Volume 13 | Issue 1 |

 Abstract

The Pilgrim's Progress (1678) by John Bunyan is a seminal Christian allegory that explores the spiritual journey of a character named Christian as he navigates obstacles and moral challenges on his way to the Celestial City. Written during Bunyan's imprisonment for unlicensed preaching, the text embodies themes of faith, redemption, and perseverance. Its allegorical narrative, accessible language, and theological depth have made it a cornerstone of English literature and Christian thought. This paper examines the cultural, theological, and literary significance of Bunyan's work, highlighting its enduring relevance and influence across religious and secular contexts. The Bible profoundly shapes every aspect of The Pilgrim's Progress, serving as its foundation for language, themes, and spiritual insights. Bunyan's work functions as both a narrative retelling of the Christian journey and a theological reflection rooted in Scripture. This interweaving of biblical elements not only enhances the novel's spiritual depth but also ensures its enduring relevance as a guide for faith and life.

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Pilgrim's Progress, challenges, language, influence, religious.

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Job Satisfaction as described in the dictionary is the feeling of fulfillment or enjoyment that a person derives from their job. It is an encouraging emotional reaction you experience when doing your job or when you are present at work. This goes further than their daily duties to cover satisfaction with the other personnel, satisfaction with the organizational policies, and the impact of their job on employee's personal lives. (BasuMallick, n.d.). It indicates how content an employee is towards his/her work. Job satisfaction as the attitudes and feelings people have about their work. (Description of Job Satisfaction by APA-Accredited Programs in Glendale, AZ and Downers Grove, IL, n.d.). Positive and favorable attitude towards their work indicate job satisfaction. While negative and unfavorable attitude towards the job indicate dissatisfaction. The amount of satisfaction an employee gets from his/her job is entirely dependent on their aims, goals, and values. An employee might find job satisfaction from having a simple job and getting a regular paycheck or salary to put towards their interests, while others might find this job lacks satisfaction and desire professional challenges. It is important to remember that job satisfaction varies from employee to employee. The International Labor Organization said that electric utility companies are critical services that contribute significantly to economic and social development. High-quality utilities are required for effective poverty eradication. Moreover, the government's responsibility is to ensure that they offer consistent universal service access within transparent regulatory frameworks. Thus, job satisfaction is a very important factor to consider for businesses, specifically for electric companies which is a necessity for many people. As to say, all over the world, companies try to find new and innovative ways to gain more customers and become more financially successful. One of the most vital components for a business to become successful is to have content customers. 96% of consumers all over the globe consider service quality to be an important aspect of their choosing to be loyal to a brand. 70% of customers claim that they are loyal to brands because of their great customer service. 52% of consumers state that they have bought additional products from a company simply because they previously have experienced great service quality from that company). These numbers indicate that several different factors of job satisfaction, such as service quality, customer satisfaction, and brand loyalty are all important for the company to be profitable (Willot, 2020). In the Philippines, the Manila Electric Railroad and Light Company or the MERALCO were tested during the pandemic. Employees were forced to estimate the electric bills of its clients for how many months because of skeletal workforce. The MERALCO considered providing an installment mode of payment by the clients within the period because many lost their job. Because of that scenario, MERALCO's quality of service to its consumers were challenged and underexplored. The need to assess and determine the service quality by its employees for customer satisfaction should be deduced and also bring back the satisfaction of its employees for the continuous good quality service given by MERALCO (MERALCO, 2018 & 2020). With this, like MERALCO as an electric service provider, there are three electricity utility providers in the province of Tarlac. They are the Tarlac Electric Incorporated (TEI), Tarlac I Electric Cooperative, Incorporated (TARELCO I), and Tarlac II Electric Cooperative, Incorporated (TARELCO II). TARELCO I and TARELCO II are both cooperatives while TEI is a privately owned electric service provider. In general, electric cooperatives are non-stock, non-profit, and service-oriented which are owned and governed by the consumers they serve (The National Rural Electrification Cooperative Association, 2016). A brief background on the company where the researcher is currently employed which the researcher chose to conduct the study. Tarlac 1 Electric Cooperative, Inc or TARELCO I is known for its electric services brought to Tarlaqueno's of the northern, eastern, and western part of our province of Tarlac from the municipalities of Anao, Camiling, Cuyapo, Gerona, Mayantoc, Moncada, Nampicuan, Paniqui, Pura, Ramos, San Clemente, San Jose, San Manuel, Sta. Ignacia, and Victoria and Novo Ecijanos from the towns of Cuyapo and Nampicuan. TARELCO I's Main Office is located at McArthur Highway, Barangay Amacalan, Gerona, Tarlac.

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 Keywords

Job Satisfaction and Performance

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AI Detection, Human-Written, AI-Generated, Academic Integrity, Essay Authenticity, Machine Learning, CNN, Transformer, Random Forest Classifier, Text Classification.

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The cosmetics sector has ventured extensively into the field of nanotechnology in an attempt to enhance the effectiveness of its products. The extensive use of nanomaterial in cosmetics can have a two sides health related benefits, cosmeceuticals use and some detrimental effects. The primary purpose of this review is to look at the benefits and drawbacks of using nanomaterials in cosmetics. Along with various kinds of cosmetic goods based on nanotechnology, it also provides examples of nanomaterials that are commonly utilized in the cosmetics industry. The benefits of nanomaterials in cosmetic industry are huge. As well as the study regarding toxic effect on health also equally matter. This review gives brief idea about nanomaterial advantages, disadvantages and their beneficial role in nanocosmoceuticals

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Nanomaterial, Nanoparticles, Cosmeceuticals, Nanotechnology

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Franz Kafka, a 20th-century writer, is renowned for his exploration of themes such as alienation and absurdity. Akhtar Mohi-u-din is a Kashmiri fiction writer.. His stories are known for their innovative descriptions, unique narrative styles, and captivating presentations. His literary efforts opened new avenues for future storytellers and enriched the Kashmiri storytelling tradition. Existentialism is a philosophy of the twentieth century. It analyses the existence of human beings and throws light on the way they find themselves existing in the world. Two nineteenth century thinkers, Soren Aabye Kierkegaard, a Dane, and Friedrich Nietzsche, a German, are recognized as initiators of the movement particularly in their concept of the individual existent, as also in their diagnosis of the modern human predicament. In fact Kierkegaard is regarded as the father of existentialism. He maintained that the individual has the sole responsibility for giving one's own life meaning and to live life passionately and sincerely despite many obstacles and distractions including despair, angst,absurdity, choice and death. Existentialism is a philosophy concerned with finding self and the meaning of life through free will, choice and personal responsibility. It is a philosophical movement oriented towards two major themes such as, the analysis of human existence and the centrality of human choice. Both Kafka and Mohi-u-din are writers who write beyond existentialism. Kafka ends "Metamorphoses" with a note of despair and Akhtar ends his story "Weed" with a note of hope. The paper aims to prove that Kaka and Akhtar portray something beyond Angst, absurdity and death, beyond good and evil, angst, irrational world. Thus the paper shall explore their existential journey from "Umwelt to Uberwelt": the two important dimensions of existential philosophy.

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Existentialism, Free will, Angst, Absurdity, Fiction, Despair, Hope. Etc.

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This study explores sustainable lean manufacturing practices tailored for Indian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which play a vital role in the nation's economic growth. Despite their potential, Indian SMEs encounter significant barriers in implementing efficient and sustainable manufacturing practices due to limited resources, technological constraints, and cultural challenges. Lean manufacturing, emphasizing waste reduction and process optimization, is posited as a pragmatic solution. By integrating sustainability principles within lean methodologies, SMEs can enhance operational efficiency, reduce their environmental footprint, and boost competitiveness. The research identifies specific challenges faced by Indian SMEs in adopting these practices and aims to develop a sustainable lean manufacturing framework tailored to their unique contexts. Data collected from 46 SMEs revealed a gap in awareness and expertise regarding lean practices, though there is optimism regarding their potential benefits. Recommendations for enhancing the adoption of sustainable lean practices include employee training, technological integration, stakeholder collaboration, and leveraging government support. Overall, this study contributes valuable insights and practical strategies for facilitating sustainable industrial practices among Indian SMEs and fostering a balance between economic growth and environmental responsibility.

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Sustainable Manufacturing, Lean Practices, Indian SMEs, Environmental Impact, Operational Efficiency

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Computer vision is a field of artificial intelligence that enables machines to interpret and understand visual information from the world, replicating human vision at scale. It involves the acquisition, processing, and analysis of digital images or videos to identify patterns, objects, actions, or anomalies. Using techniques such as image classification, object detection, semantic segmentation, and optical flow, computer vision systems can automate tasks like facial recognition, medical imaging analysis, autonomous driving, and industrial inspection. Powered by advancements in machine learning, particularly deep learning and convolutional neural networks (CNNs), computer vision systems can now achieve high levels of accuracy in complex visual tasks. Applications span various industries, including healthcare, security, retail, agriculture, and entertainment, driving innovation by providing machines with the ability to see and act based on visual inputs. The field continues to evolve, with ongoing research focusing on improving model accuracy, reducing computational requirements, and tackling challenges such as real-time video processing and recognition in diverse environments.

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Computer Vision, Detection, Recognition, Image Processing.

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The role of assessment in shaping education is crucial, as it influences teaching strategies and student learning outcomes. Traditional evaluation methods, often focused on rote memorization and standardized testing, fail to address the evolving needs of modern learners. These methods tend to prioritize surface-level understanding and limit the development of critical thinking and creativity, skills essential for success in the 21st century. This paper explores the urgent need to redesign assessment practices to align with productive pedagogy, a teaching approach that emphasizes deep learning, engagement, and the application of knowledge in meaningful contexts. Productive pedagogy highlights the importance of fostering higher-order thinking skills, encouraging collaboration, and promoting real-world problem-solving abilities among students. Redesigning evaluation methods to support these goals requires a shift from traditional tests to more dynamic and flexible approaches. Methods such as project-based assessments, portfolios, peer reviews, and reflective practices offer opportunities for students to demonstrate their understanding in diverse ways. These approaches encourage learners to think critically, analyze complex issues, and express their ideas creatively. The integration of formative assessment, which provides ongoing feedback, can further support this transformation. By focusing on the learning process rather than just outcomes, formative assessments help students identify their strengths and areas for improvement. Teachers also benefit from these insights, enabling them to tailor their instructional methods to meet the unique needs of their students. This paper argues that a balanced and innovative evaluation framework, incorporating both traditional and alternative assessment techniques, is essential to promote meaningful learning experiences. It emphasizes the need for teacher training and curriculum design that support the implementation of productive pedagogy. In conclusion, redesigning evaluation methods to prioritize critical thinking and creativity is not only a response to the changing demands of the global economy but also a step toward empowering students to become independent and innovative thinkers. By adopting these practices, educators can create a more equitable and engaging learning environment, preparing students for the challenges of the future.

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Assessment, Productive Pedagogy, Critical Thinking

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Poly(caprolactone) (PCL)-based coatings on 3D-printed biodegradable implants present significant potential for advancing regenerative medicine and drug delivery systems. PCL, an FDA-approved biodegradable polymer, offers excellent biocompatibility, flexibility, and customizable degradation rates, making it ideal for diverse biomedical applications such as bone regeneration, cardiovascular therapies, ocular drug delivery, and tissue engineering. This review emphasizes PCL's unique properties and its role in enhancing implant functionality. PCL-coated implants enable controlled and sustained drug release, minimize post-surgical complications, and provide improved mechanical strength and stability. The adaptability of PCL allows for tailored therapeutic solutions, ensuring compatibility with various clinical needs. Advances in additive manufacturing technologies, including Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) and extrusion-based bioprinting, facilitate precise customization of implants, further enhancing their biomedical utility. Key applications include PCL's use in promoting bone growth, serving as a scaffold for vascular grafts, and delivering localized therapies for ocular and orthopaedic conditions. However, challenges such as limited mechanical strength and optimization of degradation rates remain. Innovative strategies, including the incorporation of smart materials and hybrid systems, hold promise for addressing these limitations.

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Polycaprolactone, 3D printing, biodegradable implants, coating, drug delivery, tissue engineering.

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Artificial intelligence(AI) in financial education has the potential to revolutionize the field by improving learning through real-time, personalized, and adaptive feedback mechanisms.This study investigates Gen Z's awareness and perceptions of Artificial Intelligence(AI) tools in financial education.The study collected primary data using Google Forms for quantitative surveys,utilizing a convenience sample strategy.The three objectives are to analyze Gen Z's understanding of AI tools in financial education, learn about their perceived advantages and obstacles to using these tools, and offer suggestions for raising awareness and promoting AI usage in financial education.The findings show that there is a significant opportunity for more involvement even if Gen Z typically exhibits a moderate level of awareness of AI products.Personalized learning experiences and real-time feedback are two of the perceived benefits of AI tools, and these features match perfectly with Gen Z's propensity for interactive and adaptable teaching approaches.This reveals important adoption challenges, such as worries about data security and privacy and a lack of thorough understanding of how these tools work.The study makes a number of proposals to address these issues, including putting in place focused awareness-raising educational efforts,AI literacy into financial education curriculum, and putting in place strong data protection measures to foster confidence.By focusing on these topics, educational institutions can improve Gen Z's financial literacy by increasing the efficacy and acceptability of AI tools.This study adds to our understanding of how artificial intelligence(AI) can be used to further financial education and provides useful information for those involved in both technology and financial education.

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 Keywords

Artificial Intelligence, Financial Education , Gen Z, AI Tools Awareness , Financial Literacy

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition