ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | March 20, 2026
Contraceptive Use among Women of Reproductive Age in Northwestern Nigeria: The Influence of Socio-Cultural and Religious Factors on Family Planning Practices
Rebecca ADAJI, Tensaba Andes AKAFA, Uduak Mendie Udofia, Sabo Ezeuhwe John
Page no 96-100 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjm.2026.v11i03.001
Contraceptive use among women of reproductive age in Northwestern Nigeria remains notably low compared to other regions of the country and neighboring African nations. This study examines the socio-cultural and religious influences that shape family planning practices in the region, drawing on data from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) and relevant literature. Findings reveal that while limited education, spousal consent, restricted healthcare access, and economic hardship contribute to low uptake, socio-cultural norms exert the strongest influence. Cultural expectations of high fertility and male dominance in reproductive decision-making overshadow religious teachings, as the predominant religion in the region does not explicitly forbid contraceptive use. Our research concludes that engaging religious and community leaders in awareness campaigns is essential to dispel misconceptions, promote informed choices, and improve reproductive health outcomes in Northwestern Nigeria.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | March 20, 2026
Design and Experimental Evaluation of a Multi- Layered Wall System for Heat Mitigation in Arid Environments
Anaswara Anil, Prashant Kumar Sharma, Farida Bala Tanko
Page no 101-114 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sijcms.2026.v09i02.003
Food security in hyper-arid regions is constrained not only by water scarcity and soil degradation but by the thermodynamic instability of agricultural climates. In countries such as Qatar and across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), extreme diurnal heat loads impose continuous cooling demand on controlled-environment agriculture, rendering food production energy-intensive and economically vulnerable. This study presents a novel multi-layered wall (MLW) designed to establish a controlled microclimate within interior agricultural environments under arid conditions. It is an arrangement of thermally useful materials: a high-thermal-mass clay composite for conductive attenuation; sequential semi-permeable membranes to interrupt and regulate convective exchange; a conditioned cavity that uses stack-driven airflow together with embedded cooling system; a concrete layer providing structural endurance and secondary buffering; and a recycled-plastic insulation layer to reduce residual flux. The assembly sequences moderate resistances and storage capacity to produce thermal lag, flux dispersion, and amplitude damping. Laboratory experiments under controlled radiative loading and sustained heat exposure verify the hypothesis: the MLW suppresses peak internal temperature excursions, flattens thermal gradients across interfaces, and preserves near-baseline interior conditions over prolonged forcing. Energy accounting for indoor farming loads suggests meaningful reductions in cooling demand when MLW-mediated temperature control replaces part of traditional mechanical conditioning. Index Terms- Multi-layered Wall (MLW): Structural configuration designed for progressive reduction of heat transfer. Thermal Insulation: Layers and materials engineered to reduce conductive and convective heat flux. Convective Ventilation: Stack-driven airflow mechanisms that remove excess heat from the conditioning cavity. Thermal Mass: Use of clay-based composites and water loops to absorb and regulate transient heat loads. Desert Agriculture: Application of engineered microclimates to enable sustainable crop production under arid conditions. Sustainable Development: Meeting present developmental needs without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same.
Women’s economic empowerment is central to achieving inclusive growth and reducing gender disparities in India. In recent decades, women have made notable progress in education, employment, and entrepreneurship; however, their economic participation remains constrained by wage inequality, limited access to resources, and persistent socio-cultural barriers. This study examines the key dimensions of women’s economic empowerment, including financial inclusion, skill development, entrepreneurial opportunities, and access to decision-making platforms. It also evaluates the role of government programs such as Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Skill India Mission, and Digital India, which have created avenues for enhancing women’s economic roles, particularly in rural areas. Despite these advancements, challenges such as low labor force participation rates, occupational segregation, and limited household bargaining power continue to hinder full empowerment. The paper argues that sustainable economic empowerment requires not only policy support but also a transformation of institutional structures and cultural norms. Enhancing women’s economic agency is essential for equity, poverty reduction, and long-term national development. All the data source has taken from secondary sources and various government report and women empowerment related books and research articles. In this paper divide has two sections first -Global scenario of economic empowerment of women and Second Indian scenario of economic empowerment of women and with three objectives.
REVIEW ARTICLE | March 20, 2026
Delivery Risk Management and Logistics Performance of E-Commerce Platforms in Abia State, Nigeria
Nnenanya Doris Akunne, Iberi, Emmanuel
Page no 82-93 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjbms.2026.v11i03.002
This study examined the relationship between delivery risk management and logistics performance of e-commerce platforms in Abia State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study investigated how infrastructure risk management and security risk management influence delivery speed and order fulfilment accuracy. A cross-sectional survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from employees of registered courier service companies involved in e-commerce delivery operations in Abia State. A total of 250 questionnaires were administered, out of which 238 were validly returned, representing a response rate of 95.2%. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression techniques. The findings revealed that infrastructure risk management and security risk management are widely implemented by courier companies and are positively associated with logistics performance outcomes. The regression results indicated that infrastructure risk management and security risk management significantly and positively influence delivery speed (R² = 0.49) and order fulfilment accuracy (R² = 0.46). The study further showed that both dimensions of delivery risk management jointly explain a substantial proportion of the variance in logistics performance. Consequently, all the formulated hypotheses were supported. The study concludes that effective delivery risk management plays a critical role in improving logistics performance within e-commerce operations. The study recommends that courier companies strengthen route planning, infrastructure adaptation strategies, and security mechanisms such as real-time parcel tracking and theft prevention measures to enhance delivery reliability and customer satisfaction.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | March 19, 2026
Anatomy and Pathology of the Nasal Cavity: Unani Perspectives in Light of Modern Understanding
Shakera, Abdul Malik, Sayama Bano, Shahid Ali, Samrin Ansari, Hafsa, Ahtasham Khatoon
Page no 37-46 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjpm.2026.v11i02.005
The nasal cavity is the principal pathway for respiration and olfaction, combining protective and sensory functions. The anterior portion filters and shields against external particles, while the posterior region refines inspired air and mediates smell perception. In Unani medicine nasal health is associated with the balance of humors and temperament. This paper interlaces together Unani concepts with modern anatomic pathology to present a very useful and pedagogical resource. We present in detail the structure and function of the nasal cavity which also includes the complex issues of its relationship to and vulnerabilities in various pathologic conditions. Unani disease classification and pathophysiologic theories are put under the microscope to present that in fact they do in many cases parallel modern bio-medical understanding of inflammatory, infectious, and neoplastic diseases. We look at acute catarrhal rhinitis, allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, epistaxis, and malignant tumors through the Unani medicine lens which also shows the very relevant role of humor-based etiologies for what are very common illnesses. This integrated approach we put forth adds to academic discussion, also has practical value for the clinician and educator and in turn helps to bridge the gap between traditional and modern systems of care.
REVIEW ARTICLE | March 19, 2026
Impact of Yogic Practices Including Breathing Techniques on Personality Traits among Middle-Aged Women: A Short Review
Dibyendu Mondal, Suvra Mondal, Nita Bandyopadhyay
Page no 61-66 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/jaspe.2026.v09i03.002
Middle-aged women often face some burden of career, family, and menopausal transitions, which can disrupt emotional health. While yoga is a known de-stressor, the specific role of yogic breathing (pranayama) regulate core personality dimensions remains less explored. The objective of the present review was to examine how regular yogic breathing practices help develop positive personality traits and maintain emotional stability in middle-aged women. A systematic search was conducted across the databases like Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct and Scopus. Following a rigorous searching process using the terms such as ‘yogic breathing’, ‘pranayama’, ‘personality traits’ and ‘middle-aged women’, six experimental studies were selected and analysed. Based on the empirical evidences, studies reveal that breathing techniques significantly improve emotional stability by reducing Neuroticism and impulsive behaviours connected with Psychoticism. Practitioners showed a shift toward ‘Sattva’ (balance), which associated with higher emotional regulation and neighbourly, stable Extraversion. Compared to women who do not practice it, those who practice breathing exercises showed less anxiety and better self-control, which helps them stay mentally stable during midlife. It helps reduce nervousness and emotional instability and supports a more balanced and confident nature. So, the current short review may conclude that yogic breathing is a helpful practice for improving the personality traits of middle-aged women. However, in the future, more long-term studies should be done to understand how different breathing techniques affect personality traits development over time.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | March 19, 2026
E-Tax System in Nigeria: Perceptions of Small-Scale Business Owners in Enugu State
Ugwu Ikenna Vitalis, Mbah Alice Nkechi
Page no 86-94 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjef.2026.v10i03.003
The main purpose of the study was to determine the perceptions of Small-Scale Business Owners in Enugu State on e-tax system. The study was guided by two research questions and two null hypotheses. The population was 494 selected Small-Scale Business Owners in Enugu State. Convenience Sampling was adopted and the instrument used for data collection was a 19-item questionnaire developed by the researchers. The instrument was validated by three experts and the reliability of the instrument was determined using Crombach Alpha which yielded reliability index of 0.87. The instrument was administered to the respondents by the researchers via both online and offline methods. 201 out of 221 copies of questionnaire were well responded to, returned and therefore, used for data analysis representing 91 percent return rate. Mean and standard deviation were used for data analysis and t-test statistics was used to test the null hypotheses. Findings showed that Small-Scale Business Owners in their perceptions agreed that Business owners are aware of the tax e-filing system provided by the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service, tax e-filing system is easier to use for business tax needs, tax e-filing system saves time compared to manual tax filing, e-filling system is compatible with everyday smart phones, tax e-filing makes tax compliance easier for small-scale businesses. The null hypotheses showed no significant difference between the mean scores of male and female Small-Scale Business Owners regarding their perceptions on e-taxation in Enugu State. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ESIRS) should vigorously pursue continuous taxpayer sensitization programs, specifically targeting Small-Scale Business Owners and should collaborate with telecommunication and banking service providers to improve internet connectivity and quality banking service delivery, especially in semi-urban and rural parts of Enugu State where many small businesses operate for glitch-free e-payments.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | March 19, 2026
Awareness and Understanding of Realistic Mathematics Education Among Middle School Students – A Study
Rajan Singh, Rajesh Ekka
Page no 98-106 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjhss.2026.v11i03.004
In this present study, the Realistic Mathematics Education Level of Awareness Among Middle School Students is most important of modern era. Most of the students are less interested in mathematics. Many students consider mathematics difficult, abstract, and disconnected from real life. because they face abstract thinking in real mathematical calculations. Realistic Mathematics Education is based on the idea that students create their knowledge of mathematics. This study mainly focuses on the Realistic Mathematics Education level of awareness among middle school students. The methodology of the study was a descriptive survey design adapted. The sample size is 226 middle school students randomly selected for the collection of data. The findings of the study were that middle school students 2.21% are Not Aware, 10.62% are Slightly Aware, 33.19% are Moderately Aware, and 34.95% are Aware,19.03% are Highly Aware of Realistic Mathematics Education.
This article examines the case of Replika, an AI companionship app, to explore how users contribute unpaid free labor through affective engagement on Reddit. Drawing on Terranova’s concept of free labor and Hardt’s notion of affective labor within a platform studies framework, we analyze interactions on the Replika subreddit (Reddit) as our empirical site. We find that Replika’s users perform diverse forms of labor, from providing feedback and bug reports to offering emotional support and creating content, that enhance the platform without monetary compensation. This analysis highlights the distinctiveness of Replika as a case wherein intimate emotional bonds with an AI agent drive passionate user contributions, raising broader questions about the commodification of affect and the paradoxes of AI-driven platforms. Ultimately, we argue that Replika exemplifies how contemporary platforms harness free and affective labor, with significant implications for digital labor debates in an era of AI-mediated social interaction.
This paper explores the intricate relationship between governance and economic development in Africa, with a specific focus on Nigeria. Nigeria, as Africa's most populous nation and one of its largest economies, offers a compelling case study of how governance impacts economic trajectories. Marx and Engels' concept of historical materialism was employed to deepen the understanding of governance and economic development dynamics in post-colonial Africa, with a specific focus on Nigeria's current governance system. This choice is also because it seeks to establish a scientific foundation for fostering a better future for humanity. Secondary sources of data were collected and analyzed mostly in descriptive forms. This study, describing Nigeria's economic and development trajectory as a microcosm of the broader African experience suggests that the quality of governance can either strengthen a weak economy or stifle a potentially thriving one. It underscores the significant impact of governance, highlighting the paradox of Nigeria's vast natural resources coexisting with persistent poverty and underdevelopment. It attributes this to governance issues such as lack of visionary leaders, corrupt practices, embezzlement /misappropriation of public funds, inefficiency, ineptitude, weak institutional capacities, and undue foreign influence. The paper recommends that well-managed and adequately funded Civil Societies Organizations (CSOS) and NGOs have the potential to alleviate the impact of poor governance in Africa and contribute to the establishment of a better society.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | March 19, 2026
To Assess Gingival Biotype and Compare its Impact on Periodontal Parameters: Probing Depth and Gingival Recession – A Cross-Sectional Study
Pooja Pawar, Abhishek Kurdukar, Mahesh Ahire, Kshitij Pardeshi, Mitali Thamke, Bhagyashree Khedkar
Page no 116-121 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjodr.2026.v11i03.005
Background: Gingival biotype (now often termed periodontal phenotype) describes gingival thickness, keratinized tissue width, and underlying bone morphology. This phenotype has significant influence on periodontal disease progression, clinical outcomes, aesthetic stability, and response to therapy. Aim: To assess gingival biotype distribution in a defined population and evaluate its association with periodontal parameters, specifically probing depth and gingival recession. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study involving 85 systemically healthy subjects aged 20–40 years was conducted. Gingival biotype was assessed by both probe transparency and transgingival probing methods. Probing depth and gingival recession were recorded for mandibular anterior teeth. SPSS software employed appropriate inferential statistics; p<0.05 was considered significant. Results: Thin gingival biotype was predominant, and there were statistically significant associations between biotype and both probing depth and gingival recession (p<0.05). Conclusion: Gingival biotype significantly influences periodontal parameters; therefore, routine assessment should be standard in periodontal diagnosis and treatment planning.
This work is about the brain chemicals, and their possible natural catabolic products. Effort has been made to identify if the microwave frequencies of these by products are same as the microwave frequency ranges of sodium and Potassium in ionic solutions present in as well as outside a neurone. It could be a factor responsible for dementia. It is found that excess by products of Tau fragment and Human prion peptide 2 had the same microwave frequency of sodium and Potassium in ionic solutions present in as well as outside a neurone. Therefore, it can affect the neuronal functioning. Efforts have also been made to identify, if any of these Brain chemical bind to each other and block the normal neuronal functioning. In this effort, it is noted that, excess of Human prion peptide 1 can bind to Tau-441 protein. This can affect neuronal function.
REVIEW ARTICLE | March 19, 2026
Etiopathogenesis and Pharmacological Management of Legionnaires Disease
Kakunuri Lakshmi, Ch. Aruna Kumar, Y. Rahul Babu, SK. Mahaboob Sharif, L. Mohana Rupasri, M. Pujitha, J. Divya
Page no 43-56 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sijtcm.2026.v09i03.002
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of atypical pneumonia caused primarily by Legionella pneumophila. The disease was first identified following a 1976 outbreak at an American Legion convention in Philadelphia. It is transmitted through inhalation of contaminated aerosols from water sources such as cooling towers, air-conditioning systems, hot water systems, and decorative fountains. The incubation period typically ranges from 2 to 10 days. Clinical manifestations include fever, cough, dyspnea, headache, gastrointestinal symptoms, and confusion, with severe cases leading to respiratory failure, septic shock, or multiorgan dysfunction. Diagnosis is primarily based on urinary antigen testing, culture, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Prompt treatment with macrolides or fluoroquinolones significantly reduces morbidity and mortality. Preventive strategies focus on proper maintenance and disinfection of water systems to control bacterial growth. Early diagnosis, appropriate antibiotic therapy, and effective public health measures are essential for reducing disease burden and preventing outbreaks.
REVIEW ARTICLE | March 19, 2026
A Cross-Scale Design Grammar for Functional Matter: Integrating Synthetic Pathways, Reaction Mechanisms, Self-Assembly, Interfaces, Defect Chemistry, Multimodal Characterization, Predictive Modeling, and Performance Validation
Intazar Hussain Shah, Iqra Anjum, Laiba Javed, Waqar Yousaf, Irsa Liaqat, Muhammad Yousaf Khan, Laiba Attique, Waheed Zaman Khan
Page no 77-100 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sijcms.2026.v09i02.002
Functional matter is often designed and reported as disconnected advances in synthesis, structure, and performance, which limits transferability across materials classes and length scales. This review introduces a cross-scale design grammar that unifies how researchers specify, test, and validate causal links from processing and reactions to architecture, interfaces, defects, and device-level outcomes. We formalize grammar units as controllable operators, interaction rules, constraints, and measurable metrics, and show how uncertainty and failure modes propagate along the synthesis to structure to function chain. The framework integrates mechanistic control across solution, solid-state, vapor, electrochemical, and mechanochemical routes; mesoscale assembly and hierarchical architectures; interfaces and interphases as transport gatekeepers; and defect chemistry as both a performance lever and a degradation driver. We then treat multimodal characterization as an inference and evidence-fusion problem and map it onto a modeling ladder that spans mechanistic, continuum, statistical, and hybrid approaches with uncertainty quantification and validation. Finally, we provide benchmarking and reporting templates, truth-table criteria for what counts as improvement, and case-study scorecards that identify the dominant bottlenecks in representative applications. By converting fragmented knowledge into a reusable grammar, this review offers a practical, end-to-end playbook for designing functional matter with measurable causality, reproducibility, and observation-ready.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | March 18, 2026
Relationship between Dermatoglyphic Patterns and Academic Performance among Students of Madonna University, Nigeria
Osaat R.S, Aduga I.K
Page no 30-36 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sijap.2026.v09i02.001
This study aimed at establishing the relationship between dermatoglyphic patterns and academic performance of students in Madonna University. A total of 200 students voluntarily participated in this study which was selected randomly. Validated questionnaire was distributed to the students, and their right and left hand fingerprints were collected simultaneously using digital scanning method. The data were tested using mood median test, Pearson Chisquare analysis of association and fitness regression model. The mood’s median test of the result showed that the differences in the median score for the different patterns and academic patterns were not significant for the entire right digit (p>0.05) while for the left, all the digits were not showing differences in the patterns and academic performance except the left index digit (p<0.05). Also, the test of association between finger patterns and academic performance was observed to be significant only in the right little finger while the left fingers showed no significant association between the variables. The study also showed no significant difference between ATD angle and academic performance of Madonna University students as Regression Model (R-square value) at zero indicate no accuracy in the prediction (P>0.05). In conclusion this study has shown that there is significant association between finger patterns (especially right little finger and left index finger) and academic performance. However, ATD angle on the other hand did not show any significant difference with academic performance among the students. This implies that while finger patterns may be used to predict academic performance, ATD angle on the other hand may not serve a better tool in predicting academic performance among Madonna University students.