Multinational Research Society Publisher

MRS Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Studies

Issue-10(October), Volume-2 2025

1. SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DRIVERS OF VIOLENT CRIME IN SOUTH AFRICA: THE IMPA...
5

Dr. John Motsamai Modise*
Tshwane University of Technology
1-10
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17240261

This study aims to examine the social and economic drivers of violent crime in South Africa, with a particular focus on how poverty and unemployment contribute to the prevalence of violent property crimes. By unpacking the structural and socio-economic factors influencing criminal behavior, the study seeks to provide evidence-based insights to inform policy, policing, and community interventions. South Africa continues to experience high levels of violent crime, which undermine social cohesion, economic development, and public safety. Existing research indicates that socio-economic inequality, poverty, and unemployment are major contributing factors, yet there is limited integrated analysis of how these drivers interact with community structures and criminal justice challenges. This gap hampers the development of targeted interventions that address the root causes of violent crime. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of crime and socio-economic data (2020–2025) with qualitative interviews and focus group discussions in high-crime communities. This systematic approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of both statistical trends and lived experiences, highlighting the interplay between poverty, unemployment, and violent crime. The study contributes to academic knowledge by integrating Strain Theory, Social Disorganization Theory, and Routine Activity Theory to analyze the complex socio-economic drivers of violent crime. It provides updated empirical evidence on the relationship between poverty, unemployment, and crime, offering practical recommendations for policymakers, law enforcement, community organizations, and the private sector. Poverty and unemployment are significant drivers of violent crime, particularly among youth and marginalized communities. Historical inequalities and structural marginalization exacerbate crime prevalence in high-risk areas. Weak community cohesion and inadequate policing increase the opportunities for violent property crime. Integrated interventions combining socio-economic development, effective policing, and community engagement are essential for sustainable crime reduction. This study underscores the importance of addressing the socio-economic roots of violent crime in South Africa. By providing a multi-dimensional understanding of how poverty, unemployment, and inequality interact with community and criminal justice dynamics, the research informs holistic and evidence-based strategies to reduce violent crime, enhance public safety, and promote social and economic development.

2. THE ROLE OF FIREARM LEGISLATION IN CONTROLLING VIOLENT CRIME IN SOUTH...
2

Dr. John Motsamai Modise*
Tshwane University of Technology
11-20
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17241481

South Africa continues to record alarmingly high levels of firearm-related violent crime, with firearms responsible for over half of all homicides in recent years. Despite the introduction of the Firearms Control Act (2000) and the Firearms Control Amendment Bill (2022), the proliferation of illegal firearms, weak enforcement capacity, and entrenched socio-economic inequalities have undermined the effectiveness of these policies. This study seeks to critically evaluate the role of firearm legislation in controlling violent crime in South Africa, focusing on both policy effectiveness and enforcement challenges. The purpose of the study is to assess whether firearm legislation has reduced gun-related violence, to identify barriers to enforcement, and to explore how socio-economic drivers interact with firearm-related crime. The problem statement is that while South Africa has one of the most comprehensive firearm control frameworks in Africa, violent crime involving firearms continues to escalate, raising questions about the practical impact of legislation in a context marked by inequality, corruption, and weak policing capacity. A systematic methodological approach was adopted, combining policy and legislative analysis, secondary data from SAPS Annual Reports (2020–2024) and UNODC statistics, as well as a review of scholarly literature and policy documents. This triangulation allowed for an integrated evaluation of legal frameworks, enforcement realities, and socio-economic contexts. The study’s main contribution lies in providing a balanced, evidence-based assessment of firearm legislation in South Africa, highlighting the gap between policy intentions and enforcement realities, and offering recommendations that integrate law, policing, and social development. Firearm legislation has had some success in reducing legal firearm misuse but is undermined by the circulation of illegal firearms. Enforcement challenges including corruption, registry backlogs, and porous borders severely limit the deterrent effect of legislation. Socio-economic conditions such as poverty, unemployment, and gang activity significantly fuel firearm-related crime despite strong laws. Public mistrust in SAPS undermines compliance and weakens the legitimacy of firearm control measures. In conclusion, the study emphasizes that legislation alone cannot reduce firearm-related violence. A holistic approach is required, integrating effective enforcement, community trust-building, socioeconomic development, and regional cooperation to control illegal firearms. The findings provide actionable insights for policymakers, law enforcement, and communities, reinforcing that firearm control in South Africa must be understood not only as a legal matter but also as a broader social and security imperative.

3. THE ROLE OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN DRIVING VIOLENT CRIME IN SOUTH AFRICAN...
1

Dr. John Motsamai Modise*
Tshwane University of Technology
21-35
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17241632

The purpose of this study is to examine the role of substance abuse in driving violent crime within South African townships. It seeks to understand the socioeconomic, environmental, and individual factors that contribute to substance use and its direct and indirect links to violent behaviour, including assault, murder, and gender-based violence. This study investigates how substance abuse (alcohol, methamphetamine/tik, cannabis and other illicit drugs) contributes to violent crime in South African townships. Violent crime in South African townships remains a critical societal challenge, with substance abuse identified as a key driver. Despite existing interventions, rates of alcohol- and drug-related violence continue to rise, affecting youth, women, and broader community safety. Limited empirical studies focus on the interplay between substance abuse, township-specific socio-economic factors, and violent crime, leaving a gap in targeted, evidence-based strategies. A systematic qualitative and quantitative approach was employed, combining:Document analysis of SAPS crime reports, SANCA and SACENDU data (2020–2025), and government policy documents; Literature review integrating recent (2020–2025) and older sources; Case studies of selected township areas to examine patterns of substance abuse and violent crime; Stakeholder interviews with police officials, community leaders, and NGO representatives to capture local perspectives. This mixed-method, systematic approach allowed for triangulation of data to ensure reliability and contextual relevance. The study contributes to both theory and practice by: Theoretically integrating Social Disorganisation Theory, Strain Theory, and Routine Activity Theory to contextualize substance-related violent crime in townships. Empirically providing upto-date evidence on the prevalence, drivers, and consequences of substance abuse in township communities. Practically offering actionable recommendations for government, police, justice departments, NGOs, community leaders, and other stakeholders to design coordinated, multi-sectoral interventions. Substance abuse is a significant driver of violent crime, particularly murder, assault, and gender-based violence in townships. Socioeconomic factors poverty, unemployment, and weak social cohesion exacerbate substance abuse and violent behavior. Youth are particularly vulnerable to substance use and criminal involvement, often influenced by peer pressure and lack of recreational opportunities. Current interventions are fragmented and limited, lacking integration between law enforcement, rehabilitation programs, and community initiatives. Multi-stakeholder collaboration is critical for effective prevention, early intervention, and rehabilitation. The study underscores the complex interplay between substance abuse and violent crime in South African townships. By providing a holistic understanding of the contributing factors and emphasizing multi-sectoral collaboration, the study informs evidence-based strategies for prevention and intervention. Implementation of the recommendations has the potential to enhance community safety, reduce violent crime, and support sustainable social development in township areas.

4. THE LANGUAGE OF REVOLT IN AN UNEQUAL WORLD: VACCINE NATIONALISM
1

Dr. Ozge Tenlik*
St Clements University
36-40
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17256157

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only been a health crisis but also a turning point that deepened debates on justice and inequality at the global level. One of the most critical phases of the pandemic-the development and distribution of vaccines-brought the concept of “vaccine nationalism” to the forefront. Vaccine nationalism is defined as states prioritizing limited vaccine supplies for their own citizens, engaging in large-scale stockpiling, and relegating international solidarity to a secondary position (Fidler, 2021). This situation particularly restricted access to vaccines for low- and middle-income countries and made inequalities in global health more visible. Although global mechanisms such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and COVAX undertook significant initiatives with the aim of ensuring equitable vaccine distribution, the economic and political priorities of powerful states often limited the effectiveness of these mechanisms (Eccleston-Turner & Upton, 2021). Thus, the pandemic emerged as an arena where the preservation of the “global common good” and the pursuit of national interests clashed within international relations. This article examines vaccine nationalism in the context of global inequality and discusses its consequences in terms of both international cooperation and health diplomacy. While highlighting the unequal effects of the pandemic, the study also explores how the concept of justice in global health has been redefined in the international system. The findings demonstrate that vaccine nationalism is not merely a short-term crisis management preference but a phenomenon that reproduces permanent injustices within the global order.

5. Standardization, Phytochemical evaluation and Anthelmintic activity of...
7

Md. Juwel Rana*, Dr. Hitesh Ku...
School of Pharmaceutical Science at Om Sterling Global University, Hisar-125001, Haryana, India
41-59
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17507141

Kalanchoe marnieriana (Crassulaceae), commonly known as succulent’s flowery plant, is regarded as extremely useful in traditional medicine. Because of its analgesic and anti-inflammatory qualities, this succulent is frequently used to treat a variety of illnesses. Kalanchoe is also used by many because of its ability to promote wound healing and strengthen the immune system in general. Its stems, leaves, and flowers are used to treat a variety of illnesses. This study aims to determine the quality standardization, evaluation of the phytochemical and anthelmintic activities on earthworms using an extract of Kalanchoe marnieriana.  Determining the flavonoid concentration of Kalanchoe marnieriana extracts is the key objective of standardization. The result can often be achieved by using rutin as a reference chemical using the AlCl3 technique to measure absorbance in a spectrophotometer with ultraviolet-visible wavelengths. The results are then expressed in the substance equivalents.  Phytochemical evaluation was done by some standard tests.  In vitro anthelmintic activity was assessed by the earthworm method. The phytochemical test revealed that microgreens extract of K. Marnieriana contains alkaloids, reducing sugar, glycosides, terpenoids, saponins, carbohydrates, and protein. Results & Discussion: The accurate validation and description of a phytotherapeutic product's or herbal preparation's properties, such as extracts and crude pharmaceuticals, is crucial to its quality. The creation of uniform goods is the final outcome of this procedure, improving their medium- and long-term safety and effectiveness. The plant material and extract were thus characterised, offering crucial details regarding their physicochemical characteristics as well as scientific backing for possible therapeutic uses of the extract or an isolated compound. Conclusion: Ethnomedicine has long used species of the genus Kalanchoe for therapeutic purposes because of its exceptional healing qualities. When employed in traditional medicine, the chemical and physical similarities between several species can cause confusion. The purpose of this review is to give a summary and discussion of the kalanchoe species' documented traditional usage, botanical characteristics, chemical components, and pharmacological potential.

6. Climate Entrepreneurship and Practical Sustainability in Europe: Polic...
2

Salim Masood Nassery*, Vahid B...
Jaban International Recruitment and Immigration Services, Isfahan, Iran
60-63
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17283789

Climate change presents both a systemic risk and an entrepreneurial opportunity. In the context of the European Union (EU), the policy shift toward a green and sustainable economy has triggered a surge in climate-focused startups and business innovations. This paper explores how climate entrepreneurship is evolving in Europe, with a particular focus on Finland—a regional leader in sustainability innovation. Through an extensive literature review and secondary case analysis, this study examines the intersections of climate policy, startup ecosystems, and sustainable business models. Drawing from the EU Green Deal, CSRD regulations, and digital transition strategies, the study investigates how entrepreneurs respond to both policy pressure and market opportunity. The paper includes insights into the role of cleantech, circular economy practices, and digital technologies like AI and blockchain in advancing climate entrepreneurship. Key challenges such as access to green finance, regulatory complexity, and cultural resistance are also discussed. Using select contributions from Salim Masood Nassery and other thought leaders in sustainable entrepreneurship, the paper provides an integrated understanding of how climate ventures are designed, scaled, and supported in European contexts. The results reveal that while the policy landscape is favorable, scaling remains difficult without better access to green capital and systemic collaboration across sectors. The paper concludes with implications for practitioners, policy makers, and researchers seeking to foster climate resilience through entrepreneurial initiatives.

7. THEORY OF UPBRINGING AND THE PRINCIPLE OF RESPECT FOR THE CHILD’S INDI...
3

Dr. Avi Abner*
Burgas State University "Prof. Dr. Assen Zlatarov", Republic of Bulgaria
64-68
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17285677

The study examines an art educational model grounded in the theory of upbringing and the principle of respect for the child’s individuality, with a focus on transforming school related fears into confidence during middle childhood. The model is implemented in a non-formal cultural and natural context that links literary experience, creative production and guided group reflection. The research design contrasts an experimental class that passes through a complete cycle of activities with a control class following routine instruction. School related fear is measured through a brief questionnaire adapted to middle childhood, complemented by self-reports of readiness for school and sense of courage on visual analogue scales. The practical component is conducted with the participation of art therapy expert Teodora Dimitrova, whose facilitation ensures safe symbolic expression and age appropriate pacing. The findings indicate a marked decline in school related fear in the experimental class and concurrent increases in perceived readiness and courage, while the control class shows negligible change. These outcomes align with contemporary literature that links arts engagement with emotional regulation, reflective meaning making and social emotional learning in childhood. The study contributes an implementable sequence for educators that integrates respect for the pupil’s autonomy with structured creativity and play, and it outlines directions for replication across settings and for follow up measurement of durability of effects over time.

8. RISING CRIME TRENDS IN THE NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE (2025): CHALLENGES A...
1

Dr. John Motsamai Modise*
Tshwane University of Technology
69-89
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17317961

This study investigates the rising trends of violent and infrastructure-related crimes specifically murder, rape, kidnapping, and copper cable theft in the Northern Cape Province during the first quarter of 2025. The aim is to identify underlying causes and propose strategic, intelligence-led policing responses that enhance safety, improve law enforcement efficiency, and protect critical infrastructure. Despite a national decline in major crime categories, the Northern Cape recorded a 23.1% increase in murder cases and a 1.4% rise in overall contact crimes between January and March 2025. This province has become a statistical outlier due to persistent violent offences, sexual assaults, kidnappings, and infrastructure sabotage. These patterns are compounded by severe resource shortages, limited detective capacity, weak intelligence coordination, and underdeveloped community policing structures. The situation indicates systemic challenges in policing, intelligence integration, and community trust, requiring an urgent, data-driven, and multi-agency intervention. The study employs a systematic qualitative and quantitative review of secondary data, including SAPS crime statistics, policy reports, provincial safety plans, and scholarly literature. It integrates theoretical analysis using Routine Activity Theory, Social Disorganization Theory, and Broken Windows Theory to interpret crime patterns and institutional weaknesses. The methodology combines comparative case analysis and thematic synthesis of national and provincial data to develop actionable, evidence-based policing recommendations. Findings reveal that violent and infrastructure-related crimes in the Northern Cape are driven by socio-economic deprivation, weak institutional oversight, poor police resourcing, and minimal community participation. Intelligence gaps, fragmented inter-agency coordination, and lack of technological surveillance systems have allowed opportunistic and organized crimes to thrive. The study identifies that intelligence-led policing, digital monitoring tools, and strong communitypolice partnerships are essential for improving response capacity and restoring public confidence. The Northern Cape’s escalating crime rates reflect deep structural and operational deficiencies within the provincial policing system. Addressing these challenges demands a comprehensive, intelligence-based, and technology-supported approach that strengthens SAPS capacity, enhances interagency collaboration, and promotes active community participation. A shift towards proactive, evidence-based policing rooted in social cohesion and technological innovation is crucial to reversing crime trends, safeguarding infrastructure, and ensuring sustainable safety and justice in the province.

9. Association between breast cancer susceptibility and variation in the...
6

Salah Hashim Shaheed*
College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Kerbala, Kerbala, Iraq
90-94
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17336794

Catalase0represents a critical enzyme in the organism's defense system against oxidative stress, a physiolog1qaical state implicated in the pathogenesis of various cancers. As a primary antioxidant defense enzyme, catalase plays a vital role in mitigating oxidative damage. Substantial evidence from numerous studies indicates that genetic polymorphisms in the CAT gene are significant in cancer etiology. This investigation aimed to elucidate the influence of the CAT gene polymorphism0(rs7943316)0on breast cancer susceptibility. Genomic DNA was isolated from blood samples of breast cancer patients and a control cohort. The specified0singlenucleotide0polymorphism (SNP) was analyzed using polymerase.chain reaction (PCR) coupled with restriction fragment0length.polymorphism (RFLP)0analysis. Genotype distribution in the control group was as follows: the heterozygous A/T genotype was most prevalent0(55 %), followed0by the homozygous T/T genotype (36.7%), while the homozygous A/A genotype was not0observed (8.3 %). In the breast cancer (BC) patient group, the A/T0genotype was also the most frequent (51.7%), followed by T/T (31.7%) and A/A (16.6%).Analysis revealed that individuals carrying the A/T and T/T genotypes exhibited an elevated odds ratio for breast cancer development (OR = 2.129, P = 0.209 and OR = 2.315, P = 0.183, respectively). However, these associations were not statistically significant. Furthermore, comparative allele frequency analysis showed no significant difference in the distribution of the0T.allele of the CAT gene (.rs7943316)0between the breast cancer0patients and the control group (P = 0.290). In conclusion, the findings of this study indicate that the development of breast cancer is not associated with polymorphisms of the CAT gene at the rs7943316 locus.

10. THE ROLE OF SOCIOLINGUISTIC COMPETENCES IN THE TEACHING OF BULGARIAN L...
1

Dr. Teodora Valeva*
Burgas State University "Prof. Dr. Assen Zlatarov", Republic of Bulgaria
95-98
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17336881

The article analyses the pedagogical role of sociolinguistic competences in fostering communicative development in the teaching of Bulgarian Language and Literature at the primary stage. Grounded in the communicative-speech orientation of contemporary pedagogy, the study argues that linguistic learning in the early years should transcend the mechanical acquisition of grammatical rules and instead cultivate the child’s ability to use language as a medium of communication, social interaction, and cultural expression. The discussion synthesises the theoretical contributions of key Bulgarian scholars such as Gerdzhikova, Dimchev, Ivanova, and Videnov, who emphasise the interdependence between linguistic, pragmatic, sociocultural, and discourse competences. It demonstrates how sociolinguistic competence- understood as the ability to apply language appropriately within varied social contextsintegrates multiple dimensions, including linguistic variation, pragmatic sensitivity, sociocultural awareness, and critical reflection on language and power.Within the framework of Bulgaria’s State Educational Standards and curriculum reforms, the article situates these competences as essential for developing pupils’ communicative autonomy, intercultural understanding, and capacity for social participation. The analysis also highlights the pedagogical implications of sociolinguistic instruction, where teaching becomes an interactive process shaped by learners’ strategies, social identities, and contextual awareness. Ultimately, the research underscores that the development of sociolinguistic competence in primary education is not only a linguistic objective but also a formative process contributing to pupils’ moral, aesthetic, and cultural growth.

11. Gender Dynamics and Community-Level Factors in Accessing Climate Finan...
9

Omotayo Emmanuel Olanipekun* ,...
Sustianble Development Centre University of Abuja
99-107
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17345900

This research paper argues on the role of gender relations and community level in affecting access to climate finance to facilitate sustainable food security in the Niger state, Nigeria. The research aims at ascertaining the inaccessibility of climate finance particularly in the smallholder farmers including women farmers to address the climate change and agricultural resilience. Mixed methods approach was used to collect data which entailed application of structured survey and semi-structured interviews with farmers, community-based organisations (CBOs) and the local government officials. According to the results, women are being deprived of access to climate finance because of gendered barriers such as access to land, culture and power to make decisions that they can institute climate-resilient agriculture. In addition, CBOs play a very vital role in the opening up to finance, however, in all regions, they do not work depending on local governance and trust by community. To conclude this paper, gender sensitive policies, institutional reinforcement and community-based programs are proposed to enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of climate finance so that the vulnerable population particularly the women would not be left behind in the fight to achieve climate-resilience and sustainable food security.

12. Enhancing the characteristics of gasoline through the influence of ter...
6

Rafal A. Jawad, Ruaa Kahtan Ma...
Department of Physics, College of Sciences, University of Babylon, Hillah, Babtlon, 51001, Iraq
108-113
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17435090

The features of aromatic compounds, a crucial field of organic chemistry, are examined in this study. Since they belong to a class of organic compounds with a closed carbon ring system and electrons evenly distributed among the ring atoms, the goal of this study is to comprehend their physical and chemical characteristics, giving them chemical stability thanks to the resonance phenomenon. These substances follow Huckel's rule, which establishes how many electrons are needed to produce aromaticity It establishes the quantity of electrons needed to attain aromaticity. The simplest of these compounds is benzene (C₆H₆). The impact of terminal groups on the benzene ring will be studied in this study. The carboxyl (COOH), nitro (NO₂), methyl (CH₃), and hydroxyl (OH) groups were all investigated. According to the results, the groups (OH and CH₃) successfully increase the chemical activity by increasing the electron density, whereas the groups (COOH and NO₂) remove electrons from the ring and decrease activity. Instead of hydrogen atoms in the benzene ring, these groups were added in a (Ortho/Para/Meta) form using the DFT method with 6-31G basis functions for the B3LYP level. Using the Gaussian 05 program, the electronic characteristics of the assemblies were examined. lower energy gap than the original molecule was discovered in the recently investigated assemblies, indicating the possibility of materials with novel electronic characteristics.





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