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

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

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a significant psychiatric condition, with many affected individuals not gaining remission from conventional treatments, leading to classification as treatment-resistant depression (TRD). This study aimed to investigate the potential of intravenous (IV) ketamine, particularly the S-enantiomer esketamine in nasal spray form, for treating patients with TRD and associated comorbidities. We report three cases of patients with diverse psychiatric and medical backgrounds whom all reported significant symptomatic relief from depressive episodes and suicidal ideation (SI) following esketamine administration. Additionally, esketamine seemed to proffer benefits beyond the primary depressive symptoms, positively impacting other comorbid conditions, such as agitation, self-injurious behavior (SIB), and chronic pain. The goal of this paper is to highlight that while esketamine's primary utility is in addressing TRD, its therapeutic potential may extend to a variety of associated conditions. However, it is crucial to underscore the heterogeneity of MDD, emphasizing the necessity for individualized therapeutic approaches and further research into esketamine's broader applications.

This seminar in writing introduced novel cancer thermal therapy using functionalized heat-generating nanoparticles with about 100 nm diameter, administered via intratumor injection. The nanoparticles named magnetites cationic lipid composite particles (MCL particles) were composed of about 10 nm magnetites (Fe₃O₄), a cationic lipid and two neutral lipids. Magnetites in MCL particles generated heat due to external alternating magnetic field (AMF) irradiation to kill cancer cells nearby located. A cationic lipid component conferred several functions to MCL particles necessary for its efficacy and safety. Origination of the therapy with MCL particles was summarized by referring to our earlier reports in 1996-2014. Further characterizations of MCP particles and utility of heat dose index for treatment control were summarized by referring to our recent reports in 2019-2022. Unpublished data were supplemented to support overall understanding of the therapy. Purpose of this seminar is to clarify novel principle of the therapy in comparison with conventional thermal therapies and to discuss its clinical application.

Education stratum of India as well as world are worst-hit by Covid-19 and has imposed lockdown originating deleterious effect on academic life. A sheer number of learners ceased moving educational institutions and all pedagogies halted in India. Catastrophe has behaved as a stimulant for the educational institutions to cultivate and choose for platforms with technologies which were previously noviced. Education sector has been challenging to weather the crux with alternative strategy and digitizing the challenges to hoover the menaces of the pandemic. Hypothesis of digital study has prognosis to impact the ventures of higher education for eon. Findings evince that despite digital learning is a nice adventure for little skills, varying illiberalities partake. Learners are crunched and academy also exclusively in unstable job. It has yet to be established the scope whereupon digital study would climactically cover for conventional study. Covid-19 conundrum has divulged prefacing dilemma and disparities clamoring synergetic attempt to contemplate even so pandemic’s approach. This deliberate paper illuminates sparse impeccable education in India and has discussed the positive and negative impacts of Covid-19. The paper also contributes a methodical substantiation of the experience and lessons digested from the impact of the pandemic on the transitional education panorama, and the dissemination and acceptance of e-learning in education. To end, few suggestions along with policy recommendations have been made to meet didactics during the pandemic contingency.

This Practice-based research explores the innovative application of textiles in the creation of decorative flower vases, positioning them at the intersection of functional design and contemporary art. The study investigates the potential of techniques such as weaving, embroidery, and applique to transcend the conventional boundaries of the medium. Through a methodological framework combining material experimentation interviews with textile artisans and pottery producers in Accra, and critical reflection, the research examines the interplay of materiality, form and aesthetics. It integrates traditional Ghanaian motifs with modern design principles to create culturally resonant, sustainable artworks. The findings demonstrate textiles' significant versatility and creative capacity for producing unique decorative objects. This study contributes to discourses on material innovation and sustainable design by highlighting textiles as a dynamic medium for artistic expression. It offers practical insights for artisans and designers, underscoring the role of textiles in evolving traditional crafts for contemporary contexts.

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 examines concord errors in academic writing among first-year students at Offinso College of Education in Ghana, aiming to identify common errors and propose remedial strategies for improvement. The population sample consists of first-year students at the college, reflecting a gender-sensitive distribution. The study adopts a mixed-methods research design, combining qualitative and quantitative analyses to explore the effects of concord errors on academic writing. Sampling techniques include purposive, quota sampling, and simple random sampling methods. Research instruments include questionnaires, interviews, and writing assessments to evaluate students' language skills. Data analysis involves identifying concord errors in students' writing and assessing the impact on their academic performance. The study concludes by recommending strategies to mitigate concord errors, such as targeted language practice, timely feedback, and awareness of grammatical conventions, to enhance students' writing proficiency and academic success.

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.

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.

The paper analyses the extent to which crude oil price shocks impact GDP growth, exchange rate, interest rate and inflation of an emerging oil exporting economy, Ghana. The Structural Vector Autoregressive model is used to analyse the quarterly data from 2009q1 – 2020q4. The results showed that exchange rate and GDP growth respond positively but temporal to the impulse of crude oil price. In contrast, inflation and interest rate respond negatively to crude oil price shock. Specifically, the exchange rate appreciates in the initial quarter and begins to depreciate, whereas GDP growth experiences an increase in the first two quarters and also reduces afterwards. Crude oil price shocks to the Ghanaian economy follow the conventional behaviour of the impact of crude oil on macroeconomic indicators. The positive impact of the price shock on GDP growth and exchange rate is not much reflecting the fact that Ghana is an emerging oil-producing country with low production and export level. Ghana’s prospects in the oil and gas sector should not just be a mere hoax. Policies should be directed toward petroleum exploration and production efforts since the energy transition endanger benefits for future exploitation. Policies should be implemented to attract competitive players locally and internationally in the oil industry. The shock of crude oil prices is beginning to show evidence based on this study. Therefore government must consider recognising the importance of other economic sectors in order not be become heavily dependent on oil.

There is an ongoing debate regarding how to feed Sub-Saharan Africa's fast rising population in the long run, as well as the implications for food security. To maintain food security, various strategies have been recommended, including a focus on the significance of diversifying and improving people's diets. Proposals have been tabled elsewhere with a primary focus on enhancing agricultural inputs and technology adoption in order to increase agricultural production and productivity, hence strengthening food security. The current opinion piece attempts to contribute to this debate by examining smallholder agriculture and its role to African food security. This discussion proposes a future paradigm shift toward a gendered climate-smart smallholder agriculture and food production and security conceptual framework based on the promotion and development of smallholder agriculture and food production and security. Therefore, it's predicated that the micro-livestock-centered approach can remodel smallholder agrarian households and communities toward a gender-inclusive global climate change adaptive smallholder agriculture to strengthen production, supply, and food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. For Africa, today’s predicament is to ensure food security for the anticipated rapid population expansion, while on the other hand handling an overall net adverse effect of worldwide global climate change, and increased socio-economic ills associated with gender inequality in smallholder agriculture and ensuring long-term agriculture sustainable development. The failure to address gender inequality in smallholder agriculture and food production and pontificate of global climate change effect has thrown Sub-Saharan Africa into a state of perpetual food scarcity and insecurity because of low agricultural productivity and food supply, and by force of circumstances exposing the agricultural communities and its people to extreme poverty and nutrition and food insecurity. Therefore, it's predicated that the micro-livestock-centered approach can remodel smallholder agrarian households and communities toward a gender-inclusive global climate change adaptive smallholder agriculture to strengthen production, supply, and food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. For this purpose, this discussion proposes a future paradigm shift towards a gendered climate-smart smallholder agriculture and food production and security conceptual framework hinged on the promotion and development of the micro-livestock and/or unconventional animal species sub-sector to strengthen food security on the continent. Overall, the discussion emphasizes the importance of taking immediate action to alleviate the negative effects of climate change and address gender inequality through promotion of micro livestock to assist in the development of long-term adaptation measures to maintain smallholder agricultural productivity.

The requirement for any configuration of a chemical or biochemical reactor is the presence of efficient mixing to enhance heat and mass transfer as needed for the application of interest. Furthermore, as an Oscillatory Flow (OF) reactor has a combination of flow oscillation and baffled tube configuration, which has the potential to ensure efficient mixing, heat transfer, and mass transfer. In this way, an efficient mixing in an OF reactor is able to tackle any type of resistance in any chemical process from polymer synthesis to enzyme production. It has been observed that an OF reactor improved both conversion and selectivity of the relevant reaction by efficient mixing and transport properties. However, this technology was not still extended to mini-fluidic configuration via process intensification methods and so far, a novel approach for enhanced mixing at reduced scales was not explored. This work explores the application of OF technology in mini-fluidics. The feasibility analysis of Oscillatory Flow Technology in mini channels has been investigated using theoretical correlations from Conventional Oscillatory flow technology in process equipment. As a preliminary step in the process intensification of OF technology in mini channels, The Nusselt number (Nu) and pressure drop values are predicted from the literature and it has been observed that the transfer operations are also improved when oscillatory flow is applied in mini channels compared to commercial mini contactors such as corning heart shaped reactor. The plot between energy dissipation vs. mixing evaluated from theoretical calculations was drawn and compared with mini-fluidic mixers reported in literature. The most common mini-fluidic mixer is corning heart shaped reactor used for comparison with the proposed minichannel. Because of this analysis, the novel mixing geometries was expected to develop for various chemical processing applications. The OFT experimental set up was developed to create oscillatory flow via either forward rotation or backward rotation of valve. Furthermore, pressure vs. time profile and flow vs. time profile for the given OF mini fluidic arrangement is initially investigated and described. Preliminary experimental results are provided for an OF generator, intended for use in subsequent experiments exploring mini-fluidic mixers with OF technology.

This study is a literature review with a qualitative approach. It is justified by the significant increase in diseases acquired through lifestyle habits that generate health risks, which impair and are responsible for decreasing longevity and decreasing quality of life, such as hypertension, depression, obesity and respiratory tract diseases. Physical activity is recognized as a protective factor for health, and its benefits are associated with the reduction of chronic diseases and a decrease in the risk of premature death from diseases related to a sedentary lifestyle. The objective of this research is to search and identify, within the scientific literature, if there are in fact contributions from the practice of physical activity in subjects diagnosed with depression. For the categorization of studies and selection of materials, the following keywords were determined: physical exercise and depression and physical activity and depression. As inclusion criteria for data analysis and interpretation, the following were considered: articles in Portuguese, full texts, published in health journals, between the years 2005 to 2015. As exclusion criteria, we considered articles found by descriptors that did not contain one or more of the inclusion criteria. In this study, articles were selected by searching the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) and Lilacs. The choice of these databases was prioritized due to the quality and reliability of the materials available, and their easy access. 77 articles were found, of which 4 were selected to be part of this research. It can be noted that physical activity showed positive aspects and possible contributions and can be considered as a bias in an adjunct to conventional pharmacological treatments. The need for further clarification about the disease in relation to psychological, social and physiological issues is also evident, thus opening the possibility for further studies and research on the subject, so that in this way they can guide possible interventions that help in the treatment of the depression.

This study determined the effect of the combination of conventional lecture and Facebook discussion on the Achievement Pre-service Integrated Science Teachers in an Organic Chemistry course in the College of Education. Two research questions were raised, and one hypothesis was tested. The study adopted a pretest-posttest quasi-experimental research design was adopted. A total of 135 Pre-Service Integrated Science Teachers (PSIST) selected using multistage sampling technique were the participants in the study. The main instrument for data collection is Carbon Chemistry Achievement Test, and three other instruments were stimulus instruments. The data collected were analysed using frequency counts, simple percentages, estimated marginal means and analysis of covariance. The result indicates that the PSIST exposed to conventional lecture and Facebook discussion performed better in Organic Chemistry with a significantly higher mean score than their counterparts exposed to traditional lecture alone. It was concluded that integrating Facebook, the leading Web 2.0 communication technologies with teacher education, will ensure better performance of teachers.

Human life and survival on Earth depend on the exploitation of diverse resources, including water. Improper use of environmental resources will lead to pollution and destruction. As one of the most sensitive areas of the environment to which human life depends, water is exposed to a variety of environmental pollutants. The protection of the health of water resources has created the need for intervention and the use of legal and criminal solutions in organizing their use. Domestic penal policy in the field of legislation, inspired by the provisions of Sharia law, along with local and national considerations for the protection of water resources, has directly and indirectly affected the requirements of accession to international instruments and has enacted regulations on the protection of small water resources.

Green or environmental victimology is one of the branches of green criminology that emerged in the 1990s with the criminal justice system’s critical origins instead of conventional victimology. In contrast, green victimology believes that human beings can be green victims alongside nature. By following the rules of Iran’s legislative penal policy, green victims can be divided into living and inanimate categories. Living green victims are people, animals, trees, plants, and inanimate green victims divided into air, water, soil, and earth. Although the Iranian legal system considers both groups as green victims and is therefore influenced by a nature-oriented approach, many challenges support them in these regulations, and portraying them can play a valuable role in identifying and protecting them. Green victims play. Therefore, in this study, the first goal is to identify green victims, and the second goal is to express the extent of the legislator’s support for green victims and the challenges it faces.

The heart remained a mystery for many years and was considered surgically untouchable. With the use of extracorporeal circulation, there has been a revolution in this area. Due to its mechanical components and interactions with blood, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) can cause significant changes in the body. Factors such as contact between artificial materials and blood, continuous flow, hemodilution, hypothermia and anticoagulation affect all organs during CPB, and may result in various complications. The minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation (MiECC) system was developed to minimize the contact of blood with air and foreign surfaces during conventional CPB. In addition, the biocompatibility of the components that make up the MiECC circuits increased, which reduced the inflammatory response. The absence of a venous reservoir and shorter lines allow the prime volume to be used to decrease, which also reduces the damage to the blood elements, and consequently, the need for blood transfusion. The MiECC system also has its downsides, the most important one being the difficulty in removing the air that can enter through the venous line, the impairment of the pump function, and embolization. During the use of these systems, perfusion safety and communication with the whole team must be at the highest level. In line with this information, the use of these systems can become standard in cardiac surgery with new technological additions.

Traffic congestion across the globe is a multimodal problem, intertwining vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic. The relationship between the multimodal traffic flow is a key factor in understanding urban traffic dynamics. The impact of excessive congestion extends to the excessive cost spent on traffic maintenance, as well as the inherent transportation inefficiency and delayed travel times. From an urban transportation standpoint, an immediate consideration on one hand is monitoring traffic conditions and demand cycles, while on the other hand inducing flow modifications that benefit the traffic network and mitigate congestion. Embedded and centralized control systems that characterize modern traffic management systems extract traffic conditions specific to their regions but lack communication between networks. Moreover, innovative methods are required to provide more accurate up-to-date traffic forecasts that characterize real-world traffic dynamics and facilitate optimal traffic management decisions. In this chapter, we briefly outline the main difficulties and complexities in modeling, managing, and forecasting traffic dynamics. We also compare various conventional and modern Intelligent Transportation Strategies in terms of accuracy and applicability, their performance, and potential opportunities for optimization of multimodal traffic flow and congestion reduction. This chapter introduces various proposed data-driven models and tools employed for traffic flow prediction and management, investigating specific strategies' strengths, weaknesses, and benefits in addressing various real-world traffic management problems. We describe that the design phase of dependable Intelligent Transportation Systems bears unique requirements in terms of the robustness, safety, and response times of their components and the encompassing system model. Furthermore, this architectural blueprint shares similarities with distributed coordinate searching and collective adaptive systems. Town size-independent models induce systemic performance improvements through reconfigurable embedded functionality. These AI techniques feature elaborate anytime planner-engagers ensuring near-optimal performances in an unbiased behavior when the model complexity is varied. Sustainable models minimize congestion during peaks, flooding, and emergency occurrences as they adhere to area-specific regulations. Security-aware and fail-safe traffic management systems relinquish reasonable assurances of persistent operation under various environmental settings, to acknowledge metropolis and complex traffic junctions. The chapter concludes by outlining challenges, research questions, and future research paths in the field of transportation management.