Articles

Open Access June 19, 2025 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Current Status of Legionnaires' Disease and Environmental Factors in Japan

Masafumi Seki

Global Journal of Epidemiology and Infectious Disease 2025, 5(1), 24-27. DOI: 10.31586/gjeid.2025.6129

Abstract Legionnaires' disease became widely known following an outbreak of pneumonia in the United States in 1976. It is often caused by infection from artificial water sources such as cooling towers, water supply and heating systems, and recirculating hot tubs. To effectively implement infection prevention measures for Legionnaires' disease, collaboration among healthcare workers, water supply and [...] Read more.

Legionnaires' disease became widely known following an outbreak of pneumonia in the United States in 1976. It is often caused by infection from artificial water sources such as cooling towers, water supply and heating systems, and recirculating hot tubs. To effectively implement infection prevention measures for Legionnaires' disease, collaboration among healthcare workers, water supply and heating system managers, building hygiene personnel, and other relevant parties is essential. It is important to note that outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease continue to occur frequently both domestically and internationally. While the number of reported cases of Legionnaires' disease in Japan has increased, the mortality rate has decreased but has stabilized at a lower level. Caution is also required as reports have been made in association with disasters and travel, in addition to artificial environmental water.

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Open Access June 06, 2025 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Food security, dietary diversity, and age as determinants of nutritional status among adolescent girls in coastal Bangladesh

Tanzina Akter, Taslima Akter, Sharmin Shilpy Nokshi, Sujit Kumar Banik, Abu Ansar Md Rizwan

Journal of Biomedical and Life Sciences 2025, 5(2), 110-121. DOI: 10.31586/jbls.2025.6112

Abstract Background: Adolescent girls living in disaster-prone coastal regions of Bangladesh face heightened nutritional vulnerability due to limited food access, poor dietary diversity, and environmental stressors. Despite growing concerns about adolescent malnutrition, few studies have examined the combined influence of food security, dietary diversity, and age on nutritional outcomes in these [...] Read more.

Background: Adolescent girls living in disaster-prone coastal regions of Bangladesh face heightened nutritional vulnerability due to limited food access, poor dietary diversity, and environmental stressors. Despite growing concerns about adolescent malnutrition, few studies have examined the combined influence of food security, dietary diversity, and age on nutritional outcomes in these settings. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the association between dietary diversity, food security, and age with the nutritional status of adolescent girls in coastal Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 345 adolescent girls aged 10–19 in Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar. Data on dietary intake were collected using a 24-hour dietary recall and a food frequency questionnaire. Household food security was assessed using a validated scale. Nutritional status was determined using BMI-for-age classifications. Bivariate and multivariate analyses explored associations between dietary diversity, food security, age, and nutritional status. Results: Among participants, 10.14% were underweight, and 29.85% were either overweight or obese. While 17.39% demonstrated high dietary diversity (≥7 food groups), the majority had moderate diversity (5 or 6 food groups) (59.42%). Food-insecure households were significantly more likely to have overweight or obese adolescents (p < 0.05). Although dietary diversity was associated with BMI in bivariate analysis, it was not a significant predictor in the multivariate model. Age showed a significant relationship with both dietary diversity and nutritional status. Conclusion: The findings emphasize the importance of addressing household food security and age-related nutritional vulnerabilities in coastal areas. Interventions should prioritize age-sensitive, culturally appropriate strategies to improve dietary quality and prevent the double burden of malnutrition among adolescent girls.

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Open Access April 10, 2025 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Assessment of the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Sokoine University Students Regarding Endocrine Disruptors Coming from Plastic Chemicals

Athuman Rashid Said, Frida Richard Mgonja

Journal of Biomedical and Life Sciences 2025, 5(1), 58-66. DOI: 10.31586/jbls.2025.1274

Abstract Objective: The knowledge, attitudes, and practices of SUA students about the use of plastics containing endocrine disruptors were investigated in this study. Methodology: A study with 150 participants was conducted to assess individuals' knowledge about endocrine disruptors, attitudes, and plastic use practices. Results: The findings indicate that the participants possessed an [...] Read more.

Objective: The knowledge, attitudes, and practices of SUA students about the use of plastics containing endocrine disruptors were investigated in this study. Methodology: A study with 150 participants was conducted to assess individuals' knowledge about endocrine disruptors, attitudes, and plastic use practices. Results: The findings indicate that the participants possessed an average degree of knowledge 50.2 ± 3.85 with the main emphasis of awareness being generic concepts rather than specific substances. Regarding the potential health impacts of endocrine-disrupting chemicals present in plastics, respondents' attitudes ranged from fair to positive, with a mean score of 3.5 ±0.09 indicating a fair attitude overall. Conclusion: It is important to practice polite behavior and increase public awareness of safe plastic disposal methods. Surprising only 38.0% of the participants mentioned that they refrain from heating their food in plastic containers to reduce their exposure to plastics. Students' practices revealed a notable dependence on plastic products despite their awareness of the concerns surrounding endocrine disruptors, as most of them reported using plastic water bottles, plastic cups, and plastic bags almost always. Additionally, only 20.7% of the respondents consistently implemented strategies to prevent exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Recommendation: The study recommended increasing the use of cleaner plastic substitutes and improving educational programs to convert information into practical actions. Policies that encourage environmentally friendly behavior and raise public awareness of safe plastic disposal techniques should be put into practice.

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Open Access February 14, 2025 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

A multi-loci time-series descriptive study on noise levels in a pediatric emergency care department

Yuan Luo, Liping Zhao, Yunchen Li

Current Research in Public Health 2025, 5(1), 1-11. DOI: 10.31586/crph.2025.1091

Abstract Objective: To investigate the status of the acoustic environment of a typical Chinese pediatric emergency care department in a time series and identify the relationship between noise levels and factors such as crowd density and movement. Methods: A descriptive study was designed based on a multi-loci time-series method. We measured three loci under three variable settings: the [...] Read more.

Objective: To investigate the status of the acoustic environment of a typical Chinese pediatric emergency care department in a time series and identify the relationship between noise levels and factors such as crowd density and movement. Methods: A descriptive study was designed based on a multi-loci time-series method. We measured three loci under three variable settings: the decibel value, observation volume, and emergency care volume. Results: The noise levels of the three loci were significantly higher than the internationally recommended levels, exceeding rate reached more than 86.3%. The 24-hour mean map of the three loci showed similar fluctuation patterns, all of which had two peaks at approximately 10:00 AM and 16:00 PM. Conclusions: The daytime and nighttime noise levels were well-fitted by cubic functions with different coefficients. It is suggested that crowd density and movement may play important roles in noise mean fluctuations, which can be optimized to ensure a satisfactory environment in a pediatric emergency care department.

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Open Access February 04, 2025 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

The Use of Differentiated Instruction to Achieve Culturally Responsive Teaching

Monica Gakii Ituma

Open Journal of Educational Research 2025, 5(1), 13-30. DOI: 10.31586/ojer.2025.1234

Abstract With an increasing diversity of learners in today’s educational set-ups, there is an insurmountable need to cater for individual differences including the cultural variations among learners. It is therefore necessary for educators to develop culturally responsive teaching that enhances intercultural competencies of learners. As educators strive to provide inclusive learning environments in which [...] Read more.

With an increasing diversity of learners in today’s educational set-ups, there is an insurmountable need to cater for individual differences including the cultural variations among learners. It is therefore necessary for educators to develop culturally responsive teaching that enhances intercultural competencies of learners. As educators strive to provide inclusive learning environments in which learners from diverse cultural backgrounds learn equitably, differentiated instruction becomes a practical tool. This paper explores how differentiated instruction can support and enhance culturally responsive teaching by examining how tailored instructional approaches can bridge cultural gaps and enhance educational outcomes. The aim is to provide a comprehensive understanding of how educators can effectively integrate differentiated instructional methodologies to achieve the goals of Culturally Responsive Teaching. The study used a descriptive survey design to determine the use of differentiated instruction by junior school teachers in Kenya and a systematic review of literature, practical examples, and studies on teachers’ practices in culturally responsive teaching. The study outcomes indicated that teachers used various differentiated instructional strategies with flexible grouping being the most commonly used strategy. However, there arises a concern, that teachers were not very familiar with cultural variations of learners in their classrooms even as they developed their differentiated instructional strategies. Literature provided the principles and practices of culturally responsive teaching. The combination of these results were used to formulate a conceptual framework for Culturally Responsive Differentiated Instruction (CRDI) that provides insights for practitioners to develop and implement culturally responsive differentiated instructional strategies. The study recommends that a framework to support teachers in the implementation of inclusive and equitable curriculum through CRDI be developed, CRDI be integrated into the teaching processes and the teachers be trained on providing for learner differences through CRDI.

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Open Access January 11, 2025 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Exploring LiDAR Applications for Urban Feature Detection: Leveraging AI for Enhanced Feature Extraction from LiDAR Data

Olly Harouni, Alan Forghani, Maria Rashidi, Payam Rahnamayiezekavat

World Journal of Geomatics and Geosciences 2025, 4(1), 1-11. DOI: 10.31586/wjgg.2025.1242

Abstract The integration of LiDAR and Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized feature detection in urban environments. LiDAR systems, which utilize pulsed laser emissions and reflection measurements, produce detailed 3D maps of urban landscapes. When combined with AI, this data enables accurate identification of urban features such as buildings, green spaces, and infrastructure. This synergy is [...] Read more.

The integration of LiDAR and Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized feature detection in urban environments. LiDAR systems, which utilize pulsed laser emissions and reflection measurements, produce detailed 3D maps of urban landscapes. When combined with AI, this data enables accurate identification of urban features such as buildings, green spaces, and infrastructure. This synergy is crucial for enhancing urban development, environmental monitoring, and advancing smart city governance. LiDAR, known for its high-resolution 3D data capture capabilities, paired with AI, particularly deep learning algorithms, facilitates advanced analysis and interpretation of urban areas. This combination supports precise mapping, real-time monitoring, and predictive modeling of urban growth and infrastructure. For instance, AI can process LiDAR data to identify patterns and anomalies, aiding in traffic management, environmental oversight, and infrastructure maintenance. These advancements not only improve urban living conditions but also contribute to sustainable development by optimizing resource use and reducing environmental impacts. Furthermore, AI-enhanced LiDAR is pivotal in advancing autonomous navigation and sophisticated spatial analysis, marking a significant step forward in urban management and evaluation. The reviewed paper highlights the geometric properties of LiDAR data, derived from spatial point positioning, and underscores the effectiveness of machine learning algorithms in object extraction from point clouds. The study also covers concepts related to LiDAR imaging, feature selection methods, and the identification of outliers in LiDAR point clouds. Findings demonstrate that AI algorithms, especially deep learning models, excel in analyzing high-resolution 3D LiDAR data for accurate urban feature identification and classification. These models leverage extensive datasets to detect patterns and anomalies, improving the detection of buildings, roads, vegetation, and other elements. Automating feature extraction with AI minimizes the need for manual analysis, thereby enhancing urban planning and management efficiency. Additionally, AI methods continually improve with more data, leading to increasingly precise feature detection. The results indicate that the pulse emitted by continuous wave LiDAR sensors changes when encountering obstacles, causing discrepancies in measured physical parameters.

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Open Access January 02, 2025 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

A review of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. ethnobotany in Italy and North Africa

Miriam Patti, Meriem Miyassa Aci, Maria Rosaria Tassone, Carmelo Maria Musarella

Research Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences 2025, 5(1), 18-39. DOI: 10.31586/rjees.2025.1111

Abstract Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill., commonly known as prickly pear, is a versatile plant widely used for food, medicinal, and cosmetic purposes in various regions of the Mediterranean and North Africa. This study provides a comparative ethnobotanical review of prickly pear uses in Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, and Italy. In total, 74 articles were selected from ethnobotanical uses in Italy, Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia. In the Maghreb, the plant is used for fruit production and processed products, such as jams, oils, and flours, as well as for traditional medicinal purposes. In Algeria and Morocco, the fruits and cladodes are used to treat digestive disorders, diabetes, and skin diseases. In Tunisia, products derived from O. ficus-indica are also applied in the cosmetic industry and for erosion control. In Italy, particularly in Sicily and Calabria, the prickly pear is a vital resource, used for both food consumption and for medicinal purposes. The cladodes, rich in mucilage, are applied as topical remedies for skin problems, while the fruits are a key ingredient in the preparation of traditional desserts. Furthermore, O. ficus-indica [...] Read more.

Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill., commonly known as prickly pear, is a versatile plant widely used for food, medicinal, and cosmetic purposes in various regions of the Mediterranean and North Africa. This study provides a comparative ethnobotanical review of prickly pear uses in Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, and Italy. In total, 74 articles were selected from ethnobotanical uses in Italy, Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia. In the Maghreb, the plant is used for fruit production and processed products, such as jams, oils, and flours, as well as for traditional medicinal purposes. In Algeria and Morocco, the fruits and cladodes are used to treat digestive disorders, diabetes, and skin diseases. In Tunisia, products derived from O. ficus-indica are also applied in the cosmetic industry and for erosion control. In Italy, particularly in Sicily and Calabria, the prickly pear is a vital resource, used for both food consumption and for medicinal purposes. The cladodes, rich in mucilage, are applied as topical remedies for skin problems, while the fruits are a key ingredient in the preparation of traditional desserts. Furthermore, O. ficus-indica has historically been used as forage and to produce natural dyes. Results indicate that the versatility of this species, combined with its ability to adapt to extreme climates, makes it a valuable resource for the development of new nutraceutical and cosmetic products. However, further scientific research is necessary to explore the bio-functional potential of this plant and to promote its broader and more sustainable use, especially in arid and semi-arid regions.

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Open Access January 02, 2025 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Ambient Air Quality and Human Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in a Potentially Toxic Silver-Polluted Environment

Unyeawaji Brownson Ntesat, David Ojadi, Chinwendu Emeka, Reuben Nwomandah Okparanma

Research Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences 2025, 5(1), 1-17. DOI: 10.31586/rjees.2025.1058

Abstract Silver nanoparticles (Ag⁺NPs) contamination in the environment is a serious concern. This study investigated selected heavy metal (Ag⁺, Cd^2+, Cr²⁺ and Pb²⁺) concentrations at different sampling points to assess the risk to human health (infants, children, and adults). To do this, an enclosed area (laboratory) of 12.6 m X 8.5 m (107.1 [...] Read more.

Silver nanoparticles (Ag⁺NPs) contamination in the environment is a serious concern. This study investigated selected heavy metal (Ag⁺, Cd^2+, Cr²⁺ and Pb²⁺) concentrations at different sampling points to assess the risk to human health (infants, children, and adults). To do this, an enclosed area (laboratory) of 12.6 m X 8.5 m (107.1 m²) was clearly marked at different coded distances of S1, S2, S3, and S4 representing 2, 4, 6, and 8 m, while unpolluted atmosphere at 50 m away without Ag⁺NPs served as the control (S5). The silver fireworks were allowed to burn for an approximate 00h03m30s at each sampling points using a high-volume air sampler mounted at the Environmental Engineering Departmental Laboratory, Rivers State University, with windows and doors closed to simulate indoor conditions. Samples were digested using a mixture of analytical-grade nitric acid, analytical-grade hydrochloric acid and analyzed to evaluate the levels of heavy metals by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The Ag⁺ result at S1 shows 30,000 µg/cm³, S2 was 29,000 µg/cm³, while S3 was 28000 µg/cm³ and then S4 was 13,000 µg/cm³. These results exceeded the permissible values of the United States National Ambient Air Concentration for rural, urban and industrial areas (0.0005, 0.004 and 0.6 µg/cm³, respectively). The result for the control (S5) (0.037 µg/cm³) was within the maximum allowable value. Results from other heavy metals such as Cd were 1000, 743, 401, 153, 0.001 µg/cm³, Cr was 5000, 4000, 3729, 2960, 0.002 µg/cm³, Pb was 0.048, 0.041, 0.035, 0.034 and 0.01, µg/cm³, respectively. However, higher values of Ag⁺, Cd, and Cr indicated a higher propensity for the metals to be toxic (bioavailable). In addition, the assessment of the potential health risk posed by these metals proved contaminated and harmful. Visitors recorded high values in exposure concentration (EC) and low values in average daily dose (ADD).

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Open Access December 11, 2024 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Salsola tragus L. (Amaranthaceae) and Thymelaea gussonei Boreau (Thymelaeaceae): new records for the native vascular flora of Calabria (S-Italy) with some remarks about their taxonomy and distribution

Alberto Capuano, Giulia Montepaone, Valerio Lazzeri, Giuseppe Caruso

Research Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences 2024, 4(1), 61-79. DOI: 10.31586/rjees.2024.883

Abstract Recent field investigations, performed across some of the less floristically known sectors of Calabria, have led to the discovery of Salsola tragus and Thymelaea gussonei [...] Read more.

Recent field investigations, performed across some of the less floristically known sectors of Calabria, have led to the discovery of Salsola tragus and Thymelaea gussonei, two new species for the regional vascular flora. By providing crucial biogeographical and taxonomic remarks, this work aims to contribute to the improvement of the knowledge of the rich, diversified and still poorly known native flora of Calabria. The biogeographical value of these new findings underlines the decisive role of field survey in the enhancement of the information on regional biodiversity, the essential basis for every further ecological study and conservation effort.

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Open Access November 26, 2024 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Impact of Classroom from the Primary Level of the Acquisition of English as a Second Language in Bangladesh

Jannatul Ferdous, Budrunnesa Shuchi, Musanna Afrin

Universal Journal of Literature and Linguistics 2024, 4(1), 83-94. DOI: 10.31586/ujll.2024.1122

Abstract This paper examines the impact of primary level classroom environments on the acquisition of English as a second language (L2) in Bangladesh, comparing English-medium and Bangla-medium schools. The study investigates how different instructional approaches and early exposure to English influence language proficiency among students. Through a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, interviews, [...] Read more.

This paper examines the impact of primary level classroom environments on the acquisition of English as a second language (L2) in Bangladesh, comparing English-medium and Bangla-medium schools. The study investigates how different instructional approaches and early exposure to English influence language proficiency among students. Through a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, interviews, and proficiency tests, the research reveals significant differences in language acquisition outcomes between the two educational settings. Findings indicate that students in English-medium schools, who are exposed to Natural approach methods of language learning and immersive English-speaking environments, demonstrate higher proficiency in speaking and listening skills compared to their Bangla-medium counterparts, who primarily receive grammar-focused instruction. The study highlights the critical role of early exposure to English, with students who begin learning the language at a younger age showing better phonological and syntactic development. Additionally, the integration of technology in language teaching emerges as a valuable tool for enhancing language learning, particularly in contexts with limited classroom exposure. The research suggests that Bangla-medium schools could benefit from adopting more interactive, student-centered teaching methods and integrating digital tools to support practical language use. The study's findings have significant implications for educational policy, advocating for a shift towards more immersive and communicative teaching practices to improve English language acquisition in Bangladesh. This research contributes to the broader understanding of SLA and offers practical recommendations for enhancing language education in similar contexts.

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Open Access April 29, 2024 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Floristic composition of vascular epiphytes in a disturbed forest of the Douala- Edea National Park (Cameroon)

Jacques Bruno Ngotta Biyon, Constant Borel Kenfack, Seraphine Ebenye Mokake, Danielle Magloire Bell, Jean Lagarde Betti

Research Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences 2024, 4(1), 29-42. DOI: 10.31586/rjees.2024.701

Abstract The Douala-Edea National Park is a coastal protected area that opens to the Atlantic Ocean, and contains an abundant wildlife which finds a privilege habitat there, and certain taxa such as epiphytes, which are of particular interest for conservation. In many tropical forests, vascular epiphytes are one of the richest taxa, with major impacts on the nutrient and hydrological cycles. The aim of this research was to study the effect of the disturbance of habitat on the floristic composition of vascular epiphytes in the Douala-Edea National Park. This study was carried out between January - April 2021 in three types of disturbed habitats at the northern part of the park. Three plots of 100 m × 100 m dimensions were laid out across three ecosystems along the Sanaga river. The sampling method consisted in the direct observation of five adjacent transects of 100 m x 20 m dimensions inside each plot. Epiphytes species were evaluated on all trees of DBH ≥10 cm. Epiphytes' life-forms and the position on the host trees occupied by the epiphytes were also recorded. A total of 18 species belonging to 16 genera and 13 families were identified. Culcasia sp. was the most common species with a relative frequency of 30.27%. Biological indicators were represented by Ferns, with four species, and Orchidaceae, with one species. [...] Read more.

The Douala-Edea National Park is a coastal protected area that opens to the Atlantic Ocean, and contains an abundant wildlife which finds a privilege habitat there, and certain taxa such as epiphytes, which are of particular interest for conservation. In many tropical forests, vascular epiphytes are one of the richest taxa, with major impacts on the nutrient and hydrological cycles. The aim of this research was to study the effect of the disturbance of habitat on the floristic composition of vascular epiphytes in the Douala-Edea National Park. This study was carried out between January - April 2021 in three types of disturbed habitats at the northern part of the park. Three plots of 100 m × 100 m dimensions were laid out across three ecosystems along the Sanaga river. The sampling method consisted in the direct observation of five adjacent transects of 100 m x 20 m dimensions inside each plot. Epiphytes species were evaluated on all trees of DBH ≥10 cm. Epiphytes' life-forms and the position on the host trees occupied by the epiphytes were also recorded. A total of 18 species belonging to 16 genera and 13 families were identified. Culcasia sp. was the most common species with a relative frequency of 30.27%. Biological indicators were represented by Ferns, with four species, and Orchidaceae, with one species. The epiphytes species richness was highest in the low disturbed habitat (13 species), and lowest in the highly disturbed habitat (8 species). Strict epiphytes were highly recorded in the low disturbed habitat (6 species), and were absent in the highly disturbed habitat. Hemi-epiphytes were the commonest life-form (12 species) in the highly disturbed habitat, and have been defined as indicators of the perturbation of the habitat. Canopy was mostly sollicitated by epiphytes in the low disturbed habitat (66.25%) than the moderate disturbed habitat (49.85%), and highly disturbed habitat (30.66%). It has been found that the different forest sites have an influence on the typology of epiphytic species, and therefore, epiphytic flora should be managed for the conservation of the biodiversity in tropical forests.

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Open Access April 25, 2024 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Green spaces more adapted and resilient to the current and future climatic conditions in the south of Portugal (Algarve): Xerophytic gardens using xeromorphic succulents

Delisa Xarepe, Ricardo Quinto Canas, Carmelo Maria Musarella

Research Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences 2024, 4(1), 16-28. DOI: 10.31586/rjees.2024.884

Abstract Considering the current climate conjuncture, it is a consensus that green spaces in large contemporary urban areas should be increasingly more numerous and simultaneously more sustainable, being adapted to the edaphoclimatic conditions of the site, and with reduced maintenance costs. In the case of Algarve, where this research is focused, the current and future water availability, assumes a [...] Read more.

Considering the current climate conjuncture, it is a consensus that green spaces in large contemporary urban areas should be increasingly more numerous and simultaneously more sustainable, being adapted to the edaphoclimatic conditions of the site, and with reduced maintenance costs. In the case of Algarve, where this research is focused, the current and future water availability, assumes a preponderant role in the design of green spaces, where the demands mentioned above can only be achieved if we deviate from conventional landscape practices and develop holistic strategies of management and design of green spaces that integrate different areas of knowledge and not merely aesthetic issues. In this context, this work aims to develop more adapted and resilient landscaping practices to the current and future climatic conditions of the Algarve, thus reinventing the concept of landscaping in the south of Portugal. Thus, it will be of paramount importance to develop more sustainable, resilient and tolerant projects to worsening ecological conditions, particularly limitations associated with water availability. The xeromorphic succulents are a group of plants with mechanisms of tolerance to water stress and with very specific characteristics, being succulence one of the most relevant. Studies on these mechanisms are increasingly frequent, which may prove to be very advantageous in our adaptation to future climatic challenges. In addition, their ornamental potential is enormous, since their bold forms and colours are a veritable sensory explosion, which, combined with their morphological and physiological characteristics, make them the species of choice in the reconversion or creation of xerophytic gardens.

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Open Access March 08, 2024 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Analysis of Toxic Contaminants in Agriculture: Educational Strategies to Avoid Their Influence on Food

Ana Cano-Ortiz, José Carlos Piñar Fuentes, Eusebio Cano

Research Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences 2024, 4(1), 1-15. DOI: 10.31586/rjees.2024.718

Abstract A diagnosis of the current state of the crops is made regarding the control of weeds, use of pesticides, fungicides; with an assessment of the state of the plant covers in the crop, and its control by different types of herbicides, and we detected a high loss of biological diversity; and some of these compounds are mentioned due to their high toxicity. Similarly, the use of pesticides and [...] Read more.

A diagnosis of the current state of the crops is made regarding the control of weeds, use of pesticides, fungicides; with an assessment of the state of the plant covers in the crop, and its control by different types of herbicides, and we detected a high loss of biological diversity; and some of these compounds are mentioned due to their high toxicity. Similarly, the use of pesticides and fungicides is discussed due to their repercussions on health. In order to avoid the unhealthiness caused by the applications of these products, phytosanitary and educational control strategies are proposed; promoting the inspection of fruit and vegetable markets, and modifying the contents in higher professional and university education. To this end, we propose an active teaching methodology, through which the student acquires skills and responsibility for the use of chemical agents in agriculture, which serves to prevent the entry of these contaminants into the food chain. Of the different polluting chemical agents, in the case of herbicides we highlight Oxyfluorfen and Glyphosate with high toxicity and whose consumption is very high. In the case of pesticides and fungicides, among others are Organochlorine compounds, which have been detected in blood, and Carbon Tetrachloride and Chloroform, considered potent hepatotoxic and neurotoxic. The basic objective of this study is the awareness and acquisition of knowledge by future teachers about polluting agents, which will subsequently have an impact on society.

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Open Access December 19, 2023 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Conservation of Cuabal from Community Environmental Education: Results of an Implemented Proposal

Yaima Mederos Jiménez, Georgina del Pilar Castro Acevedo, Anaiky Yanelín Borges Machín

Research Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences 2023, 3(2), 36-69. DOI: 10.31586/rjees.2023.728

Abstract The spiny xeromorphic shrublands on serpentine (cuabales) constitute outstanding plant formations for the conservation of Cuban biodiversity, due to their floristic richness, high number of endemic species and local endemism, as well as their economic, social, cultural value and functions environmental. In the Callejón de Los Patos of Santa Clara, there are relicts of cuabal, although they show a [...] Read more.

The spiny xeromorphic shrublands on serpentine (cuabales) constitute outstanding plant formations for the conservation of Cuban biodiversity, due to their floristic richness, high number of endemic species and local endemism, as well as their economic, social, cultural value and functions environmental. In the Callejón de Los Patos of Santa Clara, there are relicts of cuabal, although they show a high level of deterioration due to human activity. This article presents the main results of an investigation, which focused on implementing actions for the development of Community Environmental Education, with emphasis on the conservation of cuabal, in Callejón de Los Patos. For the intervention process, the Community Self-Development Methodology was used, which is qualitative par excellence, and the investigative methods: document analysis, participant observation, in-depth, group and structured interviews, drawing directed, the reflective group, techniques group and triangulation of data. The main results of the research are: the diagnosis and implementation of actions, designed from the process of Community Environmental Education, which was developed at the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes National Rural School, of said settlement. During the intervention process, the development of cognitive, procedural and attitudinal knowledge for the conservation of cuabal was verified in the schoolchildren, contributing to the strengthening of the school as the most important cultural center of the community, as aspired in the Cuban National Education System.

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Open Access December 12, 2023 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Threatened Wildlife for an Instructional Approach about Biodiversity Conservation

Antonio J. Mendoza-Fernández, Leticia Arnao, Candelaria Carretero, Fabián Martínez-Hernández, José M. Sánchez Robles

Research Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences 2023, 3(1), 47-60. DOI: 10.31586/rjees.2023.693

Abstract Biodiversity is related to a global problem: its destruction, a fact supported by scientific authorities. It is not trivial that educational dimension has been contemplated as one of the strategies for its conservation. Since 1992 global initiatives such as the Convention on Biological Diversity postulates concepts that linked education and nature conservation. The main objective of this research work is to test the level of assimilation of extracurricular scientific knowledge by primary school pupils. The method chosen for the content was, on the one hand, a master class intervention with an interactive presentation on a digital whiteboard. Third cases were chosen. Each case consisted of a presentation of the current status of a species of fauna present in Spain. On the second part, students were asked to write an essay and to illustrate the experience during the presentation. Regarding the essays, students showed that they were more attracted to the first species that was presented (Iberian lynx) in a proportion of over 45% of cases. The “Endangered species” concept appeared in more than 77% of the texts reviewed. In terms of drawings, almost 55% of the responses seem to devote more attention to the second species described (Testudo graeca [...] Read more.

Biodiversity is related to a global problem: its destruction, a fact supported by scientific authorities. It is not trivial that educational dimension has been contemplated as one of the strategies for its conservation. Since 1992 global initiatives such as the Convention on Biological Diversity postulates concepts that linked education and nature conservation. The main objective of this research work is to test the level of assimilation of extracurricular scientific knowledge by primary school pupils. The method chosen for the content was, on the one hand, a master class intervention with an interactive presentation on a digital whiteboard. Third cases were chosen. Each case consisted of a presentation of the current status of a species of fauna present in Spain. On the second part, students were asked to write an essay and to illustrate the experience during the presentation. Regarding the essays, students showed that they were more attracted to the first species that was presented (Iberian lynx) in a proportion of over 45% of cases. The “Endangered species” concept appeared in more than 77% of the texts reviewed. In terms of drawings, almost 55% of the responses seem to devote more attention to the second species described (Testudo graeca). An attempt was made to offer rigorous, structured information related to different aspects of natural reality in order to contemplate the broadest possible vision. The example of an instructional intervention presented here aims to be an alternative to other transmissive teaching models. Likewise, the linking of abstract concepts with socio-cultural reality proved to be a successful strategy to reinforce knowledge about natural biodiversity, endangered species or threat factors.

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Open Access November 10, 2023 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

New records for the alien vascular flora of Calabria (S-Italy)

Alberto Capuano, Giuseppe Caruso

Research Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences 2023, 3(2), 1-35. DOI: 10.31586/rjees.2023.723

Abstract While alien organisms, vascular plants included, are progressively increasing their worldwide impact on habitats, the present research confirms a similar dangerous trend for Calabria, the southernmost and floristically richest region of Italian Peninsula. The set of additional alien taxa here recorded for the vascular flora of Calabria includes: Acacia melanoxylon, Bidens subalternans, Buddleja davidii, Cucurbita moschata, Cyclospermum leptophyllum, Erigeron annuus subsp. annuus, Hesperocyparis glabra, Ligustrum ovalifolium, Mahonia aquifolium, Morus indica, Oenothera speciosa, Prunus serotina, Pyracantha fortuneana, Rudbeckia laciniata, Solanum nitidibaccatum, Sparaxis bulbifera, Tradescantia cerinthoides, [...] Read more.

While alien organisms, vascular plants included, are progressively increasing their worldwide impact on habitats, the present research confirms a similar dangerous trend for Calabria, the southernmost and floristically richest region of Italian Peninsula. The set of additional alien taxa here recorded for the vascular flora of Calabria includes: Acacia melanoxylon, Bidens subalternans, Buddleja davidii, Cucurbita moschata, Cyclospermum leptophyllum, Erigeron annuus subsp. annuus, Hesperocyparis glabra, Ligustrum ovalifolium, Mahonia aquifolium, Morus indica, Oenothera speciosa, Prunus serotina, Pyracantha fortuneana, Rudbeckia laciniata, Solanum nitidibaccatum, Sparaxis bulbifera, Tradescantia cerinthoides, Ulmus pumila. These additional 18 taxa bring the total number of alien species from 382 to 400. The most represented biological forms are scapose therophyte and scapose phanerophyte with 5 species (27.8% of the total). The most frequent biogeographic origins of the surveyed species are North America (6 species; 33.3%), followed by Asia and South America both with 4 species (22.2%). The most common habitats hosting the recorded alien taxa are roadsides (8 species; 44.4%), although all surveyed plants have been found in deeply anthropized environments. The altitude of occurrence, extending 3 to 1,286 m a.s.l., together with other ecological data provided, demonstrate the ability of aliens to potentially colonize a wide range of environments in the region.

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Open Access November 28, 2023 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Breast Cancer: A Review on Quality of Life, Body Image and Environmental Sustainability

Luísa Soares, Lúcia Carolina Correia Silva

World Journal of Cancer and Oncology Research 2023, 2(2), 133-144. DOI: 10.31586/wjcor.2023.826

Abstract Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in women worldwide, with approximately two million new cases every year. The number of cases increases despite the high survival rate. The aim of this study is, therefore, to understand this cancer by finding out what has been studied in this area using scientific evidence published between 2003 and 2023. A search was therefore carried out for scientific [...] Read more.

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in women worldwide, with approximately two million new cases every year. The number of cases increases despite the high survival rate. The aim of this study is, therefore, to understand this cancer by finding out what has been studied in this area using scientific evidence published between 2003 and 2023. A search was therefore carried out for scientific articles and other relevant sources on the subject with free access, and 48 documents were then analyzed. According to the analysis, many studies have been conducted in the area, particularly on quality of life and body image. However, little has been done in terms of environmental sustainability and breast cancer.

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Open Access November 10, 2023 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Bioremediation of Heavy Metals in Crude Oil-Contaminated Utisol, Using Nutrient Formulate Produced from Jatropha tanjorensis Leaf Extract

Unyeawaji Brownson Ntesat, Chinwendu Emeka, Daniella Queen Edward

Research Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences 2023, 3(1), 37-46. DOI: 10.31586/rjees.2023.688

Abstract This work evaluated the bioremediation potential of Jatropha tanjorensis leaf extract at different masses (250g, 500g and 750g) over a 40-day period. To achieve this, crude oil contamination of sandy loam soil was stimulated in twelve plastic reactors containing fixed masses of soil (4kg each) of topsoil homogenized with 500g of Bonny light crude oil. The Jatropha tanjorensis leaves were cultivated, rinsed with distilled water, blended, and purified by filtration. The leaf extract was applied at the stated concentrations including a control reactor (without leaf extract). The plastics reactors were kept in an open air shielded away from rainfall. The physicochemical characteristics determined were particle size distribution (PSD), potential of hydrogen (pH), electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter (OM), organic carbon (OC), selected heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Zn, Pb) and sample management were all in line with standard procedure. After 40 days of treatment, results obtained showed that plastic reactor with 750g of leaf extract produced the highest amount of cadmium reduction of 97% (from an initial of and there was significant difference among treatment (P < 0.05). The sequence of reduction among treatment was 750g > 500g > 250g of the leaf extract. Chromium, Lead and zinc followed similar trend. Thus, the Jatropha tanjorensis [...] Read more.

This work evaluated the bioremediation potential of Jatropha tanjorensis leaf extract at different masses (250g, 500g and 750g) over a 40-day period. To achieve this, crude oil contamination of sandy loam soil was stimulated in twelve plastic reactors containing fixed masses of soil (4kg each) of topsoil homogenized with 500g of Bonny light crude oil. The Jatropha tanjorensis leaves were cultivated, rinsed with distilled water, blended, and purified by filtration. The leaf extract was applied at the stated concentrations including a control reactor (without leaf extract). The plastics reactors were kept in an open air shielded away from rainfall. The physicochemical characteristics determined were particle size distribution (PSD), potential of hydrogen (pH), electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter (OM), organic carbon (OC), selected heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Zn, Pb) and sample management were all in line with standard procedure. After 40 days of treatment, results obtained showed that plastic reactor with 750g of leaf extract produced the highest amount of cadmium reduction of 97% (from an initial of and there was significant difference among treatment (P < 0.05). The sequence of reduction among treatment was 750g > 500g > 250g of the leaf extract. Chromium, Lead and zinc followed similar trend. Thus, the Jatropha tanjorensis leaf extract has the potential to ameliorate crude oil-contaminated soil.

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Open Access November 01, 2023 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Individual Wave Component Signal Modeling, Parameters Extraction, and Analysis

Webert Montlouis

Universal Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology 2023, 1(1), 26-39. DOI: 10.31586/ujgh.2023.737

Abstract The accurate estimation of Individual Wave Components (IWC) is crucial for automated diagnosis of the human digestive system in a clinical setting. However, this process can be challenging due to signal contamination by other signal sources in the body, such as the lungs and heart, as well as environmental noise. To address this issue, various denoising techniques are commonly employed in bowel [...] Read more.

The accurate estimation of Individual Wave Components (IWC) is crucial for automated diagnosis of the human digestive system in a clinical setting. However, this process can be challenging due to signal contamination by other signal sources in the body, such as the lungs and heart, as well as environmental noise. To address this issue, various denoising techniques are commonly employed in bowel sound signal processing. While denoising is important, it can increase computational complexity, making it challenging for portable devices. Therefore, signal processing algorithms often require a trade-off between fidelity and computational complexity. This study aims to evaluate an IWC parameter extraction algorithm that was previously developed and reconstruct the IWC without denoising using synthetic and clinical data. To that end, the role of a reliable model in creating synthetic data is paramount. The rigorous testing of the algorithm is limited by the availability of quality and quantity recorded data. To overcome this challenge, a mathematical model has been proposed to generate synthetic bowel sound data that can be used to test new algorithms. The proposed algorithm’s robust performance is evaluated using both synthetic and clinically recorded data. We perform time-frequency analysis of original and reconstructed bowel sound signals in various digestive system states and characterize the performance using Monte Carlo simulation when denoising is not applied. Overall, our study presents a promising algorithm for accurate IWC estimation that can be useful for predicting anomalies in the digestive system.

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Open Access September 22, 2023 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Bioremediation of Total Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon in Crude Oil-Contaminated Soil using Costus afer Plant

Chinwendu Emeka, Reuben N. Okparanma, Okogbule-Wonodi Achinike

Research Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences 2023, 3(1), 26-36. DOI: 10.31586/rjees.2023.656

Abstract Costus afer is a well-known medicinal plant abundant in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The successful growth of Costus afer plant on crude oil contaminated soil adds to the list of plants that has potential to get rid of harmful chemical compounds to save human life as well preserve the environment. This study investigates the remediation potential of Costus afer plant at different ages (7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 days old) to decontaminate petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated soil. To achieve this, contamination of sandy-loam soil was simulated by mixing T0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 L of Bonny-Light crude oil with 48 kg of the soil in three separate reactors to achieve conditions of low, medium, and high contamination, respectively. The reactor with medium-level contaminated soil served as the control. The plants were nursed and transplanted at the stated ages to each reactor except the control. Controlled irrigation was applied, and the setups were housed to shield them from rainfall. After 90 days of treatment, results showed that the 7 days old plants produced the highest amounts of total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (TPAH) reduction of 99.71, 90.10, and 84.06 % in the soil with low, medium, and high contamination, respectively. Furthermore, the sequence of TPAH reduction by the plants was 14 days old > 21 days old > 28 days old > 35 days old > 42-days old. Thus, in addition to its medicinal value, Costus afer [...] Read more.

Costus afer is a well-known medicinal plant abundant in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The successful growth of Costus afer plant on crude oil contaminated soil adds to the list of plants that has potential to get rid of harmful chemical compounds to save human life as well preserve the environment. This study investigates the remediation potential of Costus afer plant at different ages (7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 days old) to decontaminate petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated soil. To achieve this, contamination of sandy-loam soil was simulated by mixing T0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 L of Bonny-Light crude oil with 48 kg of the soil in three separate reactors to achieve conditions of low, medium, and high contamination, respectively. The reactor with medium-level contaminated soil served as the control. The plants were nursed and transplanted at the stated ages to each reactor except the control. Controlled irrigation was applied, and the setups were housed to shield them from rainfall. After 90 days of treatment, results showed that the 7 days old plants produced the highest amounts of total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (TPAH) reduction of 99.71, 90.10, and 84.06 % in the soil with low, medium, and high contamination, respectively. Furthermore, the sequence of TPAH reduction by the plants was 14 days old > 21 days old > 28 days old > 35 days old > 42-days old. Thus, in addition to its medicinal value, Costus afer plant also has the potential to restore crude oil-contaminated soils.

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Open Access September 13, 2023 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

A Comparative Study of Attention-Based Transformer Networks and Traditional Machine Learning Methods for Toxic Comments Classification

Sihao Wang, Bingjie Chen

Journal of Social Mathematical & Human Engineering Sciences 2023, 1(1), 22-30. DOI: 10.31586/jsmhes.2023.697

Abstract With the rapid growth of online communication platforms, the identification and management of toxic comments have become crucial in maintaining a healthy online environment. Various machine learning approaches have been employed to tackle this problem, ranging from traditional models to more recent attention-based transformer networks. This paper aims to compare the performance of attention-based [...] Read more.

With the rapid growth of online communication platforms, the identification and management of toxic comments have become crucial in maintaining a healthy online environment. Various machine learning approaches have been employed to tackle this problem, ranging from traditional models to more recent attention-based transformer networks. This paper aims to compare the performance of attention-based transformer networks with several traditional machine learning methods for toxic comments classification. We present an in-depth analysis and evaluation of these methods using a common benchmark dataset. The experimental results demonstrate the strengths and limitations of each approach, shedding light on the suitability and efficacy of attention-based transformers in this domain.

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Open Access May 06, 2023 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Socioeconomic Drivers of Conservation Commitment: Residents’ Willingness to Pay for Ecosystem Services Provided by Beaches in Lagos State, Nigeria

Peace Chukwuyem UGBEKILE

Research Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences 2023, 3(1), 9-25. DOI: 10.31586/rjees.2023.594

Abstract Beaches are known for their ability to provide people with several services – these are generally referred to as ‘ecosystem services’ and they have been identified as one of the ways through which nature relates to humans. However, beaches in Nigeria are challenged by mismanagement caused by anthropogenic factors. It is expected that people will demonstrate a certain amount of dedication to [...] Read more.

Beaches are known for their ability to provide people with several services – these are generally referred to as ‘ecosystem services’ and they have been identified as one of the ways through which nature relates to humans. However, beaches in Nigeria are challenged by mismanagement caused by anthropogenic factors. It is expected that people will demonstrate a certain amount of dedication to protecting this ecosystem to address this issue. Sometimes, a person's commitment to conservation is based on the advantages they anticipate or are currently experiencing from the ecosystem, which are a result of their socioeconomic traits. Against this backdrop, this study captured individuals’ commitment as their Willingness to Pay (WTP) for these ecosystem services, assessed their level of awareness of the various ecosystem services provided by beaches and investigated the impact of socioeconomic factors on participants’ willingness to pay. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and a total of 221 responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, logistic regression and content analysis. The results revealed that the cultural service provided by beaches was the most common ecosystem service identified by the participants. Furthermore, most of the participants were willing to pay less than $3 for beach maintenance while the major determinants of WTP were age, household size and education. This study recommended that the government should work with other stakeholders to set up programs that would boost people’s awareness of ecosystem services provided by beaches as well as reiterate the need to maintain this ecosystem to ensure continued enjoyment of the services provided.

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Open Access April 27, 2023 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Evaluation of the Critical risk factors in PPP - procured Mass Housing Projects in Abuja Nigeria - A fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FSE) approach

Arijeloye Bamidele Temitope, Oke Ayodeji Emmanuel, Aje Isaac Olaniyi

World Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture 2023, 2(1), 58-85. DOI: 10.31586/wjcea.2023.605

Abstract The study accessed the critical risk factors in public-private partnership (PPP)-procured mass housing project (MHP) delivery in Nigeria. The research design adopts a quantitative approach, using well-structured questionnaires distributed to stakeholders involved in PPP-MHPs i.e. consultants, in-house professionals, contractors, and the organized private sector (OPS) registered with PPP [...] Read more.

The study accessed the critical risk factors in public-private partnership (PPP)-procured mass housing project (MHP) delivery in Nigeria. The research design adopts a quantitative approach, using well-structured questionnaires distributed to stakeholders involved in PPP-MHPs i.e. consultants, in-house professionals, contractors, and the organized private sector (OPS) registered with PPP departments in the Federal Capital Territory Development Authority (FCDA) Abuja, Nigeria. The instrument relates to the background information of respondents and the risk peculiar to PPP-MHP. Sixty-three (63) risk factors were submitted for the respondents to rank using Mean Item score (MIS) for risk occurrence and its severity, while risk significance index (RI) was used to determine the risk impact. Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation (FSE) method was subsequently applied to determine the risk criticality groups and the overall risk level in the sector. The fuzzy set theory deals with ambiguous, subjective and imprecise judgments peculiar to decision making in construction project risk assessment. It aims to provide a synthetic evaluation of an object relative to a fuzzy decision environment with multiple criteria that requires qualitative linguistic terms. The findings show that thirty-one (31) risk factors were critical in the sector while financial and micro-economic risk group is contributing most significantly to the overall risk level in PPP-MHPs in Nigeria. The top 10 risk factors in the sector include availability of finance, high finance cost, the unstable value of the local currency, lack of creditworthiness, influential economic events (boom/recession), high bidding cost, poor financial market, financial attraction to project investors, interest rate volatility, inflation rate volatility, corruption and lack of respect for the law, non-involvement of the host community and poor execution of housing policies. The implication for practice is that having known the risk group contributing most significantly to the overall risk level in PPP-MHPs, adequate financial and budgetary allocation should be made available before embarking on such venture so as to sustain the scheme in the country. The study is one of the recent researches conducted on housing, since the procurement option is novel in the sector. The study is of immense value to PPP actors in providing necessary information required to formulate risk response methods in minimize the identified risk impact sector.

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Open Access February 04, 2023 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

A framework for evaluation of improvement opportunities for environmental impacts on construction works using life cycle assessment and value stream mapping concepts: offsite and onsite building construction

Adekunle Mofolasayo

World Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture 2023, 2(1), 32-57. DOI: 10.31586/wjcea.2023.562

Abstract There have been various concerns about the environmental impact of construction works. This generates a need to take a more proactive approach in evaluating the environmental impacts of construction operations and further explore ways to reduce the environmental impacts. Enormous opportunities exist within the building industry to achieve a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The aim of the [...] Read more.

There have been various concerns about the environmental impact of construction works. This generates a need to take a more proactive approach in evaluating the environmental impacts of construction operations and further explore ways to reduce the environmental impacts. Enormous opportunities exist within the building industry to achieve a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The aim of the study is to develop a framework for the evaluation of improvement opportunities for environmental impact for onsite and offsite building construction works using life cycle assessment (LCA) and value-stream-mapping concepts. Various tools for LCA exist; however, there is a need for the development of an LCA framework and improvement opportunities that can be localized to various communities to evaluate improvement opportunities for building construction. This study conducts a review of methods to evaluate the LCA of buildings on local construction sites. A procedure for establishing improvement opportunities is also developed. Based on the author’s knowledge and experience, including site visits, using value stream mapping (VSM) techniques, a conceptual framework of the present state map and future state map of residential construction works was developed. The study presents a procedure for the evaluation of improvement opportunities for the environmental impacts of construction operations.

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Open Access January 28, 2023 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

A framework for the evaluation of the decision between onsite and offsite construction using life cycle analysis (LCA) concepts and system dynamics modeling

Adekunle Mofolasayo

World Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture 2023, 2(1), 1-31. DOI: 10.31586/wjcea.2023.569

Abstract The decision to choose between onsite and offsite construction is important in the effort toward sustainable construction. Offsite construction is often promoted as an environmentally friendly approach to construction operations. However, previous studies have shown that there is a lack of clarity on the environmental trade-offs between onsite and offsite construction. Factors that can affect the [...] Read more.

The decision to choose between onsite and offsite construction is important in the effort toward sustainable construction. Offsite construction is often promoted as an environmentally friendly approach to construction operations. However, previous studies have shown that there is a lack of clarity on the environmental trade-offs between onsite and offsite construction. Factors that can affect the decision to build onsite or offsite include the availability of a local offsite manufacturing facility, the distance of the offsite factory to the final place of use, the proximity of the site to the local supply of material and labor, etc. This study provides a framework to apply the system dynamic modeling technique to evaluate how various factors can affect the environmental impact of the building construction phase (for onsite or offsite construction methods). The system dynamic model (using Vensim software) that was developed provides a platform that allows users to input variables such as the distance that is expected for transportation of labor, material, and equipment to both the onsite facility and the offsite construction location, factors associated with the use of equipment for construction, the distance needed for transportation of building panels or modules from the offsite facility to the final site, etc. Among other things, the model showed that an increase in the distance from the offsite yard to the final construction site increases the total impacts of transportation of completed modules. An increase in the number of trips for the transportation of material to the onsite construction location increases the total impact of onsite construction. In terms of the environmental impact of construction, none of the two methods of construction gives an absolute superiority over the other. The environmental performance of offsite and onsite depends on various associated factors. It is recommended that building practitioners review various factors that are peculiar to their projects to make an informed decision on the best construction methods.

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Open Access December 02, 2022 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Effect of Industrial Effluent on Irrigation Water Quality of Choba River in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Erewari Ukoha-Onuoha, Isoteim Fubara-Manuel, Merit Leyiga Kornebari Bestmann

Research Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences 2022, 2(4), 182-194. DOI: 10.31586/rjees.2022.362

Abstract Poor irrigation water quality due to oil spillage on surface water can result in food insecurity, health and economic challenges. This paper investigated the effect of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPHC) and lead (Pb) on irrigation water quality in the oil spill prone area of the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Water samples were taken from five different sections labelled A, B, C, D, and E along [...] Read more.

Poor irrigation water quality due to oil spillage on surface water can result in food insecurity, health and economic challenges. This paper investigated the effect of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPHC) and lead (Pb) on irrigation water quality in the oil spill prone area of the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Water samples were taken from five different sections labelled A, B, C, D, and E along the Choba River, in Rivers State, Nigeria. Sections B, C, D and E were direct industrial effluent discharge points while section A was without direct industrial effluent discharge. Standard methods were employed in the water sampling and analysis. Suitability of Choba river water for irrigation was assessed by comprehensive pollution index (CPI) that incorporated salinity, sodicity, and permeability hazard potentials as well as the specific toxicity hazard potentials of TPHC and Pb. Results showed that all primary water parameters except pH were within the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) guidelines. The pH was low, ranging between 4.48 and 5.6. TPHC values for four out of the five samples were greater than the 10mg/l guideline as recommended by the Directorate of Petroleum Resources for surface water. TPHC for the four samples ranged between 14.52 and 174.32mg/l. The parameters with the most impact on CPI include EC, PI and TPHC with TPHC having the most impact. Water samples from sections A, B and E with CPI values 0.14, 0.37, and 0.8 respectively were classified in the clean, sub clean and slightly polluted categories respectively, while water samples from sections C and D with CPI values greater than 1 range from moderately to heavily polluted and not suitable for agricultural irrigation. Only water sample A was found suitable for irrigation.

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Open Access November 30, 2022 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

A Review of Application of LiDAR and Geospatial Modeling for Detection of Buildings Using Artificial Intelligence Approaches

Olly Harouni, Alan Forghani

World Journal of Geomatics and Geosciences 2022, 2(1), 47-59. DOI: 10.31586/wjgg.2022.477

Abstract Today, the presentation of a three-dimensional model of real-world features is very important and widely used and has attracted the attention of researchers in various fields, including surveying and spatial information systems, and those interested in the three-dimensional reconstruction of buildings. The building is the key part of the information in a three-dimensional city model, so extracting [...] Read more.

Today, the presentation of a three-dimensional model of real-world features is very important and widely used and has attracted the attention of researchers in various fields, including surveying and spatial information systems, and those interested in the three-dimensional reconstruction of buildings. The building is the key part of the information in a three-dimensional city model, so extracting and modeling buildings from remote sensing data is an important step in building a digital model of a city. LiDAR technology due to its ability to map in all three modes of one-dimensional, two-dimensional, and three-dimensional is a suitable solution to provide hyperspectral and comprehensive images of the building in an urban environment. In this review article, a comprehensive review of the methods used in identifying buildings from the past to the present and appropriate solutions for the future is discussed.

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Open Access November 24, 2022 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Contribution to the Ethnobotanical Knowledge of Serre Calabre (Southern Italy)

Chiara Gentile, Giovanni Spampinato, Miriam Patti, Valentina Lucia Astrid Laface, Carmelo Maria Musarella

Research Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences 2022, 2(3), 35-55. DOI: 10.31586/rjees.2022.389

Abstract This work presents the results of an ethnobotanical research carried out in the territory of Serre Calabre, province of Vibo Valentia (Calabria, southern Italy). In this territory, the bond between the residents and the rural environment is still strong, because the small urban centers are placed in a predominantly agricultural and forestry environment still managed in a traditional way. The [...] Read more.

This work presents the results of an ethnobotanical research carried out in the territory of Serre Calabre, province of Vibo Valentia (Calabria, southern Italy). In this territory, the bond between the residents and the rural environment is still strong, because the small urban centers are placed in a predominantly agricultural and forestry environment still managed in a traditional way. The survey took place between January 2019 and July 2021. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with locals. As many as 17 informants were interviewed and a total of 185 interviews were recorded. Plant specimens were collected under the indication of the informants and then deposited at the herbarium of the Mediterranean University of Reggio Calabria (REGGIO). The data were stored on a digital database and then statistically analyzed some synthetic indexes have also been calculated, such as Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) and the Cultural Importance Index (CI). The investigation allowed to identify 84 taxa belonging to 39 different families, among which the most represented are Lamiaceae (23 interviews, 9 taxa), Asteraceae (22 interviews, 12 taxa). The identified taxa were prevalently cited for alimentary (46 interviews, 32 taxa) and healing (55, 27) uses. The results obtained show how the traditional knowledge about plants in the Serre Calabre area is still alive, however it is exclusive heritage of elderly people and often only in one or just a few informants. In fact, many practices are no longer in use and will not be transferred to the new generations.

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Open Access November 14, 2022 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

A Comparison of Life Cycle Impact of Mass Timber and Concrete in Building Construction

Adekunle Mofolasayo

World Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture 2022, 1(1), 47-72. DOI: 10.31586/wjcea.2022.449

Abstract Life cycle assessment, LCA is one of the tools that is used to measure the environmental impacts of a process or an operation. Various studies have mentioned the benefits of mass timber in building construction. This study presents an evaluation of the LCA of certain mass timber in relation to concrete-based materials. Using Athena impact estimator for buildings, the study compared the results of [...] Read more.

Life cycle assessment, LCA is one of the tools that is used to measure the environmental impacts of a process or an operation. Various studies have mentioned the benefits of mass timber in building construction. This study presents an evaluation of the LCA of certain mass timber in relation to concrete-based materials. Using Athena impact estimator for buildings, the study compared the results of an LCA study for a house that is designed with concrete beams, concrete columns, and concrete walls with brick in the envelope category (Material group 1) with those that are made with glulam beams, glulam columns, CLT walls with spruce wood bevel siding (Material group 2), and another building with LVL columns, LVL beams, CLT walls with spruce wood bevel siding (Material group 3). The results are in line with those that were reported by the majority of previous researchers. For the location that is being reviewed (Calgary, Alberta), the designs showed that construction with wood materials having mass timber components will have a better environmental performance than that for a building design with more concrete-based materials. The building design with more concrete-based material (group 1) showed 242% and 60% higher global warming and acidification potential respectively than the building with glulam beams and columns (material group 2). Except for ozone depletion potential, material group 2 (with glulam beams and columns) has a lower impact than material group 3 (with LVL/PSL beams and columns). The differences in impacts are more pronounced when the comparison is with design with more concrete-based products. This report further shows that LCA can be helpful during the preliminary design to evaluate the expected environmental impacts of the choice of different materials. This study recommends that material manufacturers and building contractors pay attention to LCA results to evaluate areas for continuous improvement.

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Open Access October 28, 2022 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Calabrian Native Project: Botanical Education Applied to Conservation and Valorization of Autochthonous Woody Plants

Giuseppe Caruso

Research Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences 2022, 2(2), 47-59. DOI: 10.31586/rjees.2022.387

Abstract Calabria is a floristic hotspot just at the center of Mediterranean Sea. Unfortunately, an increasing number of alien plant species threats this natural heritage, exactly while the crucial role of botany in secondary schools of Italy has been definitely dismantled. Calabrian Native Project is an environmental education project planned by Istituto Tecnico Agrario of Catanzaro that, reintroducing [...] Read more.

Calabria is a floristic hotspot just at the center of Mediterranean Sea. Unfortunately, an increasing number of alien plant species threats this natural heritage, exactly while the crucial role of botany in secondary schools of Italy has been definitely dismantled. Calabrian Native Project is an environmental education project planned by Istituto Tecnico Agrario of Catanzaro that, reintroducing some key concepts of botany and biogeography, allowing pupils to experience a botanical excursion in the close-to-the-school Mediterranean Biodiversity Park, gives them the opportunity to become acquainted with both native and alien species. Pupils are asked to collect native plant propagules and to seed or cultivate the material in the school greenhouses, and to take care of these plants until their use. The prevalent outdoor and laboratory approach to the issue of bioinvasions, make the project very effective. This feature, with the low cost and reduced technology inputs, make the project highly replicable in other contexts, just focusing appropriate target species.

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Open Access September 29, 2022 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Anthyllis hermanniae L. subsp. brutia Brullo & Giusso (Fabaceae): population survey and conservation tasks

Giuseppe Caruso

Research Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences 2022, 2(4), 92-102. DOI: 10.31586/rjees.2022.339

Abstract Anthyllis hermanniae subsp. brutia, is an Italian endemic shrub occurring just in one locality by the Calabrian Ionian coast in southern Italy. Objective of this study is to provide data on population numbers, demography and ecology, as well as to identify the main threats on the long term conservation of the target taxon. The survey has been carried out through field census work, sampling biometric and dendrometric data, and applying simple statistics. The population, counting totally 962 individuals, is divided in two stands concentrated in the central part of the distribution area. It is restricted to a narrow belt on the inland part of the dune slope encompassed between an artificial pine forest at the dune top, and the dune-specialized vegetation on the slope. Some biometric insights, such as stem diameter, plant height and number of annual rings, suggest the role of micro-ecology in individual shaping. The most relevant threating factor for the long term conservation of this rare taxon is the rapidly spreading Pinus halepensis subsp. halepensis. Local population of this invasive alien species, deriving from planted individuals, is now invading the A. hermanniae subsp. brutia [...] Read more.

Anthyllis hermanniae subsp. brutia, is an Italian endemic shrub occurring just in one locality by the Calabrian Ionian coast in southern Italy. Objective of this study is to provide data on population numbers, demography and ecology, as well as to identify the main threats on the long term conservation of the target taxon. The survey has been carried out through field census work, sampling biometric and dendrometric data, and applying simple statistics. The population, counting totally 962 individuals, is divided in two stands concentrated in the central part of the distribution area. It is restricted to a narrow belt on the inland part of the dune slope encompassed between an artificial pine forest at the dune top, and the dune-specialized vegetation on the slope. Some biometric insights, such as stem diameter, plant height and number of annual rings, suggest the role of micro-ecology in individual shaping. The most relevant threating factor for the long term conservation of this rare taxon is the rapidly spreading Pinus halepensis subsp. halepensis. Local population of this invasive alien species, deriving from planted individuals, is now invading the A. hermanniae subsp. brutia habitat. Chorological and ecological data here provided should hopefully steer further population dynamics investigation as well as any urgent environment management actions.

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Open Access September 01, 2022 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Expanded Design between Design Activism and Collectible Design

Beatrice Bianco, Alessandro Squatrito, Marinella Ferrara

Journal of Art and Design 2022, 2(1), 33-42. DOI: 10.31586/jad.2022.367

Abstract The last three decades have witnessed in Europe an increasing interest from institutions, and creative communities in independent research connected to crafting, DIY, maker culture, and design activism. A new generation of designers has focused on the experimentation of processes, materials, and technologies used as a vehicle for socio-political and environmental messages and as the starting point [...] Read more.

The last three decades have witnessed in Europe an increasing interest from institutions, and creative communities in independent research connected to crafting, DIY, maker culture, and design activism. A new generation of designers has focused on the experimentation of processes, materials, and technologies used as a vehicle for socio-political and environmental messages and as the starting point of solid narrative projects. This paper aims to analyse this phenomenon inside the niche of Collectible Design, a field in recent years of great interest by galleries and institutions for its ability to embrace material and technological research as well as craftsmanship and art. We investigate the phenomenon, through a series of interviews with designers such as Shahar Livne, Eugenia Morpurgo, Pleun van Dijk, Tellurico, and Standard 404, selected for their ability to use experimental materials and technologies, as communicative media for reflections on systemic issues.

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Case Study

Open Access July 04, 2022 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Flora and Phytosociological of Plant in Al-Dawaimah of Palestine

Jehad Mahmoud Hussein Ighbareyeh, Asma Abdel-Raheem Ahmed Suliemieh, Maen Sheqwarah, Ana Cano-Ortiz, Eusebio Cano Carmona

Research Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences 2022, 2(1), 58-91. DOI: 10.31586/rjees.2022.202

Abstract Al-Dawaimah is an ancient Canaanite Palestinian village, occupied in 1948 by Israel, and belongs to inframediterranean to thermomediterranean thermotype and arid, semi-arid, and dry ombrotype. The study presents, a region rich in many plant vascular, and it is part of the Palestinian coast, North Africa, the Negev and the Sinai desert, in addition to the mountainous hills of Palestine located west of the Hebron, Jordan River and the Dead Sea. The objective is to identify and update the flora and vegetation in the area of Al-Dawaimah and its neighboring areas in west Hebron of Palestine. Methodology: More than 270 plant specimens have been taken from Al-Dawaimah and surroundings areas, using Braun-Blanquet, Van der Maarel and Salvador River Martinez methods to study the flora, and phytosociological plants, and 214 x 10 plants plots distributed in area were studied. Result and discussion: Three different plant communities were identified, in different environments between arid, dry- subhumid ombrotype and infra-thermomediterranean thermotype, and different soils as (carbon substrates as brown ruinsenas and terra rossa lands, limestone and others), where more than 214 species of plants have been found, of which 45 (20.02%) are endemic species, and in Raunkiaer's life system, trees represent were, (86; 40.18% trees), (34; 15.88% shrubs), (51; 23.83% chamaephytes), (10; 4.67% geophytes), (16; 7.47% phanerophytes), and (12; 6.54% hemicryptophytes). Conclusion: In Al-Dawaimah area, syntaxonomical performance of these associations are: Quercetalia ilicis Br.-Bl. ex Molinier 1934. Rhamno lycioidis-Quercion cocciferae Rivas Goday ex Rivas-Martinez 1975. 1. Rhamnus palaestinae- Quercetum calliprini ass. nova., Pistacio lentisci -Rhamnetalia alaterni Rivas-Martínez 1975. 2. Ceratonio siliquae -Pistacetum lentisci ass. nova., Junipero phoeniceae- Pinon acutisquamae A.V. Pérez et Cabezudo in A.V. Pérez et al. 1988 corr. Rivas-Martinez. et al. 2002. Pinetalia halepensis Biondi et al. 2014. 3. Junipero phoeniceae- Pinetum halepensis [...] Read more.

Al-Dawaimah is an ancient Canaanite Palestinian village, occupied in 1948 by Israel, and belongs to inframediterranean to thermomediterranean thermotype and arid, semi-arid, and dry ombrotype. The study presents, a region rich in many plant vascular, and it is part of the Palestinian coast, North Africa, the Negev and the Sinai desert, in addition to the mountainous hills of Palestine located west of the Hebron, Jordan River and the Dead Sea. The objective is to identify and update the flora and vegetation in the area of Al-Dawaimah and its neighboring areas in west Hebron of Palestine. Methodology: More than 270 plant specimens have been taken from Al-Dawaimah and surroundings areas, using Braun-Blanquet, Van der Maarel and Salvador River Martinez methods to study the flora, and phytosociological plants, and 214 x 10 plants plots distributed in area were studied. Result and discussion: Three different plant communities were identified, in different environments between arid, dry- subhumid ombrotype and infra-thermomediterranean thermotype, and different soils as (carbon substrates as brown ruinsenas and terra rossa lands, limestone and others), where more than 214 species of plants have been found, of which 45 (20.02%) are endemic species, and in Raunkiaer's life system, trees represent were, (86; 40.18% trees), (34; 15.88% shrubs), (51; 23.83% chamaephytes), (10; 4.67% geophytes), (16; 7.47% phanerophytes), and (12; 6.54% hemicryptophytes). Conclusion: In Al-Dawaimah area, syntaxonomical performance of these associations are: Quercetalia ilicis Br.-Bl. ex Molinier 1934. Rhamno lycioidis-Quercion cocciferae Rivas Goday ex Rivas-Martinez 1975. 1. Rhamnus palaestinae- Quercetum calliprini ass. nova., Pistacio lentisci -Rhamnetalia alaterni Rivas-Martínez 1975. 2. Ceratonio siliquae -Pistacetum lentisci ass. nova., Junipero phoeniceae- Pinon acutisquamae A.V. Pérez et Cabezudo in A.V. Pérez et al. 1988 corr. Rivas-Martinez. et al. 2002. Pinetalia halepensis Biondi et al. 2014. 3. Junipero phoeniceae- Pinetum halepensis ass. nova.

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Open Access June 23, 2022 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Priority tree and shrubs for use in Landscape Architecture based on the dynamic states of native vegetation with the highest ecological value in mainland Portugal

Mauro Raposo, Carlos Pinto-Gomes, Ricardo Quinto-Canas

Research Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences 2022, 2(1), 46-57. DOI: 10.31586/rjees.2022.234

Abstract The reduction of the native forests coverage in mainland Portugal increased in the past centuries, leading to a marked decrease in biodiversity in general, especially on typical species of mature forest environments. However, urban biodiversity seems to resist more effectively than rural to disturbances due to the lower incidence of fires, as well as to agriculture expansion. Thus, in this work, [...] Read more.

The reduction of the native forests coverage in mainland Portugal increased in the past centuries, leading to a marked decrease in biodiversity in general, especially on typical species of mature forest environments. However, urban biodiversity seems to resist more effectively than rural to disturbances due to the lower incidence of fires, as well as to agriculture expansion. Thus, in this work, we analyzed the dynamics of the natural vegetation potential in each biogeographic sector, and selected, based on the evolutionary stages of the vegetation, a set of priority taxa for conservation. The criteria used are intended to highlight plants with ornamental value, but at the same time, some of them have high patrimonial value, belonging to the Red List of Vascular Flora of Mainland Portugal or protected by Annexes II, IV and V of the Sectorial Plan of the Natura 2000 Network at the European level. Our analysis resulted in the identification of 62 plants that can be increased in public spaces in order to improve their conservation status. For each biogeographic sector, the plants best adapted to the local edaphoclimatic conditions are presented. Forest habitats can now, through micro-reserves in urban areas, ensure their long-term conservation and greater awareness among the population. An integrated planning, where the socio-ecological strategy is designed for the long term, will benefit the quality of life of citizens in an urban environment. Furthermore, the creation of micro-reserves in urban parks (gardens) can prevent the extinction of many botanical values in the landscapes of the western Mediterranean Basin.

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Open Access May 06, 2022 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Drivers of Acute Diarrhea in Mothers of Children between 6 and 59 Months old in Kinshasa Households, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Jacques M. Kanika, Oscar K. Nsutier, Judith G. Schepers, Désiré L. Nsobani, Kulembidila E. Nsopa, Abonedje F. Mboni, Lunga M., Claudine R. Tshiama, Gédéon N. Bongo

World Journal of Medical Microbiology 2022, 1(1), 1-12. DOI: 10.31586/wjmm.2022.264

Abstract Acute diarrhea is a common affection, among children under 59 months old in Sub-saharan Africa and Asia known to be a global public health concern. It is responsible for significant mortality in developing countries. The main purpose of this study was to identify drivers of acute diarrhea in mothers of children aged 6-59 months in Kinshasa households. This study was conducted in two health areas [...] Read more.

Acute diarrhea is a common affection, among children under 59 months old in Sub-saharan Africa and Asia known to be a global public health concern. It is responsible for significant mortality in developing countries. The main purpose of this study was to identify drivers of acute diarrhea in mothers of children aged 6-59 months in Kinshasa households. This study was conducted in two health areas in Kinshasa namely Centre Supérieur Militaire Mobikisi and Hopital Militaire Central. It is a cross-sectional study of analytical type having a correlational design. In fact, 114 mothers having children aged 6 to 59 months old who had experienced at least three diarrheal episodes were selected and this research was carried out in January 2020. Independent variables were socio-economic factors and dependent variables were biological factors. Descriptive statistical analyses of which frequency and percentage were performed to describe the sampling profile. To measure the strength of association between different variables, the Pearson's Chi-Square (X²) test was used. The findings showed that 57% live in a high socio-economic environment compared to 43% who have a low socio-economic environment responsible for the occurrence of acute diarrhea. It was observed that 67.7% of participants knew the importance of access to health care services, compared to 32.3% who did not know. Meanwhile, 50.8% lived in a healthy environment versus 49.2% who had an unhealthy environment. Furthermore, 53.8% were in an acceptable demographic and biological situation, compared to 46.2% who were in a precarious demographic and biological situation. Acute diarrhea in children aged 6-59 months is one of the causes of morbidity and mortality in Kinshasa city. Obstacles to effective care are related to the lack of quality service provision. Policy makers must therefore put in place interventions to address these challenges in order to reduce infant morbidity and mortality in this area.

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Open Access May 04, 2022 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

First contribution to the ethnobotanical knowledge in the Peloritani Mounts (NE Sicily)

Gianmarco Tavilla, Alessandro Crisafulli, Veronica Ranno, Rosa Maria Picone, Fatima Zahrae Redouan, Gianpietro Giusso del Galdo

Research Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences 2022, 2(3), 1-34. DOI: 10.31586/rjees.2022.201

Abstract This paper presents the results of an ethnobotanical survey carried out in the Peloritani Mounts (NE Sicily). This investigation aims to illustrate the first record known of the traditional uses of plants in this territory through the case study of a small rural suburb named Tipoldo (Messina). The data were collected from 20 informants over the age of 66, who were mainly farmers and shepherds, and were analyzed using two quantitative ethnobotanical indicators. For each plant was reported the Latin name, life form, vernacular name, parts used, ethnobotany category, claimed uses, status, and their relative indexes. Based on semi-structured interviews carried out between February 2017 and May 2018, a listing was compiled of 126 wild plants belonging to 51 families, the most predominant being Asteraceae (19 species) and Fabaceae (15 species). The most common ethnobotanical uses reported are medicinal (30%) and agropastoral use (19%). Among the preparation methods indicated, leaves (39%) were the most commonly used parts of the plants, while the species most mentioned in connection with ethnobotanical applied indexes were: Crepis vesicaria, Dittrichia graveolens, Hypochaeris radicata, Salvia Rosmarinus and Clinopodium nepeta [...] Read more.

This paper presents the results of an ethnobotanical survey carried out in the Peloritani Mounts (NE Sicily). This investigation aims to illustrate the first record known of the traditional uses of plants in this territory through the case study of a small rural suburb named Tipoldo (Messina). The data were collected from 20 informants over the age of 66, who were mainly farmers and shepherds, and were analyzed using two quantitative ethnobotanical indicators. For each plant was reported the Latin name, life form, vernacular name, parts used, ethnobotany category, claimed uses, status, and their relative indexes. Based on semi-structured interviews carried out between February 2017 and May 2018, a listing was compiled of 126 wild plants belonging to 51 families, the most predominant being Asteraceae (19 species) and Fabaceae (15 species). The most common ethnobotanical uses reported are medicinal (30%) and agropastoral use (19%). Among the preparation methods indicated, leaves (39%) were the most commonly used parts of the plants, while the species most mentioned in connection with ethnobotanical applied indexes were: Crepis vesicaria, Dittrichia graveolens, Hypochaeris radicata, Salvia Rosmarinus and Clinopodium nepeta. These practices are presently performed only by a few elderly people, who rely on plants solely for a few activities. Furthermore, ethnobotanical studies are fundamental to clear up the knowledge on the traditional plant uses that are still current in this part of Sicily, to preserve this cultural heritage for future generations.

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Open Access April 06, 2022 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Geobotanical field activities for learning landscape interpretation concepts and methods for university students

Ana Cano Ortiz, José C. Piñar Fuentes, J.M.H. Ighbareyeh, Ricardo Quinto Canas, Carmelo M. Musarella, Eusebio Cano

Research Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences 2022, 2(2), 11-22. DOI: 10.31586/rjees.2022.206

Abstract The objective of this work is to materialize the learning of geobotanical concepts, and a methodology for the interpretation of the landscape, which allows the student to acquire practical knowledge, to obtain sufficient autonomy that allows him to join the labor market. Regarding the methodology, 100 field samples are taken for 3 years, and the participation of 60 students. The evaluation is [...] Read more.

The objective of this work is to materialize the learning of geobotanical concepts, and a methodology for the interpretation of the landscape, which allows the student to acquire practical knowledge, to obtain sufficient autonomy that allows him to join the labor market. Regarding the methodology, 100 field samples are taken for 3 years, and the participation of 60 students. The evaluation is carried out through reports on the field study. The landscapes of various areas of southern Spain are studied. For this we rely on the methodology previously established by other researchers, through which a complete diagnosis of a territory is reached, since the series and geoseries of vegetation are revealed. Being a study of natural reality, the abstract character presented by concepts such as sigmetum, sinassociation, series, geoseries, climatophilous, edaphoxerophilous, chain; it is perfectly clarified to the student, which makes the student progress efficiently, coming to the fore the acquisition of practical knowledge compared to theoretical ones. For this reason, practical teaching acquires preponderance, since it not only provides knowledge, but also development of cognitive and psychomotor skills, which are essential in the acquisition of skills and development of the individual's personality.

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Innovation Article

Open Access March 23, 2022 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Green Synthesis and Characterization of Cobalt, Iron and Copper Nanoparticles Derived from the Stem-Bark Extract of Khaya Senegalensis (Mahogany) and Its Antimirobial Activity

Nasiru Yahaya Pindiga, Khadija Ahmed Ya’u, Adamu Abubakar, Yakong David Madugu

Online Journal of Chemistry 2022, 2(1), 1-13. DOI: 10.31586/ojc.2022.158

Abstract During the past few decades, many of the synthetic chemicals are able to produce nanoparticles and nanoclusters, although these chemicals primarily act as reducing and capping agents, they are very toxic and hazardous and make the nanoparticles biologically incompatible. Thus there is need for green chemistry that includes a clean, non-toxic and environmental friendly method of nanoparticles [...] Read more.

During the past few decades, many of the synthetic chemicals are able to produce nanoparticles and nanoclusters, although these chemicals primarily act as reducing and capping agents, they are very toxic and hazardous and make the nanoparticles biologically incompatible. Thus there is need for green chemistry that includes a clean, non-toxic and environmental friendly method of nanoparticles synthesis. Cobalt, iron and copper nanoparticles were synthesized using the stem-bark extract of khayasenegalensis (mahogany) where cobalt chloride (CoCl₂ 6H₂O), ferric chloride (FeCl₂), and copper sulphate (CuSO₄ H₂O) were used as the metal precursor respectively. The change in color from light brown to dark brown indicates the formation of cobalt nanoparticles, from light brown to dark green indicates the formation of copper nanoparticles and also the change in color from light brown to a dark color indicates formation of iron nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were further characterized using UV visible spectroscopy, FTIR, and SEM. The UV result for CoNPs showed the highest peak at 500nm and both FeNPs and CuNPs showed the highest peak at 300nm. The FTIR results for all the nanoparticles showed the presence of Alkaloids and triterpenes. Also the SEM result showed spherical granular, partially dispersed and monodispersed morphology for CoNPs, FeNPs and CuNPs respectively. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of the synthesized NPs when tested against two gram positive bacteria and two gram negative bacteria was evaluated and good results were obtained. The antifungal activity when tested against two fungi showed a very good result.

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Open Access February 09, 2022 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Endemic Hemicryptophyte Grasslands of the High Mountains of the Caribbean

Ana Cano-Ortiz, Ricardo Quinto Canas, José Carlos Piñar Fuentes, Sara del Río, Carlos José Pinto Gomes and Eusebio Cano

Research Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences 2022, 2(1), 1-20. DOI: 10.31586/rjees.2022.184

Abstract Although there are numerous studies on the floristic composition of the Andean and Caribbean grasslands, there are limited information from a phytosociological point of view. This work therefore aims to highlight the differences in this important vegetation type in these two biodiversity hotspots to gain a better understanding of their floristic and vegetational richness. The floristic composition of Andean grasslands (Ecuador) and the island of Hispaniola is also studied. The reason for this comparative analysis of Andean and Caribbean territories is their tropical character and their bioclimatic similarities. The comparative analysis of Peruvian Andean and Colombian grasslands is based on floristic knowledge from the literature, our inventories on the island of Hispaniola, and the works of Peguero. We applied the phytosociological methodology of Braun-Blanquet and the code of phytosociological nomenclature. We performed a statistical analysis to verify the differences between both community types using the statistical packages PAST© and CAP3. The comparative analysis of Andean and Caribbean grasslands shows a clear floristic and biogeographical differentiation and reveals that the only ecological character they share is their high-mountain attribute. In the Caribbean these communities are found only on the island of Hispaniola (Dominican Republic) in the Central biogeographic sector, Central subprovince, Hispaniola province. These grasslands are exclusive to Hispaniola and have a high rate of endemics. We propose the following new syntaxa: the association Hyperico constanzae-Danthonietum domingensis, the alliance Hieracio domingensis-Deschampsion domingensis, the order Danthonietalia domingensis, and the class Deschampsio-Danthonietea domingensis. [...] Read more.

Although there are numerous studies on the floristic composition of the Andean and Caribbean grasslands, there are limited information from a phytosociological point of view. This work therefore aims to highlight the differences in this important vegetation type in these two biodiversity hotspots to gain a better understanding of their floristic and vegetational richness. The floristic composition of Andean grasslands (Ecuador) and the island of Hispaniola is also studied. The reason for this comparative analysis of Andean and Caribbean territories is their tropical character and their bioclimatic similarities. The comparative analysis of Peruvian Andean and Colombian grasslands is based on floristic knowledge from the literature, our inventories on the island of Hispaniola, and the works of Peguero. We applied the phytosociological methodology of Braun-Blanquet and the code of phytosociological nomenclature. We performed a statistical analysis to verify the differences between both community types using the statistical packages PAST© and CAP3. The comparative analysis of Andean and Caribbean grasslands shows a clear floristic and biogeographical differentiation and reveals that the only ecological character they share is their high-mountain attribute. In the Caribbean these communities are found only on the island of Hispaniola (Dominican Republic) in the Central biogeographic sector, Central subprovince, Hispaniola province. These grasslands are exclusive to Hispaniola and have a high rate of endemics. We propose the following new syntaxa: the association Hyperico constanzae-Danthonietum domingensis, the alliance Hieracio domingensis-Deschampsion domingensis, the order Danthonietalia domingensis, and the class Deschampsio-Danthonietea domingensis. We found high biodiversity values for Andean and Caribbean areas. This is due to the intense anthropic activity on the island of Hispaniola, which has led to a high percentage of naturalized plants.

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Open Access August 21, 2021 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Global Analysis of Potential COVID 19 Transmission and Enabling Factors

Hesham Magd, Henry Karyamsetty

Global Journal of Epidemiology and Infectious Disease 2021, 1(1), 46-61. DOI: 10.31586/gjeid.2021.010103

Abstract Background: Coronavirus disease has caused global turmoil especially causing huge impact on human life all over the world. Current reports states more than 3 million people have lost life and more than 160 million people are known to be suspected with the SARS-CoV-2. Transmission and disease incidence rates are indicators to assess the seriousness of COVID-19 pandemic and studies to understand the factors that aid in this direction are very vital to curb the disease. Methods: The study intends to discover the relationship by performing statistical analysis using correlation and multiple linear regression analysis between the variable’s population density, temperature, relative humidity, and active time of virus and find out the parameters that predict the cases reported per million population in 83 countries. Results: Analysis indicates active time of virus in days is very positively associated with the COVID -19 cases in all the countries r = .604, p < .01. Active time of virus shows strong negative correlation with temperature r = -.930, p [...] Read more.

Background: Coronavirus disease has caused global turmoil especially causing huge impact on human life all over the world. Current reports states more than 3 million people have lost life and more than 160 million people are known to be suspected with the SARS-CoV-2. Transmission and disease incidence rates are indicators to assess the seriousness of COVID-19 pandemic and studies to understand the factors that aid in this direction are very vital to curb the disease. Methods: The study intends to discover the relationship by performing statistical analysis using correlation and multiple linear regression analysis between the variable’s population density, temperature, relative humidity, and active time of virus and find out the parameters that predict the cases reported per million population in 83 countries. Results: Analysis indicates active time of virus in days is very positively associated with the COVID -19 cases in all the countries r = .604, p < .01. Active time of virus shows strong negative correlation with temperature r = -.930, p < .01 revealing that rise in temperature will reduce the virus activity in the population. Together, these variables will account for 36.2% variance in the cases per million population with no significant prediction estimated from any factor. Conclusion: The study outcomes clearly state that population density alone is insufficient to estimate the extent of influence on COVID -19 cases as the number of persons living per sq. km of land is a dynamic quantity tend to fluctuate over time and space due to migration of population. In conjunction to the previous studies reported on the environmental and climatic factors influencing the cases reported, population dynamics does not show much significance on the disease spread and incidence. Contribution: The rise in confirmed cases and the high incidence rate reported in countries can be attributed to the active time of virus life expectancy as there is a positive correlation observed between the COVID-19 cases reported and the virus active time in the examined countries. Also, environment and climatic factors play a role in modulating the infection and transmission rate with less significant influence of population density on the COVID-19.

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Open Access May 21, 2021 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Modeling of Target Audience'S Intellectual Behavior

Vitaliy Katsalap

Universal Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities 2021, 1(1), 1-10. DOI: 10.31586/ujssh.2021.010101

Abstract The article considers the problems of theoretical substantiation of negative informational and psychological impact evaluation principles, and conducting of relevant researches in this field. At the same time, due to imperfections of theory and practice of negative informational and psychological impact evaluation, previous researches were conducted mainly by “mirroring” the ways of information [...] Read more.

The article considers the problems of theoretical substantiation of negative informational and psychological impact evaluation principles, and conducting of relevant researches in this field. At the same time, due to imperfections of theory and practice of negative informational and psychological impact evaluation, previous researches were conducted mainly by “mirroring” the ways of information counteraction, both for our own measures of information and psychological influence, and for the adversary. The rationale for the methodological approaches used in the organization of information and psychological influence is due to inability to access the adversary's target audiences freely and gather the necessary information, as well as the inadequacy of assessing the degree of change in their behaviour. Characteristics mentioned in article classify target audiences according to defined indicators of remote information control of social and individual behaviour of possible objects of influence. Using the formulated conditions and relying on the psychological and psychophysiological characteristics of individuals, a database of target audience behaviour vulnerabilities is forming, that reflects the dependence of indicators of social behaviour perception changes on the intensity of external negative informational and psychological influences. The algorithm of target audience’s information perception is developed based on the model of planned behaviour, in which the subject’s overestimation of small values of probabilities are compared in dynamic with decrease of big ones. The proposed algorithm of evaluation of information-psychological impact allows to receive initial data based on which the model of target audience behaviour will be designed in any environmental conditions.

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Open Access June 18, 2025 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

The socio-economic influencers of school dropout amidst the implementation of the Free Senior High School policy in Ghana: A case study approach

Samuel Mojom, Joseph Baffour-Annor

Open Journal of Educational Research 2025, 5(3), 111-127. DOI: 10.31586/ojer.2025.6117

Abstract The Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy implementation in Ghana has garnered significant attention in academic research, with various studies delving into its advantages and implementation obstacles. Nevertheless, there has been a rise in school dropout rates among secondary school students amidst the programme implementation. There is therefore the need for a more localized scientific inquiry [...] Read more.

The Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy implementation in Ghana has garnered significant attention in academic research, with various studies delving into its advantages and implementation obstacles. Nevertheless, there has been a rise in school dropout rates among secondary school students amidst the programme implementation. There is therefore the need for a more localized scientific inquiry into the socio-economic factors contributing to school dropout among Senior High School (SHS) students in the Abofour community. The study employed a qualitative approach, using the case study design to conduct interviews with 22 students who had dropped out of SHS, to explore their experiences and identify key socio-economic factors influencing their decisions to leave school. Thematic data analysis revealed six main themes, namely, lack of parental support, peer influence, early marriage and pregnancy, economic conditions, and unsupportive school environment, as among the causative factors. The findings suggest that while the Free SHS policy has removed some direct financial barriers, other social, economic, and institutional factors continue to spur up dropout rates. The study concludes that addressing these underlying issues requires a multi-faceted approach that includes strengthening family support systems, improving school environments, and providing targeted interventions for at-risk students. In this regard, policymakers and other educational stakeholders are required to provide targeted supports to enhance student retention and reduce dropout rates in the Abofour community.

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Open Access June 03, 2025 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Complexity Leadership Theory Integration into Nursing Leadership and Development in Addressing COVID-19 and Future Pandemics

Charlie B. Chan

World Journal of Nursing Research 2025, 4(1), 87-97. DOI: 10.31586/wjnr.2025.6103

Abstract Complexity Leadership Theory (CLT) is a new and revolutionary concept in addressing healthcare crises worldwide. Its relevance and applications were tested during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, no definite and encompassing research was done to apply it to nursing leadership. Thus, this study examines CLT integration into nursing leadership to address the challenges posed by the pandemic. Through [...] Read more.

Complexity Leadership Theory (CLT) is a new and revolutionary concept in addressing healthcare crises worldwide. Its relevance and applications were tested during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, no definite and encompassing research was done to apply it to nursing leadership. Thus, this study examines CLT integration into nursing leadership to address the challenges posed by the pandemic. Through a systematic review of literature from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, relevant studies were analyzed to determine how complexity leadership theory was defined, conceptualized, and operationalized within nursing leadership context. The findings reveal that traditional hierarchical leadership models are insufficient in a dynamic crisis environment like the pandemic. Instead, CLT’s framework which encompasses adaptive, administrative, and enabling leadership facilitates innovation, resilience, and effective interprofessional collaboration. Nurse leaders employing these strategies are better positioned to manage resources limitation, foster shared decision-making, and implement technological advancements in rapidly changing healthcare settings. Overall, this study underscores the potential of complexity leadership theory to transform nursing leadership practices by promoting continuous learning and empowerment, thereby enhancing crisis response and preparedness for future pandemics.

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Open Access May 24, 2025 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Exploring Smartphone Use and Learning Behaviors among Senior High School Students: Insights from a Developing Region in Indonesia

Sanggam Pardede, Dewi Lestari Pardede, Lukman Pardede

Open Journal of Educational Research 2025, 5(3), 103-110. DOI: 10.31586/ojer.2025.6099

Abstract Smartphone use among adolescents has surged globally, reshaping communication and learning patterns, especially in developing countries. However, the implications of such digital habits on students in rural or under-resourced areas remain underexplored. This study aims to examine the patterns of smartphone usage and its effects on learning among high school students in Tarutung, a developing [...] Read more.

Smartphone use among adolescents has surged globally, reshaping communication and learning patterns, especially in developing countries. However, the implications of such digital habits on students in rural or under-resourced areas remain underexplored. This study aims to examine the patterns of smartphone usage and its effects on learning among high school students in Tarutung, a developing region of North Sumatra, Indonesia. Utilizing a quantitative descriptive approach, data were collected from 358 students using structured questionnaires. The results show that 96.05% of students own personal smartphones regardless of socioeconomic background, with an average daily usage of 4 hours and 45 minutes. While 91.81% believe smartphones support their learning, 25.99% report declining academic performance. Alarmingly, 20.62% of students admitted involvement in cyberbullying activities, highlighting a critical digital risk impacting the school environment and student well-being. The study concludes that although smartphones offer educational benefits, their misuse can lead to negative academic, social, and psychological outcomes. This study recommends digital literacy curricula and structured cooperation between parents and educators to prevent risks while optimizing educational opportunities in smartphone use.

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Open Access May 01, 2025 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

The Importance of Job Satisfaction, Work Engagement, and Sufficient Staffing in the Nursing Practice

Kimberly Bundalian

World Journal of Nursing Research 2025, 4(1), 77-80. DOI: 10.31586/wjnr.2025.6033

Abstract The commentary paper reviewed the above research study conducted by Wang et al. (2025), and the investigators examined the association between nurse staffing, job satisfaction, and work engagement, and how these variables impact the quality of care provision provided among the Chinese hospitals. Despite knowing that low staffing within the healthcare facilities is a global issue, Wang and [...] Read more.

The commentary paper reviewed the above research study conducted by Wang et al. (2025), and the investigators examined the association between nurse staffing, job satisfaction, and work engagement, and how these variables impact the quality of care provision provided among the Chinese hospitals. Despite knowing that low staffing within the healthcare facilities is a global issue, Wang and colleagues believed that low staffing is negatively and significantly associated with nurse’s welfare and patient care outcome. This issue causes an increase in burnout and decreased retention of healthcare providers within the clinical setting. It is important to consider and focus on improving and fostering job satisfaction and work engagement among nurses to provide better quality care even within a low staffing environment. According to Wang and colleagues, low staffing outcomes could be mitigated by encouraging workplaces to create healthy and supportive environments for the engaged and satisfied nurses. These would result in better out among patients and increase job fulfilment and welfare among nurses.

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Open Access March 29, 2025 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

How Stigma Affects Patients Seeking Help for Drug Addiction

Rusette de Leon Tesani

World Journal of Nursing Research 2025, 4(1), 31-46. DOI: 10.31586/wjnr.2025.1272

Abstract Stigma surrounding drug addiction remains a critical barrier to effective treatment, significantly influencing healthcare access, patient engagement, and recovery outcomes. This study explores the multifaceted impact of stigma on individuals seeking help for substance use disorders (SUDs), with a focus on healthcare-related discrimination, internalized stigma, and structural barriers. Research [...] Read more.

Stigma surrounding drug addiction remains a critical barrier to effective treatment, significantly influencing healthcare access, patient engagement, and recovery outcomes. This study explores the multifaceted impact of stigma on individuals seeking help for substance use disorders (SUDs), with a focus on healthcare-related discrimination, internalized stigma, and structural barriers. Research indicates that negative perceptions among healthcare providers contribute to delayed treatment-seeking behaviors, reduced adherence to medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and increased relapse rates. Additionally, patients internalizing these societal judgments experience heightened psychological distress, social isolation, and decreased self-efficacy, further hindering their recovery process. To address these challenges, evidence-based strategies such as addiction medicine education, trauma-informed care, harm reduction approaches, and peer support models have been shown to effectively reduce stigma and improve treatment outcomes. Hospital administrators and nursing leaders play a critical role in fostering a culture of empathy, advocating for the reframing of addiction as a neuro-psycho-biological disease rather than a moral failing. Future research should explore digital mental health interventions, motivational interviewing techniques, and interdisciplinary collaboration to further dismantle stigma and enhance the effectiveness of addiction treatment programs. This study highlights the urgent need for systemic policy changes, targeted educational programs, and a shift in clinical attitudes to create a more inclusive and stigma-free healthcare environment. Through implementing these approaches, healthcare providers can ensure equitable access to treatment and improve long-term health outcomes for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) and other substance-related conditions.

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Open Access March 25, 2025 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Resting-State Sensory-Motor Connectivity between Hand and Mouth as a Neural Marker of Socioeconomic Disadvantage, Psychosocial Stress, Cognitive Difficulties, Impulsivity, Depression, and Substance Use in Children

Shervin Assari, Alexandra Donovan, Babak Najand, Golnoush Akhlaghipour, Mario F Mendez

Journal of Cellular Neuroscience 2025, 2(1), 31-46. DOI: 10.31586/jcn.2025.1280

Abstract Background: The sensory-motor network is essential for integrating sensory input with motor function and higher-order cognition. Resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) within this network undergoes significant developmental changes, and disruptions in these connections have been linked to behavioral and psychiatric outcomes. However, the relationship between sensory-motor [...] Read more.

Background: The sensory-motor network is essential for integrating sensory input with motor function and higher-order cognition. Resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) within this network undergoes significant developmental changes, and disruptions in these connections have been linked to behavioral and psychiatric outcomes. However, the relationship between sensory-motor connectivity, early-life adversity, and later health behaviors remains understudied. Objective: This study examines the associations between rsFC within the sensory-motor network (mouth and hand regions) and key social, psychological, and behavioral factors, including baseline and past socioeconomic status (SES), trauma exposure, family conflict, impulsivity, major depressive disorder (MDD), and future substance use. Methods: Data were drawn from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, a national sample of U.S. children. Resting-state fMRI data were used to assess functional connectivity within the sensory-motor network. Bivariate analyses examined associations between rsFC in the sensory-motor mouth and hand regions and baseline SES, past SES, childhood trauma exposure, family conflict, impulsivity, and MDD. Longitudinal analyses assessed whether baseline rsFC predicted future substance use. Results: Greater rsFC between the sensory-motor mouth and hand regions was significantly associated with lower SES, higher trauma exposure, and greater family conflict. Increased connectivity was also correlated with older age and more advanced puberty status. Higher rsFC between the sensory-motor mouth and hand regions was linked to greater impulsivity, lower cognitive function, an increased likelihood of MDD, and future marijuana use. Conclusion: These findings suggest that sensory-motor connectivity is sensitive to socioeconomic and psychosocial stressors, with potential long-term implications for mental health and substance use risk. The results highlight the importance of early-life environmental factors in shaping neurodevelopmental trajectories and emphasize the need for targeted interventions to mitigate the effects of adversity on brain function and behavior. Future research should further explore the role of sensory-motor network alterations in behavioral health outcomes as a function of environmental stressors.

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Open Access March 09, 2025 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Place-Based Diminished Returns of Parental Education on Adolescents’ Inhalant Use in Rural Areas

Shervin Assari, Hossein Zare

Universal Journal of Pediatrics 2025, 1(1), 16-25. DOI: 10.31586/ujp.2025.6031

Abstract Background Adolescent substance use is often influenced by socioeconomic and geographical factors. While higher parental education is typically associated with lower substance use, these protective effects may be weaker for marginalized groups facing structural disadvantages that limit the utility and returns of their economic and social resources. Rural areas, characterized by fewer [...] Read more.

Background Adolescent substance use is often influenced by socioeconomic and geographical factors. While higher parental education is typically associated with lower substance use, these protective effects may be weaker for marginalized groups facing structural disadvantages that limit the utility and returns of their economic and social resources. Rural areas, characterized by fewer employment opportunities and limited recreational activities, may contribute to marginalization-related diminished returns (MDRs) of parental education on adolescent substance use, including inhalant use. Objectives This study applies the MDRs framework to examine whether the protective effect of higher parental education on current inhalant use (past 30 days) among 12th-grade American adolescents varies by geographic location. Specifically, we assess whether youth from highly educated families in rural areas are at a disproportionate risk of inhalant use compared to their urban and suburban peers. Methods Using data from the 2024 Monitoring the Future (MTF) study, a nationally representative survey of 12th-grade adolescents in the U.S., we tested main effects and statistical interactions between parental education and residence (rural vs. urban/suburban) in predicting the odds of inhalant use over the past 30 days. Logistic regression models, both with and without interaction terms, were applied to evaluate whether the protective effects of parental education varied by residence location, controlling for relevant demographic and socioeconomic factors. Results Findings indicate a significant interaction between parental education and rural residence. While higher parental education was associated with lower odds of inhalant use in urban and suburban areas, this protective effect was substantially weaker in rural settings. Adolescents from highly educated families in rural areas exhibited a higher-than-expected risk of inhalant use, suggesting that geographic marginalization attenuates the benefits of parental socioeconomic resources. Conclusions These results highlight the role of place-based marginalization in shaping adolescent substance use disparities, demonstrating that MDRs extend beyond race and ethnicity to location-based disadvantages. Rural youths from highly educated families may face unique structural and social challenges that counteract the protective effects of parental education. Public health efforts should consider place-based interventions that address the economic, recreational, and social limitations of rural environments to reduce substance use risk among high-SES adolescents residing in rural areas.

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Open Access March 08, 2025 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Advancing Preference Learning in AI: Beyond Pairwise Comparisons

Prudhvi Naayini, Anil Kumar Jonnalagadda, Srikanth Kamatala

Universal Journal of Computer Sciences and Communications 2025, 4(1), 15-19. DOI: 10.31586/ujcsc.2025.6036

Abstract Preference learning plays a crucial role in AI applications, particularly in recommender systems and personalized services. Traditional pairwise comparisons, while foundational, present scalability challenges in large-scale systems. This study explores alternative elicitation methods such as ranking, numerical ratings, and natural language feedback, alongside a novel hybrid framework that [...] Read more.

Preference learning plays a crucial role in AI applications, particularly in recommender systems and personalized services. Traditional pairwise comparisons, while foundational, present scalability challenges in large-scale systems. This study explores alternative elicitation methods such as ranking, numerical ratings, and natural language feedback, alongside a novel hybrid framework that dynamically integrates these approaches. The proposed methods demonstrate improved efficiency, reduced cognitive load, and enhanced accuracy. Results from simulated user studies reveal that hybrid approaches outperform traditional methods, achieving a 40% reduction in user effort while maintaining high predictive accuracy. These findings open pathways for deploying user-centric, scalable preference learning systems in dynamic environments.

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Open Access February 07, 2025 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

CEASE Tobacco Cessation Program: Validation of Self-Rated Quit with Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence

Payam Sheikhattari, Rifath Ara Alam Barsha, Chidubem Egboluche, Adriana Foster, Shervin Assari

Global Journal of Cardiovascular Diseases 2025, 4(1), 22-33. DOI: 10.31586/gjcd.2025.1190

Abstract Background: Despite advancements in smoking cessation interventions, few programs have demonstrated sustained effectiveness among low-income, underserved populations. The Communities Engaged and Advocating for a Smoke-free Environment (CEASE) program was developed to address this gap and support tobacco cessation in these communities. However, it remains unclear whether self-reported [...] Read more.

Background: Despite advancements in smoking cessation interventions, few programs have demonstrated sustained effectiveness among low-income, underserved populations. The Communities Engaged and Advocating for a Smoke-free Environment (CEASE) program was developed to address this gap and support tobacco cessation in these communities. However, it remains unclear whether self-reported outcome measures in this context are in line with more objective outcome measures. Aims: This study aimed to validate self-reported quit rates using the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) as a gold standard outcome measure for evaluation of the effectiveness of the CEASE smoking cessation intervention compared to a self-help approach among low-income, underserved adult smokers. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was employed to evaluate this community-based intervention. Although participants were initially assigned to three groups, this report focuses on two arms that show the major difference in the efficacy of the program: (1) the self-help group (reference; Arm 1) and (2) the in-person CEASE group (Arm 2). Outcomes included successful quitting, assessed through self-reports, and changes in FTND scores. To examine the concordance between these measures, we tested whether changes in FTND scores fully explained the relationship between the intervention and self-reported quitting. Potential confounders included demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related variables. Data were analyzed using regression and structural equation modeling (SEM). Results: The majority of participants were Black Americans, followed by White individuals and those of other racial backgrounds. The CEASE intervention (Arm 2) demonstrated effectiveness in reducing nicotine dependence (measured by FTND) and increasing self-reported quit rates compared to the self-help group. Importantly, changes in FTND scores fully explained the effect of the CEASE intervention on self-reported quitting, highlighting the program’s impact on addiction severity. Conclusion: Successful quitting measured using self-report is in line with the decline in nicotine addiction severity among low-income racial minority populations. CEASE holds promise as a scalable solution to address smoking disparities in underserved communities.

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Open Access January 24, 2025 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

High Socioeconomic Status Black Adolescents Attend Worse Schools than Whites

Shervin Assari, Hossein Zare

Open Journal of Educational Research 2025, 5(1), 1-12. DOI: 10.31586/ojer.2025.1160

Abstract Background: School characteristics — including poverty levels, teacher experience, graduation rates, and college enrollment — are essential determinants of students’ academic outcomes and long-term success. Families often use their socioeconomic resources, such as parental education and household income, to secure access to high-quality schools with favorable attributes. However, [...] Read more.

Background: School characteristics — including poverty levels, teacher experience, graduation rates, and college enrollment — are essential determinants of students’ academic outcomes and long-term success. Families often use their socioeconomic resources, such as parental education and household income, to secure access to high-quality schools with favorable attributes. However, Minorities’ Diminished Returns (MDRs) theory suggests that Black families may not experience the same benefits of high family SES due to structural barriers. This study examines the association between family SES and school characteristics, focusing on racial disparities in access to high-quality educational environments. Objective: To investigate the relationship between family SES (parental education and household income) and multiple school characteristics (poverty, teacher experience, graduation rates, and college enrollment), and to assess racial differences in these associations. Methods: Data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, a national sample of US adolescents, was analyzed. We used multivariate regression models to examine associations between family SES and school characteristics and to test for interactions by race, specifically comparing Black and White adolescents. Results: Higher family SES was associated with positive school characteristics overall, including lower school poverty, greater teacher experience, and increased graduation and college enrollment rates. However, these positive effects of high family SES on school characteristics were significantly weaker for Black adolescents than for White adolescents. Black adolescents from high-income families were more likely than White adolescents from similar backgrounds to attend schools with higher poverty rates, less experienced teachers, and reduced graduation and college enrollment rates. Conclusion: Our findings highlight persistent racial inequities in access to educational opportunities, even among families with comparable socioeconomic resources. The diminished returns of family SES for Black adolescents underscore the role of structural barriers in limiting access to high-quality schools. These findings emphasize the need for policy interventions to address systemic inequalities that hinder Black families from fully leveraging their SES to access favorable educational environments.

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Open Access January 24, 2025 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Pallidum Functional Hypoconnectivity and Inhibitory Control as Partial Mediators of Environmental Influences on Tobacco and Marijuana Initiation

Shervin Assari, Hossein Zare

Journal of Cellular Neuroscience 2025, 1(1), 33-45. DOI: 10.31586/jcn.2025.1140

Abstract Background: Low socioeconomic status (SES) has been linked to higher rates of tobacco and marijuana use initiation; however, the contributions of environmental and neurocognitive factors remain underexplored. This study investigates a potential pathway connecting low SES, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure, brain functional connectivity, and inhibitory control to increased [...] Read more.

Background: Low socioeconomic status (SES) has been linked to higher rates of tobacco and marijuana use initiation; however, the contributions of environmental and neurocognitive factors remain underexplored. This study investigates a potential pathway connecting low SES, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure, brain functional connectivity, and inhibitory control to increased tobacco and marijuana use initiation among adolescents. Objectives: To examine the mediating roles of PM2.5 exposure, resting-state functional connectivity between the right pallidum and the ventral attention network (P-VAN rsFC), and inhibitory control in the relationship between low SES and tobacco and marijuana use initiation. Methods: Data were drawn from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study to assess associations between baseline SES, baseline PM2.5 exposure (based on zip code), baseline P-VAN rsFC, baseline inhibitory control, and subsequent tobacco and marijuana use initiation. Mediation models were used to determine whether PM2.5 exposure and changes in P-VAN rsFC act as pathways linking low SES to diminished inhibitory control and subsequent substance use initiation. Results: Low SES was associated with higher PM2.5 exposure, which, in turn, was linked to alterations in P-VAN rsFC. These alterations were correlated with lower inhibitory control, which significantly predicted tobacco and marijuana use initiation over time. Inhibitory control partially mediated the relationship between low SES and substance use initiation, indicating a complex pathway influenced by environmental and neurocognitive factors. Conclusions: This study identifies a potential mechanism linking low SES to tobacco and marijuana use initiation through environmental and neurobiological pathways. Understanding how PM2.5 exposure and neurofunctional connectivity impact inhibitory control can provide valuable insights for developing targeted interventions to reduce substance use among adolescents in low SES environments.

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Open Access January 16, 2025 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Extreme Heat Exposure and Adolescent Cognitive Function

Shervin Assari, Hossein Zare

Open Journal of Neuroscience 2025, 3(1), 1-9. DOI: 10.31586/ojn.2025.1247

Abstract Background: Extreme heat exposure is an increasing public health concern, particularly in the context of climate change. Limited research has explored its impact on children's cognitive outcomes. This study investigates the association between extreme heat exposure and cognitive function in 9–10-year-old children, using data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study. [...] Read more.

Background: Extreme heat exposure is an increasing public health concern, particularly in the context of climate change. Limited research has explored its impact on children's cognitive outcomes. This study investigates the association between extreme heat exposure and cognitive function in 9–10-year-old children, using data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study. Additionally, we assess whether this effect is independent of socio-demographic factors such as race, family socioeconomic status (SES), and neighborhood SES. Methods: Data were drawn from the ABCD study, comprising over 10,000 children aged 9–10 years. Cognitive function was assessed through standardized cognitive tests, while extreme heat exposure was estimated using geographic and climate data. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to examine the direct effects of heat exposure on cognitive outcomes and to account for potential confounding variables, including race, family SES, and neighborhood SES. Results: Black families, low SES households, and children from low SES neighborhoods were disproportionately exposed to extreme heat. Extreme heat exposure was significantly associated with lower cognitive function in children, and this association remained robust even after adjusting for socio-demographic factors. Conclusions: Extreme heat exposure is linked to diminished cognitive function in children, particularly among socio-economically disadvantaged and marginalized populations. Given the increasing frequency of extreme heat events due to climate change, future research should further explore these implications for children’s cognitive outcomes. Policy interventions that improve access to cooling infrastructure, expand green spaces, and prioritize at-risk populations are critical to mitigating the adverse cognitive effects of extreme heat in low SES communities.

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Open Access January 16, 2025 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Heat Exposure Predicts Earlier Childhood Pubertal Initiation, Behavioral Problems, and Tobacco Use

Shervin Assari, Babak Najand, Hossein Zare

Global Journal of Epidemiology and Infectious Disease 2025, 5(1), 1-11. DOI: 10.31586/gjeid.2025.1176

Abstract Background: Climate change has raised significant concerns about its impact on health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and adolescents. While extensive research has examined physical health effects, limited attention has been given to the influence of extreme heat on developmental and behavioral outcomes. Objectives: This study investigates the association [...] Read more.

Background: Climate change has raised significant concerns about its impact on health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and adolescents. While extensive research has examined physical health effects, limited attention has been given to the influence of extreme heat on developmental and behavioral outcomes. Objectives: This study investigates the association between extreme heat exposure and early puberty initiation (ages 9-10), using data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study. It further explores how early puberty correlates with behavioral problems and tobacco use initiation. Methods: Data from 11,878 participants in the ABCD study were analyzed to examine the relationship between extreme heat exposure (independent variable) and puberty initiation (outcome). Behavioral problems and tobacco use initiation were evaluated as downstream outcomes of early puberty. Covariates included age, sex, and race/ethnicity, and behavioral problems were assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed for analysis. Results: Extreme heat exposure was significantly associated with earlier puberty initiation at ages 9-10. Early puberty, in turn, correlated with higher levels of behavioral problems and an increased likelihood of tobacco use initiation. Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of addressing environmental factors such as extreme heat to reduce risks associated with early maturation, including behavioral and substance use challenges. Targeted interventions and policies are needed to mitigate the impact of extreme heat on child development, and longitudinal studies are essential to confirm these results and inform effective prevention strategies.

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Open Access January 09, 2025 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Advances in the Synthesis and Optimization of Pharmaceutical APIs: Trends and Techniques

Sourav Adak

Universal Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2025, 4(1), 1-6. DOI: 10.31586/ujpp.2025.1239

Abstract The synthesis and optimization of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) is fundamental to pharmaceutical drug development, directly influencing drug efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Over recent years, significant advancements in synthetic methodologies and manufacturing technologies have transformed API production. This manuscript provides an overview of the latest innovations in API [...] Read more.

The synthesis and optimization of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) is fundamental to pharmaceutical drug development, directly influencing drug efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Over recent years, significant advancements in synthetic methodologies and manufacturing technologies have transformed API production. This manuscript provides an overview of the latest innovations in API synthesis, focusing on key techniques such as green chemistry, continuous flow chemistry, biocatalysis, and automation. Green chemistry principles, including solvent substitution and catalytic reactions, have enhanced sustainability by reducing waste and energy consumption. Continuous flow chemistry offers improved reaction control, scalability, and safety, while biocatalysis provides an eco-friendly alternative for synthesizing complex and chiral APIs. Additionally, the integration of automation and advanced process control using machine learning and real-time monitoring has optimized production efficiency and consistency. The manuscript also discusses the challenges associated with regulatory compliance and quality assurance, highlighting the role of advanced analytical techniques such as HPLC, NMR, and mass spectrometry in ensuring API purity. Looking ahead, personalized medicine and smart manufacturing technologies, including blockchain for traceability, are expected to drive further innovation in API production. This review concludes by emphasizing the need for continued advancements in sustainability, efficiency, and scalability to meet the evolving demands of the pharmaceutical industry, ultimately enabling the development of safer, more effective, and environmentally responsible medicines.

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Open Access November 21, 2024 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Diminished Returns of Educational Attainment on Body Mass Index Among Latino Populations: Insights from UAS Data

Shervin Assari, Hossein Zare

Global Journal of Epidemiology and Infectious Disease 2024, 4(1), 92-104. DOI: 10.31586/gjeid.2024.1096

Abstract Background: Educational attainment is a well-established predictor of physical health outcomes, including body mass index (BMI). However, according to the theory of Minorities' Diminished Returns (MDRs), the health benefits of education tend to be weaker for ethnic minorities compared to non-Latino Whites, due to structural inequalities and social disadvantages. Objective: [...] Read more.
Background: Educational attainment is a well-established predictor of physical health outcomes, including body mass index (BMI). However, according to the theory of Minorities' Diminished Returns (MDRs), the health benefits of education tend to be weaker for ethnic minorities compared to non-Latino Whites, due to structural inequalities and social disadvantages. Objective: This study examines whether the association between educational attainment and BMI is weaker among Latino individuals compared to non-Latino individuals, in line with the MDRs framework. Methods: Data were drawn from the 2014 wave of the Understanding America Study (UAS), a nationally representative internet-based panel. Body mass index (BMI) was the outcome of interest. Linear regression models were used to analyze the association between educational attainment and BMI, with an interaction term for ethnicity to explore differences in the relationship between Latino and non-Latino people. Models were adjusted for age, sex, marital status, and labor market participation and results were presented as beta coefficients, p-values, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Higher educational attainment was associated with lower BMI for both Latino and non-Latino participants (p < 0.001). However, the interaction between educational attainment and ethnicity was significant (p < 0.05), indicating that Latino individuals experienced smaller reductions in BMI because of higher education compared to non-Latino people. Conclusion: This study provides evidence of diminished returns from educational attainment on BMI among Latino individuals. These findings support the MDRs framework, suggesting that structural barriers may limit the health benefits of education for Latino populations. While education is a key determinant of physical and mental health, its benefits are not equitably distributed across ethnic groups. Structural inequalities, chronic stress, poor neighborhood environments, and adverse educational and occupational conditions likely contribute to this disparity. Addressing these underlying factors through targeted policy interventions is necessary to promote health equity for Latino populations.

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Open Access November 19, 2024 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Influence of Physical Features of Housing Environment on Students Halls of Residence

Kasim Smith, Juliana Asantewa, Patience AndohKwaw, Esther Owarewaa Ampaw

Universal Journal of Business and Management 2024, 4(1), 28-42. DOI: 10.31586/ujbm.2024.1162

Abstract The purpose of the study was to examine the Influence of Physical Features of the Housing Environment on Students' Halls of Residence at the University of Cape Coast in the central region of Ghana. Quantitatively, a descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. Housing Deficit Theory underpins the study. The study population comprised three hundred and eight one (381) level 100 [...] Read more.
The purpose of the study was to examine the Influence of Physical Features of the Housing Environment on Students' Halls of Residence at the University of Cape Coast in the central region of Ghana. Quantitatively, a descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. Housing Deficit Theory underpins the study. The study population comprised three hundred and eight one (381) level 100 students in the Halls of Residence at the University of Cape Coast. Stratified proportionate random and simple random sampling techniques were used to select the eight (8) halls of residence and three hundred and eight one (381) level 100 students. The main instrument for data collection was a questionnaire. Cronbach's alpha was used in the study to assess the reliability of the variables. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data and show the direction of the responses. The study revealed that the students were satisfied with the physical features of the halls of residence, which influenced their contentment. Features such as recreational facilities, fire service systems, and relaxation facilities were vital in reaching such satisfaction. The study also indicated that the students were satisfied with how much their housing environment influenced their contentment. Students' relationship with their colleagues, the proximity of their halls of residence to the lecture halls and the serenity of the environment of the halls of residence all proved helpful in aligning the students' contentment to such an extent. It is recommended that the hall management should maintain the present physical features and facilities in the halls of residence for students' satisfaction. It is also recommended that the university management take into consideration the proximity of the halls of residence to the lecture theatres and the serenity of the environment of halls of residence in any future halls of residence construction.

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Open Access November 19, 2024 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

The Cost of Opportunity: Anti-Black Discrimination in High Resource Settings

Shervin Assari, Hossein Zare

Journal of Biomedical and Life Sciences 2024, 4(2), 92-110. DOI: 10.31586/jbls.2024.1128

Abstract Objective: Inequalities exist in children’s educational outcomes—including reading proficiency, school discrimination, and school disciplinary actions—across zip codes with different levels of educational childhood opportunity index (COI). This study examines the interaction between race and educational environment on children’s educational outcomes. We hypothesize that race, parental [...] Read more.
Objective: Inequalities exist in children’s educational outcomes—including reading proficiency, school discrimination, and school disciplinary actions—across zip codes with different levels of educational childhood opportunity index (COI). This study examines the interaction between race and educational environment on children’s educational outcomes. We hypothesize that race, parental education, and their interaction are associated with perceived school discrimination, which in turn reduces their cognitive, academic, and emotional wellbeing. We also hypothesize that Black children with high socioeconomic status (SES) report high perceived school discrimination in high-COI settings. Methods: Data were drawn from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, which measures a wide range of educational, cognitive, and emotional outcomes. At the same time, the ABCD children are sampled across areas with vast differences in COI rankings, that can be classified into these five categories: very high, high, average, low, and very low educational COIs. Our structural equation models (SEM) tested the additive and interactive effects of race and educational attainment on perceived school discrimination, and the effects of school discrimination on various cognitive abilities (reading proficiency, picture vocabulary, and list sorting working memory), school suspension, as well as depressed mood. Our multi-group SEM assessed how these relationships vary across educational COI levels. Results: Our findings showed that high SES Black children report highest school discrimination in residential areas with highest COIs. This is based on the observation that the interaction between race and parental education on experiences of school discrimination were only significant in areas with highest COI. Across residential areas with different COI levels, students who experienced higher school discrimination had higher suspension, worse depression, and worse cognitive performance. Conclusion: While higher COIs are associated with better academic outcomes, Black-White gaps exist in the role of increased COI through increased racial bias that children perceive. These findings underscore the complexity of educational equity, suggesting that improving COI alone is insufficient for eliminating racial disparities in school experiences. Policies should be in place to reduce school-based discrimination against Black students in high COI settings.

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Open Access November 14, 2024 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

When Common Becomes Normal: Weaker Association Between Neighborhood Stress and Body Mass Index Among Black Adolescents Compared to White Adolescents

Shervin Assari, Hossein Zare

Global Journal of Cardiovascular Diseases 2024, 3(1), 1-12. DOI: 10.31586/gjcd.2024.1121

Abstract Objective: This study explores the relationship between neighborhood stress and Body Mass Index (BMI) in adolescents, while also examining whether this association differs between Black and White adolescents. Methods: Data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study were analyzed using linear regression models to examine the association between neighborhood stress [...] Read more.
Objective: This study explores the relationship between neighborhood stress and Body Mass Index (BMI) in adolescents, while also examining whether this association differs between Black and White adolescents. Methods: Data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study were analyzed using linear regression models to examine the association between neighborhood stress (defined as a composite score based on three items measuring perceived safety and neighborhood fear) and BMI in adolescents, controlling for demographic and socioeconomic variables. We tested models both with and without interaction terms to assess whether race moderated the association. Stratified analyses were conducted to further explore potential differences between Black and White adolescents. Results: A positive association was observed between neighborhood stress and BMI across the overall sample. However, this association was weaker for Black adolescents compared to White adolescents, even after adjusting for potential confounders. Conclusions: The contribution of neighborhood stress to higher BMI in adolescents may vary by race. Our findings suggest that while neighborhood stress is associated with increased BMI, Black adolescents appear to be less affected by these stressors than their White peers. This weaker association could be due to the normalization of stress in environments where it is pervasive (what is common becomes normal) or the presence of other significant risk factors affecting BMI in Black youth, such as poverty, limited food access, food culture, and food deserts. Future research should explore processes of habituation, inoculation, or even sensitization to stress among Black populations, who are often exposed to a wide range of stressors throughout the life course.

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Open Access November 07, 2024 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Optimizing Pharmaceutical Supply Chain: Key Challenges and Strategic Solutions

Manas Gorani

World Journal of Clinical Medicine Research 2024, 4(1), 35-41. DOI: 10.31586/wjcmr.2024.1118

Abstract Pharmaceutical supply chains are critical to ensuring the availability of safe and effective medications, yet they face numerous challenges that can jeopardize public health. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the key issues impacting pharmaceutical supply chains, including regulatory compliance, demand forecasting, supply chain visibility, quality assurance, and geopolitical risks. [...] Read more.
Pharmaceutical supply chains are critical to ensuring the availability of safe and effective medications, yet they face numerous challenges that can jeopardize public health. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the key issues impacting pharmaceutical supply chains, including regulatory compliance, demand forecasting, supply chain visibility, quality assurance, and geopolitical risks. Regulatory compliance remains a significant concern due to the stringent guidelines imposed by authorities such as the FDA and EMA, which can lead to increased operational costs and time delays. Additionally, traditional demand forecasting methods often fail to accurately predict fluctuations in drug demand, resulting in stockouts or excess inventory. Limited supply chain visibility further complicates these challenges, hindering timely decision-making and operational efficiency. Quality assurance is paramount, as maintaining the integrity of pharmaceutical products throughout the supply chain is crucial to preventing costly recalls and ensuring patient safety. Moreover, the globalization of supply chains introduces vulnerabilities to geopolitical risks, trade disputes, and natural disasters. In response to these issues, this article outlines strategic recommendations for optimizing pharmaceutical supply chains. These include leveraging advanced analytics and IoT technologies to enhance demand forecasting and visibility, strengthening compliance through automated systems and training, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, implementing robust risk management frameworks, and investing in quality management systems. By adopting these strategies, pharmaceutical companies can enhance the efficiency and resilience of their supply chains, ultimately ensuring the continuous availability of essential medications for patients worldwide. This analysis serves as a critical resource for industry professionals seeking to navigate the complexities of pharmaceutical supply chains in an increasingly dynamic global environment.

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Open Access November 03, 2024 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Students' Perceptions of the Usefulness of Formative Feedback in Mathematics Lessons

Iddrisu Abdul Rahaman

Open Journal of Educational Research 2024, 4(6), 353-364. DOI: 10.31586/ojer.2024.1144

Abstract This study aimed to examine students' perceptions of the usefulness of formative feedback in mathematics lessons at Sagnerigu Municipality in the Northern Region of Ghana. Quantitatively, this study employed a descriptive non-experimental survey design. The population comprises all pupils of public Junior High Schools in the Sagnerigu Municipality. A purposive sampling technique was used to [...] Read more.
This study aimed to examine students' perceptions of the usefulness of formative feedback in mathematics lessons at Sagnerigu Municipality in the Northern Region of Ghana. Quantitatively, this study employed a descriptive non-experimental survey design. The population comprises all pupils of public Junior High Schools in the Sagnerigu Municipality. A purposive sampling technique was used to select the Junior High School students for the study. The criterion purposive sampling technique was used to select 518 final-year students for the 2022 Basic education certificate examination from 14 schools in Sagnerigu Municipality. The chosen schools comprised 291 students from high-performing schools and 227 students from low-performing schools. The primary tool for the study was the Student Feedback Perception Questionnaire (SFPQ), administered to the student participants. The Descriptive statistical tool was used to analyse the mean and standard deviation of the data. The study's examination of students' perceptions of feedback revealed a moderate level of perceived usefulness. This emphasises the importance of feedback as a tool for student growth and development. However, the findings also suggest the need for further support and guidance to optimise the impact of feedback on student learning outcomes. The findings also suggest that students value feedback that helps them improve their skills and strategies in Mathematics and keeps them on track to succeed. It also highlights the importance of providing different types of feedback to cater to the diverse learning needs of students. Educators can create a conducive environment that promotes student engagement and achievement by equipping teachers with effective feedback techniques, emphasising constructive comments and avoiding grades.

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Open Access October 21, 2024 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Sexual Harassment in Ghanaian Tertiary Institutions: Reality or Perception

Wahab Sualihu, Mohammed Zakaria, Victor Owusu

Universal Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities 2024, 4(2), 74-88. DOI: 10.31586/ujssh.2024.1085

Abstract This article assesses the realities of sexual harassment (SH) in selected tertiary educational institutions in Ghana. Using multiple data collection techniques, three areas that are related to SH were assessed. These are knowledge of what constitutes SH, the nature and incidence of SH, and strategies/procedures for handling issues of SH in tertiary educational institutions. The findings from the [...] Read more.
This article assesses the realities of sexual harassment (SH) in selected tertiary educational institutions in Ghana. Using multiple data collection techniques, three areas that are related to SH were assessed. These are knowledge of what constitutes SH, the nature and incidence of SH, and strategies/procedures for handling issues of SH in tertiary educational institutions. The findings from the perspective of teaching and non-teaching staff strongly suggest that knowledge of SH was high among teaching staff but low among non-teaching staff. Staff could not relate very well to the reporting systems and procedures of SH in their institutions. Issues of SH were left in the hands of only a few staff while newly recruited staff showed little understanding of the reporting systems and procedures. From the perspective of students, knowledge of what constitutes SH was high. Students were able to indicate the various SH reporting systems/procedures in the tertiary educational institutions and further indicated that the institutions have provided a safe environment and appointed designated people to handle sexual harassment complaints. Surprisingly, the incidence of sexual harassment was low, and this affected sexual harassment reporting.

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Open Access October 18, 2024 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

A study on epistemic modal elements expressed in the selected State of the Nation Address of Ghana

Evans Job Adu

Universal Journal of Literature and Linguistics 2024, 4(1), 72-82. DOI: 10.31586/ujll.2024.1083

Abstract This study addressed the frequency of occurrence of the epistemic modal elements that the Ex-president prefers to express in the selected State of the Nation Addresses of Ghana. The study adopted a qualitative approach. Purposively, the two addresses selected for the study are State of the Nation Address: 16th February 2001 and State of the Nation Address: 14th February 2008. The selected [...] Read more.
This study addressed the frequency of occurrence of the epistemic modal elements that the Ex-president prefers to express in the selected State of the Nation Addresses of Ghana. The study adopted a qualitative approach. Purposively, the two addresses selected for the study are State of the Nation Address: 16th February 2001 and State of the Nation Address: 14th February 2008. The selected addresses are a good starting point for determining tendencies in the meaning expressed by the selected modal categories. The focus is on the semantics of the epistemic category of modality and other related variables within the contexts in which they are used. The data were analysed based on specific epistemic modal meanings and the modal elements expressed. It was observed that there were more expressions of certainty during the 2008 State of the Nation Address than the first one delivered by the Ex-president. Additionally, it is observed that the selection of a particular modal element in a particular context is primarily influenced by the interplay of the speaker and the participants involved. Therefore, an epistemic modal element used in a different linguistic environment may have a different contextual meaning from another. The lower expressions of uncertainty during the last State of the Nation, which ended the tenure of office of the ex-president, show that he was sure he had performed well and was bold enough to make categorical statements. The study exhibited some occurrences of expression of tentativeness with the use of modal verbs alone. All the categories recorded any instance of tentativeness. It is also recommended that politicians, spokespersons, and speech writers be cautious when indicating their information sources and how they obtain them. This helps maintain political credibility, which is the dominant index of the electorate's quest for people who know the conditions and problems prevailing in the country and their solutions.

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Open Access August 30, 2024 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Exploring the Benefits of Forgiveness among Adolescents in Junior High Schools in Bimbilla in Ghana: A Comparative Study Based on Age

James Kwame Mahama

Universal Journal of Multidisciplinary Research 2024, 1(1), 1-19. DOI: 10.31586/ujmr.2024.1059

Abstract This study investigates the benefits of forgiveness among adolescents in Junior High Schools (JHS) in Bimbilla, Ghana, focusing on the influence of age on the effectiveness of forgiveness interventions. The study adopted a mixed-method experimental design, a purposive selection of eight JHSs within the Nanumba North Municipality, from which 60 adolescents were randomly chosen to participate. The [...] Read more.
This study investigates the benefits of forgiveness among adolescents in Junior High Schools (JHS) in Bimbilla, Ghana, focusing on the influence of age on the effectiveness of forgiveness interventions. The study adopted a mixed-method experimental design, a purposive selection of eight JHSs within the Nanumba North Municipality, from which 60 adolescents were randomly chosen to participate. The study employed the Enright Forgiveness Inventory, Depression Mood Scale, and Anger Self-Report items to assess participants' emotional states before and after the intervention. The interventions were structured around the REACH model of forgiveness, which included sessions aimed at helping participants identify sources of hurt, understand the concept of forgiveness, and recognise the emotional costs of holding onto grievances. Qualitative data were analysed into themes using an interpretative lens. A two-way Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used to analyse the data. The findings revealed that exposure to forgiveness therapies significantly reshaped participants' negative emotions, leading to a marked decrease in feelings of anger and depression. Post-intervention assessments indicated that participants developed a more positive outlook towards their offenders, highlighting the transformative power of forgiveness in fostering emotional well-being. The study's results align with previous research, indicating that forgiveness interventions can effectively reduce negative emotional states and promote psychological resilience. The implications of these findings suggest that integrating forgiveness education into school curricula could be beneficial for enhancing the mental health of adolescents. By fostering an environment that encourages forgiveness, educators and mental health professionals can help mitigate the adverse effects of unresolved emotional conflicts, ultimately contributing to healthier interpersonal relationships and improved overall well-being among young individuals.

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Open Access August 29, 2024 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Adversities Mediate Social Determinants of Youth Tobacco Use Initiation

Shervin Assari, Payam Sheikhattari, Hossein Zare

Journal of Biomedical and Life Sciences 2024, 4(1), 15-26. DOI: 10.31586/jbls.2024.1039

Abstract Background: Social determinants of health (SDOH) significantly influence health behaviors, including tobacco use among youth. Adversities such as perceived discrimination, perceived neighborhood stress, life trauma, and financial strain are stressors that may mediate the relationship between various SDOH and youth tobacco use. This study aims to investigate whether multidimensional adversities [...] Read more.

Background: Social determinants of health (SDOH) significantly influence health behaviors, including tobacco use among youth. Adversities such as perceived discrimination, perceived neighborhood stress, life trauma, and financial strain are stressors that may mediate the relationship between various SDOH and youth tobacco use. This study aims to investigate whether multidimensional adversities mediate the effects of SDOH on tobacco use among youth. Methods: Data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study were used to test our hypotheses. The sample included a diverse cohort of youth aged 9-10 years old followed until they were 15-16 years old. We examined the effects of baseline parental education, household income, neighborhood income, and family structure on subsequent youth tobacco use. Structural equation models were used to test if adversities (perceived discrimination, life trauma, financial strain) operate as potential mediators. Results: All ABCD participants were eligible for our analysis, regardless of race, ethnicity, or SDOHs (n = 11,878). The findings indicated that the effects of parental education, household income, neighborhood income, and family structure on youth tobacco use were partially mediated by adversities. Higher levels of parental education and household income were associated with lower tobacco use, and this relationship was weakened when accounting for adversities. Similarly, stable family structures and higher neighborhood income were linked to reduced tobacco use, with adversities playing a mediating role. Conclusions: Multidimensional adversities partially mediate the relationship between SDOH at baseline and subsequent youth tobacco use. Interventions aimed at reducing youth tobacco use should address both the social determinants and multiple adversities experienced by adolescents. Policies to improve the educational and economic situations of families, enhance neighborhood environments, and support stable family structures all reduce youth tobacco use, with lower exposure to adversities explaining this effect.

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Open Access August 24, 2024 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Higher Neighborhood Crime Rates Don't Always Predict Early Initiation of Tobacco, Marijuana, and Alcohol

Shervin Assari, Payam Sheikhattari

Journal of Social Mathematical & Human Engineering Sciences 2024, 3(1), 29-37. DOI: 10.31586/jsmhes.2024.1049

Abstract Background: The initiation of substance use during adolescence is a significant public health concern with long-term implications. Structural and environmental factors, such as community-level crime statistics related to drug offenses, are often assumed to influence the likelihood of substance use among youth. However, the relationship between these environmental crime indicators and [...] Read more.

Background: The initiation of substance use during adolescence is a significant public health concern with long-term implications. Structural and environmental factors, such as community-level crime statistics related to drug offenses, are often assumed to influence the likelihood of substance use among youth. However, the relationship between these environmental crime indicators and early substance use initiation in adolescents is not well understood. Objective: This study aims to examine the association between environmental drug-related crime statistics—derived from Uniform Crime Reports, including drug abuse violations, drug sales, marijuana sales, drug possession, and driving under the influence (DUI)—and the use of tobacco, marijuana, and alcohol among adolescents aged 9-16 in the United States. Methods: Data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, which follows a cohort of adolescents from ages 9-10 to 16, were analyzed. 11,878 participants entered our analysis. The primary environmental measures included total drug abuse violations, drug sale offenses, marijuana sale offenses, drug possession offenses, and DUI reports. Substance use outcomes of interest were the frequency and prevalence of tobacco, marijuana, and alcohol use across the observed age range. Results: Contrary to expectations, higher levels of drug-related crime in a community were not associated with increased use of tobacco, marijuana, or alcohol among adolescents. In fact, the study found a significant inverse relationship between the total number of drug-related crimes and tobacco use, suggesting lower tobacco use in areas with higher reported drug abuse violations, drug sales, marijuana sales, drug possession, and DUI incidents. No significant associations were observed between these crime indicators and the use of marijuana or alcohol. Conclusions: These findings challenge the prevailing assumption that higher environmental drug-related crime statistics necessarily predict greater substance use among adolescents. The observed inverse relationship between drug-related crime and tobacco use warrants further investigation to understand the underlying mechanisms and to inform targeted intervention strategies. Future research should explore the complex interplay between structural environmental factors and youth substance use to better inform public health policies.

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Open Access August 03, 2024 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Facilities Audit in the Kindergarten Schools in Yendi Municipality of Ghana

Peter Munyi Nigal

Open Journal of Educational Research 2024, 4(4), 174-186. DOI: 10.31586/ojer.2024.1033

Abstract This study aimed to examine the school facility quality on children's social achievement in Kindergarten in the Yendi Municipality of the Northern Region. The study adopted a mixed-method approach. The study population comprised twenty-five (25) teachers and five (5) head teachers from all kindergarten schools in five circuits in the Yendi municipality. A purposive sampling technique was used to [...] Read more.

This study aimed to examine the school facility quality on children's social achievement in Kindergarten in the Yendi Municipality of the Northern Region. The study adopted a mixed-method approach. The study population comprised twenty-five (25) teachers and five (5) head teachers from all kindergarten schools in five circuits in the Yendi municipality. A purposive sampling technique was used to select the study participants. The main instruments for data collection were structured questionnaires and observation checklists. The data were statistically analysed using simple frequencies and percentiles presented on a simple frequency table. The study reveals that inadequate access to essential resources, such as textbooks, teaching and learning materials, and proper classroom environments, adversely affects teacher effectiveness and student engagement. The findings indicate that while some facilities, such as restrooms and playgrounds, are available, many need to be updated or more to meet the needs of the children. To enhance the educational experience for young learners, stakeholders, including the government, educational authorities, and the community, must collaborate to improve the infrastructure and resources available in these schools.

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Open Access July 31, 2024 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Black-White Differences in The Effects of Parental Education on College Students’ Beliefs about Racial Discrimination

Shervin Assari, Hossein Zare

Open Journal of Educational Research 2024, 4(4), 164-173. DOI: 10.31586/ojer.2024.997

Abstract Background: Racial discrimination remains a significant issue in the United States, particularly affecting Black individuals. Understanding how beliefs about the persistence of racial discrimination are shaped by race and parental education among college students is crucial for developing strategies to address these inequities. Objectives: This study aims to examine the [...] Read more.

Background: Racial discrimination remains a significant issue in the United States, particularly affecting Black individuals. Understanding how beliefs about the persistence of racial discrimination are shaped by race and parental education among college students is crucial for developing strategies to address these inequities. Objectives: This study aims to examine the multiplicative effects of race and parental education on beliefs about the persistence of racial discrimination among Black and White college students. We hypothesize that Black students, particularly those with highly educated parents, will exhibit stronger beliefs in the persistence of racial discrimination as a significant issue compared to their White peers. Methods: Data were drawn from the Higher Education Research Institute (HERI) study, which includes a national sample of Black and White young adults on college campuses across the United States. We conducted statistical analyses to explore the influence of race and parental education on students' beliefs about racial discrimination. Results: Black students demonstrated stronger beliefs in the persistence of racial discrimination compared to White students. Additionally, students with higher parental education levels were more likely to recognize racial discrimination as a significant issue than those with lower parental education. The impact of parental education on these beliefs was more pronounced for Black students compared to White students. Discussion: Black college students, especially those from higher SES backgrounds, exhibit a heightened awareness of racial discrimination due to their lived experiences and educational exposure. High SES Black individuals often face increased visibility and prejudice in predominantly White environments, further reinforcing their beliefs about the persistence of discrimination. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to support Black students in higher education and promote awareness of racial discrimination. Policy solutions should include comprehensive anti-discrimination policies, increased diversity and inclusion efforts, and educational curricula that address systemic racism and social justice. The cross-sectional nature of the data limits causality inference, and self-reported measures may be subject to bias. Despite these limitations, the study's large and diverse sample enhances the generalizability of the findings. Race and parental education have multiplicative effects on college students' beliefs about the persistence of racial discrimination. Black students, particularly those from high SES backgrounds, are more likely to perceive racial discrimination as a continuing problem. Addressing these disparities through targeted policies and interventions is essential for creating equitable and inclusive educational environments.

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Open Access July 21, 2024 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Securing Pharmaceutical Supply chain to Combat Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Counterfeiting

Shivankar Patra

Universal Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2024, 3(1), 15-21. DOI: 10.31586/ujpp.2024.1015

Abstract Pharmaceutical Product serialization aims to assign distinct serial numbers to items within a pharmaceutical supply chain. However, this process faces several security challenges like Theft of valid serial numbers may occur, enabling the labelling of counterfeit products. Therefore, it's essential to ensure the uniqueness of serial numbers can be verified at any point in the product's lifecycle [...] Read more.

Pharmaceutical Product serialization aims to assign distinct serial numbers to items within a pharmaceutical supply chain. However, this process faces several security challenges like Theft of valid serial numbers may occur, enabling the labelling of counterfeit products. Therefore, it's essential to ensure the uniqueness of serial numbers can be verified at any point in the product's lifecycle within the supply chain. Intimidatory nodes along the distribution network could corrupt planned changes of custody for products. Ensuring verifiability of compliance with these changes is crucial. Manufacturers and consumers need assurance that perishable goods with expired shelf lives are appropriately discarded. In this paper, we review a product serialization method leveraging blockchain technology to address these security concerns within a multi-party perishable goods supply chain. Blockchains offer potential solutions by providing a secure platform for data sharing in multi-party environments, enhancing security and transparency. Within Blockchain technology, each distribution partner is registered to uphold transparency regarding drug information. The system facilitates real-time transfer of ownership changes, recording them as blocks with date and time stamps. This ensures visibility to all partners in real time, maintaining the authenticity of drugs. This article aims to outline how Blockchain technology benefits the pharmaceutical industry by enhancing traceability and trackability of drugs throughout the entire pharmaceutical supply chain.

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Open Access July 21, 2024 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

From Designed Object to Designed Context: Changes in Environmental Discourse in the First Twenty Years of the International Design Conference in Aspen

Jianwen Liang

Journal of Art and Design 2024, 4(1), 14-26. DOI: 10.31586/jad.2024.987

Abstract Through an in-depth discussion of the International Design Conference in Aspen from 1951 to 1970, this paper explores how environmental discourse underwent a shift in its connotations in the field of design during the conference. Of particular importance in this process of discursive transformation was the 1970 conference. This year's conference erupted into a conflict over the connotations of [...] Read more.

Through an in-depth discussion of the International Design Conference in Aspen from 1951 to 1970, this paper explores how environmental discourse underwent a shift in its connotations in the field of design during the conference. Of particular importance in this process of discursive transformation was the 1970 conference. This year's conference erupted into a conflict over the connotations of environmental discourse as environmental discourse outside of design impacted on and transformed the environmental discourse within design. This article examines the different concepts of the term 'environment', as presented by speakers and participants at the International Design Conferences in Aspen from 1951 to 1970, and especially focuses on the debates surrounding 'environment' at the 1970 conference. The article concludes by exploring the implications of this event and summarises the role of the 1970 International Design Conference in Aspen at this crucial turning point in environmental discourse. The aim is to explain and strengthen the significance of discourse a design conferences in the history of design, and to explore a new direction of design history research.

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Open Access July 15, 2024 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

The Role of Dignity and Respect in Maternity Care: An Integrative Literature Review

Fortune Afi Agbi, Zhou Lulin, Eric Owusu Asamoah

Universal Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2024, 3(1), 5-15. DOI: 10.31586/ujog.2024.976

Abstract This integrative literature review aims to explore the pivotal role of dignity and respect in maternity care, focusing on their profound impact on the experiences of pregnant individuals. Emphasis is placed on cultural competence as a crucial factor in fostering understanding and respect for diverse backgrounds, promoting inclusive approaches to maternal care. The overarching goal is to underscore [...] Read more.

This integrative literature review aims to explore the pivotal role of dignity and respect in maternity care, focusing on their profound impact on the experiences of pregnant individuals. Emphasis is placed on cultural competence as a crucial factor in fostering understanding and respect for diverse backgrounds, promoting inclusive approaches to maternal care. The overarching goal is to underscore the significance of dignified and respectful care in enhancing maternal satisfaction, postpartum outcomes, and overall well-being. Methods: The review synthesizes existing literature (n=22) on maternity care, dignity, and respect, drawing insights from diverse sources to comprehensively analyze the multifaceted nature of this critical healthcare aspect. Cultural competence is explored as a key theme in understanding and appreciating the varied backgrounds of pregnant individuals. The analysis encompasses factors such as effective communication, healthcare provider attitudes, cultural competence, informed consent, and systemic considerations, shedding light on their collective influence on dignity and respect in maternity care. Principal Findings: The literature review reveals that providing dignified and respectful care significantly contributes to improving maternal satisfaction and postpartum outcomes. Cultural competence emerges as a crucial element, ensuring that care approaches are inclusive and tailored to diverse cultural backgrounds. Effective communication, positive healthcare provider attitudes, and considerations for systemic factors are identified as key determinants of the dignity and respect experienced by pregnant individuals. The findings underscore the interconnectedness of these factors in shaping the overall quality of maternity care. Practical Applications: Recommendations stemming from the literature review include interventions aimed at enhancing healthcare providers' communication skills, cultural competence training, and the promotion of patient-centered care models. Acknowledging the systemic factors influencing maternity care, the review calls for collaborative efforts among healthcare providers, policymakers, and researchers to create an environment that upholds pregnant individuals' autonomy and values. The practical applications emphasize the need for comprehensive and culturally sensitive approaches to ensure that all pregnant individuals receive dignified and respectful care. In summary, this integrative literature review provides a comprehensive understanding of the critical role of dignity and respect in maternity care, offering insights into effective strategies for improvement and emphasizing the importance of cultural competence and collaborative efforts in shaping the future of maternal healthcare.

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Open Access June 30, 2024 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Phytostabilization of Total Monocyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon in Crude Oil-Contaminated Oxisol using Costus afer Plant

Chinwendu Emeka, D.D. Davis, S.O. Nkakini, R.A Ekemube

Research Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences 2024, 4(1), 50-60. DOI: 10.31586/rjees.2024.887

Abstract Costus afer, a known medicinal plant used in the removal of total monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (TMAH) in crude oil-contaminated soil add to the list of plant that has the potential to restore the soil quality. This study investigated the potential of Costus afer plant at various ages (7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 days old) to biodegrade crude oil-contaminated soil. The group-balanced block design (GBBD) was used in establishing the experiment. TMAH was quantified by the standard method, according to USEPA method using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The contamination of 48kg of sandy loam soil was simulated by mixing 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5L of Bonny-Light crude oil with the soil in three separate vessels to achieve conditions of low (C₁), medium(C₂), and high(C₃) contamination, respectively. An additional vessel with medium-level contaminated soil but no treatment (C₄) served as the control. The Costus afer plants were nursed and transplanted at the stated ages to each vessel except the control. Controlled irrigation was applied, and the setups were housed to shield them from rainfall. After 90 days of treatment, results showed that the 7 days old Costus afer plants produced the highest amount of TMAH reduction of 96.5, 39.8, and 32.1%, for C₁, C₂ and C₃, respectively, while the control (C₄) was 9.45%. Furthermore, the sequence of TMAH reduction by the plants was 7 days old, 14 days old, 21 days old, 28 days old, 35 days old, and 42 days old. Thus, in addition to its medicinal value, Costus afer [...] Read more.

Costus afer, a known medicinal plant used in the removal of total monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (TMAH) in crude oil-contaminated soil add to the list of plant that has the potential to restore the soil quality. This study investigated the potential of Costus afer plant at various ages (7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 days old) to biodegrade crude oil-contaminated soil. The group-balanced block design (GBBD) was used in establishing the experiment. TMAH was quantified by the standard method, according to USEPA method using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The contamination of 48kg of sandy loam soil was simulated by mixing 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5L of Bonny-Light crude oil with the soil in three separate vessels to achieve conditions of low (C₁), medium(C₂), and high(C₃) contamination, respectively. An additional vessel with medium-level contaminated soil but no treatment (C₄) served as the control. The Costus afer plants were nursed and transplanted at the stated ages to each vessel except the control. Controlled irrigation was applied, and the setups were housed to shield them from rainfall. After 90 days of treatment, results showed that the 7 days old Costus afer plants produced the highest amount of TMAH reduction of 96.5, 39.8, and 32.1%, for C₁, C₂ and C₃, respectively, while the control (C₄) was 9.45%. Furthermore, the sequence of TMAH reduction by the plants was 7 days old, 14 days old, 21 days old, 28 days old, 35 days old, and 42 days old. Thus, in addition to its medicinal value, Costus afer plant also has the potential to biodegrade TMAH in crude oil-contaminated sandy loam soil.

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Open Access July 12, 2024 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Race, Poverty Status at Birth, and DNA Methylation of Youth at Age 15

Shervin Assari, Hossein Zare

Global Journal of Epidemiology and Infectious Disease 2024, 4(1), 8-19. DOI: 10.31586/gjeid.2024.988

Abstract Epigenetic studies, which can reflect biological aging, have shown that measuring DNA methylation (DNAm) levels provides new insights into the biological effects of social environment and socioeconomic position (SEP). This study explores how race, family structure, and SEP (income to poverty ratio) at birth influence youth epigenetic aging at age 15. Data were obtained from the Future [...] Read more.

Epigenetic studies, which can reflect biological aging, have shown that measuring DNA methylation (DNAm) levels provides new insights into the biological effects of social environment and socioeconomic position (SEP). This study explores how race, family structure, and SEP (income to poverty ratio) at birth influence youth epigenetic aging at age 15. Data were obtained from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS) cohort, with GrimAge used as a measure of DNAm levels and epigenetic aging. Our analysis included 854 racially and ethnically diverse participants followed from birth to age 15. Structural equation modeling (SEM) examined the relationships among race, SEP at birth, and epigenetic aging at age 15, controlling for sex, ethnicity, and family structure at birth. Findings indicate that race was associated with lower SEP at birth and faster epigenetic aging. Specifically, income to poverty ratio at birth partially mediated the effects of race on accelerated aging by age 15. The effect of income to poverty ratio at birth on DNAm was observed in male but not female youth at age 15. Thus, SEP partially mediated the effect of race on epigenetic aging in male but not female youth. These results suggest that income to poverty ratio at birth partially mediates the effects of race on biological aging into adolescence. These findings highlight the long-term biological impact of early-life poverty in explaining racial disparities in epigenetic aging and underscore the importance of addressing economic inequalities to mitigate these disparities. Policymakers should focus on poverty prevention in Black communities to prevent accelerated biological aging and associated health risks later in life. Interventions aimed at eliminating poverty and addressing racial inequities could have significant long-term benefits for public health. Future research should explore additional factors contributing to epigenetic aging and investigate potential interventions to slow down the aging process. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms underlying these associations and to identify effective strategies for mitigating the impact of SEP and racial disparities on biological aging.

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Open Access June 30, 2024 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Education as a health tool: Adulterations and falsifications in natural medicine

Ana Cano-Ortiz, José C. Piñar Fuentes, Catarina Rodrigues Meireles, Eusebio Cano

Research Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences 2024, 4(1), 43-49. DOI: 10.31586/rjees.2024.819

Abstract The teaching-learning relationship of natural medicine is key to avoid health problems in the population; adulterations and falsifications of frequently used plants are evident. The aim of this study is to raise public awareness and to urge institutions to incorporate contents in the student's curriculum. The curricula of different educational levels are analyzed to check the level of knowledge on [...] Read more.

The teaching-learning relationship of natural medicine is key to avoid health problems in the population; adulterations and falsifications of frequently used plants are evident. The aim of this study is to raise public awareness and to urge institutions to incorporate contents in the student's curriculum. The curricula of different educational levels are analyzed to check the level of knowledge on the use of medicinal plants, as well as some regulations on quality controls. Of the wide range of species that are consumed by the population, some are detected in which adulterations and falsifications occur, although there is no danger in some cases, such as chamomiles, if a falsification occurs when consuming the whole plant instead of the flowering tops, which is where the properties reside. In other cases, adulteration occurs, generally unintentional, but very dangerous to health, such as horsetail. For a more effective quality control, we need public awareness and highly specialized personnel, with the capacity to inspect crops, markets and companies.

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Open Access June 01, 2024 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

An Assessment of Off-Season Vegetable Farming on Farmers in Savelugu Municipality in the Northern Region

Yakubu Jacob Fuseini

Open Journal of Agricultural Research 2024, 4(1), 1-11. DOI: 10.31586/ojar.2024.933

Abstract The study aimed to assess the impact of off-season vegetable farming on farmers in the Savelugu Municipality in the Northern Region. The study population consisted of all respondents to off-season vegetable farming in the Savelugu Municipality in the five selected communities in the Northern Region. A purposive sampling technique was used for a sample size of fifty (50) off-season farmers in the [...] Read more.

The study aimed to assess the impact of off-season vegetable farming on farmers in the Savelugu Municipality in the Northern Region. The study population consisted of all respondents to off-season vegetable farming in the Savelugu Municipality in the five selected communities in the Northern Region. A purposive sampling technique was used for a sample size of fifty (50) off-season farmers in the selected communities. An interview guide and questionnaire were used to solicit data to conclude the findings. The data derived from the questionnaire were analysed in a step-by-step thematic analysis that included reading the transcriptions several times, coding, generating codes, and reviewing and naming themes. Afterwards, the questionnaire and interview guide responses were transferred into Microsoft Excel under assigned variable names. Descriptive statistics, namely frequency, means, and percentages, were used to analyse the data. Off-season vegetable production technology can be gained by using different agro-climatic regions, maintaining or adjusting planting time, selecting varieties, and creating artificial and controlled environments through tunnels, polytene houses, glass houses, hotbeds, etc. Moreover, Off-Season vegetables helped earn income and ranked highest with an overall mean score of 1. Nearly all the trained farmers said their primary constraint was the high incidence of pests and diseases. It is evident that off-season cultivation is profitable and significantly impacts the farmers' consumption expenditure and food security status. Therefore, providing improved and modern agricultural inputs to off-season farmers is essential for rural agricultural development.

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Open Access May 12, 2024 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Socio-Demographic Factors Influencing Work-Family Conflict Among Hotel Managers

Samuel Otoo

Universal Journal of Business and Management 2024, 4(1), 15-27. DOI: 10.31586/ujbm.2024.946

Abstract This study examines the influence of socio-demographic factors on work-family conflict among management staff in star-rated hotels in the Accra Metropolis. The research aims to explore how variables such as gender, age, marital status, and educational background impact the experiences of work-family conflict among hotel managers. A quantitative research design was employed, and data were collected [...] Read more.

This study examines the influence of socio-demographic factors on work-family conflict among management staff in star-rated hotels in the Accra Metropolis. The research aims to explore how variables such as gender, age, marital status, and educational background impact the experiences of work-family conflict among hotel managers. A quantitative research design was employed, and data were collected through structured questionnaires distributed to a purposive sample of hotel managers. The findings reveal significant associations between socio-demographic characteristics and work-family conflict, highlighting the complexities of balancing work responsibilities with family obligations in the hospitality industry. The implications of the study underscore the importance of tailored interventions to support the well-being of hotel managers, while the recommendations emphasise the implementation of work-life balance programs, support for family obligations, promotion of diversity and inclusion, and continuous training and development. It is recommended that hotel organisations create a supportive work environment that enhances the job satisfaction and productivity of their management staff. This study contributes valuable insights to the existing literature on work-family conflict in the hospitality sector and provides a foundation for future research endeavours in this area.

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Open Access May 01, 2024 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

An Appraisal of Teacher-Trainees’ Academic Self-Concept and Performance in the Colleges of Education in Ghana

Juliana Dontoh

Open Journal of Educational Research 2024, 4(2), 66-77. DOI: 10.31586/ojer.2024.924

Abstract This study investigates the relationship between teacher-trainees' academic self-concept and performance in Colleges of Education in Ghana. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from teacher-trainees in Ada and Accra Colleges of Education through surveys and interviews. The study hypothesised that there is no significant relationship between academic self-concept and academic [...] Read more.

This study investigates the relationship between teacher-trainees' academic self-concept and performance in Colleges of Education in Ghana. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from teacher-trainees in Ada and Accra Colleges of Education through surveys and interviews. The study hypothesised that there is no significant relationship between academic self-concept and academic performance among teacher-trainees. Results revealed a statistically significant positive relationship between academic self-concept and performance, indicating that teacher-trainees with higher academic self-concepts tend to perform better academically. Furthermore, gender differences in academic self-concept and performance were explored, with findings suggesting no significant gender disparities in either domain. Institutional factors, such as school climate and resources, were also found to influence academic performance. Recommendations include promoting positive academic self-concept, implementing gender-responsive pedagogy, and creating supportive learning environments in Colleges of Education. By addressing these factors, teacher education programs can better prepare future educators for success in the classroom and contribute to the improvement of educational quality in Ghana.

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Open Access April 29, 2024 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Digital Forensic Investigation Standards in Cloud Computing

Ehigiator Egho-Promise, Sunday Idahosa, George Asante, Augusta Okungbowa

Universal Journal of Computer Sciences and Communications 2024, 3(1), 23-45. DOI: 10.31586/ujcsc.2024.923

Abstract Digital forensics in cloud computing environments presents significant challenges due to the distributed nature of data storage, diverse security practices employed by service providers, and jurisdictional complexities. This study aims to develop a comprehensive framework and improved methodologies tailored for conducting digital forensic investigations in cloud settings. A pragmatic research [...] Read more.

Digital forensics in cloud computing environments presents significant challenges due to the distributed nature of data storage, diverse security practices employed by service providers, and jurisdictional complexities. This study aims to develop a comprehensive framework and improved methodologies tailored for conducting digital forensic investigations in cloud settings. A pragmatic research philosophy integrating positivist and interpretivist paradigms guides an exploratory sequential mixed methods design. Qualitative methods, including case studies, expert interviews, and document analysis were used to explore key variables and themes. Findings inform hypotheses and survey instrument development for the subsequent quantitative phase involving structured surveys with digital forensics professionals, cloud providers, and law enforcement agencies, across the globe. The multi-method approach employs purposive and stratified random sampling techniques, targeting a sample of 100-150 participants, across the globe, for qualitative components and 300-500 for quantitative surveys. Qualitative data went through thematic and content analysis, while quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods facilitated by software such as SPSS and R. An integrated mixed methods analysis synthesizes and triangulates findings, enhancing validity, reliability, and comprehensiveness. Strict ethical protocols safeguard participant confidentiality and data privacy throughout the research process. This robust methodology contributed to the development of improved frameworks, guidelines, and best practices for digital forensics investigations in cloud computing, addressing legal and jurisdictional complexities in this rapidly evolving domain.

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Open Access April 16, 2024 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Impact of Covid-19 on the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Supply Chain

Sourav Adak

Universal Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2024, 3(1), 6-9. DOI: 10.31586/ujpp.2024.916

Abstract An increasing number of adverse events are raising concern in the pharmaceutical supply chain due to contaminated active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Most of the active pharmaceutical ingredients are not currently under the scope of environmental regulations, despite their negative impact on human health and the environment. API's life cycle plays a significant role in identifying potential [...] Read more.

An increasing number of adverse events are raising concern in the pharmaceutical supply chain due to contaminated active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Most of the active pharmaceutical ingredients are not currently under the scope of environmental regulations, despite their negative impact on human health and the environment. API's life cycle plays a significant role in identifying potential supply chain sources and determining their impact on the environment. The Covid-19 pandemic's intermittent manufacturing interruptions and the increase in the frequency of drug shortages over the past ten years have sparked worries about how resilient the world's drug supply chains are. Many clinical trials were conducted on patients with COVID-19 during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and resulted in millions of deaths globally by 2022.

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Open Access March 23, 2024 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

An Attitude of Staff and Students towards Littering in Second-Cycle Schools in Sefwi Wiawso Municipality in the Western North of Ghana

Simon Nipah, Alexander Kingsford Otoo, Anthony Bordoh, Isaac Eshun

Universal Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities 2024, 4(1), 20-34. DOI: 10.31586/ujssh.2024.709

Abstract The growing unconcern and poor attitude of some Ghanaians towards environmental protection and sanitation practices has become very endemic in Ghanaian Societies. Littering especially is considered a major environmental problem within the setting of this study. This study employed the mixed-method approach in integrating qualitative and quantitative research data. The study adopted a convergent parallel research design. The population for this study consisted of all teaching staff and students of Sefwi Wiawso Senior High Technical School and St. Joseph Catholic Senior High School in Sefwi Wiawso municipality in the Western North Region of Ghana. Purposive, simple random, and convenient sampling techniques were used to select the schools, teachers and students for the study. A sample size of one hundred and ninety-eight (198) consisting of one hundred eighty-eight (188) students and ten (10) teachers were selected for the study. The two main instruments used for data collection were questionnaires and interview guides. The quantitative data obtained from the questionnaire were coded with numerical values and keyed into the data view of the SPSS version 23. The qualitative data was analysed through content analysis and was further transcribed into themes for analysis with a side-by-side comparison with the quantitative data. The qualitative data gathered and presented, were organised and analysed manually using emerging themes. The study revealed that littering is currently caused by irresponsible behaviour among some staff and students coupled with other factors such as lazy attitudes among people, inadequate waste bins on campus, and more seriously, less sensitization of people on littering in the various senior high schools. The study also indicated that provisions of adequate waste bins at vantage points in the various campuses, awarding prizes to individual students and groups with good waste management practices on campus, implementing rules and regulations on littering, as well as educating, and sensitizing students and staff on littering on campuses formed the possibilities on how schools can shape up staff and student’s attitudes towards healthy environment by avoid littering. It is recommended that Students with good waste management practices should be rewarded to encourage others in Senior High Schools. It is also recommended that sustainable waste management practices (collection, transportation, and treatment) should be employed in all the Senior High Schools [...] Read more.

The growing unconcern and poor attitude of some Ghanaians towards environmental protection and sanitation practices has become very endemic in Ghanaian Societies. Littering especially is considered a major environmental problem within the setting of this study. This study employed the mixed-method approach in integrating qualitative and quantitative research data. The study adopted a convergent parallel research design. The population for this study consisted of all teaching staff and students of Sefwi Wiawso Senior High Technical School and St. Joseph Catholic Senior High School in Sefwi Wiawso municipality in the Western North Region of Ghana. Purposive, simple random, and convenient sampling techniques were used to select the schools, teachers and students for the study. A sample size of one hundred and ninety-eight (198) consisting of one hundred eighty-eight (188) students and ten (10) teachers were selected for the study. The two main instruments used for data collection were questionnaires and interview guides. The quantitative data obtained from the questionnaire were coded with numerical values and keyed into the data view of the SPSS version 23. The qualitative data was analysed through content analysis and was further transcribed into themes for analysis with a side-by-side comparison with the quantitative data. The qualitative data gathered and presented, were organised and analysed manually using emerging themes. The study revealed that littering is currently caused by irresponsible behaviour among some staff and students coupled with other factors such as lazy attitudes among people, inadequate waste bins on campus, and more seriously, less sensitization of people on littering in the various senior high schools. The study also indicated that provisions of adequate waste bins at vantage points in the various campuses, awarding prizes to individual students and groups with good waste management practices on campus, implementing rules and regulations on littering, as well as educating, and sensitizing students and staff on littering on campuses formed the possibilities on how schools can shape up staff and student’s attitudes towards healthy environment by avoid littering. It is recommended that Students with good waste management practices should be rewarded to encourage others in Senior High Schools. It is also recommended that sustainable waste management practices (collection, transportation, and treatment) should be employed in all the Senior High Schools across the country.

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Open Access March 06, 2024 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Embedded Architecture of SAP S/4 HANA ERP Application

Venkata Pavan Kumar Juturi

Universal Journal of Computer Sciences and Communications 2024, 3(1), 6-9. DOI: 10.31586/ujcsc.2024.899

Abstract The SAP HANA Application to handle operational workloads that are consistent with transactions while also supporting intricate business analytics operations. Technically speaking, the SAP HANA database is made up of several data processing engines that work together with a distributed query processing environment to provide the entire range of data processing capabilities. This includes graph and [...] Read more.

The SAP HANA Application to handle operational workloads that are consistent with transactions while also supporting intricate business analytics operations. Technically speaking, the SAP HANA database is made up of several data processing engines that work together with a distributed query processing environment to provide the entire range of data processing capabilities. This includes graph and text processing for managing semi-structured and unstructured data within the same system, as well as classical relational data that supports both row- and column-oriented physical representations in a hybrid engine. The next-generation SAP Business Suite program designed specifically for the SAP HANA Platform is called SAP S/4HANA. The key features of SAP S/4HANA are an intuitive, contemporary user interface (SAP Fiori); planning and simulation options in many conventional transactions; simplification of business processes; significantly improved transaction efficiency; faster analytics.

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Open Access February 19, 2024 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

The use of contemporary Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) technologies for digital transformation

Hariprasad Mandava

Journal of Artificial Intelligence and Big Data 2024, 4(1), 31-35. DOI: 10.31586/jaibd.2024.881

Abstract Our lives are becoming more and more digital, and this has an impact on how we work, study, communicate, and interact. Businesses are currently digitally altering their information systems, procedures, culture, and strategy. Existing businesses and economies are severely disrupted by the digital revolution. The Internet of Things, microservices, and mobile services are examples of IT systems with [...] Read more.

Our lives are becoming more and more digital, and this has an impact on how we work, study, communicate, and interact. Businesses are currently digitally altering their information systems, procedures, culture, and strategy. Existing businesses and economies are severely disrupted by the digital revolution. The Internet of Things, microservices, and mobile services are examples of IT systems with numerous, dispersed, and very small structures that are made possible by digitization. Utilizing the possibilities of cloud computing, mobile systems, big data and analytics, services computing, Internet of Things, collaborative networks, and decision support, numerous new business prospects have emerged throughout the years. The logical basis for robust and self-optimizing run-time environments for intelligent business services and adaptable distributed information systems with service-oriented enterprise architectures comes from biological metaphors of living, dynamic ecosystems. This has a significant effect on how digital services and products are designed from a value- and service-oriented perspective. The evolution of enterprise architectures and the shift from a closed-world modeling environment to a more flexible open-world composition establish the dynamic framework for highly distributed and adaptive systems, which are crucial for enabling the digital transformation. This study examines how enterprise architecture has changed over time, taking into account newly established, value-based relationships between digital business models, digital strategies, and enhanced enterprise architecture.

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Open Access December 23, 2023 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Formulation, Characterization and Future Potential of Composite Materials from Natural Resources: the case of Kenaf and Date Palm Fibers

Aslain Brisco NGNASSI DJAMI, Ulrich NGNASSI NGUELCHEU, Serge DOKA YAMIGNO

Online Journal of Mechanical Engineering 2023, 1(1), 53-78. DOI: 10.31586/ojme.2023.861

Abstract Thanks to their interesting mechanical properties, recyclability and low production costs, plant fiber-reinforced composites, derived from agricultural residues, are of particular interest to both manufacturers and scientists looking to incorporate new environmentally-friendly and biodegradable materials to replace synthetic fibers, particularly glass fibers. The growing use of these composites in [...] Read more.

Thanks to their interesting mechanical properties, recyclability and low production costs, plant fiber-reinforced composites, derived from agricultural residues, are of particular interest to both manufacturers and scientists looking to incorporate new environmentally-friendly and biodegradable materials to replace synthetic fibers, particularly glass fibers. The growing use of these composites in fields such as the automotive, construction and building industries, and soon in aeronautics, raises concerns about the reliability of the structures with which they are manufactured. This reliability must be guaranteed at the design stage, by a good knowledge of the properties of the material used. In this case, for composites, it is necessary to know the mechanical properties of their constituents, fibers and matrix, etc. In this context, this paper focuses firstly on the economic and industrial recovery of Kenaf (K) and Date Palm (DP) fibers, and secondly on their incorporation as a reinforcing element in cementitious matrix composites, for subsequent use in non-structural applications. This research highlights the development of cementitious matrix bio-composites reinforced with this type of fiber, based on Taguchi's statistical methodology, in order to minimize the cost and number of tests. The bio-composites developed are then mechanically characterized under static loading in compression and 3-point bending after a 30-day drying period.

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Open Access October 22, 2023 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

An Appraisal of Work-Family Conflict on Management Staff of Star-Rated Hotels

Samuel Otoo, Anthony Bordoh, Kate Gyasi, Shirley Dankwa

Universal Journal of Business and Management 2023, 3(1), 28-45. DOI: 10.31586/ujbm.2023.804

Abstract The objective of this research was to investigate work-family conflict among management staff of hotels in the Accra Metropolis of Ghana. The study employs the pragmatism approach and Convergent parallel mixed methods research technique. The population of the study is all-star-rated management staff of star-rated hotels in the Accra metropolis. Stratified, random and convenient sampling techniques [...] Read more.

The objective of this research was to investigate work-family conflict among management staff of hotels in the Accra Metropolis of Ghana. The study employs the pragmatism approach and Convergent parallel mixed methods research technique. The population of the study is all-star-rated management staff of star-rated hotels in the Accra metropolis. Stratified, random and convenient sampling techniques were used to select 182 out of 356 respondents. One hundred (100) were sampled using a formula and a table determination of sample size based on the confidence level needed from a given population as provided by Krejcie and Morgan in 1970 for the study. Ten managers were conveniently interviewed on the issues of work-family conflict. The main instruments for data collection were a questionnaire and a semi-structured interview guide. This study adopted factor analysis and a structural equation model to examine factors that influence work-family conflict. This statistical technique was used in the research to investigate the factorability of the variables of work-related and family-related factors separately and a structural equation model was used to combine both factors to better understand the relationship. Linear regression was used to determine the relationship between work-family conflict. Pearson product-moment Correlation and structural equation model were used to determine the consequences of work-family conflict. It can be concluded that both work-related such as work overload, job type and involvement as well as family-related factors such as life cycle stage, and childcare arrangement predict work-family conflict among managers of hotels in the Accra metropolis. It is also deducted WFC affect managers’ performance on the job, exhaust them emotionally and also influences their intentions to leave the job for another. Managers usually feel fatigued to prepare for work and physically drained after work. They also feel depressed and emotionally drained sometimes. It is recommended that top management of hotels should allocate a budget to build an organisational culture that encourages work-family balance. Frontline managers should be trained to be aware of the benefit of providing support in the work environment that will help staff balance work and family. It is also recommended that hotel jobs be redesigned by the human resource unit to reduce workload and make it more interesting for managers so they may not feel overworked. Overworking of managers will enhance their intentions to quit the job and this will be costly for hotels.

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Open Access October 07, 2023 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Emerging Digital Technologies for Pharmaceutical Drug Traceability

Madalsa Kumar

Universal Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2023, 2(1), 34-40. DOI: 10.31586/ujpp.2023.794

Abstract The pharmaceutical supply chain environment has undergone tremendous change in recent decades due to technology, and this shift is intensifying. One of the main concerns of business practitioners is how to cost-effectively integrate, implement, and manage technologies across the supply chain of an organization. Pharmaceutical organizations that produce, ship, and supply goods have trouble tracking [...] Read more.

The pharmaceutical supply chain environment has undergone tremendous change in recent decades due to technology, and this shift is intensifying. One of the main concerns of business practitioners is how to cost-effectively integrate, implement, and manage technologies across the supply chain of an organization. Pharmaceutical organizations that produce, ship, and supply goods have trouble tracking their goods, which makes it easier for counterfeiters to get fake medications into the system. The creation and implementation of a stringent technological system might be a significant step in the arduous battle against the prevalence of fake medications and other healthcare items. In supply chain management, digital technologies have a number of potential advantages. The usage of the Internet of Things in supply chains can make every component visible and create a visible supply chain, making it possible to identify the position and specifications of all the components and materials in the supply chain at any given time.

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Open Access September 18, 2023 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

An Empirical Study of Challenges and Management Supports in Teaching and Learning of Social Studies in the Public Senior High Schools of Ghana

Cynthia Anim

Universal Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities 2023, 3(2), 69-79. DOI: 10.31586/ujssh.2023.780

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the challenges and management supports in teaching and learning of Social Studies in Public Senior High Schools in Akuapem South and North Districts in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Quantitatively, the study adopted a cross-sectional survey using a descriptive correlational research design to assess Challenges and Management Supports Teaching and Learning of [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study was to examine the challenges and management supports in teaching and learning of Social Studies in Public Senior High Schools in Akuapem South and North Districts in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Quantitatively, the study adopted a cross-sectional survey using a descriptive correlational research design to assess Challenges and Management Supports Teaching and Learning of Social Studies in Public Senior High Schools of Ghana. The population of the study comprised social studies teachers and students in the Akuapem South and Akuapem North Districts of the Eastern Region of Ghana. Purpose and probabilistic sampling procedures were used to select senior high schools, teachers and students for the study. The main instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire (SQ). Data was collected from 261 final year students from five Senior High Schools and 33 Social Studies teachers using structured questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS Version 24. Descriptive statistics (mean, SD) was conducted to summarise the data and t-test was applied to establish if there is a statistically significant difference in the perceptions of students and teachers on the school-based drivers and effective teaching and learning of social studies. The results of the study revealed that the key school-based drivers influencing the teaching and learning of social studies in the two districts relate to classroom environment; lack of management supports in terms of resource provision for practical lessons, lack of supportive physical environment such as large class size (t = 32.881, mean difference = 6.2422, p<0.05)- thus preventing teachers from engaging students in practical work and individualising their assignments (t-statistics=37.563, mean difference= 3.0920, p<0.05); and teachers inability to use diagnostics assessment tools to unraveled students difficulties and support them. The conclusion is that, the key drivers influencing effective teaching and learning of social studies are school-based and policy driven. The study therefore recommends that the government should support the teaching of Social Studies through provision of adequate resources to help teachers improve their output. Again, the student-teacher ratio should be reduced.

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Open Access September 09, 2023 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Knowledge Base on “Burkina” Beverage in Ghana

Prince Musah Saeed

Open Journal of Food and Nutrition 2023, 1(1), 74-89. DOI: 10.31586/ojfn.2023.770

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine people’s knowledge base on Burkina beverages in Winneba in the Central Region of Ghana. The study employed a Mixed Sequential Explanatory research approach. The population for the study were dairy consumers living in Winneba. The Krejcie and Morgan table in 1970 was used to determine the 381 sample size of this study. The study employed the [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study was to examine people’s knowledge base on Burkina beverages in Winneba in the Central Region of Ghana. The study employed a Mixed Sequential Explanatory research approach. The population for the study were dairy consumers living in Winneba. The Krejcie and Morgan table in 1970 was used to determine the 381 sample size of this study. The study employed the purposive, convenient and simple random sampling technique to select 100 out of 381 respondents for the study. The instrument employed in this study was a semi-structured interview guide to generate responses on people’s knowledge of “Burkina”. An Independent t-test was used to test the null hypothesis raised at a 0.05 level of significance. Based on the results of the study, it is concluded that respondents have substantial knowledge of “Burkina”. Street-sold “Burkina” can be modified using flavours and other cereals. Fresh milk must be pasteurized before using it for “Burkina”, well packaged, and sold in a hygienic condition. Certain factors such as packaging, environment, food safety, price, variation in thickness and flavours influence the rate of consumption of the “Burkina”. ‘‘Burkina’’ prepared with corn agglomerates had improved physicochemical attributes and health benefits. It is recommended that Food and Drug Authority representatives in winneba should regulate the “Burkina” samples on the Winneba market to ensure they are nutritious and, prepared and sold under hygienic conditions. There is the need also for Food and Drug Authority representatives in Winneba to ensure the standardization of the “Burkina” preparation to achieve a fair distribution of nutrients from all producers in Winneba and to ensure that the product meets standards before selling. Due to varying cereals, flavour options, good packaging, and pasteurization of the milk (fresh) and sold in a hygienic environment. It is again recommended that researchers develop ‘‘Burkina’’ with several flavour options and other cereals and test for consumer acceptability.

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Open Access September 06, 2023 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

An empirical Study on Tutors’ and Students’ Perceptions and Sustenance of Networking in Food and Nutrition Education in the Colleges of Education in Ghana

Pamela Alikem Afua Nyadroh

Open Journal of Food and Nutrition 2023, 1(1), 64-73. DOI: 10.31586/ojfn.2023.765

Abstract Networking has become more common in recent years because it provides structural support and consistent avenues for contact among experts. The purpose of the study was to examine tutors’ and students’ perceptions and sustenance of networking in Food and Nutrition education in the Colleges of Education of Ghana. Quantitatively the study employed a cross-sectional survey research design. The population of the study comprised tutors and students in the Colleges of Education in Ghana offering Food and Nutrition. Purposive, stratified and simple random sampling techniques were used to select colleges of education, 16 tutors and 256 students for the study. The main instrument used for data collection was a questionnaire. The data collected were processed and analysed with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. All statistical analyses were tested at a 5% level of significance. Levene's Test for Equality of Variances [...] Read more.

Networking has become more common in recent years because it provides structural support and consistent avenues for contact among experts. The purpose of the study was to examine tutors’ and students’ perceptions and sustenance of networking in Food and Nutrition education in the Colleges of Education of Ghana. Quantitatively the study employed a cross-sectional survey research design. The population of the study comprised tutors and students in the Colleges of Education in Ghana offering Food and Nutrition. Purposive, stratified and simple random sampling techniques were used to select colleges of education, 16 tutors and 256 students for the study. The main instrument used for data collection was a questionnaire. The data collected were processed and analysed with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. All statistical analyses were tested at a 5% level of significance. Levene's Test for Equality of Variances was computed to determine the significant difference in the perception of networking in Food and Nutrition education between tutors and students. It can be concluded that both tutors and students are in favour of networking in Food and Nutrition education. The tutors and students believed networking education can foster collaboration, help implement new ideas to improve the quality of teaching, create an environment conducive to teaching and learning; and help students in sharing vital information. Since there is a positive perception on the use of networking, it is recommended that the tutors should foster collaboration, and create a conducive environment to enhance the positive perception and smooth implementation of networking in Food and Nutrition education at Colleges of Education in Ghana. The study indicated that in order to sustain networking education, teachers need to be more cognizant of their interactions and the influence they have on students. It is therefore recommended that teachers maintain contact with students, and ensure a spirit of unity in diversity among the students.

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Open Access August 23, 2023 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Investigating Ghanaian Pre-Tertiary Teachers' Adaption of Differentiated Instructional Strategies

Ernest Sarpong Akore, Philemon Afutor, Anthony Kwadwo Badu-Domfeh, Clarke Ebow Yalley

Open Journal of Educational Research 2023, 3(3), 187-199. DOI: 10.31586/ojer.2021.759

Abstract The emphasis on adapting learner-centric education and inclusive pedagogies to promote learning effectiveness is part of the paradigm shift in teaching. By maximizing variability, differentiated education methodologies ensure individualized instruction and equal academic success for all students. Based on this justification, this study sought to investigate Ghanaian pre-tertiary teachers' adaption [...] Read more.

The emphasis on adapting learner-centric education and inclusive pedagogies to promote learning effectiveness is part of the paradigm shift in teaching. By maximizing variability, differentiated education methodologies ensure individualized instruction and equal academic success for all students. Based on this justification, this study sought to investigate Ghanaian pre-tertiary teachers' adaption of differentiated instruction strategies during the teaching and learning processes. Pre-tertiary teachers within the Kwahu Ridge of the Eastern Region of Ghana were sampled to respond to the close-ended questionnaire. A multi-pronged approach was employed in the data analysis. Respondents possessed knowledge of the differentiated instruction strategies, however, there were some disparities between first and second-cycle teachers. Significant factors influenced the range of diversity in the classroom and knowledge and experience, with the latter showing an unexpected negative influence, possibly due to experienced teachers' preference for traditional methods of teaching. Notwithstanding, a perfect alignment of instructional techniques, activities and assessment practices to accommodate the heterogeneity of students stimulate active participation, interest and readiness to learn. It is recommended that educational stakeholders should recognize the dynamic nature of the learning environment and better provide pre-tertiary teachers with the tools and support needed to employ differentiated instruction techniques successfully to ensure inclusive, individualized and intensive instruction in the classroom.

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Open Access August 18, 2023 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Barriers to Effective Solid Waste Management in Ghana: A Case of Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem Municipality

Theophilus Kweku Bassaw

Universal Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities 2023, 3(2), 61-68. DOI: 10.31586/ujssh.2023.758

Abstract The objective of this study was to examine the barriers to effective solid waste management in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem Municipality in the Central Region of Ghana. This study adopted the cross-sectional descriptive survey research design. The population for the study comprised all residents of 18 years or older as well as waste management agencies in the KEEA Municipality. A simple random [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to examine the barriers to effective solid waste management in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem Municipality in the Central Region of Ghana. This study adopted the cross-sectional descriptive survey research design. The population for the study comprised all residents of 18 years or older as well as waste management agencies in the KEEA Municipality. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 380 residents together with 45 staff of the Zoomlion Company Ltd in the KEEA Municipality for the study. The questionnaire was the main instrument used for the data collection. Frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations were used to analyse the questionnaire items on the research questions. This was done with the use of the Statistical Package for Service Solutions (SPSS) version 21. There were a number of barriers to effective solid waste management practices. Some of the barriers were inadequate environmental education; inadequate logistics and funds; inadequate depots, skips and dustbins; lack of adequate skilled personnel to manage services efficiently; and apathetic attitude/inertia on the part of some of the residents. Some other barriers included: irregular collection of waste by waste management companies; lack of appropriate sites for waste disposal; unwillingness of some households to pay for the collection and appropriate disposal of solids; and refuse dumps located very far from home. It is recommended that the government through the Ministry of Local Government should provide adequate logistics and funds for the procurement of dustbins in order to ensure proper solid waste management. The Assembly should ensure that Zoomlion collects waste regularly. The Assembly should encourage residents to pay for the collection of waste and sanction recalcitrant residents who do not adhere to appropriate solid waste management practices.

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Open Access July 29, 2023 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Critical Success Factors of Adopting an Enterprise System for Pharmaceutical Drug Traceability

Gaurav Kumar

Universal Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2023, 2(1), 3-10. DOI: 10.31586/ujpp.2023.738

Abstract For conducting advanced analytics initiatives to acquire in-depth data into usage habits, regional access, sales, and promotional success, etc., unique identification of packaged pharmaceuticals will be a fantastic enabler. The main objective of this study is to prevent and reduce the production of erroneous and counterfeit drugs using the enterprise system, which has become a serious threat [...] Read more.

For conducting advanced analytics initiatives to acquire in-depth data into usage habits, regional access, sales, and promotional success, etc., unique identification of packaged pharmaceuticals will be a fantastic enabler. The main objective of this study is to prevent and reduce the production of erroneous and counterfeit drugs using the enterprise system, which has become a serious threat because it damages the reputation of legitimate drug manufacturers by trying to produce and market placebo medications that are identical to the real thing. Due to federal government procedures and priorities that frequently change over time, the majority of implementation takes time. To achieve compliance with numerous federal regulatory authorities, including drug traceability for patient safety, the pharmaceutical industry must implement a systematic procedure in an ERP environment. The goals would be to guarantee medical drug traceability and provide real-time warnings to supply chain stakeholders and regulatory bodies to maximize the benefit of integrating a drug traceability system into an ERP environment. Additionally, manufacturers are compelled to maintain product costs on the higher side due to a heavy burden of unchecked manufacturing cost spikes. As a result, innovative marketing schemes must be introduced in order to increase the reach to consumers by putting into practice successful strategies.

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Open Access July 28, 2023 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

An Assessment of Coping Strategies on Work-family Conflict and Job Performance in Ghana

Samuel Otoo, Shirley Dankwa, Samuel Annan-Nunoo, Kate Gyasi

Universal Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities 2023, 3(1), 46-60. DOI: 10.31586/ujssh.2023.734

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine coping strategies for managing the effects of work-family conflict on the management staff of hotels in the Accra metropolis of Ghana. The study adopted a Convergent parallel mixed methods research technique. The population of the study is all-star-rated management staff of star-rated hotels in the Accra metropolis. multi-stage sampling. The estimation of [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study was to examine coping strategies for managing the effects of work-family conflict on the management staff of hotels in the Accra metropolis of Ghana. The study adopted a Convergent parallel mixed methods research technique. The population of the study is all-star-rated management staff of star-rated hotels in the Accra metropolis. multi-stage sampling. The estimation of the sample size for the hotel managers was based on Krejcie and Morgan’s table for the determination of the sample size for a given population. The population of 100 managers were stratified and randomly sampled out of the 182 managers. The main instruments for data collection were questionnaires and an interview. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 was used to determine simple percentages and frequencies of responses. Pearson product-moment Correlation and structural equation model were used to determine the consequences of work-family conflict as well as coping strategies adopted by managers. Amos PLS was used to determine the moderating effect of coping strategies on work-family conflict and job performance. Hotel managers in the Accra metropolis combine the strategies of structural role redefinition, personal role redefinition, cognitive restructuring and reactive role redefinition to curb work-family conflict. The study demonstrated a positive relationship between coping strategies and job performance. Coping strategies had a moderating effect on the relationship between work-family conflict and the job performance of hotel managers. Thus, to improve the job performance of hotel managers, there should be the application of coping interventions to help them perform on the job. The study also determined that work-family conflict had a significant positive relationship with job performance. Similarly, the study established that coping strategies significantly moderate the relationship between work-family conflict and job performance among hotel managers in the Accra metropolis. Although coping strategies were employed by hotel managers in the Accra metropolis, it is recommended that training sessions on the use of coping strategies and stress management techniques should be considered by management to address psychological and emotional work environment stressors since they have been proven to reduce stress and WFC. It is also recommended that there should be an inter-hotel collaboration to offer smaller hotels which do not have the resources some leverage the impact of work-family conflict. This platform can be provided by the Ghana hotels association to impact knowledge of coping strategies in smaller hotels. The government must be encouraged to liaise with the Ghana hotels association to enforce the mandatory eight-hour work per day to avoid overworking of hotel managers.

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Open Access July 26, 2023 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Compassion Fatigue in Oncology Nurses: An Integrative Review

Joseph Alipio, Mary Grace Florendo, Mary Gold Montilla, Roison Andro Narvaez

World Journal of Cancer and Oncology Research 2023, 2(2), 85-101. DOI: 10.31586/wjcor.2023.732

Abstract Oncology nurses are more likely to get compassion fatigue (CF) than nurses in other fields because of the emotional stress and poor outlook of cancer patients. Because of this, the care might not be very good, the job might not be very satisfying, and there is a good chance that the patient's pain won't be noticed. Aim. To synthesize empirical evidence on compassion fatigue in order to [...] Read more.

Oncology nurses are more likely to get compassion fatigue (CF) than nurses in other fields because of the emotional stress and poor outlook of cancer patients. Because of this, the care might not be very good, the job might not be very satisfying, and there is a good chance that the patient's pain won't be noticed. Aim. To synthesize empirical evidence on compassion fatigue in order to extract the common, central, and fundamental elements that may improve nursing care. Design. An integrative review Results. Fifteen (15) studies met the eligibility criteria wherein five themes emerged. These are the level of compassion fatigue among oncology nurses, the oncology nurses' perspectives on compassion fatigue, precipitating factors leading to CF with 2 subthemes (work environment and a feeling of lack of support), the influence of compassion fatigue on the personal lives and general well-being of cancer nurses, and the consequences on the quality of oncology nurses' professional lives at work. Conclusion. CF is a significant problem for nurses who work in specialized areas such as cancer units, demonstrated as a basic incapacity to nurture others. The integration of studies provides evidence of clinical practice application which can provide better outcomes and improve nursing care. Implications for Practice. The findings provide understanding into healthcare practice on how to avoid compassion fatigue. Clinical management approaches that can mitigate compassion fatigue and its negative repercussions are presented, as well as the formation of peer support groups that have the ability to ameliorate CF.

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Open Access June 21, 2023 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Effectiveness of Environmental Solid Waste Management Policies and Practices for Sustainable Development

Theophilus Kweku Bassaw

Open Journal of Educational Research 2023, 3(2), 93-104. DOI: 10.31586/ojer.2023.708

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of environmental solid waste management policies and practices for sustainable development in Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem Municipality in the Central Region of Ghana. The case study research design was adopted for the study. Using the simple random sampling procedure, 425 respondents comprising of 380 residents and 45 Zoomlion staff were [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of environmental solid waste management policies and practices for sustainable development in Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem Municipality in the Central Region of Ghana. The case study research design was adopted for the study. Using the simple random sampling procedure, 425 respondents comprising of 380 residents and 45 Zoomlion staff were involved in the study. The data were analysed through the computation of frequencies, percentages, as well as means and standard deviations. On the waste management strategic action plan for sustainable development, it can be concluded that, regular monitoring system should be in place to ensure that households adhere to the solid waste management practices; and education/training programmes on solid waste management should be provided for employees so that they can appreciate the need for sustainable development practices. It can also be concluded that, most of the environmental management policies and practices of solid waste management were not effective in the KEEA Municipality because the residents were uncertain about the effectiveness of the environmental policies that have been put in place. Perhaps, the Assembly does not conduct regular monitoring to find out solid waste management practices of the various households. It could be that the Assembly does not enforce bye-laws on sanitation on appropriate solid waste management practices. It is recommended that, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Assembly should conduct regular monitoring system in order to ensure that residents adhere to the solid waste management practices. Again, the Assembly should make available a reliable data on solid waste generation for households in the Municipality. It is also recommended that, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Assembly should ensure proper enforcement of the bye-laws on sanitation on appropriate solid waste management practices. Residents of the KEEA Municipality should be encouraged by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to consider reuse and recycling as important activities.

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Open Access June 19, 2023 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

An Appraisal of Teachers’ Perception on Repairing of Clothes

Abigail Appiah

Journal of Art and Design 2023, 3(1), 42-54. DOI: 10.31586/jad.2023.705

Abstract The purpose of the study was to examine teachers’ perception on repairing of clothes in Agona Kwanyako in the central region of Ghana. Quantitative research approach and Descriptive survey design were adopted for this study. The population of this study comprised teachers in the seven public Basic Schools, one Senior High School, two private Basic Schools and one Vocational and Technical School in [...] Read more.

The purpose of the study was to examine teachers’ perception on repairing of clothes in Agona Kwanyako in the central region of Ghana. Quantitative research approach and Descriptive survey design were adopted for this study. The population of this study comprised teachers in the seven public Basic Schools, one Senior High School, two private Basic Schools and one Vocational and Technical School in Agona Kwanyako. Krejcie and Morgan chart was used to sample hundred and fifty-five (155) out of two hundred and sixty (260) teachers in Agona Kwanyako schools. The main instrument for data collection and analysis was questionnaire. All the questionnaires retrieved were prepared by sorting and coding. They were then entered into IBM SPSS Statistics 2017 version 25.0 for data to be analysed. The SPSS software was used to generate mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentages on the data because it is fast, energy saving and gives a consistent and accurate statistical representation of raw data. Findings were then discussed in relation to the research question for the study. Data were presented using tables and charts. The study indicated that the perception one holds about the repair of clothes affects how they view the act and their subsequent adaptation of the exercise. The perception teachers hold about clothes repair was that, clothes protect the environment, create employment and alleviate one from poverty, helps clothes stay trendy and can give one a sense of satisfaction. It can also be concluded that clothes that are normally used such as dresses, shirts and trousers are the types of clothes mostly repaired. Teachers have positive perception about clothes repair. Based on this it is recommended that Home Economics teachers should team up with other teachers to inculcate proper clothes care in their students. Also, clothes should be made in such a way that repairing is easier and possible based on the findings on the types of clothes that are mostly repaired.

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Open Access May 14, 2023 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

An Assessment of Inclusive Education Experiences of Teacher-Trainees with Sensory Impairment in Colleges of Education in Ghana

Emmanuel Kwame Larbi Mantey, Irene Vanderpuye, Lebbaeus Asamani

Open Journal of Educational Research 2023, 3(2), 75-92. DOI: 10.31586/ojer.2023.692

Abstract Effective Inclusive education experiences can be built through structured interventions. The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of inclusive education experiences on teacher-trainees with sensory impairment in the Ghana Colleges of Educations of Ghana. The study was based on pragmatist philosophy. The study adopted convergent parallel mixed-methods approach. The population involved all [...] Read more.

Effective Inclusive education experiences can be built through structured interventions. The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of inclusive education experiences on teacher-trainees with sensory impairment in the Ghana Colleges of Educations of Ghana. The study was based on pragmatist philosophy. The study adopted convergent parallel mixed-methods approach. The population involved all 66 students with sensory (visual and hearing) impaired in the three (3) CoEs (PCE, Akropong Akwapim, WESCO, Kumasi and NJA, Wa) that practice inclusive education (IE) during the 2018/19 academic year. Purposive and census sampling techniques were used to select the three (3) colleges of education and sixty-six students for the study. The main instruments for data collection were questionnaire and focus group discussion. The quantitative data items were coded for input into the Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 23 software and analysed using means and standard deviations. The qualitative extracts collected into themes that were coded, analysed and interpreted. The study revealed that teacher-trainees had varied experiences on campus, while they felt welcomed into the inclusive institution; they also felt the Colleges were not well prepared to meet their needs. The physical environment was not conducive for the VI on campus. It is recommended that, College authorities should work with the MoE and agencies concerned with disability issues in the society to provide comfortable environment on College campuses for TTSI. It is also recommended that, providing a comfortable environment should include facilities and resources needed for the TTSI to learn effectively. It also involves physical arrangement of the campus environment. The TTSI, regardless of their disabilities, should be provided with an environment where their movement, their studies, their interactions with their peers and tutors are made easier to help them graduate successfully.

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Open Access February 26, 2023 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Teachers Supervisory Practices in the Kindergarten Schools in Ghana: A Case of Komenda Edina Eguafo Abirem Municipality

Isaac Awortwe, Regine Kwaw, Emmanuel Adom Ashun

Open Journal of Educational Research 2023, 3(1), 45-58. DOI: 10.31586/ojer.2023.642

Abstract The supervisory role of kindergarten teachers is primarily concerned with supervising and managing the efforts of their learning environment to create safe, positive learning environments for all learners. The purpose of this study was to assess teachers’ supervisory practices of learners in Kindergarten schools in Komenda Edina Eguafo Abirem municipality. (K.E.E.A) Municipality in the Central [...] Read more.

The supervisory role of kindergarten teachers is primarily concerned with supervising and managing the efforts of their learning environment to create safe, positive learning environments for all learners. The purpose of this study was to assess teachers’ supervisory practices of learners in Kindergarten schools in Komenda Edina Eguafo Abirem municipality. (K.E.E.A) Municipality in the Central Region of Ghana. The study employed the qualitative research approach using the interpretivism paradigm. The instrumental case study design was adopted for this study. Population of the study comprised public kindergarten schools in KEEA Municipality. A multi-stage purposeful random sampling technique was used to select sixteen (16) respondents for the study. The semi-structured interview and observation checklist were the main instruments employed in the data collection for this study. The qualitative data was analysed by the use of the interpretative method based on the themes arrived at during the data collection. The themes were related to the research question and interpreted on the number of issues raised by respondents. These were based on question on the semi-structured interview. The study indicated that, kindergarten teachers do not supervise their learners during out-door activities or at playground, thinking it is the available time to relax after learners are out to play. The study also revealed that, kindergarten teachers do not pay close attention to learners and their physical environment to detect danger and threats. Also, in relation to proximity in supervision, the study found that, kindergarten teachers do not maintain physical closeness supervision of their learners to promptly salvage them from occurring danger during supervision. It is recommended that, the Ministry of Education (MoE), Ghana Education Service (GES), and other Agencies in Education (AiE) should strategically and periodically organize workshop trainings and seminars on teacher supervision and safety for kindergarten teachers. It is also recommended that, Tertiary institutions like the teaching universities and colleges of education should mount courses specifically for Teachers Supervision and School Safety for pre-service teachers and school administrators.

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Open Access February 17, 2023 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

The Frescoes in Lysi, Cyprus and the Digital Modelling of Their Environment in the UK

Prof. Dr. Elena Ene Draghici-Vasilescu

Journal of Art and Design 2023, 3(1), 22-27. DOI: 10.31586/jad.2023.620

Abstract The article is about the finding (after stealing) and restauration of the frescos from the Church of Evphemianos, near Lysi, Cyprus. These wall-paintings have been dated to the thirteenth century. A team of British specialists lead by Laurence J. Morroco restored them and put them back in situ in 2012.

The article is about the finding (after stealing) and restauration of the frescos from the Church of Evphemianos, near Lysi, Cyprus. These wall-paintings have been dated to the thirteenth century. A team of British specialists lead by Laurence J. Morroco restored them and put them back in situ in 2012.

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Open Access February 08, 2023 Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Videogame Education as an Anxiety Treatment between Middle-Year Students Post-Covid 19

Rafael Iwamoto Tosi

Open Journal of Educational Research 2023, 3(1), 1-16. DOI: 10.31586/ojer.2023.617

Abstract The present article seeks to provoke a discussion into how video games can be used in anxiety treatments and social stimulation tools among middle-year students and children of that same age. To do so, we initially start this article by reflecting on how the covid-19 pandemic disparate all anxiety alerts in our society including mental health issues such as depression and special anxiety disorders. Then we compare how the numbers of anxiety among children and young adults were already alarming before the lockdowns imposition and the social distance measures, especially in urban centers. This rising anxiety condition can be felt especially in the years that followed the social isolation of children especially because their social connection and recognition were just starting to grow and to establish important connections between their peers in-person and in virtual environments, throwing light on how to screen media and children`s homes are related with the anxiety increase and how we can investigate that phenomenon without succumbing to excessive positivism to today`s technology or to a deconstructive pessimism that leads us to distrust those media that are already in contact with middle-year students and children`s in that same age. To do so, we will resort to philosophical tools such as Edusemiotics and Cultural Studies to understand how games such as Minecraft and Roblox [...] Read more.

The present article seeks to provoke a discussion into how video games can be used in anxiety treatments and social stimulation tools among middle-year students and children of that same age. To do so, we initially start this article by reflecting on how the covid-19 pandemic disparate all anxiety alerts in our society including mental health issues such as depression and special anxiety disorders. Then we compare how the numbers of anxiety among children and young adults were already alarming before the lockdowns imposition and the social distance measures, especially in urban centers. This rising anxiety condition can be felt especially in the years that followed the social isolation of children especially because their social connection and recognition were just starting to grow and to establish important connections between their peers in-person and in virtual environments, throwing light on how to screen media and children`s homes are related with the anxiety increase and how we can investigate that phenomenon without succumbing to excessive positivism to today`s technology or to a deconstructive pessimism that leads us to distrust those media that are already in contact with middle-year students and children`s in that same age. To do so, we will resort to philosophical tools such as Edusemiotics and Cultural Studies to understand how games such as Minecraft and Roblox can be used in school environments to help students and teachers manage anxiety levels and surpass socialization issues past covid-19 lockdowns. To finish our reflection we also bring some data related to how those same media and games helped middle-year students to surpass social isolation and family disconnection during the pandemic while their kept exercising school content in those games, sharing and debating with their peers on virtual platforms.

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