Cameroon's legal system is characterized by dual land tenure systems: the customary, which is widely practiced and rooted in traditional norms, and the statutory, which is codified in law. This duality often leads to conflicts, as individuals and communities grapple with competing claims over land rights. The inadequacy of existing legal frameworks to address these disputes effectively results in protracted conflicts, social unrest, and hindered economic development. Worthy of note is that, the settlement of disputes relating to titled lands in Cameroon is stationed by the Land Consultative Board, Common Law Courts (judiciary) and the Administrative Courts. This paper therefore, aimed at exploring the current landscape of land disputes settlement, emphasizing the pressing need for legal reforms and mechanisms that ensure equitable resolution available to individuals and communities. In order to achieve the desired objective, a doctrinal research methodology which involved both primary and secondary sources of data was employed. Against this backdrop, we therefore, recommend that the government should strengthen Dispute Resolution Mechanisms by enhancing the capacity of the Land Consultative Board to handle disputes effectively, providing it with adequate resources and training. The government should also improve access to administrative and common law courts for land dispute resolution, particularly for marginalized groups. This will help bridge the gap between theory and practice concerning the settlement of titled lands in Cameroon.
Cross-border cooperation today is considered as a pivotal element in addressing contemporary challenges such as drugs trafficking, smuggling, terrorism, and transnational organized crimes across international borders. It is believed that no country can unilaterally ensure the security of it borders alone without cooperation between countries that share a common border. The institution of a one stop border post between Cameroon and Nigeria at their joint borders in Ekok and Mfum is considered as a sign of cooperation existing between the two countries. Various legal mechanisms have been developed by International Organisations seeking to advocate for cross-border cooperation as a sine qua non factor in ensuring border security. This paper focuses principally on the World Customs Organization’s concept of Coordinated Border Management which is anchored on cross-border cooperation as a legal mechanism in mitigating customs risks. It examines some practical dimensions of cross-border cooperation between customs administrations and other border agencies at the domestic and across the border, and their possible role towards ensuring border security at Ekok and Mfum. This work concludes that compliance with some of the key principles governing cross-border cooperation such as joint border security patrol, intelligence sharing, joint capacity building, use of common facilities, and memoranda of understanding, information technology, will go a long way to mitigate customs risks. This work employs both a doctrinal research methodology based on content analysis of primary and secondary data, as well as empirical research methodology based on focused group discussion.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Dec. 11, 2025
Impact of Urbanisation on Groundwater Recharge and Aquifer Vulnerability in Enugu Metropolis, South-East Nigeria
Ordams Emmanuel T, Ogbodo Ugochukwu K, Nwosu, Ikechukwu Christian, Iwuanyanwu, Paschal C, Abdulmumuni Barikisu Momoh, Nwachukwu Martin Chijioke
Page no 594-604 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjhss.2025.v10i12.004
Rapid urbanisation in Enugu Metropolis has increasingly altered natural hydrological processes, raising concerns about groundwater sustainability and aquifer vulnerability. This study assessed the impact of urban expansion on groundwater recharge and evaluated the susceptibility of the underlying aquifers to contamination. An integrated approach involving hydrogeological field measurements, laboratory analyses, geospatial land-use assessment, and DRASTIC vulnerability modelling was employed. Land-use/land-cover analysis showed that built-up areas expanded from 18% in 2000 to 52% in 2024, while vegetation cover declined by 31%, indicating significant surface sealing. Groundwater level measurements revealed depths ranging from 9.4 to 28.7 m, with reduced recharge in densely urbanised zones. Estimated recharge decreased from 142–170 mm/year in 2000 to 68–110 mm/year in 2024, representing a 39–52% decline. Hydrogeological analysis showed moderately productive sandstone aquifers with hydraulic conductivity of 1.4 × 10⁻⁴ to 6.2 × 10⁻⁴ m/s and transmissivity values of 15.8–64.3 m²/day. Groundwater quality showed slightly acidic pH (5.2–6.8) and elevated nitrate concentrations (up to 64 mg/L), indicating anthropogenic influence. The DRASTIC model classified 35% of the metropolis as highly vulnerable, 49% moderately vulnerable, and 16% of low vulnerability, with high-risk zones concentrated in Abakpa Nike, Ogui, Emene, Uwani, and Trans-Ekulu. The study concludes that rapid urbanisation has significantly reduced groundwater recharge and heightened aquifer vulnerability in Enugu Metropolis. It recommends improved urban planning, protection of recharge zones, enhanced waste management, and establishment of a groundwater monitoring network to ensure long-term water resource sustainability.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Dec. 11, 2025
The Importance of Early Screening for Depression in Elderly Patients with Prostate Cancer Undergoing Hormone Therapy
Serigne Souaibou BA, Bachir Mansour Diallo, Mamadou Sissokho, Marion BUR, Cheikh DIOP, Djiby DIENG, Pape Mansour BASSE, Massamba BA, El Hadji Makhtar BA, Papa Abdoulaye BA
Page no 1194-1199 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjmps.2025.v11i12.008
Introduction : Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men over 65. Depression is frequent in this population but remains underdiagnosed, particularly due to atypical clinical presentations, confusion with treatment side effects, and sociocultural perceptions that trivialize the psychological distress of older adults. The objective of this study was to describe the obstacles to screening for depression in older patients treated for prostate cancer, analyze professional perceptions, and identify potential improvements to the care pathway. Methods : A qualitative study incorporating a clinical case of severe depression in a 76-year-old man treated with hormone therapy for prostate cancer, and semi-structured interviews conducted with a university hospital geriatrician and a geriatric psychiatrist. Results: Psychological vulnerability is increased by the cancer diagnosis, the loss of virility associated with treatment, geriatric frailty, and social isolation. Screening practices remain inconsistent: geriatricians used standardized tools, while psychiatrists intervened after the disorder had already developed. Identified obstacles included confusion between depressive symptoms and side effects, persistent taboos surrounding psychiatry, a lack of interdisciplinary coordination, and the absence of institutional protocols. Professionals agreed on the need for a structured screening protocol, targeted training, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Analysis of the literature and professional guidelines reinforced the need to implement a proactive screening approach, particularly at the initiation of hormone therapy. Conclusion : This study highlighted the need for a preventive and integrative approach to identify depression early in this high-risk population. Systematizing screening, adapting tools to the cultural context, and fostering collaboration among professionals working with older adults are essential to improving their quality of life and preventing suicidal complications.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Dec. 10, 2025
Undergraduate Students’ Self-Assessment of Social–Emotional Learning and Competency-Based Instruction in Vietnamese Higher Education
Sy Van Pham
Page no 579-584 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/jaep.2025.v09i12.002
Social–emotional learning (SEL) has become increasingly relevant in higher education as universities worldwide seek to cultivate adaptable, ethical, and socially responsible graduates. Yet empirical evidence on SEL-related competencies among Vietnamese undergraduates remains limited, particularly regarding their ability to connect SEL with competency-based instructional approaches. This study addresses this gap by examining the self-assessed SEL and competency-based instructional competencies of 388 students recruited through random sampling from four universities in Ho Chi Minh City. An eight-item SEL competency scale, originally developed by Huynh and colleagues, was adapted to assess students perceived abilities across conceptual, procedural, and application-oriented domains. Responses were rated on a 0–4 Likert-type scale. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 20, employing frequency and percentage distributions, with the instrument demonstrating excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = .945). Results showed that most students rated themselves at moderate to fair levels across all competencies, while proficient performance remained consistently low. Conceptual understanding was stronger than procedural or applied competencies, and the lowest levels of confidence appeared in items requiring integration between SEL and competency-based instruction or demonstration of SEL in instructional practice. These findings suggest that undergraduate students possess foundational awareness of SEL but lack opportunities for deeper experiential engagement and structured pedagogical development. The study highlights the need for intentional curricular design, increased practice-based learning experiences, and university-level initiatives that embed SEL more explicitly within instructional processes. Implications for educational policy, curriculum innovation, and future research are discussed to support the advancement of SEL within Vietnamese higher education.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Dec. 10, 2025
Metabolic Syndrome and its Components as Risk Factors for Benign Thyroid Nodules
Dr. Tasnim Tabassum Progga, Dr. Shahla Shobnom, Dr. Sharmin Jahan, Dr. Salma Akter, Dr. Farhadul Hoque Mollah
Page no 212-217 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sijb.2025.v08i04.004
Background: The rising global prevalence of both metabolic syndrome (MetS) and thyroid nodules (TN) suggests a potential pathophysiological link. This study aimed to investigate the association between MetS and its individual components with the presence of thyroid nodules. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical pilot study was conducted over six months. A total of 70 participants (35 with benign TN and 35 without benign TN), aged 18-75 years, were enrolled via purposive sampling. MetS was diagnosed according to standard criteria requiring ≥3 of the following: elevated waist circumference, high blood pressure, impaired fasting glucose (IFG), high triglycerides, or low HDL-cholesterol. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, thyroid ultrasonography, and fasting blood samples for glucose, lipids, and thyroid function tests (TSH, FT3, FT4) were obtained. According to the exclusion criteria, cases with malignant thyroid nodules were resected. In this study, as thyroid nodules, only benign thyroid nodules were considered. Data were analyzed using unpaired t-tests, chi-square tests, and multiple logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of MetS was significantly higher in the nodule group compared to the control group (68.57% vs. 40.00%, p=0.001). Participants with nodules had significantly higher mean values for waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and fasting plasma glucose (all p<0.05). Low HDL-cholesterol (82.9% vs. 37.1%, p=0.046), high blood pressure (51.4% vs. 17.1%, p=0.005), and IFG (48.6% vs. 25.7%, p=0.004) were significantly more prevalent in the nodule group. Multiple logistic regression confirmed MetS (OR=5.00, 95% CI: 2.48-8.60, p=0.001), along with age, SBP, FT3, and FT4, as independent risk factors for TN. Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome and several of its components are significantly associated with an increased risk of thyroid nodules, suggesting that metabolic health may play a crucial role in thyroid nodule pathogenesis. The sample size was very small due to the COVID-19 situation.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Dec. 10, 2025
Fabrication, Optimization, and Evaluation of Transdermal Patch: As an Alternative and Effective Transdermal Delivery System for Grainsetron HCl
Shani Kumar Srivastava, Manish Kumar Thimmaraju, Jitender K Malik
Page no 1187-1193 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjmps.2025.v11i12.007
Aim: This study aimed to formulate and evaluate grainsetron HCl transdermal patches to reduce the problems associated with oral delivery of the drug and enhancement of drug permeation through the skin. Methods: Grainsetron HCl loaded transdermal patch were prepared by solvent evaporation method. Six formulations were prepared based on the two independent variables, type of surfactant and Phospholipid: Edge activator ratio and were evaluated for their vesicle size, PDI, and entrapment efficiency. The optimized formulations were incorporated into transdermal patches, which were evaluated for physicochemical properties ex-vivo permeation, skin irritancy, and stability studies. Result: Ex-vivo skin permeation study of optimized formulation NEB3 plot of cumulative amount of drug release versus time generate for Permeation studies. From this plot, permeation kinetic parameters such as permeation flux, permeability coefficient and enhancement ratio were calculated. The results showed that NEB3 with 30% w/w had a flux of 174.25±1.04 and released 65.21% in 720 minutes. The results of the in-vivo skin irritation study indicate that the optimized batch NEB3 did not cause significant irritation on rat skin for up to 14 days and was safely used for up to 24 hours. The stability of the optimized formulation (NEB3) was assessed at various temperatures over a period of 30 days. The optimized formulation was assessed for various parameters such as appearance, weight variation, folding endurance, tensile strength, and drug content. The evaluation showed no significant changes in the formulation under room, oven, and cold temperatures. Conclusion: The study concluded that transdermal patches of Grainsetron HCl could be used as a potential approach with effective transdermal delivery for the management of chemotherapy induced vomiting.
This work is about searching the origins of life. So, different natural biochemical cycles-their precursors and end products were analysed. Ratios of interaction between different elemental atoms forming those precursors and end products were created and used to find out the possible precursor molecule of DNA. Efforts were also made to identify the length of time period of remaining ice house phase using a method developed to calculate areas above and below curves on graphs.
The need for achieving sustainable community have been a major concern for governments around the world, although, the concept of sustainability first came to the centre stage within the 1980’s. While sustainability becomes a major concern, however, its achievement, within the local community, national and international levels, requires the need for change in human values, attitudes, and behaviours, as values in particular, direct humans to their goals, frame their attitudes, and provide standards against which the behavior of individuals and societies are judged. While values (particularly social equity and environmental values) are absolutely necessary for social functioning, however, Nigeria as a nation has gone through and still going through value and value system laxity, hence, the need for moral education and the family in strengthening eroding values for social equity and environment in communities. This paper examined moral education and families in shaping values for community sustainability in Nigeria. Review of extant literatures revealed that moral education is required particularly by adolescents and youths in communities in differentiating between right or wrong, as moral consciousness acts as guide in decision-making. Similarly, the family was seen as the nucleus from which the formation of an environmentally literate generation starts, and with parents as the prominent educators. Although, morality is required for communal survival, however, the family which is seen as the primary agent of socialization, wield enormous influence in children’s ethical behavior, as it serves as vanguard for sustainable community development.
REVIEW ARTICLE | Dec. 9, 2025
Border Villages as Strategic Nodes: Enhancing Cross-Border Vigilance and Security Development Along the Indian Border with China
Aman Bora, Akhilesh Dwivedi
Page no 583-593 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjhss.2025.v10i12.003
The Line of Actual Control (LAC) has been tense recently, with the fiercest border conflict since 1962 at Galwan Valley in 2020. Despite extensive talks, trust is absent on both sides. Apart from infrastructural development and military buildup, new methods of increasing vigilance are being used by both, which include building Xiaokang or ‘well-off villages’ from the Chinese side and rehabilitating border villages by the Indian side. Indian border villages have historically held strategic importance but have become depopulated due to limited opportunities, leaving them as ‘ghost villages.’ India is working to support these villages and counter Chinese tactics to maintain territorial integrity. India can improve security and bilateral cooperation by leveraging the strategic and socio-economic potential of these villages. This paper examines the importance of border villages as hubs for cross-border surveillance and security measures amid geopolitical tensions, border conflicts, and broader security concerns. It aims to understand how these villages can promote peace, prosperity, and resilience in the Indo-China border region and provide policy recommendations for their development, thereby maintaining peace in contested border areas.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Dec. 9, 2025
Single-Atom Engineered Nanorings for Efficient Nitrogen Reduction: A DFT Study
Sana Ullah, Sameer Khan, Wasif Ullah, Mehboob Khan, Sadiq Ur Rehman, Zafar Ullah, Waqas Khan
Page no 683-702 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjls.2025.v10i11.003
This work presents a comprehensive density functional theory (DFT) investigation of the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) on transition-metal (TM) atoms (Cr, Ni, Ru, Rh) supported on double nanorings (NRs = B₈N₈, B₈P₈, Al₈N₈, Al₈P₈, Ga₈N₈) via the distal pathway. The study focuses on elucidating the energetics, stability, and electronic properties of these TM-decorated nanorings as potential electrocatalysts for efficient nitrogen fixation. Geometry optimizations were performed using the long-range-corrected, range-separated functional ωB97XD combined with the polarized triple-ζ def2-TZVP basis set augmented with diffuse s and p functions. Interaction energies reveal that Ru@B₈N₈ is the most stable configuration, exhibiting a strong binding energy of −5.78 eV. Owing to this high stability, Ru@B₈N₈ was selected for detailed mechanistic evaluation of electrochemical NRR. A mixed-basics approach was employed in which Ru was treated using the LANL2DZ effective core potential, while B, N, and H atoms were described with the 6-31G(d,p) basis set to balance computational efficiency and accuracy. Charge-transfer interactions were analyzed using natural bond orbital (NBO) methods, and further insight into the electronic structure was obtained through frontier molecular orbital (FMO) and density of states (DOS) analyses, including evaluation of HOMO–LUMO energy gaps. Overall, this work provides fundamental insights into the stability and catalytic behavior of TM-supported double nanorings and offers valuable guidance for the rational design of robust and highly active NRR electrocatalysts.
This study analyses the interactions between financial conditions and real activity in Morocco by examining the policy rate, bank credit, real GDP and inflation together. Using annual data covering 1995–2024, a VECM–SVAR framework is employed to capture both long-term relationships and the propagation of macro-financial shocks. The results show that a single cointegration vector links monetary conditions, credit and real activity in a sustainable manner. Bank credit is the main channel of adjustment in the system, while the policy rate appears to be largely exogenous and insensitive to imbalances. In general, monetary shocks have moderate effects, transmitted mainly via credit, while inflationary shocks are more powerful and persistent, leading to a marked tightening of financial conditions. These conclusions highlight the need to strengthen monetary transmission, develop countercyclical macroprudential tools and improve coordination between monetary, fiscal and structural policies in order to support macro-financial stability in Morocco.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Dec. 8, 2025
Awareness and Perceptions of Junior Doctors Regarding Thalassaemia
Dr. Kona Chowdhury, Dr. Arshad Jahan Nasrin, Dr. Farida Yesmin, Dr. Mohammad Abul Bashar, Dr. Mahmoda Sultana Popy, Dr. Nusrat Zahan Tumpa, Dr. Abhizit Pandit
Page no 1176-1182 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjmps.2025.v11i12.005
Background: Thalassaemia remains a major public health concern in Bangladesh, where hereditary disorders are increasingly recognized as contributors to long-term morbidity. Junior doctors play a critical role in early identification, counselling and implementation of preventive strategies. This study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge and attitude of junior doctors toward thalassaemia and compare findings between interns and medical officers. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 110 junior doctors (interns and medical officers) in Gonoshasthaya Samaj Vittik Medical College, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from April to June 2019. Data were collected using a pre-designed, self-administered questionnaire comprising demographic variables, 20 knowledge items and 9 attitude items. Knowledge scores were categorized as good, average, or poor. Attitude scores were classified as positive or negative. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Results: Participants were predominantly aged 22–26 years (76.4%), female (63%) and interns (72.7%). Good knowledge was observed in 34.5%, while 34.5% had average and 30.9% had poor knowledge. Positive attitudes were noted in 81.8% of respondents. Interns demonstrated significantly better understanding of consanguinity (p=0.014), prevention (p=0.011) and routine investigations (p=0.008). All participants were willing to donate blood and 80% were willing to donate bone marrow. Knowledge and attitude showed a positive, though statistically insignificant, association. Conclusion: Despite favorable attitudes toward prevention, substantial knowledge gaps persist among junior doctors. Strengthened training in genetics and thalassaemia management is necessary.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Dec. 8, 2025
Physiotherapy and Community Based Education
Yousra Eltigani, Lina Saied, Hassan Abdelnour , Tariq Abdulmagid, Nermeen Bleedy
Page no 191-196 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/jaspe.2025.v08i10.001
Introduction: Community Based Education (CBE) assists students in acquiring professional skills within a community context, emphasizing both population groups and individual challenges they face in their daily lives. In CBE, students are anticipated to cultivate their problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking skills. The execution of the CBE program offers students a chance to enhance these abilities. The aim of this study was to implement the physiotherapy CBE model, to outline the outcomes, as well as to enhance the training of undergraduate physiotherapy students during their placements for the CBE program. Methodology: The researchers employed a qualitative descriptive study method at the Al Gosi Centre located in Omdurman, Sudan. Focus group discussions were conducted with individuals involved in health promotion and awareness programs, key personnel from the center, and patients. These discussions were audio recorded, and the data was subsequently analyzed and organized into tables and themes. All ethical considerations were mentioned. Results: The majority of patients characterize physiotherapy as a conventional treatment method that employs exercises and massages, often utilizing traditional creams and oils. All the patients report a positive experience with the intervention, as they become aware of various inappropriate behaviors, enhance their overall functional level, and some have experienced a reduction in symptoms. Most of the staff possessed knowledge regarding physiotherapy; the specialist was well-informed, with some staff members drawing from their professional experience, while others had learned about it through the experiences of their relatives. Most of the staff assert that both the students and the community will reap benefits. The students will enhance their self-confidence, implement theoretical knowledge, and observe various scenarios. On the other hand, the community will boost its awareness. Conclusion: Physiotherapists at the Al Gosi Centre apply the CBE model of physiotherapy, which includes health promotion and awareness initiatives. They outline the CBE program, detail the feedback received from clients, and discuss the health professionals' understanding of CBE and physiotherapy. Additionally, they share their experiential knowledge across various aspects after being exposed to community education.
Pedagogy is the process by which instructors help pupils develop. Methods alone cannot adequately capture pedagogy, the art and science of teaching. A worldview and an idealized picture of the educated person must be part of it. These offer the ultimate objective and target that all facets of an educational tradition are cantered around. They also offer guidelines for choosing the methods to be applied in the teaching process. The tenets and viewpoints of contemporary Indian education are embodied in NEP 2020. The science of teaching assumes this is the case and goes beyond simply providing more specific instances of how Indian principles might be reflected in the teaching-learning process.