Daily Archives: September 18, 2026

Authors: Krishnaben Kachiya

Abstract: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operate in increasingly uncertain business environments characterised by inflation, rising interest rates, supply chain disruptions, geopolitical instability, and changing customer behaviour. These conditions have exposed significant limitations in traditional cash flow forecasting methods, which rely primarily on historical accounting information and static budgeting techniques. This study investigates the role of predictive cash flow modelling in strengthening SME financial resilience through the application of predictive analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and digital financial technologies. A qualitative secondary research methodology was adopted using systematic thematic analysis of peer-reviewed journal articles, professional reports, and institutional publications. The findings demonstrate that predictive cash flow modelling improves forecasting accuracy, enhances liquidity management, supports working capital optimisation, and enables proactive financial decision-making. The study develops a conceptual framework integrating the Resource-Based View, Dynamic Capabilities Theory, Contingency Theory, and Enterprise Risk Management to explain how predictive financial capabilities contribute to sustainable organisational performance. The research concludes that predictive cash flow modelling represents a strategic organisational capability rather than merely a technological forecasting tool, and that investment in digital financial infrastructure, employee analytical capability, and integrated financial management systems is essential for improving SME resilience within volatile global markets.

Published by: vikaspatanker

Authors: Okorinama E, Nmegbu CGJ

Abstract: Due to the many processes involved in oil and gas production, Produced Water is usually given off as a major by-product. This wastewater constitutes of contaminants like dissolved salts, hydrocarbons, organic matter and other toxins which pose significant risks to the environment if discharged without the necessary treatments. This study analyzed the treatment potential of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria and microalgae species, utilizing Produced water gotten from the Obaji Oil field, Rivers State, Nigeria. A total of five microalgae species -Chlorella vulgaris, Scenedesmus obliquus, Arthrospira platensis, Monoraphidium sp. and Neochloris oleoabundans -were screened and acclimatized, while bacterial isolates were obtained from rhizosphere soil and identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, Rhodococcus erythropolis and Sphingomonas paucimobilis. The treatments were carried out in batch reactor systems at 50%, 60%, 75% and 100% produced water concentrations for seven days. Notable changes in temperature, pH, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Hydrocarbon Content (THC) and Dissolved Oxygen (DO) were observed. Microalgae treatment reduced the major pollutants and produced biomass, while bacterial treatment gave noticeable reductions in TDS, BOD and THC. At 100% produced water concentration, bacterial treatment achieved 12.7%, 16.8%, 23.7% and 14.6% reductions in TDS, COD, BOD and THC respectively. At the same concentration, microalgal treatment reduced TDS by 11.9%, COD by 24.7%, BOD by 31.4% and THC by 22.8%. Comparing the given results with Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) Onshore Discharge standards showed that the treated water still surpassed the limits for major parameters. The study indicated that biological treatment alone, of the produced water sample, was inadequate for direct discharge into the environment. The findings from this study demonstrated the viability of microbial treatment and aids further development of combined bacteria-microalgae systems for produced water remediation.

DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22828486

Published by: vikaspatanker

Authors: Hannah Owusu Ansah, Daniel Karikari Frempong, Gabriel Oduro Asirifi

Abstract: Nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative field with the potential to reshape multiple dimensions of society through the manipulation and application of materials at the nanoscale. The distinctive optical, electrical, mechanical, chemical, and biological properties of nanomaterials have enabled advances across healthcare, environmental sustainability, agriculture, energy, electronics, transportation, and consumer products. This review provides an overview of major nanomaterial classes, their synthesis, fabrication, and characterization, and examines their growing contributions to societal transformation. Particular attention is given to nanomedicine, targeted drug delivery, medical diagnostics, cancer therapy, nano-enabled agriculture, water purification, environmental remediation, nanoelectronics, energy generation and storage, and lightweight automotive materials. Beyond technological applications, the review discusses the broader socioeconomic and societal implications of nanotechnology, including employment opportunities, public acceptance, privacy, security, and environmental risks. Although nanotechnology offers considerable opportunities for improving human health, resource efficiency, environmental sustainability, energy performance, and economic development, its widespread implementation is accompanied by challenges related to nanomaterial toxicity, environmental fate and bioaccumulation, high production costs, technological scalability, uncertainty, public awareness, privacy, and security. Addressing these challenges requires interdisciplinary research, improved risk assessment and characterization methods, responsible innovation, effective regulation, transparent communication, and stronger consideration of the entire nanomaterial life cycle. The responsible development and commercialization of nanotechnology can contribute substantially to societal transformation while ensuring that technological progress is aligned with human health, environmental protection, security, and sustainable development

DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22827579

Published by: vikaspatanker

Authors: Mr. S. S. Tiwade

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted to find out the best combinations of pre- and post-emergence herbicides in maize for effective weed control and higher productivity at ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research, Ludhiana in 2021 and 2022. Results indicated that pre (PE)- and post-emergence (PoE) herbicide application, reduced the narrow-leaved weeds (NLW) and broad-leaved weeds (BLW) density from 62.41–91.46% and 55.53–82.11% respectively, compared to the weedy check. Among the PE, pyroxasulfone performed better than atrazine owing to selectivity towards maize with better weed control during both years. The density of Cyperus spp. was significantly reduced with halosulfuron PoE along with atrazine or pyroxasulfone PE over the years. A higher weed control efficiency (WCE) was found with pyroxasulfone followed by (fb) topramezone (90.4), while pyroxasulfone fb tembotrione (84.1) and atrazine fb topramezone (84.8) had similar WCE. Pyroxasulfone fb topramezone gave a 46.97% increase in grain yield over a weedy check. Pyroxasulfone fb topramezone and pyroxasulfone fb tembotrione resulted in higher net returns and B:C. Therefore, the application of pyroxasulfone as PE fb tembotrione as PoE or pyroxasulfone as PE fb topramezone as PoE may be recommended for better weed control and higher maize grain yield in NWPZ of India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22827699

Published by: vikaspatanker

Authors: Daniel Karikari Frempong, Hannah Owusu Ansah, Gabriel Oduro Asirifi

Abstract: One of the most promising anode materials for high-energy sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) is hard carbon (HC); however, low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE), unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation, irreversible sodium loss, and sodium-plating risks at low potentials continue to limit its commercial implementation. The interfacial mechanisms controlling HC performance are critically examined in this paper, which also assesses methods for getting beyond these restrictions in realistic full-cell systems. The effects of surface imperfections, specific surface area, and open microporosity are highlighted in the link between HC microstructure, electrolyte breakdown, SEI composition, and sodium-ion transport. In addition, surface and artificial interphase engineering through atomic layer deposition, chemical vapour deposition, thermal-pyrolysis carbon coatings, and conductive protective layers is discussed for suppressing parasitic reactions and stabilising the interface; the mechanisms and operational triggers of sodium plating, such as high-rate charging, low temperature, and mass-transfer polarisation, are also examined; and finally, operando characterisation, scalable manufacturing, thermal management, and techno-economic considerations are identified as critical paths for converting HC-based SIBs into safe, long-lasting, and commercially viable high-energy cells

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22827360

Published by: vikaspatanker