European Journal of Applied Sciences

United Nations Peacekeeping Operations and the Challenge of Communal Violence in Host Communities: The Case of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA)

2024-11-26T05:08:32+00:00

This paper examines the effectiveness of the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations in addressing communal violence in host communities, using the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) as a case study. Despite UNISFA's presence, the Abyei region has experienced tragic events, such as the death murder of the Ngok Dinka Paramount Chief by Messiriya militia, which occurred in the presence of peacekeeping forces. The paper draws on opinions accounts from the local communities and the vast literature on the interventions that UNISFA undertook to curb the violence in host communities. It also takes accounts of community leaders who claim that UN peace keepers are at the core of local disputes in Abyei. This article adds to the existing literature by showing that is that the UNISFA has faced challenges in tackling conflicts at the boundaries. This was seen clear in the conflict between Nogk and Twic over Aneet and also in the case of the 14-Mile in Aweil North County between Dinka Malual and Riziegat tribe. Hence, the paper examines the issue of disputes over boundaries by the host communities. The paper presents policy recommendations to improve the performance of the UN peacekeeping missions in addressing communal conflicts in areas where they are deployed.

Comparative Analysis of Schemes with Movable Nodes for a Parabolic Equation

2024-11-24T11:30:46+00:00

The article considers an approximate analytical solution of a linear parabolic equation with initial and boundary conditions. Many problems in engineering applications are reduced to solving an initial-boundary value problem of parabolic type. There are various analytical, approximate-analytical and numerical methods for solving such problems. The most popular difference methods for solving an initial-boundary value problem of a parabolic equation are explicit, implicit and Crank-Nicolson schemes. Here, we consider methods for obtaining an approximate-analytical solution based on the movable node method and their comparative analysis of these schemes for specific test problems. A comparison of the exact and approximate solutions is made using specific examples.

The Uncertain Response of Atmospheric Temperatures To Increasing Carbon Dioxide Levels and Implications for Climate Litigation and Compensation Claims

2024-11-22T15:41:57+00:00

Climate change has increasingly become an issue where parties are being held accountable because of assumed causation by human greenhouse gas emissions. At the international level, the United Nations COP21 led to the Paris agreement in 2015, a legally binding international treaty on climate change, adopted by 196 parties. Subsequently in 2021 at COP26 in Glasgow, loss and damage was a key issue. Attempts to seek financial compensation or enforce restrictions on activities relating to fossil fuels have occurred at various levels in many different countries. In 2022, the U.N. Human Rights Committee found that Australia had failed to adequately protect indigenous Torres Islanders against adverse impacts of climate change. Other cases relate to Project Approval and Corporate Accountability, but there is generally an absence of questioning the IPCC position that climate change during the industrial era has been predominantly caused by human emissions of greenhouse gases. However, an examination of the scientific literature reveals that the assumption “the science is settled” needs to be carefully reconsidered. Using techniques such as AI provides evidence that the sensitivity of climate change to anthropogenic emissions may be significantly lower than currently endorsed by the IPCC, and the contributions of natural factors is under-estimated, thereby reducing climate sensitivity from a mean of 3.7°C to 0.7°C. Trillions of dollars are being claimed worldwide for loss and damage allegedly caused by anthropogenic climate change. These claims could be greatly affected if the dominant cause of climate change are natural.

Integrating Neuro-informed Counseling Techniques in Addiction Treatment Outcomes Among Drug Addicts in Rehabilitation Centers in Kenyan (Systematic Review Analysis)

2024-11-17T19:18:49+00:00

Background: The rising prevalence of substance use disorders in Kenya necessitates the exploration of innovative treatment approaches. Neuro-informed counseling techniques, which integrate insights from neuroscience into therapeutic practices, have shown promise in enhancing treatment outcomes for individuals struggling with addiction. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of neuro-informed counseling techniques in improving addiction treatment outcomes among drug addicts in rehabilitation centers in Kenya. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar, to identify studies published between 2010 and 2023 that focused on neuro-informed counseling techniques in addiction treatment within Kenyan rehabilitation settings. Inclusion criteria encompassed randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and qualitative research that reported on treatment outcomes such as relapse rates, psychological well-being, and overall recovery. Results: A total of 15 studies met the inclusion criteria, revealing a significant positive impact of neuro-informed counseling techniques on treatment outcomes. Key findings indicated that these techniques, which include mindfulness-based interventions, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and neuro-feedback, were associated with reduced relapse rates, improved emotional regulation, and enhanced coping skills among participants. Additionally, qualitative data highlighted increased engagement and motivation in treatment, suggesting that neuro-informed approaches foster a more supportive therapeutic environment. Conclusion: The integration of neuro-informed counseling techniques in addiction treatment within Kenyan rehabilitation centers demonstrates promising potential for improving outcomes among drug addicts. This systematic review underscores the need for further research to establish standardized protocols and training for practitioners, as well as to explore the long-term effects of these interventions. By adopting a neuro-informed approach, rehabilitation centers can enhance the efficacy of their treatment programs, ultimately contributing to better recovery rates and improved quality of life for individuals affected by addiction.

Planck`S Dual Angular - Momentum As Gravity & Antigravity Waves

2024-11-14T17:55:57+00:00

Self–Leadership in The Context of Engaging in Professional Behaviour Change and Modification (A Systematic Review Analysis)

2024-11-11T05:34:50+00:00

Despite the growing body of literature on self-leadership and behaviour change, there remains a need for further consolidated review on the existing research findings to provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between self-leadership and professional behaviour modification. This systematic review analysis aimed to fill this gap by synthesizing empirical studies that explored how self-leadership influenced behaviour change in professional contexts, identifying key themes, methodologies, and outcomes. The search was limited to peer-reviewed articles published in English from January 2000 to October 2023. The objective of the article reviewed identified effective self-leadership strategies that facilitate behaviour change in professional settings, the role of self-leadership in overcoming barriers to change, Enhancement of motivation, and sustained behavioural modifications and actionable insights for professionals frameworks that support self-leadership and effective behaviour change initiatives. Study Design applied the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to ensure a comprehensive and transparent approach (Moher et al., 2009). Search Strategy used a systematic review across multiple electronic databases, including PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science. Data Extraction - Data were extracted from the selected articles using a standardized form. Quality Assessment used Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) (Pluye et al., 2011). Each study was rated based on criteria relevant to its design, and studies were categorized as high, moderate, or low quality. Data Synthesis applied narrative synthesis approach, common themes, patterns, and gaps. The results were organized into key categories of the role of self-leadership in motivation, goal-setting, and self-regulation. All studies were assessed for informed consent and ethical treatment of participants. The analysis revealed that self-leadership serves as a foundational framework for individuals seeking to modify their professional behaviours. The review identified key themes; self-awareness, self-regulation and positive self-talk techniques as significant in behaviour change and modification.

Understanding Positivism: A Qualitative Exploration of Its Principles and Relevance Today

2024-11-29T17:50:54+00:00

This paper embarks on a journey to illuminate the philosophy of positivism, a perspective that has profoundly shaped our understanding of knowledge, truth, and reality. Positivism, with its unwavering focus on observable facts and empirical evidence, offers a framework for navigating the complexities of the modern world. Yet, despite its foundational influence on scientific inquiry and societal development, it remains a concept shrouded in confusion for many. Through a qualitative exploration, this paper seeks to bridge the gap between academic discourse and everyday understanding, unravelling the essence of positivism in a way that resonates with the general population. By tracing its historical roots, dissecting its core principles, and reflecting on its relevance in contemporary society, this work invites readers to reconsider how they perceive and interact with the world around them. In a time when the line between fact and belief is increasingly blurred, this paper argues for the enduring importance of positivism as a guiding philosophy. It challenges readers to engage with positivist though not as an abstract academic exercise, but as a practical approach to making sense of their lived experiences and the broader social landscape.

Controlled Impact Technique for the Correction of the Verticality of Part-Collapsed Buildings with Semi-Compensated Foundations in The Lake Zone of Mexico City

2024-11-08T17:33:11+00:00

The article presents a new technique for the correction of the verticality of partcollapsed buildings in the lake zone of Mexico City, the technique was conceived from the study of the deformation properties of the Mexico city subsoil and the behavior of the clays deposits of this city under cyclic loads, for buildings with similar foundations geometry that presents complex problems of differential settlements in this geotechnical zone. The problematic and properties of the subsoil where analized to desing this technique that use mechanics procedures and geotechnical machines and conditions of load that are representable with laboratory. Also is presented a theoretical analysis of the condition of load for the process of this technique and the technical aplication procedure.

Building and Evaluating a Green and Multifunctional Composite Based on Poly(butylene adipate-co terephthalate) with Zirconium Phosphate and Clove Essential Oil

2024-11-27T05:32:50+00:00

Although poly(butylene-adipate-terephthalate) (PBAT) is derived from fossil sources, it is classified as a biodegradable polymer because of its predominantly aliphatic ester structure. Synthetic Zirconium phosphate (ZrP) has been widely studied for its notable properties in various fields of human activity. Clove oil (CO) is an eco-friendly material with notable antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. In this context, the present study aimed to develop a green and multifunctional composite based on PBAT incorporated with ZrP, modified ZrP, and CO. The wide-angle X-ray diffraction revealed that the presence of CO promoted the delamination of the phosphates. The thermogravimetric analysis indicated that ZrP and modified ZrP slightly improved the thermal stability of PBAT. The calorimetric evaluations revealed that both ZrP and modified ZrP acted as heterogeneous nucleating agents, increasing the degree of crystallization of PBAT by approximately 70–85%. The incorporation of phosphates and clove oil enhanced the hydrophobicity of the composite films by 20–50%. The thermomechanical analysis indicated a reduction in the glass transition temperature of PBAT and an increase in its linear coefficient of thermal expansion. The type of phosphate and the amount of clove oil influenced the polymer’s molecular relaxation behavior. Antimicrobial testing confirmed that the composite effectively inhibited the growth of Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus) ands the yeast Candida albicans.

A Comprehensive Cervical Cancer Profile in Nairobi County in Between 2015 and 2019

2024-11-26T05:05:51+00:00

Cervical cancer is the most prevalent cause of cancer-related deaths and morbidity worldwide that is the most common in women aged 45-60, with a disproportional burden in low- and middle-income countries compared to high-income countries. The high illness burden in resource-limited settings is attributed to insufficient knowledge of disease prevention and the lack of organized screening programs. Low middle income countries account for 80% of cervical cancer cases globally. Cervical cancer has a global incidence rate of 14 per 100,000 women. The present study delves to determine the Prevalence of cervical cancer in Nairobi county, to examine the age standard rates of cervical cancer and to determine the survival rates of cervical cancer patients. The study utilized retrospective design where patient records were reviewed to obtain data of Nairobi county women residents who sought medical attention from health care facilities due cervical cancer between the period of 2015-2019. Structured questionnaire obtained from the Nairobi county Abstract form at cancer registry (KEMRI).The data was analyzed using SPSS version 25 and can Reg 5. Descriptive statistics were utilized .The Results revealed that the mean affected age is 49.53 years. Most patients were diagnosed at stage 11 at 19.61%.Radiotherapy was the most preferred form of treatment at 46.75%.The survival rate was at 80.52%..Cervical cancer is considered the most common cancer in women. It is recommended that creating awareness can alter the trajectory of the cervical cancer orientation; training practitioners on high index cancer detection, early screening and adjustments on government policies can increase the survival rate. Moreover, HPV vaccination can prevent growth of malignant cervical cancer cells.

Identification of Elder Abuse at Emergency Departments: What Competencies are Required from Staff?

2024-11-24T06:58:54+00:00

The purpose of this mixed method study was to describe emergency department nursing staff’s ratings and experiences of their competencies in identifying elder abuse. The target group consisted of nursing staff in emergency departments of one university hospital and four central hospitals in Finland. The staff were Registered Nurses, Paramedic Nurses and Practical Nurses. The study is part of a larger research project on the identification of abuse, carried out with staff in prehospital and emergency department care. The data was collected using an electronic Webropol survey in autumn 2022 and spring-summer 2023. The quantitative data was analyzed using IBM Statistics for Windows 28 and the qualitative data using inductive content analysis.

In the experience of emergency department nursing staff, it was easier to identify physical abuse, compared to psychological or social abuse or neglect of care in their older patients. The staff were well aware of risk factors associated with elder abuse, but their detection was not easy in short care contexts.

According to the study results, elder abuse identification competencies in emergency departments include detection of the signs of abuse; assessment of the seriousness of the situation; interaction skills; emotional intelligence and situational awareness, and ethical competencies. In addition, the results highlight the importance of multiprofessional expertise in ensuring the patient’s safe follow-up care and coping at home. The identification of elder abuse is challenging in emergency departments and requires the development of multiple competencies and knowledge, especially regarding the detection of the signs of abuse, assessing the seriousness of the situation and interaction skills.

Detoxification of Triazophos Pesticide Residues in Foxtail Millets (Setaria Italica) Using Mid-Infrared Rays

2024-11-21T06:51:27+00:00

Pesticide residues in agricultural products are currently inevitable and pose severe risks to human health and the environment. Present detoxification technologies for residues are less effective, not eco-friendly, reduce sensory attributes and nutrients of the agro products, and are uneconomical. To overcome this challenge to a certain extent, we developed a 2-6 µm mid-infrared generating atomizer, the mid-infrared was tried in the detoxification of pesticide viz. Triazophos. MIRGA accommodates water-based imbalance ionic solution. MIRGA spraying was performed externally over packaged (polythene >50 microns) foxtail millet (Setaria italica) mixed with different concentrations (5 to 10,000 ppm - 13 batches) of the commonly used pesticide Triazophos. The foraging behavior of fire ants was used as an indicator to evaluate triazophos toxicity. The foraging property was more significant in MIRGA-irradiated millet samples containing 5, 10, 50, and 100 ppm needed with 1-3 sprayings, 500-1000 ppm needed 2-5 sprayings, 2000 ppm needed 3 sprayings, 3000 ppm needed 2-4 sprayings, and 6000 ppm needed 4 or 5 sprayings than in non-irradiated (control) samples. As a result, we demonstrated the efficacy of 2–6 µm mid-IR detoxification. The 2-6 µm mid-infrared radiation generated by MIRGA was able to pass through the packaging material and interacted with the interior of foxtail millet. It was noted that foxtail millets sprayed with MIRGA containing 5 to 3000 ppm and 6000 ppm triazophos were eagerly consumed by ants. However, samples with 4000-5000 ppm and 7000-10,000 ppm were refused by the ants, while the blank control samples were consumed. The process of detoxification was studied by a variety of instrumentations and analytical investigations. The appearance of small peaks in the chromatogram data indicated a change in the components of the sample, resulting in the creation of new molecules that attracted ants more effectively. Two specific compounds identified post-spraying were 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z, Z) and 1-nonadecene, which explains the increased attractiveness of ants. The mid-IR radiation emitted during spraying led to the breakdown of some carbohydrates, releasing simpler sugars that are sweeter and naturally appealing to ants. The sprayed sample showed a fivefold increase in oleic acid content compared to the control sample, which may account for the reduced preference by ants. Furthermore, spraying induced alterations in various components such as aliphatic protons, methyl groups, olefinic protons, and aromatic protons within the samples. The application of MIRGA on foxtail millet containing triazophos induced structural changes at the micron level, as evidenced by particle agglomeration and the disappearance of elongated structures. The MIRGA technology proves to be a safe, cost-efficient, and environmentally friendly method. This outcome also hints at the potential of MIRGA in detoxifying residues of other agricultural chemicals.

Genetic Divergence of Sweet Pepper in Bangladesh

2024-11-20T18:09:20+00:00

The study of genetic divergence in sweet pepper is essential for enhancing crop yield, quality, and adaptability, especially in regions like Bangladesh where agriculture plays a critical role in the economy. The present investigation was carried out at the research farm of the Olericulture division, Horticulture Research Centre, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Gazipur, Bangladesh to estimate genetic divergence in 21 sweet pepper genotypes based on fourteen characters using Mahalanobis’s D2 statistics during winter 2017-18 in randomized complete block design with three replications. The results revealed significant genetic variability, indicating the presence of diverse genetic resources within the cultivated 21 sweet pepper genotypes. Cluster analysis grouped the accessions into distinct clusters, reflecting their genetic relationships and divergence. The study highlights specific genotypes with desirable traits that can be utilized in breeding programs to develop superior sweet pepper varieties. Cluster II had the maximum number (14) of genotypes and clusters I and III were composed of only two genotypes. The highest intra-cluster distance was observed in cluster II (1.286), containing fourteen genotypes and the lowest intra-cluster distance (0.056) was observed in cluster III having two genotypes. A higher inter-cluster distance was observed between clusters III and IV (14.090) and clusters I and IV (14.040) indicating the genotypes in these clusters were more diverged than those of other clusters. Cluster II exhibited maximum highest mean for fruit length at the green stage, fruit length at the mature stage and desirable minimum value for days to 50% flowering while the second highest mean values for days to last harvest, number of fruit/plant, weight of fruit/plant, average fruit weight, total number of fruit/plot, plot yield, fruit yield, while cluster IV exhibited the highest mean values for the number of fruit/plant, weight of fruit/plant, total number of fruit/plot, plot yield, fruit yield and one desirable lowest mean for days to last harvest. Therefore, more emphasis should be given to clusters II and IV for selecting genotypes as parents for crossing which may produce new recombinants with desired traits.

The Socio-demographic Factors Influence on Anti-Social Behaviour among Children (Case Study of Bobaracho Area, Nyaribari Chache, Kisii Kenya)

2024-11-17T19:15:11+00:00

This study investigates the influence of social demographic characteristics on antisocial behaviours among children in the Bobaracho area of NyaribariChache constituency, Kisii County, Kenya. Antisocial behaviour, characterized by actions that violate societal norms and harm others, poses significant challenges to community cohesion and child development. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather comprehensive data from a sample of 150 children aged 6-12 years and their guardians. Key demographic factors examined include age, gender, family structure, parental education, and socioeconomic status. The findings reveal a significant correlation between low parental education and increased antisocial behaviours, particularly among boys. Additionally, children from single-parent households exhibited higher levels of aggression and defiance compared to those from two-parent families. Qualitative insights highlight the role of peer influence and community environment in shaping children's behaviour. The study underscores the importance of addressing social demographic factors in interventions aimed at reducing antisocial behaviours. Recommendations include community-based programs that promote parental engagement and education, as well as initiatives to foster positive peer relationships. This research contributes to the understanding of how social demographics intersect with child behaviour, providing a foundation for policymakers and educators to develop targeted strategies for promoting positive social development among children in Kisii County.

Biocontroller Activity Macromycetes

2024-09-26T17:11:18+01:00

Diseases caused by phytopathogens cause great damage in agricultural production and with it great economic losses. Today a wide variety of macromycetes are known capable of eliminating pests in a crop without having to use agrochemicals, which we know are harmful to the soil and the environment, however thousands of tons of agrochemicals are applied annually throughout the world Given the need to establish a control system that is more environmentally friendly, and given the need to mitigate this damage, various studies have shown that some macromycetes are a potential source of antifungal compounds that could be used to control these diseases. Therefore, the objective of this review is to collect information on macromycetes that present biocontroller activity, among which are the genera Xylaria, Agrocybe, Psilocybe, Stereum, Pycnoporus sanguineus, lentinus crinitus, Cordyceps, Hymenostilbe and Tolypocladium cylundrosporum on different phytopathogenic fungi.

Wellposedness of a Cauchy Problem Associated to the Even Order Equation

2024-11-27T17:34:59+00:00

In this article we prove that the Cauchy problem associated to n-th order equation in periodic Sobolev spaces is globally well posed when n is an even number multiple of four. We do this in an intuitive way using Fourier theory and in a fine version using semigroups theory. Finally, we demonstrate the dissipative property of the Cauchy problem using differential calculus in H^s_per

Inheritance and Relationship Between Canalization, Developmental Stability and Morphological Integration in Cichlidae Fish Oreochromis Niloticus, Sarotherodon Melanotheron and their F1 Reciprocal Hybrids

2024-10-09T16:27:10+01:00

Morphological integration, canalization and developmental stability are three major processes involved in phenotypic variability. In spite of increasing interests, they have incurred as factors that may contribute to the evolvability, little is known about some of their properties such as inheritance and the relationship between them. This issue was addressed in the present study through geometric morphometrics approach applied to the body shape of fish belonging to Cichlidae. These fish are Oreochromis niloticus, Sarotherodon melanotheron and their reciprocal hybrids of first generation. Then, the level and morphological patterns of intra et interindividual variation were tackled while taking the relationship between buffering mechanisms into account. As for morphological integration, hypotheses of modularity were tested using 3 statistics. Developmental stability and canalization were found to reflect single mechanistic process according to the congruence of their related morphological patterns between and within groups. Both buffering mechanisms also to act on the same components of shape. An interesting but overlooked observation is that, the congruence between canalization and developmental stability seem to depend on the nature of traits under consideration, specifically those closely related to organism’s fitness. Furthermore, in patterns of morphological integration, the hypotheses that the head represents a relatively integrated unit and the fins of fish are combined in the same module are strongly supported. Finally, it was observed an inheritance of best fitting models together with features of buffering mechanisms which interact mostly with morphological integration.

A Review of Abattoir Reflexes in Relation to Anaerobic Glycolysis and Meat Quality

2024-10-25T07:40:37+01:00

Current research on meat quality is dominated by correlative studies of animal genotypes and histochemical fibre types, correlating features of live animals with features of commercial importance in their meat. But between live muscle and meat, there is an epigenetic realm where random factors mediated by animal treatments and their nervous systems may have strong effects. They have the potential to obscure real correlations between live animals and meat quality, or to produce spurious correlations. Physiological studies in abattoirs may prove things one way or the other.

Assessing Middle School Students’ Understanding and Implementation of Social and Emotional Competencies: A Study Conducted in Private Schools in Mount Lebanon

2024-10-29T06:10:29+00:00

The changes taking place in this fast-paced world "have led to the rise of social and emotional processes" (Cefai et al., 2020, p.3). Although Social Emotional Learning (SEL) encompasses many aspects, the primary elements include self-awareness, social awareness, responsible decision making, self-management, and relationship management (Merrell & Gueldner, 2010, p.40). Acknowledging the importance of adolescence as the critical period to explore developments in understanding oneself and others, this study addresses three primary research questions. The first question examines the extent to which middle school students possess SEL competencies in Lebanese private middle schools. The second question explores whether middle school students from lower socioeconomic status differed in their SEL competencies from those coming from higher socioeconomic status (SES). The third question assesses the presence of gender differences in possessing socio-emotional competencies in middle school students. This study’s findings showed that middle school students (n = 165) in Lebanese private schools possess social and emotional competencies to varying extents. The results provide further evidence for the association of SES factors on an adolescents’ acquisition and development of social-emotional competencies, self-control specifically. The findings confirm that, in addition to socioeconomic status (SES), personal and environmental factors—such as community and culture—play a crucial role in shaping the social-emotional development of middle school students. The given recommendations affirm that different stakeholders, including educational policymakers, schools, teachers, and families in Lebanon, should be active partners in supporting SEL by providing various services in safe and nurturing environments.

Self-concealment Influence on Addictive Behaviour, Suicidal Ideation, and Mental Health Among Drug Addicts from Sampled Rehabilitation Centres in the Coastal Region of Kenya

2024-10-31T04:59:17+00:00

This study investigates the impact of self-concealment on addictive behaviours, suicidal ideation, and mental health among drug addicts in rehabilitation centres located in the coastal regions of Kenya. Self-concealment, defined as the tendency to hide personal information and emotions, is hypothesized to exacerbate psychological distress and hinder recovery processes. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research sampled 200 individuals undergoing rehabilitation, employing standardized questionnaires to assess levels of self-concealment, addiction severity, suicidal thoughts, and overall mental health status. Qualitative interviews provided deeper insights into the lived experiences of participants, highlighting the interplay between self-concealment and their struggles with addiction and mental health. Findings reveal a significant correlation between high levels of self-concealment and increased addictive behaviours, as well as elevated suicidal ideation. Participants who reported greater difficulty in expressing their emotions were more likely to engage in substance use as a coping mechanism, leading to a cycle of addiction and mental health deterioration. The qualitative data further illustrated how societal stigma and fear of judgment contributed to self-concealment, perpetuating feelings of isolation and hopelessness. This research underscores the need for targeted interventions that address self-concealment in therapeutic settings, promoting open communication and emotional expression among individuals in recovery. By fostering an environment of trust and support, rehabilitation programs can enhance mental health outcomes and reduce the risk of suicide among drug addicts in Kenya's coastal regions.

Case Studies: Effective Approaches for Navigating Cross-Border Cloud Data Transfers Amid U.S. Government Privacy and Safety Concerns

2024-10-28T00:30:57+00:00

This study attempts to explain the impact of information exchange from one country to another, as well as the legal and technological implications for these exchanges. Due to the emergence of cloud technology, possibilities for free exchange of information between countries have increased rapidly, as it has become possible to save information in a country and access it in almost any part of the world. Countries all around the world have been confronted with developing frameworks to facilitate this process, although there are significant challenges which must be confronted on legal and technological fronts, as loopholes in the framework adopted by countries may hinder free access to information stored on cloud, and also compromise data privacy. Cloud technology is impacting a lot of issues, including domestic and international businesses, hence the need for a study to propose measures for safe exchange of information using cloud technology.

Evaluation on the Impact of Motivation on Employee Performance: An Assessment of Timber Milling Industry in Zimbabwe

2024-11-05T18:32:20+00:00

Motivation is considered as the force that drives employees towards attaining specific goals. The main purpose of this study was to establish the impact of motivation on employee performance and discuss the factors that motivate employees in the organisation. The study was prompted by low performance by employees, failure to address motivational factors, failure to establish the benefits of motivation in the organisation and how motivation impact on performance. The main objective of the study was toestablish the impact of motivation on employee performance and the effect of motivation on employees. The mixed methods research, which is a combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches, were used to establish the effect of dependent variables on performance. The three branches of philosophies namely ontology, epistemology and axiology, which are the methodological rationalism approaches brought in the philosophical alignment. The target population was composed of 175 employees and the sample size was 60 employees. Questionnaire wasused as a research instrumentto gather the necessary data for the study. Mean and standard deviations were used to find out the extent of agreement by respondents and establish if the results could be trusted and generalised. The findings revealed that promotion and advancement, job security, recognition, relationship with management and being involved in decision making played significance roles in the performance of employees. Salary and wage adjustments were also important to reduce labour turnover. The findings revealed that the relationship of motivation and performance of employees proved to be positive basing on the dependent variables researched on. This included motivation, training, resources, work environment, performance management and leadership styles. It was recommended that management adjust their way of operations to improve performance of employees.

Robotics and Artificial Intelligence in Today's Agriculture

2024-10-25T16:53:32+01:00

The increasing population poses an ever-increasing demand for food production amidst major constraints like decreasing agricultural labour, increased growth rate of industrialization, urbanization, reduced land and water availability for agriculture, and drudgery in farm works. With rapid development of technology in the field of robotics and AI, has created new horizons for its application in agriculture and allied sectors. These latest technologies help farmers in facing the challenges in food production to ensure food security, environmental sustainability and labour efficiency in the age-old industry. In this review article, a comprehensive view of the current state and future trends of robotics and AI in various agricultural domains, like crop monitoring, weed control, harvesting, sorting and transportation are discussed.

Preparation of High-Purity Rutin from Sophora japonica

2024-11-03T18:14:03+00:00

High-Purity Rutin (HPR) was extracted from Sophora japonica by ultrasonication, decolorized using activated carbon, separated by polyamide chromatography, and recrystallized. An orthogonal design of experiment was used to determine the optimal ultrasonic extraction time, number of ultrasonic extractions, and ultrasonic extraction temperature to maximize the extraction yield of rutin. The optimal conditions were determined as follows: 2000 mL of CH₃OH were used to extract 20 g of the dried Sophora japonica flower bud powder for 30 minutes and the extraction was repeated 2 times under ultrasonic conditions (ultrasound frequency: 40 KHZ; water temperature: 40 °C). The decolorization of the CH₃OH extract of Sophora japonica using active carbon was studied. The optimal processes are as follows: The filtrate of CH₃OH extract was concentrated to 200 mL by rotary evaporation; 7.2 g of activated carbon powder was added; and the mixture was refluxed in an 80 °C water bath for 0.5 hours (twice). The polyamide chromatography separation conditions for crude rutin were investigated. The influence of particle size and amount of polyaminde used on extraction yield of rutin was studied. It was found that best separation results were obtained when 50 g of polyamide with particle size of 0.170~0.210 mm was used to purify 3 g of crude rutin. The purity of the HPR obtained was 99.8%, the extraction yield of HPR was 18.6%, and the extraction rate of HPR was 70.8%. The structure of the final product was identified by elemental analysis, IR, HPLC and ¹H NMR. It was experimentally demonstrated that the proposed process was a safe, mild, low-cost and waste-free procedure.

Growth, Cost and Carcass Evaluation of Snail (Archachatina marginata) Fed Diet Containing Yam Peel-Soy-Bean Residue Mixture Meal

2024-11-04T14:34:16+00:00

The study was conducted to determine effect of inclusion of dry Yam peel-soybean residues meal (YPSM) as substitute to Maize in the diet of snail (Archachatina marginata). A total of 120 growing snails (average weight of 76.5 ± 2.4g, 4 months old) were used for the study. Four dietary treatments comprising Yam peel-soybean residue meal (YPSM) replaced maize at 0% (YPSM₁), 50% (YPSM₂), 75% (YPSM₃) and 100% (YPSM₄) were compounded and allotted to snails in a completely randomized design. Data were collected on growth performance, reproductive indices, cost implications and carcass yield were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance. There was no significant difference in the mean total feed intake in YPSM₁, YPSM₂ and YPSM₃ (P>0.05). The mean total weight gain was significantly different across the treatments (P<0.05) although no significant difference in the mean total weight gain in YPSM₁, YPSM₂ and YPSM_3. The mean shell length was not significantly influenced by dietary treatments and the values ranged between 12.68 in YPSM₁ and 12.48 in YPSM₄. Shell width and thickness were not significantly different from one another as the level of YPSM in the diet increased (P>0.05). The lowest cost/weight gain was recorded in the diet containing 75% YPSM as replacement for maize while the highest cost/weight gain was recorded in the diet containing 100%YPSM. Based on the results obtained from this study, it could be recommended that Yam peel-soybean residues meal (YPSM) could be included up to 75% as replacement for maize fraction of the diet of snail (Archachatina maginata) without adverse effect but at reduced cost.

Existence of the Local Solution of a Non Homogeneous Schrödinger Type Equation

2024-11-05T16:41:02+00:00

Using MOORA Method for Finding Best Dressing Parameters for Surface Grinding Hardox 500

2024-11-08T10:26:06+00:00

This study reports the findings on the use of the multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method to determine the optimal dressing mode for surface grinding of Hardox 500. The research examined the MCDM issue utilizing the Multi-Objective Optimization based on Ratio Analysis (MOORA) method, with criterion weights determined through the Entropy method. Furthermore, surface roughness (RS) and material removal rate (MRR) were identified as the two criteria for this study. Additionally, five dressing variables were investigated: non-feeding dressing nn, fine dressing depth df, fine dressing times nf, rough dressing depth dr, and rough dressing times nr. Additionally, 16 experimental runs were designed and conducted using the L16 (4⁴ x 2¹) design type. The issue related to MCDM has been assessed. The investigation's findings indicate that option No. 5, defined by the input parameters d_r = 0.02 (mm), n_r = 1, nf = 1, d_f = 0.01 (mm), and n_n = 2, represents the optimal dressing mode.

Additives and Endocrine Disruptors in Cosmetic Products for Use by Children Under 2 Years Old: A Danger Not Mentioned in Advertisements

2024-11-06T16:06:26+00:00

Endocrine disruptors are exogenous substances that alter the functions of the endocrine system and therefore induce harmful effects on the health of an intact organism, its descendants, or populations. They are at the heart of current health concerns, associated with other additives such as dyes and perfumes that constitute a source of allergy in predisposed individuals. The objective of this study is to identify and give the danger of endocrine disruptors, allergens and dyes in common cosmetic products for infants. Our study is described as descriptive, cross-sectional with prospective collection, and included all childcare cosmetic products with a label providing information on the chemical composition and present on the Kolwezi market. In a total of 48 ranges of cosmetic products analyzed, we found 10 types of endocrine disruptors, 13 types of allergens and 6 classes of dyes. Parabens are the most present endocrine disruptors in baby cosmetic products, followed by fragrance; and powder, followed by soap, are the products that contain more endocrine disruptors. Limonene is the most present allergen followed by geraniol; And powder, soap followed by lotion are the products that contain the most. Tartrazine is the most present dye and especially in soaps and lotions. These exogenous substances cause harmful effects on human health, which are accentuated in the most fragile, such as infants.

The Bell Can Be Un-Rung Climate Change Can Be Undone

2024-11-09T14:24:14+00:00

Commencing nearly a decade ago, the scientific literature has shown that changes in the concentration of water vapor, a greenhouse gas with a heating power 400 times greater than carbon dioxide, CO₂, closely match changes in the average global temperature. The foregoing notwithstanding, while there is no correlation between changes in the average global temperature and changes in the concentration of CO₂; still a large community of interests including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), academia, agencies of government, various research institutions and enterprises, tens of thousands of scientists, public officials and policy makers which have worked for over three decades without proof, continue to assert that it is the increasing atmospheric concentration of CO₂ that drives global warming. Thus, the myopic focus of this de-carbon community remains reducing carbon emissions. This is a major problem, because, while the data and the physics have clearly shown that when the global concentration of water vapor is reduced, the result is global cooling and reductions in catastrophic weather. and these relationships have not been discussed in the preeminent scientific literature. As a direct consequence, no steps to drive increased precipitation to reduce the concentration of water vapor have been undertaken. As each year passes, the size of the reduction sufficient to reverse global warming grows, thus, increasing the time necessary to effect this, whichmay take decades as annual devastation from catastrophic weather increases at a rate of $45 bn US every decade. To fight climate change, the policy must change to focus on encouraging the development of effective, efficient and sufficient means of increasing precipitation.

Salinity Influence on Radicle Length of Two Potato Genotypes

2024-11-11T16:53:06+00:00

Potato is the fourth most important food growth, after three of cereals: rice, wheat and maize. Ii is also one the most important source of food at world level, being an essential economic one in developing countries. In agriculture, salinity stress is one of the main abiotic stress factors affecting potatoes. This kind of stress causes changes in internal and external physiology of potato plants, resulting in a decrease of tubercle quality and production. Moreover, it may cause damages in all developing stages of potato, being extremely devastating in the expansion phase of the tubercle when the nutritional requirements are at maximum for its growth. The paper aims at characterizing the contribution of technological parameters to two of the most grown potato cultivars in Romania: Santé and Roclas, and at investigating the way in which salinity stress can affect their growing rhythm by analyzing its influence on the rate of root division.

Retrieving the Paths of Universalism

2024-11-04T16:34:45+00:00

Effects of Delayed Carbohydrate Digestion on Energy Intake, Adiposity and Weight Gain in Congenic Lean and Obese-Diabetic Rats

2024-11-21T06:47:00+00:00

The burgeoning prevalence of obesity and overweight conditions including NIDDM and dysregulation of energy balance are rapidly approaching epidemic proportions in much of Western society and imposing a significant burden on available health care resources. Once diagnosed, treatment is typically a life-long effort to attenuate the continued progression of pathophysiologic sequela of the disorders. Since the predominate proportion of macronutrient energy source in most Western diets is often carbohydrate, typically more than 50% by weight at ~4 kcals/gram, efforts to modulate the impact of dietary CHO on parameters of adiposity and weight gain were investigated. This study determined the effects of delayed carbohydrate digestion on energy intake and consequent weight gain groups of young adult, obese-NIDDM rats that were fed a USDA-formulated, hyperinsulinemic diet consisting of 54% sucrose plus essential fats, proteins, micronutrients and fiber for up to 8 weeks, or the same diet containing 150 mg/kg of (1,5 dideoxy-1,5-[(2-hydroxyethyl) imino]-D glucitol; generic miglitol). Measures of daily energy intake and weight gain were determined at weekly intervals. Adiposity was determined by dissecting major fat depots at the end of the study and determining adipose tissue mass and cellularity. Miglitol resulted in 20% less energy intake and weight gain, and corresponding decreases in adiposity after 8 weeks of study. The results of this study indicate that delayed carbohydrate digestion via the α-glucosidase inhibitor miglitol or other similar agents may be a useful adjunct in the regulation of food intake and in attenuating weight gain in man and animals in addition to their well-established effects as an adjunct in the treatment of impaired glycemic responses in obesity and NIDDM.

Identification of Two Aphids’ (Aphis craccivora Koch) Biotypes Prevailing in Three Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L). Walp.) Growing Areas in Burkina Faso

2024-11-11T13:01:04+00:00

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L). Walp.) is a plant-based protein crop with high nutritional value but highly susceptible to insect pests, particularly aphids (Aphis craccivora Koch). Aphids can destroy 80 to 100% of cowpea farms and also transmit viral diseases like cowpea mosaic virus, significantly reducing yields. This study aimed to investigate the evolution of aphid infestations from three cowpea-growing locations of Burkina Faso (Bobo, Kamboinsé, and Pobé) and identify the prevailing aphid biotypes. Therefore, ten varieties were screened with three aphids’ strains from these locations. A randomized complete block design with three (3) blocks and five (5) repetitions each was used. The number of leaves per plant, the survival of individual plant and the degree of infestation were evaluated. Results revealed that the degree of infestation used as a criterion for evaluating cowpea resistance to aphids is just as reliable during the early stages of plants development as during the following stages. Two biotypes of aphids have been identified. Indeed, the Kamboinse strain is similar to that of Pobé and these two strains are significantly different from the strain of Bobo. The close relationship between the 2 biotypes suggests the possibility to develop varieties strong enough to resist to both of them. A molecular characterization of the three aphids’ strains would provide more precision on the genetics of the two aphides’ biotypes.

The Impact of Beta-Lactam Antibiotics on Bacterial Infection Prevalence and Socioeconomic Determinants in Middle-Aged Adults Across Three West African Countries

2024-10-28T13:09:59+00:00

This research is to ascertain the impact of Beta-lactam classes of antibiotics on the prevalence of bacterial infections, and the socioeconomic determinants influencing their usage in the middle-aged adults within (35-50) years, across diverse populations of some West African countries. The investigation provides insights into how antibiotics use varies by socioeconomics factors such as access to healthcare, education, income level and its later effect on health outcomes. This study utilizes the mix of quantitative analysis via survey questionnaire and qualitative analysis through interviews and focus group of patients. It was used to collect data from 3300 middle-aged adults across three West African countries to understand the prevalence of bacterial infections, and socioeconomic factors influencing the usage of the aforementioned classes of antibiotics. This mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative analysis (descriptive, regression, and multivariate analysis using Real Statistics v2 in Excel) with qualitative thematic analysis of interviews and focus group data using taguette software.Triangulation was also used to validate findings and provide a comprehensive understanding of the research problem. Quantitative data revealed that socioeconomic factors significantly impact antibiotic use, with financial constraints and limited healthcare access correlating with increased self-medication and misuse. Cronbach’s Alpha indicated high internal consistency across survey responses. Thematic analysis identified key themes, including cost as a barrier to healthcare, the role of policies in antibiotic use, and awareness of antibiotic risks. Participants expressed concerns about antibiotic resistance and the quality of available medications, highlighting the growing issue of ineffective drugs. The study emphasizes the need for health policy reforms, drug regulation, and interventions that integrate education with economic support to promote responsible antibiotic use. Future research should focus on long-term trends in antibiotic resistance, the role of pharmacies, and interventions targeting both system-level and behavioral factors.