International Journal of Innovative Research and Scientific Studies

The impact of supply chain networks and logistics service quality on supply chain effectiveness in retail industry in the Gauteng province

2025-10-31T23:23:23-05:00

The retail business in South Africa contributes significantly to national GDP and has undergone fast changes in logistics and supply chain processes, making effective logistics management critical to cost reduction and profitability. This study investigates the impact of reverse logistics, warehousing, and supply chain networks on logistics service quality, as well as how logistics service quality influences overall supply chain effectiveness in the retail sector. A quantitative study design was used, with data collected from 300 respondents in Gauteng, including managers, departmental personnel, and supply chain professionals. To validate the hypothesised associations, the data were analysed with descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, and structural equation modelling. The study found that reverse logistics (β = 0.71) and supply chain networks (β = 0.20) have a considerable favourable impact on logistics service quality, while warehousing had a minor effect (β = 0.08). Logistics service quality significantly predicts supply chain effectiveness (β = 0.94), highlighting its importance in improving retail logistics performance. These findings imply that the efficacy of reverse logistics systems and the strength of supply chain networks are critical variables in obtaining higher service quality and, eventually, supply chain effectiveness. The report suggests that South African retailers must improve reverse logistics and optimise supply chain network integration to remain competitive, as well as solve warehousing inefficiencies. In practice, retailers should undertake focused training programs, pursue strategic recruitment to improve leadership ability, and invest in modernised storage infrastructure. Furthermore, the implementation of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems is suggested to increase information flow, coordination, and operational efficiency across logistics functions.

Gastronomic wanderlust: Millennials preference for local cuisine on their travels

2025-11-01T02:21:34-05:00

Millennials are known for their unique consumption patterns which generally shaped by globalisation, digital influence, and health consciousness. Therefore, this study aims to examine factors influencing Malaysian millennials' local food consumption intentions during domestic travel, focusing on motivational factors, food neophobia, food involvement, and attitude. Data were collected using non-probability judgment sampling via social media platforms, with 154 respondents completing the survey. Results indicate that food involvement and attitude positively impact local food consumption intentions, while motivational factors and food neophobia do not. These findings suggest that millennials who are more engaged with food and have a positive attitude towards local cuisine are more likely to consume local foods. By understanding what influences Malaysian millennials' preference during travel, policymakers and businesses can develop strategies to promote local cuisine and boost economic growth. The insights provided also can guide tourism boards, marketers, local restaurants, and authorities in developing effective strategies to promote local Malaysian food.

Development of the four-stage thermoacoustic engine operating in the low-temperature range of self-starting and on Stirling cycle

2025-11-03T08:09:06-06:00

The purpose of this study is to improvement a four-stage thermoacoustic motor with a rectangular cross-section for operation in the low-temperature range of self-starting, operating on the Stirling thermal cycle, with the effect of a standing sound wave. In carrying out the research tasks, mathematical modeling methods were used to calculate technological parameters, and a prototype thermoacoustic engine with self-starting in the low-temperature range with four stages was created. Research results. It was determined that the obtained sample differs significantly from its analogues, indicating that the operating nature of the developed thermoacoustic engine differs from existing traditional ones. The hot heat exchanger is capable of operating in the range from 60 to 100 degrees Celsius. A cold heat exchanger, on the other hand, operates in the range of 30 to 50 degrees Celsius heat exchanger. On the other hand, it was determined that the engine power reaches a value of 115 Watts at 100 degrees Celsius, and the frequency varies from 50.4 to 62.3 Hz. The disadvantage is the low generation capacity, as a result of which this system can only be used as a cogeneration plant. The results can be used to create cogeneration energy sources for autonomous consumers.

Evolution of global research on renewable energy policy: A bibliometric and content analysis (2010–2024)

2025-11-03T06:17:28-06:00

This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric and content analysis of global research on renewable energy law and policy, utilizing 845 peer-reviewed documents indexed in the Scopus database from 2010 to 2024. Employing a rigorous PRISMA-guided methodology, the research first mapped the field's temporal evolution through keyword co-occurrence analysis. An in-depth content analysis was then performed on a selected subset of 32 core documents to model the policy trajectory. Quantitative results indicate steady growth in publication volume, with European countries such as Italy and Switzerland leading the field. Qualitatively, the analysis mirrors a four-stage global policy evolution, shifting from the Mass Deployment phase, characterized by the dominance of the Feed-in Tariff, toward the Market Integration and Corporate Decarbonization phases, marked by the emergence of competitive instruments like Auction, Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), and Policy Mix. The study contributes a data-backed knowledge map of the field, offering stage-specific policy implications for jurisdictions navigating the energy transition, and identifying critical future research directions.

A bibliometric analysis of coming trend in cultural identity

2025-11-03T22:30:45-06:00

There are various dimensions in the study of cultural identity, but this study focuses on cultural identity reformation and ethnic culture communication. This study aims to analyse trend of cultural identity in (a) the publication trends in the field of cultural identity; (b) the most profile authors in the field of cultural identity; (c) the most active countries in the field of cultural identity; (d) the most common keywords and themes in the literature on cultural identity and (e) the key themes and authorship country that emerge from co-occurrence analyses. The study conducted a bibliometric analysis, and the findings show that the trend of cultural identity has increased every year from 2003 to 2025, but the total citation trend has decreased. The most author that published in cultural identity is Collins Randall and the most active country is the United States of America. The publication towards cultural identity is an interesting area to study, and the trend of publication in the cultural identity is a tendency to increase every year. The study's contributions can serve as a guideline for authors interested in studying cultural identity and enhancing publications on the topic.

Preliminary investigation of in vitro anti-proliferative effects of ethanolic plant extract of hypoxis argentea in colon carcinoma cell lines

2025-11-04T06:21:08-06:00

Colorectal cancer (Caco-2) is the third most common cancer with a high mortality rate worldwide. The current therapeutic approaches, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, are characterized by several limitations. The search for alternatives has led to the use of medicinal plants such as Hypoxis argentea. This study aimed to investigate the anti-proliferative effects of ethanolic plant extract of Hypoxis argentea in colon carcinoma cell lines. Ethanolic extract of Hypoxis argentea, Caco-2 cell lines, Vero cell lines, and melphalan (positive control) were used for this study. The antioxidant potential of the extract was evaluated using the DPPH assay. The MTT assay and total cell count were performed to determine cell metabolic activity, viability, and cell proliferation in both cell lines with varying concentrations of H. argentea extract (15.6 to 500 µg/mL) and a reference chemotherapeutic agent, melphalan (6.25 to 100 µM). Treatment with H. argentea revealed a significant (P<0.01) dose-dependent decrease in cell viability in Caco2 cancer and Vero cells at concentrations 15.6-62.5 µg/mL. Also, the total cell count of Vero and Caco-2 cells was significantly reduced (p<0.01) compared to the control at every dose concentration of Hypoxis argentea. Likewise, the total cell count of Vero and Caco-2 cells was significantly reduced (p<0.01) compared to the control at every dose concentration of melphalan. These findings indicate that H. argentea has a promising selective antiproliferation effect on cancer cells while maintaining a safe profile for normal cells.

The impact of corporate governance and innovative climate on firm performance; A review from the perspective of environmental uncertainty

2025-11-04T07:44:18-06:00

This study aims to examine the effects of corporate governance practices and innovation climate on firm performance in the context of environmental uncertainty perception. In today's world where globalization, digitalization and technological advancements are accelerating, businesses not only have to manage their internal resources but also have to rapidly adapt to variable and unpredictable environmental conditions. In this context, effective corporate governance practices and a supportive innovation climate stand out as key organizational factors that both increase strategic flexibility and improve firm performance. However, when the impact of these internal structures on performance is evaluated independently of environmental factors, incomplete and context-free results may emerge. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the mediating or moderating effects of exogenous variables such as the environment on these relationships. The conceptual model was tested using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). In the conceptual model, corporate governance and innovation climate are considered as independent variables, perception of environmental uncertainty as mediating variable and firm performance as dependent variable. According to the findings of the analysis, corporate governance and innovation climate have direct, significant and positive effects on firm performance. Moreover, the perception of environmental uncertainty plays a significant partial mediating role in the effect of both constructs on performance. The effect of environmental uncertainty on performance is found to be the highest, which reveals the critical role of external environment perception in strategic decision-making processes. The findings of the study both add a multivariate, contextual approach to the literature and provide guidance for managers to redesign organizational structures and develop strategic adaptability.

Economic growth, cyclical volatility and the moderating role of trade openness policy. An empirical evidence from MENA countries

2025-11-04T22:23:46-06:00

This article analyzes the relationship between economic growth, cyclical volatility, and trade openness policy in the MENA region from 1990 to 2023. There are two primary stages to the analysis. First, the most appropriate panel estimation technique is chosen among OLS, Fixed Effects Model (FEM), and Random Effects Model (REM). Second, a Dynamic System-GMM approach is applied, complemented by the Johnson – Neyman approach to assess the moderating effects of trade openness. The analysis is conducted separately for two MENA sub-groups: Oil-Exporters and Oil-Importers. The results reveal distinct patterns between the two sub-groups. MENA oil importers report a statistically significant -negative relationship- between economic growth and cyclical volatility. As for, MENA oil exporters, this connection is -positive-, indicating that oil revenues stabilize economic swings. Trade openness has a positive correlation with economic growth in both categories. ALSO, trade openness serves as an important -moderator-, lowering the negative effects of cyclical volatility on growth in both sub-groups. even though, the range of moderating influence varies: oil exporters have a wider and more flexible range of relevance, whereas oil importers have a smaller range, necessitating more accurate policy calibration. The study illustrates that, while trade openness typically promotes economic growth in the MENA area, its moderating effect on volatility varies depending on each subgroup's economic structure. Oil exporters benefit from increased volatility resistance, whereas oil importers must implement more focused openness measures to prevent the amplification of instability effects on GDP. The findings suggest that policymakers in MENA oil-importing countries should carefully balance trade liberalization in order to avoid unexpected volatility-induced downturns. Oil-exporting countries, on the other hand, should use openness to stabilize their economies while diversifying them to reduce reliance on oil. Improving trade integration and enacting counter-cyclical policies can assist both groups create economic resilience and long-term success.

Effects of red Indian water lily (Nymphaea Pubescens Willd.) tea on sleep quality and health-related quality of life in adults with sleep disorders: An uncontrolled pretest–posttest pilot Study

2025-11-05T07:14:40-06:00

This research aimed to assess the efficacy of Red Indian Water Lily (Nymphaea pubescens Willd.) tea on enhancing sleep quality and improving quality of life among individuals experiencing sleep disorders. Employing a one-group pretest-posttest research design, the study was conducted at the Udon Thani Provincial Public Health Office, Thailand, between July and September 2023. The sample comprised 53 adult participants diagnosed with sleep disorders, presenting a mean age of 43.3 ± 9.7 years. Participants consumed a daily dosage of 1200 mg of N. pubescens tea for a period of four weeks. Sleep quality was quantitatively evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), while quality of life was assessed through the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. Additionally, sensory attributes were evaluated employing a 9-point hedonic scale. Post-intervention analysis revealed a statistically significant improvement in participants' overall PSQI scores, which decreased from a baseline mean of 8.92 ± 0.32 to 5.90 ± 0.25 (p < 0.001). Significant enhancements were specifically noted in sleep quality, sleep duration, and daytime dysfunction (p < 0.001). Furthermore, notable improvements in mental health were observed, with the EQ-5D-5L visual analogue scale scores showing a substantial rise from 73.7 ± 17.1 to 83.3 ± 8.3 (p < 0.001). The sensory evaluation indicated high consumer acceptance, with the highest satisfaction ratings for appearance (7.49 ± 1.05), whereas the taste/flavor attribute received the lowest ratings (6.58 ± 1.70). In conclusion, consumption of Red Indian Water Lily tea was effective in significantly enhancing sleep quality and alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression in individuals suffering from sleep disorders. Despite favorable overall acceptance, improvements in flavor profile could further enhance consumer appeal. Additional controlled trials are recommended to substantiate these findings.

A comparative analysis of naïve basal insulin versus basal insulin plus sulfonylureas in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus

2025-11-05T07:56:11-06:00

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a condition characterized by progressive pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance. Despite lifestyle modifications and metformin treatment, T2DM often requires combination therapies, including insulin therapy. The mechanisms underlying the combination of insulin with sulfonylureas (SUs), typically referred to as bedtime insulin in conjunction with daytime SUs, are only partially understood. This study aims to clinically compare the effects of adding basal insulin to SUs versus twice-daily Neutral Protamine Hagedorn (NPH), focusing on the rationale underlying these results. A prospective cohort study was conducted at the Faiha Specialized Diabetes, Endocrine, and Metabolism Centre in Basrah (FDEMC), Iraq, from May 2024 to April 2025. The study comprised 153 patients diagnosed with uncontrolled T2DM for a minimum duration of one year, all of whom were receiving the maximum doses of metformin and glimepiride. The participants were divided into two groups: the first group (n = 84) received an addition of bedtime NPH insulin, while in the second group (n = 69), SU was withdrawn and twice-daily NPH insulin was introduced. Both groups maintained the maximum tolerable doses of metformin throughout the study. Glycemic parameters and additional anthropometric and biochemical measurements were evaluated at baseline and the three-month follow-up. Baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups. After three months, both treatment groups demonstrated similar improvements in glycemic control, with a mean HbA1c of 9.3±1.8% in the SU group and 9.3±2.2% in the non-SU group (p=0.909). Patients in the non-SU group exhibited more favourable glycemic excursions (65.9±44.9 mg/dL vs 92.8±53.8 mg/dL, p=0.052), indicating a potentially distinct mechanistic regulation of glucose homeostasis by the two therapeutic approaches. Additionally, there were relatively few variations in excursions between the two time frames observed in the non-Su group (p=0.025). Female patients and obese patients within the non-sulfonylurea group exhibited statistically significant reductions in blood glucose excursions by the end of the study (p = 0.028 and p = 0.022, respectively). This study demonstrates that SU and non-SU treatments yield similar overall glycemic control, with equivalent reductions in HbA1c levels at three months. However, non-SU treatment showed significant benefits, particularly in glycemic excursions, indicating different mechanisms influencing glucose homeostasis. A notable relationship was found between glycemic variability and non-SU treatment, especially in female and obese patients. These findings highlight the need for personalized treatment strategies, particularly with non-SU medications for specific patient subpopulations. Future research should include larger, randomized controlled trials to clarify the clinical implications and mechanisms of these treatments.

Performance evaluation of OMP, SVD, deep unfolding, and genetic algorithm-based hybrid beamforming for IRS-assisted mmwave MU-OFDM-mMIMO in B5G networks

2025-11-05T08:06:14-06:00

This paper examines the performance analysis of the hybrid beamforming algorithms, which are Orthogonal Matching Pursuit (OMP), Singular Value Decomposition (SVD), Deep Unfolding, and Genetic Algorithms (GA), in IRS-assisted MU-OFDM massive mMIMO systems operating in mmWave channels for B5G networks. This paper evaluates these algorithms across a comprehensive set of performance metrics, including Spectral Efficiency (SE), Energy Efficiency (EE), Bit Error Rate (BER), and Outage Probability, with an IRS configuration with 2-bit quantized phase shifts meticulously optimized to maximize the system sum rate. The research uses an advanced simulation framework to examine the algorithms’ performance under different Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) values, ranging from -10 dB to 30 dB, that reflect typical mmWave channel environments. The simulation results show that OMP performs better in achieving high SE and minimizing BER, especially at high SNR values, and GA is better at optimizing EE, which makes it suitable for energy-constrained scenarios. The inclusion of IRS technology significantly enhances the overall system reliability and efficiency, with a notable reduction in outage probability, which validates its potential as a key component in B5G network design. These results provide valuable insights into the practical implementation and optimization of hybrid beamforming strategies, which will guide the development of robust and efficient next-generation wireless communication systems.

Green growth or pollution haven? Investigating the nexus between carbon emissions, FDI, and trade openness based on artificial neural network

2025-11-05T08:11:02-06:00

This paper employs a neural network algorithm to analyze the effects of trade openness and foreign direct investment (FDI) on carbon emissions. The neural network technique effectively captures nonlinear interactions among variables, as seen by the model's high prediction accuracy (MSE = 0.004 and R² = 0.93). The analysis reveals a strong positive relationship between carbon emissions, trade openness, and foreign direct investment (FDI). Significant results show that FDI (0.518573) has a greater impact on carbon emissions than trade openness (0.44). Foreign investment, particularly in industrial and energy-intensive sectors, can significantly increase carbon dioxide emissions through increased energy consumption. Similarly, increased trade openness increases emissions through increased production and transportation, as well as countries' acceleration of production to meet global demand for their products. The study shows that both FDI and trade openness contribute to higher carbon emissions, but FDI is the more significant factor. Although these economic factors promote growth and globalization, they also pose significant environmental risks if they are not regulated and internationally controlled. The findings underscore the importance of cooperation among countries to establish a regulatory framework and controls that govern foreign direct investment (FDI) and trade activities. To achieve a balance between economic growth and reducing carbon emissions, policymakers should encourage foreign investment in environmentally friendly activities, use energy-efficient technologies, and establish trade regulations that support environmental sustainability.

Regenera activa AMT to treat androgenetic alopecia

2025-11-05T08:20:35-06:00

To determine the effect of using Regenera ActivaAMT to treat Androgenetic Alopecia. Interventional study. Single centre study in Basrah/Iraq. Twenty-three patients whose age ranged between 20-65years, 7males and 16 females. Patient satisfaction rate, hair classification score, trichoscopy, lesion measurements, hair fall, and hair length after treatment. Among the 23 patients treated, 14 (60.9%) were satisfied with the treatment results. All other indicators used showed statistically significant differences for the favor of the use of Regenera ActivaAMT to treat Androgenetic Alopecia. The percentage of normal hair classification score increased from 4.3% before to 35% after treatment (p=0.042). The percentage of higher trichoscopy scores (7 and 8) increased from 0.0% and 5% to 43.5% and 21.7 respectively (p=0.001). The percentage of normal hair fall significantly increased from 8.7% to 80% (p=0.0001). Regarding women hair length, the difference was statistically significant for the favor of treatment (p=0.002). Regenera ActivaAMT is an effective procedure to treat Androgenetic Alopecia in both males and females at any age and in their early stages of baldness. Moreover, it is simple, painless and cannot take more than 1 hour without any restrictions post the procedure. Therefore, it can replace the hair transplant in the future.

Application of a structural autoregressive vector model to determine the most important factors affecting the demand for bank deposits in Egypt

2025-11-05T08:24:50-06:00

The study applied the Structural Vector Autoregressive (SVAR) model to identify the most important factors influencing the demand for bank deposits in Egypt and to measure the relative importance of each of these factors. It also aimed to analyze the dynamic effects of shocks affecting the independent variables—namely the exchange rate, interest rate, inflation rate, average per capita income, and government spending—on the dependent variable, which is the volume of bank deposits. This was achieved by calculating the extent to which each shock contributes to the variance in the forecast error and by measuring the expected response of a variable when a sudden random shock occurs in one of the other variables within the model during the period from 1993 to 2023, The results of the impulse response functions indicated that the volume of bank deposits in Egypt is indeed affected by shocks to the study variables. The exchange rate was found to have a weak and declining negative effect in both the short and long term, while the interest rate exerts a negative influence in the short run that turns positive in the long run. Average per capita income shows a positive effect in the short term, which shifts to a weak negative effect in the long term. Government spending displays a fluctuating impact, ranging from a weak negative to a mild positive effect. The inflation rate was found to have a weak and decreasing negative effect in both the short and long term. Finally, the own shocks of bank deposits exhibited a strong and increasing positive effect over both time horizons.

Transforming public relations into a driver of commercial growth: Data-driven strategies and return on investment evaluation in the ERA of artificial intelligence

2025-11-05T23:18:11-06:00

This study aims to redefine the role of public relations (PR) in the digital era by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, transforming it from a traditional communicative function into a strategic, data-driven system that drives measurable institutional growth. A mixed-methods design was adopted, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data were collected through surveys and interviews within Arab institutional contexts and analyzed using advanced statistical tools, including SPSS, NVivo, and Natural Language Processing (NLP). Regression analysis, ANOVA, and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) were conducted to validate the proposed model and test the research hypotheses. The findings reveal that practical AI usage is the strongest determinant of institutional return (B = 0.695), followed by a positive perception (B = 0.240); however, theoretical knowledge alone shows a negative association with return (B = -0.283). The results also highlight the influence of demographic variables, with males demonstrating higher levels of practical usage and females showing more positive perceptions. Institutional data quality, however, moderated the relationship between AI usage and return on investment. Overall, the study concludes that the real value of AI in PR lies in its conversion into measurable applications rather than remaining at the level of theoretical awareness. By developing an integrative model that links PR, AI, and commercial growth, and introducing performance indicators that extend beyond traditional metrics such as follower counts or media coverage, the study provides a practical roadmap for Arab institutions to adopt localized models aligned with cultural and organizational specificities, thereby supporting digital transformation and sustainable growth.

Hybrid injection techniques in aesthetic medicine: Evaluating the clinical benefits of combining botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid in upper face rejuvenation

2025-11-07T00:02:28-06:00

The formation of wrinkles in the upper face, particularly in the glabella and frontalis regions, is a common concern that leads to facial stigmatization. Habitual facial expressions and the hyperdynamic activity of underlying muscles, combined with the normal aging process and external factors, contribute significantly to the development of hyperdynamic wrinkles. Botulinum toxin type A (BTXA) has become a widely used treatment for facial rejuvenation, while hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are essential for enhancing skin hydration and elasticity. This study explores the efficacy and safety of combining BTXA with HA for upper face rejuvenation compared to BTXA monotherapy. To assess the clinical efficacy, duration of effect, and patient satisfaction of a combined therapy using botulinum toxin type A and hyaluronic acid fillers versus botulinum toxin alone. This case-control study was conducted at Ishtar Clinics for Dermatology, Aesthetic Medicine, and Laser in Basrah, Iraq. A total of 76 participants, aged 25 to 60 years, were enrolled, with 38 cases receiving the combination therapy and 38 controls receiving botulinum toxin monotherapy. The study spanned 12 weeks, with evaluations conducted at baseline and subsequent follow-ups at weeks 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12. Efficacy was assessed using the Investigator Global Assessment-Frown Wrinkle Severity (IGA-FWS) and Patient-Frown Wrinkle Severity (PFWS) scales, while safety was monitored through adverse event recording and physical examinations. The combination therapy group showed a significantly greater reduction in wrinkle severity across various facial regions, including glabellar lines, crow's feet, and forehead lines, compared to the monotherapy group. By week 4, 85% of the combination therapy group achieved at least a 2-point reduction in wrinkle severity scores, compared to 60% in the monotherapy group. The combined treatment also resulted in a longer duration of effect, with 70% maintaining improvement at 12 weeks versus 45% in the monotherapy group. Both groups had a low incidence of minor adverse effects, and patient satisfaction was notably higher in the combination therapy group. Combining botulinum toxin type A with hyaluronic acid fillers for upper face rejuvenation offers superior efficacy and patient satisfaction compared to botulinum toxin alone. This synergistic approach enhances treatment outcomes, prolongs the duration of effect, and maintains a favorable safety profile, making it a promising option for facial rejuvenation therapies.

Human capital development and economic productivity in Saudi Arabia: A review paper evaluating vision 2030 education and labor reforms

2025-11-07T00:35:40-06:00

This review study evaluates the impact of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 education and labour market reforms on human capital development and economic productivity. The focus is on how these reforms align educational outcomes with labour market demands and contribute to economic diversification, with a comparative analysis of other GCC countries. Using a systematic literature review of studies published between 2017 and 2024, the study assessed key indicators such as educational attainment, skill levels, employability, and employment patterns to measure the effectiveness of these reforms. The findings highlight notable advancements in academic quality, curriculum modernization, and female labour force participation, which rose from 19.4% in 2016 to 33.6% in 2022. When compared to other GCC countries, Saudi Arabia's reforms have shown relatively successful results. However, challenges persist in achieving full economic diversification and social stability.

Evaluation of heavy metal contamination in sediments of the Linggi River, Malaysia

2025-11-07T00:45:10-06:00

This study evaluates the concentrations and contamination levels of selected heavy metals (Mn, As, Cr, Fe, Zn, and Co) in surface sediments from seven locations along the Linggi River, Malaysia. Using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA), elemental concentrations were quantified, and contamination indices were applied to assess ecological risks. Results showed that arsenic (As) exhibited extremely high enrichment, with EF values ranging from 40.02 (S1) to 70.79 (S7), and Igeo values from 4.42 to 5.06, categorizing it as heavily to extremely polluted. Chromium (Cr) showed moderate enrichment (EF: 1.77–2.55; Igeo: –0.34 to 0.26), while zinc (Zn) had minor enrichment (EF: 1.01–1.51; Igeo: –0.92 to –0.57). Manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), and iron (Fe) exhibited EF and Igeo values below 1 and 0, respectively, indicating minimal anthropogenic influence. The Pollution Load Index (PLI) values ranged from 1.02 (S5) to 1.37 (S7), confirming pollution across all sites, with S7 being the most contaminated. When compared against Canadian and Consensus Freshwater Sediment Quality Guidelines, arsenic and chromium levels exceeded Threshold Effect Levels (TEL) and Threshold Effect Concentrations (TEC), indicating significant ecological risk. These findings highlight the need for urgent environmental monitoring and pollution control in the Linggi River system.

Nuclear Technique-Based Analysis of Metal Distribution in Mud Snails and Mangrove Sediments

2025-11-07T00:55:59-06:00

A study is carried out on the concentrations of Major elements ( Fe, Mn, Zn, Na and K ) present in surface sediments, tissues and shell of mangrove snail gastropod, Cerithidea Obtusa from 10 locations throughout west coast Malaysia. In carrying out the analysis, the best and most convenient method being the Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA). Samples were obtained, dried, crushed to powdery form and samples prepared for INAA. All the samples for analysis were weighted approximately 150 mg for short irradiation and 200 mg for long irradiation time. As calibration and Quality control procedures, blank samples, standard reference material IAEA-Soil-7, SL-1, SRM 1566b, and SRM 2976 were then irradiated with thermal neutron flux of 4×10¹² ncm^-2s^-1 at the MINT TRIGA Mark II research reactor operated at 750 kW where a pneumatic transport facility was used.The order of accumulation of major element in surface sediment, tissues and shellwas Fe>Na>K>Mn>Zn, Na>K>Fe>Mn> Zn and Na>K>Fe>Mn>Zn comparatively. The biota sediments accumulation factor (BSAF) varied in range (0.02-10.04) for tissues and (0.01-0.82) for shell.

Impacts of renewable and non-renewable energy on CO₂ emissions in Egypt’s electricity Generation: A K-nearest neighbor approach

2025-11-07T01:38:18-06:00

This paper employs the K-Nearest Neighbor (k-NN) algorithm to examine the relationship between electricity generation—using renewable and non-renewable energy sources—and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. The model achieved strong predictive accuracy, with a mean squared error (MSE) of 134.9 and an R² value of 0.915. Two analytical approaches were applied: the first included both renewable and non-renewable energy sources to determine the largest contribution of each energy source, and the second excluded non-renewable sources to assess the relative importance of different types of renewable energy. In the first approach, fossil fuel-fired electricity generation contributed 98.04% of the impact on carbon dioxide emissions, confirming its dominant role in increasing global carbon emissions. Renewable energy sources, however, had limited contributions: solar (1.16%), wind (0.71%), hydropower (0.09%), and bioenergy showed a negligible impact. In the second approach—excluding fossil fuels—renewable energy sources gained relative importance, with wind energy emerging as the most influential factor in the model (80.24%), followed by solar (10.92%), and hydropower (8.84%). Bioenergy remained insignificant in both models. The study concludes that fossil fuel–based electricity generation remains the principal driver of CO₂ emissions globally. though, among renewable sources, wind energy exhibits the greatest potential for reducing emissions when fossil fuels are excluded, highlighting its strategic importance in future clean energy transitions. The findings confirm the need for global energy policies that prioritize expanding renewable energy infrastructure, particularly solar and hydropower, while phasing out reliance on fossil fuels. countries should focus on stimulating investment in clean energy, developing efficiency-enhancing technologies, and expanding renewable energy generation to achieve long-term carbon reduction and environmental sustainability while maintaining economic growth.

Ionization constants (pKa) in pharmaceutical chemistry: Experimental and computational determination in drug discovery and development

2025-11-08T08:16:11-06:00

The ionization constant (pKa) is a major factor in the determination of the chemical and physical properties of drug molecules, which, in turn, affect their distribution, absorption and interaction with the biological targets as well as their pharmacokinetic fate. The present review is an attempt to shed light on the pKa significance in the contemporary drug discovery and medicinal chemistry, pointing its use in rational molecular design and lead optimization. This paper critiques both the experimental and computed methods of pKa determination. It focuses on the key analytical techniques, particularly, UV-visible spectroscopy and NMR spectroscopy. Furthermore, it reviews the recent advances in the in silico prediction platforms and software that are used for high-throughput pKa estimation in the modern screening pipeline. The exponentially increasing number of chemical libraries for screening has made the computational pKa prediction methods indispensable, especially in the early drug discovery phase, where they offer scalable and cost-efficient solutions. It is the accuracy of the experimental validation that still plays a significant role, particularly when it comes to structurally complex molecules. The NMR spectroscopy adds unique advantages to the resolution of individual ionization states in the multi-functional systems, as demonstrated by the case of aminoglycoside antibiotics. The pKa accurate determination and prediction is the basis for drug-like properties optimization and for the compounds' smooth transition throughout the stages of discovery and development. The combination of computational and experimental approaches results in the most reliable ionization profiles. The understanding of pKa behavior allows medicinal chemists to create more effective and less toxic drug candidates by the optimization of solubility, permeability, and target interactions. The use of advanced analytical and computational tools supports efficient compound triaging, accelerating the development of therapeutically relevant molecules.

Design principles for AI-powered metaverse language classrooms: A fuzzy Delphi study in higher education

2025-11-09T22:47:44-06:00

Artificial intelligence (AI) and metaverse technologies are reshaping second language education by enabling immersive, data driven, and collaborative learning. This study identified and prioritized design principles for AI powered metaverse language classrooms in higher education using the Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM) with a panel of 16 domain experts. The panel evaluated a construct framework spanning pedagogy (heutagogy aligned), technology, assessment, ethics and implementation. Consensus thresholds (d ≤ 0.2; ≥75% agreement) and defuzzified scores were used to rank items for inclusion in a design guideline. Findings revealed strong expert consensus across all five domains. The highest priorities were Pedagogy (for immersive, authentic tasks) and Assessment & Analytics. Technology and Implementation & Support were also deemed essential but lower in priority. Among heutagogy capabilities, Share was ranked as the most critical element. The study yielded a validated, prioritized set of design principles to guide curriculum designers and instructors in deploying sustainable, learner centred metaverse language learning at scale.

Customer green demand and competitive pressure as drivers of Eco-innovation and sustainable competitive performance: Evidence from Mexican firms

2025-11-11T10:10:26-06:00

Globally, interest has been increasing in sustainable development, which involves understanding both external and internal factors that enable the implementation of strategies to mitigate environmental damage and achieve a performance that is both competitive and sustainable. In the context of emerging countries, research on this topic has been scarce. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to contribute empirical evidence on the influence of two external factors—customer green demand and competitive pressure—on eco-innovation and its effect on sustainable competitive performance. The study was conducted with a group of 184 enterprises in the manufacturing sector in Mexico. Data were analyzed using AMOS version 26 through structural equation modeling. The results indicate that both factors have a positive and significant influence on eco-innovation, which in turn positively affects sustainable competitive performance. These findings deepen the understanding of the determinants of eco-innovation and its effects on business sustainability, as well as their practical implications in an emerging country.

Green finance commitments and the alleviation of climate vulnerability in emerging economies: A pathway to sustainable development

2025-11-11T10:15:27-06:00

Emerging economies are experiencing extreme climatic conditions that significantly affect sustainable development through the environmental route. These climatic conditions, being tied to growing population and increasing growth drives in emerging economies, are ultimately affecting sustainable development. With the ecological basis for green finance, this study aims to find out the role of green finance in mitigating climate vulnerability and also whether climate vulnerability effectively moderates its possible detrimental effect on sustainable development in emerging economies for 21 countries and from 2010 to 2023. The study found that green finance commitments in emerging economies reduce climate vulnerability in the short run with supportive regulation but harm the environment in the long run due to the inadequacy of regulatory frameworks. In contrast, green finance commitments adversely moderate the effects of climate vulnerability on sustainable development. This is a mirror reflection of regulatory failures to improve sustainable development as well. Based on this, emerging economies are required to make sure regulations are strong and constantly reviewed for long-term impact. Also, green finance commitments must be highly targeted and sequential to more vulnerable areas and countries first and before readjusting as the needs change.

Visual influence and consumer intent: A literature review on Instagram post dynamics in OTT marketing

2025-11-12T05:35:14-06:00

In the rapidly evolving landscape of digital entertainment, Instagram has emerged as a dominant platform for Over-the-Top (OTT) content marketing, leveraging its visual affordances, influencer culture, and algorithmic amplification to shape consumer behavior. The review article systematically synthesizes recent literature (2020–2025) to explore the role of Instagram post dynamics in influencing consumer engagement and subscription intent within OTT contexts. Drawing upon theoretical frameworks such as the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM), parasocial interaction, FOMO, and source-product congruence, the study examines how content format (e.g., reels, carousels), influencer attributes, aesthetic strategies, and psychological drivers converge to affect user behavior. Findings emphasize how visually engaging formats and real influencer partnerships greatly improve consumer trust, emotional connection, and call-to-action performance. Platform-specific tactics employed by established OTT leaders like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime demonstrate the strategic benefits of localized content, micro-influencer collaborations, and in-time user interaction. New trends like AI-powered post creation, AR/VR immersive campaigns, and cross-platform behavioral segmentation portend a new paradigm in OTT content marketing and consumption. The review distills a number of gaps in the research that these trends imply, including longitudinal consumer behavior studies, ethical assessment of influencer marketing, and experimental investigation of visual persuasion. Such gaps imply stringent future scholarship directions. Generally, the review adds an in-depth conceptual framework for grasping Instagram's contribution to OTT promotion and provides practical recommendations for marketers looking to maximize content strategy in an increasingly competitive and visually dominated digital environment.

The impact of oil price fluctuations on Saudi Arabia's economic growth: Strategies for stability and growth: Evaluating the vision 2030 initiative

2025-11-12T09:05:45-06:00

This paper analyzes the Impact of Oil Price Fluctuations on Saudi Arabia's Economic Growth: Strategies for Stability and Growth: Evaluating the Vision 2030 Initiative, It highlights how reliance on oil revenues makes the economy vulnerable to market volatility, impacting fiscal stability and growth prospects. The study analyzes key initiatives such as economic diversification, sovereign wealth funds, fiscal reforms, private sector promotion, renewable energy investments, and market stabilization measures. The Saudi economy is mostly pre-dominant to characterized by its heavy reliance on oil and gas. The study's primary objective is to analyze the economic impact of oil price fluctuation on Saudi Arabia. This also involves examining the data on oil price movement and its correlation as a key indicator to such GDP growth, the government's revenue, fiscal deficits and level of investment. The given study employs a primary qualitative method that explores the impact of oil prices and their fluctuation on Saudi Arabia’s economic growth and evaluation of Vision 2030 initiatives. The results show that a kingdom economy has traditionally been highly dependent on oil revenue, accounting for a substantial portion of its GDP and government budget. The Saudi economy is mostly pre-dominant to characterized through its heavy reliance on oil and gas. Findings suggest that while Vision 2030 has made significant progress toward reducing dependence on oil, ongoing challenges require sustained commitment to structural reforms and market flexibility to ensure resilient and sustainable economic growth in the face of global oil market fluctuations.