The Sotsiologicheskiy Zhurnal is an open access peer reviewed Journal , aims to publish works that contribute to its specific field of research and that can serve as a reference for other research projects. The journal prioritizes the publication of original texts and completed research.
Critical Issues and Emerging Challenges of Urbanization: A Case Study in Guwahati City of Assam
Indian society has increasingly become urbanized.There were over 285 million people living in urban areas in India in 2001, spread throughout about 5,200 urban agglomerations. In 2011, it rose to about 380 million. It is projected that by 2030, more than 600 million of the 1.4 billion people on the planet may reside in urban regions. Urbanization is a normal phenomenon linked to population expansion. The present study tries to investigates the problems and difficulties that Guwahati city's urban residents confront and their satisfaction level living in the Guwahati city. The study is completely based on the primary sources of data and the findings of the study shows that overcrowding is the major challenge faced by the urban people in Guwahati city and waste management is the major and foremost environmental issue pressing in urban areas of Guwahati City. Furthermore, it is imperative that the government prioritizes addressing these issues and challenges to advance Guwahati's development into a smart city
Urbanization, issues, Challenges, Guwahati city, Assam.
Korea’s Entry into the Expanding European International Society: From the Treaty System to the Japanese Annexation
This article examines Korea's transition from a Sino-centric international society to its annexation by Japan in 1910, highlighting the injustices faced by the Korean people and the Joseon dynasty as a sovereign state. The study provides a historical context to understand Korea's struggle for justice within twentieth-century world politics. It begins by exploring the characteristics of the Sino-centric international society, centered around China, and its transformation under the influence of expanding European international society, characterized by institutions like sovereignty, diplomacy, and international law. The article critically analyzes the interactions between the East Asian and European systems, revealing how the European system's expansion marginalized Korea's voice and autonomy. It discusses the ideological and political dynamics of the Sino-centric tributary system and how the West-centric view overshadowed Korea's demand for justice. The study further delves into the geopolitical tensions between Qing China and Japan, examining how Korea's aspirations for sovereignty were compromised amidst regional power struggles and the imposition of European international norms, culminating in Korea's annexation by Japan. The article aims to shed light on Korea's historical struggle for justice, emphasizing the broader implications of international societal changes on weaker states.
Japanese Annexation, Korea, Korea’s entry. European International Society, Expansion of International Society
The Dynamics of Party Switching in Nigerian Politics: Institutional Weakness or Elite Ambition
Financial inclusion remains a critical driver of economic empowerment, particularly in rural communities where access to traditional banking services is limited. In recent years, financial technology (fintech) innovations such as mobile banking, agent banking, and digital payment platforms have emerged as transformative tools capable of bridging the financial access gap in developing economies. This study examined the role of fintech innovations in promoting financial inclusion and economic empowerment in rural communities across Southwestern Nigeria, focusing on selected towns in Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Oyo, and Ogun States. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was adopted, using a structured questionnaire administered to a hypothetical sample of 350 respondents drawn from 35 towns across the five states. Each town contributed ten respondents, resulting in seventy respondents per state. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression techniques. Hypothetical results revealed a statistically significant positive relationship between fintech innovation usage and financial inclusion (r = 0.68, p < 0.01), as well as between
Financial Inclusion, Economic Empowerment, Rural Nigeria, Southwestern Nigeria
Navigating Consumer Resistance: A Bibliometric Analysis of Innovation Resistance Theory and Future Research Directions
Now the world is moving forward towards digital era, therefore it is need of the hour to adopt technology and if people not doing so we need to understand the reason for that and the study of innovation resistance help in getting the reason for such behavior. The prime focus of this research is to understand consumer’s resistant behavior with special reference to Innovation Resistance Theory (IRT) by synthesizes the existing literature and developing futuristic research directions. The study adopted all four methods of bibliometric analysis along with triangulation approach for descriptive account of existing literature, creation of networks, three field plot, clusters and future research agenda– the data was extracted from the SCOPUS database by using relevant keywords. The findings reveal identification of an intellectual structure, which resulted in the formation of three clusters, namely: i) Barriers to Innovation and Technology Adoption, (ii) Breaking Barriers in Digital Finance Adoption, and (iii) The Paradox of Innovation Resistance. The theoretical model demonstrates dimensions, prerequisites and outcomes for future. This study contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive overview of past and current research on IRT, offering new perspectives for future studies. The findings also have significant implications for stakeholders, enhancing strategies for innovation management and technology adoption.
Consumer Resistance; Innovation Resistance Theory (IRT); Bibliometric; Triangulation Approach
Cross-Carpeting and Governance in Nigeria: Party Loyalty Versus Political Survival
Political defections have become a defining characteristic of Nigeria’s democratic experience since the return to civilian rule in 1999. While party switching is not inherently incompatible with democratic practice, its frequency and motivation in Nigeria raise serious concerns about democratic accountability, party institutionalization, and political stability. This article interrogates whether political defections in Nigeria are driven by genuine ideological realignment or by personal and strategic interests of political elites. Drawing on rational choice theory and party system institutionalization theory, the study argues that defections in Nigeria are overwhelmingly motivated by self-interest rather than ideological commitment. The article situates political defections within the broader context of weak party ideology, fragile internal party democracy, and declining public trust in political institutions. Existing empirical studies indicate that Nigerian political parties are largely indistinguishable in ideological orientation, rendering party affiliation a tactical instrument rather than a principled commitment. As a result, frequent defections undermine voter confidence, weaken opposition politics, and erode democratic accountability. The article further contends that the normalization of defections reflects deeper structural
A Comparative Analysis of Buhari and Tinubu’s Administrations on Tax Reforms: Implications for Nigeria’s Government and Politics (2019–2025)
Tax reform is central to Nigeria’s fiscal sustainability as the country grapples with declining oil revenues, high public debt, and increasing socio-economic demands. This paper compares the tax reforms undertaken during President MuhammaduBuhari’s second term (2019–2023) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s first years in office (2023–2025). Using qualitative content analysis based on official documents, policy briefs, expert commentary, and media reports, the study assesses the nature, scope, and impact of tax reforms during both administrations. The Buhari administration implemented incremental legislative adjustments through annual Finance Acts aimed at broadening the tax base, modernizing laws, and strengthening tax administration. In contrast, the Tinubu administration enacted sweeping and structural changes through the 2025 Nigerian Tax Reform Acts, introducing a unified tax code and restructuring tax institutions. The findings highlight both opportunities and challenges posed by these reforms, including their implications for federal-state relations, public trust, fiscal stability, and Nigeria’s broader political economy.
Tax reform,fiscal policy, Revenue Service,Finance Act.
Policing the Nigerian Police: Implications on Nigeria’s Security Architecture and Democratic Consolidation
The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) occupies a central position in Nigeria’s internal security framework and democratic governance structure, serving as the primary institution responsible for law enforcement, crime prevention, and the maintenance of public order. Despite this strategic role, the NPF remains one of the most controversial and distrusted public institutions in Nigeria, frequently associated with corruption, abuse of power, human rights violations, and weak accountability mechanisms. This paper interrogates the concept of “policing the police” and examines its implications for Nigeria’s security architecture and democratic consolidation. Anchored on democratic policing, institutional accountability, and security sector governance theories, the study argues that persistent failure to effectively regulate police conduct has undermined national security, weakened public trust in state institutions, and constrained democratic consolidation. Relying on qualitative analysis of secondary data drawn from academic literature, policy documents, and reports by human rights organizations, the paper demonstrates that weak internal and external oversight mechanisms have entrenched a culture of impunity within the police institution. The study further contends that ineffective police accountability has broader systemic consequences, including poor intelligence gathering, increasing militarization of internal security, the proliferation of non-state security actors, and the erosion of the rule of law. By situating police accountability within the broader discourse on security architecture and democratic governance, the paper contributes to existing scholarship by highlighting the interdependence between accountable policing, citizen trust, and democratic stability. The paper concludes that meaningful reform of Nigeria’s security architecture and the consolidation of democracy are unattainable without robust mechanisms to police the police, strengthen civilian oversight, and restore public confidence in law enforcement institutions.
Police Accountability; Nigerian Police Force; Security Architecture; Democratic Consolidation; Democratic Policing
Unifying Against the Climate Crisis: Assessing the African Union's Leadership in Coordinated Action across Member States
The African Union (AU) plays a crucial role in facilitating a unified response to the climate change crisis across its member states, but faces significant challenges in coordinating effective action. These challenges include weak institutional frameworks, diverse economic priorities, limited financial resources, inadequate technical expertise, fragmented climate policies, political instability, and insufficient stakeholder engagement. Despite these obstacles, the AU holds unique potential to lead the continent in addressing climate change due to Africa's vast renewable energy resources, biodiversity, and the opportunity for regional collaboration. This paper examines the key barriers that hinder the AU's effectiveness in facilitating a coordinated climate response and offers a series of recommendations aimed at overcoming these challenges. These include strengthening institutional capacity, harmonizing climate policies, mobilizing financial resources, enhancing technical expertise, and fostering multi-stakeholder engagement. By integrating climate resilience into its peace and security agenda and advocating for equitable global financing mechanisms, the AU can ensure a more unified and sustainable approach to climate change. The paper concludes that with the right institutional reforms and international cooperation, the AU can transform the climate crisis into an opportunity for long-term development and regional integration.
African Union, climate change, institutional capacity, climate policies, sustainable development
Hybrid Learning to Rank with Retrieval-Augmented Generation and Large Language (LTR-RAG-LLM) Framework for Context-Aware Information Retrieval
This study presented the Hybrid LTR-RAG-LLM framework, an innovative combination of learning-to-rank (LTR), retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and large language model (LLM) enhancement for context-sensitive information retrieval. We assess the framework using two benchmark datasets: MS MARCO (1,000,000 queries, 8.8 million passages, average query length of 7 words, average passage length of 60 words) and Natural Questions (NQ) (307,373 queries, 3.6 million documents, average query length of 9 words, average document length of 120 words). Experimental findings indicated that the suggested model reaches an NDCG@10 of 0.782 and an MRR of 0.804 on MS MARCO, reflecting a 9.8% advancement compared to LambdaMART (0.712 NDCG@10, 0.729 MRR), 5.0% over BERT Ranker (0.745 NDCG@10, 0.768 MRR), and 7.0% relative to RAG (0.731 NDCG@10, 0.751 MRR). In NQ, the framework achieves 0.765 NDCG@10 and 0.789 MRR, exceeding LambdaMART by 10.2%, BERT Ranker by 4.5%, and RAG by 6.4%. Precision@10 increases to 0.691 on MS MARCO and 0.672 on NQ, as opposed to 0.623 (LambdaMART), 0.652 (BERT), and 0.640 (RAG). The ablation analysis showed that LTR-only models attain 0.732 NDCG@10, RAG-only models hit 0.741, and hybrid combinations lacking complete integration stay under 0.760. The entire LTR-RAG-LLM framework reliably surpasses these alternatives, reaching 0.782 NDCG@10, 0.804 MRR, and 0.691 Precision@10. Regarding scalability, the baseline latency of 180 ms per query decreased to 150 ms using FAISS, 135 ms through knowledge distillation, and 125 ms via quantization, whereas a unified optimization approach achieved 120 ms latency without sacrificing accuracy. Error analysis demonstrated resilience across different query types: for long-tail queries, accuracy increased by 8-12%; for multi-hop queries, the model provided completely linked answers in contrast to partial baseline results; and for ambiguous queries, disambiguation accuracy rose by 15-20%. Fairness evaluation indicated a decrease in exposure bias from 18.5% (BERT Ranker) to 12.1% and a drop in the demographic skew index from 0.32 to 0.21, along with a rise in fairness-adjusted NDCG from 0.710 to 0.752. The Hybrid LTR-RAG-LLM framework sets a new benchmark by integrating accuracy (+9-10% improvement over traditional baselines), efficiency (120 ms delay), and fairness (34.6% decrease in bias). These results established the model as a scalable and ethically aligned option for future information retrieval systems.
Learning to Rank (LTR); Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG); Large Language Models (LLMs); Information Retrieval
Financial Inclusion and Economic Empowerment in Rural Southwestern Nigeria: The Role of Fintech Innovations
Financial inclusion remains a critical driver of economic empowerment, particularly in rural communities where access to traditional banking services is limited. In recent years, financial technology (fintech) innovations such as mobile banking, agent banking, and digital payment platforms have emerged as transformative tools capable of bridging the financial access gap in developing economies. This study examined the role of fintech innovations in promoting financial inclusion and economic empowerment in rural communities across Southwestern Nigeria, focusing on selected towns in Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Oyo, and Ogun States. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was adopted, using a structured questionnaire administered to a hypothetical sample of 350 respondents drawn from 35 towns across the five states. Each town contributed ten respondents, resulting in seventy respondents per state. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression techniques. Hypothetical results revealed a statistically significant positive relationship between fintech innovation usage and financial inclusion (r = 0.68, p < 0.01), as well as between financial inclusion and economic empowerment (r = 0.72, p < 0.01). Regression results further indicated that fintech innovations significantly predict economic empowerment outcomes among rural dwellers. The study concludes that fintech innovations play a vital role in enhancing financial inclusion and fostering economic empowerment in rural Southwestern Nigeria. It recommends increased policy support for fintech expansion, improved digital infrastructure, and targeted financial literacy programmes to deepen fintech adoption among rural populations.
Fintech Innovations, Financial Inclusion, Economic Empowerment, Rural Nigeria, Southwestern Nigeria
Financial Technology and Business Growth in Nigeria A Case Study of Coca-Cola Nigeria
This study examines the impact of financial technology (FinTech) on business growth in Nigeria, with Coca-Cola Nigeria as a case study. Using a survey-based methodology and simulated industry data, the research analyses the relationship between FinTech adoption, investment, and key business outcomes such as revenue growth and customer satisfaction. Findings indicate positive associations between FinTech adoption and revenue performance, and between FinTech investment and customer satisfaction. The study recommends strategic collaborations between multinational firms and local FinTech providers to deepen digital financial integration across distribution networks in Nigeria.
Re-Designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern: Security, Diplomatic and Developmental Implications
The 2025 re-designation of Nigeria as Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by the United States represents a pivotal moment in U.S.–Nigeria relations and carries broad implications for security, diplomacy, and development. The investigation adopted descriptive design, and the data used were mainly from secondary sources. The article examines the historical context of U.S. religious freedom policy, Nigeria’s multi-layered conflict landscape, and the drivers behind the CPC decision. Among these are text books, internet, and journals. It evaluates the implications for bilateral relations, security cooperation, investment flows, and Nigeria’s international reputation. The study argues that Nigeria’s religious freedom challenges cannot be divorced from structural drivers of insecurity-terrorism, banditry, land conflicts, and weak state capacity. While the designation introduces risks ranging from diplomatic strain to economic uncertainty, it also opens opportunities for profound governance reforms. The paper concludes with policy recommendations focusing on diplomacy, security sector reform, institutional strengthening, and economic diversification.
Religious freedom, Genocide, Foreign policy, Security, Diplomacy, Governance, Sanctions.
Effect of Fluorocarbon Based Water Repellent Finish on Cotton Handloom Fabrics
In the present era of fashion awareness and modernization, consumers are also familiar with the quality for which they are paying. They want variety in clothing, so there is a need for balance among different properties like aesthetic, protective, and cultural for all types of clothing. In the recent market, customers have a wide range of fabrics/textiles available at different prices. Amongst a wide variety of textiles, performance-based textiles are the fastest growing area of the textile sector in the world's modern textile market. It includes a wide range of new developments in fibers, textile coating & technology. But on the other side, our traditional handloom sector is facing various problems like no new product range, variety is very limited, finished products are very limited, and no technical inputs are developed. In this study, an attempt has been made to add a water-repellent feature to handloom fabrics through current technology
Handloom Sector, Rural Development, Handloom Fabric, Water Repellent Finishes, Water Repellent Fabrics.
Leadership Styles and Employee Engagement in Nigerian Financial Institutions: A Study of Zenith Bank, GT Bank, and Access Bank
This study explores the relationship between leadership styles and employee engagement in Nigerian financial institutions, focusing on three major banks—Zenith Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), and Access Bank. The study adopts a quantitative research design using a survey approach with structured Likert-scale questionnaires distributed among employees. Hypothetical data were used to analyze leadership dimensions (transformational, transactional, and laissez-faire) and engagement indicators (vigor, dedication, and absorption). Descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analyses were used to examine the relationships among variables. Findings reveal that transformational leadership has the strongest positive influence on employee engagement, fostering enthusiasm, creativity, and a sense of belonging among staff. Transactional leadership showed a moderate relationship, promoting compliance and performance through structured rewards. However, laissez-faire leadership had a negative effect, leading to disengagement and reduced motivation. The study concludes that leadership style significantly impacts employee engagement, recommending the adoption of transformational leadership strategies to enhance motivation and productivity across Nigerian financial institutions.
Leadership Styles, Employee Engagement, Nigerian Banks, Transformational Leadership, Transactional Leadership, Laissez-Faire Leadership
The Impact of Political Defections on Nigeria’s Democratic Stability: Ideology or Personal Interest
Political defections have become a defining characteristic of Nigeria’s democratic experience since the return to civilian rule in 1999. While party switching is not inherently incompatible with democratic practice, its frequency and motivation in Nigeria raise serious concerns about democratic accountability, party institutionalization, and political stability. This article interrogates whether political defections in Nigeria are driven by genuine ideological realignment or by personal and strategic interests of political elites. Drawing on rational choice theory and party system institutionalization theory, the study argues that defections in Nigeria are overwhelmingly motivated by self-interest rather than ideological commitment. The article situates political defections within the broader context of weak party ideology, fragile internal party democracy, and declining public trust in political institutions. Existing empirical studies indicate that Nigerian political parties are largely indistinguishable in ideological orientation, rendering party affiliation a tactical instrument rather than a principled commitment. As a result, frequent defections undermine voter confidence, weaken opposition politics, and erode democratic accountability. The article further contends that the normalization of defections reflects deeper structural problems within Nigeria’s political system, including elite dominance, the monetization of politics, and ineffective legal frameworks regulating party behavior. By critically engaging existing literature and contextual evidence, this study contributes to ongoing debates on democratic consolidation in Nigeria and offers insights into the institutional reforms necessary for strengthening party politics and democratic stability.
Political Defections, Democratic Stability, Party Ideology, Nigeria
An Evaluation of Chinese Military Training the Nigerian Military
Security of life and property is the cardinal objective of nations in their daily engagements. Therefore, governments make concerted efforts to ensure a society free from internal and external security challenges. To this end, they enter into various defence co-operations and pacts with technologically advanced nations with advanced military capabilities. International relations and politics are generally understood as a set of actions, reactions, and interactions between sovereign states, mediated by National Interest and their foreign policies. Training programs for Nigeria’s military and security personnel are a significant point of Nigeria-China security cooperation. Every year, the Nigerian military undertakes training programs in military operations across the Air Force, Army, and Naval Force. This work aims at answering the heart-wrenching question of: Is training by the Chinese Military for the Nigerian Military a worthy exercise? This paper examines the issues in Nigeria-China security cooperation. Secondary sources and thematic analysis were used. Also, the Marxian theory was used as a theoretical framework. It was discovered that Nigeria-China security cooperation has yielded appreciable outcomes with the protection of individual interests as the focal point of the parties.
Cooperation; Development; Security; Nigeria-China
Energy Accessibility and Consumption Patterns: Transitioning Towards Sustainable Solutions in Keffi Town, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Access to energy sources by households and institutions vary from region to region due to factors of availability, economic activities, population density and technological advancement of the region. This study has assessed the determinants of energy accessibility, use and preferences among households and institutions in Keffi Town, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The aim and objectives of this study are to ascertain the differences in the quantities of energy sources used by households, determine the preferences of each of the sources by the households, reasons for preferences for each of the energy sources, and the problems associated with the use of each of the energy source. A purposive sampling technique and Krejcie and Morgan (1970) table were used in determining 383 respondents that participated in this survey. Primary data were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The most commonly utilized energy source amongst households in Keffi is hydroelectric power (HEP), with 92 households (24.0%) relying on it. This significant figure highlighted a notable level of access to electric power, potentially reflecting infrastructure development in the area. Charcoal and fuelwood, the people’s traditional energy sources, remain prevalent, being used by 63 households (16.4%). This continuous reliance may be due to factors such as affordability, availability, or cultural practices. The major reasons for the preference for LPG was because it cooks faster, and kerosene has lower chances of fire accident than LPG. For fuel wood, preference was due to fast cooking, its availability and affordability, while that of charcoal was due to reason of reduced cases of fire accident. The major constraints militating against the use of different cooking energy sources, even when they are preferred, were scarcity, cost and risk of fire outbreak for LPG and HEP, while for fuel wood and charcoal, they emit high level GHGs and the fact that they also release a lot of black soot. There is need to implement incentive-based policies to encourage the use of LPG and HEP, through targeted subsidies and cost reduction.
Energy Consumption, Energy Efficiency, Consumption Preferences, Environmental Pollution, Energy Transition
NATO-Russia Relations and Political Stability in Post-Soviet States, 2000-2024
The relationship between NATO and Russia has been a complex and often contentious issue since the end of the Cold War. The struggles for spheres of influence and control in ex-Soviet territories between the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and Russia have become trending issues in the contemporary global arena. In the most recent decade, NATO-Russia relations have become aggressive; both parties are at loggerheads over NATO expansion in post-Soviet states. This study examines the role of NATO-Russia relations in the political stability of post-Soviet states between 2000 and 2024. Specifically, the study ascertained whether the use of sanctions and counter-sanctions by NATO and Russia to pursue strategic objectives escalated economic crises in post-Soviet states. This study adopted the ex-post facto research design and the Power theory to analyze data generated through the documentary method. Consequently, with the aid of comparative analysis integrated within the content analysis, the study concluded that the use of sanctions and counter-sanctions by NATO and Russia to pursue strategic objectives has escalated economic crises in post-Soviet states. The study recommended that NATO-Russia relations must be based on constructive engagement instead of employing sanctions and counter-sanctions as economic weapons.
: NATO-Russia Relations, Political Stability, Post-Soviets States, NATO Expansion and Security Concerns,
Deep Learning for Automated Crime Scene Reconstruction from 3D Imagery: Enhancing Forensic Accuracy and Urban Safety through Computer Vision
This research introduces a combined deep learning system for automated three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of crime scenes, aimed at improving forensic precision, efficiency, and clarity. The system combines Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), Transformer-based attention methods, and point-cloud encoders to handle multimodal data from LiDAR, structured-light, and photogrammetric origins. A collection of 500 reconstructed crime scenes was utilized to train and assess the model using cross-validation methods. Quantitative findings indicate a mean segmentation accuracy of 0.80, an average reconstruction error of 7.79 mm, and a mean Intersection over Union (IoU) of 0.813, exceeding conventional photogrammetric techniques that attained merely 0.68 accuracy and 12.84 mm error, reflecting a 39.3% enhancement in total reconstruction quality. The model additionally accomplished a decrease in processing time from 264 seconds to 128 seconds per scene while sustaining robustness in varying environments, with segmentation accuracy staying above 0.75 even in high occlusion and low-light situations. A comparative analysis of scan modalities indicated the best results for LiDAR-based reconstructions (0.812 accuracy, 7.12 mm error), whereas structured-light and photogrammetry reached accuracies of 0.754 and 0.802, respectively. Assessments of explainability through Grad-CAM, SHAP, and attention-weight visualization produced interpretability scores of 8.4, 8.9, and 9.2 (on a 10-point scale), validating the model’s transparency for forensic purposes. These findings show that the suggested CNN–Transformer fusion system offers a reliable, high-quality, and legally understandable process for digital forensic reconstruction, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 11 and 16 regarding safe and just institutions.
deep learning; 3D reconstruction; forensic science; computer vision; explainable AI; LiDAR; photogrammetry
Changing Trends of Traditional Knowledge System in Bathouism: A Descriptive Study
The Bathou is the traditional religion of the Bodos. The Bathou Bwrai, or Bwrai Bathou, is the supreme god and eighteen pairs of minor gods and goddesses are also worshipped. The Bodos have been practiced this age-old religion since earliest time with various cults and rituals. Bathou is considered one of the significant religions in North-East India and neighboring country like Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. This religion plays a significant role in the socio-cultural life of the Bodos. In ancient times, religious cults and rituals were almost similar and today, regional, social and political issues create differences among cults and rituals in Bathou religion. Currently, these trends of the traditional knowledge system of Bathouism are changing due to the impact of modern education and globalization. This paper explores the effects of globalization on the traditional knowledge systems of Bathouism, including its practices, cults, and rituals.
Bathou, globalization, traditional knowledge, cults and rituals, practice.
Preserving Freshness: Hot Water Treatment as an Alternative to Prevent Cold Damage in Stored Areca Nuts
To extract fat from plant materials, conventional solvent extraction and several emerging technologies, such as ultrasound, microwave, pulsed electric field, and high voltage electrical discharge either as a pretreatment method or assisted extraction are applied (Galanakis 2013). From the previous work, conventional solvent extraction wasused to extract fat [approximately 33–37% (w/w)] from the rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) seed kernel. The solvent-extracted fat is a white, soft solid at room temperature and contains oleic acid (C18:1; 36.8%) and arachidic acid (C20:0; 34.3%) as the main fatty acids (Sirisompong et al. 2011). The in vivo oral and skin irritation testing of rambutan fat has indicated that it is a non-toxic fat (Eiamwat et al. 2014). From our previous study (Mahisanunt 2016), the solvent fractionation of rambutan kernel fat successfully conducted and obtained the fractionated fats that had specific physical and chemical properties. Fractionation is a technique for changing the physical properties of fat by controlling the crystallizatio
acetone, hexane, ethanol, and isopropanol
Hot Water Dip: A Simple Pre-Storage Method to Improve Areca Nut Tolerance to Cold
The fat concentration in non-dairy liquid creamers can vary from 5 to 18% with melting temperatures of 35–42 °C (O’Brien 2009). The vegetable fats may comprise partially or fully hydrogenated oils with one or more of soybean oil, coconut oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, sunflower oil and blends thereof (Sher et al. 2013). However, using hydrogenated oils may have a negative impact on health, particularly partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) as these oils are a source of trans-fat which has been reported as a factor that significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (Dhaka et al. 2011). Moreover, the hydrogenation process of oils produces a number of spent metal catalyst wastes which could cause environment problems because of their hazardous nature (Hassan and Richter 2002). To overcome these concerns, nonhydrogenated vegetable fats contain natural saturated fatty acids could be an alternative ingredient for non-dairy creamer products. To extract fat from plant materials, conventional sol
Rambutan Kernel Olein-Based Non-Dairy Creamer: Effects of Emulsifier, Sterilization, and pH on Stability
In this work, the effects of the emulsifier con- centration, sterilization process, and pH on the properties and stability of the model liquid creamer were evaluated.Applying diacetyl tartaric acid ester of mono- and diglyc- erides or DATEM at a concentration of 0.3% (w/w) in the presence of 2% (w/w) sodium caseinate produced stable model liquid creamers (10% (w/w) rambutan kernel olein) with a small particle size (Zaverage & 200 nm) and a narrow size distribution range (PDI \ 0.24). These creamers were stable regarding creaming and coalescence, having non-flocculated particles and a constant flow behavior index (n) after sterilization using autoclaving (121 °C, 1.1 bar for 15 min) and during storage for 150 days at 25 °C. The model liquid creamers were unstable at pH values near the isoelectric point of caseinate (pH 4–5). However, these were stable after mixing with hot coffee solutions based on no observed feathering or sedi- mentation. The whitening performance of the model liquid creamers compared well with commercial ones. Non-hy- drogenated fat-based model non-dairy liquid creamer was successfully formulated using
Rambutan kernel olein · Non-dairy liquid creamer · Autoclave sterilization · Emulsion stability · Whitening performance
Optimizing Vitamin A Retention in Goat Milk Cheese: A Nutritional Approach
The deficiency in micronutrients is a public health problem, principally in lower-middle-income countries. Vitamin A (VA) is considered a micronutrient fundamental to the maintenance and development of different tissues in the organism. Therefore, it is an essential micronutrient in the human diet. In these terms, goat milk is the leading food consumed to provide nutritional support in innumerous lower-middle-income countries. Here our work aimed to produce goat cheese studying strategies to promote the retention of VA. Our experiment design also explores the use of the salting process to evaluate the levels of VA retention. The level of VA in goat cheese was determined using LC–MS/MS analysis. Additionally, the redox status of the goat cheese in terms of lipid peroxi- dation and protein oxidation was determined. The texture analysis was also evaluated to verify if the redox status and salting process influence the texture profile. The results showed that the salting process during goat cheese pro- duction improves the retention of VA in goat cheese
Goat cheese, Vitamin a, Salting process, Goat milk
Chilling Injury Control in Areca Nuts: A Strategy Employing Hot Water Therapy
Fresh areca nut is widely favored by consumers in South and Southeast Asia. However, postharvest areca nut perished quickly and was vulnerable to chilling injury (CI) and lignification during traditional cold storage. In order to alleviate this situation, hot water treatment was applied to investigate its effect on CI and lignification of fresh areca nut during cold storage at 13 °C. Areca nuts were submersed in hot water at 45 °C (HW45) and 50 °C (HW50) for short-term 5 min compared to fruit submersed in water at 20 °C (CT), then stored at 13 °C with 90% humidity for 60 days. CI, malondialdehyde (MDA), elec- trolyte leakage (EL), lignin and total phenolic content, related enzymes including phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) and peroxidase activity (POD) were examined. Results indicated that two HW treatments both induced chilling tolerance
nut is obtained from A. catechu tree which native West Malaysia
Clean Label Confectionery: Chokeberry Extract's Potential to Replace Synthetic Red Dyes in Jelly Candy Production
The comparative phytochemicals, antioxidativeand antidiabetic activities of Camellia sinensis (black tea) and Aspalathus linearis (rooibos tea) were studied in vitro and ex vivo. Concentrated infusions of the teas showed significant free radical scavenging activities in vitro. They significantly increased the glutathione level, superoxide dismutase and catalase enzyme activities in oxidative hepatic injury, while concomitantly depleting malondi- aldehyde level. The teas significantly inhibited intestinal glucose absorption and a-amylase activities, and elevated muscle glucose uptake. LCMS phytochemical profiling revealed the presence of hydroxycaffeic acid, lthreonate, caffeine, vanillic acid, n-acetylvalin
Antioxidants, Antidiabetics, Black tea, Rooibos tea, Type 2 diabetes
Enhancing Post-Harvest Quality of Areca Nuts: Using Heat Pre-treatment to Counteract Cold Stress
Fresh areca nut is widely favored by consumers in South and Southeast Asia. However, postharvest areca nut perished quickly and was vulnerable to chilling injury (CI) and lignification during traditional cold storage. In order to alleviate this situation, hot water treatment was applied to investigate its effect on CI and lignification of fresh areca nut during cold storage at 13 °C. Areca nuts were submersed in hot water at 45 °C (HW45) and 50 °C (HW50) for short-term 5 min compared to fruit submersed in water at 20 °C (CT), then stored at 13 °C with 90% humidity for 60 days. CI, malondialdehyde (MDA), elec- trolyte leakage (EL), lignin and total phenolic content, related enzymes including phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) and peroxidase activity (POD) were examined. Results indicated that two HW treatments both induced chilling tolerance and delayed lignification of areca nut to varying degrees
Areca nut · Chilling injury · Lignification · Cold storage · Total phenolic content
Mitigating Cold Storage Damage in Areca Nuts: The Efficacy of Hot Water Treatment
Fresh areca nut is widely favored by consumers in South and Southeast Asia. However, postharvest areca nut perished quickly and was vulnerable to chilling injury (CI) and lignification during traditional cold storage. In order to alleviate this situation, hot water treatment was applied to investigate its effect on CI and lignification of fresh areca nut during cold storage at 13 °C. Areca nuts were submersed in hot water at 45 °C (HW45) and 50 °C (HW50) for short-term 5 min compared to fruit submersed in water at 20 °C (CT), then stored at 13 °C with 90% humidity for 60 days. CI, malondialdehyde (MDA), elec- trolyte leakage (EL), lignin and total phenolic content, related enzymes including phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) and peroxidase activity (POD) were examined. Results indicated that two HW treatments both induced chilling tolerance and delayed lignification of areca nut to varying degre
Hot water treatment · Areca nut · Chilling injury · Lignification · Cold storage · Total phenolic conte
Thermal Conditioning of Areca Nuts: Reducing Chilling Injury through Hot Water Immersion
Fresh areca nut is widely favored by consumers in South and Southeast Asia. However, postharvest areca nut perished quickly and was vulnerable to chilling injury (CI) and lignification during traditional cold storage. In order to alleviate this situation, hot water treatment was applied to investigate its effect on CI and lignification of fresh areca nut during cold storage at 13 °C. Areca nuts were submersed in hot water at 45 °C (HW45) and 50 °C (HW50) for short-term 5 min compared to fruit submersed in water at 20 °C (CT), then stored at 13 °C with 90% humidity for 60 days. CI, malondialdehyde (MDA), elec- trolyte leakage (EL), lignin and total phenolic content, related enzymes including phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) and peroxidase activity (POD) were examined. Results indicated that two HW treatments both induced chillin
Hot water treatment · Areca nut · Chilling injury · Lignification · Cold storage · Total phenolic content