ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | May 21, 2026
Digital Entrepreneurship in the Informal Economy Adoption, Modernization, and Profitability among Open Market Traders in Warri Metropolis, Nigeria
Justice O. Okei, Glory Ivie, Silver Ogboru
Page no 181-187 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjbms.2026.v11i05.004
This study explored the digital entrepreneurship in the informal economy: adoption, monetization, and profitability among open market traders in Warri Metropolis, Nigeria. The objectives of the study focused on exploring the adoption, modernization, profitability, barriers, and drivers of digital platforms use among open market traders in Warri, Nigeria. Employing a mixed methods design, survey data (200) were complemented with qualitative interviews to capture both statistical trends and lived experiences. Results show moderate adoption (mean – 3.05), with traders relying more on informal platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook than on formal e-commerce system. Monetization remains limited (mean = 2.98), with indirect benefits, such as; boosting physical purchases than online income. Profitability perceptions are moderate (mean = 3,25), with digital marketing expanding customer reach but traditional walk-in customers remaining dominant, Barriers are significant (mean = 3.48), particularly unstable electricity and poor internet connectivity, while drivers such as education and social influence (mean = 3.23) encourage adoption. Correlation analysis revealed a positive and significant relationship between adoption and profitability (r = 0.414, p < 0.01), while regression analysis confirmed monetization as the strongest predictor of profitability (β = 3.636, p < 0.001). Qualitative findings reinforced these results, highlight infrastructural frustrations, trust concerns in online payments, and the role of younger relatives in facilitating digital engagement. Conclusively, this study demonstrate that adoption alone does not guarantee profitability; rather, effective monetization strategies are critical. The study then recommends that the constraints be addressed in order to achieve sustainable profitability.
This research investigates how artificial intelligence (AI) might aid data security protocols in custodian banks. The paper evaluates custodian bankers' preparedness to adopt AI-based security solutions and the role that AI can play in securing data. To collect quantitative information from attitudes, difficulties, and readiness to integrate AI, sixty-two custodian bankers were asked to answer a structured survey. AI significantly increases the data security in risk management and fraud detection, and the majority of respondents (86.67%) agreed with this finding. It is proven that organizational readiness and financial limits have a large influence on the adoption of AI. Respondents reported being moderately to well prepared for AI, although the greatest obstacle to its deployment was budgetary restrictions. Using t-tests to test hypotheses, we were able to find that using AI actually helped data security with a mean score of 4.25 out of 5. In regression analysis, the impact of institutional readiness and budgetary limits on opinions concerning AI's ability to attract investments was identified. Cluster analysis identified three separate custodian bank groups that had different financial capabilities and preparedness. Overall, the results suggest that custodian banking needs particular tactics focused on overcoming financial obstacles and making organizations AI-ready to promote adoption of AI.
In In the era of cyber threats evolving at lightning speed, the multinational companies (MNCs) must also incorporate an AI-driven cybersecurity framework to detect the threat, prevent intrusion, and manage the data security to continue to stay afloat. Using federated learning-based security models combined with ABSorbed ML, ABSorbed DL, and ABSorbed NLP, the AI-powered three-phase cybersecurity architecture is presented in this research for data management, intrusion detection, and real-time threat intelligence. In addition to the NSL, CICIDS, and UNSW-NB15 datasets, several AIs are used to train the AI using the AI, viz., Random Forest, XGBoost, CNN_LSTM Hybrid, Autoencoders, and Federated Learning AI in order to experiment with the effectiveness of intrusion detection. Federated Learning greatly outperformed standard security protocols: they found that Federated Learning had a collection of values of 99.0 percent accuracy and a minimum false positive rate. Few algorithms employing the use of NLP and AI for automated threat analysis had enabled proactive security intelligence, reduced detection reaction time by orders of magnitude, and enhanced IDS for intrusion detection systems. In addition, federation encryption methods also reduced the cost of computation by 2.5% and ensured high-performance data protection with homomorphic encryption and zero trust architecture (ZTA). Even in learning cybersecurity using AI-based frameworks, the adversarial attacks had suffered strong resistance, and through the usage of federated learning, the attack success rate under PGD attacks was lowest, with just a success rate of 8.5%. There are, however, several important subjects related to AI related to ethical issues, regulatory compliance, and responsibility. It leads research aimed at enhancing improved AI governance models, explainable AI (XAI), and adversarial AI defensive mechanisms for strengthening cybersecurity infrastructures in multinational corporations. After all, if used well, an AI-integrated cybersecurity framework can be utilized by MNCs to create scalable, flexible, and resilient security architecture with solid cyberthreat prevention and safe data management capabilities. Future research can also encompass a study on the federated AI cybersecurity protocols, quantum-safe cryptographic AI models, and improvements in the real-time monitoring tools in order to boost the performance of AI-driven cybersecurity defenses.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | May 20, 2026
Optimization of Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG) for Reducing Exhaust Flue Gas Temperature
Benny Edet Okon, Oku Ekpenyong Nyong, Olusola David Fakorede, George Effiong Bassey, Samuel Oliver Effiom
Page no 479-491 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjet.2026.v11i05.011
This study presents the optimization of a Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG) system with integrated low-temperature heat recovery to enhance thermal efficiency and promote sustainable energy utilization in a combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plant. The research addresses key industrial challenges, including high exhaust flue gas temperatures (~200°C), dependence on electric heating, and underutilization of waste heat. A secondary heat exchanger (Preheater-2) is introduced downstream of the Make-Up Water Heater (MUWH) to reduce the flue gas exit temperature to 60°C while recovering energy for potable water heating. The system was modeled and optimized using Aspen Plus. Results show that the proposed configuration can offset approximately 550 units of 3 kW electric heaters, resulting in a daily energy saving of 11.55 MWh. Thermodynamic performance improved, with HRSG heat duty increasing from 2.546 MW to 3.711 MW and overall thermal efficiency rising from 61.25% to 64.76%. Sensitivity analysis identified an optimal potable water flow rate range of 60,000–70,000 kg/h, yielding stable outlet temperatures of about 80°C. Exergy analysis confirmed reduced system irreversibility. The low sulphur content of Nigerian natural gas supports safe low-temperature heat recovery without corrosion risk. The system offers a scalable solution for industrial waste heat recovery, with applications in process heating, domestic hot water generation, and energy cost reduction.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | May 20, 2026
Modeling the Production Function of General Higher Education in Rajasthan: An ARDL Approach
Sheena Choudhary, J N Sharma
Page no 179-188 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjef.2026.v10i05.003
General higher education plays a critical role in human capital formation, economic development, and social mobility. In India, state-level higher education systems display significant variation in institutional capacity, enrollment growth, and resource allocation. Rajasthan has experienced rapid extension in general higher education institutions over the past few decades; however, the relationship between educational inputs and outputs remains deficiently studied. This study models the production function of general higher education in Rajasthan using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach. The study examines the impression of key inputs such as the number of institutions, faculty strength, government expenditure, and infrastructure capacity on educational output measured through student enrollment and graduates. The ARDL bounds testing framework is in work to analyze both short-run dynamics and long-run equilibrium relationships among variables. The findings points that faculty strength and government expenditure significantly power higher education output in the long run, while infrastructure capacity subscribe to short-run adjustments. The study finds that effective resource allocation and institutional strengthening are important to improve the productivity and efficiency of general higher education in Rajasthan.
REVIEW ARTICLE | May 19, 2026
Advances, Challenges, and Future Perspectives in the Detection and Quantification of Platinum Levels in Chemotherapy Patients
Ahmad Abdullahi Abubakar, Abbas Ibrahim, Bala Uba
Page no 115-118 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sijcms.2026.v09i03.001
Platinum-based chemotherapeutic agents remain among the most effective and widely used drugs in cancer treatment. Since the clinical introduction of cisplatin, platinum complexes such as carboplatin and oxaliplatin have significantly improved therapeutic outcomes in several malignancies, which include testicular, ovarian, colorectal, lung, and bladder cancers. In spite of their remarkable clinical success, the therapeutic application of platinum drugs is frequently limited by severe toxicities, drug resistance, poor selectivity, and interpatient variability in pharmacokinetics. Consequently, accurate monitoring of platinum concentrations in biological systems has become increasingly important for optimizing dosage regimens, minimizing adverse effects, and improving therapeutic efficacy. This review discusses recent advances in the detection and quantification of platinum species in human samples, with emphasis on analytical and imaging techniques employed in clinical and biomedical studies. Conventional approaches such as graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GF-AAS), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and X-ray absorption spectroscopy are critically examined alongside emerging technologies including fluorescence probes, biosensors, electrochemical sensing platforms, and nanotechnology-assisted imaging systems. The review further highlights the role of intracellular platinum tracking, mitochondrial targeting, and single-cell analysis in understanding platinum drug metabolism and mechanisms of resistance. Current challenges and future prospects in platinum monitoring for precision oncology are also discussed.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | May 19, 2026
Assessment of Factors Contributing to Low Birth Weight in Newborns at the Markala Reference Health Center in Mali
Ouattara Boubacar, Kanthé D, Kassogué A, Doumbia M, Kemenani M, Malle K
Page no 75-81 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sijtcm.2026.v09i05.002
A low birth weight (LBW) newborn is one who weighs less than 2,500 grams at birth. Birth weight is described as the main determinant of survival chances in newborns. Low birth weight is associated with infant mortality and postpartum health complications. The aim of our study was to evaluate the factors contributing to low birth weight in newborns in the Markala Health District. Patients and Methods: We conducted a descriptive, quantitative cross-sectional study in the Markala Health District. This study included newborns weighing less than 2,500 g at birth who were born and/or cared for in a health facility in the Markala District during the data collection period. Newborns weighing less than 2,500 g at birth and coming from another health district were not included. Sampling was non-probabilistic and exhaustive: all low birth weight newborns treated in health facilities in the Markala district during the collection period were included, as far as possible. The main data collection tool in this study was a structured questionnaire, developed on the basis of the specific objectives of the research. Data were collected over a three-month period after birth, from May to August 2025. Results: The study identified several factors associated with low birth weight, including twin births (25.4%), young maternal age (22.8% among 15–19-year-olds) and medical conditions such as high blood pressure (17.5%) and malaria (10.5%). The average weight of low birth weight newborns was 1964.58 grams, with a mode of 2000. The standard deviation was 402.972. The sex ratio favoured females, at 51.8%. Mothers aged 30 to 34 were the most represented, at 25.4%, followed by the two extreme age groups, 15-19 and 35-39, at 22.8% each. Conclusion: This study identified factors associated with low birth weight, the main determinants being twin births, teenage mothers, high blood pressure, infections, malaria and low attendance at prenatal consultations.
Magnesium (Mg) is the second most abundant intracellular cation and the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body. Mg is involved in multiple biochemical reactions, and its numerous activities are beneficial to our bodies. This review outlines the health significance of Mg in its physiologically beneficial role in function, the sources of dietary Mg along with symptoms of Mg deficiency and the health problems that come from it. Mg is a cofactor in various (more than 300) enzymes and essential for the synthesis of certain neurotransmitters, muscle cells’ capacity to contract and relax, and brain functionality. The proper levels of Mg in cells are achieved through membrane channels and transporters (e.g., TRPM7, MagT1, SLC41A1). These include green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains as good sources for Mg. Low levels of such an essential substance in the body can heighten susceptibility to chronic diseases such as metabolic syndrome, Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular morbidity. And inadequate Mg can manifest in symptoms like muscle weakness, fatigue, and cardiac arrhythmias. Not only that, but adequate Mg is needed to maintain bone density and reduce susceptibility to osteoporosis. A sufficient intake of Mg will help to mitigate health problems caused by a deficit of Mg and reduce the incidence of chronic diseases. Healthcare providers need to educate patients on consuming Mg-rich foods and, when indicated, when Mg supplementation is indicated, especially with high-risk individuals and/or those with chronic conditions.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | May 19, 2026
Association of Thyroid Disorders in Patients having Abnormal Uterine Bleeding due to Ovulatory Dysfunction (AUB-O): A Case-Control Study
Sultana N, Nessa A, Chowdhury M, Pervin M, Jabeen M, Ahmed N, Ahmed S
Page no 185-190 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjm.2026.v11i05.008
Background: Abnormal uterine bleeding due to ovulatory dysfunction (AUB-O) is a common gynaecological problem in women of reproductive age. Thyroid hormones influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, ovarian steroidogenesis, sex hormone-binding globulin, and endometrial response. Therefore, both overt and subclinical thyroid dysfunction may present with menstrual disturbances. Objective: To determine the association between thyroid disorders and AUB-O, compare serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) levels between cases and controls, and describe the pattern of menstrual abnormality in relation to thyroid status. Methods: This case-control study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh, from July 2015 to November 2016. Sixty (60) women aged 18-45 years with diagnosed AUB-O were compared with 60 matched controls with normal menstrual patterns. Serum TSH and FT4 were measured by chemiluminescent immunoassay. Data were analyzed and compared by statistical tests. Results: Thyroid dysfunction was significantly more frequent among cases than controls (50.0% versus 21.7%; OR 3.62, 95% CI 1.52-8.69; p= 0.001). Mean serum TSH was higher in cases than controls (12.6±10.6 versus 6.4±21.2 mIU/L; p= 0.045), and mean serum FT4 was also significantly higher (2.4±3.6 versus 1.3±0.7 ng/dl; p= 0.021). Menorrhagia was the commonest complaint (46.7%). Hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism were mainly associated with menorrhagia, whereas hyperthyroidism and subclinical hyperthyroidism were mainly associated with oligomenorrhoea. Anaemia was significantly more common in cases than controls (60.0% versus 15.0%; p= 0.001). Conclusion: Thyroid dysfunction was significantly associated with AUB-O in reproductive-age women. Routine thyroid function assessment, particularly serum TSH and FT4, should be included in the evaluation of women with AUB-O to support targeted medical treatment and reduce unnecessary hormonal or surgical intervention.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | May 18, 2026
Study of the Natural Regeneration of Paraberlinia bifololiata (Pellegrin) in the Congolese Rainforest (Case of the Yangambi Natural Forest, Democratic Republic of Congo)
Alain Shona Omokoko, Felly Kombozi Bamanga, Louison Osako Omelonga, Hippolyte Nshimba Seya Wa Malale, Dimanche Yenga Bombeku
Page no 300-306 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjls.2026.v11i05.002
This study was conducted in the Yangambi Biosphere Reserve, located in the Isangi district, 100 km west of the city of Yangambi, at 0°49′12″ N; 24°27′22″ E. To conduct this study, six one-hectare plots were established in Yangambi, within which seedlings of different height classes were measured and their x and y coordinates recorded. Each of the six plots contained a seed plant, except for plots 1 and 5. A total of 769 seedlings were recorded, averaging 128.1 stems/ha. Height class S1 had the highest number of individuals (358 stems across all six hectares, or 59.6 stems/ha) compared to the other classes, and their numbers decreased as the size of the individuals increased. The variability in the number of seedlings observed between plots confirms that there is a strong correlation (r ≈ 0.79), it is observed that plots with more seed trees generally have more seedlings; however, for dendrometric characteristics such as the diameter at breast height (DBH) of seed trees, which directly influences the abundance of seedlings under their canopy, the correlation is weak (r ≈ 0.27).
REVIEW ARTICLE | May 18, 2026
Artificial Intelligence as a Decision-Support Tool in the Management of Chronic Inflammatory Rhinosinusitis in Elderly Patients: A Scholarly Review
Zakaria El Hafi, Yassir EL Barri, Moad EL Mekkaoui, Zakaria Arkoubi, Razika Bencheikh, Mohamed Anass Benbouzid, Leila Essakalli
Page no 180-184 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjm.2026.v11i05.007
Background: Chronic inflammatory rhinosinusitis (CIRS) is a prevalent ENT condition whose burden is amplified in elderly patients by immunosenescence, polypharmacy, and atypical clinical presentations. Conventional management strategies show significant limitations in this population. Objective: To review the current evidence on artificial intelligence (AI) applications for the diagnosis, treatment planning, and follow-up of CIRS, with a focus on elderly-specific challenges and opportunities. Methods: A narrative review of the literature was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. Search terms included “artificial intelligence,” “machine learning,” “deep learning,” “chronic rhinosinusitis,” “elderly,” and “decision support.” Articles published between 2013 and 2025 in English were included. Results: AI demonstrates significant potential across all phases of CIRS management: automated CT sinus segmentation, endoscopic polyp detection, biotherapy response prediction, post-FESS recurrence-risk modeling, and intelligent remote monitoring. In elderly patients, AI’s capacity to integrate comorbidities and detect atypical imaging patterns yields clinically meaningful advantages. Conclusion: AI represents a pivotal step toward precision medicine in elderly CIRS management. Widespread clinical integration requires rigorous validation on geriatric cohorts, ethical governance, and structured clinician training.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | May 18, 2026
Ethnobotanical Use of Medicinal Plants to Induce Labor in the Province of Taza (Morocco): Prevalence, Practices, Complications, and Public Health Implications
HINDA Abdelhakim, TALHIK Daoud, HASSAINE Mohamed, TADLAOUI Yasmina, LAMSAOURI Jamal, BERDI Fadoua, BOUSLIMAN Yassir
Page no 317-325 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjmps.2026.v12i05.007
Introduction: The use of medicinal plants for obstetric purposes is common in rural areas of Morocco. Some species may have uterotonic effects or pose risks during pregnancy, but local data remain limited. Objectives: To document the prevalence and characteristics of plant use to induce labor in the province of Taza, to identify the species and modes of preparation, to describe reported complications, and to analyze associated sociodemographic factors. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from April to November 2024 among pregnant or breastfeeding women attending health centers in the province of Taza. Data were collected using a questionnaire administered by midwives and analyzed with SPSS v.21 (descriptive statistics; Pearson’s chi-square test for education level; Spearman’s rank correlation for age; significance threshold p < 0.05). Results: Of the 102 participants, 37.3% reported using plants to induce labor, accounting for 58 distinct recipes. The most frequently cited species were Cinnamomum verum J (cinnamon; 25 cases), Thymus vulgaris L. (thyme; 14 cases), Matricaria chamomilla L (chamomile), and Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (fenugreek). Preparations were mainly in the form of infusions and decoctions, with a few cases involving abdominal massage. Reported complications included uterine hemorrhage, intense contractions, rapid labor progression, and three spontaneous abortions associated with the consumption of cinnamon and/or fenugreek. Use was predominantly non-medicalized (94.3%), with family and social networks being the primary source of information (94.3%). The practice was significantly associated with lower educational level (χ² = 22.503; p < 0.001) and showed a negative correlation with age (rho = −0.485; p < 0.001). Conclusion: The use of plants to induce labor is frequent in Taza and is often practiced without medical supervision, potentially exposing women to obstetric risks. There is a need to strengthen community health education, systematically screen for traditional practices during antenatal consultations, and undertake targeted pharmacovigilance studies.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | May 18, 2026
Sleep Bruxism and Temporomandibular Disorders: A Comprehensive Review
Faisal Taiyebali Zardi, Velpula Nagalaxmi, Brajesh Gupta, Bachanavoni Prathibha Devi
Page no 174-176 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjodr.2026.v11i05.006
To review current evidence on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of sleep bruxism [SB] and its association with temporomandibular disorders [TMD]. A narrative review of recent literature was conducted, focusing on prevalence, diagnostic methods, clinical manifestations, and therapeutic strategies for SB and TMD. SB is increasingly recognized as a multifactorial condition with neurological, behavioral, and environmental determinants. Its frequent association with TMD complicates diagnosis and management. Advances in diagnostic technologies, including polysomnography, electromyography, and AI-assisted sleep analysis, have improved diagnostic precision. Management strategies include behavioral interventions, occlusal splints, pharmacologic options, and multidisciplinary care, with pediatric cases emphasizing conservative measures. SB and TMD are intricately linked conditions requiring a multidisciplinary diagnostic and therapeutic approach. Future research should focus on standardizing pediatric diagnostic criteria and assessing long-term outcomes of therapeutic interventions.
REVIEW ARTICLE | May 18, 2026
Emerging Trends in Biomimetic Dentistry: Materials and Clinical Applications
Astha Bhargava, Ajay Kumar Nagpal, Abhishek Sharma, Mutiur Rehman, Juhi Dubey, Seemran Panda, Himanshu Sharma
Page no 169-173 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjodr.2026.v11i05.005
Biomimetic restorative dentistry (BRD), a paradigm change from conventional dental techniques, aims to restore damaged teeth by mimicking their natural appearance, functionality, and structure. This multidisciplinary discipline uses biological processes as inspiration to develop cutting-edge dental treatments that blend in perfectly with the natural tissues of teeth. In contrast to conventional techniques, which frequently entail significant tooth reduction and the use of inflexible, incompatible materials, BRD places a higher priority on maintaining healthy tooth structure, which improves the endurance, durability, and aesthetics of restorations. This review examines the basic concepts, range of materials, state-of-the-art clinical techniques, and creative applications of biomimetics in dentistry.
REVIEW ARTICLE | May 18, 2026
Autogenous Ridge Augmentation: Decision-Making in Horizontal and Vertical Ridge Augmentation and Evidence-Based Approaches to Alveolar Ridge Reconstruction
Samir Mansuri
Page no 177-182 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjodr.2026.v11i05.007
Alveolar ridge deficiency following tooth extraction, trauma, periodontal disease, and long-term edentulism presents a major challenge in implant rehabilitation. Adequate bone volume is essential for ideal implant positioning, long-term osseointegration, esthetic success, and functional stability. Autogenous bone grafting continues to be regarded as the gold standard in ridge augmentation because of its osteogenic, osteoinductive, and osteoconductive properties. However, contemporary regenerative dentistry has introduced multiple evidence-based approaches that improve the predictability of horizontal and vertical ridge reconstruction while reducing morbidity and graft resorption. This review discusses the biologic basis of alveolar ridge resorption and critically evaluates current decision-making principles in horizontal and vertical ridge augmentation. Various reconstructive modalities including guided bone regeneration, autogenous block grafting, shell techniques, titanium mesh-assisted augmentation, distraction osteogenesis, and biologically enhanced regenerative procedures are analyzed with emphasis on clinical indications, advantages, limitations, and evidence-based outcomes. Horizontal ridge augmentation procedures generally demonstrate greater predictability and lower complication rates compared with vertical reconstruction, which remains surgically demanding because of limited vascularity, soft tissue tension, and graft instability. Recent evidence supports the use of combination grafting protocols involving autogenous bone and slowly resorbing biomaterials to enhance dimensional stability and reduce postoperative resorption. Digital technologies including cone-beam computed tomography, CAD/CAM-guided reconstruction, and customized titanium meshes have further improved surgical precision and treatment outcomes. Successful alveolar ridge reconstruction depends on careful defect analysis, individualized treatment planning, biologic principles, and meticulous soft tissue management. Contemporary evidence indicates that autogenous ridge augmentation remains the most reliable option for complex alveolar reconstruction despite ongoing advances in biomaterials and tissue engineering.