Studies on the use of pesticides in southwest Nigeria have revealed a substantial rise in a variety of pesticide-related illnesses, including mental impairment and reproductive problems. Those who work in agriculture and are regularly exposed to pesticides are the most impacted. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that three million severe pesticide poisoning episodes occur globally each year, with at least 300.000 deaths and 99% of cases occurring in low- and middle-income nations. The effects of longer-term exposure to pesticides on health are not yet precisely estimated. Objectives: To this end, the objective of this study is to assess the knowledge of pesticide residues and common pesticides in grain-based food (brown and white beans, yellow and white maize, brown millet and rice) about pesticide use in selected markets of Southwest Nigeria. Methods: A total of 240 respondents were selected from four states (Ado-Ekiti, Ibadan, Osun and Ondo) with the aid of structured questionnaire and interview guide using purposive sampling technique. The markets were Oja-titun (market) Ile-Ife, Osun; Alesinloye Market Ibadan, Oyo; Oja Oba, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti; and Oja Oba, Akure Ondo State. The identification and quantification of pesticide residues was done using a Varian 3800/4000 gas chromatograph mass spectrometer while 60 structured questionnaires were administered to respondents including food merchants, buyers/consumers as well as food vendors. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: The experiment was conducted from November 2020 to November 2021. Up to 50.4% never read instructions on pesticide application while a shared 24.8% read them always and occasionally. The number of respondents who never read the instructions were particularly high in Ekiti and Ondo, up to 52.5% of the respondents in Ekiti do not know whether or not they are exposed to pesticides during application. Also, majority of the respondents never attended any professional training on pesticide application, this amounted to 79.3%. Most people were not aware that unsafe pesticide application is harmful to human health. Similarly, a wide variety of symptoms were reported by respondents following pesticide application or consumption of grains, these included headaches and dizziness, itching and redness of the eyes, skin allergy, diarrhea, and stomach disorder, vomiting and loss of appetite, weakness of the body, asthma, permanent skin patches, shortness of breath, excessive sweating. Millet recorded the highest number of OCP residues while maize had the lowest. On the contrary, maize had the highest number of OPP and carbamate residues while millet had the lowest number of OPP residues. Meanwhile, maize, rice and beans had only one carbamate pesticide residue. Conclusions: According to the study's conclusions, farmers who can only get information from agricultural extension officials should receive urgent and immediate attention for raising awareness. Additionally, extensive IPM training programs must be created with the intention of disseminating precautions for protecting human health and a healthy agro-ecosystem. In order to find more effective pest management methods that utilize less pesticides, it is crucial to reevaluate the pesticide residues and common pesticides found in grains in the targeted markets. To reduce farmers' exposure to pesticides, it is also required to establish personal protective measures, special educational initiatives, and legislation promoting the use of safer pesticides. Significance and novelty: This study gives policymakers a comprehensive understanding of the ways that may be utilized to close the significant knowledge gap on pesticide residues in grains and provides an insight into the knowledge of pesticide residues and common pesticides in grains.

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.

Addressing adolescent and sexual reproductive healthcare is essential to providing young patients with the resources they need to navigate and empower themselves with. However, there is limited data about how often this occurs. Several studies have previously indicated that there is a large gap in accessing this gap in low-income neighborhoods. Our study aims to identify the establishment of gynecologic care among adolescent cisgender women and elucidate potential reasons for seeking or not seeking out care. We approached women in the pediatric emergency room that matched the inclusion criteria set out. Qualitative surveys were conducted until thematic saturation was reached and a cross-section study design was employed. Interviews were analyzed through modified ground theory. The study was conducted at the pediatric emergency department at University Hospital located in Newark, NJ. In 2018 estimates, the Newark population consists of 47.0% Black and 39.2% Hispanic or Latinos. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 cisgendered, English-speaking females between ages 18 to 25 presenting to the pediatric emergency room who may or may not have previously established primary care with a gynecologist. Transcriptions were analyzed using modified grounded theory and themes were identified using inductive coding of patient interviews.

The article's purpose is twofold. First, we wish to draw attention to the insufficiently known field of continuous-time difference equations. These equations are paradigmatic for modeling complexity and chaos. Even the simplest equation , easily leads to complex dynamics, its solutions are perfectly suited to simulate strong nonlinear phenomena such as large-to-small cascades of structures, intermixing, formation of fractals, etc. Second, in the main body of the article we present a small but very important part of the theory behind the above equation marked by . Just as the discrete-time analog of this equation induces the one-dimensional dynamical system on some interval , so the equation induces the infinite-dimensional dynamical system on the space of functions . In the latter case, not only are the long-term behaviours of solutions critically dependent on the limit behaviour of the sequence (as in the discrete case) but also on the internal structure of as . Assuming to be continuous, we consider the iterations of as the semigroup generated by on the space of continuous maps, and introduce the notion of a limit semigroup for in a wider map space in order to investigate asymptotic properties of . We construct a limit semigroup in the space of upper semicontinuous maps. This enables us to describe both of the aforementioned aspects of our interest around the iterations of.

In this paper we present a new classes of solutions for the Einstein-Maxwell system of field equations in a spherically symmetric spacetime under the influence of an electric field considering the MIT bag model equation of state with a particular form the metric potential that depends on an adjustable parameter. The obtained solutions can be written in terms of elementary functions, namely polynomials and algebraic functions. The obtained models satisfy all physical properties expected in a realistic star. The results of this research can be useful in the development and description of new models of compact structures.

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.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are important class of persist organic pollutants that were used as a component of paints especially in printings, as plastificator of plastics and insulating materials in transformers and capacitors, heat transfer fluids, additives in hydraulic fluids in vacuum and turbine pumps. There is always a need to establish reliable procedures for predicting the bioconcentration potential of chemicals from the knowledge of their molecular structure, or from readily measurable properties of the substance. Hence, correlation and prediction of biococentration factors (BCFs) based on λ_max and vibration frequencies of various bonds viz υ(C-H) and υ(C=C) of biphenyl and its fifty-seven derivatives have been made. For the study, the molecular modeling and geometry optimization of the PCBs have been performed on workspace program of CAChe Pro 5.04 software of Fujitsu using DFT method. UV-visible spectra for each compound were created by electron transition between molecular orbitals as electromagnetic radiation in the visible and ultraviolet (UV-visible) region is absorbed by the molecule. The energies of excited electronic states were computed quantum mechanically. IR spectra of transitions for each compound were created by coordinated motions of the atoms as electromagnetic radiation in the infrared region is absorbed by the molecule. The force necessary to distort the molecule was computed quantum mechanically from its equilibrium geometry and thus frequency of vibrational transitions was predicted. Project Leader Program associated with CAChe has been used for multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis using above spectroscopic data as independent variables and BCFs of PCBs as dependent variables. The reliability of correlation and predicting ability of the MLR equations (models) are judged by R², R²_adj, se, q²_L10O and F values. This study reflected clearly that UV and IR spectroscopic data can be used to predict BCFs of a large number of related compounds within limited time without any difficulty.

Hypertension remains a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Although effective antihypertensive therapies are available, sustained blood pressure control remains suboptimal due to inconsistent medication use. Most adherence research is quantitative and offers limited understanding of how individuals interpret lifelong treatment within daily life, particularly in culturally grounded contexts. To explore the lived experiences of Filipino adults taking antihypertensive medication. A qualitative study grounded in Heideggerian interpretive phenomenology was conducted. Ten Filipino adults diagnosed with hypertension were purposively recruited from outpatient clinics in Manila, Philippines. In-depth semi-structured interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using the six-step IPA framework. Analysis revealed six interconnected themes describing how participants interpreted and sustained medication use: (1) Diagnosis as Disruption; (2) Medication as Protection and Responsibility; (3) The Paradox of the Silent Illness; (4) Everyday Barriers to Sustained Treatment; (5) Constructing Routine and Adaptive Self-Management; and (6) Family as Anchor within Cultural Contexts. These themes reflected emotional adjustment, symptom-driven adherence, financial and work-related barriers, adaptive coping strategies, and strong family-centered motivation. Medication-taking was experienced as an ongoing negotiation shaped by bodily cues, daily demands, and relational obligations. Conclusion: Antihypertensive medication use is shaped by relational, cultural, and socioeconomic contexts, underscoring the need for family-inclusive and culturally responsive hypertension care.

This study proposes an integrated approach combining geographic information systems (GIS) and geotechnical analyses to assess the stability of the Oued Ayda mountain lake dam, located in the Siliana Governorate, northwestern Tunisia. The mechanical properties of the embankment and foundation materials were integrated into a Mohr-Coulomb geomechanical model, while the pore water pressure distribution was simulated for various representative hydromechanical scenarios: end of construction, normal operation, rapid drainage, and short- and long-term empty reservoir conditions. The stability analysis, performed using the Morgenstern-Price method with the SLOPE/W software (GeoStudio), reveals high safety factors on the upstream side (SF > 3 in the short term and SF ≥ 2 in the long term), indicating good resistance of this slope to hydraulic and mechanical stresses. Conversely, the results show that the downstream slope exhibits significantly lower safety factors, ranging from 1.335 to 1.338 under long-term conditions, particularly during normal operating and rapid drainage scenarios. These reduced values indicate a high vulnerability of this slope to persistent saturation and adverse hydraulic gradients. In conclusion, although the dam exhibits satisfactory overall stability, the downstream slope remains the most vulnerable area of the structure. The results underscore the need for rigorous management of water level fluctuations and suggest reinforcing the drainage system or implementing targeted stabilization measures to ensure the long-term safety and durability of the structure.

Background: Building Information Modelling (BIM) improves safety planning in construction by enabling visualization and simulation to identify and reduce risks. However, its adoption in Nigeria is limited. This study examines the application of BIM in enhancing safety and environmental performance on construction sites in Nigeria. Methodology: A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured online questionnaire distributed to professionals in Nigeria’s construction industry. A purposive sampling method was employed to target respondents with relevant BIM experience. Data were analysed using SPSS version 28, applying descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression at a 5% significance level. Result: Findings show that BIM was fully adopted by 7.0% of organizations, with only 19.8% of respondents using it to identify safety hazards during planning. While 76.8% reported no notable safety benefit, 19.5% identified improved risk management as the key benefit. Most respondents (80.2%) reported no noticeable environmental benefits. Among those who did, improved energy efficiency was the most cited benefit (16.4%). Respondents with 10 or more years of experience were significantly more likely to report enhanced safety and environmental outcomes (AOR = 4.555; p = 0.003) and adequate BIM utilization (AOR = 3.255; p = 0.023). Those with intermediate BIM experience were also more likely to report high enhancement (AOR = 2.857; p = 0.039) and effective tool use (AOR = 2.881; p = 0.050). Conclusion: This study revealed that BIM has the potential to improve construction outcomes in Nigeria if supported by training, experience, and structured implementation.

Background: Adolescence is a critical developmental stage for the emergence of major depressive disorder (MDD). Structural and diffusion neuroimaging studies have highlighted the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) as a key region implicated in emotion regulation, stress reactivity, and mood processing. However, few studies have examined whether microstructural characteristics of the ACC, reflected by mean diffusivity (MD) within gray matter–white matter (GM–WM) contrast regions, are associated with depression in early adolescence. Objective: To examine whether mean diffusivity (MD) within the GM–WM contrast of the left caudal anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is associated with a past diagnosis of MDD among adolescents in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, after accounting for demographic, socioeconomic, and adversity-related factors. Methods: Data were drawn from adolescents with diffusion MRI–derived mean diffusivity measures and diagnostics. The independent variable was mean diffusivity (MD) of the GM–WM contrast in the left caudal ACC. The primary outcome was past MDD diagnosis based on structured psychiatric assessments. Covariates included age, sex, socioeconomic status (SES), and exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Logistic regression models tested the association between ACC MD and past MDD. A secondary model evaluated the relationship between ACC MD and past suicide attempt. Results: Mean diffusivity of the left caudal ACC was associated with the odds of past MDD, independent of age, sex, SES, and adversity exposure. In contrast, ACC mean diffusivity was not associated with a history of suicide attempt. Conclusions: Increased mean diffusivity in the caudal ACC may indicate microstructural alterations associated with depressive vulnerability in adolescence. ACC tissue integrity may serve as a sensitive neural correlate of early-onset depression.

Eating at home remains very much ingrained in Ghanaian culture but rapid urbanization coupled with busy lifestyle and advancement in technology has greatly changed the way of life of many Ghanaians. These changes have altered the tradition of cooking and eating at home. The study focused on the determinants of consumer patronage of street foods in the Koforidua Metropolis. The target population comprised customers that patronize the street foods in Koforidua Metropolis. From the target population, 197 consumers were selected using convenience. A structured self-administered questionnaire was utilized to gather the required data. The data collected were coded and analyzed with the help of SPSS-23. The findings revealed that food characteristics and social status determines consumers patronage of street food. It became evident that age (r=0.261, p<0.01), age (r=-0.318, P<0.01), educational level (r=0.144, P<0.05) and occupation (r=-0.477, P<0.01) of consumers has a significant influence on the decision and patronage of street food. The study concluded that food characteristics and social factors are major determinants of consumers patronage of street foods. It is recommended that Food and Drug Authority (FDA), other stakeholders, and street food vendors work cooperatively to establish laws that capture the distinctive and diverse foods sold on the street and their various preparation, storage, and sale methods in order to ensure that food preparation and sales are safe and hygienic.

Simulation-based learning (SBL) is widely recognized as an effective educational approach that bridges theory and practice in nursing education. Despite its global adoption, limited research has examined the experiences of Filipino nursing students with SBL, particularly in resource-constrained settings. This study explored the perspectives of Bachelor of Science in Nursing students from a university in Metro Manila, Philippines, on the impact of SBL on their skills, emotional responses, and challenges encountered. A descriptive qualitative design was employed using purposive sampling of ten students who had participated in at least one SBL activity. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and short written reflections and analyzed thematically following Braun and Clarke’s framework to capture nuanced experiences. Three major themes emerged from the analysis. First, students reported initial anxiety, nervousness, and stress during their early SBL experiences, which gradually transformed into confidence, adaptability, and resilience as they gained familiarity and competence. Second, SBL enhanced technical and cognitive skills such as clinical judgment, decision-making, teamwork, and patient-centered care, supporting students’ readiness for real-world practice. Third, students identified resource limitations, insufficient equipment, and time constraints as significant barriers to optimal learning, though these challenges also fostered creativity and perseverance. The findings demonstrate that SBL fosters technical competence, critical thinking, and professional growth but requires institutional support to address resource constraints and faculty development needs. This study underscores the importance of expanding SBL in Philippine nursing curricula to align with international best practices and to contribute to Sustainable Development Goals 3 (good health and well-being), 4 (quality education), and 5 (gender equality).

Background: Traditional foods, once carriers of cultural identity and heritage, are being quietly replaced as globalization and modern ideals redefine the choices of younger generations. This ethnographic study investigated the cultural meaning and symbolism of Tuei, an indigenous maize-based beverage, among the Fante people in the Central Region of Ghana. The study aimed to document how Tuei is rooted in Fante social and ceremonial life, exploring its role as a symbol of identity, continuity, and tradition. Methods: A qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews were done with 7 participants involving one cultural expert, three elders, and three local producers. Results: The findings revealed that Tuei has a significant role in rites of passage such as marriages, funerals, and naming ceremonies, where it functions as a marker of status and social cohesion. It was daily used as a gesture of hospitality and symbol of community unity. Additionally, the study found that the nutritional benefits of Tuei was rich in essential nutrients from maize, which contribute to energy provision and digestion. Some participants also reported its traditional use in promoting digestive health and general well-being. Again, Tuei was influenced by modernization which has reduced its consumption among younger generations and elite groups. Conclusions: The study concluded with recommendations to strengthen these preservation efforts through educational initiatives, the integration of Tuei into cultural festivals, and ongoing community engagement to ensure the continuity of this cultural practice.

The gut-brain axis (GBA) has emerged as a central focus in the study of neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Research suggests that microbial composition and its metabolic byproducts influence neural development, synaptic plasticity, and behavior [1,2,3]. A structured bibliometric analysis of Scopus and Web of Science records was performed using Bibliometrix and VOSviewer to trace trends and thematic evolution of GBA–ASD literature [7,8]. In parallel, a data-driven pathway modeling approach maps microbial metabolites (e.g., short-chain fatty acids, tryptophan catabolites) to host signaling pathways including vagal stimulation, immune cytokine modulation, and blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability [4,5]. Simulations implemented in Python’s NetworkX illustrate how perturbations in metabolite flux may influence CNS outcomes. The findings reveal growing emphasis on butyrate, serotonin, microglial priming, and maternal immune activation in ASD-related GBA studies, and highlight the need for rigorous empirical validation of computational predictions [9,10,11].

Background: Tobacco endgame, defined as elimination of commercial tobacco sales The U.S. tobacco control landscape is a complex, adaptive system shaped by diverse stakeholders, evolving products and regulations, shifting social norms, and the strategic countermeasures of a powerful industry. Managing such complexity requires more than isolated interventions—it demands a coordinated, enterprise-wide approach that accounts for dynamic interactions, feedback loops, and emergent risks. Objective: Drawing on complex systems thinking, Zachman enterprise architecture model, and public health best practices, we conceptualize tobacco control as an evolving enterprise progressing through six interconnected phases: (1) Conception & Initiation, (2) Policy & System Design, (3) Implementation & Operation, (4) Evaluation & Adaptation, (5) Consolidation & Endgame Transition, and (6) Sustainment or Sunset. Each phase incorporates governance structures, performance benchmarks, and transition criteria designed to manage interdependence and reduce systemic vulnerabilities. Results: The lifecycle framing emphasizes how tobacco control in the U.S. can evolve as a complex, adaptive enterprise—integrating public health objectives with legal, operational, and cultural change processes. This model supports strategic sequencing, cross-sector alignment, and risk mitigation against emergent industry tactics, enabling a resilient and measurable pathway to the endgame. Conclusions: Seeing tobacco control as a complex enterprise that operates under a lifecycle model may offer a roadmap for achieving and sustaining the tobacco endgame. Using this approach may enhance policy coherence, resource efficiency, and adaptability, ensuring tobacco endgame is achieved.

Objective: This systematic review aimed to identify, synthesize, and critically analyze the available evidence on clinical protocols used for the prevention and treatment of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) in total hip arthroplasty (THA), based on studies published between 2000 and 2025. Methods: The review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Electronic searches were performed in PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase between January and April 2025. Eligible studies included clinical trials, cohort studies, case-control studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses published in English that addressed either preventive or therapeutic strategies for PJI in THA. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were carried out independently by two reviewers. Due to the heterogeneity of the included studies, a qualitative synthesis was performed. Results: A total of 32 studies were included. Preventive measures identified in the literature comprised combined antibiotic prophylaxis (cefazolin and gentamicin), multimodal perioperative protocols such as ACERTO, nasal decolonization for Staphylococcus aureus, silver-impregnated dressings, and structured post-discharge surveillance. Treatment strategies included DAIR (Debridement, Antibiotics, and Implant Retention), the DAPRI technique, one-stage and two-stage revision surgeries, muscle flap reconstructions, and protocols without spacers. These interventions were associated with significantly reduced infection rates and improved clinical outcomes when applied appropriately and in accordance with patient-specific factors. Conclusion: Effective prevention and treatment of PJI in total hip arthroplasty require a systematic and evidence-based approach. Integrated protocols—spanning preoperative optimization, meticulous intraoperative techniques, and rigorous postoperative monitoring—have proven effective in reducing infection incidence. In cases of established infection, surgical management must be tailored to the timing of infection, microbial profile, and host conditions. Two-stage revision remains the gold standard for complex infections, while one-stage revision and emerging techniques like DAPRI offer promising results in selected cases. This review contributes to the standardization of clinical practice and supports improved patient outcomes.

This literature review delves deeply into the epidemiology, structural and cultural challenges, and management strategies of status epilepticus (SE) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Incidence rates of SE vary significantly between countries, with notable disparities associated with socio-economic contexts, healthcare infrastructures, and cultural perceptions of epilepsy. The management of SE in this region is often hindered by constraints in medical infrastructure, inadequate access to specialist diagnostics such as electroencephalogram, and limited availability of essential anti-epileptic drugs, which are frequently out of reach for rural populations. These challenges are further exacerbated by the social stigma and cultural beliefs surrounding epilepsy, impeding access to care and widening inequalities. Moreover, the scarcity of qualified medical personnel undermines the efficient and prompt management of this neurological emergency. The review underscores the pressing need to enhance healthcare infrastructures, boost the capabilities of healthcare professionals, and conduct community awareness initiatives to destigmatize epilepsy and lessen prejudice. Additionally, practical recommendations are put forward for enhancing local capacity, fostering equity in care access, and mitigating regional health disparities in SSA.

This review article provides a comprehensive anatomical analysis of soccer footwear, delving into the intricate structure and functional roles of its constituent components, including the upper, heel counter, tongue, toe box, outsole/sole plate, studs, and insole. Manufacturing processes influencing these structural elements are also discussed. Current market offerings and patented innovations in soccer cleat technology are examined through a biomechanical lens, highlighting their intended functions and limitations. A critical synthesis of existing knowledge underscores the anatomical and biomechanical distinctions between male and female athletes' feet, arguing for the necessity of sex-specific footwear design. This review culminates in emphasizing the imperative for specifically engineered soccer footwear for female athletes to optimize performance, enhance comfort, and mitigate the elevated risk of lower extremity injuries prevalent in the female game, thereby identifying crucial directions for future research in sports biomechanics and footwear engineering.

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the biomechanical properties, functional performance, and clinical outcomes of different hip prosthesis materials and designs used in total hip arthroplasty (THA). A comprehensive search strategy identified 34 peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2024. The materials investigated included cobalt-chromium-molybdenum (CoCrMo), titanium alloys, PEEK, ceramics, and advanced surface coatings such as polycrystalline diamond (PCD). In addition, dual mobility systems, lattice structures, and additively manufactured and patient-specific implants were assessed. The studies utilized clinical trials, finite element analysis, and biomechanical testing to compare outcomes such as wear resistance, stress distribution, osseointegration, and range of motion. The findings demonstrated that titanium alloys and porous lattice structures reduce stress shielding, while ceramics and CoCrMo provide superior wear resistance. Dual mobility implants improved joint stability and range of motion, particularly in high-risk patients. PEEK and PCD showed promising properties but lacked robust long-term data. The integration of advanced manufacturing technologies and material innovations has led to more personalized and biomechanically efficient solutions for THA. Further longitudinal studies are needed to validate these developments. This review provides a critical synthesis of the biomechanical, functional, and clinical implications of contemporary hip prosthetic systems.

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.

This study investigated the pedagogical implications of out-of-field teaching in Social Studies. The Out-of-field Social Studies teachers could encounter several challenges in their preparation and the implementation of the integrated Social Studies curriculum. This study sought the lived experiences of the out-of-field teachers concerning the causes of out-of-field teaching in social studies, problems encountered by the out-of-field teachers and the mechanisms they employ to cope with the teaching of Social Studies. The study chose the qualitative phenomenological research design. Data were collected from all the 17 out-of-field Social Studies teachers through in-depth structured interview. Data were transcribed and analysed, through the inductive thematic analysis approach, unveiling of themes and concepts from the narratives of the research participants. The study revealed that out-of-field teaching in Social Studies occurs as a result of teacher shortage in integrated social studies programme. It is also caused by the perception that any teacher could teach Social Studies irrespective of the teachers’ qualification. Out-of-field teacher encounter problems such as inadequate content and pedagogical knowledge, lack of classroom managerial techniques and inability to deliver lessons through the integrated approach. Engaging in professional development courses, peer coaching, in-service training and workshops were some of the mechanisms employed by out-of-field teachers to cope with the teaching of Social Studies. The pedagogical implications of this phenomenon are that when teaching the Social Studies, the out-of-field teachers place more emphasis on aspects of the Social Studies curriculum where they have much knowledge and skip or put less emphasis on other aspects they lack in-depth knowledge, thus, the integrated approach to teaching Social Studies is not adopted effectively by out-of-field teachers. This waters down the content of Social Studies at the Senior High School level. Addressing the problem of out-of-field teaching in Social Studies requires training and recruiting more teachers who have background training and experience in the integrated approach to the teaching of Social Studies.

Background: Tobacco control policies are implemented globally to reduce tobacco-related morbidity and mortality. Emerging evidence suggests that individual tobacco use may influence the level of support for these policies. However, the extent to which personal use affects policy endorsement remains underexplored, particularly among young adults in academic settings. Aims: This study aimed to examine whether college students who use tobacco exhibit lower support for tobacco control policies compared to their non-user counterparts. Methods: We conducted a multi-center, cross-sectional study involving 2403 college students from various provinces in Iran. Tobacco use was ascertained based on self-reported consumption of cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and hookah. Attitudes toward tobacco control policies were evaluated using a structured survey instrument, and comparative analyses were performed to assess differences in policy support between tobacco users and non-users. Results: The analysis revealed that tobacco users demonstrated significantly lower support for tobacco control policies compared to non-users. This association was consistently observed across users of cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and hookah, suggesting a systematic pattern irrespective of the type of tobacco product used. Conclusion: These findings indicated a clear association between tobacco use and reduced endorsement of tobacco control policies among Iranian college students. These results have potential implications for public health policy, emphasizing the importance of addressing individual tobacco use behaviors in the development and implementation of tobacco control strategies. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of this relationship.

In today’s world of a globalized economy and ubiquitous digital transactions, businesses are hungry for ways to increase transaction efficiency and security. In the real economy, solutions that scale to fit transaction volume or velocity are equally valuable. This is true for clearing and settlement and for the day-to-day needs of buyers and sellers alike. Clever observers of both cash and digital transactions can spot cases where technology that supports transaction security or safety can strengthen consumer-borrower ties, mitigate default risks, and reduce recidivism. In general, a cloud solution for payment processing and merchant services solves two major barriers to optimum business technology: lack of scalability and lack of security [1]. The extension of current practice has its advantages, but new solutions unlock significant opportunities for both consumers and financial institutions [2]. The focus of this work is on the provisioning of cloud-based payment processing and merchant services to financial institutions and established global organizations, although the options available with these services mean they are potentially applicable to a wide range of group entities, including non-trading organizations, pension administrators, and group treasurers. With the increased attention to cybersecurity, a mass of data is available to assist the IT departments of the major payment processors, merchants, and acquirers to get cybersecurity on the radar of C-level executives [3]. The case is put forward for the increased targeting of and reporting to the Board’s Audit, Risk, and Liability Committees of publicly held payment processors and merchants to reduce fraud losses and mitigate the reputation and class action lawsuit risk due to data breaches. The progress of technology in the payment sector requires all stakeholders to have a collective approach in order to mitigate fraud and cybersecurity-related risks in new products and services to enhance consumer confidence and the proportion of retail cashless transactions [4].

Background: While the link between depression and smoking is known, less is known about the relationship between hopelessness and smoking in large national community-based sample of Black people. Aims: This study investigates the association between hopelessness and smoking status, using data from the National Survey of American Life (NSAL), which is the only ethnically diverse nationally representative sample of Black adults. Methods: Data from the NSAL were analyzed. Hopelessness and smoking status were assessed using structured interviews. Logistic regression was employed to assess the link between hopelessness and smoking status, controlling for potential confounders such as demographic factors and socioeconomic indicators as well as depression. Results: 4,939 participants entered our analysis. Hopelessness was significantly associated with higher odds of smoking status. This association remained robust after adjusting for confounders such as demographic factors, socioeconomic status, and depression. Conclusions: Hopelessness may be a critical risk factor for smoking in Black adults. Promoting hope as a component of targeted tobacco cessation programs may help reduce tobacco use of Black populations.

Background: The Cingulo-Opercular Network (CON) is a crucial executive control network involved in regulating actions and facilitating higher-order cognitive processes. Resting-state functional connectivity between the CON and the Default Mode Network (DMN) plays a vital role in cognitive regulation, enabling the transition between internally focused and externally directed tasks. This study investigates whether resting-state functional connectivity between the CON and DMN mediates the effects of social determinants, such as educational opportunities and family structure, on cognitive outcomes in youth. Aims: This study aims to explore how CON-DMN connectivity influences the relationship between social gradients and cognition in youth. Specifically, it examines whether resting-state functional connectivity between these networks mediates the effects of educational opportunities and family structure on cognitive outcomes and seeks to uncover the neural mechanisms underlying these social gradients. Methods: Data were derived from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, a large longitudinal dataset of over 11,000 children aged 9–10 years. Cognitive outcomes were assessed using standardized NIH toolbox measures: Total Composite, Fluid Reasoning, Picture Vocabulary, Pattern Recognition, and Card Sorting. Social determinants were operationalized using indicators such as parental education, family composition, and neighborhood educational opportunities (COI). Resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) between the CON and DMN was measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to test whether CON-DMN rsFC mediated the relationship between social determinants and cognitive outcomes, adjusting for potential confounders such as age, sex, and race/ethnicity. Results: Stable family structure and greater educational opportunities were significantly associated with improved cognitive performance. These relationships were mediated by reduced functional connectivity between the CON and DMN. Conclusion: Reduced functional connectivity between the CON and DMN serves as a neural mechanism linking social gradients, such as educational opportunities and family structure, to better cognitive outcomes in youth.

Background: Emotional problems have been associated with substance use, yet longitudinal research examining this relationship during childhood and adolescence in large, diverse, community-based samples remains limited. Aims: This study investigates the prospective associations between three emotional problems—hopelessness, depression, and suicide attempts—before ages 9–10 and the subsequent initiation of tobacco and marijuana use before ages 14–15, using data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study. Methods: Data from the ABCD study were analyzed. Baseline emotional problems, including hopelessness, depression, and suicide attempts, were assessed at ages 9–10 through structured parent interviews. Substance use outcomes (tobacco and marijuana initiation) were tracked from baseline to follow-up at ages 14–15 using structured self-report measures. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to assess the predictive roles of these early-life emotional problems, controlling for potential confounders such as demographic factors and family and neighborhood socioeconomic status. Results: Baseline hopelessness, depression, and suicide attempts at ages 9–10 were significant predictors of tobacco and marijuana use initiation at ages 14–15. These associations remained robust after adjusting for confounders, indicating the independent effects of early emotional problems on adolescent substance use initiation. Conclusions: Emotional problems in early childhood, including hopelessness, depression, and suicidal behavior, are critical predictors of substance use initiation during adolescence. These findings underscore the importance of early identification and targeted mental health interventions to reduce the risk of substance use among vulnerable youth.

Background: Disasters such as typhoons, floods, and earthquakes frequently impact the Philippines, placing nurses at the forefront of response and care. Given these recurring threats, ensuring that nurses possess adequate awareness, knowledge, and skills is crucial to mitigate risks, enhance preparedness, and promote effective disaster management. Aim/Objectives: This study sought to (1) assess the current levels of awareness, knowledge, skills, and involvement of private hospital nurses in Rizal Province across four phases of disaster management—mitigation and prevention, preparedness, response, and rehabilitation and recovery; and (2) propose a contingency and training plan based on identified gaps. Methods: A descriptive correlational design was employed. A total of 350 nurses from Level 1, 2, and 3 hospitals participated by completing a validated questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, and correlation tests to identify differences and relationships among variables. Results: Overall, the nurses reported very high levels of awareness and skills, coupled with a high level of knowledge and significant involvement in disaster-related activities. Nurses in larger (Level 3) hospitals exhibited higher practical readiness and engagement, while those in Level 1 and 2 facilities had comparatively lower scores. Positive correlations emerged between higher levels of awareness, knowledge, and skills and increased engagement in disaster initiatives. Conclusion: Building on these findings, a targeted contingency and training plan was designed using Pucel’s Performance-based Instructional Design, emphasizing hands-on simulations, structured policy briefings, and collaborative efforts with local disaster risk reduction offices. Addressing these specific gaps can bolster hospital preparedness, strengthen community resilience, and ensure more effective disaster response and patient care.

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.

The study aimed to examine the availability of protective clothing and its usage among workers at the University of Cape Coast in the central region of Ghana. It used the Accident-Proneness Theory and the Theory of Reasoned Action to achieve the study's objectives. The study adopted the positivist research paradigm. The study used a descriptive design with mixed methods. The study population comprised all workers and supervisors whose work demands the use of protective clothing at the University of Cape Coast. The study used multistage sampling techniques (stratified, purposive, proportional and Systematic random sampling techniques) to select one hundred and ninety-six departmental workers and five (5) supervisors in the University. The main instruments for data collection were a Semi-structured questionnaire and an unstructured interview guide. Mean and standard deviation, frequency count, and percentages were used to analyse the quantitative data. The qualitative data was analysed through the development of data categories and themes. The study concluded that “not all the protective clothing for the various departments were available. The University ensured that workers used what was in stock at the department. The protective clothing supplied to the various departments was insufficient, so their continuous use of the existing ones got them defaced, bringing about shortages. The study also revealed that workers used protective clothing most often, but not all used it because safety laws were relaxed. The study recommended that the University ensure a regular and adequate supply of PPC, insist on its usage, and enforce the use of PPC by all workers whose work demands it.

Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) serve as the cornerstone of pharmaceutical development, driving therapeutic efficacy and safety in drug formulations. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the lifecycle of APIs, starting from their discovery and development, through to manufacturing processes and regulatory oversight. The development of APIs begins with intensive research and discovery efforts, where medicinal chemists and pharmacologists identify and optimize potential compounds through computational modelling, high-throughput screening, and structure-activity relationship studies. Promising candidates undergo rigorous preclinical testing to assess pharmacological properties, safety profiles, and potential adverse effects in animal models. Upon successful preclinical outcomes, APIs progress to clinical trials, involving phases of testing in human subjects to evaluate efficacy, dosage regimens, and safety profiles under controlled conditions. Clinical trial data are meticulously analyzed to support regulatory submissions, demonstrating the API's therapeutic benefits and safety for eventual patient use. Manufacturing APIs involves complex chemical synthesis or biotechnological methods, ensuring precise control over reaction conditions, purity, and yield. The scale-up from laboratory synthesis to industrial production demands adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), where stringent quality control measures verify consistency, potency, and stability throughout production batches. Regulatory oversight by authorities such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in Europe ensures that APIs meet stringent standards of safety, efficacy, and quality before market approval. Manufacturers must submit comprehensive Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) data, detailing manufacturing processes, analytical methods, and stability studies to support regulatory filings.

Background: Early life socioeconomic conditions and race/ethnicity are critical determinants of long-term health and behavioral outcomes. Epigenetic changes, particularly those measured by the GrimAge biomarker, may mediate the impact of these early adversities on later life outcomes. This study investigates the relationships between race/ethnicity, poverty at birth, epigenetic aging at age 15, and subsequent self-rated health, school discipline, depression, and school dropout at age 22. We explored sex differences in these paths. Methods: Data were drawn from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS), which included 733 youth with comprehensive follow-up data up to age 22. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to assess the pathways from race/ethnicity and poverty at birth to epigenetic aging (GrimAge) at age 15, and subsequently to self-rated health and school discipline at age 22. The model controlled for potential confounders including sex, family structure, and parental education. Results: Race/ethnicity and poverty at birth were significantly associated with higher GrimAge scores at age 15 (p < 0.05). Higher GrimAge scores were predictive of poorer self-rated health (β = -0.08, p < 0.05) and increased instances of school discipline (β = 0.13, p < 0.01) at age 22. The indirect effects of race/ethnicity and poverty at birth on self-rated health and school discipline through GrimAge were also significant (p < 0.05), suggesting that epigenetic aging partially mediates these relationships. Sex differences were also observed. Poverty at birth predicted faster epigenetic aging at age 15 for males not females. We also observed that faster epigenetic aging at age 15 was predictive of school discipline of male not female participants at age 22. In contrast, faster epigenetic aging at age 15 was predictive of self-rated health (SRH) of female not male participants at age 22. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that with some sex differences, race/ethnicity and poverty at birth contribute to accelerated epigenetic aging (GrimAge) by age 15, which in turn predicts poorer self-rated health and increased school discipline issues by age 22. These findings emphasize the importance of early interventions targeting social determinants to mitigate long-term health and behavioral disparities. Addressing these early life conditions is crucial for improving health equity and outcomes in young adulthood.

This study examined the psychological impact of poverty on the mental health and wellbeing of children in Adentan Municipality, Ghana. The study adopted a phenomenological qualitative approach. A sample of 15 children from poor homes were selected using purposive and snowball sampling for the study. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview guide and analysed using thematic analysis. The study found that the main experiences of the children raised in poor homes were that they had unmet basic needs and limited income. Also, it was found that the psychological impact of poverty on children included stigma and inferiority, distress and hopelessness. From the results, it was concluded that poverty can have a psychological impact on the mental health and wellbeing of children. it was recommended that Social Welfare liaise with community leaders to identify children from poor homes and provide support for these children in terms of their basic needs like food and clothing.

The study aimed to establish the effect of Multicultural Teaching Competency (MTC) on the Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT) of RME teachers in Cape Coast. The cross-sectional survey design was used. All 150 RME teachers in the 54 schools in Cape Coast were involved in the study through the census method and a 33-item close-ended structured questionnaire was used for the data collection exercise. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential (Factorial ANOVA and PLS-SEM) statistics. Results revealed that RME teachers have a high level of MTC and CRT even though the students seem not to show interest in the subject leading to them failing in their final examinations. There was a statistically significant effect of RME teachers’ sex, academic qualification, teaching experience, and professional qualification on their MTC F (30, 4) = 7.142, p = .000, partial ƞ2 =.643 and CRT, F (30, 4) = 3.874, p = .000*, partial ƞ2 = .494. The result showed that RME teachers' MTC substantially explained 61.2% of the variation in their CRT. It was recommended that GES and the Metropolitan Education office should provide ongoing professional development opportunities specifically focused on translating MTC principles into actionable strategies.

Background: Early initiation of tobacco use among adolescents is a significant public health concern. While there is extensive research on overall tobacco use, much of it focuses on initiation in late adolescence, uses cross-sectional designs, and lacks specific exploration of electronic versus conventional cigarette use. This study aims to investigate social determinants influencing the early initiation of electronic and conventional cigarette use among U.S. adolescents. Methods: We utilized data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, which follows a cohort of tobacco-naïve children from age nine through age 16. The social determinants examined included household income, parental education, financial difficulties, racial/ethnic minority status, family structure, neighborhood income, and gender minority status. Structural equation models were employed to assess associations between these determinants and early initiation of electronic and conventional cigarette use. Results: Male gender was associated with a higher likelihood of conventional cigarette use, while the risk of early initiation of electronic cigarette use was similar across genders. White adolescents were at a higher risk of conventional cigarette use; however, the risk for electronic cigarette use was comparable across White and non-White groups. Financial difficulties were linked to an increased likelihood of early initiation of conventional cigarette use but not electronic cigarette use. Higher household income was associated with a reduced risk of initiating conventional cigarettes but did not significantly impact electronic cigarette use. Adolescents from married families were less likely to initiate electronic cigarette use. No significant effects were found for parental education or neighborhood income on the initiation of either type of cigarette use. Age did not significantly affect the initiation of either cigarette type, and gender minority status was marginally associated with early initiation of conventional cigarette use. Conclusions: The social patterning of electronic cigarette use differs from that of conventional cigarette use, suggesting that distinct tobacco products do not pose a uniform risk across all adolescents. This study underscores the importance of tailored prevention efforts that address the unique challenges associated with early initiation of electronic and conventional cigarette use among adolescents. The differential risk factors identified suggest targeted prevention strategies for conventional cigarette use, focusing on financial difficulties, household income, and gender-specific interventions. In contrast, prevention efforts for electronic cigarette use may require broader, more inclusive approaches that address all adolescents, regardless of their background. Comprehensive universal screening for electronic cigarette use and targeted screening for conventional cigarette use among adolescents are recommended.

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.

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.

This study assessed the handling and processing practices of 30 small-scale folded vermicelli processors in Tanga, specifically in urban areas of Tanga City, Tanzania. However, the micro- and small-scale processors were producing in unhygienic way because they are lacking facilities and equipment to process and handle the product hygienically. Multistage sampling design was adopted for this study and face-to-face interviews were conducted to collect data from all processing units through nine streets using semi-structured questionnaires and observation checklists. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences, where the statistics aspect was determined from the results obtained. The processors found across various streets (ranging from 3.3% in Kwaminchi Street to 23.3% in Mabawa Street), exhibited diverse demographics, with 53.3% being owner-operators and 40% and 6.7% in labourer and supervisor roles, respectively. A significant portion (53.3%) had 1-3 years of experience, and a small portion (10%) attended formal training in pasta processing. Despite 73.3% possessing food manufacturing licenses, many were unfamiliar with legal requirements, lacking documentation and standardized processes, raising concerns about food safety. Raw materials were sourced locally, but 56.7% lacked storage facilities. Hygienic practices varied, with 43.3% undergoing periodic medical check-ups, 70% using protective gear, and 60% had hand washing facilities. Sun drying was the sole method employed, with 86.7% placed drying trays on rooftops. Packaging practices raised concerns, as 93.3% reused woven polypropylene bags, potentially impacting product quality. Awareness of aflatoxin and its health implications was lacking in 90% of the processors. Overall, the study highlighted gaps in awareness, training, and adherence to standards among processors, posing potential risks to food safety and quality. Encourage them to adhere with Tanzania Bureau of Standards requirements and formalize their quality control practices.

Access to and the availability of digital infrastructure remains the most significant issue influencing teachers' use of multimedia technology in teaching and learning processes. Qualitatively, the study focused on a case study research design. The study population consisted of five (5) Social Studies teachers at Presbyterian University College of Education Demonstration Junior High School in the Akuapem North Municipality of the Eastern Region of Ghana. A purposive sampling technique was used to select all the Social Studies teachers for the study. The main instruments for data collection were an interview guide and observation protocols. The data was analysed using 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 participants. The study indicated that more resources are needed to use multimedia resources effectively in social studies instruction. Limited access to computers and the internet, unreliable power supply, time constraints for teachers, and a lack of necessary competencies all contribute to this challenge. Although multimedia has become crucial to education, teachers often need more training to utilise these resources fully. The government must collaborate with other organisations to procure ICT resources to address these challenges rather than shouldering the sole responsibility for financing education. Establishing a school-based ICT policy framework to guide technology implementation in teaching and learning is essential.

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.

Background: In the landscape of education, the decision-making process that leads students to pursue or reject nursing as a career is a multifaceted phenomenon shaped by a plethora of influences ranging from personal experiences to societal norms. Aim: To explore non-nursing students' insights on nursing education, seeking to shed light on the considerations and challenges that influence their views on nursing education. Materials & Methods: A qualitative approach using thematic analysis were utilized. Lincoln and Guba's framework for rigor and trustworthiness directed the validation process. Semi-structured interviews based on vetted questionnaires yielded the data. Results: Analysis of interviews with ten (10) non-nursing college students revealed three key themes: 1) initial insights, 2) factors influencing their insights, and 3) difficulty of nursing education. Non-nursing students view nursing education as multifaceted and rigorous, recognizing the profession's complexity but have reservations about the heavy workload, intense clinical demands, and health risks, particularly highlighted by the pandemic, which contributes to their reluctance to choose nursing as a career path. Implications: Addressing perceptions, enhancing curricula, offering mentorship, and providing emotional support, nursing education can be improved, steering more students towards a career in nursing. Conclusion: Non-nursing students respect the complexity of the nursing profession but are deterred by its demands and risks, indicating a need for educational reforms to better convey the role, value, and opportunities within nursing to encourage more students into the field.

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.

Background: Racial disparities in educational outcomes persist in the United States, with Black individuals experiencing lower levels of educational attainment and a higher rate of school disciplinary actions compared to their White counterparts. Parental education is a known predictor of offspring educational attainment, but its effects may vary by race. Understanding the role of household income in mediating these effects is crucial for developing targeted policy interventions to reduce educational inequalities. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the role of household income in mediating the differential effects of maternal education on two youth educational outcomes (educational attainment by age 22 and school disciplinary action) in Black and White families. Methods: Data were drawn from the 22 years of follow-up of the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS), a longitudinal study following a cohort of children born in large U.S. cities between 1998 and 2000. Participants included 1,647 Black and 689 White young adults who were followed from birth to age 22. Maternal education, household income, family structure, and paternal incarceration were assessed at baseline (birth), and two youth educational outcomes, namely educational attainment and any school disciplinary action, were assessed at age 22 (emerging adulthood). Using structural equation modeling (SEM), mediation analysis was conducted to examine whether household income partially mediates the effects of maternal education on youth educational outcomes, with race (Black vs. White) as the moderator. Results: The results indicated that maternal education was positively associated with youth educational attainment and negatively associated with school disciplinary actions in the pooled sample that included both Black and White families. However, the effect of parental education on educational attainment at age 22 was weaker for Black than White families. Household income partially mediated racial differences in the effect of maternal education on youth educational attainment. The results suggest that lower household income in Black families is why we observe a weaker effect of parental education on youth educational attainment for Black youth compared to White youth. Conclusions: Findings suggest that the lower household income of families is one of the reasons high maternal education levels are associated with lower youth educational attainment in Black than White families. Addressing income disparities through tax policies may help reduce racial disparities in education and promote educational equity for Black youth.

This research has deeply examined the linguistic and rhetorical features of proverbs in Arabic language and literature. By comprehensively addressing the grammatical structures, narrative techniques and rhetorical features of the parables, the study has shown how impressive and instructive these elements are. The research also analyzed the role of parables in contemporary Arabic literature and how they approach modern social and cultural issues. The findings revealed the rich and diverse effects of parables on language and rhetoric, indicating that Arabic parables are powerful and effective literary tools in both historical and contemporary contexts. Additionally, the place of parables in contemporary Arabic literature, how this literary genre approaches social and cultural issues, and the effects of these approaches on society are detailed. In conclusion, this study highlights the effects of Arabic parables on language and rhetoric and how this literary form has evolved in modern times and its role in social communication. For future studies, it is recommended to conduct comparative analyzes with a wider range of texts and in various geographical and historical contexts. This will better reflect the cultural and historical diversity of Arabic parables and allow us to delve more deeply into the effects of modern technology and media.

Ghana's Free Senior High School (SHS) policy has been touted as one of the most significant educational reforms in recent years, fueling the nation's achievement of Goal 4 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While many studies have been conducted on the policy’s impact on beneficiaries, little is known about its impact on tertiary institutions. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the socioeconomic effects of the Free SHS policy on tertiary institutions in Ghana's Western Region. We also provide suggestions on how to improve the policy's efficacy and lessen any obstacles to its incorporation into higher education. Methodologically, 103 employees of Takoradi Technical University and the University of Mines and Technology were sampled using a purposive sampling technique. According to the report, despite the lack of adequate facilities such as lecture halls, dorms, and residence halls on campus, the Free SHS policy has increased enrollment at the postsecondary level. This has resulted in a high student-to-lecturer ratio, increased utility bills, a high cost of living on campus, and a rise in the opening of businesses on campus. To address some of these socioeconomic impacts, respondents proposed that the government should improve infrastructure in the country's higher institutions, hire more lecturers, boost incentives for lecturers, and foster partnerships with private institutions to support infrastructure development.

A user is considered to be someone who would be actually using the system. The definition of a user is contextual and for any specific software project it depends on the software development methodology being developed. Satisfaction is the fulfillment of one’s wishes, expectations, needs or the pleasure that is derived from using a software product therefore “user satisfaction “is a reflection of quality from different perspective than measuring defects or code structure. Measurement in software engineering makes comparison possible and when you compare you have a choice and quality is quantified in terms of values. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the impact of software measurement scales on user satisfaction.

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.

The purpose of this study was to examine challenges facing the Church in dealing with Moral Issues and the way forward in Ghana. Qualitatively, the study sought to examine the Church's challenges in coping with Moral Issues and the way forward in Ghana. The study adopted a case study research design. The population of the study comprised leaders of Calvary Baptist Church – Adabraka and Shiashe. These include the Vice President of the Ghana Baptist Convention and departmental heads at the Ghana Baptist Convention headquarters. Others included the Senior Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church – Adabraka with its satellite mission at Shiashe as well as a cross-section of pastors of these churches; the church administrator; the past and present directors of Baptist Relief and Development Agency (BREDA). The purposive sampling technique was specifically used to locate respondents for the study. The churches and participants were chosen because of their efforts in dealing with the causes of immorality confronting Ghanaian society. The main tool for data collection was a semi-structured interview guide. The data gathered was organised and analysed manually using emerging themes. The study revealed that the challenges which the Baptist Church encounters in its effort to deal with moral issues are the politicisation of statements made by the clergy, and inadequate trained personnel who are willing and ready to champion the agenda of the church in that respect. Financial difficulties were also mentioned. In this regard, specific reference was made to the effort made by the Ghana Baptist Convention to free the Trokosi girls. It was indicated that it takes a lot of financial resources to train and settle the freed girls. Regarding the way forward as far as these challenges were concerned, it was suggested that the church ought to speak more and do what it is mandated by Christ to do to bring about transformation. It is recommended that Churches should seriously intensify education on what constitutes human rights and freedom so that there would be a clear understanding of the concept that enables people to think through and adopt the good aspects to enhance their circumstances. Human rights defenders should exercise restraints when it comes to practices which are alien to Ghanaian values, laws and religious faith.

This study aimed to evaluate the Social Studies Curriculum for Senior High Schools in Ghana to determine whether the subject has attained its goal(s) or not, using Stake’s Countenance Evaluation Model. The study took place in the Asante Akim North District. The population for study were all Social Studies teachers and students in the district. The multi-stage sampling technique was adopted for the study and the sample size was 120, made up of 100 students and 20 teachers. The concurrent mixed method approach was adopted. The main instruments used for collecting data were questionnaires, interviews (focus group and unstructured interview), observation and documentary analysis. Quantitative data were tabulated, organised, analysed and interpreted to draw sound conclusions and generalisations. The data were presented in the form of tables and percentages. Words were used to interpret the tables and percentages for easy understanding. The qualitative data responses were described and explained in the form of themes. Sometimes responses were quoted verbatim to authenticate claims made. The study looked at the congruence between what was intended to occur and what was observed before and during the implementation of the curriculum in the Asante Akim North District. On the transactions, it was revealed that teachers in the district communicate the problem the topic seeks to address and the specific objectives to the learners during instruction. Also, teachers varied their teaching methods, techniques and strategies. However, teachers failed to take students out on field trips. Also, they failed to use video documentaries to deliver their lessons inhibiting students’ creativity as they are denied the opportunity to explore and get first-hand information to build up knowledge and develop the needed attitudes and values. From the findings, it is therefore recommended that the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment should increase the time allotted to the teaching of Social Studies at the SHS level from 3-periods of 40 minutes a week to 5-periods of 40 minutes a week to give teachers and learners ample time to discuss, debate, digest and solve problems during instructional hours to enable the goal of the subject attained.

The purpose of this study was to examine the challenges affecting the teaching and learning of Social Studies in the Colleges of Education in the Ashanti Region. Qualitatively, the study adopted a case study research design. The population of the study comprised fifteen (15) Social Studies teachers in the Ashanti region of Ghana. A purposive sampling technique was used to select the colleges and Social Studies teachers. The main instrument for data collection was an unstructured open-ended interview guide. Four criteria proposed by Lincoln and Guba in 1985 used to measure the trustworthiness of data collected are credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability. Data obtained from the study were subjected to thematic analysis using themes developed from the data collected based on the research question. The findings of this study indicate that adequate textbooks, availability of teaching and learning materials such as projectors, the ability of tutors to engage in research, and the ability to vary teaching techniques are some factors that affect the teaching and learning of Social Studies in Colleges of Education. Students can remember a greater percentage of what was taught when techniques used by teachers are in their interest. It is recommended that T-TEL and Universities to which Colleges of Education are affiliated should continue to provide seminars and sessions to tutors in areas of material, resource development and research. This will continue to ensure that tutors are competent in their field of specialization. It is also recommended that the government should conduct a nationwide programme evaluation exercise on Social Studies to identify the loopholes needed to ensure the effectiveness of the subject.

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.

Among the most significant systems that organizations of all stripes, whether public or private, use is the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. Due in large part to the rapid growth of Internet services and the growing reliance on the infrastructure of Cloud service providers, ERP design has advanced, and numerous types of Internet-service-dependent ERP systems have emerged. In addition to the traditional ERP system, the most significant ERP types are Web-based ERP and Cloud ERP. As a result, ERP system vendors and designers, including Oracle and SAP, are relying on cloud-based ERP system design, and offering the ERP system as a service for monthly and annual subscription, where the system is external to the organization and does not need to exist within the organization.

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.

Qualitatively, the study focused constructivist research paradigm. A case study research design was adopted for the study. The study population comprised all six (6) Social Studies teachers, the headmaster and the School Improvement Support Officer (SISO). Purposive and convenient sampling techniques were used to select the participants for the study. The main instrument for data collection was a semi-structured interview guide and observation protocol. The data were analysed using the interpretative technique based on the themes arrived at during the data collection from the semi-structured interview. The study revealed that multimedia usage is a quality enhancer in educational settings for teaching Social Studies concepts. It also indicated that teachers perceived their incompetence when using technology as they feel less in control of their classes and are unlikely to explore new possibilities that utilise technology when planning their lessons. They learn the theoretical aspect and practice and perceive the teacher’s role in the classroom changes from an instructor to a facilitator, which changes the teaching method to student-centred (constructive methodology) which aids content absorption by the learner through learning by doing. The study also indicated that teachers perceived their incompetence when using technology as they felt less in control of their classes and were unlikely to explore new possibilities that utilised technology when planning their lessons. It is recommended that the Ministry of Education and National Teaching Council collaborate with Ghana Education Service to set up Social Studies training centres in all the district capitals equipped with competent staff to periodically organise in-service training for teachers to build their capacity on how to pedagogically incorporate multimedia resources in their instructions to improve students learning outcomes.

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.

The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of REACH and Process Models on forgiveness, anger and depression among 11- to 19-year-old adolescents in junior high schools in Bimbilla in the Northern Region of Ghana. The study employed a mixed-method design. The population for the study comprised all junior high school students totalling 3632. Of this number, 1,888 (55%) of the students were males, while 1744(45%) were females. The accessible population was 1,636 from eight (8) JHSs with 952(55%) of them being boys and the remaining 684(45%) being girls. The participants were selected based on their low levels of forgiveness and high levels of anger and depression determined by the Depression Mode Scale and Anger Self-Report. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to select 60 participants for the study, with each group having 20 participants. The main instruments used for the study are questionnaires (Enright Forgiveness Inventory (EFI). Anger self-report questionnaire (ASR), and Depressed Mood Scale (DMS) and semi-structured interview guide. One-way Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used to test the hypotheses. The study indicates that both the REACH model and PROCESS model have the efficacy in enhancing forgiveness among adolescents. The study also revealed that the REACH model and Process model have efficacy in reducing levels of depression among adolescent students. It is recommended that Counselling Centres should be set up by District Education Offices and the District Assemblies in the community so that students can visit the centre anytime they feel hurt. Regular seminars, lectures and symposia should be organized regularly by Counsellors and Psychologists using the efficacy of forgiveness therapies (Process and REACH Therapies) for students to be sensitized on the need to patronise forgiveness interventions. It is also recommended that the Government should provide adequate funds and support to encourage the conduct of research in forgiveness counselling since it is a new concept in Africa and Ghana in particular.

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.

English language has become a global language due to first, the results of British colonial expansion and, global commercial interests. It has become a lingua franca in many countries, including Ghana. Qualitatively, the study adopted case study research design. The purpose of the study was to find out the perception and the attitude of Ghanaian English teachers towards the Native Speakers’ accents. The population of study consists of all ten (10) tutors in the Department of Languages, Offinso College of Education. Purposive and convenient sampling techniques were used to select the college and the tutors for the study. The main tool used for the collection of data was the semi-structured interview. Most of the participants revealed positive attitudes towards their own English accents which were different from that of the native speaker. Ghanaians are often faced with the challenge of which accent to use when communicating with each other and with outsiders. Most of the tutors from Offinso College of Education who participated in this study expressed positive responses to their non-native speaker’s accents. Not only did the idea of having a native speaker’s accent hold no attraction for them but they also found it strange because it would not represent their L1 identity. The majority of participants in this study preferred to use their non-native accents to attempt to adopt those of the native speaker. To them, there is only one distinction between English accents -you are either a native or non-native.

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.

Fertility control is crucial to achieving improved health and socio-economic status of women. The main objective of the study was to explore fertility control behaviours among educated urban women in the Cape Coast Metropolis. The study adopted the interpretivist (qualitative) philosophy in social research. The population for the study comprised women who have at least secondary-level education, are married or in a stable union and are between the ages of 18 and 49 years. A snowball sampling technique was used to select thirty-two (32) respondents for the study. The respondents constituted the number that provided the required information at saturation. The main instrument for data collection was a semi-structured interview guide. Data was collected from educated women within the Cape Coast Metropolis. Five items open-ended questions under the heading Factors influencing fertility control among highly-educated urban women in the Cape Coast Metropolis. All transcribed data were then imported into NVivo 11, a computer-aided qualitative data analysis package with each transcript coded sentence by sentence. The codes were determined and constructed based on the content of the data. After the coding process, each code was described and memos attached as ideas about the themes emerged from social-cultural, economic to educational factors. The study underscores the adequate involvement of male partners in women’s fertility control practices, especially women’s contraceptive preferences. This demonstrates the authority of men over women in the domain of the family. Recognising that men have enormous powers regarding fertility issues tend to appreciate the need to promote and advance family needs and welfare. Also, the results indicate that other close associates or relatives are involved in women’s contraceptive lives. These close relations are what describes as a social network in Bronfenbrenner social-ecological framework. Besides, there are multiple socio-cultural and economic obstacles that could work against achieving desired fertility levels. It is recommended that family planning programmes should not focus on only women, but include male partners to enhance a change in behaviour and norms regarding power and gender roles that do not make them supportive partners. There is a need for a high-level promotion through civil society to encourage men to get involved in family planning matters. This will help women or couples to freely adopt their desired fertility control methods without hindrance.

The purpose of this study was to examine the empirical analysis of lexico-grammatical features used in the rhetorical structure of the Statement of the Research Problems of Master of Philosophy theses in the Faculties of Arts and Education at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Qualitatively, content analysis was adopted for this study. Theses from the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Education at the University of Cape Coast were selected for this study. These theses were selected from 2012 to 2022 academic years to ensure currency in terms of the stipulated lexico-grammatical features used in the statement of the research problem. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to select the university, two faculties (Faculty of Arts and Faculty of Education) and postgraduate theses for the study. The two faculties were purposively sampled. Eighty (80) theses were simple randomly sampled (Forty (40) theses each from the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Education). The main instrument used for data collection was content analysis. The data was analysed by the use of the interpretative technique based on the themes arrived at during the data collection of the statement of research problem from the post-graduate theses. The study indicated that integral citation was dominant in SRPs from the Faculty of Arts theses whereas non-integral citations were rather dominant in SRPs from the Faculty of Education theses. The use of adverbials to boost these claims was also found in only the SRPs from the Faculty of Arts theses. The use of hedging devices in SRPs from both Faculties to indicate a gap, and the use of simple noun phrases such as “the problem” and “the need” were mostly used to categorically state the research problem. It is recommended that a comparative study of theses in the two faculties in another university in Ghana be undertaken to identify how similar or otherwise the rhetorical structure and the lexico-grammatical features of the SRPs written by postgraduate students in the two faculties will be.

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.