Volume XIII Issue IV

The security of Active Directory environments is a crucial aspect for organizations of all sizes. With the increasing number of cyber threats, it is important to understand the different penetration testing paradigms that can be used to attack these environments. This research focuses on a comparative analysis of four specific attacks: LLMNR poisoning, SMB relay, pass the hash, and token impersonation. The comparison is based on relevant criteria such as complexity, required tools, and susceptibility to defense mechanisms. The primary objective of this study was to build a virtual Active Directory network, which provides a controlled environment for testing the different attacks. This enabled us to evaluate the effectiveness of each attack and gather insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each paradigm. By conducting a comparative analysis using these criteria, we were able to determine the most effective methods for defending against these types of attacks and identify areas for improvement. The results of this study provide valuable insights into the security risks that organizations face when it comes to Active Directory environments. By understanding the different strengths and weaknesses of each attack, organizations can make informed decisions about which mitigation strategies to implement. This research also highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and testing to ensure the security of Active Directory environments. This comparative analysis provides a comprehensive overview of four key penetration testing paradigms for Active Directory environments. The results of this study can help organizations to better understand the security risks they face and implement effective mitigation strategies.

The performance of manufacturing companies has become something worrisome as performance has been on the decline over years from Accounting literature. Nigerian businesses do not have access to environmental accounting guidelines or pollution cost guidelines for communicating with various stakeholder groups; however, the government has made efforts to enact laws to improve environmental sustainability in Nigeria. This study investigated the effect of Environmental Conservation Cost on financial performance of listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria. An ex-post facto research design was used in the study. The study population consisted of 35 consumer firms as of December 31, 2021. A sample size of 10 firms was chosen using a purposive sampling technique for the 10 years (2012-2021). Data were sourced from annual reports, and their accuracy and reliability were certified by external auditors. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential (multiple regression) statistics at a 0.05 level of significance. The study found that Environmental Conservation Cost had a significant effect on Earnings per Share and Net Profit Margin of listed firms respectively (Adj R2 = 0.766, F- Stat (5,96) = 35.460, p < 0.05); (Adj R2 = 0.813, F- Stat (5,96) = 82.153, p < 0.05). The study concluded that Environmental Conservation Costs had a significant effect on the financial performance of listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria. The study recommended that the Management of firms should allocate more resources to training and engagement cost to foster innovation, improve operational efficiency, stay competitive in the market and experience improved financial performance.

The construction industry is a vital component of economic development in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, characterized by its dynamic and complex nature. With the increase in construction activities, disputes are inevitable, often leading to project delays, cost overruns, and strained relationships among stakeholders. To address these challenges, alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods have gained popularity as effective mechanisms for resolving disputes in the construction industry. This research paper aims to provide a comprehensive appraisal of the ADR methods used in the construction industry in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The study employs a qualitative research methodology with the aid of focus group discussion strategy employing various stakeholders, including construction professionals, legal experts, government officials, and project owners. The research investigates the types and frequency of disputes encountered in construction projects, explores the awareness and utilization of ADR methods, and evaluates the effectiveness and efficiency of these methods in resolving disputes. The research highlights the need for increased awareness and education about ADR methods among construction professionals in Abeokuta. It underscores the importance of establishing an ADR framework tailored to the specific needs and challenges of the local construction industry. Furthermore, the study suggests that a more structured and standardized approach to ADR could lead to more efficient and timelier dispute resolution, ultimately benefiting the construction industry's stakeholders.

Building delivery requires the use of construction documents, usually referred to as construction drawings or blueprints. They offer a thorough set of guidelines that the construction team, which consists of architects, engineers, contractors, and subcontractors, should adhere to throughout the building process. This systematic literature review aims to examine the construction industry, and investigate the impacts of construction documents on project delivery by synthesizing and analyzing relevant scholarly research. The review identifies key findings, trends, and gaps in the existing literature, providing a comprehensive understanding of the subject. The review includes a selection of high-quality research articles, conference papers, and industry reports published within the last decade. The chosen articles were written and published between the years 2013 and 2023. The aim of this study is to investigate the impacts of construction document on building delivery. The results showed that the study was discussed more by researchers based on specification and cost, with literature review and quantitative research method being the most adopted approach to studies.

Purpose: This study aims to develop a comprehensive biblical solution model for mitigating phishing risks among Internet banking (IB) users in Nigeria by integrating trust in God, belief in God, and righteous behavior within the local context. Design/Methodology/Approach: A cross-sectional survey employing stratified sampling will gather data from a diverse sample of IB users. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) will be utilized to analyze relationships among constructs, including belief in God, belief in oneself, wisdom, understanding, consequences, defenselessness, trust in God, behaving righteously, and becoming righteous. Findings: The study introduces a novel biblical-based solution model, highlighting the significant influence of belief in God, belief in oneself, wisdom, and understanding on righteous behavior. Trust in God moderates the relationship between behaving righteously and becoming righteous, emphasizing the transformative power of faith in cybersecurity. Research Limitations/Implications: Limitations include the potential for response bias in self-reported data and the need for further validation of the proposed model. Implications revolve around the practical application of a faith-based approach to cybersecurity in the banking sector. Practical Implications: Banking institutions should consider incorporating the biblical solution model into their cybersecurity strategies, fostering trust and righteous behavior among IB users. This approach has the potential to enhance security and confidence in online banking. Originality/Value: This study pioneers the integration of biblical principles and glocalization into cybersecurity strategies, offering a unique perspective on phishing risk mitigation. It contributes to the literature on cybersecurity and provides practical insights for the Nigerian banking industry. Recommendations: We recommend that banking institutions in Nigeria explore the implementation of the proposed biblical solution model to bolster their cybersecurity efforts. Further empirical research is needed to validate and fine-tune the model, adapting it to diverse cultural contexts and enhancing its effectiveness in combating phishing threats.

Internet of Things (IoT) devices are becoming more and more common in today's society, with applications found in a wide range of fields. These gadgets, which come with sensors and communication capabilities, collect and send enormous amounts of data from the real world to digital networks. The need for internet infrastructure has increased significantly due to the exponential expansion in data generation brought about by the proliferation of IoT devices. Energy harvesting in Internet of Things devices can maximize their application, positioning, and functionality, resulting in the ideal synergy. Additionally, because IoT devices do not have direct access to a power source, their power consumption is frequently supplied by a battery. This is frequently brought on by being situated in areas where it is just not feasible to reach the electrical grid. Thus, the research is concentrated on creating strategies to enhance the energy efficiency of Internet of Things devices, look into energy harvesting methods, optimize resource allocation and management, and discover ways to lower power consumption.

The integration of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) with maintenance practices represents a proactive approach to ensuring food safety in the food and beverage industry. HACCP is a systematic preventive approach to identify, evaluate, and control food safety hazards, while maintenance practices are essential for maintaining the reliability and cleanliness of equipment and facilities. This paper explores the principles of HACCP, the role of maintenance in food safety, and the benefits of integrating HACCP with maintenance practices. It discusses strategies for incorporating maintenance-related critical control points (CCPs) into HACCP plans, challenges, and best practices for implementation, and case studies illustrating successful integration efforts. The paper concludes with recommendations for organizations seeking to enhance food safety through the integration of HACCP with maintenance practices.

The environment is often beautified by the presence of tree plants which consist of the shoot and the root. These plants contain organs often referred to as above ground organs (shoot) and below ground organ (root). In this study, the plant organs of five different plants including Adansoniadigitata, Anacardiumoccidentale, Azadirachtaindica, Eucalyptus globulus, and Parkiabiglobosa were sampled to investigate the levels of cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn). The sampled parts were transported in polythene bags to the laboratory where they were sorted, pretreated, stored and digestedwith10 cm3 of 6M nitric acid. The digested samples were subjected to analysis using atomic absorption spectrophotometry to determine the heavy metals (HMs). The results revealed that all the above ground organs of these plants accumulated HMs at varying levels. The leaf samples of the all tree plants accumulated higher concentrations of the HMs than the bark samples except in P. big lobosa (7.07 ± 0.42 mg/Kg, Co [leaf]; 14.10 ± 0.62 mg/Kg, Co [bark]). The results revealed that the leaves portion contained more of the essential heavy metals (EHMs) than the bark samples of the tree plants. A. indica has the highest bio-indication potential while E. globulus exhibited the least potential based on the above ground organs analysis. The translocation factors of the NHMs (Cr and Pb) were below unity. The translocation factors well above unity suggest better phytoextraction capability of the tree plants. All the plants potentially accumulated the metals at varying levels irrespective of the different geographical locations, morphological and biomass variations of the tree plants.

Background: The government of the Republic of Zambia had long emphasized the significance of fostering economic growth through enhanced access to financial services. However, the persistent issue of income inequality and sluggish economic expansion underscored the need for targeted interventions. In response, the emergence of Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in the financial sector, offering a diverse range of services including credit access, represented a concerted effort to address these challenges. Despite these advancements, a comprehensive understanding of the determinants of MNOs' credit access remained lacking, particularly in the specific context of the Lusaka central business district. Consequently, the primary purpose of this study was to rigorously evaluate the various factors that influenced mobile money operators' access to credit within the Lusaka central business district of Zambia. Method: This research employed a case study research design to investigate the factors that influenced credit access for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in the Lusaka central business district. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. The study's sample consisted of 125 MNOs, which were selected through a combination of simple random sampling and purposive sampling to ensure a representative cohort of respondents. This approach facilitated a holistic exploration of the various factors that impacted credit access among MNOs. Results: The study's findings highlight several key determinants of credit access among mobile money operators. Demographic factors, such as age, emerge as influential, with youths aged 20-34 demonstrating both technical proficiency and a better grasp of credit information. Education levels also prove to be correlated with mobile money service operation, as respondents with higher education levels exhibit greater ease in accessing and understanding mobile money credit services. Network availability emerges as a pivotal factor driving the adoption of mobile money services. However, a notable proportion of respondents expressed challenges in accessing credit through mobile networks. Trust and security concerns are identified as significant barriers deterring potential users from engaging with mobile money services. Conclusion: In light of the study's findings, it is recommended that comprehensive awareness programs be implemented within central business district schools. These programs aim to equip budding entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills necessary for responsible engagement with mobile money services. By targeting the youth demographic, these initiatives seek to instil soundfinancial habits from an early age, thereby contributing to improved financial access, reduced income inequality, and enhanced economic growth in the Republic of Zambia.

It is more important than ever to have a cybersecurity environment that is resilient and secure in this age of widespread digital connectivity. This research paper explores how developing technological innovation can serve as the foundation for building resilience in cyberspace. The study covers important aspects of cybersecurity, including its conceptual foundations, a wide range of applications, risk-reduction strategies, and the crucial role that policy regulation plays in the digital environment. In conclusion, the paper suggests that technological innovation is the driving force behind transformative change in cybersecurity. Policymakers, business executives, cybersecurity professionals, and researchers are all affected by the implications, which call for a coordinated and flexible strategy to meet the challenges of the digital frontier.

Aluminium and its alloys have proven to be highly valuable for a variety of technical applications due to its superior strength-to-weight ratio and exceptional corrosion resistance. As a result, there are numerous financial and environmental advantages to recycling it. The goal of this work is to significantly expand the engineering uses of recycled aluminium alloy by improving its mechanical characteristics by treatment with of MnO2. 30 kg of recyclable scrap aluminium alloy was initially acquired for the investigation in the form of ingots. Then, 5 kg of each was re-melted in three distinct samples. The first sample was re-melted and then left to cool naturally without any further intervention. 24g of dark powder from a dry cell thrown away was applied to the second sample, and 24g of MnO2 was applied to the third. Every sample underwent standard cooling procedures. The samples were then subjected to impact, tensile, and hardness testing by ASTM E8M-91 standard test protocols. The three samples were also subjected to XRD analysis. The sample treated with MnO2 had the highest hardness value, measuring 124 HV; the sample treated with powder from a discarded battery came in second, with 108.33 HV. With 99.30 HV, the control sample had the lowest value. The control sample had the highest UTS value of 92.74 MPa, the MnO2-treated sample had a UTS value of 68.23 MPa, and the sample treated with discarded battery powder had the lowest UTS value of 30.71 MPa. The control sample had the maximum impact strength value of 12.20 Joules, the discarded battery powder treated sample had an impact strength value of 11.96 Joules, and the MnO2-treated sample had an impact strength value of 11.32 Joules. The results of the study show that the recycled aluminium alloy becomes harder when MnO2 is added. Nevertheless, the inclusion of MnO2 shows a notable decline in the UTS of recycled aluminium alloy as well as a minor decrease in its impact strength.

This study presents findings from a comprehensive psychological investigation aimed at exploring the impact of social media addiction on sleep patterns among young adults. The research utilized a mixed-methods approach, incorporating quantitative surveys, objective sleep assessments, and qualitative interviews to provide a holistic understanding of the complex relationship between social media use and sleep disturbances. Eightyparticipants aged 18-35 were recruited from diverse demographic backgrounds and assessed for social media addiction using validated scales such as the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS). Sleep patterns were evaluated using self-report measures (e.g., Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) and objective measures such as actigraphy. Psychological factors including anxiety, depression, stress, and self-esteem were also assessed. Results revealed a significant association between social media addiction and disrupted sleep patterns, with higher levels of social media addiction correlating with poorer sleep quality and decreased sleep duration. Qualitative analysis of interviews provided insights into the psychological mechanisms underlying this relationship, highlighting factors such as fear of missing out (FOMO), heightened cognitive arousal, and maladaptive coping strategies. The findings underscore the importance of addressing social media addiction as a potential risk factor for sleep disturbances and suggest the need for targeted interventions to promote healthier digital habits and improve sleep hygiene among young adults.

In this work, we demonstrate the capability of a JavaScript-based web crawler to overcome anti-crawling measures such as CAPTCHAs and IP blocking. we delved into the ethical and legal dimensions of web crawling and provide recommendations for future research endeavors in this domain. A web crawler, being an automated software program, can navigate through websites and extract information. While it serves purposes like website analysis and indexing, it can also be misused for extracting personal data, scraping content, and overloading servers. Website administrators often employ anti-crawling techniques, such as CAPTCHAs, Robot.txt, and IP blocking, to thwart malicious web crawlers from accessing their content. These techniques aim to curtail the ability of a web crawler to scrape, access, or overload website resources, without impeding legitimate users from accessing the necessary content. The objective of this study is to demonstrate and enhance the resilience of legitimate web crawlers against anti-crawling techniques like CAPTCHAs and IP blocking, challenging the notion that these measures are universally effective against all types of web crawlers.

Nanotechnology is a fast-growing area in science which is an interdisciplinary field of both science and technology. In this study, the Roots extracts of Piliostigma reticulata were used for the green synthesis of Copper (Cu) nanoparticles (NPs) from copper Sulphate solution. Green synthesized metallic nanoparticles were characterized by UV– visible spectrophotometer, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectrophotometer (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Using the Debye Scherrer formula, the average crystalline size of CuNPs was calculated as 51.0nm respectively. The UV–Vis spectroscopy results showed Surface Plasmon Resonance peaks at 500nm respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was measured to identify the possible functional group of the biomolecules in the extract that act as reducing and capping agents of the nanoparticles. SEM analysis describes surface morphology of the synthesized nanoparticles which were roughly spherical in shape. The synthesized Nanoparticles showed antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) and the highest antibacterial activity was found in Cu-NPS compared plant root extract.

The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally reshaped the global economic landscape, forcing businesses to adapt to unprecedented challenges. This study examines the paradigm shifts witnessed among companies listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) in Kenya. By drawing on reputable sources like the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) and Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA), the research explores the prevalence of digital transformation initiatives, the adoption of remote work policies, the assessment of financial resilience strategies employed by these companies and the adaptive strategies for resilience and growth. The findings reveal a significant push towards digitalization, with 76% of NSE-listed companies actively pursuing digital transformation initiatives. The shift to remote work was also widespread, with 68% of firms implementing formal remote work policies. However, challenges such as skill gaps, cybersecurity risks, and maintaining productivity in remote settings were identified. The analysis of financial resilience highlights the varying impact on different sectors, with some experiencing declines in revenue, profitability, and liquidity ratios. The study concludes by emphasizing the need for further research into sector-specific transformations and the long-term effects of the pandemic on NSE-listed companies.

This study compared the effect of think-pair-share and jigsaw methods of Teaching chemistry in the Ghanaian's senior high schools. The quasi-experimental design was adopted for the study. The population of the study was 100 S. H. S chemistry students in our lady of Lourdes Girls' Senior High school out of which a sample of 61 students on the same year group was selected using purposive and random sampling techniques. The instruments for data collection was chemistry test and it was validated by the lecturer. Data were collected by administering the instruments as pretest and posttest before and after treatment respectively. The data obtained were analyzed using mean, standard deviation and the t-test. The findings of the study showed a significant difference in the mean scores of the students taught using think-pair-share and those taught using jigsaw method in favour of think-pair share method. This was further certified by the value from the t-test which indicates a significant difference between the the two methods. From this study, it is therefore recommended that chemistry educators/ teachers be encouraged to integrate the think-pair-share method to facilitate more profound learning experiences and that workshops and seminars be organized for chemistry instructors to adequatly and accurately incorporate the think-pair-share method into their teaching methodologies.

The study utilized the Conflict Perspective Theory developed by Sears (2008) as theoretical framework to analyze the impact of religious antagonism. The study employed a mixed-methods research approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods, the study aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon. This approach allowed for a nuanced exploration of religious antagonism and its effects on community living. The study targeted religious leaders and followers from the specified zones in Ethiopia, with a sample size of 384 respondents selected using cluster sampling techniques. The study utilized structured and unstructured questionnaires, individual interview guides, and focus group discussion guides as data collection instruments. The findings of the study revealed significant impacts of religious antagonism on the surveyed communities. Signs of division, such as the use of derogatory language and disparaging expressions among religious groups, were observed. Additionally, some Christian denominations were accused of projecting an image of salvation and pressuring followers of other faiths or denominations to convert, indicating tensions arising from religious differences.

This study modelled the travel choice behaviour among commuters in a few selected coastal capital cities in the Niger Delta, reference to road and inland waterways. Multinomial-logit model was used in explaining discrete choiceswhile multiple Regressions was used for the model equation. The following factors that influence the behaviour of commuters such as travel time, cost, and socio-demographic and socio-economic characteristics were investigated. A simple severity index was also used to ascertain the safety level of both ferries and automobiles which could influence commuters' mode choice behaviours. The alternative transport modes available to users were considered and include –private cars, walking, bus service and ferry (boat). From the findings, the use of private cars will be reduced considerably if the public transport sector is given attention in terms of infrastructure/facilities so they can compete. The greater percent that refused to change from private cars to public monorail show that private car users are attached to their cars not just for convenience but for prestige, flexibility, and privacy and finally, it was gathered from the model equation that variables like employment status, distance to work and driver's license had zero effect on the behaviour of people per their choice of transport mode.

Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction (SILAR) was used to deposit tin sulphide (SnS) thin films on glass substrates at temperature of 450C.Sodium thiosulphateNa2S2O3solution was used as the anionic precursor, tin chloride SnCl2 solution as the cationic precursor and EDTA as complexing agent. The samples were subjected to annealing at the temperature range of 2000C and 250oC). High transmittance values were obtained in both Samples C and D in the UV(70% -72%) and (75% - 89%) respectively atthe wavelength range of (350nm-400nm) which maintains linear characteristics through the visible to near infrared regions (NIR) of the electromagnetic spectrum. This high transmittance implies that it can be useful in the areas of solar energy and opto-electronic applications. The Energy band gap (Eg) is obtained using the relation (αhv)2= A (hv-Eg) where A is constant, hv is the photon energy, Eg is the energy band gap and α is the absorption coefficient. Direct band gap value of 2.90±0.05eV is obtained for sample C while a direct band gap of 2.70±0.05eV is obtained for sample D. The two samples have average band gap of 2.8±0.05eV.

The basic economic condition of a country is measured and presented by Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Government’s high officials, Business owners or managers, rely on forecasting of GDP, to determine fiscal year monitory policy and operating activities. This paper has collected GDP data from 1968 to 2022 from World Bank Database. Exploratory analysis has performed for trend, seasonality & outlier detection. Augmented Dickey-Fuller test, Phillip Peron and Kwiatkowski-Phillips-Schmidt-Shin test has performed to check seasonality and stationary. To determine the best fitted model for GDP, ARIMA models (Autoregressive integrated Moving Average) have constructed using Box-Jenkins technique. Considering all statistical criterions this paper has determined ARIMA (4, 2, 1) is the best fitted model and forecasted for the next ten years. Finally, residual test has performed to determine reliable forecasting.