Vol 14 Issue 4 October 2026-December 2026

Abstract: Heartworm disease, caused by Dirofilaria immitis, remains a significant veterinary concern in tropical environments. This study investigates the correlation between physical traits, rearing conditions, and heartworm infection risks in domestic pets, providing a direct comparison between established veterinary theories and empirical survey results. Data were collected via Google Forms from 110 domestic pets (65.5% dogs, 34.5% cats) in Thailand. Theoretically, long-coated pets and indoor environments are associated with lower transmission rates due to physical barriers and reduced vector exposure. However, empirical survey results revealed a notable 30.0% infection history and 43.6% active clinical symptoms within the sample. While indoor rearing (33.6%) aligned with theoretical protections, the high prevalence in semi-indoor/outdoor (47.3%) and outdoor (19.1%) setups emphasized a critical gap where environmental management fails to prevent mosquito contact. Furthermore, medium and long-coated pets comprised 73.6% of the sample, demonstrating that longer fur often masks active vector feeding on exposed anatomical regions, contrasting with the common misconception of total physical immunity. This comparative analysis underscores the necessity of combining structural environmental controls with mandatory medical prophylaxis rather than relying solely on theoretical physical protections.

Keywords: Heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis, Comparative Analysis, Physical Characteristics, Rearing Environment, Domestic Pets.

Title: A Study on Physical Characteristics and Environmental Factors Associated with the Risk of Heartworm Infections in Domestic Pets: A Comparison between Theory and Survey Results

Author: Phimrada Sumontha

International Journal of Life Sciences Research

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

Vol. 14, Issue 4, October 2026 - December 2026

Page No: 56-58

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Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 30-October-2026

Abstract: This study assessed how hotel occupancy rates contribute to income generation, employment creation, and business growth in Musanze District, Rwanda. Despite the district’s tourism potential, the extent to which hotel occupancy translates into local economic benefits requires further empirical investigation. Guided by Modernization Theory and Service-Dominant Logic, the study adopted a descriptive and correlational research design within a mixed-methods approach. The target population comprised 2,500 hospitality stakeholders, from whom a sample of 345 respondents was determined using Yamane’s (1967) formula. Stratified random and purposive sampling techniques were employed. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis in SPSS, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The findings revealed that 93.4% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that higher hotel occupancy rates increase income generation. Hotel occupancy rates also demonstrated a strong, positive, and statistically significant correlation with socio-economic development (r = 0.829, p < 0.01). The findings further suggested that increased hotel demand can support employment creation and business growth through greater demand for labour, local products, and services. However, the reported correlation does not independently establish the causal effects of occupancy rates on these outcomes. The study concludes that hotel occupancy rates are an important indicator of hospitality sector performance and can contribute to income generation, employment creation, and business growth in Musanze District. It recommends strengthening hotel marketing strategies, partnering with tour operators, improving service delivery, and promoting linkages between hotels and local suppliers to enhance occupancy rates and maximize local economic benefits.

Keywords: Hotel Occupancy Rates; Income Generation; Employment Creation; Business Growth; Musanze District, Rwanda.

Title: Assessing how Hotel Occupancy Rates Contribute to Income Generation, Employment Creation, and Business Growth in Musanze District, Rwanda

Author: Mutesi Rona, Dr. Charles Aloo

International Journal of Life Sciences Research

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

Vol. 14, Issue 4, October 2026 - December 2026

Page No: 48-55

Research Publish Journals

Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 28-October-2026

Abstract: Currently, Thailand has a high pet ownership rate, with the registered pet population reaching 5.8 million, excluding unregistered animals. Compared to the total human population in Thailand, this accounts for a ratio of approximately 1 in 11.4. Pet owners often form strong emotional bonds with their pets, treating them as family members or their own children. However, pets—primarily dogs and cats—have an average lifespan of only 13 years. When pets become ill or approach the end of their lives, some owners observe behavioral changes that are often interpreted as a final farewell, similar to the "terminal lucidity" phenomenon observed in humans. This research aims to examine the behavioral patterns of pets prior to their death and the relationship between owners and their pets. A survey methodology was conducted using a questionnaire administered to owners of deceased pets. The questionnaire comprised four main sections: basic pet demographic data, pet behavioral patterns prior to death, the degree of the owner-pet relationship, and the owners' perceptions regarding their pets' behaviors. The findings indicate that a majority of respondents reported a high level of owner-pet relationship (53.49%), which corresponded with a high to highest degree of observable behavioral changes in pets (39.59%–46.51%). Although 53.49% of owners did not perceive the behavioral changes specifically as a "farewell" and 60.47% did not observe a noticeable temporary improvement in their pets' condition before death, they still recognized behavioral shifts indicating the pets were attempting to communicate something. Therefore, diligent observation of pet behavior by owners may facilitate the early detection of illness or injury, enabling timely intervention before it is too late.

Keywords: Human-Animal Bond, Pre-Death Pet Behavior, Terminal Lucidity, End-of-Life Pet Care, Pet-Owner Communication.

Title: End-of-Life Behaviors in Pets and Their Association with Human Terminal Lucidity: An Owner-Reported Survey in Thailand

Author: Kwanchanok Pengthong, Siriphitcha Arthan

International Journal of Life Sciences Research

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

Vol. 14, Issue 4, October 2026 - December 2026

Page No: 43-47

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Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 27-October-2026

Abstract: Pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) is a quantitative trait influenced by seed dormancy, hormone metabolism and germination-associated pathways. Ten rice genotypes contrasting for PHS response were evaluated during Kharif 2025, and resistant and susceptible groups were characterized using physiological, biochemical and molecular approaches. Five major QTLs were detected on chromosomes 1, 3, 6, 7 and 11, with qPHS7 showing the largest phenotypic effect (LOD 9.84; PVE 32.6%). SDR4, OsNCED5, ABI3 and ABI5 showed higher expression in resistant material, whereas GA20ox2,

GA3ox and α-amylase were higher in susceptible material. Resistant alleles of SDR4, OsNCED5,

ABI3 and ABI5 were significantly enriched in resistant genotypes. RNA-seq identified 943 differentially expressed genes, supporting enhanced ABA-associated dormancy and reduced GA- and carbohydrate-associated germination in resistant material. The integrated results identify candidate molecular components for further validation and breeding use.

Keywords: rice; pre-harvest sprouting; seed dormancy; QTL; SDR4; ABA; gibberellin; RNA-seq; candidate genes.

Title: Integrated QTL, Candidate-Gene and Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals Molecular Networks Underlying Pre-Harvest Sprouting Resistance in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Author: Siddhartha Biswas, Dr. Nitin B. Mehetre

International Journal of Life Sciences Research

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

Vol. 14, Issue 4, October 2026 - December 2026

Page No: 34-42

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Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 13-October-2026

Abstract: Modern contraceptive use is an effective strategy for preventing unintended pregnancies among adolescent girls and young women. However, its utilization is influenced by socio-demographic, cultural, and behavioral factors. This study assessed the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding modern contraceptive use and identified factors associated with its utilization among adolescent girls aged 15–19 years in Muhanga District, Rwanda. A cross-sectional study design was employed among 398 adolescent girls selected using the Yamane formula. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were conducted to examine factors associated with modern contraceptive use. Ethical approval and informed consent procedures were observed before data collection. The mean age of respondents was 17.3 years, with those aged 18 years constituting the largest proportion (29.2%). Most respondents were attending secondary school (60.1%), were Catholic (44.2%), lived with parents or guardians (91.2%), and were covered by Mutuelle de Santé (97.2%). Overall, 56.2% of respondents had a high level of knowledge about modern contraceptive use, while 29.1% had a low level of knowledge. Regarding attitudes, 69.3% demonstrated a positive attitude toward modern contraceptive use, whereas 36.1% demonstrated a negative attitude. The prevalence of lifetime modern contraceptive use was 33.4%. Bivariate analysis identified significant associations between contraceptive use and age, living arrangement, awareness of risks associated with unprotected sex, and discussion of sexual and reproductive health. In multivariable logistic regression, age, awareness of risks associated with unprotected sex, and discussion of sexual and reproductive health remained significant independent predictors of modern contraceptive use. The findings indicate that despite relatively high knowledge and generally positive attitudes, modern contraceptive use among adolescent girls remains limited. Strengthening adolescent-friendly reproductive health services in schools and health facilities, with emphasis on accessibility, confidentiality, accurate information, and supportive communication, may contribute to increased contraceptive uptake and reduced unintended and teenage pregnancies.

Keywords: KAP, Modern Contraceptive, Adolescent Girls, Southern Province, Rwanda.

Title: Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Modern Contraceptive Use among Adolescent Girls in Muhanga District, Rwanda

Author: NYIRARUKUNDO LEONILLE, Dr. Japheths OGENDI

International Journal of Life Sciences Research

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

Vol. 14, Issue 4, October 2026 - December 2026

Page No: 21-33

Research Publish Journals

Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 13-October-2026

Abstract: Background: Axillary web syndrome (AWS) is a postoperative complication of breast cancer surgery associated with cord-like structures, pain, restricted shoulder movement and impaired upper-limb function. Existing syntheses have largely focused on whether physiotherapy works or which modality performs best; less attention has been given to initiation timing, dose, progression, supervision, adherence and recovery trajectory.

Objective: To evaluate exercise-based and multimodal rehabilitation for AWS, emphasizing timing, therapeutic dose, progression, treatment exposure and recovery trajectory, and to develop an evidence-informed Axillary Web Syndrome Precision Rehabilitation Framework (AWS-PReF).

Methods: The review is designed according to PRISMA 2020. Eligible interventions include therapeutic exercise, active/assisted ROM, stretching, progressive resistance, functional exercise, home/supervised programs and multimodal rehabilitation containing an active physical component. Planned sources are MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, CENTRAL, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus and PEDro, supplemented by trial registries and citation searching. FITT-PRO characterizes Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type, Progression, Rehabilitation context and Onset. RoB 2 and GRADE are planned.

Current evidence synthesis: Contemporary randomized evidence supports active rehabilitation as a central component of conservative AWS management. Improvements have been reported in pain, shoulder ROM, disability and recovery trajectory. Selected manual, lymphatic and scar-directed adjuncts may add benefit, but differences in treatment exposure complicate causal attribution. A 2026 network meta-analysis identified 14 RCTs involving 1,007 participants and 11 intervention categories while highlighting sparse networks, heterogeneity and model-dependent findings.

Conclusion: The unresolved question is increasingly not simply whether physiotherapy works, but how AWS rehabilitation should be prescribed. Active progressive rehabilitation appears to form the therapeutic foundation. AWS-PReF provides a hypothesis-generating pathway from symptom-sensitive mobility through capacity restoration and functional reintegration, but requires prospective validation.

Keywords: axillary web syndrome; breast cancer; rehabilitation; physiotherapy; therapeutic exercise; cording; shoulder range of motion; manual lymphatic drainage; functional recovery; systematic review.

Title: From Cording to Recovery: Timing, Dose, Progression, and Personalization of Exercise-Based Rehabilitation for Axillary Web Syndrome Following Breast Cancer Surgery (A Systematic Review and Evidence-to-Practice Framework AWS-PReF • FITT-PRO • AWS-CORE)

Author: Waseem Mumtaz Ahamed

International Journal of Life Sciences Research

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

Vol. 14, Issue 4, October 2026 - December 2026

Page No: 12-20

Research Publish Journals

Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 07-October-2026

Abstract: This study examined the perceived influence of tourism growth on local infrastructure development and maintenance in Kinigi Sector, Musanze District, Rwanda, the gateway community to Volcanoes National Park. A descriptive, cross-sectional, single-case survey design was employed. Data were collected through face-to-face structured questionnaires from 396 respondents, comprising residents, tourism stakeholders, and local leaders. Two discussion questions were also administered to capture respondents’ views on infrastructure improvements and challenges. Quantitative data were analysed using frequencies and percentages in SPSS version 26, while discussion responses were manually coded into predefined categories. The findings indicate that tourism growth is widely perceived to have contributed to improvements in local infrastructure and tourism-related services. Ninety-eight percent of respondents perceived tourism to have increased over the previous five years, while 97% rated its overall effect on infrastructure development as positive. Similarly, 93% expressed satisfaction with infrastructure development and maintenance, and 95% rated tourism-related infrastructure services as good or very good. Government investment was the most frequently identified driver of tourism growth (59%), while local government was most commonly identified as the institution supporting infrastructure development (65%). However, 91% of respondents perceived tourism growth as increasing infrastructure maintenance requirements, and land pressure was identified as the most prominent negative effect (70%). The findings suggest that tourism growth is perceived to generate important infrastructure benefits while simultaneously increasing maintenance demands and land-use pressures. The study therefore recommends strengthening maintenance-focused planning and financing, diversifying infrastructure funding mechanisms, and improving land-use planning in tourism-adjacent areas. Nevertheless, the cross-sectional design, reliance on self-reported perceptions, and absence of objective indicators or comparison areas limit causal interpretation. Future research should employ longitudinal and comparative designs with objective infrastructure indicators and inferential methods to provide stronger evidence on the relationship between tourism growth and local infrastructure development.

Keywords: Tourism Growth, Infrastructure, Development, Maintenance, Kinigi Sector, Rwanda.

Title: The Impact of Tourism Growth on Local Infrastructure Development and Maintenance: A Descriptive Case Study of Kinigi Sector, Rwanda

Author: NIYONZIMA Zacharie, Dr. Charles Aloo

International Journal of Life Sciences Research

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

Vol. 14, Issue 4, October 2026 - December 2026

Page No: 1-11

Research Publish Journals

Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 06-October-2026