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

Background: Minorities’ Diminished Returns (MDRs) theory posits that the health benefits of socioeconomic resources, such as education, are smaller for marginalized and minoritized populations, including immigrants. While MDRs have been extensively documented for racial and ethnic minorities, less is known about whether these diminished returns extend to immigrant populations. This study tested MDRs of education on various health and cognitive outcomes, including self-rated health (SRH), cognitive function, numeracy, number of chronic medical conditions, and limitations in activities of daily living (ADLs) among immigrants compared to non-immigrants in the United States. Objective. To examine whether educational attainment confers weaker protective effects on SRH, cognitive function, numeracy, chronic medical conditions, and ADLs in immigrants compared to non-immigrants, confirming the presence of MDRs across these domains. Methods: We used data from the Understanding America Study (UAS), a nationally representative survey of U.S. adults. We tested the association between educational attainment and five outcomes—SRH, cognitive function, numeracy, number of chronic medical conditions, and limitations in ADLs—across immigrant and non-immigrant groups. Multivariate regression models were employed, adjusting for key sociodemographic covariates. Results: The protective effects of education on a range of health outcomes were significantly weaker for immigrants compared to non-immigrants. Education level showed weaker associations with SRH, cognitive function, numeracy, number of chronic conditions, and ADLs among immigrants. These findings suggest that even at higher levels of educational attainment, immigrants experience poorer health and cognitive functioning than their U.S.-born counterparts. Conclusion: This study offers strong evidence for the MDRs of education on multiple health outcomes among U.S. immigrants. One possible explanation is that, despite achieving higher levels of education, immigrants often face structural barriers—such as discrimination, limited access to resources, and economic inequities—that constrain the health-related benefits typically associated with educational attainment. Additionally, a portion of immigrant education may be acquired outside the United States, where credentials may not be fully recognized or rewarded within the U.S. labor market. These findings highlight the importance of policies aimed at addressing systemic inequities and improving access to healthcare, employment opportunities, and social support for immigrant communities. Future research should further explore the mechanisms underlying these diminished returns and identify policy solutions to reduce their impact. Keywords: Educational Attainment, Immigrants, Nativity, Self-Rated Health, Chronic Disease, Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Cognitive Function

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

Background: Women have consistently shown lower quit rates in tobacco cessation programs compared to men. This gender disparity persists despite comprehensive interventions and access to cessation resources. While prior studies suggest that factors such as social support, chronic disease burden, and socioeconomic status may contribute to these differences, there is limited empirical evidence to confirm these mechanisms. Aims: This study aimed to investigate potential mechanisms underlying gender differences in quit rates in a tobacco cessation program, testing whether demographic, socioeconomic, health, or behavioral factors explain the observed disparities. Methods: Participants were assigned to one of three smoking cessation interventions: an in-person program (CEASE), a self-help approach, or an online/hybrid program. The main outcome measured was smoking abstinence, evaluated three months after the intervention. Secondary analyses explored whether demographic, socioeconomic, health, or tobacco use-related factors mediated the association between gender and quit rates. Results: Women had significantly lower quit rates than men (p < 0.01). This association remained significant after adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, health, and addiction-related factors. While women reported higher social support and a higher prevalence of chronic cardiometabolic conditions, these factors did not explain the gender disparity in quit rates. Conclusions: Gender differences in quit rates persist despite controlling for known factors that could influence cessation success. Although women had higher social support, they had lower quit rate. Future research should explore unmeasured variables, such as psychological, biological, and structural influences, to develop more effective cessation strategies tailored for women.

Background: Tobacco use remains disproportionately high among low-income and racial-ethnic minority populations. The CEASE program, with its self-help, hybrid/online, and in-person modalities, has demonstrated efficacy in promoting tobacco cessation. However, predictors of successful cessation among participants in these groups remain unclear. Objective: To identify baseline predictors of successful tobacco cessation among low-income and racial-ethnic minority participants in the CEASE program, with a focus on demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, and psychosocial factors. Methods: Participants were allocated into three intervention arms: self-help, CEASE hybrid/online, and CEASE in-person. Baseline characteristics, including demographics (e.g., age, gender), socioeconomic status (e.g., education, employment), substance use profiles (e.g., cigarette packs per week, use of other tobacco products, menthol tobacco use), physical health (e.g., general health, number of cardiometabolic risk conditions), mental health (e.g., depressive symptoms, perceived stress), perceived social support, and nicotine dependence, were analyzed as potential predictors of cessation success. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with successful quitting, controlling for the study arm. Results: In addition to the study arm, gender, baseline depression, cardiometabolic conditions, tobacco flavor, and the use of other tobacco products were significant predictors of quit success. Individuals receiving in-person interventions had significantly higher odds of quitting (AOR = 3.79, p < 0.05). Women were significantly less likely to quit compared to men (AOR = 0.24, p < 0.01). Participants with a greater number of cardiometabolic risk conditions were more likely to quit (AOR = 1.93, p < 0.05), while those with higher levels of depression had lower odds of quitting (AOR = 0.61, p < 0.05). Menthol tobacco users were also less likely to quit (AOR = 0.10, p < 0.05). Interestingly, individuals who used other forms of tobacco in addition to cigarettes had increased odds of quitting (AOR = 2.86, p < 0.05). No other factors, including demographic variables (e.g., age), socioeconomic status (e.g., education, marital status), substance use profiles (e.g., cigarette packs per week, NRT use), or nicotine dependence, were significant predictors of cessation success. Conclusion: Baseline self-reported anxiety/depression and depressive symptoms play a critical role in reducing the likelihood of successful tobacco cessation among low-income and racial-ethnic minority participants in the CEASE program. These findings underscore the importance of addressing mental health challenges as part of tobacco cessation interventions to enhance their efficacy. Future research should explore targeted strategies for integrating mental health support into cessation programs to improve outcomes for underserved populations.

Background: Chronic medical conditions are major drivers of healthcare spending, morbidity, and mortality in the United States, as well as critical indicators of health disparities. The disproportionately high rates of chronic medical conditions among Black, Latino, and American Indian and Alaska Native adults compared to non-Latino Whites highlight the urgent need to examine the factors contributing to these disparities. While higher socioeconomic status is generally associated with better health outcomes, this benefit may be diminished for racialized and minoritized populations. Objective: This study investigates the protective effects of educational attainment and income-to-poverty ratio on the prevalence of chronic medical conditions and examines whether these effects vary across racial and ethnic groups, specifically among Black, Latino, and American Indian and Alaska Native adults compared to non-Latino White adults. Methods: Using data from the 2023 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), this cross-sectional study analyzed the association between educational attainment and chronic medical conditions across racial and ethnic groups. Logistic regression models were employed to assess whether the strength of the relationship between education and chronic medical conditions differed by racial/ethnic group, controlling for key demographic and socioeconomic covariates. Sample size was 29,373 which was reflective of 256,566,689 US population. Results: Consistent with the theory of Minorities' Diminished Returns, findings showed that the protective effects of higher educational attainment on chronic medical conditions were significantly weaker for Black, Latino, and American Indian and Alaska Native adults than for their non-Latino White counterparts. Even among individuals with higher education, Black, Latino, and American Indian and Alaska Native adults faced elevated risks of chronic medical conditions. Conclusion: While educational attainment generally reduces the prevalence of chronic medical conditions, this protective effect is moderated by racial and ethnic background. Structural barriers limit the health benefits of educational attainment. This underscores the need for policies that address structural inequities—such as low-quality education and occupational segregation—that constrain the protective health effects of educational attainment for minoritized groups.

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.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the relationship between the presence of chronic medical conditions and cessation among U.S. adults who use combustible tobacco. We hypothesized that having chronic medical conditions would be associated with a higher likelihood of successfully quitting combustible tobacco. Methods: We utilized longitudinal data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study, using data from Waves 1 to 6. Only current daily smokers were included in our analysis. The independent variable was the number of chronic medical conditions, defined as zero, one, or two or more. The outcome was becoming a former smoker (quitting smoking). Using multivariate regression analyses, we assessed the association between the number of chronic conditions and tobacco cessation over the six waves. We controlled for potential confounding variables, including demographic factors and socioeconomic status. Results: Our analysis revealed a significant association between the number of chronic medical conditions and the likelihood of quitting smoking. Specifically, individuals with two or more chronic conditions exhibited a greater probability of quitting smoking compared to those with no chronic conditions. The results remained significant after adjusting for potential confounders. Conclusions: Multiple chronic medical conditions may act as a catalyst for smoking cessation among U.S. adults. This suggests that the presence of multimorbidity, defined as multiple chronic disease diagnoses, may serve as “teachable moments,” prompting significant health behavior changes. These findings highlight the potential for leveraging chronic disease management and healthcare interventions to promote tobacco cessation, particularly among individuals with multiple chronic conditions.

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

Background: Telomere length is a critical biomarker of cellular aging and overall health. While childhood socioeconomic status (SES) indicators such as education and poverty can have long-lasting effects on biological aging, research has shown contradictory results regarding the impact of adulthood SES on future telomere length, particularly in racially and ethnically diverse individuals. This study investigates the effects of baseline adulthood SES indicators such as education and poverty on telomere length nine years later in women, using data from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS). Methods: We analyzed data from the FFCWS, a longitudinal cohort study. The sample included baseline adulthood SES and follow-up telomere length measure of women (n = 2,421) with varying socioeconomic conditions. Telomere length was measured from saliva samples nine years after the baseline measure of adulthood SES. Education, poverty, and marital status at baseline were assessed. Multivariate linear regression models were used to examine the association between adulthood SES indicators at baseline and future telomere length, controlling for potential confounders. Results: From the total 2,421 women, 675 were Latino White, 1,158 were non-Latino Black, and 588 were non-Latino White. Our findings indicate that for non-Latino White women poverty at certain level, and childbirth weight, and for non-Latino Black maternal age were predictors of telomere lengths nine years later. Conclusion: Poverty at a specific level, maternal age and childbirth weight serve as predictors of telomere lengths nine years later in some women. These findings underscore the importance of socioeconomic factors and early-life influences in understanding telomere dynamics and aging processes among women from varied racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Background: Telomere length is a critical biomarker of cellular aging and overall health. While childhood socioeconomic status (SES) indicators such as education and poverty can have long-lasting effects on biological aging, research has shown contradictory results regarding the impact of adulthood SES on future telomere length, particularly in racially and ethnically diverse individuals. This study investigates the effects of baseline adulthood SES indicators such as education and poverty on telomere length nine years later in women, using data from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS). Methods: We analyzed data from the FFCWS, a longitudinal cohort study. The sample included baseline adulthood SES and follow-up telomere length measure of women (n = 2,421) with varying socioeconomic conditions. Telomere length was measured from saliva samples nine years after the baseline measure of adulthood SES. Education, poverty, and marital status at baseline were assessed. Multivariate linear regression models were used to examine the association between adulthood SES indicators at baseline and future telomere length, controlling for potential confounders. Results: From the total 2,421 women, 675 were Latino White, 1,158 were non-Latino Black, and 588 were non-Latino White. Our findings indicate that for women in our study, no adulthood SES indicators such as poverty status, education, or marital status at baseline were predictive of telomere lengths nine years later. Conclusion: Our observations challenge that expected longitudinal association between adulthood SES indicators and subsequent telomere length almost a decade later in racially and ethnically diverse group of women. These findings underscore the need for additional research on the validity of TL as a mediator of the effects of adulthood SES on future rate of biological aging.

We study a dynamic model of the relationship between two people where the states depend on the “power” in the relationship. We perform a comprehensive analysis of stability of the system, and determine a set of conditions under which stable relationships are possible. In particular, stable relationships can occur if both people are dominant, but the sum of dominances is below a bound determined by the model’s parameters. Stable relationships can also occur if one person is dominant and the other is submissive, provided the level of dominance exceeds the level of submissiveness but not beyond a threshold. We also conclude that a stable relationship is not possible if both people are submissive. While our model is motivated by a social or romantic relationship, it can also be applied to professional or business relationships, diplomatic relationships between nations, and certain biological interactions between organisms and between automated agents or robots.

The purpose of present study was to investigate the therapeutic outcome of clinical application of CSC telescopic denture with magnetic attachment in treating the occlusion, mastication and speaking problems due to individual affected severe teeth missing. Similar to above conditions, there are many dental clinicians may choose to use the removable denture with bilateral I-bar application. The other way also can use the bilateral implant application. Little or limited literatures reported the use of removable denture combined with magnetic attachment application. The present case presented one modified approach related to oral rehabilization of mandibular posterior teeth using bilateral magnetic attachments combined with CSC telescopic denture (CSCTD) application. Result showed a remarkable clinical appearance and occlusal function of the improvement between outer crowns with magnet attachment and inner abutment with magnet attachments for a long time evaluation. It can be concluded that the design of the CSCTD combined with magnetic attachment appears to be an effectiveness method and provided the other modified approach in treating bilateral missing problems of posterior premolar and molar teeth.

Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) form the backbone of pharmaceutical formulations, influencing their efficacy, safety, and stability. Essence control of APIs involves stringent regulation and optimization of their chemical, physical, and biological properties to ensure consistent quality and therapeutic outcomes. This manuscript explores the critical aspects of essence control in APIs, including synthesis, characterization, quality assessment, and regulatory considerations. The synthesis of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients is a pivotal stage in pharmaceutical manufacturing, where precise control over chemical reactions and process conditions is paramount to achieving high-quality, safe, and effective medicines. Advances in synthetic methodologies, optimization strategies, sustainability practices, and the implementation of PAT technologies continue to drive innovation in API synthesis, supporting the development of novel therapeutic agents and enhancing pharmaceutical manufacturing efficiency.

The intersection of race and place in shaping health disparities presents complex dynamics, as evidenced by studies in cities like Detroit, Baltimore, and Philadelphia, where predominantly Black and economically disadvantaged populations experience high overall rates of health problems. Surprisingly, these cities do not exhibit the most pronounced racial disparities. In contrast, areas with a higher percentage of White residents, indicative of greater income inequality, show stark differences in health outcomes between Black and White populations. This disparity underscores how conditions diverge more sharply between Black and White individuals in wealthier urban areas. This phenomenon suggests a complex and sometimes counterintuitive relationship among race, place, income, and income inequality in shaping racial health disparities. These dynamics have significant policy implications. Addressing health disparities requires nuanced strategies that recognize the multiplicative effects of race and income inequality on health outcomes. Policies focusing on areas with a high disease burden, such as Detroit, Philadelphia, and Baltimore can effectively mitigate disparities both locally and more broadly. Conversely, interventions targeting regions with lower disease prevalence, but higher racial disparities must be approached carefully to avoid exacerbating inequalities. In conclusion, understanding and addressing the complex drivers of health disparities demand comprehensive approaches that acknowledge the intertwined influences of race, income, and place. By prioritizing interventions that address economic disparities alongside health initiatives, policymakers can foster more equitable health outcomes across diverse communities.

Background: High parental education promotes various aspects of offspring well-being including reducing their risk of depression/anxiety, criminal justice involvement, and welfare reliance. However, according to minorities’ diminished returns, these benefits are not equal across racial groups, with Black families experiencing diminished returns of parental education compared to White families. This study explores the role of household income and offspring educational attainment as potential serial pathways that operate as mechanisms underlying diminished returns of parental education on offspring outcomes in Black families. Gender differences in these effects were also explored. Methods: Utilizing data from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS) over a 22-year follow-up period (seven waves), we examined the serial mediation by household income and offspring educational attainment in explaining the relationship between parental education and offspring outcomes namely depression, anxiety, criminal justice involvement, and welfare reliance [Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)]. We used structural equation modeling (SEM) with household income as the first mediator and young adult education as the second mediator. Multi-group models were used to explore gender differences in these paths. Results: The study confirmed the role of our proposed serial mediators for Blacks’ weaker effects of parental education on offspring outcomes. We observed weaker effects of first affects household income, with this effect being for Black families compared to White families, which then impacted educational attainment of the offspring. The findings indicate that household income plays a crucial mediating role, but its effect is weaker in Black families. Additionally, the educational attainment of offspring from highly educated Black parents is less effective in improving outcomes compared to their White peers, further contributing to diminished returns. Some gender differences were observed for the effects of educational attainment on economic and health outcomes of young adults. Conclusions: The study underscores the need to reconsider traditional assumptions about the comparability of family conditions and outcomes across racial groups with similar levels of parental education. The findings highlight the importance of targeted policies and interventions aimed at enhancing the economic stability and educational outcomes of Black families to address these disparities. Policies should focus on promoting the economic well-being of highly educated Black parents and improving the educational outcomes of their children.

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

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

Retinal detachments comprised of serious ocular conditions and can lead to permanent vision loss. When the retina, the neurosensory layer, detaches from the back of the eye, it loses its oxygen and nutrient supply leading to the death of the tissue. Immediate diagnosis and treatment are essential to avoid significant morbidity associated with this condition. In this mini review, we outline the evaluation and management of retinal detachments and highlights the role of the interprofessional team in evaluating and treating patients with this condition.

One of the current issues facing humanity is ensuring sustained global food security in the face of devastating effects of climate change; this challenge is particularly pressing on the African continent. Here, I present an opinion piece identifying local animal genetic resources as "African leverage point" that provide the highest chances to cushion rural fork to climate change, enhance environmental sustainability and food security in Africa. When it comes to boosting food production, coping with climate change, or bolstering the delivery of a wide range of ecosystem services, I believe that African animal genetic resources are essential alternatives for the sustainable growth of the livestock industry and its contribution to food security. Africa needs to address the support and development of indigenous animal genetic resources in order to meet the basic food needs of more than 1 billion people, address numerous environmental issues with continental implications, and focus on more effective and resilient food systems with the greatest impact on food security. The indigenous animal resources diversity and support actions to this unique group could provide a boost in protein that is lacking to constitute healthy diets in Africa. The priorities of nonprofit organizations, foundations, governments, citizens' groups, and companies can be influenced by this leverage point in the African food system. Due to continuous food insecurity, which appears to be becoming worse with climate change and makes it even harder to accomplish the SDGs on the continent, Africa has paid a hefty price for being misled about the worth of its own animal genetic resources. To the contrary, it is highly improbable that a strategy to improve food security and rural livelihoods that undermines the utilization of indigenous animal genetic resources will be viable in long-term. If Africa makes an effort, is committed, and fully commits resources to putting indigenous animal genetic resources at the forefront of combating food insecurity and accelerating the achievement of SDGs, it can achieve more under the adverse prevailing climate change induce environmental conditions. Our personal opinion is that we would not have had the ongoing food problems, even in the face of climate change, if Africa had over the years implemented the necessary mechanisms to develop and promote local animal genetic resources. What lies ahead in terms of climate change effect on food security in Africa is anyone's guess – but whatever it is, promoting continental adapted indigenous animal genetic resources portfolio is ready to handle it. Development and promotion of African animal genetic resources should be part of a continental strategy to transform smallholder animal production by 2050, in line with the goals of achieving the SGDs, to improve rural household food security, and bringing rural economy prosperity, resilience, sustainability, and all other desired animal related food outcomes for rural healthy diets. African animal genetic resources are the most important but underutilized resource to address the issue of ongoing food insecurity. The responsible use of local animal genetic resources through climate smart animal husbandry practices also contributes to food security, rural development and increased employment opportunities. African genetic improvement programs involving indigenous animal genetic resources must be considered as regards to local agriculture and livestock development aspirations, appropriateness to local reality and livelihood security, as well as environmental friendliness. Animal agriculture will fill in the enormous gaps in the continent's food supply if this animal group receives adequate attention and is used integrated properly in crop and livestock systems which characterize smallholder farming sector in Africa. Because they have evolved over time to accommodate the various climatic conditions and environmental pressures on the continent, Africa's native animal genetic resources are particularly resilient. Indirectly, the impact of climate change offers a chance to use native animal genetics from Africa. The use of local animal genetic diversity has the potential to substantially improve Africa's food security landscape hence should be given special consideration for sociocultural, environmental, and economic aspects, and with regard for smallholder farmer-specific factors of interest. African animal genetic resources have contributed significantly to the food and nutrition security aspects of the millions of people in their communities of origin and custody in Africa. The purpose of the perception piece is to educate the reader about the fundamental mechanisms that control the use of continental animal genetic resources and how the outlook for these mechanisms can be manipulated in the future for the benefit of improving food security in Africa. The discussion provides in-depth insight into the pertinent literature in understanding the significance of local animal genetic resources in terms of their contribution to food security in Africa.

The study examined consumers’ Awareness in food hygiene and food borne diseases in Koforidua in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The research design for the study was a descriptive survey. The population of the study consists of one hundred (100) consumers. Convenience sampling technique was used to select seventy (70) consumers from the licensed food vendors and thirty (30) consumers from the unlicensed food vendors. Questionnaire was the main instrument for the study. The questionnaire had both open ended and close ended questions was on the consumers’ knowledge and perceptions on food borne diseases and the safety of foods. Data gathered checked, edited, coded, processed and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17. The study concluded that the consumers of vended foods have some knowledge of food hygiene and food borne diseases; however, they ignore the health hazards associated with poor food handling by food vendors and go ahead to patronize the food the vendors provide. The study also indicated consumers patronized street foods because prices were moderate as compared to the formal establishments and ignore the unhygienic conditions at the vending sites. The correlation analysis shows further that consumers patronage (r=-0.095) had negative and non-significant relationship with food handling practices. It is recommended that Consumers of vended foods should be educated to help improve upon their knowledge in food hygiene and food borne diseases to enable them make informed choices and also prompt regulatory bodies such as the environmental health officers on unacceptable food handling practices of food vendors. It is also recommended The Metropolitan/Municipal/District environmental health officers should ensure that inspection of street food vendors are carried out effectively, efficiently and regularly so as to monitor the food handling practices of the food vendors’ right from the time of preparation to the point of sale.

The purpose of this study was to assess safety conditions of learners in Kindergarten schools in Komenda Edina Eguafo Abirem (K.E.E.A) Municipality in the Central Region of Ghana. The qualitative research approach and the Instrumental Case Study Design were adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised public kindergarten teachers and schools in Komenda Edina Eguafo Abirem municipality in the Central Region of Ghana. Convenient and purposive sampling techniques were used to select sixteen (16) public kindergarten teachers and eight (8) kindergarten schools for the study. The semi-structured interview and observation checklist were the instruments utilized in the data collection for this study. The data were analysed and interpreted thematically using online qualitative software, Taguette version 1.3. The study indicated that, most kindergarten school buildings in the KEEA municipality pose threats to both learners and teachers as result of over-aged or poorly constructed buildings and isolated and bushy environment which attracts animals like lizards, wall geckos and poisonous snakes and psychological and emotional threat to both teachers and learners. It is recommended that, the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service should set up a School Supervision for Safety Department (SSSD) to control and oversee safety issues in the kindergarten schools in Ghana. The School Supervision for Safety Department should create awareness advocacy for school safety so that school safety becomes a nationwide concern. It is also recommended that, the School Supervision for Safety Department must liaise with other stakeholders to enforce frequent assessment of school buildings, infrastructure and materials for safety.

:Basil (Ocimumbasilicum L.) is an herbaceous annual aromatic herb that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. This study aimed to analyze the essential oil content and physicochemical properties of basil varieties stored under different drying methods and dried on different drying days. The fresh leaf of basil varieties was collected from the Wondo Genet Agriculture research center experimental field and subjected to open sun and shade drying methods and four drying days (0,5, 10, and 15). The sample was subjected to oven and hydrodistillation methods on each four particular drying days. The obtained essential oils were analyzed for physical properties (specific gravity and refractive index) and chemical composition using GC-MSD. As shown in the result of all-cause drying methods and drying days significantly affect the essential oil content and physicochemical properties of Basil Variety. In the case of Variety, Basil 02 has a high essential oil content than Basil 05 in the chemical composition, and different chemical compositions exist in both. In the case of drying methods, the sample dried under the shade is higher than in the open sun in essential oil content and physicochemical properties. In the case of different drying days, as the drying days increase, the essential oil content is significantly affected. The essential oil content and physicochemical properties of essential oil decrease as drying days increase for both basil varieties. Drying affects the chemical composition of the two variables, which means, as in the cause of open sun drying, affects the chemical composition more than shade drying as the drying days increase, and the chemical composition decrease. Therefore, this study provides evidence that drying herbs on different drying days and under drying conditions affect the essential oil content and physicochemical properties of essential oil.

Psoriasis is a multi-systemic chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorder affecting 125 million people worldwide. The most common type of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis affecting up to 90% of the patients and is characterized by well-demarcated, symmetric, and erythematous plaques with overlying silvery scales that may be painful or itchy. Psoriasis may also affect the joints; increase the risk of developing metabolic syndrome, diabetes, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, uveitis, certain cancers and an increase in the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Both the skin and the gut microbiome can modulate the development and progression of psoriasis. A connection between the microbiome and immunological mechanisms are antimicrobial peptides, which regulate the microbiome at interfaces and, as antigens, can trigger psoriasis. Few studies were conducted to demonstrate the effect of probiotics on different diseases, as they are living microorganisms that confer a health benefit when administrated in adequate amounts. The effects of administering probiotics include the stabilization of the gut bacterial community and the restoration of “signature” of bacterial microbiota, which is a result of lowering the pH, producing bacteriocins, altering microRNA (miRNAs), competing with pathogens for certain nutrients and improving the gut barrier function. Probiotics counter weight aggressive commensals in the body and reinforce the barrier function of the epithelium while also contributing to the regulation of innate and adaptive immune responses of the host under healthy or pathogenic conditions. Several clinical trials were conducted based on those findings to examine the role of probiotics in psoriasis, but till now there is no evidence of their efficacy.

Health professionals are the base of the healthcare systems in all societies. Their daily contact with the patient in a context of demanding and difficult working conditions affect their general health. This research was carried out to describe the levels of general health among health professionals and their perceived levels of fatigue and social support. Additionally, the purpose of this study was to examine the above three variables in relation to demographic (education, gender) and employment factors (working hours, department). The research was conducted in 165 health professionals working in hospitals in the region of Eastern Macedonia-Thrace and in the urban centers of Athens and Thessaloniki. The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS) as well as the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) were used to measure the research variables. The processing and statistical analysis of the data was done using IBM SPSS. The majority of health professionals presented a high score in GHQ-28 subscales indicating low general health (avg 8.59≥5). One hundred thirty nine out of 165 health professionals (84%) were tired and 15 out of 165 (9%) were too tired. The perceived social support was at high levels (avg 5.57). Health professionals exhibit high fatigue and low levels of general health and quality of life. Instead, they receive high social support. Existence of circular hours and work in heavy part worsens the levels of fatigue and quality of life. Measures are needed to increase the number of health professionals and organizational and structural measures to improve their working conditions and strengthen their social work.

The deleterious health effects of ethanol abuse are widely known and a diversity of medical conditions appear with excessive consumption. Acute and chronic abuse have different clinical characteristics, although severe intoxications are rare among alcoholics of a long career, where the systemic complications will dominate the symptomatology. While the medical focus acutely will mostly stay on the nervous and circulatory effects, gastrointestinal complications that will come up chronically (liver, pancreas, bowel dysfunction) need proper consideration. Ethanol will affect gastrointestinal functionality through a triple action, directly on the epithelial cell and the secretory activity, by altering the motility and in the long-term scope, through promoting carcinogenesis. Medical teams dealing with acute and chronic ethanol intoxication or abuse must be aware of the multiple effects it shows, and perform a prompt diagnosis as well as appropriate intervention.

With numerous unique physical, mental, psychological, and emotional challenges associated with being a university-level student-athlete, it can be assumed that student-athletes may be at great risk of mental health conditions such as burnout. Burnout results from the interaction of three different elements: physical or emotional exhaustion, sport devaluation, and reduced athletic accomplishment. This study sought to answer the following research questions: (1) Why do student-athletes experience burnout in their sport?, and (2) What can be done to avoid burnout? using standard qualitative interviewing techniques of a Division I Women’s Soccer coach. There were two prominent themes answering research question 1: Perfection and Performative Social Media and It’s a Job and Coach is the Boss. There were three prominent themes identified answering research question 2: Parental Influence, De-Professionalize Amateur Sport, and Value Athletes’ Time. Where this work differs from other qualitative studies regarding athlete burnout, is that it explores the perceptions and opinions of a coach. The coach interviewed for this study clearly expressed concerns for his student-athletes and their holistic well-being. In addition to a continuation of scholarship through the student-athletes lens, more research conducted exploring the perspectives of coaches, parents, and institutional administrators in pursuit of solutions to mitigating the effect of burnout on student-athletes is of value.

The purpose of the study was to examine the Motives of Tourists; Socio-Economic and Challenges of tourism in Kwahu in the Eastern Region of Ghana The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised six (6) communities (Mpraeso, Atibie, Obomeng, Obo Oworobong, and Nketepa in Kwahu South District Assembly (KSDA) in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Purposive and convenient sampling techniques were employed to select two hundred (200) respondents for the study. The main instrument used for data collection was questionnaires. The study employed the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) to code and process the collected data. Descriptive and relational statistical techniques involving frequencies, percentages, summations, diagrams, and tables were employed in analysing the data. The Chi-square test analysis was used to explore the relationships and differences in perceptions. The study indicated that every tourist, whether local (Ghanaian) or foreign, had at least one of the following motives in mind for participating in the festival; To socialize; For relaxation; For education to participate and witness the paragliding festivals; To take photographs of festival scenes; Other motives like to sell items, especially souvenirs. The study also revealed that the KEF has had some positive socio-economic impact or implications on the area. These among others include: job creation, income generation for locals of the area, infrastructural development, and projection of the image of the area as the festival has become one of the biggest gatherings of revellers in the country, drawing people from all walks of life, nationally and internationally as a result of the introduction of paragliding since 2005, socialization enhancement, medium for cultural exchange and education, and finally serves as a medium for portraying the cultural identity of the people of Kwahu. The study also indicated that the major challenges encountered by tourists during the event were listed in order of degree of intensity: High cost of living, poor road network in the area, intermitted electricity and water supply, poor sanitary conditions in the area, poor health facilities, and unwelcoming attitude of some local residents of the festival area. It is recommended that, residents must be educated about the potential benefits of tourism as an industry helping to achieve sustainable community development. It is also recommended that Ghana tourism authority and Kwahu District Assembly should collaborate to improve on social amenities in the municipality to attract more foreign and local tourists during the festivity.

Cellulose nanofiber is an eco-friendly nanomaterial used for fabricating various functional materials. It is an alternative for synthetic plastic and other petroleum derived materials. Due to demand of CNF film, fast and rapid method for fabrication of CNF film is required. A new method on spray coating to prepare smooth cellulose nanofiber (CNF) films was developed. In this method, spraying CNF suspension onto a smooth and polished metal surface was carried out and then allowed the spray coated wet film to dry in air under standard laboratory conditions. Spraying has notable advantages such as contour coating and contactless coating with the base substrate. The basis weight and thickness of the CNF film is tailorable by adjusting CNF suspension in spraying process. CNF film prepared via spray coating has unique two-sided surface roughness with the surface in contact with the base substrate or metal side much smoother than the air-contact side. The surface roughness is one of the controlling parameter in the application of the CNF film as a substrate for flexible and printed electronics. The RMS roughness of the two surfaces investigated by Optical Profilometry [OP] was found to be 2087 nm on the rough side and 389 nm on the spray coated side, respectively. The spray coated CNF film has ultra-high smoothness on the side exposed to the polished stainless steel surface. The factors including the size of cellulose fibrils and surface smoothness of base surface that control the roughness of the film are currently being investigated and will be discussed in this chapter. The surface smoothness requirements for substrate applications in flexible and printed electronics will be discussed.

The savant syndrome is a syndrome that is associated with certain cognitive disorders and is as-sociated with limitations but also with individual significant abilities. The nature and expression of the syndrome is very heterogeneous, which means that many facets of the syndrome have not yet been researched. The object of the study described below was to approach the research gap on the topic of "work and employment" in particular with initial results, since up to now both topics have only been adequately researched in isolation. In doing so, the influence of the profit orienta-tion of organisations on the employability of savants was investigated. Correlations between non-profit organisations and companies with other parameters such as the implementation of a company health management or the general employment of severely disabled people could al-ready be proven in previously conducted studies. The method used was a quantitative survey of 465 dependent employees. The ability to integrate was expressed by a total score, which was an additive index consisting of the dimensions strengths, weaknesses and framework conditions. Although the proportion of severely disabled employees is higher in the public sector and compa-ny health management is also partly obligatory, no significant differences in the employability of island gifted people could be found compared to the free economy.

Motor development is known for its constant evolution, as it allows a baby to develop his motor skills and perform complex and coordinated movements. Such knowledge on the subject is extremely important for the physical therapist, so that he is able to deal with certain situations, which include pathological conditions and developmental delays, requiring intervention and rehabilitation, thus making implications for cerebral palsy (CP).

The plant leaves used as adsorbent in this study were Guava plant leaves (GPL) and Cashew plant leaves (CPL). The samples were collected within Gombe State. Batch adsorption method was used in determining the adsorption process. Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scan-ning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) were used for the characterization. The results show promising signs as they were in agreement with most literatures; various per-centage removals were obtained from Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ (GPL and CPL) at optimum conditions. The equilibrium data fitted well with both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. Langmuir mod-el fitted well for Pb²⁺ (CPL) with R² value (0.9855) and Cd²⁺ for (GPL and CPL) with R² values (0.9945 and 0.9948) while Pb²⁺ (GPL) with correlation coefficient at 0.9116 best fits well with Freundlich isotherm model. Pseudo first order and second order were used in testing the kinetics study from which pseudo second order best fitted better than that of the first order kinetics. The thermodynamic study shows that ΔG is negative in most cases except for Cd²⁺ (GPL) where ΔG is positive. Whereas ΔH and ΔS are positive in some cases showing an endothermic and spontane-ous adsorption processes respectively, as well as negative in some. Based on this study, GPL and CPL could be used as a natural adsorbent to remove Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ heavy metals from wastewater and environment due to their high removal efficiencies.

The objective of the study was to examine the school-related factors that contribute to the academic achievements of low- social economic – status of students in the Aboom Circuit of the Cape Coast Metropolis during 2015-2016 academic years. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. Purposive and random sampling techniques were used to select teachers, schools and students. The five junior high schools (St Nicholas, St. Monica, Aboom Methodist B, Aboom Zion A and Aboom Zion C) were randomly selected from the ten schools in the circuit. A proportional allocation was used to determine and allocate the total number of students from the population to each school. The main instrument for data collection was questionnaire. The data were entered in a pre-designed template in the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software, version 21. The data were analysed using descriptive (frequency and percentages, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (correlation). The research hypothesis was also analysed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation. The hypothesis was tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study indicated that school-related factors such as school time schedule, resources, school climate, guidance and counselling, school-parents’ relationship may significantly contribute to students’ academic achievement. It is also concluded that when the right atmosphere or conditions are created, students can perform well irrespective of their socio-economic statuses or backgrounds. It is recommended that the Ministry of Education (MOE)/Ghana Education Service (GES) in partnership with school administrators should provide adequate teaching and learning resources and facilities for effective teaching and learning at the school. It is also recommended that in other to ensure effective teaching and learning, the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Ghana Education Service (GES) should collaborate to implement a class size reduction policy effectively as expected. This means that the student-to-teacher ratio should strictly be adhered to.

The kinetics, equilibrium and thermodynamic study of the adsorption of Ni²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Cu²⁺ions from aqueous solution by the leaf of Mangiferaindica were investigated at different experimental conditions. Optimum conditions of initial metal ion concentration, pH, adsorbent dose, contact time and temperature were determined. The kinetics studies indicate that the adsorption process of the metals ions followed the pseudo second-order model with R² value of 0.9938, 1.00 and 1.00 respectively. Equilibrium studies showed that the adsorption of Ni²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions are well represented by both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm but the Langmuir model gave a better fit for Pb²⁺ ions with R² value of 0.9950 and Langmuir constant K_L of 4.3383 while Freundlich isotherm model best fit the experimental data of lead(II) and nickel(II) with a R² value of 0.976 and 0.9973 and Freundlich constant K_F value of 4.2677 and 0.0874. The calculated thermodynamics parameters of Ni²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions are ( ΔG^o -1182.49,-5479.1 and 613.48 KJ/mol) showed that the adsorption of Ni²⁺ and Pb²⁺are spontaneous while Cu²⁺ non-spontaneous. The findings indicate that the leaf of Mangiferaindica could be used for the adsorption of Ni²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions from industrial effluents.

Given the limited access to medical facilities, impeding lockdown, and social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, an upsurge in postpartum depression among pregnant mothers in their puerperal period has become more apparent alongside an eventual increase in suicidal behavior. This article aimed to discuss the crucial aspects of different clinical case studies treated during recent periods throughout the COVID-19 pandemic via teleconsultations. We hoped to demonstrate tremendous opportunities for the application of healthcare via therapeutic tools online in telemedicine to manage such conditions in a developing country like Bangladesh with a severe scarcity of healthcare infrastructure and resources.

Background: Everywhere in the world, Pregnancy and birth possess a risk to the life and health of women and newborns, regardless of whether a pregnancy was intended or unintended. The level of risk depends on a woman’s health before she is pregnant, her living conditions and the care she receives during delivery which is aggravated by lack of access to maternal health care services, leading to increase in the magnitude of death from preventable health problems. This paper therefore diagnostically assessed health promotion strategies for increasing access to maternal healthcare services in some remote districts in Anambra state. Methods: The study is a cross-sectional study and utilized a structured instrument which was validated by three experts in measurement and evaluation and health education and pilot tested on 20 pregnant women using test-retest in Ugwunagbor Abia state. The reliability yielded 0.84. Percentage, mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions. The population was 620 confirmed pregnant women from 4 to 9 months in the area of study in health centers in the state. A sample of 60 participants was selected using simple random sampling technique. Results: Findings show that antepartum, Intra-natal care, puerperium and family planning cares were prevalent in the local governments under study and that access to skilled delivery was associated with age, educational background, number of children and income level of the mother among other findings. Recommendations and conclusion: The researchers therefore recommended that there is urgent need to build healthy public policy, create supportive environments amongst others which can add to the effective measures of reducing maternal mortality in the longer term.

This study raises the problem of the non-repayment of agricultural credits by producers who are members of the Community Growth Mutual (MC²), in this period of COVID-19. It questions the economic mores in force in most member countries of the Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa (OHADA), where credit has become difficult for small rural farmers; And refers to the theory of the vicious circle of poverty, which advocates an indispensable recourse to foreign capital in the event of financial breakdown, as a means of increasing capital. Since the capital of rural producers remains insufficient and their possibility of reinvestment decreases, then becomes zero because of agricultural credit. To understand the factors of the non-repayment of these credits, data were collected from 100 agro-sylvo-pastoral producers of the Bayangam group (West-Cameroon) of both sexes, aged at least 18 years, having obtained an unpaid credit from the MC² since 2019, and a manager of this microfinance institution. After analysis, it appears that beyond overproduction and anti-COVID-19 measures that lead to the missale or fall in prices on the market, the conditions of access to credit, the non-possession of acceptable guarantees, the misuse of the object of credit and the practice of financial cavalry by the borrower, as well as the rigidity of the procedures for prosecuting debtors significantly explain this non-repayment. It is associated with determinants such as age, level of education, marital status, type of agricultural activity of the debtor. Hence the need for flexibility of microfinance institutions vis-à-vis rural agro-sylvo-pastoral producers, who are severely affected by the economic shock of the COVID-19.

Introduction: Concurrent infections or co-infections in patients diagnosed with Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) are not uncommon and predict a pejorative prognosis. A co-infection accounts for 1 out of every 5 cases of COVID-19 and increases the likelihood of adverse health outcomes such as mechanical ventilations, ICU admissions, and death. Specifically, Legionella spp. co-infection presents additional challenges in COVID-19 patients because of its rarity, similar clinical presentation to SARS-CoV-2, and poorer outcomes without prompt treatment. Cases Presentation: Case 1. A 62-year-old female presented with a 3-day history of subjective fever and worsening shortness of breath. Room air saturation (saO2) was 70% and improved to 100% on noninvasive positive- pressure ventilation (NIPPV). Lung auscultation revealed rales BL. Chest X –Ray (CXR) showed patchy airspace opacities bilaterally (BL), SARS-CoV-2 PCR and urine legionella antigen tests were positive. The diagnosis of hypoxic respiratory failure secondary to COVID-19 and Legionella pneumonia was made. Patient was admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) and managed with decadron, remdesivir, one unit of convalescent plasma for COVID-19 and Azithromycin for Legionella. Patient subsequently developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ARDS protocol was initiated. 13 days after, the patient was compassionately extubated. Case 2. A 41-year-old male presented with 5-day history of fever, worsening shortness of breath, cough and diarrhea. Patient admitted history of ethanol abuse. SaO2 was 88% and improved on oxygen canula. Lung auscultation revealed rhonchi BL. CXR showed extensive left lung consolidation. Urine test for legionella antigen was positive. COVID-19 PCR was negative, but SARS-CoV-2 IgG was reactive. The diagnosis of Legionnaire disease was made. Despite initial treatment with Azithromycin, patient's hypoxia continued to worsen requiring NIPPV, and subsequently mechanical ventilation in the ICU. The adjunction of empiric treatment for COVID-19 with convalescent plasma, remdesivir and steroids improved both clinicals and laboratory findings. Discussion: The cases illustrated the practical challenges of managing COVID-19 and legionella co- infection. Legionella spp and SARS-CoV-2 overlapping incubation periods and similar clinical presentations and complications. In the absence of diagnosis and treatment, legionella pneumonia has an intrinsic mortality rate of up to 80%. As some COVID-19 mitigation strategies, such as the closure of businesses, have enhanced the conditions for Legionella spp proliferation, the incidence of Co-infection with COVID-19 may increase. We recommend clinicians to have high-indexed suspicion of COVID-19 and Legionella co-infection in order to obtain complete work up at patient’s initial presentation.

Magnetic iron nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄) were synthesized and characterized using Fourier Transformed Infrared ((FT-IR), UV-Visible spectrophotometer, Scanned Electron Microscopy (SEM) equipped with an Energy Dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The synthesized nano catalyst was used in the transesterification of mahogany seed oil with methanol. The optimized reaction conditions gave a reaction yield of 88% at a catalyst concentration of 1.5% wt., a volume ratio of methanol to oil of 5:1, a reaction temperature of 60 °C, and a reaction time of 120 minutes. The Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles was regenerated from the mixture and reused for various circles by applying the optimum conditions obtained during the present study. The results showed that the biodiesel yield decreased by increasing the number of cycles when the regenerated catalyst was used. However, good conversion (81.9%) was obtained up to the 5th cycles. The elemental analysis of the synthesized magnetic iron nanoparticles Fe₃O₄) revealed the highest proportion of iron with 64.37 and 74.40% for atomic and weight concentration respectively, followed by oxygen with 34.27 and 24.50% for atomic and weight concentrations respectively. It could be concluded that the synthesized nano catalyst would serve as an excellent catalyst for the transesterification of vegetable oils.

Today, non-governmental actors play an important role in the national and international arena. The geographical diversity of their field of activity and their different functions have made it impossible for government actors to be indifferent to the role of these new actors. NGOs act as “rival” or “partner” governments. In human rights, these organizations are more of a rival to governments; While on health, development, and the environment, they are considered more as partners of governments. In the Iranian legal system, the active role of these organizations in terms of environmental protection is undeniable; But there are still many gaps in the reaction phase; Appropriate conditions must be provided for the active participation of these actors in environmental litigation; In such a way that they can achieve their desired position in criminal proceedings as quasi-prosecutors.

Water stress is a limiting factors for soybean crop development, and it may increase due to subsurface soil acidity. The use of agricultural gypsum is a way to improve the soil chemical conditions at depth and mitigate the undesirable effects caused by water restriction during drought periods. This study aimed to evaluate whether gypsum application increases soybean yield in water restriction conditions. The experiment was implemented in 2018 in a Humic Cambisol, Southern Brazil. The treatments consisted of two gypsum management procedures (with 1.4 Mg ha^-1 and without application) associated with two water conditions (with and without water restriction). The water conditions were promoted by partially covering the soil with plastic tarpaulin sheets. Soybean was grown in the crop years 2018/19 and 2019/20 to assess root attributes and yield and were analyzed soil chemical characteristics. Water restriction reduced soybean yield by 11.4 and 36.8% in the 2018/19 and 2019/20 harvests, respectively, whereas there was no response to gypsum application. The plants’ root system was not affected by the water conditions or gypsum management. It was concluded that water restriction reduces soybean yield, and agricultural gypsum does not mitigate such loss under the evaluated conditions, even though it positively changes some soil chemical parameters.

Environmental regulation is one of the most important subsets of social regulation. Regulation is a framework for implementing the rules adopted in society, and legal standards guarantee this framework. Thus, if the legislation prohibits the dumping of waste on public waterways and imposes a penalty for its violation, this prohibition can be interpreted as an expression of society's public commitment to environmental protection and public condemnation of polluting behaviors. On the other hand, it can be said that the destruction of the environment is morally wrong, and therefore the legal prohibition of these behaviors can be interpreted as an expression of this moral claim. This research is based on library studies and descriptive-analytical methods and has an innovative approach. The purpose of this study is to explain the role of law as a facilitator of the executive structure of environmental regulation inappropriate conditions in line with social interaction. It also seeks to explain the importance of regulation and regulation. Regulation is one of the most important social standards and guarantees the strong implementation of legal obligations in society. This fundamental standard has been established in public law and seems to be an important approach to protecting the environment and citizens' adherence to environmental obligations.

The Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) currently has been using a discrete field sampling technique for water quality monitoring that is expensive, time consuming and may not adequately represent the spatial variability of water quality relative to the entire water body. A pilot project was executed to assess the effectiveness of using earth observation data, supported by archived field-based observations for quantitative estimation of Water Quality Parameters (WQP) and detection of algal blooms in the River Murray. The selected pilot study area includes a 100km stretch of the River Murray between the Hume Dam and Yarrawonga Weir. The time frame for the archived field samples was between November 2008 and March 2011, when major algal blooms were occurring in this stretch of the Murray River.Analysis of the 2009 data shows that waters in sites in the Murray River downstream of the Hume Dam to the Yarrawonga Weir show more temporal than spatial variability in Chl-a and PC levels. The Chl-a concentration is relatively less in the Yarrawonga Weir than in the Murray River. The scatter plot of PC vs. Turbidity suggests that PC is a more significant parameter for the detection of Cyanobacteria than Chl-a. The field data represents the temporal bio-optical variability across the 2009 algal bloom events by successfully capturing the co-variations among Chlorophyll-a, Chycocyanin and turbidity at pre, during and post bloom conditions. The methodology has proved that the usefulness of an integrated earth observation and field based WQP technique to accurately map algal bloom events. The long term MDBA RMWQMP data for the 2009 bloom event is found partially compatible to the NOW Pilot study data in that only the data for the Heywood site that was used together for testing the WQP monitoring technique. The incompatibility of the RMWQMP data downstream of Yarrawonga Weir may be due to differing techniques used for determining Chlorophyll. The 2010 data was suitable for testing the technique for complex spatial bio-optical variability during the peak of the bloom in a large water storage. Lack of Chlorophyll measurements in 2010 data poses challenges in interpreting the relationship of bio-optical variability with the spatial distributions of bio-optical parameters. As relational parameters are absent, local information and expert advice will be required to develop plausible assumptions between the Chlorophyll - Phycocyanin relationship. The field sampled data for the 2010 bloom event acquired from the Hume Dam was used for comparative investigation of both moderate resolution sensors (MODIS and MERIS) and high resolution sensors (TM/TM+). The 2009 bloom event field samples of sites in the Yarrawonga Weir was used as an input with MODIS and MERIS and the data from all the sites was applied with TM/TM+. This paper will present an integrated earth observation and field based WQP technique to accurately map algal bloom events, and discuss challenges for real time earth observation data initiatives and future collaborative projects.

We reported here the microwave assisted synthesis of 3,5-disubstituted 1,2,4-triazole based piperazine amide and urea derivatives with very good yield under mild reaction conditions.

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.

Progress in the development and adoption of technological innovations is instrumental in enhancing the efficiency of production systems across the globe. Through the introduction of cost-efficient and high-performing technologies, countries can both reduce the resource use intensity of their economies and boost the global supply of essential products. The focus of this study is to analyze the application of advanced machinery and mechanisms within the agricultural sector, a primary industry that acts as a major contributor to the gross domestic product (GDP) of many nations. Specifically, this paper provides an in-depth review of the latest impact assessments based on analytical and modeling tools conducted on agricultural machinery and production technologies. Our findings highlight the positive role played by scientific progress and innovation in driving the competitiveness, growth and improved sustainability of the agricultural sector. Over the years, advanced technologies have accelerated the development and modernization of machinery, equipment, and processes in farming. Typically, modern machinery and equipment have enabled large-scale production on farms, enhancing the cost-efficient use of both land and labor, as well as the capacity and timeliness in performing essential agricultural operations. The rapid diffusion of technical advancements has further contributed to resource savings, productivity growth, and the overall transformation of agricultural value chains. Accordingly, the implementation of appropriate enabling conditions is of vital importance in encouraging the widespread integration of technologies in agriculture, not only boosting productivity along the agri-food chain but also yielding widespread social, economic, and environmental benefits.

This charge-ahead paper suggests that transitioning the automotive industry towards a zero-carbon ecosystem from material to end-of-life can be accomplished through disruptive zero-carbon manufacturing in the broad area of all-electric vehicle production technology. To accomplish zero carbon emission automotive manufacturing in the vehicle assembly domain, future paradigms must converge on the decoupling of carbon dioxide emissions from automobile manufacturing and use the design, processing, and manufacturing conditions. The envisioned zero carbon emission vehicle manufacturing domain consists of two complementary components: (a) making more efficient use of energy and (b) reducing carbon in energy use. This paper presents the status of key scientific and technological advancements to bring the manufacturing model of today to a zero-carbon ecosystem for the entire automotive industry of tomorrow. This paper suggests the groundbreaking application of dynamic and distributed predictive scheduling algorithms and open sensing and visualization technology to meet the zero carbon emission vehicle manufacturing goals. Power-aware high-performance computing clusters have recently become a viable solution for sustainable production. Advances in scalable and self-adaptive monitoring, predictive analytics, timeline-based machine learning, and digital replica of cyber-physical systems are also seen co-evolving in the zero carbon manufacturing future. These methods are inspired by initiatives to decouple gross domestic product growth and energy-related carbon dioxide emissions. Stakeholders could co-design and implement shared roadmaps to transition the automotive manufacturing sector with relevant societal and environmental benefits. The automated mobility sector offers a program, an industry-leading example of transforming an automotive production facility to carbon neutrality status. The conclusions from this paper challenge automotive manufacturers to engage in industry offsetting and carbon tax programs to drive continuous improvement and circular vehicle flows via a multi-directional zero-carbon smart grid.