inter-state differences in the MGNREGS performance for the period of 2006–25.
Azubuike Josiah Ekpunobi, Ifunanya Peace Okeke, Okafor Chiedozie Emmanuel, Onyewuchi Pascal Chibuke
Chromium selenide (CrSe) thin films was successfully deposited on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) conducting substrates using an electrodeposition technique. The films exhibited thicknesses ranging from 71.22–166.17 nm, with thickness increasing progressively with deposition potential due to enhanced ionic transport and accelerated film nucleation. Optical characterization revealed absorbance values between 6.16–30.39%, which increased with deposition potential and decreased with increasing wavelength. Transmittance values ranged from 49.67–88.90%, showing a reverse trend, decreasing with higher deposition potentials and increasing with wavelength. The CrSe films showed low reflectance across the UV–NIR range, with values between 5.99–19.94%, and maxima occurring in the UV region. The refractive index values ranged from 1.63–2.64, decreasing with wavelength but rising with deposition potential. Extinction coefficient values were between 9.50×10⁻² – 2.01×10⁻¹, while optical conductivity ranged from 6.42×10¹³ – 50.48×10¹³ s⁻¹.Tauc analysis revealed that the energy bandgap varied with deposition potential, ranging from 3.00–3.25 eV, confirming CrSe as a wide bandgap semiconducting material suitable for optoelectronic and photovoltaic applications. XRD analysis confirmed hexagonal phase CrSe, with crystallite sizes of 30.780–33.455 nm, dislocation densities of 9.050×10¹⁴ – 1.092×10¹⁵ lines/m², and microstrains of 3.09×10⁻³ – 8.46×10⁻³. SEM micrographs showed surfaces composed of tiny agglomerated particles of irregular shapes and sizes, while EDS analysis confirmed the elemental presence of chromium and selenium. These results demonstrate that electrodeposited CrSe thin films possess desirable structural and optical characteristics for use in optoelectronic, photovoltaic, and spintronic applications.
Dr. N. Pramod Kumar, Eunice Azyu
Orphans living in an orphanage have the right to avail education like other children. They are provided education but often lack professionals, resources, guidance and counseling, individual support, and planning for learning at the orphanage. Academic related activities at a young age are a necessary requirement to advance in education and career. Developing study habit is very essential for orphans to advance in higher education. The present study aimed to explore the academic and general activities carried out by orphans, and the challenges and issues encountered by them in an orphanage. Purposive sampling technique was employed to achieve the objectives. An observation schedule and self-structured interview with caregiver, caseworker, orphans, and teacher were used to collect information. The major findings of the study are that orphans spent time watching TV, reading books, drawing and coloring, and helping younger ones during free time. Caregiver, case worker, and teacher consider orphans need continuous support, empathy, and intervention in the form of coaching, tuition, career guidance, and motivation from capable youths to assist the orphans in their daily academic work. This will build interest and confidence in studies, leading to willingness to develop a good study habit hence resulting in success.
And Bright H. A, Onyeanula N. I., Ukozor, A. U. C.
Investigation of students’ fish consumption pattern (fish type preference, frequency of consumption and preservation type) of residents in five hostels of Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education (AIFUE) was done using descriptive survey. Well-structured questionnaire were administered to male and female in their hostels using random sampling method to pick respondents from as many rooms as possible. The data obtained were analysed using employing SPSS statistical software version 29.0.2.0. Results reveal that for purchase and consumption, fresh fish (32.0%) was the most with Clarias gariepinus (46.7%) and Scomber scombrus (28.0%) as fish type most preferred. Weekly consumption of fish in however form (fresh, smoked, dried, canned etc.) shows that due to cost, schedule, taste preference and health reasons, consumption is done the most at 1 -2 fishes per week (57%, 58.6%, 47.6% and 66.6% respectively), but seldom due to the fish availability (46.6%) and hardly as a consequence of peer influence (22.2%). A positive correlation was noted for availability (r-value at .139) and peer influence (r-value at .122) on the time of fish consumption while a negative correlation was seen for schedule (r-value at -.081) and taste preference (r-value at -.236). In the same vain, a negative correlation (-.113) with non-significant values (0.168c) was recorded for cost and place of purchase. School market and local market were places patronized for fish for reasons of schedule, taste preference and health reason (32.6%, 28.6% and 41.7% respectively) and (58.7%, 59.5% and 52.1% respectively). Respondents (36.7%) agreed that the availability of fish was satisfactory, on the other hand, 53.3% strongly agreed, 26.7% agreed and as few as 12.0% and 1.3% of the respondents disagreed and strongly disagreed respectively to fish being more nutritious. While 33.3% agreed to fish being their major diet, 13.3% disagreed. The challenges to fish consumption included high cost, lack of storage facilities, unpleasant smell which got percentage frequencies of 46.7%, 38.7%, 30.7% respectively and the least for fear of bones.
N. Rajendiran, P. Ramasamy, P. Senthilraja, S. Senthilmurugan
The spectral characteristics of 4,4’-diaminodiphenyl (benzidine, DADP) in various solvents, and in the presence of α-cyclodextrin (α-CD) and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) at pH~3 and pH~7, were investigated using UV–visible, fluorescence, time-resolved fluorescence measurements, and PM3 computational methods. Ag:DADP:CD nanomaterials were synthesized and characterized by SEM, DSC, FTIR, 1H NMR and XRD techniques. Both pH conditions, DADP exhibited distinct absorption and emission shifts upon complexation with α-CD and β-CD. DADP showed a single broad emission band in all solvents, and CD solutions indicates the presence of twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) in the DADP molecule. The fluorescence lifetimes of the inclusion complexes were greater than that of free DADP. In the DADP molecule, both the vertical and horizontal bond lengths between the amino and hydroxy groups are smaller than the β-CD cavity size. SEM–EDX data confirmed the presence of 5.5% silver in the nanomaterials.
Aliaa Diyana Zamri, Linn Shelly Maw, Nyan Phone Zaw
This systematic literature review explores the impact of social business participation on university students’ development in leadership, critical thinking, and entrepreneurial motivation. Drawing from 35 peer-reviewed studies published between 2021 and 2024, the review critically examines how experiential engagement in social business initiatives cultivates essential competencies for socially responsible leadership and innovation. The analysis reveals that participation fosters transformative learning outcomes, including enhanced self-efficacy, ethical leadership, collaborative problem-solving, and opportunity recognition. Despite these positive effects, the review identifies significant gaps in the literature: a lack of longitudinal research, underrepresentation of diverse cultural and regional contexts, and limited integration of interdisciplinary frameworks. Adopting a systematic PRISMA-based methodology, the study ensures transparency in selection, inclusion, and thematic synthesis. Findings underscore the need for more nuanced, context-sensitive research and institutional strategies that embed social entrepreneurship within higher education curricula. This review contributes to advancing theory and practice at the intersection of social innovation and student development, offering implications for educators, policymakers, and university leadership globally.
Rabieth Shani
Purpose: This study investigates the short- and medium-term interactions between financial markets, inflation, and economic growth, aiming to identify the channels through which financial variables influence real economic activity. Methods: Using weekly data from 2010 to 2023, we employ vector autoregression (VAR) and autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) models to analyze the dynamic effects of stock market capitalization (SMC), stock market turnover (SMT), government bond prices (GBP), government bond yields (GBY), and inflation (INFLA) on GDP. The models capture both short-run dynamics and long-run relationships, with lags selected to account for delayed adjustment processes. Results: GDP exhibits strong persistence, with lagged output consistently exerting a positive effect. Equity market variables (SMC and SMT) positively influence GDP in the short run, whereas bond market indicators (GBP and GBY) show negligible effects. Inflation negatively impacts GDP contemporaneously, with partial adjustment in the subsequent period. The error correction mechanism indicates slow but stable convergence toward long-run equilibrium. Implications: The findings highlight equity markets as the primary channel affecting short-term growth, while bond markets play a minor role. Inflationary pressures impose temporary but meaningful drag on output, underscoring the importance of price stability. Policymakers and regulators should prioritize equity market development and sustained macroeconomic stability to support both short- and long-term economic growth.
Richard Armah, Saira Ashraf
This study explores the sociological dimensions of food identity and preferences within the context of Ghanaian cuisine. Grounded in qualitative research, including interviews, participant observation, and literature review, the study investigates how food functions as a marker of cultural identity, social status, gender roles, and religious beliefs in Ghana. The findings reveal that traditional foods such as fufu, banku, waakye, and kenkey are deeply tied to ethnic and regional identity, serving not only as daily sustenance but also as expressions of heritage and belonging. The research also highlights generational shifts in food preferences, influenced by urbanization, globalization, and modern lifestyles, particularly among younger Ghanaians. Despite the growing presence of foreign cuisines and fast food, traditional Ghanaian dishes maintain their cultural relevance, especially during festivals, family events, and religious observances. The study concludes that Ghanaian cuisine is a dynamic cultural practice that reflects both continuity and change, offering valuable insights into broader social structures and cultural negotiations. These findings contribute to the growing field of food sociology and emphasize the importance of preserving culinary heritage amid societal transformation.