Spiru Haret University: Open Journal Systems
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Social Media Dependence and Exposure to Cyber-Stalking: The Role of Peer Acceptance, Peer Pressure, Childhood Neglect, and Depression among Adolescents
Full text link. Using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), this study investigated peer acceptance, peer pressure, childhood neglect, cyber-stalking, and depression as predictors of social media dependence among in-school adolescents in Ibadan, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling approach was employed to sample 508 adolescents from six randomly selected local government areas. Standardised instruments, including the Social Media Disorder Scale, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, and PHQ-9, were administered. The results revealed that peer pressure (β = .23, p < .001), childhood neglect (β = .17, p < .001), cyber-stalking (β = .25, p < .001), and depression (β = .26, p < .001) significantly and positively predicted social media dependence, while peer acceptance (β = –.16, p = .001) had a significant negative effect. Depression significantly mediated the relationships between the predictor variables and social media dependence, with all indirect paths statistically significant (e.g., peer pressure: β = .09, childhood neglect: β = .08, cyber-stalking: β = .06, peer acceptance: β = –.07; all p < .01). Moreover, peer acceptance moderated the relationship between peer pressure (β = -0.12; p = 0.001), childhood neglect (β = -0.09; p = 0.011), and cyber-stalking (β = -0.10; p = 0.006), indicating a buffering relationship. The structural model goodness-of-fit indices indicated good fit - χ²/df = 2.31, CFI = 0.957, TLI = 0.944, RMSEA = 0.051, SRMR = 0.042 - and accounted for 49% variance in social media dependence (R² = 0.491). This research demonstrates the intersection of social variables, emotion, and digital behaviours that affect adolescent behaviours, and underscores the need for targeted interventions promoting peer support and emotional regulation
A Historic-Contemporary Analysis of the Benefit-Sharing Agreement for South African Khoisan Rooibos Farmers
Full text linkThe Rooibos Benefit-Sharing Agreement (BSA) represents ethical and legal failure, perpetuating historical injustices against the Khoisan people, while maintaining the racial and economic monopoly of the Rooibos industry. The agreement functions as a superficial compliance mechanism with the Nagoya Protocol, failing to ensure meaningful economic redress for Rooibos's Traditional Knowledge Holders (TKH) rather than serving as a restorative justice and fair-trade instrument. This article critically examines the contradictions between the BSA and international legal frameworks, including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Nagoya Protocol, and access and benefit-sharing (ABS) principles. It argues that the agreement’s structure effectively excludes Khoisan Rooibos farmers from substantive participation in the Rooibos value chain, denying them control over their traditional knowledge and economic benefits. Despite being hailed as a landmark victory upon its implementation in 2019, the Rooibos BSA remains a mechanism of economic marginalization. Khoisan communities, whose traditional knowledge underpins the multi-billion-dollar Rooibos industry, receive a negligible share of industry profits, while historically privileged agribusinesses and multinational corporations retain dominance over production, processing, and international trade. This article critically analyses the agreement, the South African government's role in sustaining this inequitable framework, and its failure to enforce national and international legal obligations
Exploring Innovative Evaluation Strategies for Safety Education in Schools
Full text linkThis study explores innovative evaluation strategies for assessing the effectiveness of safety education programs in schools. Traditional methods of evaluation often rely on pre- and post-assessments or student surveys, which may fail to capture the broader impact of safety education on behavior, awareness, and long-term retention. This study examines alternate approaches to evaluation, including observational evaluations, peer assessments, digital portfolios, and real-time data-gathering technologies, such as mobile applications and gamified platforms. A descriptive design research methodology was used, using a mixed-methods approach that integrated qualitative data from interviews with educators and students with quantitative analysis derived from longitudinal surveys and behavioural monitoring. The results highlight the benefits of interactive and adaptive evaluation tools, which allow for continuous feedback and more personalised assessment of student engagement and learning outcomes. The research underscores the need to assess both information retention and the subsequent behavioural changes and mental reactions to safety instruction. The findings suggest that innovative, technology-enhanced evaluation strategies give an opportunity for extensive impact of safety programs, supporting the development of more effective and tailored educational interventions. The study contributes to the growing field of safety education by offering new perspectives on how to evaluate student learning in ways that foster deeper understanding and long-term safety awareness
CO2 EMISSIONS and MACROECONOMICS INDICATORS in EMERGING MARKET COUNTRIES
Full text linkThe increasing economic growth in emerging market countries has led to rising concerns about environmental sustainability, particularly CO2 emissions. This study aims to analyze the effect of GDP per capita, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and Government Expenditure on CO2 emissions in five emerging economies (Indonesia, India, China, Russia, and Brazil) during the 1998–2022 period using panel data analysis techniques. By applying the Chow and Hausman tests, the Fixed Effect Model (FEM) is identified as the best model for this study. The findings indicate that GDP per capita positively and significantly influences CO2 emissions, supporting the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis. Conversely, FDI has a negative and significant effect, aligning with the Pollution Halo Hypothesis, as foreign investments introduce environmentally friendly technologies. Similarly, Government Expenditure negatively and significantly influences CO2 emissions, highlighting the role of public spending in promoting sustainable infrastructure and reducing emissions. These findings suggest that sustainable economic growth, increased public spending on green projects, and incentivizing environmentally friendly FDI are essential for balancing economic growth and environmental sustainability in emerging economies
CHALLENGES of LEARNING and TEACHING in HIGHER EDUCATION: A Systematic Literature Review of the South African Context
Full text linkThis systematic literature review examines the multifaceted challenges of learning and teaching in South African higher education institutions (HEIs). South Africa's higher education landscape is characterised by a unique blend of historical legacies, socio-economic disparities, and a diverse student population, making it a compelling context for investigating the complexities of learning and teaching. Drawing upon a comprehensive search of peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings, and reports, this review synthesises key findings from the past decade (2012–2022) to shed light on the critical issues faced by HEIs. The review reveals several overarching challenges, which include historical inequalities, inadequate funding and infrastructure, and the demand for curriculum transformation to address 21st-century skills and align with labour market needs, which presents a considerable pedagogical challenge. The review underscores the importance of recognising diverse student backgrounds, languages, and learning preferences in promoting inclusive pedagogical approaches. Recommendations include addressing historical inequalities through targeted interventions, increased funding for HEIs, faculty development programmes, and leveraging technology to enhance access and engagement. In conclusion, this systematic literature review provides a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted challenges facing learning and teaching in South African higher education. It underscores the need for context-specific solutions to improve access, quality, and inclusivity in HEIs and calls for continued research and policy initiatives to address these critical issues
EVALUATION of INTERCITY PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICE QUALITY and PASSENGER PATRONAGE
Full text linkThe study assessed the level of customer satisfaction with the quality of services offered by the main intercity public transport companies on the Owerri-Lagos and Owerri-Abuja travel routes in Nigeria. The study's objectives were to establish the level of patronage for intercity public transport providers and evaluate the level of service these providers offer on the assigned routes. To collect primary data, a survey instrument called a questionnaire was employed. Utilising the SERQUAL model of service quality, the study assessed respondents' pre-service and post-service quality expectations and views. Eight key intercity public transport operatives that transport the most intercity passengers through Owerri-Abuja and Owerri-Lagos routes were investigated, in addition to representing the long-distance intercity ways with the topmost demand for intercity journeys from Owerri. The following operators were selected for the study, namely, ABC Transport, LIBRA Motors, Young Shall Grow Motors, Heartland Travels, EKESONS Transport, GUO Transport, CHISCO Transport, and God is Good Motors (GIGM). Descriptive, inferential, and SERQUAL gap models were used to assess the gathered information. The major intercity public transport service operators' mean coefficient of service quality on the Owerri-Lagos and Owerri-Abuja routes is 23.6%, which suggests that their services are of low quality. However, GIGM received the highest service quality score (31.3%), indicating that individual operators in the sample offer services of disproportionately high quality. Additionally, the findings show that the mean daily patronage (MPAR) of 117.72 people was collected by the operators of intercity public transport services. The analysis also shows a substantial relationship between the amount of demand for intercity travel through specific operators and the quality of intercity public transport services. Individual operators must raise the calibre of their intercity travel services since there is a chance that giving the highest calibre of services and value to clients may increase demand for intercity travel
The: The Case of One Village in Limpopo Province: Towards Empowerment
No full textThe study offers preliminary findings on the research project that was undertaken at One village in Limpopo Province. It was investigating the impact of the mining activity at one village whose residents languish in abject poverty notwithstanding that the mining sector in Limpopo Province are 108 and generates an annual revenue of R237,7 billion. Most villagers are victims of colonialism that created illusions such as that of education and Christian church to stunt and de-inferioritise villagers into believing the absurdity that the reason they are poor is because they lack knowledge and faith that God will intervene while the mining sector keeps eating away and contaminating their socio-ecological spaces. The results show that villagers are generationally stunted and de-inferioritised leading to years of inactivity. Agricultural and animal husbandry activities are history. Naturally growing fruits such as bananas, mango, avocados have been lost to a community that relies on social grants to survive. This has led to my new research which is community-driven I call Vukuzakhe research method. This method consists of various workshops of which the first two are dedicated to de-stunting and de-inferioritising the villagers.Socio-ecological spaces, Mining Activity, Agricultural activity, Animal husbandry, educatio
Bridging the Innovation Gap for Sustainable Development : Romania’s Position in the European Innovation Ecosystem
Full text linkBackground: Romania remains the EU’s lowest-performing country in innovation, classified as an “emerging innovator” in the European Innovation Scoreboard. This paper explores the sustainability implications of this innovation gap by assessing Romania’s position within the EU innovation ecosystem. Methods: Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines quantitative analysis of key indicators—such as R&D intensity, intellectual property output, digitalization, and entrepreneurial activity—with qualitative evaluation of policy documents and institutional frameworks. Results: The results reveal persistent structural deficiencies, including chronic underinvestment in research and development, weak university-industry collaboration, and limited innovation commercialization. While Romania has made progress in digital infrastructure—achieving broadband penetration above the EU average—and improved some aspects of research quality, these advances are undermined by declining public R&D funding, low venture capital availability, and high brain drain. The findings suggest that Romania’s innovation gap poses significant challenges to achieving sustainable economic growth and alignment with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure). Closing this gap will require integrated policy reforms, long-term investment strategies, and institutional modernization. Conclusions: The paper concludes that fostering a stronger innovation ecosystem is essential for enhancing Romania’s competitiveness, resilience, and sustainable development trajectory within the EU.România rămâne țara cu cele mai slabe performanțe în domeniul inovației din Uniunea Europeană, fiind clasificată drept „inovator emergent” în European Innovation Scoreboard. Această lucrare explorează implicațiile pentru sustenabilitate ale acestui decalaj de inovare, prin evaluarea poziției României în cadrul ecosistemului european de inovare.
Metode: Folosind o abordare mixtă, studiul combină analiza cantitativă a unor indicatori cheie – precum intensitatea cheltuielilor de cercetare-dezvoltare (R&D), producția de proprietate intelectuală, digitalizarea și activitatea antreprenorială – cu evaluarea calitativă a documentelor de politici și a cadrului instituțional.
Rezultate: Rezultatele evidențiază deficiențe structurale persistente, inclusiv subfinanțarea cronică a cercetării și dezvoltării, colaborarea slabă dintre universități și industrie, precum și comercializarea limitată a inovației. Deși România a înregistrat progrese în infrastructura digitală – atingând o penetrare a conexiunilor broadband peste media UE – și a îmbunătățit anumite aspecte ale calității cercetării, aceste avansuri sunt subminate de scăderea finanțării publice pentru R&D, de disponibilitatea redusă a capitalului de risc și de intensitatea fenomenului de „brain drain” (exod de creiere).
Constatările sugerează că decalajul României în domeniul inovării reprezintă o provocare semnificativă pentru atingerea unei creșteri economice sustenabile și pentru alinierea la Obiectivele de Dezvoltare Durabilă 2030, în special ODD 8 (Muncă decentă și creștere economică) și ODD 9 (Industrie, inovare și infrastructură).
Concluzii: Lucrarea concluzionează că dezvoltarea unui ecosistem de inovare mai solid este esențială pentru creșterea competitivității, rezilienței și traiectoriei de dezvoltare durabilă a României în cadrul Uniunii Europene
HARNESSING SOLAR ENERGIE TECHNOLOGIES: A response to the energy crisis
Full text linkGlobally, harnessing solar energy technology, managing costs, depletion and pollution has become a topical theme. The study examined factors that determine solar energy technology (SET) adoption readiness by sampling 1510 households in South Africa, Botswana, Malawi, Seychelles, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Targeted user identifiers and capabilities improved perceived economic value of solar energy technology were established. Several perceived economic values, barriers and drivers were established as factors determining readiness of a society to adopt solar energy technologies. A model to determine solar energy technology adoption readiness was developed. The study recommended the need for government energy policies that promotes affordability of solar energy technologies. Furthermore, the issue of perceived uncertainty, beliefs about consequences and consumer asymmetric require interventions by development agencies and solar energy companies. Furthermore, there is need for e-platforms and mobile platforms to provide critical information of servicing, installation, backups and the creation of information hubs and innovation hubs
Implementing e-Health initiatives in Zimbabwe’s public health sector
Full text link The Zimbabwean government has instigated various policies and strategies as part of e-government initiatives to provide members of the public with convenient access to health information and services. Efforts have been made to embrace ICTs in Zimbabwe’s public health sector. The performance of health institutions in Zimbabwe however continues to deteriorate at a time when the use of ICTs in health is gaining momentum in Africa. This paper therefore seeks to assess the implementation of the E-health strategy revealing the current state of e-health or digital technology systems in Zimbabwe’s public hospitals. The study adopted an exploratory research design. Participants in this study were selected using purposive sampling. Data were gathered through participant observations, in-depth interviews and documentary research. The study established that even though e-health is an indispensable tool in improving quality, timely and cost effective health care, its implementation in Zimbabwe has not been easy and it is still in its infancy stages. The study concluded that e-health is a reliable tool for promoting successful and effective public health service provision in Zimbabwe. The study therefore reflects and proposes elements necessary for the successful implementation of e-health in Zimbabwe’s public health sector