bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Health Systems in Relation to Interface Between Malaria Control Programs and Health System Strengthening: Comparative Study Between Nepal and Viet Nam
Authors: Oraha H , Sherchan JB , Pokhrel BM , Hirayama T , Nam Vu Huy , Sherchand JB
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Malaria control has been a major health issue with high priority in endemic countries and various efforts have been made with the support of foreign assistant partners. In order to implement efficient and sustainable control, integration of the control program into general health system or effective interactions between them is one of the important strategies.
Methods: Studies were conducted in Nepal and Viet Nam. Information obtained from document reviews, interviews, and field surveys were analyzed from the viewpoint of interface between malaria control program and the health system in accordance with six building blocks of a health system, with special emphasis on good practices and challenges in the implementation of the malaria control program.
Results: Among good practices, strong government commitment towards the control programs to strengthen facilities and capacity of health workers at the primary level, utilization of health volunteers, setting up mobile team and intensified education for residents were noteworthy. Key challenges mainly involved remote areas. Introduction of malaria due to population movement and the emergence of new endemic areas have become growing issues. While strengthening of the vertical health program appeared to have some impact on the general health system, particularly at the primary level, dissociation between the vertical control program and horizontal general health system still remains.
Conclusion: It is crucial to implement an effective and equitable malaria control program that responds to these existing challenges and can create a sustainable health system. Addressing these issues will lead to further strengthening of the health system there and eventually lead to the effective implementation of various health programs.
Cryptosporidium infection among the school children of Kathmandu Valley
Authors: Bhandari D , Tandukar S , Sherchand S , Thapa P , Shah PK
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Cryptosporidium, a coccidian protozoan genus has emerged as an important cause of parasitic diarrhea among children living in developing countries. The present study aimed to determine the infection of Cryptosporidium and other intestinal parasites among the school children of Kathmandu Valley.
Methods: Ethical approval for this research was obtained from Institutional review board, Institute of Medicine. A total of five hundred and seven stool samples from children between the age group 3-14 years, studying in 13 different schools of Kathmandu were collected during the study period (May- November, 2014) and processed in the Public Health Research Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal. A modified Acid Fast staining technique (Kinyoun’s method) was used to detect oocysts of Cryptosporidium from the formal-ether concentrated stool samples.
Result: The overall, prevalence of intestinal parasites among children was found to be 22.68% (115/507) with Giardia lamblia being the most predominant parasite showing the incidence of 10.45% (53/507). Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in 0.79% (4/507) of the students investigated with the highest occurrence during the month of July i.e., 2 followed by single positive case for each, June and September.
Conclusion: The detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts and observance of diarrheal symptoms, together with the pattern of age-specific occurrence, livestock presence at home, consumption of untreated drinking water and raw vegetables/fruits consumption habit among infected children suggest that in low-income Kathmandu communities, cryptosporidiosis coupled with poor sanitary practice is a public-health issue causing potentially serious consequences.
Training of Health Professionals for Quality Health Care
Authors: Jayawickramarajah P.T.
Published: July 2024

This paper presents an overview of Quality Assurance (QA) movement in health care and education. Initial steps taken to introduce the concept of QA in Nepalese context is outlined. Some specific educational interventions are given as illustrations. Since complex health care systems lose sight of the need for quality of performance in the midst of organizational routines, an attempt has been made to relate quality of training to practice. The need for inclusion of QA in health professional training is emphasized.
Clinico-radiological and pathological profile of patients of hemoptysis admitted in a tertiary care centre in Nepal
Authors: Bam N , Das SK , Lamsal M
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Hemoptysis is a common and alarming symptom in patients visiting outpatient as well as emergency department. It is a non-specific complaint that can occur in different clinical conditions including cardiopulmonary and hematological diseases. The aim of our study is to know the clinico- radiological and pathological profile of patients presenting with hemoptysis.
Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in TUTH from 20th July, 2016 to 10th March, 2017. Patients presenting with hemoptysis were admitted via emergency and OPD were evaluated for the cause of hemoptysis via radiological and clinical clues. HRCT/CECT-chest and Bronchoscopy weredone for selected patients. Results obtained were evaluated.
Results: A total of 115 patients were enrolled in this study. Mean age of study population was 50.49+14.07 years and mean amount of hemoptysis was 28.27+14.07 ml. Post TB fibrobronchiectasis was found to be the most common cause of hemoptysis in 29.6%. HRCT/CECT-chest was the most sensitive diagnostic test when employed alone with positive yield of 83.3%. However, it failed to locate three cases of lung cancer. When combining a CT study together with a bronchoscopy, the positive yield increased to 100%. Patients diagnosed with lung carcinoma had significant history of smoking, 88.88% patient with diagnosis of lung carcinoma had history of smoking.
Conclusion: Hemoptysis is a common symptom arising from varied clinical conditions. Even small amount of hemoptysis should not be ignored and investigated properly. The combined use of bronchoscopy and CT-chest has the best yield in evaluating hemoptysis. In our clinical context, Post TB fibrobronchiectasis was the most common cause of hemoptysis.
Ultrasound elastography of liver: How Radiologist can help.
Authors: Maharjan S , Panta OB , Lohani B , Pathak YR , Ansari MA
Published: July 2024

Conventional Ultrasonography imaging does not provide information on mechanical properties of body tissues. Advances in ultrasound like contrast enhanced ultrasound, multiplaner 3D ultrasound and elastography have improved the performance of ultrasound in detection and characterization of pathologies and also has added a new dimension to conventional imaging technique. At this time, the use of elastography is not recommended for characterization of focal liver lesions, however in diffuse liver diseases Ultrasound elastography finds a role in identifying, classifying and grading fibrosis. Liver biopsy has been regarded as the gold standard to detect and classify liver fibrosis. However, due to high cost, inherent complications, invasive nature and its observer and sampling inadequacy, alternative methods to biopsy like Ultrasound elastography might have a role to play in detecting and grading liver fibrosis. This review focuses on the type of elastography and its role and applicability in various liver pathologies.
Submental endotracheal intubation: an alternative to short-term tracheostomy
Authors: Koirala M , Shrestha A
Published: July 2024

Patients with pan facial trauma require maxillomandibular wiring in the intraoperative period to check the alignment of the fractured segments. So oral intubation is not possible in these cases. Associated nasal bone and base of skull fracture in these patients make nasal intubation unsuitable. The submental route of endotracheal intubation provides a secure airway, an unobstructed intraoral surgical field and allows maxillomandibular fixation. It is the preferred mode of intraoperative airway management in cases where maxillomandibular fixation is required but the non-invasive methods of airway management are contraindicated
Meckel’s cave and bilateral internal auditory canal metastasis of adenocarcinoma of unknown primary
Authors: Gurung U , Tse A , Corbridge R
Published: July 2024

Adenocarcinoma of unknown primary presenting as metastasis to Meckel’s cave and bilateral internal auditory canals is rare. We report a case of a 65-year-old chronic smoker presenting with ontological symptoms and trigeminal neuralgia who, on neuroimaging, revealed metastatic deposits to bilateral internal auditory meatus (IAM) and also Meckel’s cave.
Problems faced by clients and factors affecting post-operative recovery after open-heart surgery in selected hospitals in Kathmandu
Authors: Shrestha U , Adhikary GP
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Open-heart surgery is a stressful condition and people suffer from various physical, psychological, social and economic stress after open-heart surgery. These factors also affect the recovery and survival after the surgery. This is a descriptive purposive study among adult clients of two tertiary hospitals of Kathmandu with the objective of finding the problems faced by the clients and factors affecting post-operative recovery after open-heart surgery.
Method: Population consisted of 50 clients who had already undergone open-heart surgery. A purposive sampling was done information collected on physical, psychological, social and economic problems using pre-tested structure questionnaire through interview method. The data was analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics to identify the association between research variables.
Results: Fatigue and discomfort were the most frequently experienced physical complaints. The clients with less than 12 months post-operative period mainly suffered physical problems. Female clients mainly suffered from psychological problems like sadness, anxiety, loss of interest and irritability. Inadequate interpersonal interaction, social and religious participation and the family support were major social tribulations that were significantly higher among female clients. Likewise, decreased follow-up frequency, family disputes and marital disharmony were chief problems due to financial constraints.
Conclusion: This study concludes that clients suffer from a variety of problems associated to physical, psychological, social and economic aspects after open-heart surgery. For this reason, study strongly indicates the need for regular provision of educational sessions and proper counseling services to all clients including their families about these problems so that possible complications and the sufferings are less.
Epithelioid sarcoma: A rare cause of non-healing ulcer
Authors: Paudel V , Das AK
Published: July 2024

Epithelioid sarcoma, first described by Enzinger in 1970, is a rare slow-growing soft tissue malignancy, associated with a high incidence of regional recurrence and distant metastases. It is characterized by a proliferation of epithelium-like cells and the absence of a granuloma-like pattern with positivity for vimentin, cytokeratin. The recommended treatment is a wide resection with adequate margins, lymph node dissection. We report a 37-year-old male with chronic, non-healing ulcer in lower leg of seven years duration who was treated conservatively leading to recurrence of the lesion with metastasis up to left inguinal region resulting lymphedema of the penis.
Psychosocial Stress during Pregnancy and its Relation to Fetal Outcome: A Study from Patan Hospital, Lalitpur, Nepal
Authors: Sandesh P , Bruce H , Yadav BK , Sharma P
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Psychosocial stress during pregnancy influences birth-weight, gestational age and intrauterine growth. However, it is not known how stress influences pregnancy in Nepalese women.
Methodology: We conducted a cross-sectional prospective observational study among the pregnant women attending Antenatal Checkup (ANC) at the ANC of Patan Hospital using self-administered questionnaire. Stress was measured by 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and stressful life events by 21 item modified life events inventory. Sample size was 226. Women who delivered at Maternity ward of the hospital after 28 weeks of gestation, irrespective of the outcome were eligible for analysis.
Results: Low Birth Weight (LBW), prematurity and Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) were 13(5.8%), 28(13%) and 10(4.4%) respectively. LBW, prematurity and IUGR among the stressed women were 15.9%, 7.5% and 7.5% compared to 10.8%, 4.9% and 2.7% respectively among the non-stressed women. Women with >2 stressful life events were likely to have prematurity (p=0.017) and IUGR (p=0.017). These babies were prone for fetal complications. Women with growth restricted fetus had higher maternal complications (p=0.03).
Conclusion: Stress during pregnancy was associated with prematurity and IUGR. These babies were more prone for fetal and maternal complications. Stressful life events affected adverse pregnancy outcome.
Postnatal Depression: A study of prevalence and associated socio-demographic factors
Authors: Regmi Shishir K. , Khalid Abdul
Published: July 2024

Perinatal psychiatry is an important aspect of modern clinical practice. Postnatalpsychiatric states maybe divided into three categories, which overlap to some extent,that is, maternity blues, postnatal depression, and puerperal psychosis. In the West,studies have reported that significant postnatal depressive disorders occur in up to 10percent of women. The present work was undertaken with the aim to study theprevalence of postnatal depression and to study the socio-demographic profile ofwomen suffering from postnatal depression. The sample for the present study wasdrawn from women who attended postnatal clinic (Mondays and Wednesdays) of T.U.Teaching Hospital and were in 4-12 weeks postnatal period. All the selected womenwere asked to rate Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. A total of 100 women in 4-12week postnatal period were screened and twelve women scored above the cut-offscore and were found to be suffering from postnatal depression. Thus the estimatedprevalence of postnatal depression in females attending postnatal clinic of TUTH is12%. The mean age of females was 23.92+3.29 years. The majority of them werehousewives, belonged to Hindu religion and came from middle socio-economic strata.Though the sample for the present study was relatively small, it may still be inferredthat the prevalence of postnatal depression in Nepal maybe the same as that in theworld. Further large-scale community studies are recommended.
Epidemiology and clinical pattern of childhood burn at a tertiarychildren's Hospital
Authors: Choudhary RP , Karki G
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Burn injuries are major health problems in developing countries leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Majority of pediatric burns are preventable and differ largely from adult burns anatomically, physiologically and psychosocially Major causes are scald, flame and electrical injuries. Childhood burn is least explored in Nepal and devastating because of ongoing pain, cosmetic and physical disfigurement, multiple surgical procedures.
Methods: This prospective study was conducted from July 2014 to June 2015 in Pediatric burn unit of Kanti Children's Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. A detailed history and examination was done. Patient characteristics including age, gender, causes and percentage of total body surface area (%TBSA) bumt, type of treatment, time period of hospital stay and mortality was recorded. Percentage of burn was determined using 'Lund and Browder chart'. Treatment was started based on these parameters. Statistical analysis was done and results expressed in numbers and percentages.
Results: 314 children were included. Boys were 58.60% and girls were 41.40%. Children with burns, younger than 5 years of age were 82.8%, whichwas high in number. More number of children presented with old burn 164(52.23%) in relation to fresh burn 150(47.77%). Maximum number of children, 235(74.84%) presented with scald burn which is due to hot liquids in comparison to other burn injuries like flame burn which was 64(20.38%).148 (47.13%) of children had burn injuries with 10-30% of %TBSA, followed by 144(45.86%) children with < 10% TSBA. Total mortality was 4.78%, with 3.5% mortality in patients with TBSA more than 50%.
Conclusion: Maximum number of burn injuries occurred in male children under five years of age. Scald injuries predominated and patients mainly presented with old burns. Significant numbers of children with burn injuries were treated conservatively. TBSA is one of the important indicators for deciding management and prognosis. Thus, childhood burn is a major cause of morbidity in Nepal.
Myocardial ischaemia in postmenopausal women in Kathmandu valley and role of hormone replacement therapy for its prevention
Authors: Pradhan P. , Upadhaya A.V.
Published: July 2024

This is a retrospective study of coronary heart disease (CHD) in postmenopausalwomen in one calendar year. The study included 186 consecutive women admitted intwo government and one private hospitals in Kathmandu having CCU/ICU beds; thewomen were diagnosed with this disease in one calendar year. The epidemiology andrisks factors and role of 'hormone replacement therapy' for its prevention are discussed.In most of the developed countries, the set standard was that barring anycontraindication, all postmenopausal women with acute myocardial infarction shouldbe prescribed hormone replacement therapy before being discharged from hospital.The evidence base of this standard derives from more than 30 epidemiological andclinical studies and a large body of biological data. However in this study, 'hormonereplacement therapy' in postmenopausal women with myocardial infarction has notreceived much attention. Professionals caring for women, who have had myocardialinfarction, need to consider hormone replacement therapy as a secondary prophylaxisof myocardial infarction. Gynaecologists should liaise with colleagues in otherspecialties to ensure that information on the non gynaecological benefits of hormonereplacement therapy is widely disseminated.
Relapse of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia masquerading as Hypopyon uveitis and disc edema
Authors: Kharel R
Published: July 2024

Masquerade syndromes represent a rare but important proportion of uveitis cases. This report illustrates a case of B-cell type of acute lymphoblastic leukemia during maintenance therapy in a 11-year- girl who relapsed after 2 years in the form of with hypopyon uveitis and disc edema in left eye. Her ocular problem was managed successfully with topical and oral corticosteroid.
A study of patients with epilepsy attending T.U. Teaching Hospital
Authors: Koirala Naba Raj , Khalid Abdul , Regmi Shishir K. , Pokharel4 Anupam
Published: July 2024

There have been only few studies on Epilepsy in Nepal. The present work wasundertaken with the aim of studying socio-demographic and diagnostic profile ofpatients presenting with Epilepsy in Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital,Kathmandu. It was a prospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study, and the samplecomprised all patients of Epilepsy attending the Psychiatric Outpatient Department ofTribhuvan University Teaching Hospital for the first time during one year study periodfrom August 1997 to July 1998. The majority of the patients were less than 40 years ofage (91.98%), more than half of the patients were single and students outnumberedother professionals. Most of the patients were diagnosed as Generalized idiopathicepilepsy and epileptic syndromes (85.02%). Only one-fourth of the patients soughttreatment within one month of the onset of epilepsy. There is a need for general publiceducation programmes to create awareness and destigmatize the disease so that earlyrecognition and management maybe possible.
Ascaris, ascariasis and its present scenario in Nepal S
Authors: Rai Shiba Kumar , Rai Ganesh
Published: July 2024

Ascaris (also known as roundworm) is a common human intestinal parasite(Nematoda) known to be existed since 1500 BC. There are two species of Ascaris - A.lumbricoides (in human) and A. suum (in swine), but, cross-infections reportedly occur.It is a large worm (with separate sex) and is prevalent mainly in developing countrieswith tropical and sub-tropical climate implicating as one of the major causes ofmorbidity and mortality. The prevalence of ascariasis approaches one hundredpercent in certain areas in developing countries. In Nepal, Ascaris has remained as aleading human parasite (known as "juka " locally). In some rural areas, over seventyfive percent people are infected with this parasite. A hospital-based study carried outin the capital city of Kathmandu over a period of one decade has shown a static annualprevalence with a mean of approximately thirty-five percent. Investigators have showna significant impact of ascariasis on various nutritional parameters among Nepalese.A. lumbricoides, therefore, appears to constitute one of the major causes of publichealth problem in Nepal though the extent of ascariasis-associated morbidity andmortality has not been investigated yet.
Symptomatic Lumbar Epidural Synovial Cyst: A Case Report
Authors: Gyawali D , Sharma MR , Pradhananga A , Shrestha Piya E
Published: July 2024

The authors report on a 70-year-old woman with a synovial cyst compressing the thecal sac at L level. The patient presented with severe, unremitting back pain radiating to both buttocks of three months duration. Her general physical and neurological examination was largely normal. The patient underwent magnetic resonance imaging which revealed a right sided extradural cystic lesion at L4-5, level with a significant thecal compression. Given the imaging evidence of space occupying lesion and severe symptoms refractory to analgesics and physical therapy, surgery was performed. She underwent bilateral L5 laminectomy and complete excision of the cystic lesion. The histopathology was compatible with the diagnosis of synovial cyst. She had uneventful postoperative period and discharged home pain free on postoperative day 4. This case highlights the importance of investigating an underlying disease process in patients who present with significant back pain and offering the tailored treatment to individual patients with spinal synovial cysts.
Prediction of the Number of New Student UnregistrationBased on Mamdani
Authors: Aries Aries Setiawan , Wahid Achmad Wahid Kurniawan , Retno Retno Astuti Setijaningsih , Ida Ida Farida , Budi Budi Widjajanto , Jaka Jaka Prasetya , Andi Andi Hallang Lewa , Maria Maria Safitri
Published: July 2024

One of the annual routine events carried out by a private university is the admission of new students (PMB). From a number of prospective students who register, there are usually a number of students who unregister or cancel registration. Several factors for unregistration of new students are (1) acceptance of state universities, the interest of prospective students to study at state universities is still high, (2) there are doubts about the study program chosen by students, (3) Inadequate ability to pay. Some of the above factors must be taken seriously so that there is no decrease in the number of registrations. The mamdani method is one of the calculation methods that can be used to predict the number of new student registrations, with 4 main stages, namely creating fuzzy sets, implementing implication functions, applying rules and regulations, and affirming. Prediction of unregistration using the Mamdani method will make it easier for academics, in this case the academic bureau, to find solutions to reduce the number of unregistration itself.
The Use of Biofilm Biofertilizer to Increase Smart Farming System in Mustard Yield and Improve Soil Physical Properties of Vertisols
Authors: Sudadi Sudadi
Published: July 2024

Soil serves as the growing medium and source of nutrients for plants. Vertisol soil, however, does bring with it some flaws particularly its physical characteristics. The application of organic fertilizer decomposed with Biofilm biofertilizer, thus, isexpected to improve the physical characteristics of soil and yield of mustard. The aim of the research is to study the effect of the dose of organic fertilizer decomposed by Biofilm biofertilizer to the betterment of Vertisol soil physical characteristics and the mustard yield. The experiment was completed in a field with Randomized Complete Block Design consisting of a single treatment factor in the form of Biofilm biofertilizer. The data obtained from the series of observations was analyzed based on the F test with 95% confidence level followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The variables of the observations involve the mustard plant yield and the soil physical characteristics. The study shows that the application of the organic fertilizer decomposed by Biofilm bio-fertilizer provides significant effects towards the improvement of the vertisol soil’s physical characteristics and the increase in mustard plant yield. The dose 21 tons/ha results in the highest increase in the mustard plant production and the best improvement of the vertisol soil physical characteristics. Organic fertilizer decomposed by Biofilm bio-fertilizer 21 tons/ha helps in developing permeability as much as 685.71%; aggregate stability index 201.6%; organic material 20.74%; and porosity 122.38%. Also, organic fertilizer decomposed by Biofilm bio-fertilizer 21 tons/ha can boost the mustard plant production as much as 4.25 tons/ha compared to the absence of organic fertilizer decomposed by Biofilm bio-fertilizer.
Enhancement of Modelling Approaches for the Assessment of Radionuclide Transfer in the Marine Environment
Authors:   INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY
Published: July 2024

This publication describes the work undertaken by Working Group 7, Assessment of Fate and Transport of Radionuclides Released in the Marine Environment of the IAEA’s Modelling and Data for Radiological Impact Assessments (MODARIA II) programme (2016–2019). The work carried out was a natural continuation of that completed during the first phase of the IAEA’s MODARIA programme (2012–2015) by Working Group 10, Modelling of Marine Dispersion and Transfer of Radionuclides Accidentally Released from Land Based Facilities. In MODARIA II, the degree of complexity of the models used was increased in order to effectively consider additional processes, specifically uptake by biota, and the spatiotemporal scales of the simulations were also expanded. General information on the simulation of radionuclides in the marine environment using dispersion and transport models was compiled. This is intended for scientists in Member States considering development or adoption of models for radiological assessment following incidents or emergencies involving releases of radionuclides into the marine environment.
'Known groups’ validiteit van de SPARK36
Authors: Keymeulen Ann , Staal Ingrid I.E. , De Kroon Marlou , Van Achterberg Theo
Published: July 2024

INLEIDING: De SPARK36 (Signaleren van Problemen en Analyseren van het Risico bij opvoeden en ontwikkelen van kinderen leeftijd 36 maanden) is een gestructureerde gespreksleidraad voor het inschatten van zorgen en behoeften aan ondersteuning bij ontwikkelings- en opvoedproblemen, vanuit het perspectief van ouders en de jeugdgezondheidszorg-professional. Eerder werd de haalbaarheid van de SPARK36 tijdens het preventief kleuterconsult met ouders aangetoond. Deze studie evalueerde de ‘known-groups validiteit’ van het instrument. Known-groups, ook wel discriminerende validiteit genaamd, is een vorm van construct-validiteit die het vermogen meet van een instrument om onderscheid te maken tussen verschillende groepen. 
METHODE: In 2020-2021 werd een cross-sectioneel onderzoek opgezet binnen de Vlaamse Centra voor Leerlingenbegeleiding waarbij SPARK36-gegevens van driejarigen en hun ouders werden verzameld door verpleegkundigen. De known-groups validiteit werd beoordeeld door het toetsen van twee hypothesen: ‘de SPARK36 risico-inschatting is hoger bij kinderen 1) van ouders met een lagere socio-economische status, en 2) uit gezinnen met ≥4 risicofactoren voor kindermishandeling’. De hypothesen werden getoetst met de Fisher exact toets.
RESULTATEN: De SPARK36 risico-inschatting van 599 kleuterconsulten met ouders werd gemaakt door 29 verpleegkundigen. Beide hypothesen werden aanvaard (p<0.0001) en de effectgrootte varieerde van 0,18 tot 0,25.
BESCHOUWING: De resultaten in deze studie ondersteunen de hypothese dat met de SPARK36 risico-inschatting voor het vroegsignaleren van ontwikkelings- en opvoedproblemen bij driejarigen op een valide manier gebeurt. Vervolgonderzoek naar andere aspecten van validiteit en betrouwbaarheid van de SPARK36 is aan te bevelen.
A CRITICAL REVIEW OF THE FREE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL POLICY IN GHANA WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF DEVELOPMENT OF CURRICULUM
Authors: Acquah Andrews , Attila Frank Lamadoku , Yalley Clarke Ebow
Published: July 2024

Central governments across nations play a leading role in initiating and reforming educational policies to address the evolving needs of their workforces. Education is widely recognised as a cornerstone for societal and global development, making it a national priority. National curriculums are heavily influenced by social demands, technological advancements, national aspirations, and educational trends observed in neighbouring countries. Various assessment techniques have been established to evaluate the effectiveness of educational policies in fulfilling curriculum goals. This study employs Dunn's programme assessment framework to analyse the core elements of Ghana's Free Senior High School policy. The evaluation focuses on key dimensions including effectiveness, efficiency, adequacy (sufficiency), equity (fairness), responsiveness, and appropriateness. The analysis reveals that the policy falls short across all significant dimensions of Dunn's framework. Schools in Ghana face significant challenges such as low educational standards, disparities between urban and rural schools, high student-teacher ratios, overcrowding, resource limitations, and an overall lack of responsiveness to the issues the policy aims to tackle. Policymakers should prioritize targeted support for underserved communities, explore alternative funding models, and incentivize collaboration between public and private educational institutions. To help families navigate the challenges arising from the policy's implementation, the study presents implications and recommendations. Notably, for families to fully benefit from the programme, parental involvement is crucial, and political considerations must not overshadow their children's education.
Uptake of hospital-based delivery services in Bushenyi District, Uganda.
Authors: Olufunke AV ,   Department of Public Health, Kampala International University, Western Campus, Box 71, Bushenyi District, Uganda, Agwu Ezera ,   Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Kampala International University, Western Campus, Box 71, Bushenyi District, Uganda
Published: July 2024

Background: Maternal mortality remains high in Sub-Saharan Africa despite the progress made in recent decades to improve maternal health outcomes. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the social, economic, and demographic factors that affect women’s use of maternal health care in Africa. Material and Methods: The data used for the study was collected from a total of six health facilities comprising of three (3) health centers III (Kyezoba, Kyamunga, and Kakanju) and three (3) health center IV (Bushenyi, Kyabugimbi and KIU teaching hospital) among reproductive women of 15 to 49 years of age. Cluster sampling method was used in this study to select two hundred and seventy-two participants (272), open and close-ended questionnaires were administered; four (4) sessions of focus-group discussions were conducted. Results: The study reveals 75.7% of the respondents delivered at the health facility, 15.1% delivered at home, 5.6% delivered at the TBA while the remaining 3.3% delivered at the private home. Some of the reasons for delivery outside the health facility with the traditional birth attendants (TBA) were; preference, ignorance, against belief, unavailability of the services, the time factor, poor service provision, and other reasons. Conclusions: Socio-economic and religious factors impacted the underutilization of health services and increased prevalence of associated infections among the studied population.
Gendered Impact of Contextual Shocks Increasing Vulnerability of Female Youth and the Role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training and Life Skills Interventions in Resilience Building: A Case of Mwenezi and Chiredzi
Authors: Muchabaiwa Chipo , Chiweshe Manase K. , Mapara Jacob
Published: July 2024

The paper examines the contextual shocks increasing vulnerability among female youth in Zimbabwe's Mwenezi and Chiredzi districts. It explores the efficacy of life skills, entrepreneurship, and vocational training in building resilience among these vulnerable young women. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, collecting data through questionnaires, focus group discussions, and interviews. The findings reveal that contextual shocks such as COVID-19, inflation, drought, natural disasters, climate change, unemployment, political instability, and cultural beliefs significantly contribute to the vulnerability of young women in these districts. The results highlight the importance of life skills, entrepreneurship, and vocational training in reducing vulnerability and promoting resilience. These interventions equip young women with crucial skills, knowledge, and information to improve livelihoods, cope with external shocks, and adapt to changing environments. The study recommends effective strategies for building resilience, including women's empowerment programs, financial support, increased participation in development planning, policy implementation, stakeholder involvement, and expansion of vocational training institutions.
Innovation of Public Services by Population and Civil Service of Pasaman District
Authors: Vandhika Oktarizal , Putera Roni Ekha , Aromatica Desna
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this study is to describe the implementation of public service innovations carried out by Disdukcapil Pasaman Regency. This type of research is qualitative by describing the form of implementation of public service innovation by Disdukcapil Pasaman Regency. Innovation is the creation and implementation of new processes, products, services and methods that can produce quality improvements that are effective and efficient. However, innovation can also be in the form of expansion or improvement of existing services, so as to create better service than before. Public Service Innovation is an increase in population administration services by making these services accessible anywhere and anytime by the public.
Travestis y Trans en la Universidad: Conquistas y Desafíos Institucionales (2020-2021)
Authors: Newton Camila
Published: July 2024

Este artículo expone algunos de los resultados de mi tesis de maestría, para la que llevé a cabo el trabajo de campo durante el período 2020-2021. Realicé entrevistas de historias de vida a nueve feminidades travestis y trans que residen en el noroeste del Conurbano Bonaerense (José C. Paz, San Miguel, Malvinas Argentinas, Pilar y Tigre). Analicé dichas historias, tomando a la Ley de Identidad de Género (LIG) y a la derogación de los edictos policiales como puntos de quiebre para identificar las rupturas y continuidades en los itinerarios biográficos de las entrevistadas. Busqué visibilizar las redes vinculares y las tácticas desplegadas por travestis y trans para garantizar la (re)producción de su vida cotidiana a través del tiempo. En este artículo me centraré en el hito más reciente de los itinerarios biográficos reconstruidos: el ingreso a la universidad. Analizaré la forma de habitar las universidades y reflexionaré en torno a los desafíos que se nos presentan para construir institución/es que puedan estar a la altura de las necesidades de la comunidad travesti y trans, población históricamente vulnerada en sus derechos.
La extensión de la jornada escolar en Argentina: capacidades estatales e implementación.
Authors: Morina Micaela
Published: July 2024

El artículo aborda la política de extensión de la jornada escolar en Argentina. En primer lugar, se sintetiza el marco normativo de dicha política. A continuación, teniendo en cuenta algunos aportes teóricos, se reflexiona en torno a las capacidades estatales necesarias para que se materialice lo establecido en la legislación y los planes educativos. En este punto, se pone el foco en dos desafíos que plantea la extensión de la jornada escolar: por un lado, la reorganización de los aspectos pedagógicos; por el otro, la ampliación de recursos humanos y materiales, que implica nuevas necesidades presupuestarias. Aquí, se presta atención a cómo se dividen las responsabilidades entre la Nación y las provincias, considerando el proceso de descentralización impulsado por la reforma educativa de la década de 1990 y la consecuente fragmentación del sistema. Por último, se analizan los niveles de implementación de la política seleccionada. En esa línea, se describe la distribución de la matrícula y de la oferta entre las distintas modalidades de jornada escolar, diferenciando entre los sectores de gestión estatal y privada. Asimismo, se destacan las desigualdades entre regiones y jurisdicciones
Global Dynamics: Exploring International Relations, Global Studies, and Comparative Politics
Authors: Krishna Pasupuleti Murali
Published: July 2024

Abstract: This article explores the intricate dynamics of international relations, global studies, and comparative politics. It delves into the theoretical foundations and practical applications of these interconnected fields, offering a comprehensive understanding of global interactions. Through detailed case studies and thematic analysis, the study identifies key factors influencing international relations, the impact of globalization, and the comparative analysis of political systems. The findings highlight the importance of power dynamics, economic interdependence, cultural exchanges, and institutional frameworks. Practical recommendations for policymakers and suggestions for future research are discussed, emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary approach to address contemporary global challenges. Keywords: International Relations, Global Studies, Comparative Politics, Theoretical Foundations, Practical Applications, Global Interactions, Case Studies, Thematic Analysis, Key Factors, Globalization, Comparative Analysis, Political Systems, Power Dynamics, Economic Interdependence, Cultural Exchanges, Institutional Frameworks, Multidisciplinary Approach and Contemporary Global Challenges.
Insecure attachment, professional self-concept and mentalizing in prospective teacher candidates
Authors: Schwarzer Nicola-Hans , Dietrich Lars , Bolz Tijs
Published: July 2024

The aim of this study was to explore the associations between attachment representations and vocational self-concepts among prospective special teachers. Further, it was investigated whether this link was medi-ated by the preservice teachers’ mentalizing – the capacity to perceive and consider one's own and others' behavior based on intentional mental states. Data of this cross-sectional study were collected from 202 student teachers. The hypotheses were tested via structural equation modelling. Results indicate a direct negative path from attachment-related avoidance to professional self-concepts as well as a partial media-tion through impairments in mentalizing. In contrast, the link between anxious attachment and professional self-concept was mediated fully by mentalizing. These results offer initial insights into the importance of prospective teachers' attachment biographies in shaping their vocational self-concepts, indicating that ex-ploring one's own attachment biography could be a valuable aspect of teacher training programs.
Intersectional inclusion research: On the relationship between race, class, gender and the difference category dis*ability
Authors: Blasse Nina , Haas Benjamin
Published: July 2024

A debate on intersectionality in educational science seeks a connection with theoretical and empirical find-ings from inclusion research in schools. What has been neglected so far is the investigation of mutual inter-penetrations and interdependent relationships between categories of difference, in particular with the struc-tural category of dis*ability, and thus an analysis of how intersectional disadvantages become effective in situ. Following on from the concern of relating inclusion and intersectionality, the article offers the following: Based on the procedure for determining special educational needs, the construction of it and the internal relationship between the difference categories race, class, gender and dis*ability are analysed. The main finding is that ability is an intersectional category behind which other categories of difference are rendered invisible. The aim of the analysis is to establish intersectional inclusion research that also stands up to em-pirical scrutiny.
Intersectional action between external expectations and pedagogical self-empowerment
Authors: Karakoç-Kafkas Betül
Published: July 2024

Young imams are confronted with intersectional inequalities in their pedagogical actions. In these relations, the action-guiding and structuring power of socially constructed categories of difference such as language and generation becomes apparent. Against this background, the article focuses on the question of how these relations can be analysed from an intersectional perspective and which self-empowerment strategies professionals use in their pedagogical actions. For this purpose, mosques are considered as pedagogical spaces and imams as pedagogical leaders, which have so far been insufficiently considered in the educa-tional studies. Using intersectionality as an analytical perspective together with the documentary method, the empirical material can be reconstructed and intersectional fields of tension can be described. Based on these insights, the question is discussed how intersectional action can be understood as a specific form of pedagogical action in the sense of a pedagogical self-empowerment strategy.
Intersectionality in training programmes for educational professionals. Reflections on educational settings and processes in gender- and sexuality-related contexts
Authors: Busche Mart , Hartmann Jutta
Published: July 2024

Educational professionals often enroll in training courses focused on social difference and diversity to stay updated and enhance their competencies in this area. This article examines the didactic use of intersection-ality in training programmes for educational professionals on gender and sexual diversity, the educational impetus and learning arrangements in this regard and the challenges that exist. The data evaluated using participant observation and methods of grounded theory and situation analysis reveal qualitative differences in how the content of intersectionality is conveyed as a concept and how the dimensions of the triad of race, class, gender, the intertwining of different power relations and the de-essentialising critique of identity, which are given with the concept of intersectionality, are taken up and implemented.
Examining the impact of anisotropic particle orientation in a polymer matrix on the electrical properties of composite materials
Authors: Stepashkina Anna , Shehzad Khurram
Published: July 2024

A number of works have experimentally shown the significant influence of mechanical stretching on the electrically conductive properties of composite polymer materials. Thus, stretching polymer composite films and filaments can lead to deterioration in electrical conductivity properties which can significantly affect the characteristics of products made from such materials. The research conducted in this study focuses on simulation the impact of anisotropic particle orientation within a polymer matrix and mechanical stretching on the electrical properties of composite materials. Based on the Boltzmann statistics, an expression was obtained that allows predicting the change in electrical conductivity during the stretching of polymer composite samples. The Monte Carlo method was used to simulate the destruction of a percolation chain of conductive particles during stretching.
Comparative study of various volcanic materials as fillers in polymer composites
Authors: Melnyk Liubov , Chernyak Lev , Sviderskyy Valentin , Vovchenko Ludmila , Yevpak Viktoria
Published: July 2024

The object of the study was composite materials using rocks of volcanic origin as a filler (60-90 wt.%) and aqueous dispersions of polymers Latex 2012 and Policril 590 as a matrix. The peculiarities of the chemical and mineralogical composition and surface properties of perlite and zeolite as factors of interaction with the binder in the formation of the composite structure are shown. Differences in lyophilicity coefficients and effective specific surface of zeolite and perlite were determined, which are 0.318 versus 0.189 and 11.68 versus 2.20 m2/g, respectively. The influence of a high concentration of fillers on the formation of the pore structure and indicators of physical and mechanical properties of composites is evaluated. The possibility of adjusting the properties of the composites in the following range was established: water absorption in the range of 2.63-14.16 wt.%, open porosity 3.58-21.35 %, residual strain 0.1-0.3, Young’s modulus 19.7-677.5 MPa.
The effect of anodization and subsequent treatments on corrosion resistance of aluminium
Authors: Mitrović Marija , Milovanović Milena , Vasiljević Nebojša , Тоmić Milorad
Published: July 2024

Aluminium samples were chemically prepared by following operations: degreasing, etching I, etching II, and brightening), prior to anodizing in sulfuric acid. Aluminium surface area was 0.2 dm2. The composition of used aluminium samples was determined by the energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Chemically prepared aluminium samples were electrochemically anodized for 45 minutes in a solution of 190 gdm-3 H2SO4 at room temperature, at a current density of 1.7 Adm-2. In the anodizing process, the aluminium sample served as the anode, with lead cathodes. After anodizing, the aluminium samples underwent a colouring process in five pairs of solutions (systems), where each system consisted of two solutions of inorganic salts RxA + RxB (x = 1-5, numbers of solutions). Colouring of the anodized aluminium was carried out at room temperature by immersing the samples in each solution for 7 minutes (e.g., R1A + R1B, τ = 7 min + 7 min). Each used colouring system provides a different colour: green-yellow, brown, light-grey, blue, and orange-gold. After colouring, the samples were treated in a special solution to improve corrosion resistance and silication, resulting in a change in the obtained colour shade. All obtained colours were stable with very nice appearance, allowing such coloured aluminium to be used for decorative purposes. The corrosion resistance of the coloured anodized aluminium samples was investigated by determining the corrosion potential, corrosion current and polarization resistance using potentiodynamic polarization method, as well as by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. A common feature of all tested samples is a significant improvement in the corrosion resistance of the anodized aluminium after colouring and subsequent treatment in the corrosion resistance improvement solution, particularly after the additional silane treatment.