Impact of Trade Integration between Tunisia and the European Union on Foreign Direct Investments

This study investigates the impact of Tunisia’s economic integration particularly through the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU) on foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into the country. The analysis adopts a multidimensional theoretical framework, focusing on key structural determinants of FDI attractiveness such as trade openness, human capital, infrastructure quality, political stability, and macroeconomic conditions. A mixed-method approach is employed, combining a systematic literature review with a two-step econometric modeling strategy. Robust causal inference techniques such as instrumental variables and propensity score matching are used to address potential specification biases and improve the reliability of the findings. The results show that the Tunisia-EU Association Agreement has a positive and statistically significant effect on FDI inflows, increasing them by approximately 12% over the period studied. This finding highlights the role of even sector-specific trade integration (limited to industrial goods) in boosting external capital. This research contributes to the literature on trade agreements by offering robust empirical evidence and provides actionable insights for policymakers regarding trade policy and industrial development strategies in developing economies

Exploring the Relationship between Perceived Multidimensional Social Support and Well-Being among Community Seniors Participating in Group Exercise Programs

This study examines the relationship between perceived multidimensional social support and well-being among community-dwelling seniors engaged in group exercise programs, aiming to address a gap in the current literature. A total of 162 older adults from two communities in Selangor, Malaysia, participated in structured group exercise sessions. Using a quantitative survey design, data were collected through the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and the BBC Well-Being Scale to assess perceived support and overall well-being, respectively. Community leaders were engaged to support the study’s approval and facilitate its implementation. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participants’ demographic characteristics and study variables, while Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to examine the relationships between perceived social support and well-being. The sample consisted predominantly of males (63%), reflecting a gender imbalance in exercise participation that aligns with findings from previous studies. Results showed no significant correlation between perceived social support and overall well-being (r(160) = -0.113, p > .05), indicating a weak negative relationship. This suggests that higher levels of perceived social support did not correspond with notable improvements in well-being among the participants. These findings challenge the prevailing literature that often highlights a positive association between social support and well-being, suggesting that the relationship may be more nuanced within the context of community-based group exercise programs for older adults. Further investigation is needed to uncover the underlying factors that may influence this relationship in this specific demographic

Quality Characteristics of Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Milk Candy as Affected by Different Ratios of Sucrose and Glucose Syrup as Humectant

Background: This research evaluates the effect of the different proportions of sucrose and glucose syrup (100:0, 85:15, 70:30, and 55:45) on the overall quality of buffalo milk candy. The objective was to identify the optimal ratio that enhances both its microbial stability and sensory appeal. Methods: Buffalo milk candy was kept at room temperature, and samples were drawn for microbial testing, moisture, water activity (Aw), and sensory analysis. Results: A visible mold growth was observed in 100:0 (Day 30), 85:15 (Day 40), and 70:30 (Day 52), and therefore, other analyses were discontinued. Moisture content and Aw of all the treatments were significantly different throughout the storage period. However, with the increase in glucose syrup, Aw decreases consistently with time, thus enhancing the product's safety and stability. On the other hand, sensory evaluation did not show significant differences across all parameters in all treatments during the storage period. Conclusion: In conclusion, the addition of a higher proportion of glucose syrup, specifically 55:45, improved both the shelf-life and maintained the sensory quality of buffalo milk candy

Inclusion of Students with Borderline Cognitive Impairment in Secondary Schools: Challenges and Coping Strategies

Background: The challenges of managing students with borderline cognitive impairment in an inclusive classroom are enormous. Therefore, there is a need for appropriate coping strategies to foster the successful inclusion of students with borderline cognitive impairment in the day-to-day classroom activities. Aim: This study examines the challenges facing the inclusion of students with Borderline Cognitive Impairment (BCI) and the coping strategies often adopted by these students in the Ogoja Education Zone of Cross River State, Nigeria. Method: The study adopted a descriptive survey design. One hundred and sixty-nine students with BCI in twenty (2) regular secondary schools were selected, using the purposive sampling technique. The instrument for the study was a questionnaire titled "Academic Challenges and Coping Mechanism of Students with Borderline Cognitive Impairment Questionnaire (ACCMSBCIQ 0.67). Results: The study revealed that inclusive education for students with BCI at the secondary school level in the Ogoja Education Zone of Cross River State is hindered by a complex web of interconnected challenges. The study also revealed that students with BCI adopt several coping strategies to remain included in the secondary education program in the study area. Recommendation: Based on the findings of the study, the researchers recommend that the government and other stakeholders should organize adequate training on the inclusion of students with BCI for all secondary school teachers in Cross River Stat

Immunolocalization of Phospholipase C Zeta 1 in Water Buffalo Sperm and Its Role in Oocyte Activation

The present study aimed to investigate the expression and localization of Phospholipase C zeta 1 (PLCZ1) in water buffalo sperm and determine its localization pattern following the induction of early fertilization events. Initially, water buffalo semen under uncapacitated conditions underwent western blot analysis to detect and localize the PLCZ1 protein via immunofluorescence, utilizing antibodies specific to buffalo PLCZ1. In a parallel experiment, a subset of sperm underwent in-vitro capacitation in a medium containing bicarbonate, followed by treatment with a calcium ionophore to induce the acrosome reaction, providing evidence of capacitation. The findings revealed the detection of PLCZ1 as an immunoreactive band at approximately 77 kDa in buffalo sperm. Furthermore, immunolocalization of PLCZ1 in uncapacitated buffalo sperm showed predominant expression in the acrosome and post-acrosomal regions, with minimal reactivity in the tail region. Conversely, capacitated buffalo sperm exhibited a shift in PLCZ1 localization, with a prominent presence at the acrosomal cap region of the sperm head and reduced reactivity in the tail region. This translocation of PLCZ1 in capacitated sperm suggests early physiological activities, particularly in inducing calcium oscillation to initiate oocyte activation during fertilization. Moreover, the successful detection of PLCZ1 in buffalo sperm in the present study highlights its potential as a biological marker for screening bull fertility and genetic improvement in water buffaloes

Educational Empowerment: Michelle Obama's Advocacy for Girls' Right to Education

Michelle Obama, lawyer, writer, and former First Lady of the United States (2009-2017), has become a role model for women because of her beliefs in universal access to education. She has especially been a staunch defender of human rights and, in particular, of the rights of girls not only to access education, but also to remain in the system to access a university education that guarantees them a future and allows them to be independent. Unfortunately, this permanence in the educational system often entails a struggle against discriminatory social conventions based on gender, which lead girls to abandon their studies and, therefore, be relegated to the domestic-private sphere. In 2015, Michelle Obama and her husband launched Let Girls Learn to promote girls’ schooling and raise awareness of their need for higher education worldwide

AI Applications in Vitagen-Based Education: Expanding Opportunities and Emerging Risks in Developing Students’ Mentality

Vitagen-based education treats learning not only as the acquisition of disciplinary knowledge, but as the deliberate cultivation of students’ mentality – a constellation of metacognitive, self-regulatory, motivational, and socio-emotional dispositions that shape how individuals relate to themselves, others, and a rapidly changing world. This article explores how artificial intelligence (AI) can both strengthen and destabilise this project. First, it reconstructs the theoretical foundations of vitagen-based education and clarifies the notion of mentality in relation to agency, reflection, and lifelong learning. It then maps four major clusters of AI applications – personalisation and adaptive pathways, intelligent mentoring and feedback, assessment and data-informed insights, and learning analytics for mentality development – showing how these tools can scaffold reflection, support growth mindset, and extend socio-emotional learning when carefully designed. At the same time, the article identifies four interlocking domains of risk: privacy and surveillance; bias, fairness, and inclusivity; dependency and erosion of critical thinking; and mental health and well-being. Drawing on international cases and longitudinal studies, the analysis distils pedagogical and policy implications for curriculum design, teacher professional development, and multi-level governance of AI in education. Finally, it outlines a research agenda for AI-enhanced vitagen education, arguing for ethically grounded, mixed-methods and cross-disciplinary inquiry. The article contends that AI will not automatically elevate vitagen-based education, but, under well-governed conditions, can become a powerful – though never neutral – partner in developing students’ mentality

Properties of Sustainable Composite Construction Materials Derived from Recycled Polymers and Nanofillers

This paper presents the investigation of sustainable construction composites manufactured from rPET and rHDPE with the addition of nano-silica, graphene oxide, and nanoclay. The composites were fabricated by melt blending and compression molding. Mechanical, thermal, and durability performances of the composites were tested according to ASTM specifications. Experimental test results revealed that with an optimum loading of 3 wt% nanofillers, there is an enhancement in tensile and flexural strength by up to 35%, improvement of thermal stability by 20-25 °C, and a reduction of water absorption by about 25% compared to unreinforced polymers. SEM, FTIR, and XRD analyses confirm enhancement in interfacial bonding and refinement of microstructure. Compressive strength in the range of 38 to 43 MPa was obtained, which indicates that these materials are suitable for lightweight panels and non-structural elements. The results are in agreement with previously reported literature data and emphasize the possibility of recycled polymer-nanofiller composites to provide low-density durable construction material with an environmental benefit. The engineering-oriented outcome of this study focuses on the optimization of filler dispersion and performance to enable scalable and sustainable application

Bayesian Estimation for Factor Analysis Model in Geriatric Medicine

Bayesian factor analysis has gained prominence in statistical MODELING, particularly in handling parameter uncertainty and small sample sizes. This study presents a Metropolis- Hastings within Gibbs sampling algorithm for estimating a factor analysis model, incorporating Cauchy priors for factor loadings and log-normal priors for residual errors. Unlike traditional approaches, the proposed methodology effectively addresses heavy-tailed distributions in factor loadings and captures the skewness in residual variances. A geriatric dataset comprising 25 items related to locomotive function is used to illustrate the implementation of this Bayesian framework. Model fit is assessed using standard fit indices such as Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC), Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA), Comparative Fit Index (CFI), and Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (SRMR). The results demonstrate that incorporating non-conjugate priors improves model flexibility and enhances interpretability in factor structure identification. The findings suggest that Cauchy and log-normal priors outperform conventional normal priors in capturing latent structures, providing a robust alternative for Bayesian factor analysis in geriatric research

Parent-School Collaboration and Its Role in Facilitating Research Participation of Students with mild Intellectual Disability: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Introduction: Inclusive education emphasizes the need for students with intellectual disabilities (ID) to participate actively in all academic activities, including research. Despite this ideal, students with mild intellectual disabilities (MID) often face obstacles that hinder their engagement, revealing significant gaps in equal access to educational opportunities. Previous studies suggest that collaborative partnerships between parents and schools can play a vital role in promoting meaningful participation; however, there is limited empirical evidence on the effectiveness of these collaborations in supporting research engagement among students with MID. Purpose of the Study: The primary objective of this study was to investigate the impact of parent-school collaboration on research participation among students with MID. In particular, the study sought to determine how teacher involvement, parental engagement, school-home communication, and parental provisions collectively and individually predict students' participation in research activities. Methods: This research employed a cross-sectional survey approach, gathering data from 437 students with mild intellectual disabilities enrolled in public schools in Cross River State, Nigeria. A quantitatively validated questionnaire was used to ensure the reliability and validity of the data collected. Analyses included descriptive statistics, one-sample t-tests, and multiple regression to examine the relationships and predictive power of the identified factors. Findings: The findings revealed that students with MID generally demonstrated low levels of participation in research activities. Collectively, parental engagement, teacher involvement, school-home communication, and parental provisions influenced research participation. Among these factors, teacher involvement was the most influential predictor, followed by parental engagement and provisions, whereas school-home communication contributed the least. Conclusions: The study highlights the vital role that both educators and parents play in promoting research participation among students with MID. The results have implications that extend beyond the local context, highlighting global challenges in ensuring equitable academic opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities and underscoring the importance of promoting inclusive education practices. Implications: From a theoretical perspective, the study enhances existing models of inclusive education by clarifying the relative impact of school- and family-based support on research participation. Practically, it highlights the need for targeted teacher training, structured programs to promote parental involvement, and enhanced school-home communication channels. Policymakers are encouraged to adopt inclusive research participation guidelines to cultivate supportive learning environments, ultimately enhancing students' academic development, engagement, and long-term outcomes