Structural Functional Theory Research Articles

Impactful Activities of User Committee (A Case Study of Dharachaur Drinking Water and Sanitation User Committee)

The main objective of this research paper is to explore the impactful activities of the Dharachaur Drinking Water and Sanitation User Committee (DDWASUC). The committee provides clean drinking water twice daily, totaling five hours of service, through 700 taps, two boreholes, two reservoir tanks, and one treatment plant. This innovative infrastructure has eliminated the need for expensive water pumps and other water sources in the designated community, making access to water more efficient and cost-effective for residents. Employing qualitative design, this research integrates key informant interviews, direct observations, and document analysis to comprehensively understand DDWASUC's impactful activities from May to September 2024. Applying Structural Functionalism theory, the research highlights the committee’s dual role in providing essential services and fostering social cohesion and collective identity. Beyond infrastructure, DDWASUC enhances community development through diverse initiatives. Recreational Picnic programs have evolved into platforms for social interaction, collaboration, and community bonding. Moreover, DDWASUC has implemented a financial assistance program for bereaved families, which promotes empathy and compassion while reinforcing community ties during challenging times. Additionally, the committee encourages health insurance enrollment among its members to facilitate access to healthcare. It has also introduced a student reward program and a souvenir publishing initiative to support academic achievement. These diverse initiatives underscore DDWASUC's commitment to addressing both the practical and emotional needs of the community, positioning it as a model for sustainable, community-driven change that empowers residents and fosters resilience in the face of challenges.

Gelatin-Induced Synthesis of Strain-Engineered Spherical Cu2O Nanoparticles for Efficient Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia.

The electrochemical reduction of nitrate to ammonia offers an environmentally sustainable pathway for nitrogen fixation. However, achieving both efficiency and selectivity in nitrate reduction presents a formidable challenge, due to the involvement of sluggish multielectron transfer processes. Herein, the successful synthesis of spherical Cu₂O nanoparticles (s-Cu₂O) exhibiting significant compressive strain effects, achieved through a one-pot method using gelatin as a structural modifier, is reported. The s-Cu₂O catalyst demonstrates exceptional electrochemical performance for nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR), achieving a Faradaic efficiency (FENH3) of 95.07%, ammonia selectivity of 92.03%, a nitrate conversion rate of 97.77%, and a yield rate of 284.83µmol h⁻¹ cm⁻2 at -0.8V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (vs. RHE) for ammonia production. Structural characterization and density functional theory calculations reveal that compressive strain plays a critical role in modulating the electronic structure of the catalyst, thereby activating the *NO intermediate in the potential determining step and effectively suppressing the hydrogen evolution reaction. Furthermore, it is implemented in a Zn-NO3 - battery, and the test results indicate that the battery achieved a peak power density of 3.95mW cm-2 at a potential of 0.129V (vs Zn/Zn2⁺), illustrating its excellent electrochemical and functional efficacy. This work introduces a novel strategy for the rational design of high-performance electrocatalysts through strain engineering, offering broad implications for energy-efficient ammonia synthesis, and sustainable nitrogen cycling.

Dinamika Kehidupan Sosial Masyarakat Pedesaan: Analisis dari Perspektif Sosiologi

This study examines the dynamics of rural social life from a sociological perspective using structural-functional, conflict, and symbolic interactionist theories. The findings reveal that rural communities are characterized by mutual cooperation, dependence on the agrarian sector, and strong social solidarity. However, modernization brings challenges, such as shifts in traditional values and intergenerational conflicts. Structural-functional theory illustrates social stability through mechanisms like mutual cooperation, while conflict theory highlights social change driven by group tensions. The symbolic interactionist perspective explains how individuals create and modify values through daily interactions. This study provides an in-depth understanding of rural social dynamics and serves as a guide for inclusive sustainable development policies in rural communities.

Enhanced catalytic transfer hydrogenation of p-nitrophenol using formaldehyde: MnO2-supported Ag nanohybrids with tuned d-band structure.

The catalytic reduction of p-nitrophenol (4-NP) to p-aminophenol (4-AP) is important in fine chemical synthesis, especially in the pharmaceutical, dye, and agrochemical industries. Sustainable methods are increasingly prioritized in these fields. Catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) using formaldehyde (HCHO) as a hydrogen donor presents a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative due to its low-toxicity by-products and ease of handling. In this study, we developed manganese dioxide (MnO2)-supported silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) as an efficient catalyst for the CTH of 4-NP using HCHO. The MnO2 support prevents the agglomeration of Ag NPs and acts as an electron-acceptor matrix, enhancing the adsorption and activation of HCHO and facilitating the formation of active hydrogen (H*). Structural characterization and density functional theory (DFT) simulations confirmed electron transfer from Ag to MnO2 in the Ag/MnO2 nanohybrids, driven by their distinct work functions. This electron transfer results in a depletion of electrons in the Ag 4d orbitals, shifting its valence configuration from 4d10 to 4d10-x, creating electron-deficient Ag sites that promote HCHO activation, thereby improving the CTH process. The optimized 15% Ag/MnO2 catalyst demonstrated enhanced catalytic hydrogenation of 4-NP with HCHO, achieving a turnover frequency of 3.83min-1. This study highlights the potential of Ag-based nanohybrids in improving catalytic performance for HCHO-assisted CTH by tuning the d-band structure with suitable oxide supports.

Influence of Public Benefit Organizations’ Institution-Based Strategies in Addressing Psychosocial Wellbeing of Neglected Children in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya

The neglected children’s psychosocial well-being is of great concern to the world today. Research shows significant evidence that child neglect is the primary root cause of psychosocial and mental health difficulties among young children. The governments and public benefit organizations, have endeavoured to address the cases of child neglect and the psychosocial well-being of children. Despite these efforts, the cases of child neglect and psychosocial problems are still high. There is also scanty information on the influence of public benefit organizations strategies used to address the psychosocial well-being of neglected children. This study sort to investigate the influence of public benefit organizations strategies in addressing the psychosocial well-being of neglected children in Tharaka Nithi County Kenya. The study used descriptive survey design. The attachment theory by Bowlby and the structural functionalism theory of Durkheim was used to form the basis of this study. The target population was neglected children in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. The accessible population was 494 children supported by public benefit organizations centres. The sample size of 248 children were systematically selected. 34 staff working with public benefit organizations were purposively sampled, and the raw data was collected using pre-designed descriptive survey questionnaires. The Standardized starling’s Children Well-being Scale and the World Health Organization 5 well-being Index, was used to collect data from children. Internal consistency levels of the tools were established by pilot study and expert analysis. Various tests were conducted; using the IBM Statistical package for the Social Sciences version 27; Cronbach’s(α) to test level of consistency. Non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test, Kaiser-Meyer Olkin measure of adequacy, and analysis of measures of central tendency. The results indicated a statistically significant difference in starling’s Children Well-being Scale and the World Health Organization 5 well-being Index, scores across the six age groups indicating that age is a significant factor influencing social and emotional Psychosocial well-being of neglected children. The findings revealed that public benefit organizations Institution Based strategies have significant positive influence on psychosocial wellbeing of neglected children. The findings imply the need for targeted interventions for counselling psychology practice to develop and implement age-appropriate interventions that can adequately address the unique needs at various age of development. The findings can serve as base for advocacy for policy change, that prioritize mental health resources for neglected children. significance of this study is that the findings may be of benefit, to Government agencies involved in social protection services, that target the psychosocial challenges of neglected children. The study concludes that age is a significant factor influencing the psychosocial wellbeing of neglected children. The findings indicates that public benefit organizations play a crucial role in addressing the psychosocial well-being of neglected children in Tharaka Nithi County, through institution-based, strategies. The study recommends collaboration amongst various stakeholder. Research Ethical guide lines were strictly followed.

Social Impact of Converting Rice Field Agricultural Land into Housing

Land conversion refers to the shift in the use or function of land, which has become increasingly common due to population growth and the rising demand for housing, food, and infrastructure. In Pesawaran Regency, particularly in Mada Jaya Village, the conversion of rice fields into housing presents both procedural challenges and significant social impacts. This study examines the process of land conversion and its social consequences, focusing on two key questions: how the conversion process is carried out and what social impacts arise from it. This study applies Talcott Parsons' functional structural theory using the AGIL framework, supported by legal analysis and field studies, to offer practical insights into sustainable land management. The findings reveal that while land conversion should follow legal procedures, such as obtaining a Location Permit (IPPT) and land use transfer permits—discrepancies occur in practice. Some agricultural land has been pre-filled with soil, classifying it as productive land and making it ineligible for conversion permits. The social impacts include reduced food availability, unemployment, and economic instability, despite some landowners benefiting from land sales. To address these challenges, stricter enforcement of regulations, community participation, and support programs for displaced workers are needed. Economic diversification, such as small business development and agro-tourism, is also recommended.

Structural evolution and electronic properties of neutral boron-doped nitrogen clusters

Clusters represent intermediate states between isolated atoms and bulk solids. They serve as model systems to elucidate the physical properties of compounds from the atomic or molecular scale to the macroscopic bulk phase. Here, we perform thorough structure searches of neutral boron doped nitrogen clusters by crystal structural analysis by particle swarm optimization cluster structural prediction and density functional theory calculations. The calculated results indicate that the ground state structures of BNn(n= 4-16) clusters are evolutional from one-dimensional chains to two dimensional rings, and finally to three-dimensional (3D) geometries. Interestingly, the intriguing BN12cluster, characterized by a 3D configuration with a central boron atom connecting four N3chains in distinct directions, exhibits exceptional stability. The chemical bonding analysis reveals that the outstanding stability of BN12cluster is attributed to the strongσandπinteractions between the 2porbitals of the boron atom and the surrounding nitrogen atoms, as well as the robustσbonds along the four nitrogen chains. The present findings offer important insights for understanding the geometries and electronic properties of neutral boron doped nitrogen clusters and provide an avenue for the design and synthesis of nitrogen-rich compounds.

KEMAJUAN DALAM PERSPEKTIF ORANG ALOR DIASPORA

This study aims to examine the perspective of the Alor diaspora in Kupang regarding diversity. The framework of this study is based on their outlook on life which is manifested in the motto Tara Miti Tomi Nuku. The researcher will examine their perspective in terms of ontology, epistemology, and axiology. After that, the researcher also examines it sociologically using the theory of Structural functionalism. The researcher chose this study because no one has studied it. Many have studied Alor but no one has studied the perspective of the Alor diaspora. The method used in this study is a qualitative method. The contribution of this study is to provide ideas or concepts for science and to contribute to Indonesian society to appreciate how to live in diversity

Luang Prabang Mural Paintings: Social and Cultural Reflection, Lao PDR

The study entitled Luang Prabang Mural Painting: Social and Cultural Reflection, Lao PDR is the study of the mural paintings in Luang Prabang and the analysis of the social and cultural reflection from the mural paintings in Luang Prabang, Lao PDR. The research adopts both qualitative and quantitative methods. Studying the mural paintings in Luang Prabang, created during the Lao Lan Xang era under Siamese rule up to the present day (1779 to the present), covering eight temples. The target group consisted of the informants in Luang Prabang City, and the research tools consisted of surveys, observation, and interviews. The data was analyzed through the representation concept, structural-functionalism theory, and cultural diffusion theory, presented through descriptive analysis. The study found that the characteristic of the mural paintings in Luang Prabang, consisting of the form, colors, techniques, and composition, was artistically influenced by the surrounding kingdoms. Starting from the Lan Xang kingdom, until the era Laos was under Siam, where the Rattakosin artistic influence came to play a significant role in the development of arts and the integration of the traditional Lao art, creating an identity of Luang Prabang arts. As for the social reflection in the mural paintings, according to the Lao historical context from Lan Xang to the present, there are four significant social aspects: social kinship system, political relationships, transnational economic trades, and cultural tourism as a world heritage site. There are four aspects to the cultural reflection of the mural paintings in Luang Prabang: cultural livelihood and way of life system, cultural consciousness or social system, cultural intelligence and thought systems, and arts and culture or aesthetic system.

Didactic Values in the Gending Text of the Baris Dadap Dance in Adat Batur Village, Bali

The Baris Dadap dance is a sacred dance performed by four to six male dancers, typically staged during the Dewa Yadnya ceremony (a sincere and wholehearted offering to the Almighty God). The Baris Dadap dance has distinctive characteristics that set it apart from other types of Baris dances, particularly in its performance structure, which combines movements and gending (traditional Balinese song), referred to in Balinese as wirama. This study aims to (1) describe the performance form of the Baris Dadap dance and (2) analyze the didactic implications of the gending text in the Baris Dadap dance on the formation of knowledge within the Batur traditional village community in Bali. This research employs a qualitative method with data sources including the Baris Dadap dance performance, dancers, musicians, community elders, cultural figures, and journals related to previous research findings. Structural functional theory and Balinese dance theory are used to analyze all data collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. The results of the study indicate that (1) the performance form of the Baris Dadap dance is built on three main frameworks—dance movements, gending texts sung by the dancers, and accompanying music—with the structure of the performance divided into three parts: the first part called pepeson, the second part called pengadeng, and the third part called pekaad; (2) the didactic values in the gending text of the Baris Dadap dance have implications for the formation of a knowledge system in the aspects of tattwa (philosophy), susila (morality), and upacara (rituals). The new findings of this study reveal that the values embedded in traditional dances and their meanings can serve as a conscious means of imparting human knowledge to achieve physical and spiritual harmony.

Sociological perspective on migration in South Africa

This paper examines the socio-economic dimensions of population migration, emphasising its role as a vital social process within the broader societal framework. Employing a structural-functional approach, the study highlights how migration is shaped by and contributes to societal structures, norms, and cultural dynamics. Migration is influenced by socio-structural and cultural factors, reflecting the interconnectedness of institutions and societal conditions. For instance, urban industrial societies, characterised by institutional and structural compatibility, encourage rapid spatial mobility and long-distance migration. Conversely, traditional rural agrarian societies favour limited mobility and slower migration rates. Drawing on Durkheim’s theory of social evolution, the paper underscores migration’s transformative impact on society. It facilitates the transition from segmented, mechanically organised societies to complex, interdependent ones with advanced divisions of labour. This evolution signifies migration’s role as a driver of societal progress and adaptation. Secondary data analysis reveals that socio-cultural considerations, including family circumstances, are as influential as economic factors in migration decisions. The paper argues for government initiatives that promote social cohesion and regional integration to enable equitable migration opportunities. Such policies are essential for harnessing migration’s potential as a tool for societal advancement. By addressing the interplay of social, cultural, and economic factors, the study provides a nuanced understanding of migration as a dynamic and socially conditioned phenomenon. This research contributes to the discourse on population mobility by linking structural-functional theory with contemporary migration dynamics and policy implications.

The Legality of Interfaith Marriage in Salatiga: A Perspective from Structural Functional Theory and Sadd al-Dzari'ah

Interfaith marriages in Salatiga can be legally registered without requiring either partner to adhere to the other's religion. This study aims to describe the process by which interfaith couples obtain legal recognition for their marriages in Salatiga. The research employs a qualitative method with sociological and normative approaches. The analysis is conducted using Talcott Parsons' structural-functional theory and the ushul fiqh method of saddu al-żari’ah. The findings reveal that interfaith marriage processes in Salatiga proceed smoothly due to a well-organized social system. The AGIL functions (Adaptation, Goal Attainment, Integration, Latency) are fulfilled, such as the couples’ adaptation through dual marriage ceremonies according to their respective religions, goal attainment by obtaining legally recognized marriage documents, integration through collaboration between the Percik NGO, religious leaders, and the Civil Registry Office (Disdukcapil), and latency by maintaining consistent registration policies despite changes in leadership at the Civil Registry Office. The saddu al-żari’ah approach confirms that legalizing interfaith marriages yields positive impacts, including legal protection for couples and their children, as well as clear recognition of rights and obligations. Thus, the policy of interfaith marriage registration in Salatiga not only supports social justice but also aligns with Islamic legal principles.

Fostering School-Age Teenagers: An Effort to Repress Child Marriage in The Perspective of Talcott Parsons

This research has examined the influence of Fostering School-Age Teenagers Program (BRUS) in repressing child marriage rates in Sleman Yogyakarta, which is analyzed based on Talcott Parsons' functional structural theory through four stages, namely AGIL (Adaptation, Goal attainment, Integration, and Latency) against the BRUS program implementation guidelines contained in the Decree of the Director General of Islamic Public Guidance Number 1012 of 2022. The method used by the author in this research is a quantitative method, with a sociological approach, using the Respondent Achievement Level (RAL) formula with the help of the SPSS version 29 program and Microsoft Excel which is adjusted to the efforts aligned with the 4 stages in the AGIL concept. Respondents in this study were students who had participated in Fostering School-Age Teenagers Program in several Senior High Schools / Equivalents in Sleman Regency with a sample size of 487 students who had an age range of 15-19 years. The results of this study found that in general, the Adaptation, Goal attainment, and Integration stages were only realized in 11.9% of high schools in Sleman. In addition, only 4% of high schools have reached the Latency stage. Then the effect of this Fostering School-Age Teenage Program in repressing the desire for child marriage in teenagers is on average 77.58% with a good enough category for 16 SMA / equivalent in Sleman. However, in the aspect of decision-making in teenagers such as decisions in lectures, marriage, and careers is still as evidenced by 40% of teenagers who have participated in BRUS still have difficulty making decisions. BRUS still experience difficulties in making decisions.

IMPACT OF TRADITIONAL CONFLICT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES OF NDIEZE AND UMUADA ON SECURITY IN NGWA CLAN IN ABIA STATE, NIGERIA

In spite of conflict management strategies adopted by Ndieze and Umuada in Ngwa clan to manage conflicts such as land disputes, inheritance and inter-family quarrels in Ngwa clan are still grossly understudied. Even when the variables were examined, they were not linked to security of people in Ngwa clan. The study examined the conflict management strategies of the Ndieze and Umuada in Ngwa Clan and its relevance security in Abia State, Nigeria. The study was anchored on the structural-functional theory in order to understand the Ndieze and Umuada as structures of Ngwa clan and how their functions whether manifest or latent affect security in the clan. The population of the study was 1,911,900 comprising of population of Ndieze, Umuada and residents of Isiala Ngwa North, Isiala Ngwa South, Osisioma Ngwa, Aba North, Aba South, Obingwa and Ugwunagbo , which are Ngwa settlements. The sample size is 400 determined using Taro Yamane formula. Data were collected using 5-Point Likert Questionnaire and interview guide. While data from questionnaire were analysed using frequency distribution, mean and percentages, data from interview were analysed using thematic content analysis. Finding from the study showed that there is significant relationship between conflict management strategies of the Ndieze and Umuada and relevance for security in Ngwa clan. It was recommended that due to the significant relationship between conflict management strategies of the Ndieze and Umuada and relevance for security in Ngwa clan, conflict management strategies such as banishment, naming and shaming of individuals that committed offence, payment of fines, ex-communication, among others should be largely used by Ndieze and Umuada in ensuring the protection of lives and properties in Ngwa clan. This is because if the individuals who committed crimes are note named and shamed or punished, the level of disputes in the clan would increase with its attendant adverse impact on security in the clan.

Physical properties and thermal stability of zirconium platinum nitride thin films

Ternary transition metal nitrides (TMNs) promise to significantly expand the material design space by opening new functionality and enhancing existing properties. However, most systems have only been investigated computationally, and limited understanding of their stabilizing mechanisms restricts translation to experimental synthesis. To better elucidate key factors in designing ternary TMNs, we experimentally fabricate and analyze the physical properties of the ternary Zr–Pt–N system. Structural analysis and density functional theory modeling demonstrate that Pt substitutes nitrogen on the nonmetallic sublattice, which destabilizes the rock salt structure and forms a complex cubic phase. We also show insolubility of Pt in the Zr–Pt–N at 45 at. % with the formation of a secondary Pt-rich phase. The measured reduced plasma frequency, decrease in resistivity, and decrease in hardness reflect a dominance of metallic behavior in bonding. Additionally, we observe the exsolution of Pt nano precipitates from the Zr–Pt–N films upon annealing as well as degradation in the nitridic film's thermal stability. Even at low concentrations (1%), Pt facilitates a solid reaction with the Si substrate that is otherwise inaccessible in ZrN films.

Public perception of the civil-military and human rights abuses in North-Eastern Nigeria

This article explores public attitudes towards civil-military relations and human rights violations in northeastern Nigeria, a region badly afflicted by the ongoing insurgency and conflict involving Boko Haram and other armed groups. This research may cover such aspects as the perception of local communities on Nigerian military and counterinsurgency operations, human rights implications of military actions and civil-military relations or trust between civilian volunteers and armed forces. Recognizing the tension that exists between national security and citizens' rights, this article discusses some of the core issues — military deployments to civilian areas with a focus on deaths of civilians, internal displacement of civilians, arbitrary arrests and several other allegations surrounding these violations of human rights. This paper reflects perspectives from various stakeholders — local civilians, internally displaced persons (IDPs), human rights organizations and armed forces personnel. It is inarguable that military presence is needed for security, yet there are fears over the heavy-handed elements of UNSCR 1973 which often increase civilian suffering. This paper adopts a form-oriented theory of structural functionalism, which suggested that social phenomena belong to a domain – or level – of existence separate from psychical and biological facts using qualitative approach. From this perspective, the paper concludes its discussion by contributing to our understanding of the broader consequences of civil-military relations in zones of armed substitute and develop brazen intercontinental policy reform that promotes human right, accountability and community involvement. It is a new way of planning military operations; one that recognizes that while there are legitimate security needs, it should not come at the expense of providing citizens with their fundamental rights and freedoms, creating opportunities for better trust and collaboration between communities in northeastern Nigeria and the state.

Spatial Transformation of the Higher Education System: Threats and Challenges to Single-Industry Towns

The article proposes an approach to analyzing the spatial organization of the Russian higher education system. Methodologically, the study relies on the theory of structural functionalism. In order to solve the stated research problems, the authors used comparative historical and economic-statistical analyses, as well as the quick survey method. The study characterizes the specifics of the Russian system of single-industry towns and justifies the role of a single-industry town as an integral and essential element of the settlement system. The study also reveals structural and functional changes inthe Russian system of higher education that significantly limit the possibility of preserving universities and/or their branches in single-industry towns. It was proved that the functions of higher education institutions in a single-industry town are multifaceted, complex in nature, and not limited only to the sphere of education. In spite of this, the higher education system in single-industry towns downsizes at a significantly faster rate than in the country as a whole. The performed analysis shows that the persisting trend toward increasing territorial concentration in the country’s system of higher education can create a set of negative effects that have a disruptive impact on the national settlement system, the continuity of complex value chains, and the social stability of local communities in single-industry towns. A conclusion is made about the need for comprehensive solutions regarding the development of higher education in single-industry towns that combine both national mechanisms for achieving national goals and the toolkits of regional, industrial, educational, and corporate policies.

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Election Postponements: Trends, Socio-Economic Effects and the Future of Nigeria’s Electoral Process

Election postponement has gradually crept into the political lexicon and is fast becoming a tradition in Nigeria’s electoral process that has sequentially marred the conduct of elections in the country as evident in 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023 general elections among others. This has raised serious concerns as to the integrity of the electoral process and the preparedness of INEC to conduct free, fair and credible elections in the country. The essence of this paper was to assess the trends and socio-economic effects of election postponements and its impacts on Nigeria’s electoral process. The paper is historical and descriptive in nature and utilized relevant data obtained wholly from documentary sources which were analysed within the context of structural functional theory. From the analysis, it was gleaned that the electoral umpire has not learned from its previous sloppy preparations and mistakes, despite significant condemnation from Nigerians across political divides. Moreover, the paper established that security challenges, logistics inadequacies and court verdicts contributed to the postponement of elections, which resulted in severe socio-economic losses for the voting public, electoral commission, political parties, security agencies, election observers, and media outlets. Accordingly, the paper recommended, among others, that the government and other stakeholders in Nigeria’s electoral process should work to ensure that adequate pre-emptive measures are put in place in advance of future elections. Again, the Electoral Act 2022 should be amended to provide for electronic registration and voting, to accommodate Nigerians in diaspora.

Parenting behaviour and student discipline in public boarding secondary schools in Western region of Kenya

Discipline in schools is an issue that especially concerns educators, parents, and other stakeholders. In an environment that lacks order and discipline, it is impossible for students to learn effectively. Thus, order and discipline are indispensable for achieving positive educational results. The family assumes a pivotal role in shaping the early years of an individual. The purpose of this research was to investigate the influence of parenting behaviour on student discipline in public boarding secondary schools in Western region of Kenya. Family composition and structural-functionalism theories served as guiding principles for the research. The investigation was conducted using an ex post facto design. The study's target population consisted of 5583 class teachers and 369 deputy principals (administrators-in-charge) from 369 public boarding secondary institutions. The sample included 123 deputy Principals and 558 class teachers from the 123 randomly selected schools. Simple random sampling was used to select 558 class teachers while purposive sampling was used to select 123 deputy Principals. For the purpose of data collection from the participants, a questionnaire and an interview schedule were employed. The assessment of the instruments' reliability was conducted using the test-retest method, results of the pilot study reveal that all scales were trustworthy because their reliability values were more than the required threshold of 0.7. Data was analyzed using frequency, percentages, weighted averages, correlations and multi-regression analysis. The study concluded that parenting behavior influence the discipline of students in public secondary schools. Therefore, it was recommended that school management boards should organize for the sensitization meetings on effective parenting behaviour, this will enable curb indiscipline among students.

Structural determination, energy transfer and color-tunable photoluminescence of stable LiYSiO4: Ce/Tb/Sm Phosphors toward nUV pumped wLEDs application

Study on photon emission of Ce3+-doped phosphors is essential for advanced optoelectronic application. However, it remains quite difficult to design near-ultraviolet excitable Ce3+-activated silicate blue/cyan-emitting phosphors because of the combined influence of iconicity of Ce3+, crystal field strength, and nephelauxetic effect. Herein, Ce3+ incorporated into a proper host LiYSiO4 (LYS) phosphor is mechanistically investigated and shown efficient blue/cyan photoluminescence (PL) owing to Ce3+ 5d1 electronic state experiencing appropriate crystal field splitting. The comprehensive analysis based on structural refinement, dynamic/static spectra, and density functional theory calculations indicates that Ce3+ ions are energetically favored in octahedral Y site as compared with Li site in the host, resulting in attractive PL properties. According to the principle of color superposition and via cascading energy transfer (ET) from Ce3+ → Tb3+ → Sm3+, systematic PL tuning in a large color gamut is realized by further codoping with the green- and red-emissions of Tb3+ and Sm3+ in the phosphor LYS: Ce3+/Tb3+/Sm3+. The direct ET from Ce3+ → Sm3+ is difficult to occur due to the metal-metal charge transfer effect. Of note, the PL thermal-quenching of Ce3+ is mainly associated with multiphonon relaxation, while the quenching of Tb3+/ Sm3+ is primarily due to the cross relaxation (CR) process via dipole-dipole (d-d) interaction. The appropriate distance between the two nearest adjacent Y sites in the host together with the ET are conducive to weaken the CR process of Tb3+/Sm3+, leading to high PL efficiency. Finally, a prototype pc-wLED assembled via a remote ‘capping’ packaging strategy and by using only the stably composition-optimized white-emitting LYS: Ce3+/Tb3+/Sm3+ demonstrates that the phosphor is promising for high-quality of light.