Future-Proofing the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service: Strategic Foresight and Institutional Resilience in Correctional Systems | Chapter 8 | New Horizons of Science, Technology and Culture Vol. 9

 

Contemporary correctional institutions are increasingly embedded within complex sociotechnical, environmental, and security systems that expose them to systemic shocks and deep uncertainty, including climate-linked disruptions and resource constraints. In Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) exemplifies these systemic pressures, reflecting the broader structural and operational constraints characteristic of correctional institutions in resource-limited contexts.

 

This study examines the growing vulnerability of contemporary correctional systems to intersecting technological, environmental, security and governance disruptions, with particular reference to the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service. Although Zimbabwe has not yet experienced widespread radicalisation or organised gang violence within correctional institutions, regional developments and the increasing mobility of incarcerated populations highlight the need for anticipatory preparedness. These emerging risks are compounded by structural challenges within the correctional system, including dependence on firewood-based energy, climate-sensitive agricultural production and limited digital infrastructure, which collectively heighten institutional exposure to climate variability, resource insecurity and operational disruption. Adopting a qualitative and conceptual research design grounded in strategic foresight analysis, the study examines how correctional leadership can strengthen institutional resilience, anticipate future shocks and enhance long-term adaptability. The analysis draws on strategic foresight methodologies including contextual analysis and scenario-based reflections to examine emerging risks facing correctional governance. This chapter advances a strategic foresight perspective on correctional governance by proposing a resilience-oriented framework for anticipating and managing emerging disruptions in correctional systems. Guided by systems theory, organisational resilience theory and strategic foresight perspectives, the analysis integrates global governance priorities with the contextual realities of Zimbabwe’s correctional environment.

 

The study proposes an integrated resilience framework structured around five mutually reinforcing pillars: digital integration, climate-smart sustainability, energy transition, ideological threat preparedness and rehabilitative innovation. Through scenario-based reflection, the framework illustrates how these pillars can enhance adaptive capacity, mitigate emerging risks and balance custodial security with rehabilitative effectiveness. The chapter contributes to emerging debates on correctional governance by advancing a forward-looking model that shifts institutional responses from reactive crisis management toward proactive and adaptive transformation. Through emphasising foresight-driven leadership, strategic partnerships and cross-sector collaboration, the study positions correctional systems as critical actors in national security, social rehabilitation and sustainable development within an increasingly complex and uncertain global environment.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Moses Cyril Ngawaite Chihobvu
CUT Graduate Business School, School of Entrepreneurship & Business Sciences, Chinhoyi, University of Technology, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe.

 

Dennis Nikisi
CUT Graduate Business School, School of Entrepreneurship & Business Sciences, Chinhoyi, University of Technology, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe.

 

Tsitsi Mufudza
CUT Graduate Business School, School of Entrepreneurship & Business Sciences, Chinhoyi, University of Technology, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/nhstc/v9/7294

 

Urinary Electrolyte Patterns among Populations of Grand Sido and Kouh-Est: A Comparative Study | Chapter 7 | New Horizons of Science, Technology and Culture Vol. 9

 

Background: Urinary electrolytes play a key role in assessing hydration status, metabolism and renal function. The term “urinary electrolytes” generally refers to the urinary concentrations of sodium, potassium, and chloride. In many parts of the world, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, data on the composition and concentration of urinary electrolytes remain limited, especially in rural areas.

 

Aims: This study aimed to characterise and quantify the major urinary electrolytes (Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Cl⁻) in two rural areas of southern Chad: Grand Sido and Kouh-Est.

 

Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study was conducted among 783 volunteer participants aged 5–90 years residing in Grand Sido (n = 430) and Kouh-Est (n = 353). Morning urine samples were collected under aseptic conditions and transported to the laboratory in accordance with storage conditions. Urinary concentrations of sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), calcium (Ca²⁺), and chloride (Cl⁻) were determined using standardised biochemical methods (colourimetric methods). Statistical analyses were performed using the chi-square test to compare electrolyte profiles between the two areas and across age groups, with a significance threshold set at p < 0.05.

 

Findings: This study highlights significant differences in urinary electrolyte profiles between Grand Sido and Kouh-Est, reflecting the influence of nutritional factors, access to drinking water, and local environmental conditions. The observed prevalence of electrolyte imbalances, particularly hyponatraemia and hypocalcaemia, suggests a state of nutritional and metabolic vulnerability within the studied populations. These disturbances may be associated with inadequate dietary intake, increased hydroelectrolytic losses, or the presence of chronic and endemic parasitic diseases, including renal disorders and schistosomiasis.

 

Conclusion: These findings provide a useful reference for assessing hydration status and renal function in these rural populations. They also offer an important basis for developing targeted nutrition, prevention, and public health strategies adapted to the specific context of southern Chad. Despite certain limitations, including the absence of systematic measurement of urinary creatinine and acid–base parameters and limited information on participants’ dietary habits, this study provides important preliminary data and a regional baseline that may guide future research in southern Chad.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Abdelsalam Hassan Gogo
Laboratoire d’expertise, de Diagnostic et de Recherche (LaboRedes), Faculté des Sciences de la Santé Humaine, Université de N'Djamena, BP 1117, Chad.

 

Mahamat Alhadj Moussa Ibrahim
Laboratoire d’expertise, de Diagnostic et de Recherche (LaboRedes), Faculté des Sciences de la Santé Humaine, Université de N'Djamena, BP 1117, Chad.

 

Brahim Adoum Ahmat
Laboratoire d’expertise, de Diagnostic et de Recherche (LaboRedes), Faculté des Sciences de la Santé Humaine, Université de N'Djamena, BP 1117, Chad.

 

Abdelsalam Tidjani
Laboratoire d’expertise, de Diagnostic et de Recherche (LaboRedes), Faculté des Sciences de la Santé Humaine, Université de N'Djamena, BP 1117, Chad.

 

Aly Savadogo
Laboratoire de Biochimie et Immunologie Appliquées (LaBIA), Université Joseph KI-Zerbo, BP 7131 Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/nhstc/v9/7285

Active Phase Stabilisation in a Plasma Resonator Using Feedback Control and Auxiliary Scalar-like Coupling | Chapter 6 | New Horizons of Science, Technology and Culture Vol. 9

 

Maintaining coherence in resonant plasma and hybrid quantum systems remains a central challenge due to phase drift, environmental coupling, and entropy production. In this work, we investigate an active coherence locking framework for a plasma-based resonator using feedback-mediated phase control, auxiliary scalar field coupling, and entropy-aware regulation. The present study focuses explicitly on classical phase coherence, defined here as sustained phase synchronisation between coupled oscillatory degrees of freedom, while treating quantum coherence as a long-term target rather than a demonstrated property of the modelled system.

 

A phenomenological scalar field is introduced as an auxiliary control channel that mediates phase alignment between resonant plasma modes, while entropy flow is monitored and regulated to suppress destabilising fluctuations. Using time-resolved numerical simulations, we demonstrate that active feedback can rapidly drive the system into a stable phase-locked regime and maintain coherence within defined operational bounds. A critical instability threshold (“tearing threshold”) is identified, beyond which feedback control fails, and coherence degrades.

 

While the underlying plasma dynamics are treated in a classical or semiclassical regime, the control architecture is motivated by concepts from quantum feedback and coherence preservation. The results establish a classical coherence-stabilisation platform that may serve as a precursor to experimentally testable strategies for coherence preservation in more explicitly quantum systems. This work, therefore, provides a controlled bridge between classical resonant stabilisation and future quantum-coherent implementations.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Derrick Covington
Department of Veterans Affairs, United States.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/nhstc/v9/6896

A Customised LSTM-Based Deep Learning Framework for Transformer Predictive Maintenance: Performance Analysis | Chapter 5 | New Horizons of Science, Technology and Culture Vol. 9

 

Transformers are critical and costly components of power systems whose health deteriorates over time due to factors such as poor cooling and heavy loading. Consequently, predictive maintenance is emerging as an effective alternative to conventional corrective maintenance, enabling continuous monitoring and early fault detection.

 

To enhance the effectiveness of predictive maintenance for power transformers under limited Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) data conditions, this study proposes a customised Long Short-Term Memory (C-LSTM) deep learning model. The developed C-LSTM architecture is specifically designed to address the limitations of conventional LSTM networks, which often exhibit higher classification error rates when trained on small datasets and may underperform compared to traditional machine learning approaches.

 

A comprehensive performance evaluation was conducted by comparing the proposed C-LSTM model with several well-established traditional machine learning algorithms using multiple metrics, including validation accuracy, test accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score. Additionally, the diagnostic capability of the model was rigorously assessed across seven transformer fault categories, including low- and high-energy discharges, partial discharge, electrical and thermal faults, and low-, medium-, and high-temperature thermal faults.

 

The experimental results demonstrate the superior classification and diagnostic performance of the proposed C-LSTM model, achieving a validation accuracy of 100% and a test accuracy of 98.57%, significantly outperforming conventional machine learning techniques. These findings confirm that the proposed C-LSTM framework offers a robust and reliable solution for transformer fault diagnosis and predictive maintenance, particularly in scenarios characterised by scarce DGA datasets.

 

 

Author(s) Details

G.V.S.S.N. Srirama Sarma
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Matrusri Engineering College, Saidabad, Hyderabad, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/nhstc/v9/6804

 

Geographic Information System to Study the Spatial Distribution of Pigeonpea Flower Webber, Maruca vitrata (Geyer) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and Leaf Webber, Grapholita critica (Meyr.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in Kalaburagi District, India |Chapter 7 | Agricultural Sciences: Techniques and Innovations Vol. 7

 

The flower webber Maruca vitrata (Geyer)leaf webber, Grapholitacritica (Meyr.) are lepidopteran pests of pigeonpea, which results in heavy crop loss by webbing leaves and floral parts. The study was conducted using a GIS tool to assess the spatial distribution of pests and their incidence with weather parameters (temperature and rainfall) to develop risk assessment maps for precise pest management. It was employed to know the spatial distribution of pests across the Kalaburagi district from 2013 to 2016. A total of 2752 survey points were generated through the e-SAP (Electronic Solutions against Agricultural Pests) application. From these data points, spatio-temporal analysis was carried out using ArcGIS software to determine the distribution of pests across space and time.  Kalaburagi district is more prone to pest attack, especially in Chincholi, Sedam, and Kalaburagitalukas. The rainfall and maximum temperature are the most influential factors on the population of M. vitrata. Overlay analysis indicated that the incidence level of M. vitrata attained ETL status in the eastern part of Kalaburagi, which recorded the highest rainfall, ranging between 423 and 501 mm and with maximum temperature in the range of 31.11 to 32.84 °C. Whereas, in the other regions, the district with less than 403 mm rainfall and less than 31°C recorded pest incidence at less than ETL. In the case of leaf webber, the rainfall and maximum temperature are the most influential factors on its population. Overlay analysis indicated that rainfall of more than 400 mm with a one-month lag time and maximum temperature above 32°C with 10 days lag time favoured the higher incidence of pest.

 

 

Author(s) Details

A. Prabhuraj
Department of Agriculture Entomology, College of Agriculture, Raichur University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, India.

 

R. S. Patil
Department of Agriculture Entomology, College of Agriculture, Raichur University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, India.

 

N. L. Rajesh
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Raichur University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, India.

 

S. G. Hanchinal
Department of Agriculture Entomology, College of Agriculture, Raichur University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/asti/v7/7186

Marine Biopolymers in Advanced Wound Care: Mechanisms and Clinical Applications | Chapter 10 | Research Perspective on Biological Science Vol. 10

 

Wound healing is a complex physiological process that can be disrupted by pathological conditions, causing chronic wounds when they represent a significant burden on health systems. Marine-based biopolymers, particularly chitosan and alginate, have attracted attention as wound care biomaterials due to their properties, such as being biocompatible and biodegradable with intrinsic bioactivities. Nutritional interventions are also predominantly carried out to promote the wound-healing process, and this chapter provides a detailed panorama on the clinical uses of chitosan and alginate, which are already utilised in wound healing amidst nutritional interventions as observed. The present study describes mechanisms of action along with haemostatic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects. The chapter summarises the experimental and clinical evidence, including randomised controlled trials, showing that chitosan-based dressings are effective in promoting healing of chronic ulcers such as diabetic foot ulcers. Instead, with clinical experience, alginate dressings used in high-exudate wounds are shown as beneficial; yet, systematic reviews revealed that this type of dressing did not promote healing rates better than other alternative modern dressings. It also addresses the synergetic effects of a composite dressing that consists of chitosan and alginate, as they demonstrate superior mechanical and therapeutic features in preclinical models. Oral chitosan and alginate are nutritional supplements that are generally believed to promote wound healing (although this is speculative without clear clinical evidence). Future studies could enable the development of “smart” dressings, and larger, more definitive clinical trials are required to realise the true potential of these marine-derived biomaterials in advanced wound care.

 

 

Author(s) Details

A. A. Zubair
PG and Research Department of Aquaculture and Fishery Microbiology, MES Ponnani College, Ponnani South, Malappuram, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rpbs/v10/7253

Histopathological Assessment of Intestinal Morphology in Japanese Quails Following Essential Oil Supplementation | Chapter 9 | Research Perspective on Biological Science Vol. 10

 

Among livestock sub-sectors, the poultry industry is the most organised and scientifically advanced, and has emerged as the fastest-growing segment of Indian agriculture. Essential oils, derived from herbs and medicinal plants, have gained considerable attention as potential alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters due to their antimicrobial, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and digestive stimulant properties. Despite the documented benefits of essential oils in broilers, limited information is available on their effects on growth performance and nutrient utilisation in Japanese quails under Indian conditions. The present study evaluated the effect of dietary supplementation of cinnamon and peppermint essential oils on intestinal histomorphology in Japanese quails. Two hundred day-old chicks were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments: basal diet (control), cinnamon oil (500 ppm), peppermint oil (500 ppm), a combination of both oils (250 ppm each), and a higher-level combination (500 ppm each) for 35 days. Jejunal samples were collected at the end of the trial for histological examination. Villus height, crypt depth, and villus height to crypt depth ratio were significantly (p<0.05) influenced by essential oil supplementation. Treated groups showed increased villus height and improved villus–crypt ratio compared to control, indicating enhanced intestinal structural development. The combined supplementation, particularly at higher inclusion levels, produced superior morphometric responses. These findings suggest that cinnamon and peppermint essential oils beneficially modulate intestinal architecture in Japanese quails.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Abhishek Tiwari
Animal Nutrition Division, ICAR–National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal–132001, Haryana, India.

 

Debashis Roy
Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, SVPUAT, Meerut - 250110, Uttar Pradesh, India.

 

Ajit Kumar
Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, SVPUAT, Meerut - 250110, Uttar Pradesh, India.

 

Ram Kumar Singh
Department of Livestock Farm Complex (Animal Nutrition), College of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, SVPUAT, Meerut - 250110, Uttar Pradesh, India.

 

Vikas Jaiswal
Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, SVPUAT, Meerut-250110, Uttar Pradesh, India.

 

Manoj Kumar Singh
Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, SVPUAT, Meerut-250110, Uttar Pradesh, India.

 

Harshit Verma
Department of Veterinary Microbiology, College of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, SVPUAT, Meerut-250110, Uttar Pradesh, India.

 

Shubham Nayak
Department of Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal-132001, Haryana, India.

 

Kaushlendra Narayan Dwivedi
Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, SVPUAT, Meerut - 250110, Uttar Pradesh, India.

 

Priyanka Rani
Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, SVPUAT, Meerut-250110, Uttar Pradesh, India.

 

Rahul Tiwari
Division of Animal Nutrition, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal-132001, Haryana, India.

 

Vaidehi Mishra
Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, SVPUAT, Meerut-250110, Uttar Pradesh, India.

 

Gagan Chawla
Animal Physiology Division, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal-132001, Haryana, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rpbs/v10/7254