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Non-edible oil cakes as a novel substrate for DPA production and augmenting biocontrol activity of Paecilomyces variotii
(Frontiers Media SA, 2017-5-2) Arora, Kalpana; Sharma, Satyawati; Krishna, Suresh Babu Naidu; Adam, Jamila Khatoon; Kumar, Ashwani
The present study investigated the use of waste non-edible oil cakes (Jatropha, Karanja, Neem, and Mahua) as a substrate for the growth of Paecilomyces variotii and dipicolinic acid (DPA) production. Previous researches proved the efficacy of DPA in suppressing certain pathogens that are deleterious to the plants in the rhizosphere. DPA production was statistical optimized by amending non-edible oil cakes in growing media as nitrogen and sugars (Dextrose, Glucose, and Lactose) as carbon source. Plackett-Burman design (PBD), indicated that Jatropha cake, Karanja cake, and Dextrose were the most significant components (p < 0.05) of the media and were further optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). Jatropha cake, Karanja cake, and Dextrose at the concentration of 12.5, 4.5, and 10 g/l, respectively, yielded 250 mg/l of DPA, which was 2.5 fold more than that obtained from basal medium. HPLC analysis of the optimized medium (peak at retention time of 30 min) confirmed the enhanced DPA production by P. variotii. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that optimized medium impose a stress like condition (due to less C:N ratio) for the fungus and generated more spores as compared to the basal medium in which carbon source is easily available for the mycelial growth. The antimicrobial activity of the fungal extract was tested and found to be effective even at 10^-2 dilution after 72 h against two plant pathogens, Fusarium oxysporum and Verticillium dahlia. Statistical experimental design of this study and the use of non-edible oil cakes as a substrate offer an efficient and viable approach for DPA production by P. variotii.
Integrated reporting in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review of outcomes, constraints and impacts
(2025-10-10) Abbana, Sharanam; Marimuthu, Ferina; Maama, Haruna
Integrated Reporting (IR) integrates financial and non-financial information to provide a holistic account of how organisations create and sustain value. While the International IR Framework provided a global reference point in 2013, IR in practice has evolved more broadly, encompassing diverse sustainability and governance disclosures beyond any single framework. Since its emergence, IR has attracted growing international attention, yet its adoption and effectiveness across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) remain limited and uneven. This paper conducts a systematic literature review (SLR) of 40 peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2024, guided by PRISMA guidelines, to synthesise evidence on the outcomes, constraints, drivers, and impacts of IR, with an emphasis on SSA. The review addresses four research questions linked to testable hypotheses. Evidence supports that IR enhances strategic outcomes such as transparency, trust, and legitimacy (RQ1/H1), but constraints including symbolic adoption, weak assurance, and fragmented regulation undermine its consistency (RQ2/H2 not supported). Adoption and quality are influenced by both internal capabilities and external pressures (RQ3/H3 partially supported) yet operate inconsistently across contexts. Organisational impacts (RQ4/H4) are mixed: while IR can improve valuation and capital access, outcomes are highly contingent on governance quality, assurance credibility, and institutional maturity. The findings highlight persistent spatial, methodological, and theoretical gaps, underscoring the need for context-sensitive approaches to IR in SSA. This study contributes to theory, practice, and policy by clarifying when, why, and for whom IR delivers meaningful outcomes in emerging markets.
Mitigating structural violence against women leaders within political parties in Nairobi
(2025-07) Odinga, Walkowa Akinyi; Kaye, Sylvia B.; Harris, Geoff Thomas
Political institutions in Kenya have long been criticised for insufficient efforts to promote gender equity and enhance women's participation. Notably, patriarchy continues to dominate decision-making processes, directly impacting women's potential. This thesis focused on structural violence against women leaders within Nairobi's main political parties, examining the concept of structural violence in the political institutions. While direct violence, such as electoral intimidation and physical attacks, has drawn attention, this study focuses on structural violence: the systemic and institutional barriers that impair women’s political participation. These include exclusion from political networks; male-dominated party hierarchies; financial barriers; and the lack of internal policies addressing gender-based inequities. Unlike direct violence, structural violence is often invisible but deeply embedded in party practices and norms. The study explored through action research how harm, caused by these institutions or social structures, can be mitigated. The study aimed to understand and address structural violence against women leaders in political parties by engaging both women and men, with the aim of exploring the basis, nature, and extent of this violence. This thesis employed a mixed-method, explanatory sequential action research design, incorporating quantitative, qualitative, and applied intervention approaches. Findings examined the characteristics, prevalence, origins, and impacts of structural violence against women leaders in Nairobi County's major political parties. An evaluation of the effectiveness of past and current efforts to address this issue within Kenya's major political parties followed. The study engaged 88 participants quantitatively and 15 qualitatively. This study identified extensive structural violence against women in Kenyan political leadership, including exclusion from political networks, male dominance in parties and institutions, and electoral violence against female candidates. It also highlighted financial constraints on female candidates, contributing to disparities in political power and representation. The final objective involved implementing and assessing short-term outcomes of interventions using participatory action research (PAR) in collaboration with stakeholders. The study identified that there are no policies or interventions within political parties or broader structures to address the ongoing psychological and physical violence and structural obstacles faced by women. The findings reveal persistent systemic barriers to gender equity in Kenya’s political institutions.
Entrepreneurship attainment through the AFE Babalola university programme
(2025-09) Adesina, Oluwaseun Temitayo; Dorasamy, Nirmala; Ilugbusi, Segun
Entrepreneurship education plays a pivotal role in fostering economic development, reducing poverty, and generating employment opportunities, particularly in emerging economies like Nigeria. Recognising the significance of this, the Nigerian government has implemented various socio-economic policies to support undergraduate entrepreneurship. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Afe Babalola University Entrepreneurship Programme in equipping its participants with essential entrepreneurial skills. The research focused on analysing the impact of the programme on student success, exploring the motivations for pursuing entrepreneurship, examining the role of technology and mentorship, and identifying the challenges faced by participants. Using a mixed methods approach, this study adopted an explanatory sequential design, integrating both quantitative and qualitative data to achieve a comprehensive analysis. The quantitative phase consisted of a survey administered to 324 final-year students, selected through simple random sampling. In the qualitative phase, face-to-face interviews were conducted with eight lecturers, purposefully selected for their involvement in teaching within the entrepreneurship programme. Data from both phases were collected and analysed separately, then sequentially integrated to address the research questions comprehensively. The quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version 26.0, focusing on frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. Meanwhile, the qualitative data were transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis, with NVivo software used to assist in the analysis. The findings revealed that 96% of the students had attended entrepreneurship classes, and the majority felt adequately prepared for entrepreneurial ventures. The study also revealed that the primary motivations for pursuing entrepreneurship included passion for specific industries, financial potential, and the desire for independence. Despite these positive outcomes, the research identified that entrepreneurial growth. Furthermore, while 64% of the respondents felt they received sufficient support from the university, there remains a need for enhanced practical resources and opportunities for handson experience. In conclusion, the Afe Babalola University Entrepreneurship Programme demonstrates significant strengths in fostering entrepreneurial readiness among students. However, to further strengthen the programme, it is essential to address the identified challenges, particularly in areas like funding, practical skills development, and resource availability, to ensure the programme's long-term success and impact on Nigeria's entrepreneurial ecosystem
The perceived role and representation of women on television : a study of South African soap operas
(2025-07) Mjwacu, Thembisa E.; Dlamini, Bongani Innocent
This study focuses on media representation of women through selected South African television soap operas. The problem at the crux of the study is that women encounter prejudiced depictions from different media, resulting in women being perceived as inferior and of less status compared to men. This subject has a significant effect on gender relations in society, as media representations of gender shape gender identity. The study examines the roles and representation of women on television soap operas to discover how these depictions reflect, reinforce or contest societal gender norms. Soap operas are a prominent genre on television, and they have been historically linked to female audiences and are frequently regarded as a crucial arena for the negotiation of gender identities. The research utilises a predominantly qualitative mixed-methods approach, gathering data through focus group discussions, semistructured interviews, and questionnaires. The research integrated textual analysis of selected soap operas with audience feedback to evaluate the positioning of women within narrative frameworks, character roles, and thematic progressions. Results indicate an intricate interaction between progressive and stereotyped portrayals. Some female characters are shown as assertive and autonomous, while others are restricted to traditional roles that highlight domesticity, emotionality, and reliance on male counterparts. The research emphasises the cultural importance of soap operas in influencing public views on gender and illustrates the medium's capacity to reinforce or contest prevailing gender beliefs. The study’s boarder significance is that, women’s fair representation can play a role in tackling social injustices suffered by women, such as gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide. Media do not directly cause femicide or any other acts of injustice directed to women, however, their coverage and depiction can influence public perception and attitudes towards injustice, potentially normalising and trivialising it.