This study investigates the correlation between familial backgrounds and academic performance among secondary school students. Previous research supports the assertion that parental involvement constitutes a significant factor in a child's educational journey, representing their primary exposure to societal and educational structures. To achieve the research objective, three main research questions were addressed. A survey-based approach was adopted, implementing a random sampling technique to select a total of 66 respondents, consisting of 40 females and 26 males. Data were gathered through questionnaires and subsequently analyzed using descriptive statistics. The data were presented in tabular form to facilitate a clearer understanding of students' perceptions of familial background and its potential effects on academic achievement. The study revealed a pronounced positive correlation between family background and student academic performance within the learning institution. The study concludes that familial socioeconomic status plays a pivotal role in student academic outcomes. Thus, a collaborative approach involving both parents and educators in children's educational activities is recommended to enhance academic achievement.

This study introduces a new ten-term 5-D hyperchaotic system, derived from the 3-D Sprott C system. The proposed system has coexisting two attractors: the self-excited and hidden attractors. This system exhibits a rich array of characteristics, taking inspiration from various forms of equilibrium points, stable focus-nodes, saddle-focus, and non-hyperbolic unstable points. These features are shown to be dependent on parameter adjustments. The coexistence of chaotic and hyperchaotic attractors within a 5-D system coupled with three types of equilibrium points is an intriguing phenomenon. A spectrum of numerical methodologies, including phase portraits, computation of Lyapunov exponent, estimation of Lyapunov dimension, and multistability analysis, have been employed to effectively illustrate the diverse attractors. The stability theory is utilized for investigating the synchronization problem, a topic that is elucidated in depth. An assortment of dynamical behavior, such as hyperchaotic, hyperchaotic with 2-tours, chaotic, and chaotic with 2-tours, is recognized. Validation of the primary findings is conducted via theoretical and numerical simulations, fortifying the theoretical conclusions, with numerical simulations executed using MATLAB2021.

This study contributes to the literature on financial efficiency and growth. Given the increase in domestic credit, we show evidence of the effects of controlling institutional variables. The domestic credit is adverse, with an insignificant effect on per capita income growth. We make two observations from our findings. First, the negative but insignificant coefficients of the measure of bank credit across all model specifications seem to go against the supply-leading hypothesis, as financial development hurts economic growth; nevertheless, given that the impact is insignificant, this draws more into a neutrality hypothesis of no effect. Second, the findings are likely indications of the underdeveloped state of sub-Saharan Africa's financial system, implying that the present state of the financial systems is not robust enough to be a contributory drive towards enhancing economic growth in the region. However, all models have positive control variables (Inflation and gross fixed capital formation). All coefficients of interactions between credit and institutional quality are statistically insignificant (negative in four of six models).

Purpose: Recognizing the importance of effective policymaking requires an understanding of Monetary Policy Shocks and Output Growth in Nigeria. The purpose of the paper is to examine how interest rate and exchange rate channels of the transmission mechanism affect output growth in Nigeria in response to monetary shocks.

Methodology: The structural vector autoregression method is the empirical model. In the empirical analysis, quarterly data from 2000 to 2020 were used for the gross domestic product, nominal effective exchange rate, consumer price index, monetary policy rate, and open buyback.

Findings: The results of the impulse response function showed that in Nigeria, monetary policy shocks are more significant because they have a long-lasting impact on growth up to the sixteenth quarter of the forecast horizon.

Originality/value: The study's conclusions would enable Nigerian policymakers to anticipate consequences of monetary policy shocks through indirect demand-side Keynesian monetary policy transmission mechanism through the channels of exchange and interest rates. The study recommends that to move the economy toward pre- determined directions, monetary authorities should be cautious of the level/quantity of money in circulation rather than focusing on increasing or decreasing the monetary policy rate.

This paper proposes a context-based framework for measuring and disclosing human capital in the financial statements of the Zimbabwean mining companies. The study was prompted by the lack of universal standardised framework that can be adopted by companies for use and existing of varied models with conflicting measurement metrics. The developed model is meant to bring harmony within the industry and across other sectors, particularly in developing countries such as Zimbabwe. This paper adopted an integrative literature review approach also known as the critical review approach in the development of the human capital measurement and disclosure framework. Corporate annual reports, existing related literature, and various human capital models were critically and systematically reviewed to conceptualise different views from various authors concerning human capital measurement and disclosure framework. A thematic analysis approach was adopted to analyse the qualitative findings. The analysis was conducted until a point of saturation was reached. The paper proposed a context-based human capital measurement and disclosure framework with six key primary factors. Furthermore, the paper proposed the measurement criteria and the disclosure requirements of the six primary factors established. The framework also acts as a starting point for human capital reporting since there is a lack of an established and generally accepted reporting framework in Zimbabwe. The benefit of this framework is that it is flexible, and it allows companies to develop human capital reporting guidelines based on key features specific to an individual company's human capital and can be applied to other similar contexts in the SADC region. This paper recommends the adoption of the human capital measurement and disclosure framework as to increase companies’ value, financial performance as well as economic growth at large. The proposed framework is envisaged to reduce information asymmetry and improve corporate governance practices for both practice and policy formulation.

The Aftalion methodology of economic crisis theory presents a complex and comprehensive understanding of economic crises, the exploration of which is riddled with nuanced considerations and varied perspectives. Primarily, it emphasizes the counterintuitive reality that the precursor to a crisis can be a period of prosperity, a concept that often remains overshadowed by a multitude of economic factors, including price evolutions and various defining economic junctures. Certain theories postulate that this initial phase of prosperity, paradoxically, sows the seeds for an impending crisis, a proposition that invites ample debate and necessitates further empirical validation. Theories focusing solely on the cost of production elements also come under scrutiny in the context of the Aftalion methodology. The theory recognizes the consequential roles of financial market fluctuations, particularly those pertaining to the stock market, alongside the influential forces of monetary and capitalist markets. Further, the state of employment significantly contributes to the shaping of economic conditions, underscoring the necessity of examining these factors in understanding crises. Finally, the methodology posits that variations in the discount rate could be pivotal triggers for economic crises, an assertion that calls for comprehensive investigation. The Aftalion methodology thus provides an exhaustive framework to examine economic crises, inviting scholars and practitioners alike to delve deeper into these mechanisms and their implications.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to solve a real-life business problem by developing a new customised strategic cost management (SCM) model for the case study entity － a South African potato packing facility. Design/method/approach: The study followed a pragmatic philosophy where data were collected by observation and semi-structured interviews. The data focused on the following SCM techniques: Business process re-engineering, activity-based management, Kaizen costing, total quality management, and target costing. Findings: The investigation found that, except for target costing, all the SCM techniques belong in a SCM model. The investigation also revealed specific practical operational examples which were firstly analysed according to codes, and secondly aggregated, rewritten, and inductively reasoned in order to illustrate these processes in a new customised SCM model. Practical implications: After the operational processes were documented, a new customised SCM model was developed for the case study entity. The findings of the study could be helpful when other organisations manufacture, process, or pack various products to make informed management decisions. Originality/value: The value of the study lies in the likelihood to establish transferability － the process that was followed to develop a new customised SCM model could be replicated.

The primary objective of this study encompasses the evaluation of the Padaleunyi Toll Road's service performance, particularly in relation to Indonesia's established minimum service standards for toll roads. Given that the Padaleunyi Toll Road currently stands at mid-life in terms of its service duration, it is crucial to undertake this assessment to predict its remaining useful life. Criteria for measuring minimum service standards' fulfillment were diversified to cover the conditions of the toll road, average vehicular speed, accessibility, mobility, safety parameters, availability of rescue units and service assistance, environmental impact, and features of rest and service areas. The employed research methodology was based on the guidelines provided by Regulation 16/PRT/M/2014 from the Indonesian Ministry of Public Works. Findings indicate a compliance level of 66.04% to the minimum service standards, with the poorest indicator being the condition of the toll roads at a mere 14%. This study hopes to contribute by offering comprehensive insights into the current state and future prospects of the Padaleunyi Toll Road. It further highlights the importance of effective maintenance and operation strategies in prolonging its service life. Overall, the implications of this study can significantly enhance the planning and development process of toll roads, particularly in developing countries such as Indonesia, by incorporating key aspects like pavement quality, road geometric design, and efficient traffic management.

Autonomous vehicles (AV) have the potential to improve mobility, enhance traffic safety, and provide societal benefits. To date, users’ attitudes toward the adoption of AVs have been mainly extracted from questionnaire surveys among participants that were not directly exposed to AVs. Thus, there is a need to (a) record users' opinions toward AVs before and after they are exposed to the technology, and (b) investigate how demographic factors affect these perceptions and attitudes. This paper compared the attitudes of drivers (N=101) toward AVs before and after being exposed to an interactive, high-fidelity driving simulator that replicated the AV user experience. The analysis examined differences within and between age groups (younger, middle-aged, and older adults) with respect to Intention to Use, Barriers, and Acceptance. Investigation of the gender-related impacts was also performed and documented. The results provided evidence that the perceptions and attitudes of AVs from older and middle-aged adults significantly improved after driving simulator exposure. Older participants and females showed the greatest positive changes in Intention to Use, Barriers, and Acceptance. The study further showcased the value of exposing users to an AV driving simulator as an efficient way to promote users’ acceptance of AV technology.

Driving cycle is as representation of traffic behaviour in an area or city. It plays a fundamental role in the design of vehicles and to test the performance of the vehicles. This paper studies a driving cycle development method based on k-means clustering and driving cycle prediction based on Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) by Recurrent Neural Network (RNN). The objectives of this paper are to develop a Kuala Terengganu Driving Cycle (KTDC) by using k-means clustering, to develop a prediction of future KTDC, and lastly to analyse the energy consumption and emissions of KTDC. Firstly, the driving data is collected in five different routes in Kuala Terengganu city at go-to-work times. Then the data is divided into micro-trips and the driving features are extracted. The features are used to develop a driving cycle using k-means clustering approach. The prediction is developed after the training of neural networks by using LSTM network approach. Finally, the energy consumption and emissions of KTDC is analysed by using AUTONOMIE software.

The development of an effective cooling system is paramount for the optimal design of high altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). These vehicles often operate at or near supersonic speeds in thin atmospheric conditions to generate sufficient lift. It is emphasized that the necessity for air-cooling mandates the incorporation of cooling ducts into the initial design, striving for a balance between low-speed, high-density cooling air for efficient heat rejection, minimal drag, or even potential thrust augmentation. The proposition is that dedicated, meticulously optimized cooling air pathways may facilitate superior performance at high altitudes. The abstract further underscores that the longevity and efficiency of solar panels, commonplace in solar-powered UAVs, are substantially temperature-dependent. As such, high-altitude cooling poses a complex challenge. For conventionally fueled jet-powered UAVs, fuel may serve as a viable heat sink, necessitating a design approach that integrates Peltier cells within electronic components. An alternative approach involves the installation of a subsonic Meredith duct within the primary air intake of the main turbo engine. This duct operates by reducing air speed at the face of a high-efficiency air-to-liquid radiator and then expanding the heated air into a nozzle, making the application of radiators feasible, even for supersonic UAVs. The feasibility of deploying the Meredith duct with direct exposure to external air in subsonic UAVs is also explored. This investigation thus sheds light on innovative cooling mechanisms for UAVs operating at high altitudes, potentially leading to improved efficiency and lifespan of critical components. The findings are poised to enhance the understanding of UAV design and operation, contributing to their overall performance and effectiveness.

This study emphasizes the limitations observed in the prevailing neutrosophic AHP group decision-making model. To address these limitations, an augmented neutrosophic AHP group decision-making model has been established, leveraging the potential of neutrosophic trapezoidal numbers. A comprehensive exploration of a key property of the neutrosophic trapezoidal pairwise comparison matrix is performed in this research, revealing that the current model inadequately maintains the reciprocal property of the neutrosophic trapezoidal pairwise comparison matrix. A real-world decision-making problem is resolved utilizing the introduced model, and a comparative analysis is furnished between the pre-existing neutrosophic AHP group decision-making model and the revised version. The results unequivocally demonstrate the superiority of the enhanced model.

The complex interplay between fuelwood consumption, deforestation, and land-use transformation in the Dhankuta district of Nepal is scrutinized in this investigation, concurrently shedding light on the feasibility of securing carbon finance via REDD+ mechanisms. Data derived from household surveys and remote sensing ascertained fuelwood as the primary energy recourse for the majority of households, leading to substantial deforestation, forest degradation, and carbon emissions. In a surprising revelation, a 12.4% augmentation in forest cover was discerned over 21 years, attributable to outmigration and conversion of fallow agricultural lands into forests. The investigation established that households involved in agriculture, particularly those with lower income, demonstrated higher dependence on fuelwood, consequently contributing to forest degradation and deforestation that further resulted in the emission of greenhouse gases. Potential avenues for the district to secure carbon finance include the introduction of clean cookstoves, reducing dependency on fuelwood, and greening barren areas. For effective realization of this potential, it is crucial to formulate a benefit-sharing plan that ensures the provision of suitable incentives for forest-dependent communities that are also responsible for forest conservation. By adopting the result-based payment system of REDD+ and promoting sustainable forest management, the district can mitigate carbon emissions, advocate for forest restoration, and qualify for carbon payments.

Stable and active microbiological community of the activated sludge is essential for waste water treatment plants (WWTPs) to treat wastewater. The microbial community of activated sludge could be affected by the uncontrolled industrial discharges containing excess organic load with low nutrients or toxic compounds, consequently, it may have a negative impact in the purification of wastewater in WWTP. The effects of the industrial pollutants on biological treatment include: the inhibition of bacteria that biodegrade organic matter and remove nutrients; the reduction of the efficiency of solids separation and deterioration of settling properties of the flocs; and, eventually, a discharge of unfavorable effluent to the receiving environment. In this research, metabarcoding technology was used to elucidate the effect of industrial components on microbial communities in four plants treating municipal that were exposed to different spills: tannery, cannery, textile and fruit products industries.

Purpose: This study is set out to establish the perceptions of the Zimbabwean top management concerning the measurement and disclosure of human capital in the financial statements of listed mining companies. This study has been prompted by the fact that despite companies considering human capital as an important resource that drives value, and competitiveness and contributes to a company’s economic growth, its value remains not properly accounted for in the financial statements. This implies that human capital is not being accorded the importance it deserves in the financial statements. Methodology: This study adopted a qualitative research approach. Qualitative data were collected using semi-structured interview guides from the six largest Zimbabwean-based mining companies. The collected qualitative data was analysed through the thematic analysis process and the results established four main themes. Findings: Obtained results reveal that top management agreed that top management is of the view that human capital has a strong relationship with the value of a company and its financial performance. They also indicated that the value of a company, its competitiveness, and economic growth is largely dependent on employee competencies (skills and expertise). Recommendations: After a synthesis of results, this study suggests a context-based framework offering human capital metrics for enhancing its measurement and disclosure practices. This will help to provide a better valuation of human capital in the financial statements and also various stakeholders will be able to derive useful information for decision-making. Managerial Implications: The study gives more insight into the major roles played by the phenomenon in the achievement of companies’ strategic objectives which include value creation among others. Furthermore, it provides a better internal understanding from top management on how the companies gain competitive advantage and economic growth in the era of the fourth industrial revolution through utilisation of human capital. From the aforementioned, chances are high that the human capital reporting by the mining companies in Zimbabwe will be enhanced forthwith.

The prevalence of decision-making methodologies catering to quantitative attributes considerably overshadows those designed for qualitative attributes. This study seeks to address this gap by extending the traditional Ideal Solutions with Constraint on Values (ISOCOV) method to a fuzzy environment, thereby enhancing its capability to handle optimal decision-making based on qualitative attributes. In this improved method, $\alpha$-cut representations are employed for managing linguistic value constraints in performance-oriented data. The proposed approach is then utilized for the selection of nanomaterials, evaluated based on five essential criteria. By subjecting the performance-based decision matrix to the modified fuzzy method, a ranking of alternatives is derived. Compared to its traditional counterpart, this fuzzy-enhanced ISOCOV method demonstrates enhanced efficiency in processing qualitative data, promising its potential compatibility and utility for decision makers dealing with performance-oriented decision-making.