Vol 14 Issue 3 July 2026-September 2026

Abstract: Vegetable oils are valuable sources of energy and essential fatty acids, making them important components of human nutrition and various industrial products. Their quality is influenced by processing methods, particularly refining. Analyses of crude and processed oil extracted from Adzuki beans (Vigna angularis) seeds were carried out to establish the effect of processing on identity and quality characteristic of the oils. The crude oil was subjected to refining process: degumming, neutralisation, and bleaching. There was no remarkable difference in the Specific Gravity, refractive index and moisture content of the crude and processed oils. However, there is slight increase in Smoke Point (°C) (110 ± 0.12-115 ± 0.31), Flash Point (°C) (121 ± 0.50-131 ± 0.63), Fire Point (°C) (125±0.20-138 ± 0.35) and a slight decrease in Colour (unit) (22.00±0.20-15.00±0.15) of the oil samples. Free fatty acid (% Linoleic) (0.58±0.02-0.12±0.01), Acid Value (mg/KOH/g oil) (1.18±0.01-0.24±0.05), Peroxide Value (meq Peroxide/kg) (12.05±0.05-10.05±0.01), Saponification Value (mg/KOH/g oil) (195.05±0.05–190.05±0.01) and increase in Iodine Value (105.00±0.03-112.00±0.23) while there is an increase in the value of Palmitic acid (22.05-23.05%), Stearic (56.05-56.91%), Lauric (1.05- 1.45%) Oleic (78.60-80.50%), Linoleic (18.50-21.48%), Linolenic (16.58-16.65%) as the crude oil was processed to bleached oil. The oil high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids, high iodine value and low free fatty acid content are all attribute that qualify oil to be safe for consumption. The oil quality will be further enhanced if it is processed to deodorisation.

Keywords: Extraction, Degumming, Fatty acid, Neutralisation, Physicochemical, Vigna Angularis, Seed oil.

Title: EFFECT OF PROCESSING ON THE PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND FATTY ACID COMPOSITION OF (Vigna angularis) Adzuki Bean SEED OIL

Author: Jide Alfred O., Aladejimokun A.O., Karimu O. A., Victor-Osanyinlusi Remi

International Journal of Life Sciences Research

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

Vol. 14, Issue 3, July 2026 - September 2026

Page No: 52-59

Research Publish Journals

Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 30-July-2026

Abstract: Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems globally, yet they continue to experience rapid degradation due to agricultural expansion and urbanization. This study examined land use and land cover (LULC) dynamics and wetland conversion in the Rugeramigozi Wetland, Muhanga District, Rwanda, over a 30-year period (1993–2023). Specifically, the study assessed the magnitude and spatial patterns of LULC change, identified the principal drivers of wetland transformation, and evaluated the associated impacts on ecosystem services and environmental conditions. A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating multi-temporal Landsat satellite imagery with secondary institutional data. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing techniques were applied to supervised land cover classification, change detection, and classification accuracy assessment, while the Driver–Pressure–State–Impact–Response (DPSIR) framework guided the analysis of interactions between anthropogenic drivers, environmental pressures, ecological changes, and management responses. The results revealed a pronounced and continuous transformation of the Rugeramigozi Wetland from a predominantly natural ecosystem to an intensively human-modified landscape. Wetland vegetation declined from 52.4% (approximately 111 ha) in 1993 to 8.9% (approximately 14.5 ha) in 2023, representing a net loss of 43.5 percentage points over the study period. In contrast, agricultural land expanded from 34.6% to 74.3%, becoming the dominant land use and the primary driver of wetland conversion. Built-up areas increased from 4.2% to 13.6%, reflecting accelerated urban expansion, while water bodies decreased from 6.8% to 2.1%, indicating substantial hydrological alteration. Vegetation condition also deteriorated considerably, with the mean Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) declining from 0.62 in 1993 to 0.40 in 2023, signifying reduced vegetation vigor, biomass, and ecosystem productivity. The findings demonstrate that sustained agricultural intensification and urban development have substantially altered the ecological integrity of the Rugeramigozi Wetland, threatening its capacity to provide critical ecosystem services. The study recommends strengthening wetland governance through stricter enforcement of land-use regulations, improved wetland boundary demarcation and continuous monitoring using GIS and Remote Sensing technologies, promotion of sustainable agricultural practices within wetland buffer zones, and enhanced community participation in wetland conservation. Implementing these measures is critical for restoring ecosystem functions, enhancing climate resilience, sustaining local livelihoods, and advancing Rwanda's Vision 2050 and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6, 11, 13, and 15.

Keywords: Wetland Conversion, Land Use, Land Cover Dynamics, Rugeramigozi Wetland, Muhanga District.

Title: Assessing Wetland Conversion and Land Use/Land Cover Dynamics in Rugeramigozi Wetland, Muhanga District

Author: Dushimimana Dancille, Assoc. Prof Isaac Olajide AREO

International Journal of Life Sciences Research

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

Vol. 14, Issue 3, July 2026 - September 2026

Page No: 34-51

Research Publish Journals

Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 24-July-2026

Abstract: Background: Hypertension is a global health issue characterised by elevated blood pressure levels, leading to an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Insulin resistance is the inability of the liver, adipose tissue, and skeletal muscle to respond to insulin. Several prior studies have reported a correlation between impaired insulin sensitivity and elevated inflammatory markers. These conditions are believed to be associated with increased risk of incident hypertension by promoting endothelial dysfunction and inflammatory processes.

Objective: The current study aimed to investigate the association between insulin resistance (IR) and multiple inflammatory biomarkers in hypertensive patients.

Materials and methods: In this case-control study, 150 volunteers with normotension and 150 hypertensive patients participated. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure serum levels of insulin, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and interleukin–6 (IL-6). Body mass index (BMI) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were computed. To ascertain the relationship between insulin levels and HOMA-IR with the pro-inflammatory indicators, logistic regression analysis was employed.

Results: Hypertensive individuals had significantly higher P values (P < 0.05) and higher serum levels of hs-CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α compared with normotensive volunteers. Elevated insulin levels and HOMA-IR index were also markedly observed (P < 0.001). Furthermore, positive correlations were found between insulin levels and the HOMA-IR index and inflammatory biomarkers (P < 0.05), but no association was found between IL-6 levels and the HOMA-IR index (P = 0.119). 

Conclusion: Hypertensive patients have significantly elevated levels of hs-CRP, TNF-a, and IL-6, which may be crucial in the pathophysiology and development of hypertension. These levels are also markedly correlated with high levels of insulin and HOMA-IR index among hypertensive patients.

Keywords: Insulin, hs-CRP, TNF-a; IL-6; hypertension, Iraqi population.

Title: Relationship between inflammatory biomarkers and insulin resistance in Iraqi hypertensive patients

Author: Layth A. Al-Fahham, Baraa Adil Hadi_, Majid Kadhum Hussain

International Journal of Life Sciences Research

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

Vol. 14, Issue 3, July 2026 - September 2026

Page No: 27-33

Research Publish Journals

Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 07-July-2026

Abstract: Agroforestry is increasingly recognized as an effective strategy for promoting environmental sustainability and improving the livelihoods of rural households through income diversification and enhanced resilience. This study assessed the impact of agroforestry diversification on the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Nyanza District, Rwanda. Specifically, it examined the extent of agroforestry diversification, identified livelihood outcomes among smallholder households, and evaluated the relationship between agroforestry adoption and livelihood improvement. A mixed-methods research design was employed. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to 396 smallholder farmers selected from the sectors of Busasamana, Cyabakamyi, Nyagisozi, and Rwabicuma. Qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with key informants, including agricultural extension officers and cooperative leaders. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with SPSS version 20, while qualitative data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. The findings reveal that agroforestry diversification has a significant positive effect on household livelihoods. A strong positive correlation was established between agroforestry diversification and livelihood outcomes (r = 0.819, p < 0.01), indicating that increased adoption of diversified agroforestry practices is associated with improved household welfare. Respondents reported that agroforestry substantially increased income diversification (mean = 4.54), strengthened food security, and enhanced resilience to climate variability. The integration of trees with agricultural production enabled households to access multiple income sources while improving environmental sustainability and reducing vulnerability to climatic shocks. The study concludes that agroforestry diversification is an effective approach for improving the socio-economic well-being of rural households in Nyanza District. To maximize its benefits, the study recommends strengthening land tenure policies to encourage long-term investment in agroforestry, improving farmers' access to quality tree seedlings and technical extension services, and enhancing community participation in agroforestry initiatives. These measures are expected to promote sustainable rural development, increase household resilience, and contribute to national efforts toward climate-smart agriculture and poverty reduction.

Keywords: Agroforestry Diversification, Livelihoods, Nyanza District, Rwanda.

Title: Assessing the Impact of Agroforestry Diversification on Livelihoods in Nyanza District, Rwanda (Period: 2014-2024)

Author: UWAMAHORO Jeaninne, Dr. Aboubakar GASIRABO

International Journal of Life Sciences Research

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

Vol. 14, Issue 3, July 2026 - September 2026

Page No: 14-26

Research Publish Journals

Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 06-July-2026

Abstract: The public sector is facing profound challenges as a result of demographic change, an acute shortage of skilled labor, and increasing societal expectations regarding transparency, efficiency, and innovation. Empirical studies indicate that the work motivation of public sector employees often lags behind that of their counterparts in the private sector, largely due to rigid hierarchical structures, limited career development opportunities, and the absence of performance-oriented incentive systems. At the same time, approximately one-third of the public workforce is expected to retire by 2030, further intensifying the need for strategic action.

Against this backdrop, this article examines how motivation and organizational performance in the public sector can be systematically enhanced. Theoretical frameworks such as Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory suggest that sustainable motivation is driven less by monetary incentives than by meaningful work, autonomy, recognition, and opportunities for professional development. Building on the principles of New Public Management, participatory leadership approaches, life-phase-oriented human resource strategies, and intergenerational development programs are identified as key levers for strengthening employee engagement and performance.

Furthermore, the analysis demonstrates that data-driven management instruments, including Performance-Based Budgeting, international benchmarking systems, and the targeted application of generative artificial intelligence, can generate substantial efficiency gains when supported by a learning-oriented organizational culture. To address these challenges, the concept of Adaptive Performance Governance is introduced as an integrated management framework that combines technological innovation, decentralized decision-making, tolerance for experimentation and failure, and continuous competence development.

The findings highlight that a future-ready public administration can only be achieved through the interaction of modern leadership, motivation-enhancing working conditions, and continuous professional development. Such an approach not only strengthens organizational performance and innovation capacity but also enhances the attractiveness of the public sector as an employer, thereby ensuring its long-term sustainability and effectiveness.

Keywords:  Public Administration, New Public Management (NPM), Performance Improvement, Adaptive Performance Governance, Public Sector Modernization Framework, Agile Budgeting, Public Sector Innovation, Organizational Performance, Digital Transformation.

Title: Enhancing Performance in Public Administration

Author: Karl-Heinz Dieser

International Journal of Life Sciences Research

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

Vol. 14, Issue 3, July 2026 - September 2026

Page No: 1-13

Research Publish Journals

Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 06-July-2026