Journal Article

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A spotlight on Italian cities: urban change, governance and planning
(2023) Vinci; Yanar
Italy’s territorial organization is historically marked by the density of town and cities spread across the country. Italian cities were the places where new institutions and forms of government have been shaped over the centuries, and where main innovations in the social and cultural domains continue to take place. The country’s economy, itself, is rooted in a multitude of medium – and even small – urban areas, a factor that has helped Italy to limit the impact of the polarization process affecting other European countries (e.g. rural depopulation). Despite that leading role, it is only since the end of last century that urban areas started to be highly regarded within the national political agenda. Drivers of this process have been legal reforms to further empower local government, State initiatives to stimulate urban regeneration and, not least, the European Union, that especially in the Southern regions still plays a key role in supporting local projects and planning innovation.
Housing Challenges in African Cities
(2022) Yanar, Numan; Enns, Cherie
According to the report of the World Bank, rapid urbanization and an increasing number of slum dwellers have created a severe housing issue in African cities. Capacity, policy and governance weaknesses coupled with a lack of interorganizational collaboration for development solutions are halting progress in urban settings. In order to tackle these issues, new and focused approaches to affordable housing are required. Therefore, there is a need to re-examine current processes and policies to enable short-term and long-term solutions to in formal urban housing in African cities. By considering this, in this issue of IGLUS Quarterly having four unique articles, we will discuss the growing concern of providing equitable and accessible options for youth housing by also reviewing the current approaches, best practices and case studies currently being utilized with a focus in African cities within the urban realm. The perspectives shared in the articles will add value to what is currently published; very little published written by youth living in the global south.
Planning for Sustainability: A View from the Global South
(2021) Du Plessis, Danie; Yanar, Numan
The ideal of sustainable development has become increasingly prominent in global development discourse over the last half-century and is now firmly being embedded within global agreements such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the New Urban Agenda. This prominence is also reflected in the recent UN-Habitat World Cities Re port 2020 aptly titled ‘The value of sustainable urbanization’ and reaffirmed that sustainable urbanization remains central to the goal of overall sustainable development by creating social, economic, and environmental value in pursuance of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development goals. However, despite considerable progress in many dimensions, continued and rapid urbanization poses a particular challenge for urban planning in pursuit of sustainable development, especially in urban contexts in the Global South. The series of articles in this edition reflect on some of the challenges in planning for sustainability and provide some case studies of how cities in the South have responded to these challenges.
Smart Almaty City Special Issue
(2021) Yanar, Numan; Konirbayev, Bayan
Almaty is the largest metropolis, scientific and educational, cultural and historical, economic and financial, banking and industrial center of Kazakhstan. The city is also considered the economic center of the Central Asia region. Almaty is in the South-East of Kazakhstan, at the foot of the Northern Tien Shan Ridge - Zaili Alatau. T he urban territory of Almaty covers more than 782 km2 with about 2 million registered population. Since October 2020, Almaty City Government has initiated a 5-year Smart City strategy in collaboration with Innovative Governance of Large Urban Systems (IGLUS) action-research program. Almaty Smart City aims to create a technological architecture covering all the information systems and Information Technology (IT) infrastructure on the city level with the description of service, data and infrastructure layers. In this issue of IGLUS Quarterly, we will further investigate this technological architecture with the articles of the experts from Almaty City.
Population and Public Management in South African Cities
(2021) Drewes, J. Ernst; Yanar, Numan
South Africa, as developing country is still in an urbanization stage with less than 65 per cent being urbanized. This puts significant strain on the existing management and future planning of towns and cities, who according to the country’s constitution, is responsible for all housing and land use matters. Although local- and metropolitan municipalities are re sponsible for the aforementioned, they are also legally obliged to integrate principles of public participation, sustainability and urban integration in spatial planning matters. Regarding these, we will be focusing on the population and public management in South African cities in this issue of IGLUS Quarterly. As a collaborative work of IGLUS and the Urban and Regional Planning Department of North-West University, four articles from the experts of their field will be covered in this issue.
Urban Waste
(2021) Yanar
In this first issue of the year, we will be discussing problems associated with urban waste with articles from experts from different parts of the world. We will try to understand what the previous mistakes were, what we must do to deal with the huge amount of wastes in cities, and what the current efforts of city governments are.
Public Health and COVID-19 in Cities
(2020) Yanar, Numan
2020 has been one of the most difficult years for us all, with the rapid spread of the unfortunate COVID-19 pandemic. All of our schedules have changed, and most of our businesses and international travels have stopped. Once again, we understood the importance of public health as similar to all previous pandemics that humanity faced. Cities that already experienced previous pandemics/epidemics, such as MERS and SARS, have already been aware of the importance of public health, and managed the current pandemic with less severe out comes, while it had more tragic results for cities and countries with a weaker public health system and lack of treatment facilities. As IGLUS, we are aware of how important the public health system is for cities to deal with this pandemic. Therefore, through this IGLUS Quarterly issue, we would like to touch upon the spread of COVID-19, and the successes and failures of public health systems in cities.
Climate Change and Cities
(2019) Yanar, Numan
Our planet is warming under dramatic environmental pressure and its climate is changing. The impacts of climate change are becoming more costly and more dam aging day by day. Unfortunately, cities are main culprits. According to UN Habitat, cities consume 78 percent of the world’s energy by producing the majority of green house gas emissions. By considering the consequences created by the cities, we have prepared this IGLUS Quarterly issue with key articles written by experts from cities around the world. We hope that we can bring new perspectives to readers and bring awareness about climate change to the citizens of the Earth.
Water Economy and Governance in the Age of Urbanization
(2019) Yanar, Numan
Due to the severe effects of global warming, the earth is confronting various issues, including endangerment of lives. Most importantly, scarcity of water is one those issues confronted. It is not that the world does not have enough water – 70 percent of the planet is covered with water − but as we continue to fail to use available fresh water sources efficiently, we will not be even able to satisfy our survival needs. Water treatment and desalination technologies are coming to the fore, which has also made us consider water economy and the water−energy nexus. This nexus becomes especially crucial when megacities and urban areas are considered. In this issue of IGLUS Quarterly, we have tried to bring new perspectives for the water problem of urban areas and megacities by considering the water−energy nexus.
The effectiveness of Action Learning model, methodology and global recognition in continuous learning as predictors of personal and organization growth in higher education Institutions (HEIs)
(2025) Abedin, DR. REJAUL
Action Learning is based on the principle that people learn best when working collaboratively with others to tackle issues that have relevance to real life. The process involves experiential and peer learning, reflective listening and a commitment to take action. Action learning can take place online, offline or using a blended approach. Online action learning otherwise known as virtual action learning uses collaborative technology to facilitate learning when participants are geographically dispersed. Action learning is often facilitated by a coach trained in the method. In the Action Leaning process there are scope together with a small group of peers to solve real workplace challenges. In doing so, all participants learn from the experiences of others in the sector. The focus on real and current, contemporary issues from their respective fields of studies, and on practical solutions and action, ensures results can be applied and actions implemented straight away, benefitting individuals and organizations. To clarify the core concepts of action learning, effectiveness of Action learning model, methodology, this article relies on previous scholarly articles and contents of action learning research and the author’s individual experience in action learning approach. Furthermore, this article will provide information on the methodologies, global business schools involvement in Action Learning, PDCA and advantages and effectiveness of action learning. Higher educational Institutions (HEIs) entrepreneurs may implement Action Learning Methodologies and its philosophy to run their programs for an effective program outcomes and goals. But not the least, students or trainees also may participate to boost their managerial – professional knowledge and develop their skills in their particular professional areas. The Action Learning approach has gained global recognition for its unique ability to solve real-world challenges while fostering learning and growth. Lastly, action learning emphasizes its role as a transformative tool for organizations to understand and navigate complex problems. It highlights the importance of problem identification, learning set formation, and the iterative action and reflection cycles. The process fosters a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, preparing individuals and teams to tackle real-world challenges effectively.
How Socially Comparing Emerging Research Institutions to Established Research Institutions Informs Proposed Amendments to the Bayh Dole Act
(2025) Hamilton, Clovia
Emerging research institutions have a problem with their lack of tech transfer, including start-up business formations. This study investigates that issue using social comparison theory as the framework for a novel experimental design. A group of 245 respondents, comprised of STEM faculty members and STEM administrators at emerging research institutions, completed a stated choice survey based on the social comparison theory. The respondents were assessed on the level and extent that they compare their emerging research institution to well established research institutions with respect to research, technology commercialization, and academic entrepreneurship. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in America were used as a case study. The median survey response was that technology transfer and academic entrepreneurship was not a priority. Respondents also indicated the belief that their HBCUs are not measuring up to majority schools. Based on this comparison, social comparison theory indicates that the HBCUs may be motivated to improve. An amendment to the Bayh Dole Act is recommended, given that HBCUs are woefully behind majority schools in university technology transfer. Specifically, the 37 CFR 401.16 requirements for federal agency reporting should change to require that emerging research institutions report their licensing activities. Further, all national organizations that receive federal funding and report on university patent licensing revenues should be required to provide annual reports on emerging research institutions’ technology transfer and academic entrepreneurship activities. This will likely increase awareness and monitoring of this issue.
Love and hate in university technology commercialization proposed revision to the Bayh-Dole Act
(2025) Hamilton, Clovia; Schumann, David
To a large extent, the university technology transfer (hereinafter the “TTO”) success depends on harmonious relationships between technology transfer staff and contributing faculty. While this state is ideal, regretfully, it is not typical. We describe sixty-two legal battles between academic inventors and their universities. We also identify the stressors caused by perceived threats to the TTO staff and faculty researchers, which result in felt job insecurity. We then developed a concept model which depicts these perceived threats and how they contribute to positive functional technology transfer performance or negative dysfunctional performance. We propose that any lack of communication, social exchanges, motivation, engagement, streamlined processes, supportive organizational cultures, or competencies on the part of the TTO staff or faculty researchers can result in felt job insecurity and distress. Also, people who lack personality characteristics that give them an aversion to job insecurity can experience stress. We advocate that, in light of the numerous legal battles, all of these micro-foundational factors in university technology transfer need to be examined and taken into consideration in a holistic way, and they need to be addressed with a Bayh-Dole Act amendment. Specifically, the 37 CFR § 401.16 federal agency reporting requirements need to change to mandate that universities report litigation between inventors and universities. This will likely bring much needed awareness to this issue and may result in improvements in communication, social exchanges, motivation, engagement, streamlined processes, supportive organizational cultures, or competencies. Such improvements can reduce these legal conflicts.
Red, blue & purple data breach laws: what they reveal
(2025) Garrison, Chlotia; Hamilton, Clovia; Tarabar, Danko; Doman, Marguerite; Scibelli, David
The increase in data breaches is a serious threat to the protection of consumer information. Timely notification of the consumers’ vulnerability after a breach is essential. Currently, in the U.S., no federal data breach notification law exists. Given the advancements of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its potential for a greater and more critical role in our daily lives, the lack of federal breach legislation is of even greater concern. The issue for operating American businesses is that currently each state has their own law. Given the Internet of Things, and the fact that businesses have customers located in different states, without a federal law, businesses need to figure out each states’ law and comply with each. Additionally, the multiple state laws with their varying requirements makes it burdensome for companies to comply. Addressing these concerns, this article reviews the U.S. data breach notification laws at the state level to inform the drafting of a much-needed federal law. We analyze the content of the laws considering when they were enacted, the definition of personal information, the notification deadline, and the regulatory strictness which we define as the combination of biometrics, restricted reporting deadlines, and health/medical information. We hypothesized that: (1) the contents of the laws have changed from their original content, (2) there is a relationship between the contents of the law and when the original law was passed, and (3) one political party would dominate when the original law was passed. We found our first hypothesis to be true that the laws have changed content a relationship exists between the contents of the law and when the initial data breach notification law was passed. An increase in the regulatory strictness of laws was discovered. This provides evidence of states’ attempts to improve the content of these laws. Our third hypothesis was not supported. We found that purple states with joint control in the executive and legislative branches dominated when the original state data breach laws were enacted. This research is significant because it provides evidence that although there is a patchwork of state policies, there exist commonalities in the state laws that could be used to draft a bipartisan federal law. This federal law should be accomplished with bipartisan dialogue in the U.S. Congress. A model code created by the Uniform Law Commission (ULC) would not suffice because of the long timeframe it takes for the ULC to promulgate uniform model codes. Given the rapid advancement of AI threats to data protection, there is no time to waste. A federal law would ease the burden on companies that must accommodate the multiple provisions of multiple state laws.
Robocops to the Rescue? Addressing Police Misconduct
(2025) Hamilton, Clovia; Shackelford, Scott J.
One way to reduce misconduct when police have face-to-face interactions with citizens is to limit the number of such encounters. The use of smart policing technology such as robotics should be included in policing reform recommendations because of its potential to increase objectivity. Yet robotics, if not utilized ethically, could also open new avenues for abuse. This study focuses on identifying the risks and benefits of using a combination of AI and robotics (termed ‘robocops’ for purposes of this paper) from a technological, legal, and ethical perspective. Since robocops make use of AI, proper AI ethics is imperative to these ends, and thus guidance for a model smart policing regulation is advanced in this study. Twenty-five recommendations are made by building from available literature listing language that needs to be included in a comprehensive model regulation of smart policing that includes regulating robocops.
Surpassing Bostock: SEC Filing Deficits Mask Prevalence of LGBTQ+ Workplace Discrimination in Big Tech
(2025) Hamilton, Clovia; Sader, Eric; Ale-Ebrahim, Benjamin
LGBTQ+ workers face workplace discrimination generally and there is growing concern about this issue in the tech industry. This research looks beyond the Supreme Court’s holding in the landmark Bostock case and President Biden’s subsequent Executive Orders 13985 and 13988. This research describes tech industry discrimination cases involving thirty-seven LGBTQ+ workers and offers ten legal and public policy recommendations for reducing incidents of workplace discrimination. We examined anti-Asian hate crime legislation as a possible model legislation for reducing workplace hatred toward LGBTQ+ workers. We also hypothesized that among the seventeen big tech companies we investigated, there would be few or no mention of employment discrimination in their SEC 10-K annual report filings. This hypothesis was supported by a review of eighty-five filings made over the five-year period between 2018 and 2022. Thus, one of our recommendations is that the SEC amend Part 229 of Chapter II Securities and Exchange Commission in Title 17 of the U.S. Code on Commodities and Securities Exchange for reporting legal risks and proceedings to mandate the reporting of employment discrimination cases. This heightened level of transparency may result in improved workplace conditions for n LGBTQ+ and other marginalized workers.
Social Capital as a Commons: Towards a New Framework for Leadership and Governance
(2025) Gourdine, Christopher; Hamzany, Jihan; House, Nathaniel; Morrison, VII, William
This study positions social capital—defined as the trust, reciprocity, networks, and collective norms that support societal cooperation—as a critical form of the commons. Building on foundational research into the tangible commons, the paper extends the concept to the "social commons," arguing that social capital qualifies as a resource vulnerable to externalities yet essential to societal health. Identified as a subcomponent of the broader social commons, it is critical in fostering cooperation, mitigating social tensions, and enabling sustainable development. Through an interdisciplinary literature review and the application of Social Affinity Flow Theory (SAFT), the analysis also reveals how social capital impacts governance, leadership, and institutional trust. Historical examples and contemporary case studies demonstrate how intentional actions, such as fostering community cohesion or addressing systemic inequities, can either strengthen or erode this vital resource. The findings suggest that modern governance and leadership must prioritize the protection and enhancement of social capital to ensure societal resilience and equity. By framing social capital as a commons, this research offers a new lens for evaluating leaders and institutions while advocating for policies that safeguard the social fabric at all levels.
Educational Development in Tiwa Community: Barriers, Struggles, and Opportunities
(2024) Doloi, Gargi
"This study explores the difficulties that Tiwa community in northeastern India faces in trying to improve education for their people. The Tiwa’s, an indigenous group, confront significant obstacles that make it hard to provide quality education to their children. These challenges include living in remote areas with poor infrastructure, economic struggles, and the need to balance their rich cultural traditions with formal education. As a result, many Tiwa children have limited access to schooling, and those who do often face an education system that doesn't fully resonate with their way of life. This article emphasizes the urgent need for solutions that respect and incorporate Tiwa culture while improving educational opportunities, ensuring that the community can thrive without losing its identity."
THE IMPACT OF MODERNIZATION ON JUNBEEL MELA: CONTINUITY AND CHANGE
(2024) Doloi, Gargi
Junbeel Mela is a traditional fair of the Tiwa tribe of Assam, India which has been a cultural event for centuries and is known for its barter system and cultural activities. However, the process of modernization has brought some changes in the economic, social, cultural and environmental aspects of the Mela. This paper aims to analyze the effects of modernization on Junbeel Mela with special reference to the aspects of continuity and change. Based on ethnographic observations, interviews with the members of the Mela community, and historical records, this paper examines how modernization has impacted Mela’s practices and how some aspects of the culture have remained intact. The study indicates that although the process of modernization has affected the barter system in terms of commercialization and its partial disappearance, the main cultural practices and the values of totemism remain stable. The paper concludes with a discussion on the future of Junbeel Mela based on these changes and recommendations on how to strike a balance between tradition and modernity to ensure that Mela remains culturally relevant.
The Tiwa Community of Assam: A Historical and Cultural Study
(2024) Doloi, Gargi; Bordoloi, Kongkon; Timung, Bijoy
The Tiwa community, also known as Lalung, is an indigenous ethnic group primarily found in Assam and Meghalaya in Northeast India. They are known for their rich cultural heritage, including a distinct language, unique socio-religious practices, and a vibrant history. This article explores the origins, cultural evolution, socio-political structure, and current issues facing by the Tiwa community. This paper will provide a comprehensive understanding of the Tiwa Tribe’s history, geographical settlement, religious belief, cultural practices, and the significance of their folk festival in strengthening social integrity in Assam.
The Tiwa Community of Assam: A Historical and Cultural Study
(2024) Bordoloi, Kongkon; Doloi, Gargi; Timung , Bijoy
The Tiwa community, also known as Lalung, is an indigenous ethnic group primarily found in Assam and Meghalaya in Northeast India. They are known for their rich cultural heritage, including a distinct language, unique socio-religious practices, and a vibrant history. This article explores the origins, cultural evolution, socio-political structure, and current issues facing by the Tiwa community. This paper will provide a comprehensive understanding of the Tiwa Tribe’s history, geographical settlement, religious belief, cultural practices, and the significance of their folk festival in strengthening social integrity in Assam.
Enhancing Canadian Blackberries Production in New Brunswick through Climate-Smart Agriculture
(2024) University, Usman
This research paper focuses on the integration of digital technologies in Canadian Triple Crown blackberry production in New Brunswick to enhance productivity and adapt traditional farming practices to changing climate conditions. Drawing insights from recent studies such as "Application of digital technologies for ensuring agricultural productivity" and "Research and Innovation in Agriculture NBER," this paper explores the impact of innovation, research, and policies on agricultural advancements locally and globally. The specific innovative aspect highlighted is the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in precision agriculture to optimize crop management and resource allocation. The research methodology includes a systematic literature review of articles focusing on digital technologies in agriculture, with a particular emphasis on AI applications, tailored to the unique climate challenges faced by Canadian berry producers.
Climate-Smart Livestock Breeding: A Study of Holstein-Friesian Cattle in Canada and Pakistan
(2024) Vair, Maryam
Climate change poses significant challenges to livestock production worldwide, necessitating the adoption of climate-smart breeding practices to enhance the resilience of livestock populations. This study investigates climate-smart breeding practices in Holstein-Friesian cattle, a widely used breed in dairy production, in both Canada and Pakistan. This research aims to assess the current status of climate-smart breeding initiatives and their effectiveness in improving the resilience of Holstein-Friesian cattle to climate variability in these two contrasting environments. Methodologically, a Qualitative approach is employed, combining quantitative analysis of breeding data with qualitative analysis of articles, books, and lab data. The finding of the study showed that Canada places a strong emphasis on genomic technologies and advanced cross-breeding, producing robust Holsteins with great milk production. The findings of the study showed that the surrounding atmosphere has an immense impact on the productivity of the Holstein Friesian. Pakistan's inadequate infrastructure and resources make it difficult to carry out such efforts. Despite this, indigenous knowledge and customary breeding techniques have the potential to increase climate resistance. Although it depends on animal breeding, Pakistan's agriculture industry faces low productivity because of managerial problems. Cooperation between the two countries could improve knowledge sharing and increase Holstein cattle's ability to withstand climatic change. The study contributes to understanding the climate-smart breeding practice and highlights the significance of collaboration to enhance livestock production.
Conservational Strategies: A Study of Red Mulberry (Morus Rubra)
(2024) Al-Bazik, Amanet
Red mulberry (Morus rubra) cultivation in Canada confronts multifaceted challenges, including habitat loss, climate variability, and intensification of agricultural practices, which collectively jeopardize its population and genetic diversity. This study investigates the conservation strategies employed for the protection and recovery of red mulberry populations across Canada. Through a comprehensive analysis of existing recovery plans, management initiatives, and research efforts, this research aims to assess the effectiveness of current conservation practices and identify areas for improvement. The research adopted qualitative methods i.e. descriptive and analytical methods are used for the synthesis of the literature review. For analysis, the content analysis method is applied. The research highlights the significance of long-term monitoring programs to track population trends, assess the success of conservation interventions, and adapt management strategies accordingly. The research endeavours to promote the sustainable conservation of this ecologically and culturally valuable species, ensuring its persistence for future generations.
SOCIAL-CULTURAL STIGMAS AND ENCOUNTERS FACED BY ‘STILL UNMARRIED’ WOMEN AND THEIR FAMILIES
(2023) Bukhari, Nayab
Marriage is an important institution of human society that binds two humans socially, morally, and religiously. Due to recent trends and transformations in society, most women do not prefer to get married or are not eligible to get married as per various socio-cultural norms and demands. This research is focused on the issues single women face — from social unacceptability to finding accommodation to finding places to interact safely with each other which — are not being addressed by society or the state. The purpose of the study was to explore women’s experiences of being stigmatized by society as leftover and to find out sociocultural constraints faced by still unmarried women and their families. In this regard, the sample of 10 still unmarried women aged 35 and above was selected by using the snowball sampling technique for conducting in-depth interviews. For thematic analysis, it was concluded that still unmarried girls are not only facing problems by themselves but their families too are faced with various social pressures Theoretical considerations of social, economic, and demographic factors promoting delayed marriage. All this requires an identity shift to reframe single as a positive social identity which begins by raising awareness about singlism. The findings of this study may promote positive social change by raising awareness about singlism.
THE BRITISH POLITICAL & DIPLOMATIC POLICY REGARDING PUNJAB-BALOCHISTAN BORDER
(2023) Abbasi, Abid Hussain; Jaffar, Saad
With the beginning of the great game, the British government felt a threat from the northwest border and decided to cross the Indus in 1839 and reach Kabul. With the death of Ranjeet Singh colonial government also occupied Sindh in 1843. In Punjab, the Sikh government lasted its breath. The British government decided to take over Punjab. So the British won the First Sikh War and similarly won the Second Sikh War and annexed Punjab to the British Government. In Dera Ghazi Khan, the British government faced stiff resistance from the Baloch tribes. The English army used artillery in war with the tribes. The British government tried to control the Baloch tribes by force but failed and the advance towards Balochistan slowed down. In these circumstances, the government took care of administrative matters through various policies. The advance towards Balochistan was stopped and the closed border policy was implemented, but later Sandeman negotiated with the tribes and subdued them first under the reconciliation policy and then under the principle of divide and rule by introducing the Tamandari system and subordinating them to the Tamandars. Implemented to make the forward policy successful. Sandeman's policy was successful and British rule extended to Balochistan. The English government confined the people in grip through Tamandars, as well as administratively Deputy Commissioners, Revenue Officers, Collectors, and Patwaris. And his strategy to go beyond the Punjab-Baluchistan border was successful. Sandeman proved that the state could be extended not only by force but also by diplomatic policy and his conciliatory policy was well received. This research article explains and highlights the strategies and policies adopted regarding expanding British rule from Punjab to Balochistan.
HABERMAS AND THE CONCEPT OF THE PUBLIC SPHERE: A REVIEW OF PUBLIC SPHERE THEORY
(2023) Hussein, Ahmed Mohamed Fawzy Mohamed; Akhtar, Sohail
Since the mid-1960s, public sphere studies have received increasing attention; because of the theoretical contribution of the German academic researcher Jürgen Habermas, who traced the history of the emergence of the public sphere in Europe in the modern era. The main dimension of Habermas’ contribution was related to the nature of the communicational public sphere, as distinct from the political sphere, and from the civil sphere where relations are based on mutual interest and trust. So, this contribution sought to identify the public sphere theory in public space; to monitor the structure of this space and its functions, and the role it played in understanding the issues of the contemporary world.
DISPUTE RESOLUTION COUNCILS IN PAKISTAN: ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF AN ALTERNATIVE MECHANISM FOR RESOLVING LOCAL DISPUTES
(2023) Iqbal, Nadia; Warriach, Shams ul Arifeen
Dispute resolution councils (DRCs) in Pakistan have emerged as a popular and effective mechanism for resolving disputes at the community level. DRCs are composed of local representatives and community leaders who provide a quick and accessible means of dispute resolution for people who may not have access to the formal justice system. This article aims to assess the effectiveness of the DRCs as an alternative mechanism for resolving local disputes in Pakistan. The article will examine the strengths and weaknesses of the DRCs, their impact on access to justice, and the challenges they face. However, despite their popularity, DRCs confront a variety of difficulties and flaws that must be fixed to increase their efficacy and sustainability. These challenges include the lack of trained personnel, inadequate resources, limited public awareness and trust, limited expertise in dealing with complex legal issues, and a need for better coordination with the formal justice system. To address these challenges, it is recommended that DRCs receive regular training and capacity-building, greater resource allocation, improved public awareness and trust, better integration with the formal justice system, and better monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. By implementing these recommendations, it is possible to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of DRCs in Pakistan and to ensure that they provide accessible, affordable, and reliable justice to the people of Pakistan.
Money is Morphing - Cryptocurrency can Morph to be an Environmentally and Financially Sustainable Alternative to Traditional Banking
(2024) Hamilton, Clovia
Bitcoin is the best-known cryptocurrency for which blockchain was invented. Blockchain is a digital, decentralized distributed ledger that records transactions that take place on peer-to-peer networks. Creating a single new bitcoin takes as much electricity as a typical US household consumes in 57 days; and the annual energy consumption is equivalent to that of Sweden at 135 TWh. The energy consumption issue related to crypto mining has been debated. The US SEC’s approval of the new spot Bitcoin ETFs will likely result in an increase of crypto mining and heightened concerns. This research is a bibliometric study conducted using the critically appraised topic method using 201 publications between Jan 1, 2013 and Dec 31, 2022. The research focuses on the pros and cons of using cryptocurrency. A cryptocurrency benefit is that digital currency can provide improved access to banking and inclusion for many people in underdeveloped countries that lack banking services. This study addresses how cryptocurrency can be a more sustainable alternative to traditional banking. traditional community financial institutions and how traditional currencies can morph by embracing digital financial technology. Financial institutions can remain relevant in the face of digital asset and cryptocurrency innovations. Ten recommendations for cryptocurrency policies and legal regulations were gleaned from this bibliometric study.
Dynamics of the Climate Dilemma
(2024) Berge, Erling
"Despite a growing focus on climate change from governments around the world, carbon emissions continue to rise. To understand why little progress has been made, we must first conceptualise the problem and its core elements. For example, what dynamics of trust and cooperation shape human attempts to combat climate change? How does climate change represent a social dilemma? And how have social dilemmas been resolved in other areas? Dr Erling Berge, professor emeritus at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, responds to these questions using policy examples from Norway’s rich history. He is shedding new light on past failures and future possibilities for tackling this pivotal threat to life on this planet."
THE LEGAL-URBAN REGIME OF THE MAESA CULTURAL HERITAGE OF CAXIAS DO SUL – RS
(2022) Colombo, Gerusa; Silveira, Clóvis Eduardo Malinverni da; Vanin, Fábio Scopel
The research addresses the cultural heritage "MAESA", an old industrial park located in the city of Caxias do Sul - RS, Brazil. The general objective of the research is to verify the legal-urban regime of MAESA. In the first part of the research, the history and characteristics of the architectural complex are described. Afterwards, the regulation is addressed, in particular aspects of the Master Plan, Donation Law and General Plan. For that, we used the hypothetical-deductive approach method, adapted to legal science. The procedure method is monographic applied to a case study. The research has a basic nature with a qualitative approach, with a descriptive and explanatory objective. As a result, it was found that MAESA has specific zoning, being listed and identified as a Point of Historic Heritage Interest, it is also understood that it is necessary to observe criteria for compatibility between the current protection norms and the making of future decisions, which aim to enable the public use of space. We conclude that there is a legal regime to protect the MAESA complex, although the protection rules are dispersed.
Collaborative Action and Social Organization in Remote Rural Regions: Autonomous Irrigation Arrangements in the Pamirs of Tajikistan
(2020) Dörre, Andrei
"This paper proposes a bottom–up 'nexus medium' perspective to examine and understand social organization and how socio-ecological challenges in remote rural regions are dealt with in communities that receive only limited external support. While 'nexus mediums' constitute substances, matter, or objects that combine manifold vital meanings and can be seen as socially constructed and materialized arenas of social interaction, autonomous resource management is seen as a means of local social organization. Taking water as the nexus medium of choice allows us to generate locally informed insights about the role of this scarce resource for the everyday life and social organization of communities inhabiting arid rural areas. This reasoning will be exemplified by three local case studies conducted during empirical research in the Pamirs of Tajikistan utilizing a mix of qualitative methods. The findings reveal how many fundamental everyday-life-related aspects and activities of the studied communities are related to water, and how these communities are organized around common water use and management arrangements that are based on joint decision-making, shared benefits and responsibilities, and collaborative action. The 'nexus medium' concept appears to be an appropriate approach for research that seeks to understand from a local perspective how communal living is organized and how socio-ecological challenges are addressed."
New Development: Mitigating and negotiating the co-creation of dis/value—Elinor Ostrom’s design principles and co-creating public value
(2022) Williams, Oli; Lindenfalk, Bertil; Robert, Glenn; Robert, Glenn
"Although Elinor Ostrom’s principles for collaborative group working could promote effective and equitable collaborative endeavours among diverse actors/stakeholders, they are largely untested in public service design and delivery. This article demonstrates how Ostrom’s principles could help to mitigate the potential for co-creating dis/value and instead support all involved to co-create systemic public value. The authors develop Ostrom’s work by proposing: an original, systemically-informed re-classification of Ostrom’s principles; that cocreation endeavours can be reconceptualized as a novel way of creating a ‘common pool resource’ and; that failure to adequately address the potential to co-create dis/value can lead to ‘tragedies of co-design’."
Exploring Elinor Ostrom’s Principles for Collaborative Group Working within a User‑led Project: Lessons from a Collaboration between Researchers and a User‑led Organisation
(2024) Wheeler, Bella; Williams, Oli; Meakin, Becki; Chambers, Eleni; Beresford, Peter; O'Brien, Sarah; Robert, Glenn; Robert, Glenn
"Some research has been undertaken into the mechanisms that shape successful participatory approaches in the context of efforts to improve health and social care. However, greater attention needs to be directed to how partnerships between researchers and user-led organisations (ULOs) might best be formed, practiced, managed, and assessed. We explored whether political economist Elinor Ostrom’s Nobel prize winning analysis of common pool resource management—specifically eight principles to enhance collaborative group working as derived from her empirical research—could be usefully applied within a user-led project aiming to co-design new services to support more inclusive involvement of Disabled people in decision-making processes in policy and practice. Participant observation and participatory methods over a 16-month period comprising observational notes of online user-led meetings (26 h), online study team meetings (20 h), online Joint Interpretive Forum meetings (8 h), and semi-structured one-to-one interviews with project participants (44 h) at two time points (months 6 and 10). Initially it proved difficult to establish working practices informed by Ostrom’s principles for collaborative group working within the user-led project. Several attempts were made to put a structure in place that met the needs of both the research study and the aims of the user-led project, but this was not straightforward. An important shift saw a move away from directly applying the principles to the working practices of the group and instead applying them to specific tasks the group were undertaking. This was a helpful realisation which enabled the principles to become—for most but not all participants—a useful facilitation device in the latter stages of the project. Eventually we applied the principles in a way that was useful and enabled collaboration between researchers and a ULO (albeit in unexpected ways).
Applying Elinor Ostrom’s Design Principles to Guide Co-Design in Health(care) Improvement: A Case Study with Citizens Returning to the Community from Jail in Los Angeles County
(2021) Robert, Glenn; Williams, Oli; Lindenfalk, Bertil; Mendel, Peter; Davis, Lois; Turner, Susan; Farmer, Cedric; Branch, Cheryl
"Increased interest in collaborative and inclusive approaches to healthcare improvement makes revisiting Elinor Ostrom’s ‘design principles’ for enabling collective management of common pool resources (CPR) in polycentric systems a timely endeavour. Ostrom proposed a generalisable set of eight core design principles for the efficacy of groups. To consider the utility of Ostrom’s principles for the planning, delivery, and evaluation of future health(care) improvement we retrospectively apply them to a recent co-design project. Three distinct aspects of co-design were identified through consideration of the principles. These related to: (1) understanding and mapping the system (2) upholding democratic values and (3) regulating participation. Within these aspects four of Ostrom’s eight principles were inherently observed. Consideration of the remaining four principles could have enhanced the systemic impact of the co-design process. Reconceptualising co-design through the lens of CPR offers new insights into the successful system-wide application of such approaches for the purpose of health(care) improvement. The eight design principles – and the relationships between them – form a heuristic that can support the planning, delivery, and evaluation of future healthcare improvement projects adopting co-design. They may help to address questions of how to scale up and embed such approaches as self-sustaining in wider systems.
Patented Brand Drugs are Essential Facilities and Regulatory Compacts
(2023) Hamilton, Clovia; Stokes, Gerald M.
The COVID-19 health pandemic highlighted the need for more readily affordable patented drugs. Brand drug companies argue that they need to recuperate their research and development (“R&D”), marketing and advertising expenses. The incentive to innovate also needs to be preserved. Drug companies are entitled to a profit and a return on their investment, just as afforded to utility monopolies. Intellectual property and human rights clash relative to access to patented drugs. We provide several proposed approaches to resolve this dilemma and conclude with an argument that patented drugs should be considered a public utility. A model based on the public utility approach has a great deal of merit as a model for setting prices for essential drugs and treatments. The price, however, setting should not be the province of back-room discussions between drug companies and insurers. Prices should be negotiated in public with full transparency just as electricity rates. Investor-owned utilities are profitable essential facilities that are of great benefit to consumers and provide reasonable and regular return on investment for their owners. This can happen for manufacturers of essential drugs as well.
Social Affinity Flow Theory (SAFT) and New Insights into the Systems Archetypes of Escalation and Tragedy of the Commons
(2023) Gourdine, Christopher; Morrison, William
"Social Affinity Flow Theory (SAFT) is a new theoretical framework based upon Constructal Law (Bejan & Zane, 2012) and explains how this law uniquely operates within human social systems, whether within small groups, non-profits, multinational corporations, or societies. We investigate the relationship between SAFT, systems thinking, and the two archetypes of Tragedy of the Commons and Escalation, two frameworks that have proven useful to leaders and decision-makers. SAFT expands the applicability of the two archetypes and uncovers new insights with implications for multiple domains of human activity, including the practice of management."
Analyzing Access and Equity in Primary Education: Addressing Rising Dropout Rates Among Malawian Learners
(2023) Nyoni, Precious
"With an emphasis on tackling the alarming increase in dropout rates among Malawian students, this study tackles the vital concerns of fairness and accessibility in Malawian elementary education. The study uses a qualitative method to clarify the opinions and experiences of significant stakeholders and to expose the complex interplay of factors that contribute to this pervasive challenge. Focus groups, in-depth interviews, and document analysis were used to collect qualitative data from a range of participant groups, including students, teachers, parents, and educa-tion officials, and to gain crucial insights into the state of education. With the use of these methods, the complexity of the problem was examined, and a thorough understanding of the challenges Malawian primary education faced was produced. According to the study's findings, the rising dropout rates are the result of a complicated web of circumstances. Due to the significant challenges faced by economically disadvantaged students in their educational endeavours, the subject of socioeconomic disparities has gained significant importance. There were also obvious gen-der differences, with early marriages and teenage pregnancies typically having an excessively negative effect on fe-males. The opinions and firsthand accounts of Malawian students provided valuable insights into the challenges they encounter when trying to get into and stay in school. Firsthand narratives brightened the difficulties that learners encounter, including risky and lengthy travels to school as well as inadequate facilities and educational resources. The study evaluated the effectiveness of government initiatives and programs created to lessen the dropout pandemic."
Cybercrime and Online Safety: Addressing the challenges and solutions related to cybercrime, online fraud, and ensuring a safe digital environment for all users— A Case of African States
(2023) Vitus, Emmanuel N.
The internet has made the world more linked than ever before. While taking advantage of this online transition, cybercriminals target flaws in online systems, networks, and infrastructure. Businesses, government organizations, people, and communities all across the world, particularly in African countries, are all severely impacted on an economic and social level. Many African countries focused more on developing secure electricity and internet networks; yet, cybersecurity usually receives less attention than it should. One of Africa's major issues is the lack of adequate digital security infrastructure, which has harmed businesses, governmental institutions, and individual communities more than it has helped. The majority of African countries operate without cybersecurity measures in place to combat cyberattacks. Only a few examples of today's cyber risks include digital extortion, business email intrusion, data breaches, online fraud, ransomware, and phishing, and new types of cybercrime are always developing. Due to the advent of new technology, cybercriminals have become more organized and quicker in their attacks and alliance creation. To maintain a secure digital environment for all internet users, this study focused on the challenges, solutions, and need for African countries to improve their online safety by tackling cybercrime, online fraud, and cybersecurity concerns. The objective of this study is to offer practical and long-term answers to the problems posed by cybercrime, with a continuing emphasis on enhancing online safety. It will assess the effectiveness of cutting-edge cybersecurity measures, legislative frameworks, and cross-border cooperative efforts, as well as potential areas for improvement. Additionally, the study will examine cutting-edge methods like blockchain technology, machine learning, and other cutting-edge methods that could improve our using digital defences to stop cybercrime.
Water User Associations and Collective Action in Irrigation and Drainage
(2023) Bruns, Bryan
"This article discusses what water user associations can do, factors that affect various forms of local collective action in irrigation and drainage, and how water user associations (WUAs) might help respond to local and global challenges and opportunities. Major themes include co-management of irrigation by communities and states, the diversity of water governance institutions, and the resilience of local cooperation in managing water to grow food. The article begins by looking at the long history of cooperation in irrigation, presents institutional design patterns in long-enduring local irrigation communities, points to the prevalence of co-production and co-management by states and communities, examines lessons from efforts to develop WUAs in the late twentieth and early twenty-first century, and highlights current challenges and opportunities for WUAs. The end of the article provides references and recommended readings."
Fluctuations in Agricultural Production: A Comparative Study across Selected Countries
(2023) Bhagbat, Mallik; Mohanty, Siba Sankar
"Fluctuation in agriculture is a matter of concern in the recent year. The present study analyses the cross-country fluctuations in agricultural production and the factors affecting the fluctuation in agricultural production. The study aims at studying the fluctuations of crop production, fertiliser consumption, arable land, land under cereal production, and agricultural machinery at the global level. The present study used the Cuddy Della Valle Index and a multiple regression model to analyse the fluctuations in agricultural production across countries. The entire study is divided into four sub-periods: 1981–1990, 1991–2000, 2001–2010, and 2011–2020. Several fluctuations in crop production, fertiliser consumption, arable land, land under cereal production, and agricultural machinery were observed in the study over the period. Different levels of instability were observed over the period of time."
Empirical Evidence of Urban Climate Adaptation Alignment with Sustainable Development: Application of LDA
(2023) Jin, Saebom; Stokes, Gerald; Hamilton, Clovia
"Cities are critical sites for climate action. Population and infrastructure are concentrated in urban areas and their susceptibility to climate change impacts makes them a pivotal place to embark on adaptation plans and strategies. In the Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) affirms that urban adaptation allows sustainable development and resilience. However, without evidence, this affirmation fails to acquire credibility and objectivity. As an attempt to provide the evidence for the assertion, this study examines the current actions in urban centers to determine if there is an alignment between adaptation and development. The study employs text mining techniques to analyze 400 urban project descriptions from Cities100 reports (2015–2019) of the C40 network. With Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA), a machine learning algorithm for topic model analysis, the study identifies 17 major topics. Using multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis to further characterize the findings, it finds an alignment of adaptation with urban sustainable and resilient development in several major cities. In this way, the paper makes a contribution to a global understanding of urban adaptation as well as demonstrates a way of adopting the grey literature into the urban adaptation studies."
Assessment of Tourists’ Perception of Okomu National Park as an Eco-Tourism Destination, Edo State, Nigeria
(2022) Olubunmi-Ojo, Tabitha T.
"This study assessed tourists’ perception of Okomu National Park as an eco-tourism destination. Tourists’ destinations can be a place or a resort where tourists go and stay or it could be an area or country in where a visitor stays and travels. Data for this study were collected from primary and secondary sources. Results from this study shows that their trip motivations are attraction oriented with game viewing extremely important to their visitation. This study therefore recommended that, Okomu National Park in conjunction with other governmental bodies should fashion out a process to facilitate community empowerment with a view to diverting the attention of the inhabitants of the surrounding communities from illegal logging, which most of them depend on. Thus, to meet the needs and the satisfaction of the eco-tourists, continuous research in these areas is important, particularly in emerging ecotourism markets like Nigeria."
Strategies towards Enhancing Students’ Skill Acquisition through Foods and Nutrition Practicals in Tertiary Institutions in Anambra State, Nigeria
(2022) Emeka, Ebele Cynthia; Ezenwanne, Dorothy Nkem; Ezekwem, Rita Amara
"The study on strategies towards enhancing students’ skill acquisition through foods and nutrition practicals in tertiary institutions in Anambra State examined the challenges facing effective Foods and Nutrition Practical lessons in tertiary institutions in the State. It also identified strategies that will help the students to gain more skills through balanced practical lessons on foods and nutrition. The study adapted a descriptive research design. The study raised two research questions for guidance; population comprised 38 Foods and Nutrition lecturers and 263 students making a total of 301 persons. Through a Simple random sampling, 147 respondents made up of 35 lecturers and 112 final year students of Home Economics were selected. A Structured questionnaire was used in data collecting and arithmetic mean was used for analysis of data. Challenges militating against effective practical lessons include inadequate time allocation, lack of interest, dearth of qualified teachers and supervisors among others. Strategies such as use of proper teaching methods, subsidizing the cost of practical lessons, exposing students to seminars, conferences and field trips were also identified as ways of tackling the identified challenges. Based on the findings, the study recommended that government and well-meaning individuals should help to equip laboratories with equipment and facilities in tune with times and needs. It is also recommended that Foods and Nutrition practicals should be handles by qualified teachers and resource persons."
Repositioning Small and Medium Scale Enterprises for Growth: Focus on Rural Women Entrepreneurs in Abia State, Nigeria
(2022) Alozie, Elsie N.
"Entrepreneurship is a potential tool for economic transformation, considering the impact it has on employment, wealth generation, and spurring local entrepreneurship. Thus, women entrepreneurs the world over, have continued to contribute significantly to the growth and development of their economies through this medium. This paper assessed the ways in which rural women SMEs can be repositioned for maximum growth, based on two objectives: to examine the factors that affect rural women SMEs; and to ascertain the determinants of growth of rural women SMEs. The paper utilized survey research method, and deployed a structured questionnaire based on the 5-point Likert scale. 250 participants were drawn for the study, while face and content validity techniques were employed. Reliability rate was determined using Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient Statistical Procedure. Findings revealed that rural women entrepreneurs are plagued with challenges ranging from lack of quality education, poor state of infrastructure, ineffective credit system as well as a harsh business climate. As a result, factors such as improved market access, ensuring an effective value chain, increased competitiveness, enhanced market entry, quality education/skill acquisition, efficient credit system, adequate infrastructure, and a friendly and enabling business environment were advocated for. The paper recommended among others, the need for financial inclusion and efficient credit system for rural women to enhance the growth of their SMEs."
Assessment of the Willingness-To-Pay (WTP) for Forest Resources Conservation in Imo State, Nigeria
(2022) Onyema, M.C.; Gideon, I.K.; Aju, P.C.; Ani, C.O.
"Dwindling appropriation to the forestry sub-sector has necessitated alternative finance mechanisms for sustainable forest service in developing and developed societies. Studies on Willingness-To-Pay (WTP) for forest service and nature conservation among households was conducted in a rural (Ekeugba forest community) and semi-urban (Obinze community with no forest reserve therein) regions of Imo State, SE Nigeria. A hundred sets of questionnaire were administered to households in these communities to assess willingness levels, acceptable amounts payable by the above households and likely factors which influence WTP which latter was analyzed using multiple regression at p<0.05. In the results, low percentage of WTP (14%) was recorded for the forest community who derived an average of about N4,391:81 per month/household from forest service while 30% WTP was obtained from semi-urban community who correspondingly derived an average of about N1,610:36 from forest service per month/household. Acceptable payment signified by these households was N394/month/household for semi-urban community and N100/month/household for rural forest community which reflects 24% and 2% respectively of the above income derivative from forest utility. The more educated (education: p=0.005) and the more married that household members are (marital status: p=0.042), the more willing they are to pay for forest service/conservation in their area in the result, location (urban: p= 0.006) influenced individual's perception and thinking about natural resources. Urbanism with its associated spate of socialization, administrative structure and influence tends to add impetus to influence individual thinking and perception about development."
A Study on Production and Marketing of Pineapple in Kolli Hills, Namakkal District, Tamil Nadu – India
(2021) Sivakkolundu, C.
"India is the second largest producer of fruits (44 million tons) and vegetables (87.5 million tons) with a unique position in fruits like mango, litchi, banana, pineapple, sapota and grapes. India’s share in the world production is about 10.1% in fruits and 14.4% in vegetables. The future of the Indian farmers depends on the success of the agriculture sector as India’s prosperity is predominantly linked to the growth in income in the agrarian sector of the economy. India has been bestowed with wide range of climate and physio geographical conditions and as such is most suitable for growing various kinds of horticultural crops. Pineapple is the most important American fruit, and the third most important tropical fruit, after banana and mango citrus fruits being produced mainly in subtropical areas. It is cultivated in all tropical and subtropical countries. The common name for one member of and for the Bromeliaceae, a family of chiefly epiphytic herbs and small shrubs. The spiny leaves of various species of the genus Ananas yield a hard fiber called gravata in South America and pina, or pineapple cloth, in the Philippines. The fruit, whose spiny skin is yellowish brown when ripe, is sweet and juicy; it is topped by a distinctive rosette of green leaves. It is grown throughout warmer regions. The economics of pineapple production is indispensable since there is no proper farm business data on its cost of production. The accurate figure on establishment cost, operating cost and input requirement of pineapple orchard would be greatly helpful to the pineapple producers in general. This information will be of immense use to farm financing institutions. Area under pineapple is gradually expanding in the study area district. The present study is an attempt to analyze the feasibility of investment in pineapple gardens and to find out the profitability of pineapple crop."
Impact of Access to Agricultural Credit on the Productivity of Togolese Farmers
(2021) Agbeno, Yao
"The objective of this paper is to measure the impact of access to agricultural credit on the productivity of farmers in Togo. The results show that there is a difference between farmers who have access to credit and those who do not. Also, farmers with access to credit have higher productivity than those without. Thus, access to credit is an essential factor in increasing agricultural productivity. Togolese decision-makers must, in the development of their agricultural policy, place greater emphasis on mechanisms to promote access to agricultural credit."
Urban Agriculture: A Timely Game Changer for Urban Residents in Nigeria
(2021) M.C., Onyema; N.C., Osuagwu; A.A., Nwogu; C.C., Nwaigwe
"This paper leverages on the yet-unanswered calls of the 1996 World Food Summit as well as the 2nd Sustainable Development Goal of the United Nations both of which support zero hunger and safe, nutritious and sufficient food. Nigeria and Africa on the whole actively engage in agriculture but this is more restricted to the rural area. This piece provides a view of the status of urban agriculture presented in both exploratory and descriptive terms thus contributing to the several academic fields in urban planning and research discourse. The farmers, government and urban managers are among key stakeholders that can step up at both local and regional scales especially in terms of governance, estate planning and urban dynamics. Although with a global outlook and dimension, case study therein presents current practices and quantitative descriptions based on surveys from metropolitan city of Lagos, Nigeria thus providing an argumentative reflection for the promotion of a wide range of urban agriculture practices. This is hoped to nourish the discussion on urban wellbeing and development."
Agricultural Research Structure and Productivity in Bulgaria
(2021) Hrabrin, Bachev
"This paper gives insight on organization and efficiency of agricultural research in Bulgaria during the period after country’s accession to EU. The analysis is predominately based on the research carried out in the Agricultural Academy—the main institution responsible for the organization of agricultural research in the country. Our analysis has found out that some of the Academy institutes and stations manage significant land and other resources, but the material and technical endowments of the majority of them is outdated, while some have no “critical” mass of human, financial and material resources needed for carrying effective modern research. The number of researchers and experts employed in the Academy is constantly decreasing due to insufficient budget funding, regulatory constraints, restructuring and layoffs, lack of acceptable pay and working conditions, insufficiently qualified candidates in some areas, etc. Since country’s accession to the EU, there has been a significant reduction in the overall expenditure and budget subsidies for agrarian research institutes and centers. Despite multiple “reforms” of the agrarian research system, the country still does not have an effective structure for organization of R&D and public funding systems, coordination and evaluation of research, evaluation and stimulation of researchers and teams, and protection of intellectual agricultural property rights. The trends and problems in the development of agricultural research in universities and Bulgarian Academy of Sciences are similar to those in the Agricultural Academy. There is no aggregated information about the nature and volume of agricultural research conducted by the Bulgarian universities, institutes of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, and in the private sector which requires the collection of similar information in the future in order to improve analysis and management."
Sustainable Organic Farming Practices
(2021) M., Manida; G., Nedumaran
"The aim of the paper is to evaluate the association of organic farming to strengthen the sustainability of organic agriculture. Organic agriculture shows abundant benefits, as it reduces many of the environmental impacts of conventional agriculture, it can increase efficiency in small farmers’ fields, and it reduces reliance on costly external inputs, and guarantees price premiums for organic products. Organic farmers also profit from farmer cooperative and the formation of social networks, which enhances good access to instruction, credit and welfare services. This paper brings out how the function of organic farming contributes for the sustainable practices and improving environment conservation, animal welfare, and product quality."
Protection of the Breeders and Farmers Rights-UPOV & PPVFRA
(2021) Simran, Bais
"The paper encapsulates the position of Farmer’s rights in the legislation concerning Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmer’s Rights Act, 2001. India was confronted with an option to adopt UPOV model or go through its own legislative draft proposal. The model of UPOV was rejected by India due to the fact that rights of the farmers were not protected and instead the entire focus was on breeder’s rights. The paper is a step forward to argue that the rights of the farmers are at different pedestal than the rights of the breeders especially in a country like India. there is a need to understand the history of PPVFRA legislation in terms of what were its loopholes and how it overcame major impediments. It is imperative to understand that the Farmers rights under intellectual property regime should be protected because with respect to plant genetic resources they do not have in depth scientific understanding but they certainly understand the paramount importance of plant genetic resources in agricultural field because its variability is a potential factor and this cannot be ignored. Moreover, from a long period of time the traditional knowledge which the farmer acquires in terms of selection of plant variety, improvising it and sustainable use of the same should be treated at par with intellectual inputs as this is certainly a monumental benefaction from the farming community. The paper discusses the main impediments of the legislation and suggest some measures to improvise the same."
Facilitating Academic Achievement of Students in Carbohydrate: Con sideration of Jigsaw, Think-Pair-Share and Coop-Coop Cooperative Strategies
(2022) Achor, Emmanuel Edoja; Jack, Gladys Uzezi; Daiko, Comfort
Worried by the poor performance of students in organic chemistry, this study examined the comparative facilitative effects of Jigsaw, Think-pair-share and Coop-Coop Cooperative Instructional Strategies on Achievement of students’ in Car bohydrate aspect of Chemistry in Jalingo metropolis in Taraba State, Nigeria. The population of the study comprised 1936 Senior Secondary two students in all the 41 public schools in the study area. The sample consists of 322 students (184 boys and 138 girls). Achievement Test in Carbohydrate (ATC) made up of 50 multiple choice questions was used to collect data for the study. Kuder-Richardson (K-20) was used to estimate the reliability index of 0.86 for the ATC. To answer the research questions and test hypotheses, the research adopted the descriptive statistics (Mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics of Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). Based on the data collected and analyzed, it was found that students taught carbohydrates using Jigsaw cooperative instructional strategy performed significantly better than their counterparts taught using Think-pair-share and Coop-Coop Cooperative Instructional Strategy. There was no significant difference between the mean achievement scores of male and female students taught carbohydrates using Jigsaw, Think-pair-share and coop–coop cooperative instructional strategies. Interaction effects between instructional strategies and gender on achievement was not statistically significant. It was recommended that there should be workshop to address the use of Jigsaw to teach chemical concepts and operations to enable teachers of chemistry employ it. Chemistry teachers should give female and male stu dents equal opportunities in the classroom to enable them achieve equally.
Environmental Cost and Market Share of Listed Manufacturing Companies in Nigeria
(2022) Worimegbe, Temitope Mariam
"The study examines the impact of environmental cost, controlled by firm size and firm age; on the market share of listed manufacturing companies in Nigeria from 2007 to 2017. The descriptive research design was adopted for the study. Twenty listed manufacturing companies were purposively drawn from the population of sixty manufacturing companies listed on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange as of 31 December 2017. The study’srelevant figures were extracted from the annual reports and accounts as well as the stand-alone environmental information of the selected companies over eleven years, from 2007-2017. Panel regression analysis was used to examine the impact of the proxies to independent variable on the dependent variable. Findings from the panel fixed-effect regression analysis showed that environmental cost had a significant impact on market share (F= 56.20, p < .05) at 5% level of significance. The study, therefore, concludes that environmental cost has a positive significant effect on the market share of listed manufacturing companies in Nigeria. The study recommends that manufacturing companies should increase their financial commitment to issues of environmental concerns to increase their market share."
Proposed Water Monitoring System for Sustainable Electricity Generation in Water Battery System
(2022) Esomu, Solomon; Oluchukwu, Nathan
"There is a growing demand for the development of sustainable electrical energy. However, irrespective of the source of alternative energy embarked upon there is also a need to have rechargeable energy storage systems or units that can store energy from the sun or wind when they are available. Such Rechargeable Energy storage devices are critically important if we desire to move fully into renewable sources of power and usher in sustainable electrical energy. One widely used source of energy storage is the battery. Battery storage, or battery energy storage systems (BESS). However, the use of water batteries requires ensuring that the water level and quality are in the required amount. The paper reviews the use of the internet of things and how it can be applied for use in a water battery system that generates electricity. When applied the Water batteries can feed into an existing electric grid and help in ensuring constant electricity by redistributing electricity when demand is high. This study proposes the use of IoT systems in that regard to ensure automatic water monitoring of water-based devices."
Implementation of an IOT-Based Water Quality Monitoring System in Water Battery Electricity Generation Plants
(2022) Oluchukwu, Nathan; Solomon, Esomu
"Water batteries can feed into an existing electric grid and help in ensuring constant electricity by redistributing electricity when demand is high. However, the water-based water system's main significant problem with battery maintenance is knowing when to fill batteries with water and checking the quality of water coming into it. The quality and level of water in a water battery electricity generating system need to be monitored and managed to ensure that it lasts a long time. This study, therefore, looked at how IoT systems can be used in that regard to ensure constant electricity. The objective of this research is to develop and implement a prototype IoT-based water quality monitoring system for use in the water battery system. Arduino Uno was used as the microcontroller for this project. The sensors needed in this project consist of a pH sensor, Turbidity sensors and conductivity. A Wi-Fi module was used to send the results to the smartphone via Wi-Fi. The results were sent through Blynk software and the results were shown on a smartphone. The developed water monitoring quality system detected water quality parameters like Ph, water level and turbidity. The data obtained from the sensors were uploaded to the Blynk/ThingSpeak dashboard for online monitoring purposes. The system can also control the water quality of the samples by interfacing with pumps to maintain acceptable water levels and quality. The prototype system monitored water quality according to the scheduled plan and objective. The developed system was successfully implemented and determined the turbidity, pH, Total dissolved solids (TDS), flow rate and level of water. The paper recommends that the prototype should be adopted and developed along with the water battery electricity generation system."
Coping Strategies Families Can Adopt to Manage Challenges of Climate Change in Adamawa State, Nigeria
(2022) Angelina, Emmanuel; Onyeche, Ejembi D; Paulina, Dominic O. E.
"Climate change is one of the most critical environmental challenges confronting human existence in the 21st century. This study investigated the coping strategies that families can adopt to manage challenges of climate change in Ganye, Adamawa State, Nigeria. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. A sample of 384 inhabitants of the area was drawn across the households in Ganye for the study through a multi-stage sampling procedure. A questionnaire was developed by researchers for data collection. The findings of the study revealed that the mean ratings of the items identified as the challenges of climate change faced by respondents in the study area were above a criterion mean of 2.50, which depicts that the identified items were the challenges of climate change faced by the respondents. The values of the standard deviations ranged from 0.37-0.87, which implies that the responses of the respondents were close to each other and to the mean. The mean ratings for the several coping strategies families can adopt in managing the challenges of climate change were above a criterion mean of 2.50, which implies that the items identified were perceived as the coping strategies to manage the challenges of climate change. It was recommended that trees and cover crops should be planted in order to address the challenges posed by climate change in the study area."
Assessment of Food Quality, Perceived Value, and Brand Image as Determinants of Brand Switching among Dinners in Food Service Establishments in Umuahia Metropolis, Abia State, Nigeria
(2022) Anyanwu, Iheanyi B.; Ezeaku, Magret N
"This study sought to assess food quality, perceived value, and brand image as determinants of brand switching in food service establishments in Umuahia metropolis Abia State, Nigeria. It was a descriptive survey research in which three specific objectives and three research hypotheses guided the study. The researchers purposively used 300 dinners of six reputable food service establishments in the study area as sample size. The research instrument used for data collection was a questionnaire on a 4-point scale. Descriptive and inferential statistics on SPSS version 25 were used to analyze the data generated. Findings revealed that, the independent variables; food quality, perceived value, and brand image have negative relationships with brand switching as indicated below by their respective coefficient values: food quality (-0.05429), perceived value (-0.0098) and brand image (-0.0615). Based on the findings, it is concluded that the independent variables under study have negative relationships with the dependent variable-brand switching. It is recommended among others that operators of food service establishments are to ensure that the quality of their menu offerings meets the physiological needs of the consumers, ensure that there is continuous improvement in all facets of their operations and build an image that portrays their operations in good light and improves customer-brand relationship."
Women's Entrepreneurship and Improved Family Lifestyle in Abia State, Nigeria
(2022) Alozie, Elsie N.; Ekumankama, Ijeoma O.
"Women's entrepreneurship is an important source of employment and potential growth, not just for the economy but as a means of improving family lifestyle. Hence, this paper evaluated women's entrepreneurship and its impact on improved family lifestyle in Abia State, Nigeria. The objectives were to ascertain the motivation behind women’s involvement in entrepreneurship and to find out if women entrepreneurs increase the level of family income. A survey design was used, while a multi-stage random sampling technique was adopted. Data were analyzed using percentage and weighted mean, while results show that, that the motivation behind women’s involvement in entrepreneurship included financial need (41.1%), self-independence (33.8%), becoming employers of labour(6.9%), serving as role models to their children (4.2%), being able to assist in the spouse/family’s business(3.3%), among others. Also, women entrepreneurs were able to increase the level of their family income through involvement in several enterprises ranging from agriculture (3.5), support for spouse business (3.5), personal enterprise (3.9), skill acquisition (3.7), and provision of essential services (3.6). The paper, therefore, recommended that there is a need to encourage financial adequacy, self-independence, and support for spouse/family’s businesses among women. More importantly, women should strive to become employers of labour, and be role models to their children, especially as it concerns increasing the family’s income and ensuring their welfare."
The Role of Home Economics in Curbing Insecurity and Inflation in Nigeria
(2022) Ugwuokpe, Chigozie L; Chukwuone, Chiamaka A.
"This paper examined the role of Home Economics in curbing insecurity and inflation in Nigeria. It investigated into the contributory factors of insecurity and inflation in Nigeria. The survey research design was adopted for the study. Seventy (70) respondents were used for the study. The respondents were lecturers, final year students and some post graduate students offering Home Economics Education in Enugu state tertiary institutions namely: University of Nigeria, Federal College of Education Eha–Amufu and Enugu State College of Education (Technical). A 30-item questionnaire was used to elicit responses from the respondents. 70 questionnaire copies distributed were completed and returned. The respondents agreed with all the items listed as causes, and consequences of insecurity and inflation in Nigeria and equally agreed with all the items suggested as how to manage the challenges of insecurity and inflation through Home Economics Education in Enugu State. The researchers concluded that Home Economics must be given adequate attention by the government to ensure effective skills training that will guarantee job opportunities for Nigerians and makes for healthy living by all."
Availability and Utilization of Reading Resources in Homes for Effective Learning among Primary School Children
(2022) Ezeanwu, Amaka Bibian; Okoro, Joy Oluchukwu; Ezeanwu, Robert Chinweze; Onah, Uchechukwu Hope
The study investigated the availability of reading resources and the extent of utilization of these resources for effective learning among primary school children in Nsukka Educational Zone of Enugu State. It also assessed the utilization of modeled reading behavior in early reading activities of school children. Three research questions guided the study. The study adopted a descriptive survey design, and the instrument used for data collection was Pupils’ Home Reading Environment Scale (PHRES). The collected data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation. Findings of the study revealed that most primary school pupils do not have access to reading resources while participating in learning activities at home, and children are exposed to poor modeled reading behavior. Based on the findings, it was recommended that there is a need to improve the awareness of parents on the need to provide adequate reading resources by improving parents’ awareness programmes towards this effort.

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