Impact of Public Spending on Poverty Reduction in Nigeria

This study examined the impact of public spending on poverty reduction in Nigeria, focusing on Education and health. Using time-series data from 1985 to 2016, the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model assessed short- and long-term effects. Descriptive statistics showed an average poverty rate of 55.50%, with government spending on Education and health averaging ₦113.43 billion and ₦65.97 billion, respectively. Despite increased expenditure, poverty remained high. The unit root test confirmed stationarity at the first difference, and cointegration analysis indicated a long-run relationship. ARDL results showed a 1% increase in health spending reduced poverty by 0.09%, while education spending had a positive short-run impact but turned negative long-term. Economic growth significantly reduced poverty, with a coefficient of -0.69, while unemployment (0.052) increased it. The model was statistically significant (F-statistic=101.2872, R² = 0.9956), explaining 99.56% of poverty variations — findings aligned with Wagner's Law and endogenous growth theories, emphasising strategic resource allocation. Policy recommendations included improved transparency, efficient budgeting, and stronger social programs. The study concluded that while public spending is crucial for economic progress, its effectiveness depends on implementation, governance, and long-term strategies

Влияние гендера на лексическое наполнение художественной литературы (на материале азербайджанского языка)

The article explores the lexical peculiarities of women's prose, focusing on gender differences in language. The author analyses lexical forms of manifestation in women's speech, including frequent euphemisms, taboo words, blessings and curses, and emotionally coloured expressions. The paper provides a comparative analysis of male and female speech based on examples from fiction. Particular attention is paid to statistical analyses showing differences in the use of words with religious and emotional connotations, such as ‘God’, which are significantly more common in women's prose. The study also reveals the influence of psychological and social factors on the lexical composition of speech, which is reflected in the use of synonyms, antonyms and polysemous words. The study results emphasise that gender differences in language are a natural manifestation of differences in physiology, psychology and social roles of men and women. The article is of interest to linguists, sociologists and specialists studying gender aspects of language, as well as to a wide range of readers interested in the interaction of language, gender and culture.В статье исследуются лексические особенности женской прозы с акцентом на гендерные различия в языке. Автор анализирует лексические формы проявления в речи женщин, включая частое использование эвфемизмов, табуированных слов, благословений и проклятий, а также эмоционально окрашенных выражений. В работе приводится сравнительный анализ мужской и женской речи, основанный на примерах из художественной литературы. Особое внимание уделяется статистическому анализу, демонстрирующему различия в употреблении слов с религиозным и эмоциональным подтекстом, таких как «Боже», которые значительно чаще встречаются в женской прозе. Исследование также выявляет влияние психологических и социальных факторов на лексический состав речи, что отражается на характере употребления синонимов, антонимов и многозначных слов. Результаты исследования подчеркивают, что гендерные различия в языке являются естественным проявлением различий в физиологии, психологии и социальных ролях мужчин и женщин. Статья представляет интерес для лингвистов, социологов и специалистов, изучающих гендерные аспекты языка, а также для широкого круга читателей, интересующихся вопросами взаимодействия языка, пола и культуры

Comparative Analysis of GitOps Tools and Frameworks

This paper presents an in-depth assessment of four notable GitOps tools: Argo CD, Flux, Jenkins X, and Weaveworks. GitOps is a methodology used for the uninterrupted delivery of cloud-native applications, facilitating the seamless encapsulation of infrastructure as code. The study presents these assessments based on key effectiveness indices, including performance, scalability, integration, usability, and security. It contains benchmark tests to demonstrate the applicability of each tool in various multi-cloud and hybrid-cloud scenarios, as well as other realistic settings.Furthermore, the paper examines the security aspect of these tools and their relevance as one of the components of DevSecOps. The book also presents case studies that show how organisations have used these tools, highlighting both the benefits and drawbacks of their application. The result presents a matrix for decision-making for organisations that wish to implement the GitOps mode of operation within their DevOps workflows in both small and large organisational contexts. This section examines the prospects of GitOps and explains its necessity in the context of emerging developments in cloud-native development, with special emphasis on scalability and security issues

Consumer Behaviour in the Gig Economy: Implications for Traditional Labour Market

The gig economy is fast evolving, typified or characterised by short-term, flexible and task-based digital platforms. This paper investigates how consumer behaviour in the gig economy affects traditional labour markets, focusing on structural shifts in employment and changes in labour market dynamics. It gives an overview of the gig economy, which has experienced rapid growth in transitioning towards flexible, short-term employment arrangements through platforms enabled by digital technologies. The study also highlights the different types of gig platforms, such as ridesharing, freelance marketplaces, and on-demand services, by elaborating on their specific feature and business models. The study reinforces that consumer buying behaviour in the gig economy predicts convenience, cost-effectiveness, and speed of service delivery. The study also indicates that the gig economy has significant implications on the labour market dynamics since new forms of employment challenge regular job security, benefits, and worker rights. These findings support that while the gig economy provides greater flexibility to workers, it also creates more significant issues related to income instability and removing traditional labour protection. The challenges associated with the gig economy are also investigated, including regulatory obstacles, poor or insufficient worker protection, and the long-term viability of gig platforms in light of rising competition. The study concludes that although the gig economy provides new opportunities for consumers and workers, it also involves many challenges that must be thoroughly deliberated and mitigated by policymakers and industry representatives

Digital Diplomacy: Challenges and Opportunities

Digital diplomacy has transformed the way states and international actors engage with the public, build relationships, and contribute to conflict resolution across multiple dimensions and challenges. With the advancement of technology and the increasing use of the internet, diplomacy has entered a new phase, where digital platforms play a significant role in diplomatic processes without disregarding traditional diplomacy.This paper aims to analyse the concept of digital diplomacy, the opportunities and challenges it presents, and its impact on international relations. The methodology applied is based on the analysis of various materials and sources related to digital diplomacy, employing descriptive, analytical, historical, and observational methods to explore its importance, function, role, and associated challenges.Through this study, we argue for the significance and positive role of digital diplomacy, particularly in the context of rapid technological advancement. As technology continues to expand, diplomacy is evolving toward a more open and transparent form. This paper examines the concept, opportunities, and challenges of digital diplomacy, along with practical examples of its application on the international stage, emphasising its growing importance and influence

The Impact of Leadership Style and Workload on Performance of Employees in the Sub-District Office of Bima District, Indonesia

This research investigated how leadership style and workload affect employee performance in the sub-district offices of Bima Regency. Employing a causal associative research design, this study aimed to assess the impact of these variables on employee performance. A census approach was used in this research, gathering data from 90 workers across various sub-district offices. Data analysis revealed that leadership style has a positive and significant impact on employee performance, indicating that effective leadership enhances employee productivity. On the other hand, workload has a substantial adverse effect on performance, suggesting that excessive workload reduces employee productivity. Moreover, leadership style and workload have a significant combined effect on employee performance, underscoring their interrelated impact. These results emphasise the significance of effective leadership in managing workloads to enhance employee performance in the sub-district offices of Bima Regency

Biodegradation Potentials of Fungi Isolated from Hydrocarbon-Polluted Soil of Umungede, Owaza in Ukwa West Local Government, Abia State, Nigeria

Petroleum hydrocarbon contamination from the oil and gas industry's operations, including oil spills, tank leaks, lubrication, petroleum extraction, transportation, and services, is one of the major environmental issues affecting the world today. The bioremediation and degradation of hydrocarbon pollutants from the environment have been accomplished using various methods, including mechanical and chemical procedures; however, some of these processes are typically costly and may have negative environmental impacts. This research is designed to isolate, characterise, identify and determine the ability of fungi to degrade hydrocarbons present in crude oil while quantifying their degree of effectiveness. The Soil sample used in this research was aseptically collected from Umungede, Igiriukwu, in Owaza village of Ukwa West LGA, Abia State, and sent to the research laboratory. Growth and degradation studies were conducted over a time course using standard methods, including the gravimetric method of estimation and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The biodegradation studies were conducted over a 15-day period, and the initial and final total petroleum hydrocarbon concentrations in the various setups, which contained the isolated fungi, crude oil, and growth media, were calculated. The results of the screening revealed that the yeast Pichia kudriavzevii/Issatchenkia orientalis, more commonly known as Candida krusei, had the highest percentage of degradability potential, at 98.23%. The Aspergillus niger closely followed these strains, XM_MG659649.1, MW_186673.1, and MT_729936.1, which also showed a very high degradation potential of 96.56%, 91.66%, and 94.26%, respectively. Aspergillus terreus also demonstrated a good degradation ability, but it was the least effective among the organisms studied in this research setup. Based on this study, it can be summarised that fungi are highly effective and efficient at removing hydrocarbon pollutants from sediments, oil, and water. However, since the potential of fungus has not yet been fully realised, further research is advised, particularly in the contemporary proteomic and genomic era

Phylogenetic Analysis of Plasmodium falciparum Strains in Nigeria

Malaria continues to be a significant public health issue in Nigeria, primarily due to Plasmodium falciparum's genetic adaptability, which complicates its eradication efforts. To examine the phylogenetic diversity, drug resistance patterns, and molecular adaptations of P. falciparum strains in Nigeria, this review systematically synthesised findings from 56 peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2023. PCR, sequencing, and in silico methods were employed to analyse critical genetic markers, including msp1, msp2, pfcrt, pfmdr1, and kelch13. The results indicated that the multiplicity of infection (MOI) and genetic diversity were both high. Southern Nigeria exhibited a substantially higher MOI than northern regions, with Ibadan and Lagos isolates recording MOI values exceeding 3.0 and Katsina isolates remaining below 1.5. It is important to note that chloroquine resistance markers are present in over 60% of isolates, despite policy changes.Additionally, low-frequency kelch13 variants were detected in the northern region, despite the rarity of artemisinin resistance mutations. Geographical barriers and human migration were identified as shaping forces, as evolutionary analyses emphasised region-specific clade formations and restricted gene flow across ecological zones. Additionally, diagnostic reliability in certain regions is compromised by deletions in the hrp2/hrp3 loci. These results emphasise the pressing necessity of investing in genomics infrastructure, regionally tailored treatment guidelines, and integrated molecular surveillance to facilitate precision malaria control and inform vaccine development strategies in Nigeria

Digitisation and the Evolving Role of Quantity Surveyors: A study of Professional Perspectives

This study explores the transformative role of digitisation on the quantity surveying profession, focusing on its influence on practices, tools, and professional competencies. Employing a qualitative methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with quantity surveyors from diverse professional contexts in Southwest Nigeria. The findings reveal that digital tools, notably Building Information Modelling (BIM), enhance efficiency and collaboration but necessitate new skills and adaptation. Barriers such as high costs, resistance to change, and data security concerns were identified. The study concludes by recommending targeted training, phased digital adoption, and government support to ensure equitable integration of digitisation, emphasising its potential to position quantity surveyors as strategic contributors to the construction industry's evolution

Effect of Acute and Chronic Administration of Hot Water Extracts of V. Amygdalina on Some Metabolic Parameters in STZ-induced Hyperglycemic Rats

Medicinal plants are globally used in the management of diabetes mellitus, with some meeting up with scientific preconditional assessments by way of ascertaining the actual hypoglycemic effects of such plants. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia, often leading to severe complications if left unmanaged. The present study evaluates the effects of acute and chronic administration of hot water extract of Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf) (HWE-VA) on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced hyperglycemic rats. A total of 20 healthy male Wistar rats (205-251 g) were divided into two equal groups, viz control – administered with equi-volume of distilled water and Experimental – made severely hyperglycemic with streptozotocin (STZ) via the intraperitoneal route and administered with crude hot water extract of V. amygdalina (750 mg/kg). Experimental groups received either the extract or remained as hyperglycemic controls, with parameters including body weight, food intake, faecal output, water intake, and urine output monitored over time. Results demonstrated a significant increase in body weight, reduced food intake, and moderated water consumption in the extract-treated groups compared to hyperglycemic controls (P<0.05). These findings suggest that Vernonia amygdalina may possess antihyperglycemic properties, potentially improving metabolic parameters in diabetic conditions. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these effects and assess their therapeutic potential for diabetes management.