bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innover par bisociation entre Responsabilité Sociale de l’Entreprise et société à mission : le cas MAIF
Authors: Cuénoud Thibault , Schäfer Philippe , Helfrich Vincent
Published: October 2024

Cette recherche mobilise le modèle de la bisociation d’Arthur Koestler en management de la créativité. L’objectif est de comprendre comment une entreprise peut devenir politique en capitalisant sur sa démarche de RSE couplée à l’institutionnalisation du passage en société à mission. Le modèle de Koestler nous permet de restituer le travail d’incubation préalable, l’acte de bisociation entre Responsabilité Sociale de l’Entreprise (RSE) et mission, mais aussi son dépassement à travers le projet de développer un modèle d’entreprise engagée en société. Cette recherche qualitative explore le cas MAIF par l’analyse d’entretiens semi-directifs et de documents internes et externes. L’étude permet de comprendre la complémentarité entre RSE et société à mission, ainsi que leurs incomplétudes respectives : instrumentalisation de la RSE d’un côté et purpose washing de l’autre.Codes JEL : O31, O39, G34
Les politiques publiques d’innovation à l’épreuve des plateformes digitales de transaction
Authors: Aubry Mathilde , Burlaud Alexandra , Nadou Fabien
Published: October 2024

Cet article souhaite enrichir les réflexions sur l’élaboration et la mise en œuvre des politiques publiques d’innovation (PPI) en les confrontant aux plateformes digitales de transaction (PDT). Les PDT, nouveaux intermédiaires de marché exercent une pression sur les politiques publiques. Elles obligent la sphère publique à repenser ses actions et s’adapter. Ainsi, nous nous interrogeons sur les transformations engendrées par les PDT sur les PPI en nous appuyant sur une méthodologie qualitative « à la Gioia ». L’étude permet d’opérationnaliser les PPI et met en évidence les mécanismes en jeu dans les réponses apportées par les PPI aux plateformes (mécanismes d’imitation, de défense et d’intégration). Les résultats démontrent que le développement des plateformes peut nuire à l’intérêt public, sans que les acteurs publics parviennent à trouver des solutions efficaces. Une approche mission-oriented et des interactions plus systématiques entre les plateformes et les acteurs publics sont recommandées.Codes JEL : O38, O33, R58
Eugène Enriquez : la fécondité de l’œuvre psychosociologique
Authors: Lochot François
Published: October 2024

L’auteur tente de mettre en exergue les apports proprement psychosociologiques de l’œuvre d’Eugène Enriquez. Il souligne son effort remarquable pour la mise à jour d’un paradigme psychosociologique, l’approche d’ordre théorique des processus psychosociaux et métathéorique du cadre anthropologique et sociologique de l’intervention. Il interroge, dans la théorie tridimensionnelle des ensembles organisés d’Enriquez, son intérêt majeur porté aux structures et discute son modèle en sept « instances » pouvant être mobilisées dans l’analyse des processus psychosociologiques, comme les limites qu’elle rencontre dans les groupes naturels. Il interroge enfin la place des « créateurs d’histoire » individuelle et collective et notamment celle d’Enriquez dans l’histoire de la psychosociologie.
Le changement de discours des politiques culturelles : Du développement aux industries culturelles et à la décolonisation.
Authors: Dragićević Šešić Milena
Published: October 2024

Ce papier est l’écriture du discours prononcé par Milena Dragićević Šešić à l’occasion de la réception de son titre de docteure honoris causa de l’Université de Montpellier. Après avoir évoqué son parcours universitaire et ce qu’il doit à la culture académique française, ainsi que les liens qui unissent la Serbie à une certaine idée de la francophonie et de la francophilie, elle analyse l’évolution des mondes académiques dans le contexte contemporain. De façon résolument critique, elle examine leur transformation vers ce qu’elle appelle le « capitalisme académique ». Le papier étudie ensuite les changements qui se sont opérés dans l’enseignement et dans le développement des politiques culturelles dans le monde, et en particulier dans le celui des Balkans. Elle en déduit les conséquences en termes de contenus, avec l’idée simple mais souvent dévoyée qu’une politique culturelle ne se limite pas à des secteurs d’action publique, mais doit s’efforcer de poser un regard critique sur le monde et ses fractures, aussi dramatiques qu’elles soient dans l’actualité mondiale.
South European studies from the democratic transitions to the covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Verney Susannah
Published: October 2024

Cet article retrace les tendances de la recherche sur l’Europe du Sud au cours des dernières décennies. Il s’appuie sur les archives de la revue South European Society and Politics et du Standing Group on Southern Europe de l’ECPR en présentant des données quantitatives pertinentes. Trois phases thématiques sont identifiées, respectivement représentées par les mots-clés démocratisation, européanisation et crise. Cet article montre aussi que les contours de l’Europe du Sud ont été redéfinis du fait de l’européanisation et de l’élargissement de l’UE puis comment les points géographiques focaux de la recherche sur l’aire ont changé sous l’impact des crises. Sont également étudiés les tendances en termes d’auteurs, en soulignant le rôle moteur des auteurs basés en Europe du Sud elle-même dans la production de la recherche sur la région.
L’Allemagne en Europe : une approche plus géopolitique, un inconfortable leadership
Authors: Demesmay Claire
Published: October 2024

L’Allemagne a davantage d’influence sur l’évolution de l’Union européenne que n’importe quel autre État membre. Si elle s’oppose à un projet, comme la création d’un budget pour la zone euro, elle le bloque. Inversement, sans le soutien du gouvernement allemand, l’Union n’aurait pu adopter un ambitieux plan de relance pendant la pandémie de Covid-19. Ce rôle de leader en Europe, l’Allemagne ne l’a assumé jusqu’à présent qu’avec réticence. Or, la guerre d’agression russe contre l’Ukraine ainsi que les bouleversements géopolitiques qui en découlent la contraignent désormais à revoir son positionnement, sans pour autant renier les fondamentaux de sa politique européenne .
Le « nœud » du Kosovo
Authors: Dérens Jean-Arnault
Published: October 2024

Voilà vingt-cinq ans, au printemps 1999, s’achevait l’intervention militaire des forces de l’OTAN contre la Serbie au sujet du Kosovo. Longtemps placé sous protectorat international, le Kosovo a unilatéralement proclamé son indépendance en 2008, mais celle-ci n’est reconnue à ce jour que par une partie de la communauté internationale. Le pays est-il voué à demeurer un éternel « baril de poudre » au cœur des Balkans ou bien l’arrivée au pouvoir d’Albin Kurti, en 2021, lui offrira-t-elle à terme la perspective d’un apaisement pérenne ?
À la recherche de la paix perpétuelle
Authors: Moreau Defarges Philippe
Published: October 2024

Le XX e siècle a été l’époque de la guerre régie par des ascensions vers la violence la plus extrême. Il fut aussi celui des efforts les plus approfondis, les plus systématiques, de recherche d’une paix perpétuelle. Ces deux faces opposées du siècle entretinrent de fait une relation dynamique, chaque moment d’affrontement sanglant ayant été suivi par des initiatives audacieuses destinées à mettre un terme définitif à la guerre. Tel fut le paradoxe d’un siècle qui ne cessa d’osciller entre les délires les plus sanglants et la course sans fin vers la grande illusion de la paix perpétuelle .
Vancouver, ville mondiale
Authors: Thibaut Françoise
Published: October 2024

Jadis modeste bourgade à l’ombre des Rocheuses, Vancouver est devenue une métropole vibrante et cosmopolite. Port stratégique épicentre d’une économie reposant sur le numérique et les nouvelles technologies, la cité brille par sa vitalité économique et son ouverture vers l’Asie. Au cœur de cette transformation, on trouve les immenses ressources naturelles de l’Ouest canadien et des communautés venues de tous horizons. L’ensemble de ces dynamiques fait que Vancouver est désormais une ville mondiale à part entière .
Les communes nouvelles et leurs budgets. Au-delà de la recherche des économies d'échelle
Authors: Bideau Gabriel
Published: October 2024

Cet article propose une démarche de compilation et d'analyse des données pour étudier les communes nouvelles. En se demandant d'une part si les communes qui fusionnent sont semblables aux autres sur le plan de la structure de leurs dépenses et recettes et d'autre part quelles évolutions peuvent être observées (dotations, dépenses) suite aux fusions. À l'aide d'une base de données – mise à disposition dans une logique de science ouverte – réalisée à partir de données publiques, mais structurée pour intégrer la question des communes nouvelles, il montre que le groupe des communes fusionnantes se différencie légèrement des autres communes françaises sur certaines variables budgétaires, sans que les communes concernées aient un profil qui serait spécifique. Les résultats montrent que le passage en commune nouvelle ne permet pas d'observer de systématiques « économies d'échelle », voire conduit plutôt à une augmentation de certaines dépenses, parallèlement à un accroissement des dotations de l'État.
La civilisation écologique en Chine, entre outil de contrôle domestique et projet de rayonnement mondial
Authors: René Élodie , Monjon Stéphanie
Published: October 2024

Depuis quelques années, le Parti communiste chinois (PCC) fait la promotion du concept de « civilisation écologique » comme une alternative théorique et pratique au « développement durable ». Il a été porté au plus haut niveau politique afin de promouvoir un développement vert « aux caractéristiques chinoises », ce qui peut paraître paradoxal au vu de la voracité en ressources et des niveaux de pollution que connaît le pays. Pourtant, le pouvoir chinois l’a largement instrumentalisé pour répondre à la crise environnementale et sociale à partir des années 2010, en le sortant de la sphère intellectuelle pour l’opérationnaliser dans différentes politiques et dispositifs. Il a également servi à légitimer le renforcement du contrôle du pouvoir central et le déploiement de moyens de surveillance fondés sur le numérique, jusqu’à constituer un instrument d’influence extérieure.
Synthesis and development of Fe3O4/SiO2/CaCO3 nanocomposite adsorbents for ammonia adsorption in the shrimp pond waste
Authors: Syavika Lukluatus , Wijaya Anugrah Ricky , Syah Alif Alfarisyi
Published: October 2024

We developed a Fe3O4/SiO2/CaCO3 magnetic nanocomposite adsorbent, with SiO2 synthesized from sea sand and CaCO3 derived from coral skeletons. The Fe3O4/SiO2/CaCO3 nanocomposite was characterized and employed as an adsorbent to reduce ammonia levels in shrimp pond wastewater where ammonia concentrations ranged from 11.9 to 38.8 mg/L. We further explored the effects of various parameters on the removal efficiency, adsorption capacity, thermodynamics, isoterm, and kinetics of the adsorption process. Specifically, we examined the influence of pH (3–8), adsorbent mass (0.025–0.25 g), temperature (27–60 ℃), and contact time (10–120 min). Ammonia concentrations in the filtrate were measured using the Nessler method. The synthesis of CaCO3 from coral skeleton, SiO2 from sand, and Fe3O4/SiO2/CaCO3 adsorbent was successfully achieved, as confirmed by XRF, FTIR, and XRD characterizations. The adsorption process adhered to the second-order kinetics model, exhibited spontaneous behavior with a negative ΔG value, and followed the Langmuir isotherm model (R2 = 0.9267). The results indicated an optimal adsorbent mass of 0.025 g, achieving 89.3% adsorption at 60 minutes of contact time, a temperature of 27 ℃, and an optimal pH of 5. When applied to shrimp pond wastewater, the Fe3O4/SiO2/CaCO3 adsorbent demonstrated an adsorption efficiency ranging from 52.1% to 86.8% and an adsorption capacity between 6.2 and 30.9 mg/g.
Positive solutions for the periodic-parabolic problem with large diffusion
Authors: Fan Mingming , Sun Jianwen
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we study the positive solutions of the periodic-parabolic logistic equation with indefinite weight function and nonhomogeneous diffusion coefficient. By employing sufficient conditions to guarantee negative principal eigenvalue, we obtain the existence, uniqueness, and stability of the positive periodic solutions. Moreover, we prove that the positive periodic solution tends to the unique positive solution of the corresponding non-autonomous logistic equation when the diffusion rate is large.
Research on the Impact of Geographical Environment on English Learning Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Zhang Lixia
Published: October 2024

College English course is an important basic course in colleges and universities. The purpose of this study is to better understand the influence mechanism of geographical environment on English learning and provide scientific basis for formulating targeted English education policies. This study uses the method of machine learning to analyze the collected data and explore the influence of geographical environment on college students' English learning. This study constructs a comprehensive data set including students' English learning achievements, academic background and geographical location, and obtains the results through computer model analysis. The results show that geographical environment has an influence on college English learning, which will lead to differences in students' English learning achievements. This study suggests that geographical factors should be considered when formulating English education policies. This study is of great significance to promoting the development of English education and improving students' learning effect.
Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation-Based Development System for Eco-Agricultural Tourism Resources
Authors: Hu Ling , Xu Chunying
Published: October 2024

This manuscript outlines a systematic evaluation of agricultural eco-tourism resources, focusing on the Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon scenic area. Employing fuzzy mathematics principles, we construct a comprehensive evaluation model to assess various dimensions of agro-ecotourism potential. The framework includes hierarchical levels (A, B1-B3, C1-C8) covering ecological resource value, environment condition, and tourism development. Using the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method, we determine indicator weights via expert assessments and statistical analyses. Notably, ecological resource value and environment quality emerge as pivotal criteria. The resulting comprehensive score of 82.875 suggests Grade IV suitability for eco-tourism development. Our findings support strategic planning and sustainable management, emphasizing the importance of ecological preservation amidst China's urbanization. Graphical representations and detailed steps provided enhance practicality for sustainable tourism researchers and practitioners.
Efficacy of EFAST-PS in pelvic trauma for the assessment of the pubic symphysis in emergency settings: a mini review
Authors: Piazzai Federica , Morelli Gilda , Barone Lorenzo , Carli Manuel , Borchi Chiara , Rosati Moris , Righi Lorenzo , Montemerani Sara
Published: October 2024

The EFAST technique is a rapid ultrasound method introduced into ATLS guidelines since 2006 for the evaluation of trauma patients. It allows for the detection of free fluid in the abdomen, pericardial tamponade, and pneumothorax within 2 to 3 minutes without impacting management times in pre-hospital settings. Recently, the EFAST-PS protocol has been introduced, which includes an additional scan of the pubic symphysis to identify “open book” pelvic fractures. This mini review examines the efficacy of the EFAST-PS protocol in pre-hospital environments through a literature review and analysis of a clinical case. It is demonstrated that EFAST has high specificity and sensitivity in detecting free fluid in abdominal and thoracic recesses, improving the management of trauma patients and reducing time to definitive intervention. The addition of the pubic symphysis scan did not cause any issues but increased safety in managing patients with suspected fractures and hemodynamic instability. Emergency ultrasound assessment, including the EFAST-PS protocol, should be integrated into the overall clinical picture to provide useful data for the decision-making process.
The practicality of long-term blended teaching and learning at a South African institution
Authors: Saurombe Musawenkosi D. , Malebe Kamogelo D. , Nyandeni Marcia , Tshabalala Siphesihle , Tyalintsika Themba , Malahlela Violet M.
Published: October 2024

Background: The rapid revolutionisation of technology and other factors such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic, prompted higher education institutions to consider the possibility, necessity and implications of officially adopting a blended teaching and learning approach on a long-term basis.Aim: This research aimed to explore the practicality of a long-term blended teaching and learning model at a South African higher education institution.Setting: This research was conducted at a selected South African higher education institution.Methods: The article adopted a qualitative case study approach, and one-on-one semi-structured interviews were conducted. The data collected was then analysed using thematic analysis.Results: Although the institution was generally ready for blended teaching and learning during the pandemic, best practices such as further training and development for both lecturers and students on the pertinent systems and technology are imperative if a long-term blended teaching and learning is to be successful. There were also concerns regarding external, technological, and socio-economic issues that could hinder a successful long-term blended model.Conclusion: While the research revealed the institution’s overall ability to swiftly transition from face-to-face, to distance online and blended teaching and learning approaches during the COVID-19 pandemic, it also revealed that work still had to be done to fully prepare the institution for formalised blended teaching and learning in the future.Contribution: This research builds on limited research on blended teaching and learning at South African contact higher education institutions and adds new theory regarding some best practices for successful blended teaching and learning.
Piscivore water bird diversity at freshwater tributaries of Zambezi River, Namibia
Authors: Rutina Lucas P. , Simasiku Evans , Kabanze Joseph M.
Published: October 2024

Piscivorous waterbirds enhance wetlands’ diversity and have been seen as bio-indicators of ecological conditions within ecosystems. In addition to their ecological contribution, to wetlands functions and ecosystem services, these birds have been reported to be affected by fishing activities and to compete with fisheries. Despite their importance along wetlands, their populations are in serious decline on a global level. This study aimed at comparing piscivorous waterbirds community composition and functional diversity between a fish protected area (FPA) and a non-fish protected area (NFPA) in two tributaries of Zambezi River in Namibia. At each site, all the waterbirds within a radius of 50 metres were enumerated and identified using binoculars and guide books. For each tributary, species diversity, taxonomic diversity, functional diversity, and community-based trait diversity indices were calculated. A total of 40 carnivorous waterbirds species belonging to 9 orders were recorded during the survey. Of these 40 species, 10 (25%) predominantly feed on fish, 6 (15%) predominantly feed on insects and 24 (60%) species predominantly feed on both fish and insects. At the FPAs site, a total of 35 species were recorded, comprising 10 (29%) species that predominantly feed on fish, 4 (11%) species that predominantly feed on insects and 21 (60%) species that feed on both fish and insects. Generally, piscivorous waterbirds species diversities were not significantly different between a FPA and a NFPA (p  0.05). However, all piscivorous waterbirds functional diversities indices calculated were significantly different between FPAs and NFPAs (p  0.05).Conservation implications: In most riparian human communities, fish is an important source of protein. The effects of uncontrolled fishing in shaping the composition, structure, and diversity of piscivorous waterbirds worldwide have been reported. If we need to balance the two, regulating fishing loadings and season will improve piscivorous waterbirds conservation and human livelihoods.
Analysis of the effect of CICARE communication nursing on the improvement of serum IL-10, IL-6, IL-4, IL-2 and lung function in outpatients with acute bronchitis
Authors: Jiang Yunqin , Xia Meili , Jiang Fanghui
Published: October 2024

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of the study was to investigate the impact of CICARE communication nursing on the improvement of serum interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interleukin-2 (IL-2) and lung function in outpatients with acute bronchitis (AB).

METHODS:

One hundred and twenty suffers with AB who are treated in the outpatient department during Revised to 2021 to March 2023 are chosen and grouped according to the time of admission and different nursing practices. The control group consists of 60 patients from March 2021 to March 2022 who receive routine outpatient care; the experimental group consists of 60 patients from April 2022 to March 2023, and CICARE communication nursing is implemented additionally. Before and after intervention, the cognitive level of self-care knowledge, the level of peripheral blood inflammatory factors, and the improvement of lung function are compared.

RESULTS:

Before intervention, there were no remarkable differences in self-care knowledge cognition scores, peripheral blood inflammatory factors, and lung function levels between them (P > 0.05). After intervention, the cognitive scores of treatment coordination, medication method, daily attention, diet, and activity in experimental groups are superior to control group (P < 0.05). The levels of IL-10, IL-6, IL-4, and IL-2 in test groups are inferior to control group (P < 0.05). Forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, maximum air volume, and peak flow rate in test groups are superior to control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

CICARE communication nursing can improve the cognition level of self-care knowledge of patients with AB, reduce the inflammatory response of the body, and promote the recovery of lung function.
Retrospective Investigation of the Utility of Potassium Hydroxide Smear in the Diagnosis and Management of Cutaneous Fungal Infections by Dermatologists
Authors: Koh Xuan Qi , Han Huirong , Shen Liang , Chandran Nisha S.
Published: October 2024

Background:

Superficial cutaneous fungal infections are common dermatologic conditions. A significant proportion do not present with typical clinical findings. However, the 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) smear, a simple bedside test, is often underused when diagnosing cutaneous fungal infections.

Aims:

We aimed to evaluate whether KOH smear results altered dermatologists’ diagnosis and management, and the factors that influenced its ability to detect cutaneous fungal infections.

Methods:

A total of 373 patients with suspected cutaneous fungal infection were identified retrospectively from the dermatology database of inpatient referrals in a Singapore tertiary hospital between 1 January 2017 and 30 June 2020. The dermatologists’ eventual diagnoses, based on their assessment until 2 months post-discharge to allow consideration of KOH smear results and response to treatment, were taken as a gold standard. Statistical analyses evaluated for changes between initial and eventual diagnoses and management relative to the KOH smear. Use of topical steroids, topical and/or systemic antifungals before skin sampling, and whether sampling was done by dermatologically-trained personnel, were assessed for association with KOH smear positivity in eventually diagnosed cases.

Results:

The percentage of uncertain diagnoses was reduced, and the use of topical antifungal as the sole treatment significantly changed after the KOH smear result was available. The adjusted odds ratio of a positive KOH smear in eventually diagnosed cases was 0.19 when systemic antifungals were used before skin sampling, and 3.03 if sampling was performed by a dermatologically-trained person.

Limitations:

Limitations of our study include dependence on retrospective medical records which may result in misclassification bias and the limited generalisability of our results to patients managed by non-dermatologists.

Conclusions:

KOH smear is a useful adjunct in diagnosing and managing cutaneous fungal infections. Clinicians should consider the presence of confounders affecting KOH smears when making an overall clinical diagnosis. Focused training of personnel on skin sample collection may improve the detection rate of KOH smear.
Exploring the Potential Benefits of Probiotics in Managing Periodontal Disease and Promoting Oral Health
Authors: Reddy Anegunta Santhosh Kumar , Kudva Praveen B , Rashmi Sangaipeta , Palakurthi Nishanth , Rajashekar Enugurthi , Ghosh Shalini , Marjara Sachin Raj
Published: October 2024

Background:

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the supporting structures of teeth, leading to tissue destruction and tooth loss if left untreated. Traditional nonsurgical treatments, such as scaling and root planing (SRP), are effective but often fail to fully eradicate pathogenic bacteria, leading to disease recurrence. Probiotics, which are beneficial microorganisms, have emerged as a potential adjunctive therapy for managing periodontal disease by modulating the oral microbiome and reducing inflammation.

Objective:

To evaluate the clinical and microbiological outcomes of probiotic supplementation in conjunction with standard periodontal therapy in patients with chronic periodontitis.

Materials and Methods:

A randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial was conducted with 128 participants diagnosed with moderate-to-severe chronic periodontitis. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups: Group 1 (Probiotics + SRP, n = 64) and Group 2 (Placebo + SRP, n = 64). The clinical outcomes, including probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP), were measured at baseline and 3 months posttreatment. Subgingival microbiome composition was assessed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Statistical analysis was performed using the independent t-tests and Chi-square tests.

Results:

The probiotics group showed significant improvements in PD, CAL, and BOP compared to the placebo group (P < 0.05). The microbiome analysis revealed a significant reduction in periodontal pathogens and an increase in beneficial bacteria in the probiotics group (P < 0.05). Patient-reported outcomes also indicated better oral health-related quality of life in the probiotics group.

Conclusion:

Probiotic supplementation as an adjunct to standard periodontal therapy significantly enhances clinical outcomes and positively alters the subgingival microbiome in patients with chronic periodontitis. Probiotics offer a promising strategy for managing periodontal disease and promoting oral health.
Oral sedation using triclofos for short dental procedures in a precooperative child
Authors: Karuna YM , Ramasetty Prabhakar Attiguppe , Rao Ashwin , Nayak P Anupama
Published: October 2024

A 1-year 6-month-old male child reported the chief complaint of pain and bleeding from the gums for the past 7 days in the upper left front tooth region. On intraoral examination, the patient had a crown-root fracture involving tooth 61 with gingival overgrowth almost covering the distal half of the fractured crown. A diagnosis of Ellis class IX fracture in relation to tooth 61 was made, and the planned treatment was extraction. However, since the child was precooperative, a simple chairside extraction was not possible. Thus, the extraction was carried out with oral sedation using triclofos on an outpatient basis.
Burnout among Postgraduate Healthcare Trainees at a Tertiary Healthcare Center in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alkhattabi Fadiah , Alkhani Abdullah , Alhuthil Raghad , Ghosheh Mohammad , Alkhiari Nouran , Ghaith Mays , Alanzi Fawaz , Alshanafey Saud
Published: October 2024

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to investigate the level of burnout among postgraduate healthcare trainees at a tertiary care center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and assess the need to establish a well-being program.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2021 and January 2022 and used two validated questionnaires: the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) for assessing burnout among postgraduate healthcare trainees, and a questionnaire for assessing program directors’ opinion on the need for a well-being program.

Results:

A total of 386 trainees and 85 program directors completed the questionnaire. In both groups, the majority of the respondents were male (trainees: 53.9%; program directors: 61.2%). A total of 226 trainees (58.5%) scored above the CBI burnout cut-off score, with the median score being highest in the personal domain (62.5,IQR: 45.8–75). In the univariate analysis, the mean burnout score was higher among trainees who were married (P = 0.036), had children (P = <0.001), and were seniors (P = 0.028), whereas in the multivariate analysis, the only significant predictor of burnout was having 1–2 children (P = 0.023) or 3–4 children (P = 0.013). In the program directors survey, 90.6% agreed that improving physicians’ well-being would directly rectify patients’ overall well-being, but only 28.2% stated that it is currently incorporated in the curriculum.

Conclusion:

This study found that a large proportion of postgraduate healthcare trainees experience burnout, particularly in the personal domain. Although program directors supported the concept of trainees’ well-being, its incorporation into the curriculum was lacking, suggesting the necessity of establishing a well-being program.
Total quality management practices, organisational culture and firm performance; service or product innovation
Authors: Issah Ofori , Bluwey Esther , Ackah David
Published: October 2024

The study determines how total quality management practices and good organizational culture will enhance operational performance in the banking sector in Ghana. The study is explanatory research design in nature. Taking the time frame of the study and the need to bring out a finding reasonable for generalization, the researcher selected a sample of 153. The findings of the study establish that total quality management has a positive and significant effect on service product innovation. Organizational culture has a positive and significant effect on service product innovation. Service product innovation has a positive and significant effect on firm performance. Organizational culture has a positive but insignificant effect on firm performance.  Total quality management has a positive and significant effect on firm performance. The study further revealed that service product innovation positively and significantly mediates the relationship between total quality management and firm performance. The study finally assessed the mediating effect of service product innovation on the relationship between organizational culture and firm performance and the findings of the study indicate that service product innovation positively and significantly mediates the relationship between organizational culture and firm performance. How Total Quality Management practices and good organizational culture influence operational performance in the banking sector in Ghana.
Social work's contribution to socio-economic development–why, how & who?
Authors: Muridzo Noel Garikai
Published: October 2024

Real development should be seen as more than just economic growth. Social Workers have important roles in the development of Africa.  Mupedziswa, Sewpaul, Lombard, and others have put forward developmental social work as an approach that addresses issues affecting people at the macro level, nipping underdevelopment causal factors in the bud.  Developmental social work abandons the reactionary and residual approach to problems.  To celebrate Africa Day, the Africa Social Work and Development Network holds annual indabas where social work scholars and practitioners make presentations and discuss identified themes.    Answering the questions why, how & why, this article presents one of the presentations delivered at Africa Day Indaba on 25 May 2023 and the ensuing discussion on social work's contribution to the socio-economic development of Africa.  The presentation adopted a developmental social work lens
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Muridzo N. G. (2024). Social work's contribution to socio-economic development - why, how & who? African Journal of Social Work, 14(3), 133-139. Presentation delivered at Africa Day Indaba, 25 May 2023. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v14i3.4.
Visit journal website: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net
A review of peer influence and teenagers’ antisocial behaviours in Africa
Authors: Gershon Osei K
Published: October 2024

The psychosocial determinants and processes that influence and underscore teenagers’ risk taking and antisocial behaviours and the role peer influence plays as a contributive factor are well documented. Behaviourists, social-psychologists, and other scholars have posited competing perspectives on the subject and agreed that peer influence, often negative, occurs in natural settings among teenagers. None of these studies have properly synthesized the results of available literature in the subject area. This study synthesizes and interprets peer influence and how it occurs and leads to behaviour challenges for teenagers in Africa. A behavioural framework is proposed. The framework (first of its kind) took into consideration behavioural variables that potentially account for the onset and continuation of peer influence. Literature over the past 25 years until March 31, 2022, were searched. The search included studies of teenagers 10 to 19 years of age. Thirty-one out of 49 independent studies were selected. Eleven of the studies were exclude because the majority of their participants were children, less than 10 years of age. The twenty remaining relevant independent studies are this review’s sample. The article focuses mainly on teenagers in Africa but draws a few studies from other countries. It concluded that given that prevention of peer contact, communication and subsequent influences are impossible, the challenge becomes one of promoting the social-structural predictors of positive peer influences while impeding the social-structural predictors of negative peer influences.
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Gershon, O. K. (2024). A review of peer influence and teenagers’ antisocial behaviours in Africa. African Journal of Social Work, 14(4), 194-206. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v14i4.3
Visit journal website: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net
Association between micronutrient intake and cognitive performance of school-aged children attending selected private schools in Lagos State
Authors: Ngozi Elizabeth O. , Ogunbiyi Babafemi T. , Maitanmi Bukola T. , Akinsanya Olubunmi B , Maitanmi Julius O , Olorunleke Similoluwa H. , Adegboye Taiwo B. , Oyedeji Olajumoke A.
Published: October 2024

Background: It has been reported that the academic performance of school-aged children has been on the decline in recent years. Feeding pattern determines micronutrient consumption and plays an important role in cognitive performance.
Objectives: This research assessed the micronutrient consumption, feeding pattern, and cognitive performance of school-aged children in selected private schools in Lagos State.
Methods: The socio-demographic characteristics of the parents and children, knowledge of parents on micronutrients, feeding pattern of the children, and identifying micronutrient-rich food among consumed foods were obtained using a semi-structured questionnaire. The micronutrient intake was assessed using twenty-four-hour dietary recall and the cognitive performance of the respondents was evaluated with structured questions from Slosson’s intelligence test revised third edition after which the micronutrient consumption was correlated against overall cognitive performance using Pearson’s multiple correlation range test.
Results: The results indicated that the feeding pattern of the children showed that 51.3% were fed three times a day, 47.3% took snacks at least once a day and more than half (52.0%) took fruits and vegetables once a day. The micronutrient-rich foods among consumed foods were identified and they include efo and egusi, ewedu, okro, apple, orange, and milk, among others. There was a negative correlation (p<0.05) between micronutrient consumption and cognitive performance among the students studied.
Conclusion: This study concludes that an increase in micronutrient consumption alone does not increase cognitive performance.
The Teaching of Literature as a Tool for the Development of Literacy Skills in Wukari
Authors: Eragbe Christiana , Mgbemena Judith , Magaji Maryam , Benson Peace
Published: October 2024

This quasi-experimental study investigated the effectiveness of using literature to teach literacy skills to pupils at the Central Primary School, Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria. A sample of 330 pupils in primary three and four participated in a 6-week long, literature-based literacy intervention. Pre- and post-intervention tests were used to measure phonological awareness, alphabet knowledge, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. Regression analysis was used to compare pre-post gains in both classes. Results showed significant improvements in the post-intervention scores. The findings support the use of literature as an effective tool to teach literacy in primary schools in Nigeria. It also has implications for educators, curriculum designers, policy makers and future researchers.
Performance Management Systems and Employee performance in Selected Ministries in Enugu State, Nigeria
Authors: Ishiwu Udechukwu , Chikeleze Okey , Okwueze Osondu
Published: October 2024

The broad objective of this study is to investigate performance management systems and employee performance in selected ministries in Enugu state, Nigeria. Two hypotheses were formulated in line with the objectives of the study. The study adopted a descriptive research design and survey method for data collection. The population of the study was 637. The study sampled the entire population due to the size of the studied population. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire. Data presentation was on tabulated frequency and statistical Mean Score. Hypotheses were tested using a t-test. The results of the findings revealed that Performance planning has significant positive effects on employee performance levels in selected ministries in Enugu state(this is where the t-value = -796.442, and p-value = 0.00); that performance target setting systems do significantly drive positively employee performance level (where t-value = -295.988, and p-value = 0.00); and that Performance monitoring does significantly propel positively employee performance rate (where t-value = -128.604, and p-value = 0.00). The study, therefore, recommends that the Enugu state government should prioritize PMS through proper planning of work and work-related activities by adopting a friendly work environment and by setting clear, measurable goals, setting achievable goals for individuals and organizations; continuously monitoring the level of goal achievement and providing feedback.
Effect of Information Communication Technology (ICT) on Workers’ Service Delivery in Nigerian Television Authority Awka Nigeria
Authors: Okoye Martina
Published: October 2024

This paper study examines the Effect of ICT on workers’ service delivery in public organizations in Nigeria. The following issues were discussed to x-ray the impact of ICT on workers efficiency and effectiveness in the organization – the concept of workers performance, effects of ICT on new work practice in public sector, information communication technology and organizational productivity, challenges of adoption of ICT in organizational productivity, addressing the challenges of ICT in public sector and prospects of ICT in public services delivery. It is the position of the paper that ICTs present enormous opportunities to enhance the delivery of public service in the public sector as argued by the ICTs optimists. Today, ICTs usage in the public sector remains a key factor in enhancing public service delivery in the country. Development of ICTs have dramatically changed the way information is collected, stored, processed, disseminated and used, thus making it the most powerful tool for modernization and development. It was concluded that adoption and application of ICT on public service delivery in public service in Nigeria has tremendously influenced the modernization and modern work practice. The study recommended that public sector organizations should embrace the application of ICT in service delivery to be at par with the current global practice.
Synthesis And Efficiency Evaluation of Chitosan-Alginate Hydrogel Polyelectrolyte Complex Filter for Treatment of Oil Spillage
Authors: Saje M. Baba , Uthman T.O. , Surgun S.
Published: October 2024

Crude oil spills pose considerable environmental concerns thereby demanding the development of effective, sustainable, and eco-friendly  remediation solutions. In this study, we synthesized and evaluated the efficiency of a biodegradable polymer filter using sodium  alginate and chitosan for the treatment of oil spillage. The sodium alginate-chitosan hydrogel polyelectrolyte complex (SACHPC) filter was  synthesized via dipping method using a layer-by-layer self-assembly technique integrated with cotton wool as the filter medium. The  efficiency of the filter was evaluated based on flow rate of recovered oil and reusability of the filter. Simulated oil spillage of 0.5 M was subjected to filtration using the SACHPC filter. The flow rate was determined based on the time taken for 1 L of oil to pass through  the filter. The SACHPC filter exhibited underwater superoleophobic behaviour with exceptional filtration efficiency (> 98.3%) in acidic,  neutral and alkaline conditions (pH 3, 7 and 11). The flow rate of the filter was 120 mL/min, while the third-use filter exhibited a decrease  flow rate of 50 ml/min. Moreover, the filter achieved an impressive crude oil recovery rate of 85%. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed  crude oil adsorption in the presence of an amorphous phase while scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed the structural  morphology of the SACPHC filter. Overall, the SACHPC filter maintained high filtration efficiency thereby offering a sustainable strategy  for oily wastewater purification and oil spill clean-up.
Implementation and effectiveness of the cashless banking system
Authors: David Ackah , Koney Evangeline Patience
Published: October 2024

This thesis analyses the implementation and effectiveness of the cashless banking system at Ecobank, focusing on various dimensions such as usability, stakeholder satisfaction, and customer perspectives. A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating quantitative and qualitative data from 25 participants to evaluate the system's performance. The analysis reveals that while the cashless banking system is generally well-received, particularly in ease of task completion and overall workflow improvements, there are notable challenges in usability, particularly with interface intuitiveness and performance during peak hours. Stakeholders and customers reported moderate satisfaction, with varying experiences regarding ease of use and reliability. The study concludes that although the cashless banking system has enhanced Ecobank’s service delivery and met broad expectations, further user experience, system performance, and continuous evaluation mechanisms are necessary to optimise its effectiveness and customer satisfaction. Recommendations include focusing on user-centred design, improving scalability for peak demand periods, and establishing robust feedback loops for ongoing system refinement.
Analyzing the influence of organizational culture and top management orientation on the relationship between e-procurement and firms’ performance: a contingency factors perspective
Authors: Issah Ofori , David Ackah , Boafo Eric Dadzie
Published: October 2024

This study emphasizes the significance of organizational culture and top management orientation in influencing the success of e-procurement, supply chain sustainability, and firm performance. The study exclusively utilized a quantitative research approach in formulating the framework for the study. convenience sampling was adopted during visits to selected organizations, where a total of 400 questionnaires were administered to available procurement staff. The final sample size for the study was determined by the 385 respondents who completed the questionnaire during the researcher's visit. The findings of the study indicate that electronic procurement has a positive and significant influence on firm performance. Electronic procurement has a significant positive effect on organizational culture.  Organizational culture has a significant positive effect on firms’ performance. Organizational culture is a statistically significant mediates the relationship between electronic procurement and firms’ performance, with a moderately strong positive effect. Top management orientation positively and significantly moderates the relationship between organizational culture and firm performance. The interaction between contingency factors and organizational culture does not significantly impact firm performance. It underscores the need for organizations to align their culture and leadership style with the requirements of e-procurement implementation
Caldera resurgence and the case-history of Campi Flegrei
Authors: Scandone Roberto , Giacomelli Lisetta
Published: October 2024

Large calderas formed by explosive eruption are often characterized by a structural uplift of the caldera floor that has been named resurgent dome or block. The analysis of recent unrest at several calderas suggests that the resurgent dome is likely formed by the intrusion of magma at shallow depth below the light caldera infill. Campi Flegrei is an active volcano considered the highest risk volcano in Italy and Europe and has been in a state of unrest in the last 70 years. The analysis of the past volcanological history point to an unrest localized in a central resurgent block. Different or paired interpretations on the current unrest suggest either an intrusion of magma at shallow depth (3-5 km) or a deformation governed by the poro-elastic response of a shallow hydrothermal system to changes in fluid pressure and temperature. The invariance of the shape of the deformation, as well as the diffuse degassing of the Solfatara area, hint that the unrest is related with the uplift of the resurgent block driven by magma intrusion at shallow depth.