International Journal of Social Science Research and Review

Economic and Demographic Drivers of Non-Marital Childbearing: The Interplay of Age and Income among Women in Mushin, Lagos State

Oluwatosin Dorcas Daniel — 2026-07-10

Background: The rising prevalence of non-marital childbearing constitutes a significant demographic and socioeconomic challenge across sub-Saharan Africa, yet the phenomenon remains under-examined in the Nigerian context.

Objective: Anchored in Preference Theory which underscores the role of individual lifestyle preferences within socioeconomic contexts in shaping women's reproductive decisions; this study investigates the economic and demographic drivers of non-marital childbearing among women in Mushin Local Government Area (LGA) of Lagos State, with a specific focus on the interplay between age and income.

Methods: Adopting a qualitative research design, the study employed snowball and purposive sampling techniques to select 40 women currently residing in Mushin who had given birth outside of marriage. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analysed using content analysis.

Results: Advancing age constitutes a primary demographic driver, as women approaching or fearing menopause frequently opted for non-marital childbearing to fulfil biological and social aspirations before their reproductive capacity declined. Income emerged as a pivotal economic determinant, operating through distinct pathways based on socioeconomic status: financially independent women leveraged their resources to pursue medically assisted reproduction (including in vitro fertilisation and surrogacy) outside of marriage, while economically disadvantaged women sometimes sought childbearing relationships with affluent men as a strategy for financial security.

Conclusion: The findings contribute to the growing literature on family formation in sub-Saharan Africa and carry implications for reproductive health policy, social welfare programming, and gender-responsive development planning in Nigeria.

Teachers’ Beliefs and Practices in Implementing Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) in Indonesian High Schools

Sholihatul Isnaini Rahmawati — 2026-07-10

This study investigates Indonesian senior high school English teachers’ beliefs and classroom practices in implementing Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) to develop students’ speaking skills. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach, the research involved six teachers from public high schools in Lombok, who were selected purposively. Data were collected through interviews, classroom observations, and document analysis, and then analyzed thematically using Braun and Clarke’s framework. Findings reveal that although teachers hold positive beliefs toward TBLT, most implement it only partially, often omitting pre- and post-task stages. The gap between beliefs and practices is influenced by contextual factors such as large class sizes, limited instructional time, curriculum constraints, and lack of TBLT-specific training. Teachers with higher professional agency and access to development opportunities demonstrated stronger alignment between belief and practice. These findings underscore the importance of localized, continuous professional development and institutional support to enable more faithful TBLT implementation. This study contributes to both theoretical discourse on teacher cognition and practical efforts to enhance speaking instruction in Indonesian EFL classrooms.

Developing Academic Writing in Health Science Education: A Mixed-Methods Study of Cohesion and Coherence in ESL Student Essays at Bibiani College of Health Sciences, Ghana

Patrick Agyare — 2026-07-10

Mastering cohesion and coherence is essential for effective academic writing; however, it continues to be a persistent challenge for learners of English as a second language in health science education. This study examined the use of cohesive and coherent devices in the essays of first‑year students at Bibiani College of Health Sciences, Ghana. Utilizing a concurrent mixed-methods design, the study examined 30 randomly selected expository essays from an initial purposive sample of 67 students and performed semi-structured interviews with 12 students and five English instructors. Quantitative analysis revealed a dominant reliance on grammatical cohesion—particularly “reference” (48.2%) and “conjunctions” (31.5%)—with limited use of lexical cohesion, substitution, and ellipsis. Pearson correlation results confirmed a significant positive relationship between lexical cohesion diversity and coherence scores (p < 0.05). Qualitative findings indicated that students’ writing challenges stem from limited vocabulary, cognitive overload from content‑heavy coursework, and list‑based instructional practices that emphasize connectors over functional discourse use. Teachers reported constraints such as limited instructional time and insufficient genre‑based modeling. The study concludes that current pedagogical approaches do not adequately support the development of advanced discourse competence. It recommends explicit lexical instruction, genre‑based writing pedagogy, and structured feedback mechanisms to strengthen cohesion and coherence in health‑science academic writing.

The (Im)Poster Child

Bernadette Roberts — 2026-07-11

Popular culture is a powerful site through which Black collegiate women interpret race, gender, and institutional belonging, yet higher education scholarship rarely treats visual media as a serious analytic resource. This essay analyzes two contemporary television series, All American: Homecoming (Carroll et al., 2022–2024) and Grown-ish (Anderson et al., 2018–2024), as cultural texts that illuminate the racialized and gendered identity development of Black women at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and predominantly White institutions (PWIs). Drawing on Patterson’s (2016) progression to womanhood framework, Clance and Imes’ (1978) imposter phenomenon, and Black feminist media scholarship, we show how institutional context shapes the protective resources Black collegiate women can access, and how popular culture both reflects and complicates those structures. We close with theoretical, policy, and practice implications that move beyond individualized accounts of self-doubt toward structural and culturally affirming responses.

Transnational Migration of Filipino Pharmacists: A Structured Literature Review

Emil Ignacio Arca — 2026-07-11

Global labor mobility includes healthcare professional migration, which affects workforce sustainability, healthcare delivery, and human resource planning. Due to economic opportunity, professional advancement, and global healthcare needs, Filipino pharmacists are migrating abroad. However, literature specific to pharmacist migration is scarcer than other healthcare professions. This structured literature review examined Filipino pharmacists' international migration, including migration reasons, employment mobility, professional adaptability, psychosocial experiences, and workforce implications. Identification, screening, and synthesis of relevant scholarly and institutional material were carried out using a structured literature review process. Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus-indexed journals, peer-reviewed journals, WHO publications, ILO reports, and Philippine government policy documents were searched for studies from January 2019 to May 2026. Screening was based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, and a thematic synthesis identified migration patterns. After screening and full-text examination, 17 research and institutional sources were included from 75 records. Economic incentives, professional growth, labor mobility, cultural and professional adaptability, psychosocial obstacles, and coping resilience were common topics in the literature. Migration is driven by compensation, career possibilities, workforce dissatisfaction, and rising global healthcare demand, the study found. Migrants must acclimate to new healthcare systems, licensure requirements, workplace expectations, and cultures. Outward migration may boost professional growth and labor mobility, but it may threaten Philippine workforce retention and healthcare sustainability. Filipino pharmacists' transnational migration is a multifaceted workforce issue involving labor mobility, professional adaptation, and healthcare workforce planning. Pharmacist-specific migration literature is scarce, emphasizing the necessity of profession-centered research and evidence-informed policy to enhance Philippine pharmaceutical workforce sustainability and resilience.

Institutional Silence and the Invisibility of Male Victims in Nigeria’s Domestic Violence Policies

Juliet Ngozi Igwedinmah — 2026-07-11

Domestic violence is widely recognized as a critical human rights and public health concern, yet dominant global and national policy responses have largely been shaped by gendered frameworks that prioritize women as the primary victims. This study critically examines how domestic violence policy frameworks in Nigeria construct victimhood and represent male victims, with particular attention to the implications of institutional framing and silence. Adopting an exploratory-descriptive qualitative research design, the study relies on document analysis of key policy and legal instruments, including the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015), the National Gender Policy (2021), and relevant institutional guidelines issued by gender-based violence response agencies. Findings reveal that while Nigerian domestic violence policies are formally gender-neutral, victimhood is predominantly constructed through a women-centered lens, where vulnerability is repeatedly associated with women and girls. Evidence further indicates that male victims are structurally marginalized through omission rather than explicit exclusion, resulting in limited operational recognition within institutional frameworks. This symbolic invisibility is reinforced through implementation structures that prioritize women-focused interventions, thereby creating a gap between legal neutrality and practical application. The study further demonstrates that institutional silence regarding male victimization is not incidental but reflects embedded policy assumptions that align vulnerability with femininity. Drawing on hegemonic masculinity and institutional theory, the study argues that male victim invisibility is produced through the interaction of cultural norms and institutionalized policy practices. The findings highlight significant implications for equity in domestic violence response systems and call for more inclusive policy recognition of diverse victim experiences.

Perceptions of Adolescent Behaviour in School

Archisha Dixit — 2026-07-11

Adolescence is one of the stages when students become vulnerable to diverse types of emotional discomfort, behavioral disorders, social disputes that is why the correct diagnosis of the psychosocial problems becomes especially significant in the school setting. The research question in this paper was to analyze the degree of congruency between the self-reports of adolescents and teacher-reported socio-emotional and behavioural problems based on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Data was collected from 59 students aged 12-19 years enrolled in grades 9-12 at an under-resourced school in Gurugram, India, along with corresponding teacher reports from 4 faculty members. The study made use of the SDQ which was administered physically to the students during the school hour. The questionnaire assessed emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity, peer problems, and prosocial behaviour. Statistical analyses included paired-samples t-tests, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), Bland-Altman plots, and multiple regression analyses to evaluate differences and agreement between informants. The results of the study indicated that most of the SDQ domains did not have significant student and teacher ratings. For prosocial behaviour the students rated higher than teachers. Poor agreement was shown in all domains of the ICC results even though the mean scores were similar. Thus, it signifies low cross-informant agreement on adolescent difficulties of students and teachers. In addition, regression analyses revealed that teacher ratings were not predicted by students’ self report, age and gender. This study highlights the significance of using multiple informants to improve the understanding of adolescent mental health issues in an altruistic school.

Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Approaches to Primary Dysmenorrhea

Kimaya Jagtap — 2026-07-11

Dysmenorrhea is a prevalent gynecological condition that negatively affects the daily life and overall wellbeing of individuals who menstruate. The purpose of this study was to explore various strategies used to cope with menstrual pain within the female Indian population, focusing on the symptoms of dysmenorrhea and the various Ayurvedic, local, pharmaceutical, and lifestyle intervention techniques to relieve menstrual pain. A questionnaire was created and distributed to participants for collecting data from a sample of 47 individuals between the ages of 12 and 45. A snowball sampling method was used to select participants. The questionnaire was predominantly closed-ended and included multiple choice, checklist, rating scale questions, and other items. These were used to collect data on the participants’ demographics, pain duration, pain severity, symptoms, and the frequency and effectiveness of various pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Ethical considerations of voluntary participation, informed consent, confidentiality, and total anonymity were practiced. The results revealed that the majority of the participants experienced pain at the start of each menstrual cycle. The participants also reported experiencing symptoms of dysmenorrhea for greater than six years. Among the participants, NSAIDs were the most preferred and used prescription pain relief medications. Among the non-pharmacological interventions, sleeping and using a heating pad were the most preferred, perceived, and valued. Some techniques such as Ayurveda were less commonly known to the sample, highlighting a medical gap which can be bridged.

Profit, Purpose, and Behaviour: How the Hope of Profit Shapes Organisational Decision-Making Through an Economic and Behavioural Lens

Tavisha Priya Kodthivada — 2026-07-11

Economic theory mentions that a profit motive often drives efficiency, an increase in innovation, and optimal resource allocation, while it is often seen absent in mission-driven non-profit organisations. Substantive research delves into the economic understanding of the expected actions by organisations working towards the hope of profit and otherwise. However, when it comes to real-world dynamics, human behaviours are likely to cause deviations from economic theory. These deviations are dependent on a set of circumstances and external factors. This paper aims to investigate organisational actions through a combination of economics and behavioural economics lens, which further enables higher awareness of organisational decision-making and biases held. This paper utilises primary research, including a focus group discussion, to do so. This paper utilises both quantitative and qualitative methodology. A scenario-based survey was conducted with 37 total respondents, of which 10 also participated in a live focus group discussion. The respondents were primarily private sector employees aged 25 to 44. Participants answered the same set of questions using two different motivational frames: one framed around profit maximisation and one without. Results demonstrated that while the hope of profit leads to loss aversion, opportunistic pricing, and quality signalling, it does not undermine labour ethics, creativity, or environmental values as economic theory suggests. On the contrary, the lack of a profit motive drives creative risk-taking and upholds labour and environmental standards. However, it does not significantly strengthen commitments to sustainability, which remains steady across both frames. These findings indicate that organisational behaviour is influenced by a variety of factors, including economic incentives and personal values, which challenge purely rational models of decision making.

A Legal Analysis of the Crime of Genocide in the Statute of the International Criminal Court and the Penal Code of Afghanistan

Mohamma Tariq Wamiq — 2026-07-11

Genocide is one of the most severe and catastrophic international crimes, for which the international community has envisaged specific measures in international instruments for its prevention and punishment. Article 6 of the Statute of the International Criminal Court and Article 333 of the Penal Code of Afghanistan have criminalized the crime of genocide exclusively against national, ethnic, racial, and religious groups; this has resulted in a legal vacuum regarding the protection of political and social groups and has diminished the preventive effect and efficiency of international criminal justice. The present research was conducted with the aim of providing a legal analysis of the crime of genocide in the Statute of the International Criminal Court and the Penal Code of Afghanistan. Utilizing a descriptive-analytical method and examining legal sources, cases of international criminal tribunals, and the literature of international criminal law, this study analyzes the legal framework of the crime of genocide and identifies its limitations with respect to the Penal Code of Afghanistan. The primary research question is: "To what extent do the definition, constituent elements, and scope of responsibility arising from genocide in the domestic law of Afghanistan align with the standards of international criminal law?" The findings indicate that although the Afghan legislator has generally followed the 1948 Convention and Article 6 of the Statute in the definition and instances of the crime of genocide, ambiguities and challenges persist in certain areas—including determining the scope of protected groups, precisely elucidating the mental element (mens rea), and jurisdictional and executive mechanisms—which could jeopardize the realization of the principle of legality of crimes and punishments and the efficiency of the prosecution of the crime of genocide.

An Empirical Analysis of the Impact of Macroeconomic Variables on Maggi Sales in India’s Fast Moving Consumer Goods Industry

Abhiuday Maini — 2026-07-11

The Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry has an important contribution to the Indian economy, and Maggi remains the market leader for instant noodles because of its brand recognition and customer loyalty. But with changing economic conditions, inflation, population growth and changes in consumer behaviour, there is uncertainty over what is driving sales performance. The primary aim of this study is to examine the effect of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Consumer Price Index (CPI), Population and Year on the sales of Maggi over the years. Time Series secondary data had been used to test the macroeconomic variables affecting the sales of Maggi using the multiple regression model. The findings show that GDP has a strong positive relationship with the sales of Maggi. This highlighted an important relation between economic growth and consumer demand in the FMCG sector. The study also emphasizes the impact of macroeconomic factors on the FMCG industry in India with respect to consumer buying and sales. The results of this study can help businesses, marketers and policy makers understand the impact of economic downturns on markets for consumer goods and help them to design better business and economic policies. The overall contribution of the research is that it provides empirical evidence about the correlation between the economic indicators and the sales of Maggi in India, thus adding to the existing literature on FMCG sales performance and the analysis of macroeconomic indicators.

Active Neutrality Policy for Afghanistan: A Possible Model in the International System

Azizullah Basir — 2026-07-11

This article examines the feasibility of “active neutrality” as a potential foreign policy strategy for Afghanistan within the contemporary international system. The central question of the study is whether active neutrality can be regarded as a viable strategic option or whether it remains merely a normative idea in light of Afghanistan’s geopolitical and structural constraints. The study adopts a qualitative approach based on documentary analysis and analytical method, drawing on the theoretical perspectives of realism, institutionalism, and small-state theory. The findings indicate that Afghanistan’s geopolitical position at the intersection of major regional spheres, together with its history of foreign intervention and internal fragility, highlights the need for a cautious and balanced foreign policy. Active neutrality, defined as non-alignment with hostile blocs combined with active diplomacy, may offer advantages such as reducing the costs of alignment, diversifying international relations, and lowering the risk of becoming an arena for proxy competition. However, the study also identifies significant limitations, including weak state capacity, lack of domestic consensus, economic and security dependencies, and the persistence of regional and global rivalries. A comparative analysis of Switzerland, Austria, and Turkmenistan shows that the success of neutrality policy requires institutional capacity, international recognition, and stability in strategic orientation. The article concludes that active neutrality for Afghanistan is neither fully attainable nor entirely unrealistic. Rather, it should be understood as a conditional and gradual framework whose realization depends on domestic cohesion, diplomatic capacity, and relative international acceptance. The value of this concept lies not in offering a ready-made solution, but in providing a structured path toward a more balanced and less costly foreign policy.

What Drives Consumer Demand in Customized and Tribal Art-Inspired Merchandise? Evidence from Price, Income, and Behavioral Choice

Ananya Tayal — 2026-07-11

This study examines consumer demand behavior in customized art and merchandise markets, including products inspired by cultural and tribal art forms, by analyzing how price, income, product characteristics, and behavioral preferences jointly influence purchasing decisions. Using a cross-sectional survey of 178 respondents across seven product categories and 3,528 observations, the study applies ordinary least squares (OLS) regression, interaction models, product fixed effects, and logistic regression to capture both the intensive and extensive margins of demand. The results confirm a strong negative relationship between price and quantity demanded, consistent with standard demand theory. However, the relatively moderate magnitude of price sensitivity suggests that customization, cultural embeddedness, and perceived uniqueness reduce conventional price effects. Income is found to significantly increase consumption levels and market participation, though it does not significantly alter price elasticity, indicating that income primarily shifts demand rather than changing responsiveness to price. Substantial heterogeneity is observed across product categories, including culturally inspired and functional goods, with functional items exhibiting higher price sensitivity and lower demand, while expressive and symbolic products display comparatively more inelastic demand. Behavioral findings further indicate that design and visual appeal are the dominant determinants of purchase decisions, followed by product quality and cultural meaning, whereas ethical considerations play a relatively limited role in actual consumer behavior. Overall, the findings suggest that demand in customized and culturally inspired merchandise markets, including tribal art-based products, is shaped by both economic constraints and perceived symbolic value. Beyond traditional price and income effects, aesthetic and identity-based considerations play a central role in consumer choice, highlighting the importance of non-functional value in differentiated product markets.

“Bones in the Wrong Soil”: An Idiomatic Metaphour for Reflecting on the African Psychology of Death and the Afterlife

Augustine Nwoye, Prof. Dr. — 2026-07-11

In his book, African Religions and Philosophy, John S. Mbiti affirms that in Africa people die only in body and not in spirit. In making such a claim about Africans and their notions of death and the afterlife Mbiti appears to suggest the implication that in Africa people die only to continue living, everything being equal, as ancestors or members of the living-dead. This critical essay aims to demonstrate how the African psychology of death and the afterlife is encapsulated in Mbiti’s (1969) assertion and could be found dominating the thoughts and anxieties of displaced Ugandan refugees whose relatives died and were buried in their refugee camps away from their ancestral home. To interrogate this theme, some pertinent questions and answers relating to African understanding of the conditions of possibility for a successful experience in afterlife will be drawn from the incisive article by Jahn & Wilhelm-Solomon published in 2015.

Age-wise Assessment of Psychological, Social, and Emotional Aspects among Adolescents Exposed to Disasters: Evidence from Kodagu District, Karnataka

C R Gireesha, Assistant Professor — 2026-07-11

Background: Adolescence is an important stage in life because disasters could affect their emotions and psychology at this stage. In the Kodagu district, frequent occurrence of flood and landslide may cause stress and fear in adolescent children.

Method: Descriptive and comparative designs were adopted. A purposeful sample of 379 students attending schools in grades eight, nine, and ten in Kodagu district was selected. The data gathering tool was a structured questionnaire focusing on socio-demographic variables, psychological factors, social factors, and emotional problems after the disaster. The analysis involved the use of descriptive statistics, Kruskal Wallis ANOVA test, and logistic regression.

Results: In most cases, there was no considerable difference with regard to demographic factors among the different age groups. There was a slight decrease in cognitive and academic performance with increase in age (p = .05). Differences based on age were observed with respect to self-image and internal well-being (p = .009), social interaction (p = .001), and functional and anticipatory anxiety (p = .046), with younger adolescents having better emotional functioning than their older counterparts. Logistic regression analysis identified mother’s occupation, anxiety levels, physical and behavioural symptoms, relationship quality, intrusion symptoms, and avoidance and arousal as significant predictors of poor emotional health.

Conclusion: Disaster exposure affects adolescents in multifaceted ways. Age influences certain emotional and academic domains, while disaster-related symptoms persist across groups. School-based, family-centered, and age-sensitive interventions are recommended in disaster-prone regions.

Women at the Margin: National Security and Deprivation of Rights

Dawinder Kaur — 2026-07-11

This article critically interrogates the lived experiences of women residing in the border villages of Punjab, where the institutional arrangements and security apparatus associated with the international border have profoundly influenced everyday life and significantly curtailed women’s freedoms and mobility. Although no formal legal provisions prohibit women from accessing agricultural land, the prevailing security compulsions, surveillance practices, and regulatory mechanisms operating within the border region effectively prevent their participation in agricultural activities, which constitute the principal source of household livelihood.The study is grounded in household-level fieldwork conducted among one hundred households across six villages of Amritsar district of Punjab adjoining the Indo–Pakistan international border. It seeks to examine the gendered dimensions of marginalisation and exclusion experienced by women inhabiting these strategically sensitive borderlands. While the borderland population as a whole remains vulnerable due to its geographical location and the conflict-ridden nature of the Indo–Pakistan border, women experience a more acute and differentiated form of marginalisation, particularly in relation to their customary participation in the agrarian economy and household production processes.The findings of the study demonstrate that women are systematically excluded from engaging in agricultural work on their own land and are increasingly confined to domestic roles and unpaid household responsibilities. Their enforced detachment from agricultural labour has not only diminished their economic participation and productive contribution to household livelihood but has also reinforced pre-existing structures of socio-economic dependency, gender inequality, and political marginalisation.

Stress, Success, and Schooling: Decoding Curriculum-Induced Mental Health Burdens on Indian Adolescents

Leisha Bansal — 2026-07-11

The escalating mental health crisis among adolescents worldwide, exacerbated by competitive educational systems, demands urgent scrutiny, particularly in high pressure context like India. This research paper synthesizes several empirical psychology studies, utilizing quantitative surveys, longitudinal cohorts, and validated scales. A profound paradox is unveiled by the results: scholastic ambition, propelled by high-stakes exam like JEE and NEET, brings severe psychological tolls. Across different studies, 65-80% of teenage respondents reported moderate to severe stress, with coaching culture intensifying burnout through extended study hours (12-16 hours daily) and sleep deprivation (<6 hours sleep per night). The division on the basis of gender surfaces, girls endure amplified anxiety combined with academic performance and marriage aspect, while on the other hand, boys internalize failure as emasculation. Systemic indications, prevail and institutional failures eclipse individual shortcomings. This leads to an urge for structural and systemic solutions, such as curriculum rationalization, embedded mental health curricula, and sustained monitoring. By redefining “success” beyond rote metrics, it envisions an empathetic educational framework preserving adolescents’ resilience.

Corporate Social Responsibility and its Role in Promoting Sustainable Development: A Field Study on a Sample of Employees at the General Company for Chemical Industries

Muhannad Karim Saleh — 2026-07-11

This research aims to provide a fundamental study of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in social development, specifically in achieving shared development goals. The research covers several topics, including defining the essential elements and key dimensions of this concept. It also highlights the core concept of CSR, focusing on assessing its accuracy from a general ethical perspective. Ultimately, it arrives at a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between social responsibilities. The analytical approach was used in analyzing and interpreting the statistical research results. The deductive approach was also used in drawing conclusions based on statistical indicators. The sample was chosen randomly, and the sample size was 100 employees of the General Company for Chemical Products in Iraq, Babylon, Musayyib. A questionnaire consisting of 18 questions was prepared, and the researcher used the SPSS program to analyze the questionnaire data and used some statistical indicators, including descriptive statistics, the arithmetic mean, and the standard deviation. The study, using correlation and regression analysis, demonstrated a correlation and influence of the independent variable, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), on the dependent variable, Sustainable Development (SDD). The study concluded that CSR and SDD are important choices for companies and are essential for long-term success and progress. This is achieved by integrating CSR into their operations. Companies can have a positive impact on society in general and the environment in particular, enhance their brand image, and improve their financial performance. By embracing corporate social responsibility and sustainable development, companies can thrive in a rapidly changing world where social and environmental considerations are paramount.

Impact of Tariffs and Macroeconomic Factors on US Non-Ferrous Metal Prices: An Empirical Analysis

Avanti Chopra — 2026-07-11

This paper analyses the factors that determine the prices of the non-ferrous metal in the US, specifically the role of tariffs and important macroeconomic variables. The analysis uses US data, explanatory variables as ferrous metal imports, GDP, exchange rates and tariff rates. A multiple linear regression model is used, and relevant variables are transformed by the use of logarithmic transformation to enhance the model interpretability and model fit. The results indicate that import demand has a strong and statistically strong positive impact on metal prices, but GDP has a positive but insignificant impact relationship. Conversely, tariff rates are statistically non-significant implying that there is only a minimal direct influence on the price movements of metals. Diagnostic tests ensure that there is no heteroskedasticity and autocorrelation, even though signs of possible model misspecification are found. Overall, the findings emphasize the predominance of market fundamentals in price determination of metals over trade policy, making valuable contributions to policymakers and researchers.

The Role of the Mental Element in the Statute of the International Criminal Court: Intent, Consent, and Knowledge

Maryam Ahmadi — 2026-07-11

The International Criminal Court (ICC) Statute represents a landmark in international criminal law by articulating the mental element (mens rea) for intentional crimes in Article 30, establishing it as a general rule applicable to all crimes within the Court's jurisdiction unless otherwise provided. This article addresses the core research problem: despite Article 30's ambition to define intent and knowledge comprehensively in relation to material elements (conduct, circumstances, and results), the provision contains ambiguities regarding the precise components of mens rea such as the interplay of will, desire, awareness, and consent which have generated interpretive challenges in judicial practice and scholarly analysis. The primary objective is to identify, define, and analytically examine the key components of the mental element as outlined in Article 30 and the Elements of Crimes document, elucidating their role in establishing criminal responsibility for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and aggression. The central research question is: What are the precise components of the mental element (will, awareness, desire, and consent) in ICC crimes, how do they relate to the material elements of conduct, circumstances, and results, and what exceptions or interpretive nuances arise in the Statute and jurisprudence? Employing a doctrinal and jurisprudential analysis of the Rome Statute, Elements of Crimes, and ICC case law, the findings reveal that Article 30's "intent" encompasses three interrelated components will (volition in conduct), awareness (knowledge of circumstances and results), and desire (wish for results), with consent treated as a ground for exemption rather than mens rea. Awareness of foreseeable results via ordinary events suffices even without direct desire, while motivation is irrelevant except in specific-intent crimes like genocide. These clarifications resolve ambiguities, enhancing foreseeability and judicial consistency in international criminal law.

The Illuminating Whale

Gianfranco Rufa — 2026-07-11

The study proposes an innovative emergency signalling architecture based on two autonomous LED devices positioned outside stationary vehicles in order to improve visibility, reduce secondary collisions, and strengthen contemporary road safety governance. The study originates from the growing limitations of traditional passive warning systems, such as the retroreflective triangle, within modern mobility environments characterized by high traffic density, reduced reaction times, distracted driving, and increasingly complex operational conditions. Drawing on the conceptual framework of the Help Car Roof Project (Rufa et al., 2023), the proposed system integrates multidirectional LED conspicuity with a red-green chromatic logic, inspired by maritime and aeronautical navigation systems. The theoretical framework combines the Safe System Approach, human factors research, cognitive ergonomics, intelligent transportation systems, and contemporary road policing paradigms. The article argues that emergency signalling technologies should no longer be considered simple technical accessories, but rather active components of integrated mobility safety and preventative risk governance. Particular attention is devoted to the operational applications for road policing, emergency responders, roadside assistance personnel, and infrastructure maintenance operators, whose exposure to secondary collisions remains a critical issue worldwide. Finally, the study explores future integration with ITS and V2X systems, highlighting the potential evolution of emergency signalling into intelligent, connected, and anticipatory communication systems capable of improving infrastructural resilience and adaptive mobility safety.

Information and Communication Technologies as Drivers of Economic Development and Public Economic Perceptions: The Case of Kosovo

Adil Rexhepi — 2026-07-11

Digital transformation is emerging as a key factor of contemporary economic development, particularly in transition economies, where information and communication technologies (ICTs) influence both economic performance and public perceptions of economic development and stability. This study aims to analyze the role of ICTs as drivers of economic development and as shaping factors of public economic perceptions, focusing on the case of Kosovo. The methodology is based on a quantitative empirical approach, using a structured Likert-scale survey, while the data are analyzed through descriptive and interpretative methods. The findings indicate the existence of a positive relationship between ICT usage, increased economic efficiency, and the strengthening of positive perceptions of economic development. However, the full impact of ICTs remains conditioned by institutional factors and public economic communication. The study offers theoretical contributions and practical implications for digital development policies in Kosovo.

Development and Validation of a Mathematics Toolkit Integrating Mathematical Practice 8 (Repeated Reasoning) to Enhance Conceptual Understanding of Grade 10

Maredy C. Melo Caratao Melo — 2026-07-12

One persistet concern in Mathematics education is the presence of least-learned competencies that hinder students' conceptual understanding and academic achievement. This study aimed to assess, design, develop, implement and evaluate a Mathematics Toolkit integrating Mathematical Practice 8 (Repeated Reasoning) to enhance the conceptual understanding of Grade 10 learners at Lighthouse Community Public School, Oakland, California, USA, during the School Year 2025-2026. The study involved 82 Grade 10 learners and was anhored on the ADDIE Model. A developmental research design employing descriptive developmental research design employing descriptive developmental and qualitative approaches was utilized. Three researcher-made evaluation instruments were used to assess the toolkit in terms of content validity , instructional design and clarity, usability and student engagement, alignment to MP8 and overall quality. Quantitative data were analyzed using frquency count, mean, standard deviation, Shapiro-Wilk Test of Normality, Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test and Kruskal-Wallis Test, while qualitative data were analyzed through thematic analysis. The findings revealed that Geometry and Right Triangonometry concept were the least-learned competencise among Grade 10 learners. The developed toolkit, which incorporated the MP8 routine of Notice-Repeat-Generalize, significantly improved learners postest performance and demonstarted a very large effect size. Validators strongly agreed that the toolkit met standards of quality, relevance and alignment to MP8. The study highlights the importance of developmetal research and structured instructional design in producing innovative learning resources that address' needs and strenghten conceptual understanding in Mathematics.

Strategic Decision-Making and Expertise in Chess: An Engine-Based and Behavioral Analysis Across Skill Levels

Aadya Gupta — 2026-07-11

Chess is widely regarded as an effective model for studying human cognition, expertise, and strategic decision-making under conditions of complexity and time pressure. This study examines how decision quality differs across players of varying skill levels by integrating engine-based performance analysis with survey-based behavioral insights. The research compares elite players, titled master-level players, and intermediate or lower-rated players using metrics such as move accuracy, average centipawn loss (ACPL), blunders, mistakes, and inaccuracies. In addition, the study explores behavioral dimensions of decision-making, including reliance on intuition versus calculation, time management strategies, perceived causes of errors, and differences between online and offline play. The study adopts a mixed-methods research design combining quantitative engine evaluations with primary survey data collected from chess players across multiple rating categories. The findings indicate that stronger players consistently demonstrate lower ACPL, fewer severe errors, and more stable decision-making patterns across games. Survey-based insights further reveal that higher-rated players rely more effectively on intuition, pattern recognition, and selective calculation, while lower-rated players experience greater indecision, over-calculation, and time pressure. The results also suggest that expertise influences not only the frequency of errors but also their severity and consistency under complex playing conditions. Overall, the study contributes to the literature on chess expertise and bounded rationality by linking objective performance metrics with underlying cognitive and behavioral processes. The findings highlight that expert performance depends not only on technical knowledge but also on efficient cognitive processing, adaptability, and consistent decision-making under pressure.

Green Skills Mismatch in Uzbekistan: Evidence from Employers, Vacancies and University Curricula

Charos Nosirova — 2026-07-12

The main contribution is that it does not focus only on green skill shortages but also makes an impact on other variables like workforce productivity and sustainable business development. In the context of Uzbekistan’s green transition, this study also shows that the alignment of university curricula with labour-market needs assists in enhancing the employability of graduates and the competitiveness of firms as green skills are directly related to their operational performance. This study examines mismatch relations between the green skill requirements of two types of labour-market sources with different analytical functions: employer assessments and vacancy descriptions. A PROMETHEE model (for ranking green skill gaps) and regression model (for estimating relationships) were designed to study the effects of curriculum alignment and employer demand and find the relationship between such variables as required green skills and graduate preparedness with labour-market outcomes. The study adopted a mixed research design and utilized PROMETHEE to test the relative importance of green skill mismatch factors and regression to analyze the data. The data was analyzed with regression models to estimate the influence of employer skill requirements and curriculum coverage. This positive relationship was also noticed in the association between curriculum alignment and graduate preparedness, resulting in higher levels of employability as evidence of improved skill relevance. Results showed the evidence of significant relationships between green skill demand and curriculum responsiveness with measurable effects on workforce readiness. This approach provides a broader view of green skill relations within labour-market processing. It may also contribute to the policy reform that is ongoing to change higher education from traditional knowledge provision to demand-oriented green skills development and its users as active participants in Uzbekistan’s sustainable economic transition.

National Health Insurance Scheme and Sustainable Healthcare Delivery in Nigeria Military Hospital, Port Harcourt, 2015-2025

Ngo Enaanobel Alfred — 2026-07-11

Out-of-pocket expenditure constitutes approximately 70 percent of total health spending in Nigeria, exposing millions of households to catastrophic health expenditure and undermining sustainable healthcare delivery at the facility level. The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), operational since 2005, was established to address this through a pre-payment, risk-pooling mechanism; however, coverage remains at approximately 5 percent of the population, reflecting persistent implementation gaps. This study examined the relationship between the National Health Insurance Scheme and sustainable healthcare delivery at the Nigeria Military Hospital, Port Harcourt, 2015-2025, focusing on the level of enrolment, funding adequacy for sustainability, and the availability of medical consumables. Anchored on Health Insurance Theory and Social Policy Theory, the study was guided by three objectives, three research questions, and three null hypotheses. A mixed-method correlational survey design was adopted from a population of 15,035 persons; 390 respondents were determined using Taro Yamane’s formula through proportional stratified sampling, and 366 questionnaires were retrieved and usable (93.8% response rate), complemented by interviews with 15 key informants. Cronbach’s Alpha reliability coefficients ranged from 0.807 to 0.821. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMC) at the 0.05 significance level; qualitative data were subjected to thematic content analysis. Findings revealed statistically significant positive relationships between sustainable healthcare delivery and the level of enrolment (r = 0.614, p < 0.05), funding adequacy (r = 0.579, p < 0.05), and availability of medical consumables (r = 0.598, p < 0.05). All three null hypotheses were rejected. The study recommended that the National Health Insurance Authority enforce monitored HMO reimbursement timelines, that the Federal Ministry of Defence ring-fence supplementary capital allocations for military health facilities, and that a structured pharmaceutical supply management system be institutionalised at the Nigeria Military Hospital, Port Harcourt.

Public Communications and Information Sciences

Kushtrim Uka — 2026-07-11

This study examines the impact of information technologies on institutional communication and the modernization of public administration. Drawing upon socio-technical systems theory, the Technology Acceptance Model, and network society theory, the research analyzes how digital tools reshape administrative processes, communication flows, and institutional efficiency. Employing a mixed-methods research design that integrates quantitative survey data with qualitative insights, the study evaluates the relationship between technological adoption, communication effectiveness, and modernization outcomes. The findings indicate that information technologies significantly enhance institutional communication, contribute to administrative transparency, and support modernization efforts. However, the transformative impact depends on organizational culture, leadership capacity, and digital competencies. The study offers theoretical contributions to the understanding of digital transformation in public administration and provides practical recommendations for sustainable institutional modernization.

An Assessment of the Impact of Training and Development on Employee Performance: Evidence from Afghanistan Food and Drug Authority (AFDA)

Said Nabil Hassanzada — 2026-07-19

This study assesses the impact of training and development on employee performance based on the evidence from the Afghanistan Food and Drug Authority (AFDA). Employee performance is widely recognized as a critical determinant of organizational effectiveness and long-term success. In an increasingly dynamic and competitive environment, organizations rely on competent and high-performing employees to achieve strategic objectives, improve service quality, and maintain operational efficiency. As a result, organizations continuously invest in human resource development practices, particularly training and development, to enhance employees' knowledge, skills, abilities, and professional competencies. Training primarily focuses on improving employees' current job-related knowledge and skills, whereas development emphasizes long-term professional growth, career advancement, and employee empowerment. Using a quantitative research approach, data were collected through a structured questionnaire from employees across various departments. Evaluation of structural path were employed to assess the direct and indirect effects of training and development on employee performance. The findings revealed that training (β= 0.231, t= 3.28, P<0.001) and development (β= 0.399, t= 5.197, P<0.001) each had a significant positive effect on employee performance. Further, the structural model demonstrated moderate explanatory power, with an R² value of 0.336, indicating that training and development explained 33.6% of the variance in employee Performance. Furthermore, the Q² value of 0.312 confirmed that the model possesses adequate predictive relevance and satisfactory predictive capability. These findings suggest that training and development enhance employee performance by improving employees' knowledge, skills, and competencies while fostering professional growth through delegation of authority, participation in decision-making, and career management. The study highlights the importance of effective training and development initiatives in enhancing employee performance within the AFDA, and recommends future research to examine additional factors affecting employee performance as well as other employee performance dimensions.