Innovations

The production of apple vinegar through Baker's Yeast fermentation technique using three concentrations; 1%, 3% and 10% from fruit cubes or juice of three apple fruits: red fruit; Red Delicious, green fruit; Granny Smith and yellow fruit; Golden Delicious was evaluated for their suitability for vinegar production. The analysis was done using apple cubes and apple juice, then evaluated through several parameters including microbial growth and sensorial evaluation by color, odor and taste. More apple vinegar was produced from fruit juice than from fruit cubes and with higher quality and in a short time within 1 month compared to more than 80 days using cubes. The other concentrations of yeast (1% and 3%) are suitable where 1% yeast is the most suitable and was sufficient to combat undesirable formed fungal microflora that are associated with apple fruit and recorded in this study (Aspergillus niger, Penicillium digitatum, P. expansum, Alternaria solani,  and Rhizopus stolonifer) The molds were found associated with apple fruit cubes or juice but their frequency was reduced gradually as the concentration of yeast was gradually increased to 10% to less than 5%.  Among the three apple cultivars used, Golden Delicious gave better odor and taste than Granny smith or Red Delicious when apple juice was used as a substrate for vinegar production but when fruit cubes were used; Red Delicious was the best without obvious variation in the amount of vinegar yield.  

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by *Mycobacterium tuberculosis*, primarily affects the lungs but can also involve the oral cavity, though this is rare (1.4% of cases). Oral TB, often secondary to pulmonary TB, manifests as non-healing ulcers on areas like the tongue, palate, and lips. Diagnosis involves chest X-rays, sputum culture, and molecular tests. Oral pathologists play a crucial role in differentiating TB from conditions like syphilis, fungal infections, and squamous cell carcinoma. Treatment follows systemic TB protocols, including anti-tubercular drugs and the DOTS strategy for compliance.  

This researchaimsto investigate the effect of social capital on SME performance in the South-South geo-political region of Nigeria. The study's broad objective is to ascertain the influence of social capital on small and medium enterprise Performance in the South-South Region of Nigeria and adopt personal network relationships and relationship marketing as dimensions of social capital to enhance performance in SMEs.The study employed a cross-sectional survey design, usingtheTaro Yamenne formula to arrive at a sample size of 517 SMEs drawn from a population of 18,616. Data was collected using a five-point Likert scale closed-ended questionnaire and ordinary linear regression for analysis. The findings revealed that personal network relationships and relationship marketing all positively impacted key aspects of SME performance, including financial performance and customer engagement. The study concluded that these social capital factors are critical for the performance and durability of SMEs in South-South Nigeria. It recommended that identifying and implementing these success factors is essential for the successful transition and growth of SMEs across age bands.  

The present study was undertaken for the isolation of bacteria associated with dental problems and to assess the in vitro antibacterial activity of different plant extracts against isolated bacteria by the agar well diffusion method. Among twelve plant extracts tested, the ethanolic extract of Clove (bud) showed maximum inhibition of 40 mm, Zone of Inhibition (ZOI) against Dental Caries bacterial isolate and 25 mm against Dental Cyst bacterial isolate. Against both Dental Caries bacterial isolate and Dental Cyst bacterial isolate, mulethi (root) extract depicted a ZOI of 35 mm and 31 mm, respectively, while for cinnamon (bark) extract, the ZOI remained at a value of 32 mm for both. Neem (leaves) extracts did not depict any inhibition against the isolated bacteria.The MIC was found to be 0.15% (w/v) for both isolates utilizing Clove (bud) ethanolic extract. Results for antibiotic susceptibility testing of the isolate, Dental Caries bacterial isolate, showed that gentamicin had the largest ZOI of about 20 mm in diameter, followed by chloramphenicol and erythromycin with 15 mm each, and then vancomycin with 10 mm. Other antibiotics like ampicillin, oxacillin, clindamycin, and cephalexin did not have any zone of inhibition.The results of the phytochemical assay of the clove extract showed no anthocyanins, saponins, phlobatannins, tannins, phenolic compounds, or cardiac glycosides, but the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and carbohydrates. These findings contribute to establishing natural plant extracts, especially clove extract, as substitutes to standard antibiotics.

The rapid advancement of technology has significantly impacted various sectors, and the legal field is no exception. This paper, titled “Legal Tech Revolution: Exploring Innovations in Indian Law for the 21st Century,” delves into the transformative effects of technological innovations on the Indian legal system. As India strides into the 21st century, the integration of legal technology presents both opportunities and challenges that are reshaping legal practice, judicial administration, and access to justice. The paper examines key technological innovations including artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, e-courts, and online dispute resolution (ODR). AI-driven tools are revolutionizing legal research and case management, enhancing efficiency and accuracy. Blockchain technology is being explored for applications in property registration and smart contracts, offering improved security and transparency. The e-courts initiative aims to modernize the judicial process, reducing delays and increasing accessibility through virtual hearings. Meanwhile, ODR platforms provide alternative mechanisms for dispute resolution, streamlining processes and making justice more accessible. Despite these advancements, the integration of legal tech in India faces several challenges. The paper addresses issues such as the need for robust regulatory frameworks, ethical considerations, and the digital divide. It highlights the importance of developing comprehensive policies, investing in technological infrastructure, and promoting digital literacy to ensure equitable access to legal tech. The paper concludes with policy recommendations and strategic directions for leveraging legal tech to enhance the Indian legal system. These include fostering collaboration among stakeholders, ensuring data protection and cyber security, and addressing ethical and inclusivity concerns. By embracing these innovations, India has the potential to build a more efficient, transparent, and accessible legal system that meets the demands of the 21st century.  

This study examined the effect of service recovery strategies on customer loyalty to selected deposit money banks (DMBs) in South East, Nigeria with customer service recovery satisfaction as a mediator. The specific objectives were to: Determine the extent to which the use of referee affects service recovery satisfaction of selected DMBs in South East, Nigeria; ascertain the extent to which timely feedback affects service recovery satisfaction of selected DMBs in South East, Nigeria; evaluate the effect of communication on service recovery satisfaction of selected DMBs in South East, Nigeria; ascertain the extent to which empowerment affects service recovery satisfaction of selected DMBs in South East, Nigeria; investigate the effect of apology on service recovery satisfaction of selected DMBs in South East, Nigeria; determine the extent to which compensation affects service recovery satisfaction of selected DMBs in South East, Nigeria and evaluate the extent to which service recovery satisfaction mediates the relationship between service recovery strategies and customer loyalty to selected DMBs in South East, Nigeria. The population of the study comprised of customers of selected DMBs in South East, Nigeria. A sample size of 313 corporate and individual customers was selected for the study. Questionnaire was the instrument for data for data collection. The formulated hypotheses were tested using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) version 3.2.8 technique. The findings revealed that service recovery strategies (based on justice theory consisting of procedural justice, interactional justice and  distributive justice) significantly affect customer loyalty, with service recovery satisfaction positively mediating this relationship. The study contributes to the literature by introducing the use of a referee as a dimension of procedural justice aspect of service recovery strategy and providing empirical support for the social justice theory and Recovsat (recovery satisfaction) model. The results have implications for banks' service recovery strategies, highlighting the importance of effective service recovery in enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. The study recommends as procedural justice elements, that banks should use referee to resolve severe services failure, adopt the use operational manuals to guide staff in service recovery; offer adequate monetary compensation as an aspect to distributive justice with apology and communicate feedback timely to customers with politeness which are elements of interactional justice

Literature on the relationship between economic activities in the insurance sector and economic growth mainly focus on the financial intermediation role of the sector. However, the relationship between the financial ratios which are key indicators of profitability in the sector and economic growth is yet to be addressed. This study thus examined the relationship between profitability, measured by combined operating ratio, loss development ratio, return on equity, market share, and economic growth in Nigeria.   Data for the period 1990 to 2021 from 39 non-life insurance firms was used in the study and Autoregressive distributive lag error correction (ARDL-EC) model was used for data analysis. The results indicated existence of a long run relationship between the profitability indicators and economic growth. Precisely, the relationship between return on equity as well as market share with economic growth were found to be significantly negative while the relationship between loss development ratio and economic growth was found to be significantly positive. Combined operating ratio did not exhibit any significant relationship with economic growth. It was concluded that, apart from loss development ratio, other profitability indicators in the sector did not support economic growth in Nigeria. Based on the findings, adoption of more financial prudential measures to strengthen financial performance of the sector, sustained prompt payment of genuine claims and increase in the rate of policy renewals instead of new policy on boarding were recommended.

The main purpose of this study is to find out the factors affecting leaders’ turnover in government organizations in Addiszemen City Administration, Amhara regional state, Ethiopia. In order to achieve the stated objective the researcher employed both qualitative and quantitative research approach. The research paradigm for this study was Pragmatism. Data was collected through both primary and secondary data sources drawing from questionnaires and document analysis. The study employed descriptive methods of data analysis and the qualitative and quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistical techniques such as frequency, mean score and percentage. On the other hand, the quantitative information gathered through clothed-ended questionnaire and the documents were analysed by thematic analysis technique. In this study, the sample sizes of the study were 153. Among the results obtained from the study, the most determinant factors of leaders turnover in the study area is found that poor living conditions, unhealthy working environment and insufficient salary payment were the major factors that causes leaders’ turnover. In addition to the above findings, based on the document analysis result from 2020-2024 trends of leader turnover in the study area within five years more than 100% of leaders were leave their leadership role in the city administration. These critical factors aggravate the failure of the organization outcome. It is therefore recommended that the concerned body such as the local government bodies of Addiszemen city administrators, the Amhara regional state and higher policy makers should work together and give attention to improve the observed leader turnover factors to maintain professional leaders, experienced, and effective leaders in their government organizations.