The rapid expansion of global patent filings has increased the complexity of prior art searches and intensified pressure on patent offices to maintain examination quality. Within the Organisation African Intellectual Property Organisation known by its French acronym (OAPI), the 2015 revision of Annex I to the Bangui Agreement strengthened substantive examination procedures, including prior art search obligations. However, structural and technological constraints may limit the effective implementation of these reforms. This article examines the opportunities and challenges of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into prior art search within the OAPI system. Using a doctrinal analysis of Annex I, combined with a comparative examination of the use of AI in major patent offices, it argues that AI can enhance semantic search capabilities, improve efficiency, and strengthen patent quality across OAPI Member States. Yet uncritical adoption risks technological dependency, algorithmic opacity, and weakened institutional autonomy. The article proposes a calibrated integration model grounded in phased adoption, human oversight, capacity-building, and transparency safeguards to ensure modernization without compromising legal legitimacy.
REVIEW ARTICLE | March 3, 2026
Environmental Accounting Disclosure and Corporate Sustainability: A Conceptual Review, Theoretical Integration, and Future Research Agenda
Felicia Nonye Egbeh, Samuel Olutokunbo Adekalu, Aliu Rafiu Kolawole, Deborah Ngozi Umah
Page no 68-78 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjef.2026.v10i03.001
Environmental accounting disclosure has become a central issue in contemporary accounting, sustainability, and corporate governance discourse due to escalating environmental degradation, climate change risks, and stakeholder demand for transparency. Despite increasing regulatory attention and global sustainability initiatives, environmental accounting disclosure remains conceptually fragmented and unevenly implemented across jurisdictions, particularly in developing economies. This paper adopts a qualitative conceptual research design to critically examine the evolution, conceptual foundations, theoretical underpinnings, measurement challenges, empirical insights, and policy implications of environmental accounting disclosure. Drawing on extant scholarly literature, international reporting frameworks, and institutional policy documents, the paper integrates stakeholder theory, legitimacy theory, and sustainable development theory to explain disclosure behaviour and outcomes. The discussion reveals that while environmental accounting disclosure enhances corporate transparency, legitimacy, and sustainability orientation, its effectiveness is constrained by voluntary disclosure regimes, lack of standardized valuation methodologies, institutional weaknesses, and contextual differences. The paper concludes by proposing policy recommendations and a structured future research agenda aimed at strengthening environmental accounting disclosure as a strategic governance and sustainability mechanism.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | March 3, 2026
Darwin’s Tubercle and Ear Morphological Variations among Omuma Tribe
Woroma Ibiwari Benwoke, Clinton David Orupabo, Progress Dakuro Victor, Joshua Isefiema Igani, Samuel Chidi Ihua
Page no 68-73 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjbr.2026.v11i03.001
This study examined the morphometry and morphological variations of the external ear among the Omuma population. Specifically, measured the length of the tragus, breadth of the ear below the tragus, and presence of Darwin's tubercle. The aim is to document and analyze these variations to provide a comprehensive understanding of the external ear morphology within this specific population among omuma group. The study adopted a cross-sectional design, 400 participants aged 16-45 were used using simple random sampling method. For data collection a camera was used to take photographs with a 2cm graph sheet placed behind the ear horizontally and vertically to take reading from the photograph using a computer. Data were analyzed using SPSS version and descriptive studies of frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation were used Data analysis. The result of the analysis revealed that majority of the participants were female (227, 56.8%) while male was 173(43.3%) and majority fell between the age of 26-35 years. Further findings showed that the mean length ear of the tragus was 1.42±0.26, while mean breadth of just below the tragus was 3.30±0.53cm and 3.27±0.53cm for left and right ear respectively. This study on ear morphometry in the Omuma population has provided data on the length of the tragus, the breadth of the ear below the tragus, and the prevalence of Darwin’s tubercle. It was recommended that ear morphometric and morphological data gotten from the present study should be utilized in forensic studies for identification purposes. Data will contribute to anthropological research and may have implications for clinical practices related to ear morphology
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | March 3, 2026
Morphological Variations of the External Ear in Omuma Population Rivers State
Woroma Ibiwari Benwoke, John Nwolim Paul, Boma Uriah Erekosima, Patience Chikere Osaro, Anointed Emmanuel
Page no 87-93 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjodr.2026.v11i03.001
Studies have shown that ear shape and size differ significantly among populations, making it a valuable trait for anthropological and forensic. Was a descriptive and cross-sectional study where 400 participants (219 males and181 females) aged 16-45 were used. Camera was used to take photographs with a 2cm graph sheet placed behind the ear horizontally and vertically to take reading from the photograph using a computer. The length of the right and left concha was 2.56 ± 0.31 cm and 1.8 ± 0.28 cm, respectively. The breadth of the right and left concha was 1.63 ± 0.32 cm and 2.45 ± 0.24 cm, respectively. The length of the right concha of males and females was 2.43 ± 0.22 cm and 2.6 ± 0.3 cm, respectively. There was a significant difference (p=0.045) in the length of the right concha between males and females. The length of the left concha of males and females was 2.48 ± 0.2 cm and 2.45 ± 0.2 cm, respectively. There was a significant difference (p=0.039) in the length of the left concha between males and females. The breadth of the right concha of males and females was 2.38 ± 0.4 cm and 2.24 ± 0.32 cm, respectively, there was no significant difference in the breadth of the right concha between males and females. The breadth of the left concha of males and females was 1.75 ± 0.31 cm and 1.53 ± 0.3 cm, respectively, there was no significant difference (p=0.102) in the breadth of the left concha between males and females. The length of the right concha of subjects within the ages of 16–25, 26–35, and 36–45 was 2.55 ± 0.34 cm, 2.63 ± 0.3 cm, and 2.84 ± 0.53 cm, respectively. There was a significant difference (p=0.03) in the length of the right concha among the age groups. The length of the left concha of subjects within the ages of 16–25, 26–35, and 36–45 was 2.52 ± 0.31 cm, 2.62 ± 0.32 cm, and 2.46 ± 0.25 cm, respectively. There was a significant difference (p=0.04) in the length of the left concha among the age groups. The breadth of the right concha of subjects within the ages of 16–25, 26–35, and 36–45 was 2.18 ± 0.47 cm, 2.25 ± 0.52 cm, and 1.94 ± 0.48 cm, respectively. There was no significant difference (p=0.263) in the breadth of the right concha among the age groups. The breadth of the left concha of subjects within the ages of 16–25, 26–35, and 36–45 was 1.64 ± 0.32 cm, 1.65 ± 0.32 cm, and 1.57 ± 0.31 cm, respectively. There was no significant difference (p=0.832) in the breadth of the left concha among the age groups. Morphology of the helix on the studied population showed that 103 (25.8%) of the subjects had a concave marginal helix, 83 (20.8%) had a round helix, and 97 (24.1%) had a flat helix. The study provides a comprehensive morphometric and morphology profile of the concha and helix within this population. These findings could be useful in fields such as anthropology, forensics, and plastic surgery.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | March 3, 2026
United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and Veto Dilemma: This Hidden Obstacle to World Peace and Justice: A Critical Analysis
Tahmina Akter
Page no 83-88 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sijlcj.2026.v09i03.001
International law was created to establish world peace, security and justice to make this international law effective, the United Nations was established, and at the heart of the United Nations stands the United Nations Security Council, reality is that while the primary objective of the Security Council is to maintain global peace and security, the veto power often creates unrest and poses serious threats in that very arena. The United Nations Security Council is like a kite- it appears capable of passing urgent and necessary resolutions, but the string that controls that kite is that veto. In other words no matter how important a proposal may be, if it conflicts with the interests of the permanent members, it will be rejected. This is in essence, the power to say no. It is these five permanent (P5) members who possess the power of Veto. This power can hold a state’s highly important decisions and even reject appeals to the likes of certain populations. This research paper shows how instead of using the veto power to establish peace and justice, it has often supported injustice and inhumanity, prioritizing the political interests of a few over the protection of global populations.
REVIEW ARTICLE | March 3, 2026
Pakhala- The Gut Wonder Food & Bowel Nosodes in Homoeopathy of AYUSH
Tridibesh Tripathy, Byomakesh Tripathy, Sahu, Sanskriti Tripathy, Anjali Tripathy, Sovesh Chandra Tripathy
Page no 38-42 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sijtcm.2026.v09i03.001
Since ancient times Odisha or Kalinga as known in that era, the state in eastern part of the nation is a rice eating state. Rice is the staple food as it is cultivated as the main cereal. Further, the healthy technique of boiling the rice partially is also age old. In common parlance, it is called as the brown rice as it looks brown in color. The brown color is because of the coating of the rice bran that comes out from the paddy when it is boiled. The process involves boiling the rice twice. First the paddy is boiled and dried in the sun after spreading out in the open. After drying once, the paddy is boiled again and dried again. Thereafter, the twice boiled & dried paddy is de-husked & the final product is obtained in the form of brown rice or par boiled rice. The article focuses on celebration of this rice in the state of Odisha of India. The literature review cites studies related to the Fermented Rice Water (FRW) that links its benefits to gut health & its related issues. The study emphasizes on fermenting in earthen pots overnight for optimal benefits. The article links the gut bacteria related to the article to the Bowel Nosodes of Homoeopathy that are a group of medicines prepared from the gut bacteria. There after it further links ‘Butyrate’ a product of soaking the Fermented Rice Water to Homoeopathy. In the last section, it reinforces the integration of homoeopathy on a large scale to deal with gut related issues that affect both mental and physical levels.
REVIEW ARTICLE | March 3, 2026
How Do Online Reviews, Chatbots and Social Media Interactions Shape Purchase Decisions in E-Commerce?
Erwin Permana, Harnovinsah, Irma Sari Permana, Dewi Tri Rahayu, Agustinus Miranda Wijaya
Page no 70-81 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjbms.2026.v11i03.001
The development of digital technology has changed the way consumers make purchasing decisions, especially on e-commerce platforms. This study aims to analyze the influence of online reviews, the use of chatbots, and social media interactions on consumer purchasing behavior in the digital realm. The research was conducted using a quantitative approach. The research respondents totaled 100 people. Data analysis was carried out using SmartPLS. The results showed that the three variables had a significant influence on purchasing decisions. Online reviews provide additional trust and become the main reference before the transaction. Chatbots make communication easier and provide quick responses that improve user experience. Meanwhile, active interaction on social media is able to build emotional closeness and increase consumer engagement with brands. These findings confirm the importance of an integrated digital strategy in shaping consumer behavior in the e-commerce era.