Latest Articles
Linguistic Exploration
Articles

An Onomastic Analysis of Shop Names: A Case of Manyama Market in Zambia

Motivated by the role of commercial onomastics in trade and business, this study linguistically analyses shop names in the multilingual context of the Manyama market in Kalumbila, Zambia.  Three objectives guide this study: to identify the morphological processes employed in the formation of shop names at Manyama Market, to describe the contributing factors in shop name choices at Manyama Market, and to establish the significance of shop names as a resource in trade and business in the informal economy of Kalumbila’s Manyama market. For an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon, this study collected data using unstructured interviews, audio recordings, and observation. A total of fifteen shop names were purposively sampled together with ten owners. As the study is purely qualitative, the findings were transcribed and analyzed thematically through the revealed themes. For a comprehensive analysis of the findings, this study applied theories of lexical morphology and Social semiotics. The study reveals that several morphological processes are employed in the creation of shop names. Some of the processes include compounding, acronymization, initialization, and loaning, among others. The study shows that several factors influence the decision to name a shop. These factors include anglicisation, religious alignment, commemorative, and family name alignment, and indigenization. The study concludes that several linguistic aspects are taken into consideration when creating a shop name. When applied, the process results in the expression of various meanings that elicit different responses based on how customers respond to a business.

Linguistic Exploration
Articles

Regional Assimilation of Syntax-Pragmatic Markers of Nigerian English in Contemporary Literary Texts

This study examined syntax-pragmatic patterns in three selected literary texts from Northern, Eastern, and Western Nigeria using Labov’s language variation theory. Data were collected from secondary sources and analyzed qualitatively. The findings revealed distinct syntactic patterns across regions, categorized into three groups: coinages, reduplications, and hybridizations. Coinages from the Southwest included self-contain, second-hand, face-me-I-face-you, and keep the change; from the East, bushmanliness, palm wine, pure water, and backyard; and from the North, conductor, monkey-post, and suya. Reduplications featured small small, slowly slowly (Southwest), real real, bye bye, big big, double double (East), and subtle subtle, clicked clicked (North). Hybridizations included olojukokoro-eyes, oyinbos (Southwest); juju-spell, ankara-print (East); and zanna-cap, black-djinns, okada man (North). While some of these findings are peculiar to all the regions, some are distinct. Pragmatic markers also varied regionally. Discourse markers from the Southwest included shebi, sha, oya, omo, abi, na, nko, jare; from the East, chei, ba, abeg; and from the North, kai, wallahi, haba. Honorific terms included oga, baba (Southwest); madam, papa (East); and mallam, alhaji, hajiya (North). Although these pragmatic elements were largely region-specific, they show sociocultural differences in each locale and shaped interpersonal dynamics within the narratives. Despite regional variations, some markers like papa, baba, shebi, and ba shared similar functions across texts, revealing common usage patterns. The study concludes that the syntax-pragmatic patterns of Nigerian English, shaped by indigenous languages and cultural realities, are evident in selected contemporary literary texts. Therefore, the assimilation of Nigerian English in literary texts has gained ground.

Philosophy and Realistic Reflection
Articles

Performative Skepticism: Pseudoscientific Dogmatism Under the Veil of Rhetorical Doubt

This essay explores the concept of "performative skepticism," a rhetorical strategy that mimics the language and principles of scientific skepticism, but is employed to shield beliefs and practices from rigorous empirical scrutiny. Unlike legitimate epistemic skepticism, a foundational component of scientific inquiry, performative skepticism exploits the appearance of critical inquiry to undermine evidence-based knowledge, particularly in the field of health. The analysis begins with a philosophical examination of skepticism, tracing its evolution from Cartesian doubt to the critical methodologies of Popper, Kuhn, and Feyerabend. It then distinguishes performative skepticism from legitimate skepticism, highlighting its asymmetric application of critical standards and reliance on the rhetorical appropriation of scientific language. This essay further examines how performative skepticism manifests in health practices, including anti-vaccine movements, alternative therapies, and digital misinformation. These cases illustrate how performative skepticism distorts scientific values, presenting unsubstantiated claims as though they were scientifically valid. Finally, this essay proposes criteria for distinguishing between legitimate skepticism and performative skepticism, emphasizing the need for proportionate scrutiny and methodological transparency. Understanding and countering performative skepticism are essential for preserving the integrity of science and protecting patients from unfounded interventions.

Cultural Conflict and Integration
Articles

Cultural Framings of Cancer: Medical Anthropology on Narrative Intertextuality, Immunotherapeutic Integration, and Neoliberal Resource Conflicts

This medical anthropological study aims to explore the cultural framings of cancer in urban settings, focusing on narrative intertextuality, immunotherapeutic integration, and neoliberal resource conflicts, to understand their impact on health experiences in a globalized context. Through a descriptive synthesis of secondary data—drawn from ethnographic studies, biomedical reviews, and policy reports—it examines how communities in cities like Mumbai, São Paulo, Chicago, and Nairobi construct cancer meanings, integrate biomedical treatments with traditional healing practices, and navigate systemic inequities. The methodology involved selecting peer-reviewed sources from 2000 to 2023 via databases like PubMed and JSTOR, using narrative synthesis and thematic analysis to identify key themes across global North and South urban contexts.Key findings reveal cancer as a contested phenomenon: intertextual narratives frame it as a “divine test” in São Paulo or a “modern affliction” in Nairobi, creating tensions with biomedical approaches like immunotherapy, often seen as foreign. Neoliberal health policies exacerbate resource conflicts, limiting access for low-income groups in Mumbai’s slums and Chicago’s underserved areas. Urban communities show resilience by integrating pluralistic practices—e.g., Ayurveda with chemotherapy in India or spiritual rituals with hospital care in Brazil—though cultural misunderstandings and economic barriers persist. The study advocates for culturally sensitive, equitable interventions, emphasizing bridging biomedical and traditional ontologies through trained providers and policy reforms. Contributing to medical anthropology, it offers interdisciplinary insights into cancer care, providing actionable recommendations—such as subsidizing immunotherapies and employing cultural mediators—to address conflicts and foster integration.

Transportation Development Research
Article

Integrating 5PL Frameworks with Drone-Based Last-Mile Delivery: A Model for Future-Ready Logistics

The rapid evolution of logistics service providers from 1PL to 5PL has underscored the growing need for intelligent, data-driven orchestration across the supply chain. Simultaneously, drone-based delivery has emerged as a promising solution to last-mile challenges, particularly in urban congestion zones and infrastructure-deficient rural areas. However, current deployments of drone logistics remain largely siloed and unintegrated with broader digital logistics platforms. This paper proposes a novel conceptual framework that embeds drone-based last-mile delivery within the orchestration architecture of fifth-party logistics (5PL) systems. Leveraging a multi-agent digital twin model, the study integrates technologies such as IoT for real-time tracking, AI-based metaheuristics (ALNS, PSO, NSGA-II) for route and hub optimization, and blockchain for SLA compliance. A simulation case based on India’s rural healthcare supply chain and ONDC clusters demonstrates substantial improvements in delivery time (↓65%), operational cost (↓40%), and carbon footprint (↓90%) over conventional 4PL systems. Sensitivity analyses under weather fluctuations, demand surges, and battery degradation validate the model’s resilience and adaptability. The findings position 5PLs as future-ready orchestrators of autonomous delivery systems and offer actionable insights for policymakers, supply chain managers, and technology developers toward building sustainable and scalable drone logistics ecosystems.The framework emphasizes interoperability and modular deployment, ensuring ease of integration with evolving logistics platforms.

New Countryside
Articles

Green Tourism Development in Rural Areas – A New Way to Create Sustainable Economic Resilience for Locals

Sustainable economic resilience demands economic diversification activities in rural areas that emphasize the important role of sustainable productivity growth in achieving balanced development and reducing rural areas’ dependence on local or central government support. This conceptual paper explores the concept and mechanisms of green tourism, investigating the opportunities and challenges of green tourism development in rural areas to create sustainable economic resilience. Diversification, particularly through green tourism, serves as an important mechanism to enhance the resilience and well-being of rural communities by reducing their vulnerability to external shocks and economic disruptions. This approach promotes greater self-reliance and reduces the economic risks associated with over-reliance on traditional industries. This study argues that green tourism in rural areas offers opportunities to revitalize local economies, preserve cultural heritage, and protect the environment, while diversifying livelihoods and engaging communities in sustainable practices. However, it also faces challenges, including the risk of environmental disruption from excessive restoration, weak community involvement, cultural dilution, social fragmentation, and the need for effective policy frameworks to ensure long-term economic resilience.

New Environmentally-Friendly Materials
Review

Neuroarchitecture and Mental Health: The Role of Sustainable Building Materials in Cognitive and Emotional Well-Being

Growing interest in sustainable architecture has highlighted not only ecological benefits but also potential impacts on mental and neurological health. This review explores the emerging field of neuroarchitecture, focusing on how environmentally friendly building materials influence cognitive function, stress regulation, and emotional well-being. A narrative review was conducted across interdisciplinary literature in neuroscience, environmental psychology, biophilic design, and sustainable architecture. The review analyzed peer-reviewed studies on eco-friendly materials—including wood, bamboo, cork, and stone—and their influence on neurological biomarkers, sensory engagement, and psychological health. Preliminary evidence suggests that exposure to natural, non-toxic materials is associated with reduced stress markers (e.g., lower cortisol), improved mood, and enhanced cognitive clarity. Some studies indicate potential links to increased neuroplasticity, greater hippocampal activity, and reduced neuroinflammation; however, these findings are largely derived from animal models or short-term human studies. Materials such as untreated wood and cork provide multisensory stimuli (visual, tactile, olfactory) that may activate brain regions involved in emotional regulation and attention. Sustainable materials may offer neuropsychological benefits that extend beyond aesthetics and environmental responsibility. While early evidence is promising, more longitudinal and mechanistic research is needed to confirm their impact on mental health. Integrating biophilic principles with evidence-informed material selection could transform how architects and designers support well-being through the built environment.

New Countryside
Articles

Partnership Pattern between Robusta Coffee Farmers and Mukidi Coffee Home Industry in Gandurejo Village, Temanggung, Central Java

Temanggung Regency is one of the coffee-producing areas in Indonesia and a leading coffee-producing area in Central Java. In the area, there is the Mukidi Coffee Home Industry, which serves as a center for processing, selling, training, and operating coffee shops in the Temanggung area. A partnership has been established between the Mukidi Coffee Home Industry and Robusta farmers in Gandurejo Temanggung Village to help identify the location of the ongoing partnership, so that by recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of each party, it is hoped that they will be satisfied with the implementation of the partnership. This study aims to examine the partnership pattern applied by the Mukidi Coffee Home Industry in collaboration with Robusta coffee farmers, analyze the relationship between robusta coffee farmers and the Mukidi Coffee Home Industry, and evaluate the final results between robusta coffee farmers and the partnership established with the Mukidi Coffee Home Industry. The method used is a field study, where data were collected through direct observations, in-depth interviews, and documentation. Meanwhile, the data analysis was conducted using qualitative descriptive analysis with a triangulation model. The results of the activity show that there is a common pattern of trading partnership with a mutually beneficial partnership relationship and the end result achieved is mutually beneficial for both parties.

Announcements
  • Editor-in-Chief Recruitment Notice

    Announcements

    Dear Colleagues in the Academic Community,   Transportation Development Research is a newly established academic journal aimed at providing scholars with a platform for exchanging and sharing research achievements. Currently, we are seeking an experienced and dedicated scholar to serve as the inaugural Editor-in-Chief of our journal.   Responsibilities and Expectations:   Lead the academic direction and development strategy of the journal. Oversee the review process and select suitable reviewers to ensure the quality of submitted manuscripts. Collaborate with the editorial team to drive the day-to-day operations and development of the journal. Actively engage with the academic community to enhance the visibility and impact of the journal.   Qualifications:   Demonstrated excellence in the relevant field with a strong academic track record. Substantial academic and peer-review experience. Enthusiasm for advancing the development of the journal and the ability to lead a team. Active participation in academic discourse with a strong academic reputation.   Application Process:   Interested individuals are invited to submit their resumes and a letter of application for the Editor-in-Chief position to tdr@bilpub.com.   We look forward to your contributions in building Transportation Development Research into an outstanding academic journal. Thank you for your attention and support.   Best Regards,   Editorial Team Transportation Development Research

    29 December 2023
  • New Journal Alert: Urban Planning and Construction

    Announcements

    We are excited to announce the launch of our new journal, "Urban Planning and Construction," dedicated to exploring the dynamic field of urban planning and construction. As we embark on this exciting endeavor, we invite scholars and researchers to join us as esteemed editorial board members and editors-in-chief. If you are passionate about urban planning and construction and would like to contribute to this scholarly platform, we welcome you to apply as a self-nominee or recommend suitable candidates for the positions. Kindly download the Scholar Information Form, fill it out, and submit it to the editorial department. For the inaugural issue, we are offering a special opportunity to submit manuscripts free of charge. Yes, you read that right! We are waiving all article processing fees for the first edition. To maintain consistency, please refer to our author's guidelines for formatting details, available at: https://ojs.bilpub.com/index.php/upc/about/submissions. Feel free to contact our editorial department at upc@bilpub.com for any queries, suggestions, or submissions. Join us on this exciting journey as we delve into the realms of urban planning and construction together! Urban Planning and Construction Editorial Team

    14 September 2023
  • Transport Development Study Vol. 1 No. 1 (2023): Inprogress

    Announcements

    New Journal Launch! Transportation Development Research is excited to announce the launch of our inaugural issue! As we embark on this journey, we are searching for dedicated individuals to join our esteemed editorial board as editors and chief editors. Whether you would like to self-nominate or recommend someone, we welcome your participation. To express your interest, please download the Scholar Information Form, complete it, and submit it to our editorial office. Call for Manuscripts For the first issue, we are offering free manuscript processing. All article processing fees are waived! To ensure your submission meets our guidelines, please refer to the Author's Guide:https://ojs.bilpub.com/index.php/tdr/about/submissions. Contact Information For any inquiries or submission of the Scholar Information Form, kindly direct your emails to tdr@bilpub.com. Join us in shaping the future of transportation research! Transportation Development Research Editorial Team

    14 September 2023
  • Pre-publication of the first issue of Food and Drug Safety

    Announcements

    We are excited to announce the launch of a new journal, Food and Drug Safety, dedicated to the exploration of topics related to the safety of food and drugs. We are currently seeking qualified individuals to join our editorial board and serve as the chief editor. If you have expertise in this field, both self-recommendations and recommendations of others are welcome. To apply, please download the Scholar Information Form, fill it out, and submit it to the editorial office. For the inaugural issue, we are offering free manuscript handling and waiving all article processing fees. Authors are encouraged to submit their manuscripts in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the Author's Guide: https://ojs.bilpub.com/index.php/fds/about/submissions. For any inquiries or submissions, please contact the editorial office via email at: fds@bilpub.com. We look forward to your participation and contributions in promoting food and drug safety research! Food and Drug Safety Editorial Team

    14 September 2023
  • Classical Literature First Publication (Issue 1, 2023): Inprogress

    Announcements

    Welcome to our newly created journal! We are looking for editorial board members and editors-in-chief, and we invite scholars to nominate themselves or suggest suitable candidates. If you are interested, please download the Scholar Information Form, fill it out and submit it to the editorial office. It is worth mentioning that we will process manuscripts for the first issue of the journal free of charge and completely waive the article processing fee. Authors are kindly requested to refer to our author guidelines to ensure proper and consistent article formatting, the link to the guidelines is here: https://ojs.bilpub.com/index.php/cl/about/submissions . If you have any questions or need further advice, please send them to the editorial office at: cl@bilpub.com. Classical Literature Editorial Team

    14 September 2023
  • Congratulations on the success of 'MIRAI 2.0 R&I Week 2022' activity!

    Announcements

    02 December 2022
  • Welcome Prof. Dr. Pablo Froimowicz to be the Editor-in-Chief of New Environmentally-Friendly Materials

    Announcements

    26 October 2022