Journal of Contemporary Academic Research and Methodologies (JCARM)
The Journal of Contemporary Academic Research and Methodologies (JCARM) is a peer-reviewed, open-access international journal dedicated to the dissemination of high-quality research and innovative methodologies across diverse academic disciplines. Published by Ivory & Finch Publishers, JCARM provides a platform for scholars to share contemporary insights that bridge theory and practice.
Articles in this journal are published under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 License. This license allows others to share and adapt the work, provided the original work is properly cited. Authors retain copyright and grant the journal the right of first publication.
Analysis of Physics Students’ Mathematics Ability as Predictor of Academic Achievement in Physics: In Abak Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
This study investigated Physics students’ mathematics ability as a predictor of academic achievement in Physics in Abak Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The study adopted a correlational research design. The sample comprised 222 Senior Secondary II Physics students selected from public secondary schools in the study area. Data were collected using a Mathematics Ability Test (MAT) and a Physics Achievement Test (PAT). The instruments were validated by experts in Physics Education and Measurement and Evaluation, and reliability coefficients were established prior to administration. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, independent samples t-test, Pearson Product-Moment Correlation, and one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that students possessed a significantly high level of mathematics ability (Mean = 70.09). There was no significant influence of gender on mathematics ability (t = -1.44, p > 0.05). A low but statistically significant positive relationship was found between mathematics ability and academic achievement in Physics (r = 0.178, p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in Physics achievement among students with high, medium, and low mathematics ability levels (F = 2.31, p > 0.05). The study concluded that although mathematics ability is significantly related to Physics achievement, it is not a strong predictor of students’ performance in Physics within the study area. It was recommended that other contributing factors to Physics achievement should be explored alongside mathematical competence.
Copyright (c) 2026 Author https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
In-Silico Studies for Biologics and Biosimilar
The discovery and development of biologics and biosimilars are often constrained by high costs, extended timelines, and heavy dependence on wet-laboratory experimentation. To address these challenges, this study presents an integrated in silico pipeline for the rational design and evaluation of biologic candidates. In-Silico studies of biologics for biosimilar help to reduce high costs, extended timelines, and heavy dependence on wet-laboratory experimentation. The proposed workflow combines structure prediction, molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and comprehensive pharmacokinetic and immunogenicity assessments to accelerate early-stage biologics and biosimilar discovery. Protein structures were modeled using AlphaFold2, followed by protein-protein and protein-ligand docking employing AutoDock and HADDOCK. Structural stability and interaction dynamics were evaluated through MD simulations using GROMACS. Drug-likeness, ADMET properties, toxicity, and immunogenic potential were assessed using SwissADME and ToxinPred. The results demonstrate favorable binding energies, stable RMSD profiles, and energetically viable complexes, along with acceptable safety and immunogenicity predictions. Overall, the findings highlight the effectiveness of computational approaches in reducing experimental burden and streamlining biologics and biosimilar development. This in-silico framework provides a cost-efficient and scalable strategy for accelerating biologics and biosimilar discovery prior to experimental validation.
A Study of Śrīmanata Śaṅkaradeva’s Neo-Vaiṣṇavism from Sociological Perspective
One of the most significant socio-cultural and religious revivals in Northeast India's history was the Neo-Vaiṣṇavite movement in Assam in the fifteenth century, led by the polymath Śrīmanta Śaṅkaradeva. Although the movement has historically been seen through a hagiographic or theological lens, this paper uses a sociological framework to examine it as a conscious attempt at social engineering. This study examines how Śaṅkaradeva questioned strict caste hierarchies, incorporated various ethnic and tribal groups, and promoted a democratic identity by examining the structural and functional elements of indigenous institutions such as the Nāmghar, Thans, and Kirtanghars. The study makes the case, using an analytical and historical approach, that Neo-Vaiṣṇavism served as a catalyst for social change by substituting an egalitarian framework known as Eka-Śaraṇa-Nāma-Dharma for esoteric ritualism and animal sacrifice. The study comes to the conclusion that the movement's focus on moral behaviour, group involvement, and cultural synthesis served as the cornerstone of contemporary Assamese society and provided a strong example of social cohesiveness that endures even now, five centuries later.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Media Coverage of Access to Healthcare Facilities among Rural Communities in Yobe State, Nigeria
Access to healthcare in rural communities remains one of the most persistent public health problems in northern Nigeria. Yobe State, characterised by dispersed rural settlements, high poverty rates, and limited health infrastructure, exemplifies the challenges that many underserved populations face. Artificial intelligence (AI) has gradually entered media and health communication spaces, raising questions about whether it can meaningfully change how people in such settings learn about and access healthcare facilities. This study examined the role of AI in media coverage of healthcare access among rural communities in Yobe State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted, targeting residents in five selected local government areas. A sample of 218 respondents was selected through multi-stage sampling. Structured questionnaires were used for data collection, and findings were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Results showed that while 63.3% of respondents believed AI could improve healthcare access, actual use of AI-powered health tools remained low (13.3% for chatbots). Community health workers and the radio were the dominant channels of health information. Poor internet connectivity (69.7%), low digital literacy (64.7%), and erratic electricity supply (54.6%) were rated as major barriers to AI adoption. The study concludes that AI holds potential for transforming health communication in rural Yobe, but structural and infrastructural deficits constrain that potential. Targeted digital literacy programmes and policy investment in rural connectivity are recommended.
Socio-Economic Factors: The key drivers of armed banditry in Katsina State, Nigeria (2019-2024)
This study examines the socio-economic drivers of armed banditry in Katsina State, Nigeria, between 2019 and 2024, employing a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design that integrates quantitative surveys of 394 respondents with qualitative interviews of 27 key informants. Grounded in the frustration-aggression theoretical framework, the research investigates how structural socio-economic conditions fuel recruitment into bandit groups and perpetuate rural insecurity. Findings reveal overwhelming consensus among affected communities that poverty (82.0%), youth unemployment (83.5%), educational deprivation (79.2%), corruption among government and security officials (85.0%), and weak policing and law enforcement capacity (85.2%) constitute primary drivers of armed banditry. The study identifies a self-reinforcing cycle wherein structural frustration produces violent adaptation, which subsequently destroys livelihoods and creates secondary frustration that perpetuates the conflict. Demographic analysis indicates that young adults aged 18–35 years (63.9% of respondents) and low-income earners (71.8% earning below ₦100,000 monthly) represent populations most susceptible to frustration-induced aggression. The research extends the frustration-aggression framework from individual psychology to collective social dynamics, demonstrating how uniform structural conditions produce divergent behavioral responses, including banditry, vigilantism, or acquiescence, depending on organizational availability and opportunity structures. The study contributes empirical evidence to the limited literature on Katsina State specifically, while offering theoretically-informed recommendations for breaking the frustration-aggression cycle through coordinated multi-dimensional interventions targeting economic opportunity, security provision, and institutional legitimacy. The findings underscore that sustainable peace requires addressing root structural frustrations rather than merely suppressing aggressive symptoms, providing critical insights for evidence-based policy formulation in conflict-affected regions.
Decentralized Governance: Gandhian Ideals for Sustainable Socioeconomic Progress
The nature of Gandhian political beliefs was investigated in this paper. What did Gandhi mean when he spoke about the state, politics, democracy, leadership, decentralisation, freedom, rights, and duties? He also spoke about his future vision for India. The research also looked at Gandhi's political contributions to the Indian constitution, including panchayats, secularism, and the abolition of untouchability,.freedom of speech, and their relevance today. Finally, in a nutshell, I had gained some awareness of the recently emerged issues in the current society and hoped to address them in the context of Gandhian ideals in order to establish real democracy. As a result, the primary emphasis of this essay was on Gandhiji's political accomplishments and ideals as well as their continued significance. His political beliefs were decentralisation,.freedom of expression, moral politics, secularism, stateless and partyless democracy, and the removal of untouchability. In this day and age. increasing intolerance and violence, Gandhian political conceptions and principles are very applicable.
Emergence of Mahishya: A Forward Agrarian Caste of South Bengal
Mahishya is a Bengalee Hindu agrarian caste. They are traditionally found in the Indian states of West Bengal, Tripura and Odisha. In West Bengal, they live especially in Howrah, Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, Hooghly and South 24 Parganas. In this paper, I would like to discuss the origin of the Mahishya caste with special reference to their relation with the Chasi-Kaibartta caste as well as their socio-economic and cultural condition during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
Impact of Urban Waste and Sewage on Chemical Contamination of the River Ganga near Patna
The River Ganga supports millions of livelihoods and is culturally sacred in India. Yet, its water quality has deteriorated severely due to urban waste and untreated sewage discharges, particularly near urban centers such as Patna. This research investigates the extent of chemical contamination in the stretch of the Ganga near Patna by analyzing key physicochemical parameters and heavy metal concentrations. Samples from multiple sites along urban influence zones were tested for pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), nitrates, phosphates, and heavy metals (lead, cadmium, chromium). The results show elevated BOD, COD, nitrates, phosphates, and detectable levels of heavy metals exceeding permissible limits at several points, and reduced DO, indicating significant pollution load. The study discusses possible sources, impacts on aquatic life and human health, and recommends mitigation strategies including improved sewage treatment infrastructure, stricter regulation of industrial effluents, regular monitoring, and public awareness campaigns. Implementation of such measures is essential to restore the ecological health of the Ganga near Patna and protect public health.
Supply Chain Resilience and Healthcare Sustainability in Rural Nigeria: A Theoretical and Literature Review
Rural healthcare delivery in Nigeria remains critically constrained despite repeated policy interventions and infrastructural expansions. Chronic stock-outs of essential medicines and inconsistent service delivery highlight systemic weaknesses in healthcare supply chains rather than resource scarcity alone. This study examines the role of supply chain resilience in sustaining healthcare services in rural Nigeria. Conceptualising resilience as an institutional and adaptive capacity, embedded within governance, infrastructure, and local decision-making, the study synthesises empirical evidence from Nigerian contexts and global resilience literature. Case illustrations from North-East and South-South Nigeria demonstrate how decentralisation, digital integration, and public-private partnerships enhance supply reliability. A contextual framework linking supply chain resilience to sustainable healthcare delivery is developed, with practical recommendations for policy, institutional reform, and capacity building in rural health systems.
Between Law and Sentiment: Assessing the Sociological Response to Quit Notice in Nigeria
The relationship between landlord and tenant is fundamentally contractual, governed primarily by the specific terms of a tenancy agreement executed by the parties. Where no stipulation exists regarding the length of a "Notice to Quit," or in the absence of a written agreement, the law intervenes with default provisions, typically under Section 8 of the Recovery of Premises Act. Despite these clear legal frameworks, a significant sociological friction exists in Nigeria, fueled by a pervasive "culture of entitlement" regarding six-month Notice periods and the perception of quit notices as hostile acts of "wickedness."This research assesses these sociological responses, utilizing relevant case law to debunk common misconceptions that conflate legal rights with personal sentiments. To bridge the gap between statutory requirements and social reality, the paper recommends the adoption of standardized tenancy templates and the use of local languages in drafting notices to enhance comprehension. Furthermore, it advocates for the modernization of service through social media platforms. By addressing the emotional stigma attached to disengagement, this study concludes that a shift in social perception is necessary to foster a more predictable and harmonious property management in Nigeria.
Exploring the Influence of Emotional Intelligence and Social Maturity on Civic Responsibility Among College Students in Thrissur District, Kerala
This study aims to explore the influence of emotional intelligence (EI) and social maturity on civic responsibility among college students in Thrissur District, Kerala. The focus on college students stems from the critical role they play in shaping the future of a community and their potential to contribute to civic activities. Civic responsibility involves the commitment to participating in social and community activities that foster the collective good. The role of emotional intelligence in managing one's emotions and social maturity in understanding societal dynamics are key predictor of civic engagement. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach, utilizing both quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to assess the levels of emotional intelligence, social maturity, and civic responsibility among students in different colleges across Thrissur. The sample consisted of 400 students from various disciplines, and data were analyzed using statistical tools like regression analysis and thematic analysis for qualitative data. Results indicated a strong positive correlation between emotional intelligence, social maturity, and civic responsibility. The findings also reveal that students with higher EI and social maturity were more likely to engage in civic activities. The study concludes by emphasizing the importance of integrating emotional intelligence and social maturity development in educational curricula to promote responsible citizenship.
Origin and Evolution of Indian Legal System
The article traces the historical development of the Indian legal system from its origins in Vedic dharma to the present constitutional order, arguing that Indian jurisprudence is an unbroken legacy rather than a colonial creation. It explains how early norms contained in the Vedas, Dharma sutras, Manusmriti, and Kautilya’s Arthasastra framed law as Dharma-social duty, righteousness, and ordered conduct administered through a graded hierarchy of family arbitrators, local councils, judges, and the king as the final judicial authority. The paper then examines the impact of Islamic rule, describing the role of Sharia, Qazis, Muftis, and royal complaint courts, followed by the British period in which Anglo-Saxon principles, the Regulating Act 1773, Supreme Courts in the Presidency towns, High Courts (1861), and finally the Federal Court (1935) gradually centralized and formalized adjudication. Post Independence, the study highlights the establishment of the Supreme Court of India in 1950 and the adoption of a written Constitution, while emphasizing that many modern principles, such as judicial hierarchy, open trials, judicial integrity, evidentiary methods, and control of custom, are continuations or refinements of ancient doctrines. Drawing extensively on classical jurists, viz., Manu, Yajnavalkya, Brihaspati, Katyayana, Narada, Kautilya, and modern scholarship, the article concludes that across empires and legal reforms, the central objective of the Indian legal system has remained the same: to uphold justice grounded in Dharma, equity, and impartiality, ensuring that no innocent person is wrongfully punished.
External Debt and Economic Growth in Nigeria: An ARDL Bound Testing
This study examined the impact of external debt on economic growth in Nigeria between 1990 and 2025. The primary objective was to analyze the impact of public debt on Nigeria's real GDP growth rate and to evaluate the significance of infrastructure in driving economic growth. Time series data for the study were sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin, Debt Management Office, and the World Bank. The unit root tests- the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) and Phillips-Perron (PP) tests were used to assess the stationarity of the variables, while the cointegration tests were conducted to determine the long-run relationships among the variables. The findings revealed that external debt has a significant negative impact on Nigeria's economic growth, while internal debt showed no significant impact. Infrastructure demonstrated a significant positive impact on economic growth. The study concluded that prudent external debt management and strategic infrastructure are critical for fostering sustainable economic growth in Nigeria. Arising from the findings, the researcher therefore recommended that; Policymakers should prioritize borrowing from concessional sources to minimize the external debt burden, place an embargo on new loans, and implement stringent debt management policies. Developing a robust domestic debt market through regulatory enhancements and private sector incentives can provide a stable funding source for developmental projects. Additionally, strategic investments in critical infrastructure sectors, supported by public-private partnerships (PPPs), can address bottlenecks and encourage foreign direct investments.
A Comparative Analysis of Bio-Inspired Algorithms in Flying Ad Hoc Networks
Flying Ad Hoc Networks (FANETs) composed of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) provide flexible and infrastructure-free communication that is applicable to disaster management, environmental monitoring, and surveillance. Nevertheless, the node mobility is high, and topology change is frequent, hence reliable routing and coordination are difficult. The bio-inspired optimization algorithms have been extensively explored to solve these problems because of their flexibility and decentralized character [1], [2]. This paper offers a comparative performance study of the Ant Colony Optimization (ACO), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) algorithms in the FANET settings. To simulate the behaviour of a UAV swarm in several terrains, such as mountain terrain, urban terrain, desert terrain, and ocean terrain, a MATLAB simulation framework is created. The algorithms are compared according to the convergence rate, network connectivity, stability, and optimization of the trajectory. The findings of the simulations suggest that PSO can converge much faster, ACO can give very effective path optimization, and ABC can be more adaptable in highly dynamic environments. The paper identifies trade-offs between the chosen algorithms and offers recommendations on appropriate algorithms to choose when using various FANET applications. Results can be used to design intelligent and energy-efficient coordination schemes for the future UAV networks.
How Digital Technologies Can Transform Logistics, Transport and Supply Chain Productivity and Enhance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa
Logistics and transportation systems constitute critical enablers of economic transformation, trade competitiveness, and regional integration. Across Africa, however, persistent inefficiencies in transport infrastructure, supply chain coordination, customs administration, and logistics management continue to increase trade costs and limit productivity growth. These structural constraints undermine industrial expansion, reduce global competitiveness, and impede progress toward sustainable development objectives. Recent advancements in digital technologies present new opportunities to address these challenges by enabling intelligent coordination, real-time visibility, predictive planning, and automated decision-making across logistics ecosystems. Despite growing global attention to digital transformation, there remains limited conceptual integration examining how digital technologies can simultaneously enhance logistics productivity and contribute to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within African contexts. This paper develops a comprehensive conceptual analysis of the transformative role of digital technologies in logistics, transportation, and supply chain systems across Africa. Drawing upon productivity theory, digital transformation theory, innovation diffusion theory, and supply chain integration perspectives, the study proposes a novel Digital Logistics–Sustainable Development Nexus framework explaining how technology adoption can generate economic, environmental, and social development outcomes. The analysis explores applications of artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, blockchain, big data analytics, intelligent transport systems, and digital freight platforms, highlighting their potential to reduce transaction costs, improve infrastructure utilization, enhance trade facilitation, and strengthen supply chain resilience. The paper argues that digital transformation of logistics systems can serve as a strategic pathway for accelerating industrialization, promoting regional trade integration, and advancing multiple SDGs, particularly those related to economic growth, infrastructure development, sustainable cities, responsible consumption, and climate action. However, achieving these benefits requires addressing structural barriers, including infrastructure deficits, regulatory fragmentation, skills shortages, and investment constraints. The study provides policy and strategic recommendations emphasizing digital infrastructure investment, institutional coordination, capacity development, and public–private collaboration. By integrating logistics productivity with sustainable development discourse, the paper contributes to emerging scholarship on digital transformation and economic development while offering actionable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders across Africa.
Digital Traceability Systems and Microbial Safety in Nigeria's Public Sector Procurement: A Theoretical and Literature Review
This study critically examines the role of digital traceability systems (DTS) in enhancing microbial safety within Nigeria’s public sector procurement, drawing on theoretical perspectives and a systematic literature review from 2020–2026. The analysis integrates Principal–Agent Theory, Supply Chain Risk Theory, and Digital Era Governance to conceptualise microbial safety as a governance-dependent outcome influenced by supply chain visibility, regulatory oversight, and supplier accountability. Empirical evidence from Nigerian and international contexts highlights persistent microbial risks in public procurement due to fragmented supply chains, inadequate infrastructure, and limited digital literacy, despite the proven efficacy of DTS in pilot interventions. The study synthesises these insights to propose a conceptual framework linking digital traceability, environmental monitoring, and regulatory integration as preventive mechanisms for microbial hazards. Key findings indicate that DTS can transform procurement from a reactive, compliance-focused process into a proactive, data-driven system, but successful implementation requires infrastructure investment, institutional alignment, and capacity-building. The study concludes with policy-oriented recommendations, advocating for systemic adoption of DTS, inter-agency coordination, and context-sensitive governance strategies to safeguard public health and improve the integrity of Nigeria’s procurement system.