bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INTERNAÇÃO HOSPITALAR E MORTALIDADE POR DOENÇAS RESPIRATÓRIAS OBSTRUTIVAS CRÔNICAS NAS REGIÕES BRASILEIRAS
Authors: Lins de Souza Maria Carolina , Da Silva Ferreira do Nascimento Alexsandra , Henriques dos Santos Juliana , Pujals Constanza , Marisa Pelloso Sandra , Barros Carvalho Maria Dalva , Bocchi Pedroso Raíssa
Published: November 2024

As doenças respiratórias crônicas (DRC) representam um desafio significativo para a saúde pública, sendo a terceira principal causa de morte global em 2017. Apesar do impacto significativo, as DRC recebem menos investimento em pesquisas e atenção pública comparado a outras doenças crônicas não transmissíveis. Objetivo: Descrever as taxas de internação hospitalar e mortalidade por Doenças Respiratórias Obstrutivas Crônicas nas regiões brasileiras de 2017 a 2022. Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo ecológico utilizando dados do Sistema de Informações Hospitalares do SUS (SIH/SUS) e do Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade do Ministério da Saúde (SIM/MS). Os diagnósticos foram codificados segundo a CID-10, e as taxas foram calculadas pela razão entre os números de eventos e a população residente, multiplicada por 10.000 habitantes. Resultados e discussão: As análises mostraram que as regiões Sul, Sudeste e Centro-Oeste apresentaram as maiores taxas de mortalidade e internações hospitalares, enquanto Norte e Nordeste tiveram índices menores. Os dados indicam que a pandemia de COVID-19 influenciou nas taxas observadas em 2020 e 2021. Conclusão: As regiões Sul, Sudeste e Centro-Oeste apresentam as maiores taxas de internações e mortalidade por doenças respiratórias obstrutivas crônicas, enquanto Norte e Nordeste têm índices menores. Compreender essas variações ajuda a formular intervenções mais eficazes e equitativas.
O LÚDICO COMO ESTRATÉGIA DE EDUCAÇÃO CONTINUADA NO CONTROLE DE INFECÇÃO RELACIONADA À ASSISTÊNCIA À SAÚDE: RELATO DE EXPERIÊNCIA
Authors: Medeiros Gurgel Ana Cristina , Borges Salgado Fernanda , Cazela Ré Dryelli , dos Santos Lúcia Aparecida , Tanaka Sanches Priscila Cristine , De Barros Carvalho Maria Dalva , Pelloso Sandra Marisa
Published: November 2024

As Infecções Relacionadas à Assistência à Saúde (IRAS) impactam no tempo de internação, na taxa de mortalidade e nos custos para os serviços de saúde. A resistência à adoção de novas práticas, a rotina exaustiva dos profissionais de saúde e a limitação de recursos financeiros, muitas vezes limitam a eficácia dos treinamentos convencionais, destacando a necessidade de inovar nas metodologias educacionais. Aqui, buscamos descrever a vivência na utilização de métodos lúdicos como ferramenta de educação contínua para o controle de IRAS. As ações educativas foram desenvolvidas durante a jornada de trabalho por meio de abordagem dinâmica, incorporando estratégias lúdicas como jogos, gincanas, simulações realísticas e os concursos de frases, versos e prosas (sempre relacionados ao controle de infecção, limpeza hospitalar, higienização das mãos, uso de adornos (NR32) e doenças de notificação compulsória. As atividades foram direcionadas para os trabalhadores do hospital. O estudo seguiu os preceitos éticos por se tratar de atividades de educação continuada. A utilização de jogos e atividades lúdicas na abordagem de temas corriqueiros nas ações hospitalares se mostraram eficazes para o aprendizado. Houve um aumento significativo na integração entre os trabalhadores do hospital, evidenciando melhorias na autonomia dos profissionais, responsabilidade coletiva, proatividade e colaboração multidisciplinar. Concluímos portanto que os métodos lúdicos são uma estratégia eficaz no aumento da adesão às normas de controle de infecções, e sugere-se sua adoção em programas de educação contínua em hospitais.
USO EM POTENCIAL DE PRÁTICAS INTEGRATIVAS E COMPLEMENTARES NO CONTROLE DA HIPERTENSÃO ARTERIAL
Authors: Da Silva Ferreira do Nascimento Alexsandra , Lele Rossoni Stéfane , Lins de Souza Maria Carolina , Pujlas Constanza , Pelloso Sandra Marisa , De Barros Carvalho Maria Dalva
Published: November 2024

A necessidade de controlar a hipertensão arterial é um objetivo global devido às suas graves implicações para a saúde. A motivação para associar o uso de PICS no controle da hipertensão baseia-se em orientações da Organização Mundial da Saúde que indica a adoção dessas práticas. Nesta pesquisa o objetivo é compreender o hábito de utilização de algumas práticas pelo estado do Paraná e identificar fatores relacionados ao aumento e/ou redução da utilização, como indicadores sociais (Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano - IDHM, Produto Interno Bruto - PIB e o Índice Ipardes de Desenvolvimento Municipal - IPDM), além do número de atendimentos relacionados à hipertensão nas unidades básicas de saúde- UBS. Trata-se de um estudo ecológico transversal de caráter exploratório realizado no Estado do Paraná no ano de 2023. Os resultados demonstraram que não existe correlação significativa entre a incidência do uso de PICs com as incidências de atendimentos de hipertensão, assim como não há correlação significativa com os indicadores municipais de PIB per capita e IPDM (Geral, de saúde, educação ou renda).
Vídeos educativos sobre os cuidados domiciliares à criança em uso de traqueostomia: avaliação pelo público-alvo
Authors: Tres Diana Augusta , Martini Rafael Gue , Toso Beatriz Rosana Gonçalves de Oliveira , Zanatta Elisangela Argenta
Published: November 2024

Objetivo: avaliar a acessibilidade, aplicabilidade e usabilidade de vídeos educativos, com pais/cuidadores de crianças em uso de traqueostomia. Método: estudo de abordagem qualitativa, realizado com pais/cuidadores de crianças em uso de traqueostomia atendidas por um Serviço de Atenção Domiciliar de um município do Oeste de Santa Catarina. A coleta de dados ocorreu por meio de entrevistas gravadas no domicílio após a visualização dos vídeos pelo público-alvo, em junho de 2021. A análise foi temática indutiva. Resultados: foram entrevistadas sete mães de crianças em uso de traqueostomia. Os dados foram apresentados em duas categorias temáticas: importância dos vídeos como tecnologia educacional e organização/planejamento dos serviços de saúde para o cuidado à criança em uso de traqueostomia e discutidos considerando a literatura científica sobre o tema. A avaliação revelou que os vídeos são de fácil entendimento e que a associação de falas, imagens e simulação facilita a compreensão e o aprendizado, contudo, precisam ser disponibilizados antes da desospitalização. Considerações finais: os vídeos podem auxiliar no empoderamento dos pais/cuidadores para os cuidados domiciliares da criança em uso de traqueostomia, além de subsidiar o enfermeiro nas atividades de educação permanente com a equipe para organização e planejamento da alta hospitalar.
Clinical outcomes of papillary renal cell carcinoma: Does the subtyping have a prognostic utility?
Authors: De Silva W. S. L. , Abeygunasekera A. M. , Kumara M. S. R. , Vidanapathirana S. , Ambegoda A. M. L. C. , Sosai C. S. P. , Seneviwickrama M.
Published: November 2024

Introduction: The prognostic value of the histological subtypes of papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC) is debatable as different studies have shown different outcomes. This study describes the clinical characteristics and the survival indices of types 1 and 2 pRCC in a cohort of patients from Sri Lanka.Methods: This was a cohort study involving a consecutive sample of patients who were diagnosed to have pRCC over a period of eight years (2012-2019) in a tertiary care urology unit in Sri Lanka. Death or the longest period of disease-free survival was considered as the primary end points. Non-parametric tests were employed for the analysis since the sample size was small.Results: A total of 43 patients with histologically confirmed pRCC were followed up. The mean age of the sample was 56.2 years (range 19-74) and the male to female ratio was 2.7:1. Fifteen patients (36.4%) had type 1 pRCC and 28 (63.6%) had type 2 pRCC. Type 2 tumors were larger in size, advanced in stage and had a higher nuclear grade at the time of diagnosis compared to type 1. The five-year survival of patients with type 1 pRCC was significantly lower (61%) compared to the published data, although that of type 2 tumors was comparable (57.3%). Five-year overall survival was not different between patients with type 1 and type 2 tumors.Conclusion: Although type 2 pRCC presents with larger, advanced stage and higher-grade tumors, the five-year survival between the two groups was not different. The findings of this study show that the use of histopathological subtype as an independent prognostic factor is questionable.
From diagnosis to remission: A rare case of para testicular embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma in a young male
Authors: Sivashankar M. , Ekanayake E. M. , Herath H. M. K. B. , Dissanayaka D. M. D. T. , De Silva C. , Rathnayaka P.
Published: November 2024

We present the case of a 24-year-old male diagnosed with paratesticular embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, who presented with a painless left inguinal swelling. Initial investigations, including ultrasound and biopsy, indicated a poorly differentiated malignancy, later confirmed as embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma by immunohistochemistry. Following multidisciplinary team discussions, the patient underwent radical inguinal orchidectomy, and adjuvant chemotherapy. Post-treatment PET-CT scans revealed complete resolution of metastatic lymph nodes. Nine months after the initial surgery, the patient is doing well, with no evidence of active disease. This case underscores the importance of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach in the management of rare and aggressive paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma.
Teaching sexuality in a climate of ambiguity: Namibian Life Skills teachers negotiating intersectionality
Authors: Awarab Erwin R. , Brown Anthony
Published: November 2024

Background: The Namibian High Court’s judgment 2023 in favour of same-sex marriage has created significant volatility in the country, considering the Life Skills curriculum’s call for affirmative teaching of sexual diversity education.Objectives: This study examined how the provisions made in the Life Skills curriculum to teach affirmative sexual diversity education could be affected by the tension created by the High Court’s judgment. Using intersectionality theory, the study explored how cultural, religious, political, and professional intersections influence teachers in implementing policy.Methods: Qualitative data were collected over four weeks from 10 Life Skills teachers through semi structured interviews. Sampling was purposive because only 4 secondary schools in town schools and 5 in rural schools was selected were the teachers had at least 3 years teaching experience in Life Skills. Study employed a qualitative research design and an intersectional lens.Results: Amidst the volatile environment with varying intersections, teachers were conflicted and uncomfortable teaching gender and sexual diversity education while aware of the intersectional influences on them. Amidst the anxiety of inclusively address to discourse of sexual diversity. In the Life Skills classroom, teachers continued to present a message of affirmation, care and support as a duty to all learners.Conclusion: This article calls for awareness of the intersectional challenges teachers face in delivering the Life Skills curriculum, specifically the sexual diversity topics. Teacher educators and staff development interventions should focus on creating knowledge about intersections to gain a better understanding and improve teaching and learning platforms.Contribution: As educators dealing with children daily Life Skills must become conscious of existing intersectionality and how it affects their work. They must use this knowledge to create safe spaces for the learners.
The moral authority and prophetic zeal of the Christian Church in Zimbabwe
Authors: Masengwe Gift
Published: November 2024

This article aims to illuminate moral authority and prophetic zeal dynamics by analysing the struggles encountered by congregations resisting state encroachments. Amidst Zimbabwe’s political turbulence, the church operates at a critical juncture, grappling with the dual threats of state capture and the dilution of prophetic integrity. The ecclesiastical prophetic voice, traditionally positioned as society’s moral compass, has suffered profound erosion, trapped within a nexus of mutually exploitative relationships among ruling elites, legal frameworks, and acquiescent ecclesiastical leaders. Those dissenting from the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) face systemic repression within the church, revealing a deep moral crisis. Referencing Martin Luther King Jr’s assertion that the church must function as the ethical justice of the state, this research underscores the potential decline into irrelevance should prophetic zeal wane. This investigation employs Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to bridge gaps concerning moral compromises within religious institutions, aligning practical leadership insights with broader socio-political contexts. Employing qualitative methodologies, including informal discussions and WhatsApp exchanges among church leaders and congregants from diverse denominations, the study generates nuanced insights into the lived experiences of church-state interactions and the preservation of prophetic integrity. Findings indicate a pervasive trend of ecclesiastical subservience to state interests, signifying moral decay and an imperative to restore the church’s ethical foundation. To maintain spiritual relevance, a revival of prophetic assertiveness is essential, lest the church devolves into an inconsequential social entity devoid of substantive moral engagement with the state.Contribution: The moral and prophetic authority of the Christian Church in Zimbabwe amidst political capture and ethical degradation, employing a decolonial hermeneutic and Critical Discourse Analysis, elucidates the intersections of faith, authority, and social justice. This article contributes to a discussion on church-state dynamics, advocating for restorative prophetic advocacy within Zimbabwe’s socio-political landscape. The article contributes to the ecclesiological, missiological, historical, political, ethical and postcolonial perspective of the church during a crisis.
Letter to the Editor: Vol 56, No 1 (2014)
Authors: Ingle Ronald
Published: November 2024

No abstract available.
Ethics in health care: The practice of defensive medicine
Authors: Ogunbanjo G.A. , Knapp van Bogaert D.
Published: November 2024

Defensive medicine is the practice of diagnostic or therapeutic measures that are conducted primarily as a safeguard against possible malpractice liability, rather than to ensure the health of the patient. Defensive medicine, a significant problem, is discussed in this article. First, an overview of the nature of defensive medicine is provided, with a focus on how it damages the doctor-patient relationship. It has been determined that doctors who utilise defensive medicine ultimately exact more harm than good on the practice of medicine. Finally, it is suggested that through ensuring that the doctor-patient relationship is impenetrable, fear of medical litigation will dissipate. The best antidote to malpractice allegations is ethical clinical practice. Core decisions remain bound in dialogue between the doctor and his or her patient. Continuing the tradition of the therapeutic alliance, informed consent and confidentiality in medical practice will diminish threats of medical liability.
Ethics in health care: Healthcare fraud
Authors: Ogunbanjo Gboyega A , Knapp van Bogaert Donna
Published: November 2024

Healthcare fraud is a type of white-collar crime involving the filing of dishonest healthcare claims in order to achieve a profit. Healthcare fraud is a worldwide problem and is on the increase in South Africa. In this article, healthcare fraud is explored, healthcare fraud identified as a white-collar crime and the South African legal term, “fraud”, defined. Common types of medical aid fraud, a rising concern within South African healthcare practice, are detailed. Finally, the role of ethical and moral reasoning is deliberated and the psychological factors that are believed to contribute to fraud discussed. Healthcare fraud is not a victimless crime. Therefore, healthcare professionals must inform on colleagues who practice it.
Editor's Focus: Volume 56, No 1 (2014)
Authors: Ogunbanjo Gboyega
Published: November 2024

No abstract available.
For exotic surfaces with boundary, one stabilization is not enough
Authors: Guth Gary
Published: November 2024

Works of Hosokawa–Kawauchi (1979) and Baykur–Sunukjian (2016) show that homologous surfaces in a 4-manifold become isotopic after a finite number of internal stabilizations, i.e., attaching tubes to the surfaces. A natural question is how many stabilizations are needed before the surfaces become isotopic. In particular, given an exotic pair of surfaces, is a single stabilization always enough to make the pair smoothly isotopic? We answer this question by studying how the stabilization distance between surfaces with boundary changes with respect to satellite operations. Using a range of Floer theoretic techniques, we show that there are exotic disks in the 4-ball which have arbitrarily large stabilization distance, giving the first examples of exotic behavior in the 4-ball for which “one is not enough”.
Bee Farming As A Panacea For Poverty Alleviation In Obalinku Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: O Itam K , D Uwah E , I Ofem U , U Ushus I
Published: November 2024

The lack of sufficient income or resources to meet individuals, families, and communities’ basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities is largely attributed to their poverty status. This study set out to analyze bee farming as a poverty alleviation measure in Obalinku, Cross River State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling method was used in selecting the respondents, who were comprise of crop farmers, crop and livestock farmers, and crop, livestock and bee farmers. Data were collected through the use of structured questionnaire and were analyzed using both descriptive statistics involving percentage and mean, gross margin and inferential statistics (Foster, Greer and Thorbecke and Logistic regression). The results revealed that the mean age of the respondents was 41years. Most of the respondents were married with an average number of 5 persons per household, with moderate income level but well educated and had spent an average of 21 years in farming. The gross margin analysis shows that bee farming was profitable as average annual income of the respondents was ₦143,000.00 generated from 1 beehive, with a profit margin of ₦73,550.00 and ROI of 0.7. The result further revealed that the poverty incidence (0.61) and severity (0.399) were higher for crop farmers. The major causes of poverty were type of enterprise, educational level and household size. One of the major constraints identified in the study area is access to credit. The study recommends that government should enhance accessibility to credit and improve rural infrastructure to encourage educated households to remain in farming.
Utilization of solar heat in the control of cowpea bruchid callosobruchus maculatus f. (coleoptera: bruchidae) in freshly infested cowpea vigna unguiculata walp
Authors: M Waziri E , A Medugu M , M Malgwi A , O Ajao F
Published: November 2024

Cowpea bruchid, Callosobruchus maculatus Motschulsky is a very serious primary pest of stored cowpea grains with 30-100% loss potential. This study is therefore aimed at evaluating the efficiency of solar heat in the management of this pest. The experiment was carried out from May to June, 2024 in the laboratory of the Department of Crop Protection, Modibbo Adama University, Yola laid in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and means separated using Least significant difference LSD at (a = 0.05). Results of the biochemical constituents after the experiment showed significantly higher levels of dry matter and nitrogen free extract, low levels of ash and lipid, appreciable level of crude protein and fibre. Though, before the experiment the trend follows the same pattern. The effects of the sun, affected all the development stages of C. maculatus and the adult stage, where mortality rate decreases as the exposure period to the solar heat increases during the assessment period. The control (unexposed) had the highest number of mortality of C. maculatus, from larva stage to pupa. Highest number of eggs laid was observed in the control treatment was 52, while the exposed treatment had 26.0, 18.0 and 17.67 at 1, 2, and 3 hours, respectively. Cowpea grain damage and grain weight loss also follows same trend, where it decreases as the exposure period increases, while the control had the highest. This finding also indicated increase in germination with increase in exposure periods of 8.0, 8.67 and 9.67 at 1, 2, and 3 hours of exposure, while the control had the lowest germination rate of 2.33 seeds. This study therefore evaluated the effects of solar heat and its promising potentials in the control of C. maculatus in stored cowpea that can be incorporated into an integrated pest management strategy.
Enhancing the acute ward's care quality through a safer staffing approach
Authors: Umoren Otoh Dayo , Olukotun Stephen Tobi Abraham , Kehinde Vinah Vivian , Okonkwo Chinedu Joseph , Gbadebo Adedoyin Judith , Alani Olubukola Anuoluwapo
Published: November 2024

The lack of staff in the healthcare system has been a problem in recent years. This has been linked to disastrous consequences like challenges resulting in patient safety events and unfavourable outcomes, inadequate patient experiences because patients' needs aren't met, errors in medication administration, collapses in surgical wards, discontent, and burnout from working overtime, among others. An acute ward serves as the main location for patients who have shown up in medical emergencies and need immediate attention. An overview of the utilization of a safe staffing approach as a technique to improve the quality of care provided in the acute ward is provided in this report. The report considers the safe staffing policy and assesses the impact of staff scarcity on patient care quality by employing a fishbone cause and effect analysis. Plans for intervention (empowerment, technological use, and stakeholder participation) were facilitated by SWOT analysis, and quality improvement was assessed using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle.
Adoption and implementation of artificial intelligence in small businesses in selected developing countries
Authors: Ikpe Eyibio Okon
Published: November 2024

The adoption and implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in small businesses in selected developing countries have become increasingly prevalent in recent years. Small businesses in developing countries are recognizing the potential benefits of AI technologies in enhancing efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness. However, challenges such as limited resources, lack of technical expertise, and concerns about job displacement hinder the widespread adoption of AI in this context. This comprehensive analysis explores the current trends, opportunities, challenges, and strategies related to the adoption and implementation of AI in small businesses in selected developing countries. The paper therefore recommended that business owners should make use AI. It will help small businesses streamline their operations by automating routine tasks such as data entry, customer service inquiries, and inventory management with higher return on investment.
Influence of motivation on Patient-Centered Care (PCC) among healthcare providers at KCRH, Kirinyaga County in Kenya
Authors: Wairimu Brian Murigi , Nyongesa Margaret , Maritim Violet , Mwangi David Ngigi
Published: November 2024

This study explored the influence of motivation on Patient-Centered Care (PCC) among healthcare providers at Kerugoya County Referral Hospital (KCRH) in Kirinyaga County, Kenya. Patient-Centered Care is increasingly acknowledged as a cornerstone of high-quality healthcare, prioritizing patient involvement in healthcare decisions and fostering improved health outcomes. Despite its critical role, the implementation of PCC faces numerous challenges, particularly those related to healthcare providers' motivation. This cross-sectional descriptive study engaged 258 healthcare providers at KCRH, employing a mixed-methods approach to data collection. Structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, and the Person-Centered Care Assessment Tool (P-CAT) were utilized to gather comprehensive data. The quantitative analysis demonstrated a significant positive correlation between motivation and PCC practices, with Pearson's correlation coefficient r = 0.208 and a p-value of 0.009. These results indicate that higher levels of motivation among healthcare providers are associated with increased adherence to PCC principles. Further, the Multinomial Logistic Regression Analysis underscored motivation as a significant predictor of PCC implementation, evidenced by a Chi-Square value of 52.555 (df = 33, p = 0.003). The qualitative data provided additional insights, revealing that motivators such as effective workload management, recognition, and opportunities for professional growth play pivotal roles in enhancing healthcare providers' commitment to PCC. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of addressing motivational factors to enhance the implementation of Patient-Centered Care. The findings highlight the need for healthcare administrators and policymakers to develop strategies that foster intrinsic motivation among healthcare providers, thereby promoting the consistent application of PCC and ultimately improving patient outcomes at Kerugoya County Referral Hospital.
Spatial analysis of socio-demographic characteristics and stress management among female teachers in public schools in Rivers State: an intervention study
Authors: Abu Comfort Epere , Amaigbani ThankGod
Published: November 2024

This study focused on the spatial analysis of socio-demographic characteristics and stress management among female teachers in public secondary schools in Rivers State. The research design employed for the study was a pretest-posttest control group design. The population for the study consisted of 3,461 female secondary school teachers in Rivers State with a sample size of 376 selected using the multi-stage sampling procedure. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.87. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation (SD) and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) set at 0.05 alpha level. The result of the study showed that, the intervention had a significant effect [F(1,198)=0.16, P< 0.027] on stress management strategies among female civil servants (teachers), The result of the ANCOVA showed that the intervention had no significant effect [F(7,138)=0.31, P< 0.78] on the stress management strategies among female civil servants (teachers) based on age. The intervention had no significant effect [F(5,138)=0.04, P< 0.61] on the stress management strategies among female civil servants (teachers) based on their years of work experience. Also, the intervention had no significant effect [F(5,138)=0.03, P< 0.75] on the stress management strategies among female civil servants (teachers) based on marital status. It was concluded that socio-demographic characteristics are key variables to consider when designing occupational health intervention for teachers on stress management. It was recommended among others that, the Government should make the teachers comfortable in their working place by building more offices for teachers in the public schools. This will make them to be more relaxed, focused and do their work better with minimal stress.
Checklist of ornamental palms in Nifor Palmetum Benin City, Nigeria
Authors: Okoye M.N. , Imasuen J.A. , Nworie S.O. , Oko-Oboh E. , Okereke A.C. , Imogie, A. , Enaberue L.O. , Ozurumba C.J.
Published: November 2024

The Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) Palmetum has faced significant challenges, leading to a decline in its ornamental palm species collection. This study presents the first comprehensive checklist of existing ornamental palms, highlighting their health, economic importance and conservation status. Using standard procedures, 231 trees from 22 genera and 26 species of Arecaceae were identified and documented, including their botanical and common names, and native range. Phoenix L. showed the highest diversity with 3 species, followed by Elaeis Jacq. and Hyphaene Gaertn., with 2 species each. The study revealed that 76% of the trees are non-native but have adapted to the region. However, tree health assessment revealed issues like leaf defoliation, galls, stem rots and epiphyte growth, indicating neglect. Beyond their ornamental value, most palms have economic importance as food, feed, fuel and medicine. Given the rapid genetic depletion, urgent conservation measures are needed to prevent biodiversity loss. This checklist will facilitate future palm introductions, ex-situ conservation and systematic reproduction of existing species, ensuring the long-term preservation of ornamental palm collection in the Palmetum.
Impacts of cadmium treatments on leaflet and stipe anatomy of Pteris vittata Linn. and Pteris ensiformis burm. f. (Pteridaceae: ferns)
Authors: Oladele O.T. , Bamigboye R.A. , Oloyede F.A. , Akinloye A.J. , Adejumo M.A. , Adenuga A.
Published: November 2024

Impacts of cadmium contamination in soil at different concentration levels on leaflet and stipe anatomy of Pteris vittata L. and Pteris ensiformis Burm. F. were investigated. Fernlets of P. vittata and P. ensiformis collected from ferns garden at the Natural History Museum and identified at IFE Herbarium both in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria were transplanted into planting pots containing 5 kg of soil pre-treated with cadmium at four concentration levels with the control untreated. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomised block design. The plants were nursed for twelve weeks with adequate watering, after which they were carefully removed and washed. Anatomical sections of the leaflets and stipes were carried out according to standard procedures. After proper staining, microscopic observations of internal structures were carried out on the samples. The major changes observed in the anatomical structures were changes in the thickness of the cuticles of both P. vittata and P. ensiformis as well as the distortion of some parenchyma cells, as the cadmium contamination levels increased in both species. The study concluded that cadmium treatment majorly impacted the cuticle thickness compared to other anatomical features; the negative effect was more pronounced in P. ensiformis.
Trichoderma tomentosum and T. Afroharzianum as potential biocontrol agents for white rot disease Sclerotium cepivorum berk of garlic in Ambo, Ethiopia
Authors: Ofodile L.N. , Ani E. , Ayodeji A.A.
Published: November 2024

Garlic (Allium sativum) is a favourite spice in Ethiopia that is widely cultivated and used as food and in medicine. This experiment was  carried out for seven months in 2007. Some Trichoderma species were isolated from the soil in infected Allium sativum farms in three  villages in Ambo, Ethiopia and identified. Internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS1-2) of rDNA and the translation elongation factor 1-α  (eEF1a1) were generated from the isolates obtained using an ABI Prism 3100 Genetic Analyzer (Applied Biosystems). The species of fungi  were further evaluated for their activity against Sclerotium cepivorum using Weller’s and dual culture methods. AS1, AST1 and GS2 were  identified as Trichoderma tomentosum, AS2 as Hypocrea lixii and GS1 as Trichoderma afroharzianum. AS1, AS2 and GS2 parasitised S.  cepivorum and inhibited the growth of the pathogen while ATS1 and GS1 parasitised the pathogen only. AS1 showed the strongest  significant antibiosis of 3.75 mm while the significantly least antibiosis was by GS2. GS1 showed 100% parasitism on the 7th day of  incubation.  These Trichoderma species inhibited the growth of the pathogens and can be useful in the production of fungicide for the  control of white rot disease of garlic.
How Books Tell a History of Statistics in Portugal: Works of Foreigners, Estrangeirados, and Others
Authors: Pestana Dinis , Santos Rui
Published: November 2024

Foreigners and "estrangeirados", an expression meaning "people going to a
foreign country ["estrangeiro"] getting there further education", had a leading
role in the development of Mathematical Statistics in Portugal. In what
concerns Statistics, "estrangeirados" in the nineteenth century were mainly
liberal intellectuals exiled for political reasons. From 1930 onwards, the
research funding authority sent university professors abroad, and hired foreign
researchers to stay in Portuguese institutions, and some of them were
instrumental in the importation of new concepts and methods of inferential
statistics. After 1970, there was a huge program of sending young researchers
abroad for doctoral studies. At the same time, many new universities and
polytechnic institutes have been created in Portugal. After that, aside from
foreigners who choose to have a research career in those institutions and the
"estrangeirados" who had returned and created programs of doctoral studies,
others, who hadn't the opportunity of studying abroad, began to play a decisive
role in the development of Statistics in Portugal. The publication of handbooks
on Probability and Statistics, thesis and core papers in Portuguese scientific
journals, and also of works for the layman, reveals how Statistics progressed
from descriptive to a mathematical discipline used for inference in all fields
of knowledge, from natural sciences to methodology of scientific research.
A review of the coupled criterion
Authors: Doitrand Aurélien , Duminy Thomas , Girard Hugo , Chen Xi
Published: November 2024

We provide a review of recent works about the Coupled Criterion (CC), originally developed to assess the initiation of a crack and thus overcome a main limitation of linear elastic fracture mechanics. This paper includes theoretical and implementation aspects of the CC, new fundamental developments such as extensions to 3D, dynamic aspects, nonlinearities or fatigue. It also focuses on confrontations between the CC and other fracture modeling approaches such as cohesive zone models or phase field approach for fracture. Originally developed in 2D, for linear elastic materials under the assumption of small deformations, the CC has now expanded and can be applied to a wide range of applications from macroscopic to atomic scale.
Know-Thy-Basis: Decomposing F26 for Lightweight S-box Implementation
Authors: Sau Dilip , Sarkar Sumanta , Saha Dhiman , Mandal Kalikinkar
Published: November 2024

A recent trend has shown constructions of 6-bit S-boxes that are mostly focused on their cryptographic elegance, while their lightweight aspects have not really been addressed well. This paper attempts to plug-in this existing research gap where we show how the composite structure of the extension field F26 could be leveraged. An earlier well-known example is an efficient implementation of AES S-box using the tower field extension of F28 . The case of F2ab is completely different from any tower field as the implementation varies as per the choice of extension – for instance, F(2a)b or F(2b)a , where a and b are prime. Thus, it makes the implementation of S-boxes over F26 = F2(2×3) very interesting. In this work, we systematically study the composite field structure of F26 from a hardware standpoint for a class of S-boxes that are power mapping or their affine equivalents. We analyze the hardware efficiency with respect to different representations of the field extension, i.e., F(22)3 or F(23)2 . Furthermore, for each extension, we investigate the impact of various choices of bases – for instance, we present the evidence of the effect that normal or polynomial bases have on the implementation. This gives us further insight on the choice of basis with respect to the field extension. In the process, we present a special normal basis, when used in conjunction with F(23)2 results in the least (or very close to least) area in terms of GE for the 18 (6 quadratic and 12 cubic) S-boxes studied in this work. The special normal basis reported here has some algebraic properties which make it inherently hardware friendly and allow us to predict the area reduction, without running a tool. Overall, this work constitutes an extensive hardware characterization of a class of cryptographically significant 6-bit S-boxes giving us interesting insights into the systematic lightweight implementation of S-boxes without relying on an automated tool.
Differentiated QoS Provisioning in Wireless Networks Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Ming-Chu Chou  , Guang-Jhe Lin  , Chih-Heng Ke  , Yeong-Sheng Chen
Published: November 2024

Wireless networks manage performance by adjusting the contention window, as they cannot directly detect collisions. Traditional contention window adjustment algorithms, such as the Binary Exponential Backoff (BEB) algorithm, may lead to lower throughput when multiple services with varying bandwidth demands coexist. To address this issue, this study aims to enhance network throughput by enabling differentiated bandwidth allocation for various services. Using deep reinforcement learning, the state space, action space, and reward functions are defined to optimize this differentiation. These definitions are integrated into the Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG) technique, implemented in the Access Point (AP) to intelligently adjust the contention window. Leveraging DDPG’s capability for continuous actions, the proposed method provides Quality of Service (QoS) differentiation, ensuring that each service at its respective priority level meets its transmission requirements. Compared to the BEB algorithm, the proposed approach offers improved traffic allocation and higher network bandwidth utilization.
Performance Evaluation of Neural Network Models for Autism Detection Using EEG Data
Authors: Nazmul Hasan  , Priyasha Paul  , Manisha Jitendra Nene
Published: November 2024

This study aims to leverage a promising avenue for the precise and early detection of Autism. Autism is a multifaceted neurodevelopmental condition marked by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Traditional diagnosis relies on time-consuming behavioral assessments, necessitating reliable and non-intrusive biomarkers for early and accurate detection. This paper analyzes eleven linear and non-linear features across time and frequency domains from an EEG dataset. Four neural network models, such as convolutional neural network (CNN), deep neural network (DNN), long short-term memory (LSTM), and a custom neural network are employed for classification. The CNN achieves the lowest accuracy at 89.02%, while the custom neural network reaches the highest accuracy at 94.02%, and the DNN and LSTM achieve 91.98% and 93.83% accuracy, respectively. Other metrics such as precision, recall, specificity, and F1-score, are also evaluated. This research underscores the efficacy of neural network in detecting Autism, advancing diagnostic tools.
Sequência didática à luz da Didática da Pedagogia Histórico-Crítica
Authors: Guckert Fabrícia Cristiane , Souza Neto Alaim
Published: November 2024

O objetivo deste artigo é socializar uma sequência didática, que é o produto pedagógico de uma investigação qualitativa de natureza aplicada, com escopo interventivo, o qual empregou métodos da pesquisa-ação (Thiollent, 1986). É amparada pela Teoria Histórico-Cultural (Vygotsky), pela Pedagogia Histórico-Crítica (Saviani, 1986) e pela Didática da Pedagogia Histórico-Crítica (Gasparin, 2012), projetada e aplicada com alunos dos Anos Finais do Ensino Fundamental. Originou-se a partir de obstáculos constatados no contexto do ensino de Língua Portuguesa, especialmente sobre o lugar do teatro no currículo escolar e foi problematizada a partir da seguinte indagação: de que forma o teatro pode contribuir com o processo de formação de leitores de modo significativo e relevante na disciplina de Língua Portuguesa do Ensino Fundamental Anos Finais na rede pública de ensino? Por meio dessa sequência, pretende-se oferecer aos profissionais da educação uma proposta sucinta para que eles obtenham amparo teórico, proporcionando, assim, uma prática pedagógica norteada pela concepção da Pedagogia Histórico-Crítica.
Enhancing Education Through Procedural Learning: A Pathway to Achieving SDG 4 Goals
Authors: Martínez-Salinas Francisco José , Sánchez-Aguirre Flor de María
Published: November 2024

Objectives: To analyze the influence of procedural learning on the teaching-learning process in basic education students, establishing foundations for its development and implementation in innovative educational programs to improve educational outcomes.
 
Methodology: A systematic descriptive review was conducted following Higgins et al. (2022) and the PRISMA flowchart (Moher et al., 2019). Twenty-three articles published between 2019 and 2023 in Scopus, Scielo, and Web of Science, related to procedural learning in basic education, were analyzed.
 
Results and Discussion: The results show that procedural learning has a significant positive impact on the educational process, favoring the development of practical skills, knowledge application in real-life contexts, and enhancing students’ motivation and academic outcomes.
 
Research Implications: The research highlights the need to integrate procedural learning into educational programs, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. This involves changes in teaching methodologies, teacher training, and resource development, promoting a more comprehensive and quality education.
 
Contribution/Originality: This study provides updated evidence on the importance of procedural learning in basic education, offering foundations for its effective implementation and contributing to the innovation and improvement of teaching-learning processes.
Implementation of Human Resource Management to improve the performance of youth organizations in Port Moresby
Authors: David Emmanuel
Published: November 2024

This research work focuses on HRM practices in youth organizations in Port Moresby- Papua New Guinea and the resultant effect on organizational performance. Carrying out qualitative case study research with five youth organizations the study examines the recruitment; training; performance management and staff motivation strategies adopted by the youth organizations’ human resource management systems. Qualitative data were obtained by conducting 20 interviews with key informants: organizational leadership, human resource management, and programmed staffs; consulting documents. The study outcomes show that despite the presence of the practices, HRM has issues of limited resources, adopted systems, and high turnover rates that affect the implementation of the strategies. The study further establishes that absence of formal HR systems, and difficulties in maintaining motivated workforce, affect the organizational performance. In relation to the HRM literature, these findings add to the limited research that has been done on practicing HRM in non-profit youth organizations with specific focus on the developing nations. Aid from the study is that HRM should be a context that requires the identification of suitable strategies that may offset the scarcity of resources and lead to enhanced organizational performance.
“I was constantly being questioned”: Racialized STEM Graduate Students in Canada
Authors: Park Augustine , Bahia Jasmeet , Bing Alex
Published: November 2024

This article examines the experiences of racialized graduate students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs at one Canadian university. There is virtually no research on racialized inequity and STEM higher education in the Canadian context despite a robust body of literature outside of Canada, especially in the United States. Based on 25 in-depth, semi-structured interviews, this article explores the experiences of racialized graduate students in STEM through the lens of the new racism and colour-blindness. Seven racialized dimensions were reported by the participants: stereotyping, being undermined, microaggressions, subtle discriminatory experiences, inequitable funding, resistance to dealing with racism, and performative EDI as a response to racism.
Relations entre les compétences émotionnelles et la qualité des relations interpersonnelles en contexte de stage : le cas des étudiants en formation en enseignement
Authors: Langevin Rene , Laurent Angélique , Blouin Martin
Published: November 2024

Pour les étudiants en formation initiale en enseignement, les compétences émotionnelles sont primordiales, car elles leur permettent de tisser des relations positives avec les élèves et les acteurs scolaires, en particulier en stage. À partir des modèles de Mikolajczak et al. (2020) sur les compétences émotionnelles et de Gross et John (2003) sur la régulation émotionnelle, nous avons exploré les compétences des étudiants à réguler leurs émotions et à développer des relations avec les élèves et l’équipe-école durant leur stage selon qu’ils présentent ou non des difficultés d’ordre alexithymique. L’alexithymie est un trait de personnalité qui est associé avec une difficulté à identifier, analyser et verbaliser ses émotions (Bagby et al., 2020). L’échantillon comportait 60 étudiants en quatrième année de leur parcours universitaire en enseignement dans une université canadienne située en Alberta. Les données ont été recueillies selon un devis descriptif corrélationnel par le biais de questionnaires d’autoévaluation. De façon générale, les résultats indiquent que les étudiants stagiaires ayant des lacunes sur le plan des compétences émotionnelles se manifestant par de l’alexithymie utilisent plus fréquemment la suppression expressive et moins fréquemment la réévaluation cognitive pour réguler leurs émotions comparativement à leurs pairs non alexithymiques. De plus, ils tissent des relations de moins bonne qualité à certains égards avec les élèves et les intervenants de l’équipe-école que leurs pairs non alexithymiques. Cette étude souligne l’importance de mettre en place, dès la première année de la formation initiale en enseignement, des mesures permettant aux futurs enseignants de développer leurs compétences émotionnelles afin d’atteindre le niveau de compétence attendu pour ce type de profession.
INFLATION IN SOUTH AFRICA 2000 - 2022: A NEW-KEYNESIAN APPROACH
Authors: BENNETT Kayla , SHEEFENI Johannes
Published: November 2024

Inflation is a daily monetary process that occurs over a period of time. Monetary policy is based
on the Phillips Curve (PC) which is a tool used to describe inflation dynamics. The PC shows that inflation
and unemployment have a negative relationship (Phillips, 1958). The study employed the Hybrid New
Keynesian Phillips Curve (HNKPC) to investigate inflation dynamics in South Africa (SA). Additionally, the
Autoregressive Distributed Lags (ARDL) model was used in the empirical analysis. The study aimed to find
the hybrid curve in SA and to determine if monetary and fiscal variables affect inflation. Using quarterly
data the study found the relationship between inflation and unemployment to be positive. As a result, no
HNKPC existed in SA. In addition, fiscal and monetary variables influence inflation and therefore have a
role to play in determining price levels in SA.