bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implications of climate-related disasters on refugees’ health: A case study of resettled Syrian and Iraqi refugees in San Diego, California
Authors: Albahsahli Behnan , Dimitrova Anna , Kadri Nadine , Benmarhnia Tarik , Rousan Tala Al
Published: October 2023

Background:Climate change disproportionately harms people of color and low-income communities. Despite their unprecedented numbers, being constantly on the move, and suffering extreme social vulnerability, almost nothing is known about the impact of climate change on the health of refugees. This study uses state-of-the-art mixed methods to examine the differential susceptibility of climate-sensitive exposures and environmental exposures among refugees and their links to perceived health after resettlement.
Methods:Arabic-speaking refugees (N=67) from Iraq and Syria previously diagnosed with hypertension who resettled in California were recruited from a community center. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore participant’s understanding of the impact of climate on health. Survey data were collected to inquire regarding participant’s refugee journeys prior to resettlement in the US. Survey data on climate-related disasters was retrospectively geo-referenced through the Emergency Events Database (EM-DAT). Qualitative data was analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.
Results: All participants stayed in at least one temporary resettlement country during their migration journey and 12% has stayed in refugee camps. The most popular resettlement sites were Turkey (most disaster-prone in the region due to frequent floods and earthquakes) and Jordan (one of the most extreme water-scarce globally). Participants reported harsh weather conditions during their migratory journeys including extreme cold in Turkey and extreme heat in Jordan. Many participants noted their exposure to dust throughout their travels, and an inability to deal with harsh weather conditions due to financial insecurity. Participants did not link their diagnosis of hypertension to their experience of extreme weather and would only link it to their exposure to stress from war. Participants did note poorer mental health due to poor weather conditions and a challenge adjusting to the climate conditions in different countries. Few participants reported residing in a refugee camp and described it as ill-equipped for the challenges of climate hazards.
Conclusion: This study reveals the links between structural drivers of climate change and health inequities for refugee populations. Refugees are highly vulnerable to climate-sensitive exposures but remain not fully aware of the potential links between these exposures and health. Learnings from this study will inform clinical and public health interventions, and policies to close the climate gap without leaving this vulnerable population behind.
Towards the inclusion of equity principles in corporate climate aligned transitions.
Authors: Rao M. S. Rohan , Rekker Saphira , Humphrey Jacquelyn , Greig Chris
Published: October 2023

Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC) in mitigating climate change is a key component of the Paris Agreement. Whilst some progress has been made on integrating the CBDR-RC principle into allocating the global carbon budget between nations, very little attention has been given at the corporate level. Many current corporate climate-target setting methodologies rely extensively on grandfathering principles (e.g., Sectoral Decarbonisation Approach (SDA)), thereby favouring high emitting incumbents. In this study, we explore the allocation of carbon budgets derived from the SDA approach with allocations based on different principles of equity. We illustrate our method using companies in the cement sector, which is a hard to abate sector and crucial for sustainable development in emerging countries. Our comparative exercise clearly shows a stark contrast between which companies bear the mitigation burden when employing the SDA methodology versus considering principles of equity. The findings make a compelling case for the thoughtful inclusion of equity in the net zero governance of the private sector, for a global just transition is to be realised.
Detection of Botnet and DDoS using Network traffic analysis and Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Yallamanda Rajesh Babu , Gunnam Rama devi , Prasanna
Published: October 2023

The tremendous growth of the Internet brought many cyber-attacks and cybercrimes. This led to continuous development of new types of cyber-attacks, attacking tools and attacking techniques which allowed the attackers or adversaries to penetrate or get into more compounded or well-managed environments. Botnet is a real threat as it is a group of compromised or hacked Internet-connected devices. Each of those compromised devices or systems are injected with malware and they are controlled from a remote and random location without the prior hint or knowledge of the device’s rightful owner and can be used to perform DDOS attack. The model proposed here detects or predicts both botnet and DDoS attack with the highest or maximum accuracy. Highest accuracy is obtained with the selected feature and with a chosen classification algorithm. Naïve Bayes and SVM classification algorithms are used for achieving high levels of accuracy. The model detects mixed high-rate, low-rate DDOS attacks and Botnet through Network Traffic Analysis and Machine Learning.
On the convergence and the irrationality of certain continued fractions
Authors: Yoshida Hayato
Published: October 2023

We study continued fractions $[a_{1}, a_{2}, \cdots]$, where $a_{i}$ are positive rational numbers (denoted by $a_{i} \in \mathbb{Q}>0$) for any positive integer $i$. In this paper, we give the necessary and sufficient conditions for the convergence of that, and give some sufficient conditions for that to converge to an irrational number.
To Determine The Association Of Serum Neopterin Levels In Sepsis
Authors: Hakeem Sai chandra
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT
Background: Sepsis is a leading cause of death worldwide. Sepsis results in state of multiorgan dysfunction in the body. Early identification and appropriate treatment is the key in sepsis management. Many biomarkers have been studied in sepsis. Serum Neopterin is a biomarker, synthesised by human macrophages upon stimulation with the cytokine interferon-gamma(INF-γ) and is indicative of a pro-inflammatory immune status. Since neopterin is an indirect measure of T cell activation, it could be a useful tool in evaluation of clinical course in septic patients.
Methods
It is a case control study conducted in Amrita Institute of Medical sciences.Patients were categorised into 3 groups: Sepsis with MODS (Group 1, n=22), Sepsis Non MODS(Group 2 , n=17), and Non sepsis (Group 3, n=16). Serum Neopterin levels and along other markers like CRP, Procalcitonin, ESR and Total counts were taken from the 3 groups of patients at 0, 48 and 96 hours.
RESULTS
Data was analysed using SPSS statistics. The median Neopterin Levels performed at 48 hours were compared between Sepsis Group and Non-Sepsis patients. The median Neopterin levels in sepsis group was 87.00 (40.00,129.00) and in non-sepsis groups was 22.00(12.00, 39.00) and p value obtained was <0.001, hence neopterin is significant marker in diagnosing sepsis. The median levels were then compared between group 1 and group 2. The median values in sepsis with MODS was 123.00(79.25, 146.00) and in sepsis without MODS was 54.00(34.00, 88.50) and the p value obtained was 0.001. Hence Neopterin is significant marker in diagnosing patients with MODS in patients with sepsis.
Serum Neopterin had sensitivity of 92.31%, specificity of 100% and accuracy of 94.55 % in predicting sepsis. In predicting MODS, its sensitivity was 92.31%, specificity was 100% and accuracy was 94.55%. It also showed good correlation with SOFA, qSOFA and APACHE scores.
Conclusion
Serum Neopterin is a marker which can help in diagnosing sepsis and can also be a useful marker in differentiating patients with MODS from patients without MODS. Neopterin has showed that it is better marker in identifying MODS in patients with sepsis than Procalcitonin, ESR and total counts. The levels of Neopterin also correlated with the severity of sepsis and showed a good relation with SOFA, APACHE and Qsofa scores. The dynamic measurements of neopterin are predictive of the clinical status of the patient. Hence Serum Neopterin is a good marker to diagnose sepsis and also a good marker to prognosticate sepsis.
A study of Causes of Chronic Diarrhea Among Patients Admitted to Damascus Hospital Between 2020-2023
Authors: Alabbas Asia Mofeed , Alnoufi Asmaa MHD Motaz , Fawares Maamoun Ayman AL- , Ali Ayman Fahd
Published: October 2023

Objective
Our study aims to look into the causes of chronic diarrhea in patients admitted to Damascus Hospital between the years 2020–2023.
Methods and materials:
we studied a group of patients who were admitted to Damascus Hospital according to certain admission and exclusion criteria. The study included 250 male and female patients, according to the type of a cross-sectional study between the years 2020 and 2023. The data was collected according to a paper form containing information about the clinical history, diagnosis, and laboratory tests, and was blanked in an Excel file. The results were extracted using the SPSS-28 statistical program.
Results
The study included 250 male and female patients, the most common age group (30–39 years), with a percentage of (32.8%), and the percentage of (males/females), (34.8%/65.2%), body mass index (25–30 kg/m2), (58.8%), the percentage of smokers (52%), the percentage of stomach cancer, Hodgkin's lymphoma and multiple myeloma (10.4%, 0.8%, 1.2%, respectively), chronic diarrhea was mainly accompanied by nausea and vomiting (92%), and heartburn ( 73.2%), abdominal bloating (78%), abdominal pain (76%), the rate of antibiotic use in the last three months (24%), intestinal resection (6.8%), and the rate of (IBS) (43.2%).
Conclusion
There is a statistically significant relationship between the distribution of symptoms and age, there is a statistically significant relationship between age and the causes of diarrhea, there is a statistically significant relationship between the characteristics of diarrhea and the final diagnosis, there is a statistically significant relationship between gender and the characteristics of diarrhea, and there is a statistically significant relationship between age and the characteristics of diarrhea.
Spatio-temporal modeling and risk ratio assessment of adult and egg mosquitoes abundance with consideration of environmental data in the island of Mayotte
Authors: Manou-Abi Solym
Published: October 2023

This work provides a spatio-temporal statistical modeling for egg and adult Aedes mosquitoes count data with consideration of environmental data in the context of mosquito epidemiology. For a given spatio-temporal incomplete mosquito count data, we derive predictions assuming that all of the spatio-temporal dependence can be accounted by potential factors influencing the development of Aedes mosquitoes such as, rainfall, temperature (including many delay) and waste data. In this paper, after a data analysis with the entomological and environmental data, we apply a Lasso regression to perform a variable selection strategy (we are in the presence of a large number of explanatory variables). We highlight the relevant factors that explain the abundance of our egg and adult mosquitoes count data. We define a spatio-temporal risk ratio which is a probability of exceeding a given threshold value of mosquito abundance. We propose two spatio-temporal modeling approaches for the Aedes mosquitoes’ count data. The first is based on a spatio-temporal kernel smoother and the second on a generalized additive model. The paper conclude with a detailed discussion that follows not only, the spatio-temporal prediction and model performance measures, but also the obtained spatio-temporal risk ratio in order to highlight potential space-time areas of threshold exceedances of mosquitoes’ abundance where health services could apply vector surveillance and control measures. We also discuss a forthcoming work concerning the theoretical developments of a spatio-temporal model for simulation purposes and an R Shiny application called May’Aedes, that aims to be a flexible and efficient tool to predict spatio-temporal risk ratio.
Modeling spatial dynamics of the Fani Maoré marine volcano earthquake data
Authors: Manou-Abi Solym
Published: October 2023

This paper provides the outcomes of a work consisting in modeling and learning some earthquakes data collected during the Mayotte seismovolcanic crisis of 2018-2021. We highlight the performance of some process data models in order to illustrate the spatial and temporal dynamic. Unsupervised clustering method, spatial pattern analysis, spatial density estimation through spatial marked point process; time series and spatio-temporal models are efficient tools that we studied in this paper to look for the spatial and temporal variation of such spatial data mainly driven by the detected underwater volcano around Mayotte called Fani Maoré . The dynamic of the magnitude and depth events of the Fani Maoré with the use of the above mentionned models seems to perform the data. We present a discussion thoughout the presentation of the obtained results together with the limit of this study and some forthcoming projects and modeling developments.
Assessing the impact of land surface dynamics and meteorological forcings on land surface temperature characteristics in West Africa
Authors: Adeyeri Oluwafemi E. , Folorunsho Akinleye H. , Ayegbusi Israel K. , Bobde Vishal , Adeliyi Tolulope E. , Ndehedehe Christopher E. , Akinsanola Akintomide A.
Published: October 2023

This study examines the effect of land cover, vegetation health, climatic forcings, elevation heat loads and terrain characteristics (LVCET) on land surface temperature (LST) distribution in West Africa (WA). We employed fourteen machine-learning models, which preserve nonlinear relationships to downscale LST while preserving WA's geographical variability. Our results showed that the simple random model was the best in downscaling predictands. This is important for the sub-region since its access to mainframes, which could power more multiplex machine-learning algorithms, is limited. The yearly vegetation health based on the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and self-organized maps (SOM) indicates constant healthy vegetation in most southern areas but unhealthy vegetation in the northern area. Locations where we found unhealthy vegetation coincided with the hot LST clusters as categorized by SOM. Also, the southwest winds cause the upwelling of cold waters, lowering LST in southern WA. This emphasizes the cooling influence of water bodies on LST. Identifying high LST locations is vital to prioritizing places for greening. A high heat load and diurnal anisotropic heat might translate to a relatively high LST depending on the topographic slope-facing angle. Therefore, urban planners should consider the joint attribution of LST dynamics to LVCET while planning landscapes.
No Switchbacks Are Observed in the Solar Corona
Authors: Akhavan-Tafti Mojtaba , Soni Shirsh Lata
Published: October 2023

Magnetic switchbacks are magnetic field reversals in the radial component of magnetic field Br, accompanied by proton bulk flow enhancements. The switchback generation mechanism(s) is still unknown, though their evolution is believed to contribute to solar wind heating. Our exhaustive investigation of Parker Solar Probe (PSP) encounters 1-14 reveals clear absence of Br reversals in the solar corona. Our results indicate that (1) magnetic switchbacks must be formed locally in the solar wind at or above the Alfven critical surface, and that (2) interchange reconnection in the solar corona is likely necessary for creating the conditions for switchbacks to form in the solar wind.
A Novel Force Control Strategy for Improved Surface Integrity in Low Plasticity Burnishing
Authors: Livatyali Haydar
Published: October 2023

Ball burnishing is a cold work process where a hard ceramic or diamond ball rolls on a metal surface and flattens the roughness peaks under high local pressure. The small deformation created on the surface imposes compressive residual stresses and raises hardness in a shallow sub-surface layer, leading to improved fatigue, corrosion, and foreign object damage performances. Trial-and-error type experimental work to determine the optimum process parameters for a cold-forming process like ball burnishing for acceptable performance is costly. Therefore, the article aims to investigate the effects of various force control strategies in the double-sided low plasticity burnishing (LPB) process to find the effects on deformation and residual stresses on thin Ti6Al4V flat sheets. A 3D static-implicit finite element model was developed with an elastic-rigid plastic flow curve. Simulations were conducted to predict residual stresses and deformationі on the surface. As a result, it was proven that ball burnishing can produce a deterministically controlled surface. An increased vertical force produced higher deformation normal to the surface and, therefore, a deeper pool. As the ball proceeded further, a plowing effect developed such that when a 3.5–4.8 mm deep pool was formed (at a vertical force of 150 N), a peak of 2.8 mm was produced at the front end. Overall, the deformation on the surface and the residual stresses were directly interrelated. Parallel to the deformation on the surface, residual stresses on and beneath the surface also showed some variation. Nevertheless, the predicted residual stress variations were not big. They did not switch to the tensile mode in the burnished zone. Therefore, the whole sheet surface should be burnished to obtain all the compressive residual stresses.
Wesen und Zweck der Charakterologie bei Ludwig Klages und Julius Bahnsen
Authors: Atzert Stephen
Published: October 2023

U ovom će se radu zasad pokušati odrediti bit i svrha Klagesove karakterologije pomoću nje gova djela Temelji karakterologije (Grundlagen der Charakterkunde, Bonn: Bouvier 1951) te napraviti usporedba s Bahnsenovim Prilozima karakterologiji (Beiträge zur Charakterologie, Leipzig: Brockhaus 1867). I Julius Bahnsen (1830. – 1881.) i Ludwig Klages (1872. – 1956.) istaknuti su predstavnici karakterologije. Djelovali su, premda u razmaku od samo nekoliko desetljeća, u različitim stoljećima i s različitim namjerama. Stoga nas razlika u određivanju i razlaganju njihove tadašnje karakterologije ne može iznenaditi; po Klagesu ona, kao i gra fologija i druge osnove tumačenja, služi tomu da naš cjelovit nazor bude čvrsto zasnovan na onome što je zorno – ili da se barem odaje dojam takve zasnovanosti. No osobine toga nazora mogu se razumjeti samo iz opreke duha i tijela/duše po Klagesovu shvaćanju. Prema tome, Temelji karakterologije čine, prije svega, uvod u Klagesov svjetonazor, priručnik koji ‒ kao što se unaprijed napominje ‒ više postulira nego razjašnjava. Ovo istraživanje najprije predstavlja Klagesovu karakterologiju u njenim osnovnim svjetonazorskim crtama, nakon čega u drugom odlomku slijedi rasprava o Bahnsenovim Prilozima karakterologiji. U zadnjem će odlomku biti izneseni zaključci koji iz toga slijede po intelektualnim osobitostima Klagesa i Bahnsena.
Is Klages’ Graphology Still Topical?
Authors: Radovanović Biljana
Published: October 2023

U ovom radu se razmatra grafologija Ludwiga Klagesa. Najprije ćemo govoriti o statusu grafologije u njegovoj filozofiji. Zatim ćemo predstaviti Klagesov pokušaj da se grafologija razvije i utemelji kao psihološka interpretacija rukopisa. Pored ovih načelnih razmatranja dotičemo se pitanja statusa rukopisa u suvremenom dobu. Rezultat analize pokazat će da Klagesovo učenje o psihologiji rukopisa mora biti stavljeno u kontekst novih globalnih tehnoloških trendova.
Klages-Kritik in der zeitgenössischen Philosophie
Authors: Radinković Željko
Published: October 2023

Članak se bavi kritikom filozofije Ludwiga Klagesa, koju su dvadesetih godina prošlog stoljeća prakticirali njegovi suvremenici kao što su Helmuth Plessner, Georg Misch i, nešto kasnije, tridesetih godina prošlog stoljeća, Max Bense. Predmet kritike bila je, prije svega, njegova teza o temeljnoj suprotnosti duha i duše, ali i njegovi grafološki spisi. U fokusu ovdje predstavljene analize stoji razrada nesklada ovih kritičkih glasova, što se odnosi na činjenicu da je Klages izložen i naturalističkim i iracionalističkim zamjerkama.
Zur Kritik der neueren Entfremdungs- und Verdinglichungstheorien
Authors: Walz Norbert
Published: October 2023

Kategorije »otuđenja« i »materijalizacije«, koje su od kasnih 1960-ih do ranih 1980-ih godina često bile u pretjeranoj uporabi, na njemačkom su se govornom području ponovno pojavile 2000-ih u socijalnofilozofskim raspravama. Cilj je ovoga rada, pozivajući se na teoriju Karla Marxa, kritički prikazati i ocijeniti navedene reaktualizacije pomoću tri primjera. Iako spomenute reaktualizacije počivaju samo na nezadovoljavajućoj kritici kapitalizma, kroz njih se očitu ju fenomeni otuđenja i materijalizacije u svakodnevnom životu i intersubjektivnoj bližoj okolini sadašnjosti, koji u Marxovoj teoriji sa svojim primarnim fokusom na društvenim strukturama bivaju zapostavljeni.
Assessment of the Impact of Caregivers Complementary Feeding Knowledge on Undernutrition among Children 6 to 36 Months in Borno State, Nigeria
Authors: Yakubu Nyeapa
Published: October 2023

This paper is an assessment of the impact of Caregivers complementary feeding Knowledge on undernutrition among children 6-36 Months in Borno state. Large-scale renewables raise new challenges and provide new opportunities across Health systems. The paper considers the barriers faced by health workers and caregivers in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council in providing nutritional services to infants. We review the current state of knowledge in relation to nutrition. This paper then explores key issues in health and nutrition system structure, the main challenges to the uptake of renewables, and the various existing fiscal and policy approaches to encouraging health services. We also highlight possible ways of moving forward to ensure more widespread health management systems. Keywords: Caregivers, Feed Knowledge. Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Undernutrition.
Assessing Self-Care Practises of People Living With HIV/AIDS Attending the Antiretroviral Clinic of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
Authors: Adebayo Opeyemi
Published: October 2023

In pursuance of the Global and National Goals of achieving HIV-AIDS epidemic control, it’s imperative to explore the Promotion of self-care management among people living with HIV/AIDS. Self-care management involves adhering to treatment regimens, good dietary patterns, increased physical exercise, social support, and health-seeking behaviours. The study reviewed five core pillars of self-care management: physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual, and workplace/professional. A cross-sectional descriptive, analytical study with a quantitative approach was conducted at the Antiretroviral Clinic of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital from October to December 2020. Using random sampling, 372 people living with AIDS participated in the study. Trained research assistants collected data through a structured questionnaire administered at the antiretroviral clinic. The data was analysed using SPSS version 25.0, employing frequencies, computations, percentages, averages, means, standard deviation, and correlations, with a confidence interval of 95%. The study’s findings indicate that the weighted matrix scores (WMS) for various aspects of self-care were significantly above average, suggesting that PLHIV attending the antiretroviral clinic at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital exhibit good self-care practices. However, psychological and workplace self-care requires some strengthening. The study revealed differences between self-reported appointment adherence and the calculated average appointment gap (3 visits). Associations were found between the average appointment gap and viral load among participants. The study did not establish any significant association between Total Matrixed self-care scores, adherence (appointment gap), or viral load suppression. The COVID epidemic and the nationwide ENDSARS protest in Nigeria during the study period were significant confounders and limitations. Keywords: Antiretroviral drugs, appointment adherence, HIV/AIDS, psychological health, self-care management.
An Investigation into NAFDAC Intervention on the Incidence of Fake and Counterfeit Drugs in Nigeria
Authors: Olaniran Olakunle Daniel
Published: October 2023

Various interventions, including innovative technologies, have been used to solve problems. Over the years, the Nigerian government has introduced a good healthcare delivery system, including providing quality, efficacious and affordable drugs. The study used a qualitative design method adopting a focus group discussion approach. The selected states for the study are Lagos, Kano, Anambra and FCT Abuja. The study population comprised NAFDAC stakeholders who are dealers in pharmaceutical products or Marketing Authorization Holders (MAHs) of medicines, Consumers and Policymakers. The focus group participants were selected based on convenience sampling. The interventions highlighted were Mobile Authentication Services (MAS), on-the-spot checks on drugs through a TruScan, Black-Eye and Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFID). The respondents also highlighted using NAFDAC registration numbers and holograms as important ways of checking the features of medicine before using it. The participants also highlighted the lack of public awareness about these interventions and the need for proper regulation and enforcement of laws against the sale and distribution of fake drugs as challenges that hinder the successful development and implementation of interventions against fake and counterfeit drugs. The participants suggested KYC measures to address issues within the supply chain to evaluate the effectiveness of their current strategies. Regular meetings, advocacy efforts, and educational workshops are recommended to raise awareness and educate stakeholders about their roles and responsibilities in pursuit of addressing the challenges related to counterfeit drug interventions. Keywords: Focus group discussion (FGD), Investigation, Intervention, Counterfeit, Technology.
Prevalence of Substance Use Disorders During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study in Kanyama Township of Lusaka District, Zambia
Authors: Mudenda Steward
Published: October 2023

The coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic has caused suffering and pain to mankind leading to many individuals practising self-medication and substance abuse that could elevate substance use disorders (SUDs). This study assessed the impact of Covid-19 on SUDs among Kanyama residents of Lusaka district, Zambia. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study using patient files at Kanyama First-Level Hospital from September 2021 to October 2021. Data analysis was done using IBM SPSS version 26.0. Of the 101 participants, 86.1% were male. The study showed that Covid-19 had an impact on SUDs with alcohol (83.2%) being the most abused substance. There was no significant difference in the type of substances abused (p=0.870) and intoxication symptoms (p=0.331) between the pre-Covid and post-Covid groups. There was a significant difference between substance use (p=0.001) and withdrawal symptoms (p=0.002) in both cohorts, with the post-Covid group consuming more substances and experiencing more withdrawal symptoms. Factors that influenced substance abuse included recent unemployment (p<0.001), boredom (p<0.001), overcrowding at home (p<0.001), and gender-based violence (p<0.001) influenced the change in the pattern of substance use. Recreational use was not associated with a change in the pattern of substance abuse (p=0. 667). This study found that the Covid-19 pandemic increased the practices of substance abuse among Kanyama residents, especially those who were unemployed, bored, overcrowded at home and experienced gender-based violence. There is a need to heighten the monitoring and restriction of substance use, especially among adolescents and youths to curb some mental health problems. Keywords: Covid-19; Pandemic; Self-medication; Substance abuse; substance use disorders; Zambia.
Health Systems Strengthening: A Panacea to Improving Consumption of Public Healthcare Services in Northern Namibia: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Magumba Caeser
Published: October 2023

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of health systems strengthening on the consumption of public healthcare services in Northern Namibia. The study assessed how the following components of health systems strengthening influence the consumption of public health care services; (1) timeliness and readiness of services rendered, (2) health workforce competence, (3) health information systems, (4) availability of essential medicines, (5) healthcare financing and lastly (6) leadership and governance. We used a quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study design. 672 respondents were identified using the purposive sampling technique and a well-structured Likert-scaled questionnaire was used for the interviews. Collected information was entered into data sets and analysis was done using Excel and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 software. The results were that over 95% of the respondents strongly agreed with each of the factors assessed. Health systems strengthening remains an important factor in the delivery of health services. This was taken note of when 48% of the participants agreed that a good competent health workforce determines their choice of healthcare facility when they are not feeling well. This was further augmented when 49% of the participants agreed that healthcare financing influences people’s choice to go and seek healthcare services from government facilities. It was concluded that health systems strengthening is the cornerstone for improved consumption of public health care services in Northern Namibia. We recommend that governments should develop strong health systems at all levels of health service delivery. Keywords: Consumption, Health Systems Strengthening, Public Healthcare Services.
Comparative Study on Drivers and Barriers of Vaccine Stock Management Practices Among Healthcare Workers in Northwestern State, Nigeria
Authors: Adewole Adefisoye Oluwaseun
Published: October 2023

The growing concerns regarding stock out of vaccines at the health facility level during immunization sessions have resulted in missed opportunity and caregivers losing confidence in the health system. This study assessed the drivers and barriers to effective vaccine stock management amongst healthcare workers in equipped and non-equipped health facilities in Jigawa state, Nigeria. A cross sectional comparative study was conducted to assess barriers of vaccine stock management amongst healthcare workers rendering routine immunization. A multistage sampling technique was used for the selection of respondents. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain information from respondents. Level of significance set at p<0.05. Majority of the respondents from equipped health facilities 142 (71.7%) and non-equipped health facilities 56 (28.3%) had between 1-9 years of practice. Use of target population data for vaccine forecasting had the highest responses with 60% of healthcare workers in equipped health facilities as compared to 22% from non-equipped health facilities. Reserved stock as a parameter for vaccine restocking had the least responses with 15% of healthcare workers in equipped health facilities as compared to 6% from non-equipped health facilities. Respondents from equipped health facilities had good practices of vaccines and cold chain management as compared to those from non-equipped health facilities. Poor electricity supply was statistically significant (p=0.029) with more responses from healthcare workers from equipped health facilities as compared to those from non-equipped health facilities. The findings from this study could be used to improve effective vaccine stock management at the state, LGA, and health facility levels. Keywords: Barriers, Comparative study, Healthcare workers, Nigeria, Vaccine management, practices.
Retrospective Analysis of the Epidemiological Profile of Measles in 2022 in Mali
Authors: Kafflouman Kouame Stanislas
Published: October 2023

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the morbillivirus of which humans are the only reservoir. Our descriptive study aims at analyzing retrospective measles surveillance data from 2022. Of the 2037 suspected measles case samples received at the laboratory, 784 (38%) were confirmed. The age group of 1-4 years is the most affected with an attack rate of 25.43 per 100,000 inhabitants. Children under 5 represent 47.71% of cases. The median age is 4 years and the average age 6.14 years (0 months-54 years). The male sex represents 51% of cases with a sex ratio of 1.06 and an attack rate of 9.72 per 100,000 inhabitants. Most confirmed measles cases (71.77%) were recorded during the dry season. The districts of Koutiala (140 cases: 17.85%), Sikasso (127 cases: 16.19%), Ségou (109 cases: 13.09%) and Bougouni (98 cases: 12.5%) record the most case. The average time for feedback from the laboratory was 3.95 days. Moreover, among the 1253 sample cases negative for measles, 8.22% were positive for rubella. The median age of patients was 6 years. Children under five are the most affected. Most of these cases are in unvaccinated people. The establishment of an enhanced vaccination program at country level considering the most affected groups could reduce the resurgence of measles epidemics. Keywords: Epidemic, Measles, Mali, Notifiable disease (MADO), Spatiotemporal.
An Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Medical Professionals on Factors Related to Antimicrobial Resistance in Three (3) Selected University Teaching Hospital Complexes in Sierra Leone: A Cross-Sectional Analytic Study
Authors: Koroma Aminata Tigiedankay
Published: October 2023

Although the growing increase of AMR is a major problem everywhere, developing nations like Sierra Leone are particularly at higher risk because of their limited resources to combat the problem. Medical Professionals are recognized as important determinants of antimicrobial abuse. To evaluate factors related to antimicrobial resistance patterns, a cross-sectional study was undertaken among 376 Medical Professionals. Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory Personnel and community health officer from three Sierra Leone University Teaching Hospital Complexes in Sierra Leone, formed the study population. KAP dimensions were assessed, and differences between groups were investigated, using descriptive statistics tests. The study highlighted the socio-demographic factors of health professionals (age, gender, profession, qualification, and years of experience) that were associated with antibiotic resistance training (p < 0.05). In the area of attitude towards antibiotics, 54% (203) and 72.9% (274) of study participants recommended that pharmacy staff be at their workstations to deliver services and dispense antibiotics prescribed by authorized prescribers as recommended by the Ministry of Health. Out of the total survey participants, 54.5% suggested antibiotics for laboratory-confirmed diseases. To prevent antibiotic resistance, 72.9% of survey participants advised patients to finish antibiotics. This study revealed the need for pharmacy staff to always be available to provide services and dispense antibiotics. Healthcare professionals must be monitored to combat AMR. More research is needed to understand and improve antibiotic stewardship practices in Sierra Leone. Keywords: Antibiotic, Attitude, Knowledge, Practice, Resistance.
A Cross-Sectional Study Evaluating the Contribution of Systems and Structures to Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Three Selected University Teaching Hospital Complexes in Sierra Leone: An Analysis of Key Factors
Authors: Koroma Aminata Tigiedankay
Published: October 2023

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a global security threat that poses a significant risk to humanity. Addressing AMR requires effective organizations and processes. This study investigates the systems and structures that may contribute to tackling AMR in three Sierra Leonean University Teaching Hospital Complexes.The hospitals were selected based on their high patient load and availability of laboratory facilities for AMR testing, pharmaceuticals, and infection prevention and control (IPC) programs. Healthcare administrators and unit leaders were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire. The reliability of the questionnaires was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. The questionnaire was pretested to ensure its validity and reliability. The findings indicate that nurses constitute a significant portion of the health workforce in the three institutions. PCMH Hospital showed the best monitoring system, covering 78% of the essential components, including, IPC guidelines, antibiotic stock verification and waste and antibiotic disposal monitoring. Connaught Hospital also met 56% of these requirements. The study showed a significant correlation between hospital bed capacity and the average patient volume (p < 0.05), with higher bed capacities resulting in higher patient volume. In addition, the correlation analysis revealed a significant association between effective monitoring mechanisms and the presence of an antibiotic stewardship program (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the availability of laboratory departments significantly influenced microbiological culture and sensitivity testing capabilities (p < 0.05), with a higher number of departments resulting in more efficient microbiological testing for antibiotic resistance. This study highlights the importance of enhancing the systems and structures of hospitals, to effectively combat AMR. Keywords : Antimicrobial, Resistance, Structures, Systems, University Teaching Hospital.
Microbial Contamination of Toothbrush and Methods to Overcome - A Review
Authors: S Murukesan
Published: October 2023

Numerous microbes found in household toothbrushes can lead to contamination of the oral cavity. These microorganisms can survive on the toothbrush for several days or weeks. Several studies have found a link between tooth decay and toothbrush bacterial residues. As a result, toothbrush disinfection is critical for toothbrush and oral hygiene maintenance. Furthermore, brush disinfection is required to prevent disease transmission, especially in children, the elderly, and high-risk patients, such as those with immunodeficiency or undergoing organ transplants or chemotherapy. This paper aims to analyse various methods of decontaminating toothbrushes. Numerous techniques have been discussed in the literature regarding decontamination of toothbrushes between uses. However, no single completely efficacious technique has been found to the said effect. Therefore, the search is still on for a rapidly effective, cost-effective, nontoxic, and easily implementable suitable alternative. Keywords: Chemical, Contamination, Decontamination, Physical, Toothbrush.
Ethics of “Digital Society”: New Conflict or New Balance
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Sunami Artem N.
Published: October 2023

The article examines the conflict and balance perspectives of ethical reflection on the digitalization challenges. Based on digital society conceptions by Manuel Castells, Tom Redshaw, Mary Chayco, the theory of communal and non-communal conflicts by George Simpson, the ethics of technology by Joseph Pitt and Peter-Paul Verbeek, the author suggests that the digital society is indeed a specific model of social relations with an ever-increasing connectedness and speed of exchange, which, nevertheless, realizes itself in the previously established and essentially unchanged socio-economic structure. At the same time, the consistently expanding digital intervention in the space of value interactions makes ethical reflection of digitalization necessary, which should realize itself not as an explication of digital ethics as a new morality, but by adapting the already existing body of theoretical and applied ethics to the conditions of the digital age. In this context, the article focuses to the conflict of values as the dominant way for ethical positions updating and a new moral balance achieving in order to effectively absorb the contradictions caused by digitalization. The article shows that such conflicts are communal; the options for their deployment do not contain a scenario of a structural crisis, due to the sufficient elasticity of the zone of disagreement, which makes it possible to accommodate a large number of compromise settlement strategies. On the basis of the identified substantial characteristics of the digital society, the author concludes that the speed of changes, the lack of localization, will contribute to the ethical institutionalization of the innovations results as a more flexible form of regulation.
Nonlinear control of climate, hydrology, and topography on streamflow response through the use of interpretable machine learning across the contiguous United States
Authors: Wu Yu , Li Na
Published: October 2023

Runoff has been greatly affected by climate change and human activities. Studying nonlinear controls on runoff response is of great significance for water resource management decision-making and ecological protection. However, there is limited understanding of what physical mechanisms dominate the runoff response and of their predictability over space. This study analyzed the spatial patterns of runoff response including runoff changes and its sensitivity to climate–landscape variations in 1,003 catchments of the contiguous United States (CONUS). Then, an interpretable machine learning method was used to investigate the nonlinear relationship between watershed attributes and runoff response, which enables the importance of influencing factors. Finally, the random forest model was employed to predict runoff response according to the predictors of catchment attributes. The results show that alteration of runoff is up to 56%/10 years due to climate change and human activities. Catchment attributes substantially altered runoff over CONUS (−60% to 56%/10 years). Climate, topography, and hydrology are the top three key factors which nonlinearly control runoff response patterns which cannot be captured by the linear correlation method. The random forest can predict runoff response well with the highest R2 of 0.96 over CONUS.
Modeling of transport phenomena in a hybrid forward osmosis-directional freeze crystallization process for clean water recovery from hydrometallurgical effluents
Authors: Amani Afshin , Kolliopoulos Georgios
Published: October 2023

Sustainable water recovery and reuse are critical yet challenging, especially from industrial effluents in cold regions. This work presents a robust numerical model of the transport phenomena in a hybrid two-step forward osmosis (FO)-directional freeze crystallization (DFC) desalination process, whose application in areas with cold climates is advantageous. Deionized (DI) water and a hydrometallurgical effluent were considered as the feed solution in the FO step, while three aqueous solutions of inorganic salts were considered as the draw solutions (DS): NaCl, CaCl2, and MgCl2. The effects of temperature and initial DS concentration were investigated on water flux, reverse solute flux, and specific water flux using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Based on the simulation results, the highest water flux (18 L/m2/h for DI water and 5 L/m2/h for the hydrometallurgical effluent) and lowest reverse solute flux (consistently below 0.3 mol/m2/h) were obtained when MgCl2 was used as the DS. The effect of solute type in the DS on both water recovery yield and purity was in turn studied in the subsequent DFC step, allowing to visualize the solute distribution during the freezing process.
Los argonautas del Caribe occidental: tradición de canoas de Taganga
Authors: Londoño Díaz Wilhelm
Published: October 2023

Los argonautas del Caribe occidental: tradición de canoas de Taganga
A döntési vezetői szerep átalakulása
Authors: Márta Erik
Published: October 2023

Leadership decision-making is important for the successful functioning of organizations, so it is necessary for leaders to understand the factors that impact their decisions. Decision-making is always the responsibility of the leader, but in a changing world, it becomes an even more crucial factor for success. Making good decisions requires time, experience, and thorough problem-solving skills. In my research, through the analysis of scholarly sources, I have identified several role factors that clearly influence the decision-making process and its implementation. Furthermore, I have developed a self-designed questionnaire to examine the decision-making role in modern organizations. I analyzed the data from 230 respondents using various statistical methods. Based on my findings, conflict management, risk-taking, and a thorough understanding of the problem strongly determine leadership decision-making processes. The ability of leaders to effectively manage conflicts significantly impacts their decisions. Risk-taking is also of key importance, as leaders need to recognize the risks associated with a given situation and make decisions accordingly.
Recycling Spent Coffee Grounds on Permeable Interlocking Concrete Paving Blocks
Authors: Lee Joel , Song Hyunho , Park Jaeyoung , Lee Sugjoon
Published: October 2023

Decomposition of spent coffee grounds (SCGs), a byproduct of brewing coffee, in disposed landfill sites releases significant amounts of potent greenhouse gases. This study aims to investigate the maximum recycling proportions of SCGs, a nonconventional filler material, for permeable interlocking concrete paving (PICP) blocks. These blocks have a porous structure that helps mitigate surface ponding while maintaining sound structural performance. Using Scanning Electron Microscope image analysis, the water absorbency of SCGs is inferred from the granular surface features of SCGs with voids of measured sizes. The flow table test was conducted to determine the water-to-SCG filler ratio, following a nonlinear trend, and then establish the water-to-cement ratio for constructing PICP specimens for this study. Among a range of PICP specimens with 9 different proportions of SCGs without replacing sand, those containing the 10% SCG filler as an inflection point exhibited the highest performance, achieving 18 MPa of compressive strength and 6 MPa of flexural strength, respectively. Conclusively, the PICP specimens with a maximum 10 % SCGs still maintained sufficient permeability at 0.47 mm/second, despite a 67% reduction compared to the control sample, attributed to the additional 1.69% weight of 10% SCGs. Based on the proven performance of tested PICP specimens, a maximum of 10% SCG filler has the potential to be applied in the concrete block market for recycling up to 27% of the annual Korean coffee consumption, reducing carbon emissions by more than 13,000 tons from incineration.