Community Practice Research Articles

Factors Influencing Pregnant Women's Participation in Randomised Clinical Trials in India: A Qualitative Study.

To explore factors affecting participation of pregnant women in randomised clinical trials in Belagavi, Karnataka, India. A qualitative study using semi-structured in-depth interviews and focus group discussions as data collection methods. Primary, secondary and tertiary health facilities and their community catchment areas in Belagavi district. Thirty-three in-depth interviews with health workers and previous participants of a pregnancy-focused trial, and 12 focus group discussions with currently pregnant women who had not previously participated in a clinical trial, family and community members, and accredited social health activists. Inductive thematic analysis with a team-based approach to interpretation in the study context. Pregnant women were often unable to distinguish between maternal health programmes and trial interventions. Among previous trial participants, expectations of higher quality care were a key motivation for trial participation. Household gendered power relations and trust in the health workforce influenced decisional dynamics regarding participation. Health workers vouched for trial safety, once they assessed the intervention as acceptable. Trial Implementation by the health workforce required understanding and navigating pregnancy-related beliefs and practices in communities. Anticipated health benefits, improved healthcare access, and trust in health workers are facilitators of trial participation. Engaging primary decision-makers is essential due to household gender dynamics. Trials must integrate strategies that clarify the distinct goals of research versus clinical care.

Engaging in transnational ways of teaching and building a community of practice: Preservice teachers’ experiences in an online after‐school program

AbstractEmploying the concepts of transnational funds of knowledge and community practice, this ethnographic case study examines the experiences of preservice world language teachers in a year‐long teaching methods course. It focuses on an online after‐school program where preservice teachers taught languages and cultures to children from linguistically and culturally diverse backgrounds. The findings illustrate how a teacher candidate from a multilingual and immigrant background drew on her transnational lived experiences and encouraged students to think beyond the boundaries of languages, cultures, and countries. Findings also show how preservice teachers in the program learned from fellow teachers’ practices and built a shared repertoire of resources to engage in transnational ways of teaching language and culture. This study underscores the importance of providing clinical opportunities where preservice teachers can put theory into practice, incorporate transnational funds of knowledge that learners possess, and challenge linguistic, cultural, and geographic boundaries.

Navigating the influence of professional abstinence on pharmacy students: Observations and solutions from their perspective.

As the scope of practice continues to evolve for pharmacists, professional abstinence is being observed by students in workplaces and practicums. Professional abstinence is defined as "consciously choosing not to provide the full scope of patient care activities". Exposure of students to professional abstinence may cause cognitive dissonance, as they are challenged by practices that do not match what they are taught in school. This study explores pharmacy student perspectives on professional abstinence in community practice settings and their thoughts on how it could be addressed. Pharmacy students enrolled at an accredited Canadian pharmacy school with previous experience at a community practice site were invited to participate via email and social media. Data were collected between March and November 2021 through virtual individual interviews using a semistructured guide and the Zoom platform. Recordings were transcribed verbatim, and data were analyzed using cognitive dissonance theory to guide the inductive coding and interpretation of results. Twenty students representing 6 pharmacy schools were recruited. Themes identified regarding students' experiences with professional abstinence were "introspection and reflection" and "the system", with the subthemes of emotion, excuses, professional identity and infrastructure, and inertia/disengagement, respectively. Regarding how to address professional abstinence, the themes "self as professional" and "empowering professionals" emerged. Self as professional included the subthemes of continuous learning, role modelling/mentorship, and internal drive/initiative, while empowering professionals included improved logistics, self-care, and advocacy. Students' experiences with professional abstinence led to mixed feelings and influences on their professional identity. Pharmacy schools should be made aware of the phenomenon of professional abstinence and its effect on students, as they can potentially help manage learners' cognitive dissonance and best prepare them for their future full-scope practices.

Research and Conceptual Landscape of Food Waste and Business Models in the Context of the Circular Economy: A Literature Review at the Intersection of SDG 2 – Zero Hunger and SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption And Production

Objective: This study reviews the existing literature on sustainable business models for food waste management within the circular economy context. The findings aim to map the research landscape, highlight significant contributions, and suggest future research directions to inspire further studies in this domain. Theoretical Framework: Business model innovation is crucial for companies to remain competitive and sustainable, with a focus on integrating environmental considerations. The circular economy, emphasizing renewable and closed-loop product life cycles, offers a sustainable alternative to traditional economic models. In this topic, the main concepts and theories that underpin the research are presented. Method: Using bibliometric analysis and mapping, this study examines the intensity, influence, and key topics of research articles, journals, and authors from 2016 to January 2023 via Scopus. Keywords were selected based on prior studies, and a Prisma diagram was adapted. A descriptive approach is used for frequency analysis, while co-occurrence clustering reveals literature evolution, topic interlinkages, and research focus areas to guide future studies. Results and Discussion: This study highlights the critical role of business models in addressing food waste within the circular economy and sustainable production and consumption contexts. By mapping recent literature and research trends from 2016-2023, the study identifies essential concepts such as sustainable and circular business models, circular food systems, and food waste recovery methods, digitalization's role, alongside themes like zero waste, food sustainability, smart cities, urban recycling, and upcycling. Research Implications: To understand the research trends, orientations, concepts, and interrelations between these concepts, this study presented a literature review on food waste and business models for 2016-2023. The paper discusses some essential concepts surpassing all industries and waste types in the sustainability context: circular economy, sustainable business models, and circular business models. The study calls for further research and well-structured roadmaps to enhance the global impact of food waste business models and facilitate a shift toward circular economy frameworks. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by revealing in the integration of food waste management with retail and supply chain dynamics, underscoring the need for collaborative solutions and sustainable packaging innovations. This analysis contribute to reflecting the accumulated knowledge landscape to the research and practice community and elaborating on the research gaps and possible research venues to guide future practices.

Factors Influencing Science Teachers' Professional Development: A Cultural‐Historical Activity Theory Perspective

ABSTRACTExploring the factors influencing science teacher professional development (STPD) and their interactions may provide insight into promoting professional development and improving science education. However, existing research mainly focuses on STPD in larger domains, such as individual, external, and contextual, without paying systematic attention to the connections between internal elements within domains. Therefore, this study utilized the cultural‐historical activity theory (CHAT) as a framework to systematically explore the interactions between factors influencing STPD. Content analysis was used to identify the factors influencing STPD. Subsequently, we adopted a convergent parallel mixed research method, aiming at a more comprehensive exploration of how these factors affect STPD. The interpretive structural model (ISM) and cross‐influence matrix multiplication (MICMAC) method were used to explore the interrelationships among the factors. Furthermore, from the CHAT perspective, semi‐structured interviews were used to identify the tensions in STPD. The ISM results showed that the factors influencing STPD have a six‐level hierarchical structure. Level 1 represents factors that directly influence STPD. The influences at Level 1 were also directly or indirectly influenced by the factors at Levels 2–6. The primary and secondary contradictions in STPD were identified by integrating the MICMAC and interview results under the CHAT lens. This study established that ISM and MICMAC not only identifies the hierarchical relationship between the influencing factors but also better identifies the contradictions between and within different types of factors from the perspective of CHAT. Based on our results, we suggest a focus on professional practice and learning communities, rural and remote school teachers, and efficient use of technology to connect experts, teacher trainers, and peer groups to improve the reach and efficacy of STPD.

Assessment of Traditional Ivatan Houses: The Case of Itbayat, Batanes, Philippines (Addressing Perspective of SDG 11)

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the traditional Ivatan houses in Itbayat, Batanes, Philippines, with the aim of assessing their architectural significance and alignment with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, focusing on sustainable cities and communities. Theoretical Framework: This study is grounded in the concepts of sustainable architecture and cultural heritage conservation. Theories on indigenous architecture, climate-responsive design, and sustainable development, particularly SDG 11, serve as the basis for evaluating the Ivatan houses' design and resilience. Method: The methodology adopted for this research comprises a qualitative case study approach, focusing on the architectural analysis of traditional Ivatan houses. Data collection was carried out through structured interviews with local residents, site visits, and photographic documentation of the structures. Observations and secondary data on the historical and cultural significance of these houses were also incorporated. Results and Discussion: The results revealed that traditional Ivatan houses are well-adapted to the local climate, utilizing local materials and sustainable building techniques. In the discussion, these findings are contextualized with SDG 11, highlighting how these houses contribute to sustainable living in the region. The study also discusses the preservation challenges and the impact of modern development on these structures. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research include providing insights into the integration of traditional architecture with modern sustainability practices. The results can influence policies on heritage conservation and sustainable building practices in the region and beyond, promoting the preservation of cultural identity while supporting environmental sustainability. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by offering a unique analysis of Ivatan houses within the context of SDG 11, focusing on their cultural, environmental, and architectural value. The relevance of this research is evident in its potential to guide future efforts in preserving indigenous architectural knowledge while promoting sustainable practices in local communities

Sanitation Challenges in the Complexo da Maré

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the challenges faced by vulnerable urban communities, such as Complexo da Maré, addressing the impacts on public health, the environment, and constitutional rights, with the aim of exposing the vulnerability of these communities and highlighting the difficulties related to the universalization of basic sanitation, aligned with constitutional rights and the Sustainable Development Goals. Theoretical Framework: This section presents the key concepts and theories that underpin the research. Key aspects include the lack of basic sanitation as a reflection of the country’s structural inequalities, the 1988 Constitution, which considers sanitation a social right, and the regulatory framework (Laws No. 11.445/2007 and No. 14.026/2020), which reinforces the importance of universal access. Method: The methodology adopted for this research includes a descriptive, qualitative, and documentary approach, based on a literature review. Articles, theses, and reports from the sanitation sector, with a 20-year time frame, were consulted. Data collection was conducted through the analysis of these documents to understand the context and challenges related to sanitation in vulnerable urban communities. Results and Discussion: The results revealed the precarious sanitation conditions in Complexo da Maré, with open sewage and significant impacts on public health. Environmental racism and social exclusion exacerbate the situation, while community initiatives, though promising, do not address the existing gaps. In the discussion section, these results are contextualized in light of the theoretical framework, highlighting the identified implications and relationships. Possible discrepancies and limitations of the study are also considered. Implications of the Research: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, highlighting the need for effective public policies that use sanitation as a tool for social inclusion and environmental justice. Collaboration between government and communities is essential for concrete progress. These implications may impact public policy, public health, the environment, and sustainable urban development. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by providing a detailed analysis of sanitation in Complexo da Maré, connecting it to constitutional rights and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The relevance and value of this research are evident in its exploration of practical community solutions, contributing to the debate on socio-environmental justice and proposing the universalization of basic sanitation as a way to reduce inequalities and ensure sustainability in marginalized communities.

Development of Management Model to Promote Dance Sport in Universities

Background and aim: Dance Sport had its significant aesthetic value and the advantages of development to fulfill the specific needs of all-around education in colleges and universities in the future. In recent years, more and more colleges and universities have set up Dance sport in P.E. courses in China. This research aimed to develop a management model to promote dance sports in universities. Methodology: The samples were 252 students and 150 teachers in the three universities located in Jiang Xi City. They were sampling by simple random. The experts for consensus by Delphi were 21 persons and the 11 stakeholders were group discussion by connoisseurship method. The research procedure consisted of 9 experts to interview and collect opinions and suggestions to develop concepts and suggestions. The semi-structured interviewing form, questionnaire to collect data from students and teachers, questionnaire for consensus experts by Delphi, and form to conclude stakeholders’ discussion were used as research tools. Five scholars were experts to validate the questionnaires to collect data from students and teachers and got IOC = 0.90 (.60-1.00), and the questionnaire for Delphi was 0.95 (0.80-1.00). Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and content analysis. Results: 1) Set a plan to drive the dances, and dance sports in universities, schools, and communities, 2) establish a collaborative network within universities and outside universities to run the dance sports promotion model 3) The university should consider putting dances and dance sport into the curriculum, establish the extra curriculum, student practicum in dance and dance sport, and special project for dance athlete students’ admission, teachers’ development in dance teaching and training. 4) Provided various levels of dance and dance sports teaching and practice for students and communities, 5) Organized competitions in universities, inter-university, and open to the community. Conclusion: The management model to promote dance sports in university should be to develop a curriculum by putting dances and dance sports as required course and elective courses both in major physical education and non-major programs. Develop teachers and students to be leaders. Provide dance clubs for students to operate dance activities in the university. Support fund, facility, and equipment. Organize cooperative network among schools, universities, and community. Support schools in teaching and organizing competitions dances and dance sports competitions on campus, an inter-university game open competition to the public.

Development and Validation of the Family and Community Nursing Advanced Practice Scale.

To develop and test a Family and Community Nursing-Advanced Practice Scale. A cross-sectional and methodological scale validation design, following classical test theory. Three phases, the first of which involved scale development, including item generation. Phase two assessed the content validity index. The third phase involved a cross-sectional survey to establish construct validity, content validity, internal consistency reliability, and exploratory factor analysis. The Family and Community Nursing Advanced Practice Scale has good construct validity, with the final scale consisting of 5 domains and 27 items. This was confirmed by both the exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. The Cronbach's Alpha is very good, suggesting that the scale is reliable. When comparing family practice advanced practice nurses with those working in the community, the results show that scores are similar except for clinical reasoning and health promotion, which consistently showed statistically significant higher scores among the family practice nurses. While community nurses scored higher on items in the leading practice domain reflecting their role in a wider team of nurses. This study developed and psychometrically tested the Family and Community Nursing-Advanced Practice Scale. The scale has good reliability, and analysis of the construct validity reveals five domains of advanced practice among this practitioner group. The study suggests that advanced practice nurses working in community roles perform similar activities to those working in family practice in the United Kingdom. However, activity related to research was less evident. The study examined the scope of the advanced practice nurse role in family and community nursing. The study illustrated practice across five domains: clinical care, leading practice, clinical reasoning, health promotion, and ethics. The family practice and wider community roles were largely homogenous, with only two items showing a statistically significant difference in scores. STROBE guidelines for cross-sectional studies. No patient or public contribution.

Examining peer mentoring with women who experience multiple and complex disadvantage: a feminist ethical model of practice

ABSTRACT Despite the recognized strengths and benefits of peer mentoring as a process, this practice remains an underexplored area for women in communities who experience multiple and complex disadvantage linked to trauma. This article explores the perspectives of those who deliver and receive peer mentoring, with the aim of building a more comprehensive understanding of such practice in developing a model of peer mentoring based on feminist ethics of care. Three women’s organizations located in England participated in this study and in-depth, semi-structured interviews were undertaken with decision makers (n = 5), peer mentors (n = 11) and mentees (n = 8). This research is framed within feminist qualitative research where reflexive thematic analysis considered the findings from the data collected from 24 interviews (Braun & Clarke, 2022). The findings from this study identify that peer mentoring is a complex form of community level support that provides a welcome approach from the more formal, statutory, community provision many women with multiple and complex disadvantage experience. A feminist ethical model of delivery is devised within this article to be considered within women’s sector community practice. The elements of the model being: community strength, meeting expressed need and having clear feminist ethical foundations of trust and care.

An Analysis of Joint Forest Management in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan Through Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat Lens

ABSTRACT Participatory development aims to polish the management practices of institutions and communities in sustaining natural resources. This study focuses on how Joint Forest Management (JFM) has provided opportunities to the forest departments and communities for sustainable management of the forests and what challenges have been faced while implementing JFM in Siran valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. By applying a mixed method approach, a total of 169 (120 male and 49 female) respondents including 23 forest department officials and the community members; JFM committees’ heads, forest owners and users, and key respondents. The strengths, weakness, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) framework along with the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) model were applied to analyze the primary data. The results show that the strength and opportunity factors are inclined toward JFM if the institutional setup is utilized appropriately. Strength factors such as income generating activities are visible, thus forest income plays a vital role in livelihood diversification and improvement. Trust building is the most powerful opportunity among communities’ perspectives in terms of awareness about JFM. Weaknesses are found in the management plan and policy implementation on behalf of the community and forest department. In addition, low female participation and elite capture scored the biggest threat.

Test-retest reliability of the Arabic version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.

This study aimed to assess the test-retest reliability and validity of the Arabic version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (A-PSQI), a 19-item sleep evaluation tool, in a population of medical students and interns in Saudi Arabia. Following a 16-person pilot study, 202 participants completed 2 A-PSQI questionnaires with a 2-week test-retest interval to avoid a carryover effect. Statistical analysis using RStudio included Cronbach alpha, Spearman rank correlation, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The ICC results showed moderate to strong correlations in most PSQI components. The "Sleep efficiency" component had the lowest ICC (0.460), while "Sleep latency" had the highest (0.730). Overall, the PSQI reliability score is 0.694. Gender (sex assigned at birth) and academic level had no significant impact on the PSQI scores. The sleep quality categories (poor quality, good quality, and acute sleep disturbance) remained stable over time. The A-PSQI demonstrates varying internal consistency across components, with some displaying lower reliability. Nevertheless, it exhibits moderate to strong reliability, and the study confirms the stability of sleep quality categories over time among medical students and interns. This serves as a final validation step to set the stage for large-scale research in the region. This pioneering study is the first test-retest reliability investigation of the A-PSQI, addressing a critical gap in sleep assessment tools tailored to clinical practices in Arabic-speaking communities. It follows the pathway set by previous studies and serves to validate the A-PSQI in this demographic, providing a vital foundation for more catered sleep medicine in the region, targeting better reach to overlooked monolinguals. These findings advance our understanding of sleep quality among medical trainees and contribute to the development of culturally relevant sleep assessment tools.

International Expert-Based Consensus Definition, Classification Criteria, and Minimum Data Elements for Osteoradionecrosis of the Jaw: An Inter-Disciplinary Modified Delphi Study.

Osteoradionecrosis of the jaw (ORNJ) is a severe iatrogenic disease characterized by bone death after radiation therapy (RT) to the head and neck. With over 9 published definitions and at least 16 classification systems, the true incidence and severity of ORNJ are obscured by lack of a standard for disease definition and severity assessment, leading to inaccurate estimation of incidence, reporting ambiguity, and likely under-diagnosis worldwide. This study aimed to achieve consensus on an explicit definition and phenotype of ORNJ and related precursor states through data standardization to facilitate effective diagnosis, monitoring, and multidisciplinary management of ORNJ. The ORAL Consortium comprised 69 international experts, including representatives from medical, surgical, radiation oncology, and oral/dental disciplines. Using a web-based modified Delphi technique, panelists classified descriptive cases using existing classification systems, reviewed systems for feature extraction and specification, and iteratively classified cases based on clinical/imaging feature combinations. The Consortium ORNJ definition was developed in alignment with SNOMED-CT terminology and recent ISOO-MASCC-ASCO guideline recommendations. Case review using existing ORNJ classification systems showed high rates of inability to classify (up to 76%). Ten consensus statements and nine minimum data elements (MDEs) were outlined for prospective collection and classification of precursor/ORNJ disease states. This study provides an international, consensus-based definition and MDE foundation for standardized ORNJ reporting in cancer survivors treated with RT. Head and neck surgeons, radiation, surgical, medical oncologists, and dental specialists should adopt MDEs to enable scalable health information exchange and analytics. Work is underway to develop both a human- and machine-readable knowledge representation for ORNJ (i.e., ontology) and multidisciplinary resources for dissemination to improve ORNJ reporting in academic and community practice settings.

Ideas and actions “It felt like trying to call people who never call you back”: results of an undergraduate community engagement curricular strategy

ABSTRACT An undergraduate social work program developed a strategy to address student self-reports of low knowledge and comfort levels in policy advocacy and community practice. The pilot, entitled Advocacy-in-Action Exchange, is intended to infuse experiential learning in social policy and community practice courses, hypothesizing that student perception of their knowledge, skills, and comfort in these areas would increase due to the community-engagement-inspired plan. Through community relationships, community profiles, and policy examination, students developed project goals and culminating products with their community partners. Pre- and post-quarter questionnaires were completed by a total of 124 students on the first and last days of the courses. Twenty-nine students voluntarily participated in focus groups. This exploratory study utilized a mixed methods approach and revealed that students reported a significant increase in knowledge in the policy courses. In the community practice courses, students reported a significantly increased sense of importance for macro social work. Themes from qualitative results centered on student difficulty with the ambiguous nature of community practice, increased perception of community practice, and the value of learning through community relationships. Lessons learned promote faculty and community partnerships and encourage educators to embrace creative approaches to community-centered assignments for policy and community practice courses.

Sembrando Futuros Sostenibles a través de la Educación Agrícola en Comunidades Rurales

The objective of the research was to compare the knowledge on the application of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) among students, teachers and the community of the San Ignacio village of the Playón Santander Municipality-Colombia, as well as to evaluate the pedagogical strategies used by teachers for Agricultural Education as a basis for sustainable development. The study was based on the theories of Márquez-Delgado et al (2021), Núñez (2019), FAO (2004), Tibaduiza Castañeda et al (2022), Díaz-Barriga and Hernández (2010), among other authors. The methodology was comparative, with a field, cross-sectional and non-experimental design. The sample consisted of: 11 teachers, 111 students from the San Ignacio Educational Institution and 30 community representatives. Two instruments were applied for data collection: One with 26 items for teachers, students and the community and the other with 32 items for teachers, both with a rating scale from 1 to 5, validated by 5 experts and with Cronbach's Alpha reliability of 0.91 and 0.92 respectively. The results obtained according to the ANOVA analysis revealed statistically significant differences in the four indicators measured: Farmer safety, environmental care, food safety and animal welfare. Teachers showed greater knowledge in environmental care and animal protection compared to the community, while both students and teachers showed more knowledge about farmer safety and food safety. Teachers evaluated different educational strategies related to GAP: Forest School, Field School, Learning Communities and Productive Educational Project, with significant variations in the level of knowledge of these strategies. The findings underscore the need to strengthen agricultural education in the community by adapting educational strategies to promote GAP and sustainable agricultural practices in rural communities in the region.

Implementation of RedCap data systems in Kenyan psychiatric rehabilitation: a community case study.

Data collection systems are vital in implementation of interventions within patient care as they allow us to better understand and improve the care given. This is equally true in the field of psychiatric rehabilitation, which has been steadily growing in the medical world for the past 20 years. It has recently been a focus of psychiatric medicine in Kenya with the Kenya Mental Health Action Plan 2021-2025 calling for improvement of care in the field. With psychiatric rehabilitation growing in low- and middle-income countries in recent years studies have come out showing the effects of newly employed programs and stressing the need for data collection practices that can be used to encourage best practices in local communities. This paper describes the implementation of data systems for the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital Nawiri Skills and Recovery Centre (Nawiri) in Eldoret, Kenya. The goals of the data systems were 1) To collect and organize information for continuous quality improvement of services at Nawiri, 2) To collect information for reporting to MTRH leadership, Ministry of Health as well as private funders, 3) To provide data to assess outcomes of people who receive services at Nawiri to create evidence for effective interventions to help create policy to make psychiatric rehabilitation more available to people living with Severe mental illness in Kenya. Lessons learned from data systems implementation included insights into ease of data collection, adaptability of data instruments to fit facility needs, and ability to reproduce RedCap data collection in other settings.

Human Resource Management (HRM) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Integrating Social Goals with Employee Engagement

The integration of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and human resource management (HRM) in Pakistani firms is examined in this study, with an emphasis on the effects of CSR-driven efforts on employee engagement. 300 workers from a variety of industries, including manufacturing, services, and education, were surveyed using a standardized questionnaire as part of a quantitative research design. Employee engagement metrics (job satisfaction, motivation, and organizational commitment), HRM practices (employee training, performance evaluation, and inclusivity), and CSR practices (community development, environmental sustainability, and ethical governance) made up the three sections of the questionnaire. An online survey platform and in-person distribution was used to gather data, guaranteeing a balanced representation of demographic groupings and industries. A high positive correlation between CSR activities and employee engagement was shown through statistical analysis, including regression and correlation tests. Notable impacts were seen in community development and ethical governance projects. The results emphasize how important it is for Pakistani companies to match HRM strategies with social objectives in order to create an inclusive and purpose-driven work environment.

Dust exposure and its health implications to miners in Mererani artisanal and small-scale mining industry

ABSTRACT This study aimed to identify and quantify the total dust exposure to underground miners in Mererani, Tanzania, and its composition to generate evidence for informed decision- and policy-making. The Analytical Air Monitoring System (AMS) was used for dust collection, and analysis was conducted gravimetrically. The dust composition was analysed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy. The results showed significant variation in dust exposure levels across different mining zones, with miners inhaling up to 1859 mg of dust over an 8-hour period in drilling zones (DZ), 797 mg in loading zones (LZ), and 382 mg in resting zones (RZ). The mean value of dust exposure was significantly different, with a p-value of <0.05. Miners had higher levels of heavy metal and silica than those from unmined sites, with chromium being the most dominant element across all samples. Cumulative exposure to dust over time is linked to long-term respiratory impairment and serious health conditions such as lung cancer. These findings highlight the need for intervention, including education on dust hazards, provision of personal protective equipment (PPE), and enforcement of safety standards to safeguard miners’ health. Addressing these issues is critical to promoting policy reforms and sustainable mining practices in Mererani and similar communities.

The Collaborative Practices and Motivations of Online Communities Dedicated to Voluntary Misinformation Response

Responding to misinformation online can be an exhausting and thankless task. It takes time and energy to write effective content, puts users at risk of online harassment, and strains personal relationships. Despite these challenges, there are people who voluntarily respond to misinformation online, and some have established communities on platforms such as Reddit, Discord, and X (formerly Twitter) dedicated to these efforts. In this work, we interviewed 8 people who participate in such communities to understand the type of support they receive from each other in these discussion spaces. Interviewees described that their communities helped them sustain motivation, save time, and improve their communication skills. Common practices included sharing sources and citations, providing emotional support, giving others advice, and signaling positive feedback. We present our findings as three case studies and discuss opportunities for future work to support collaborative practices in online communities dedicated to misinformation response. Our work surfaces how resource sharing, social motivation, and decentralization can make misinformation correction more sustainable, rewarding, and effective for online citizens.

Relevance of Language Learning Evangelism and Education in the Spread of Christianity in Nigeria

This study explores the significance of language learning evangelism and education in the dissemination of Christianity in Nigeria. With over 500 indigenous languages, Nigeria presents unique linguistic and cultural challenges for evangelism. This paper examines how language proficiency enhances effective communication of Christian teachings, fosters community engagement, and promotes cultural sensitivity. By analyzing existing literature, conducting surveys, and observing evangelistic practices in diverse communities, the research highlights the positive correlation between language learning and the successful spread of Christianity. The aim of this study was to investigate the relevance of language learning education in the spread and growth of Christianity in Nigeria. The sampled group consisted of 540 mainline Christian churches, Pentecostal/Neo-Pentecostal Movement and Christian religious leaders. The methodology adopted in this study is, survey research design. The population of the study consisted of 540 respondents comprising 313 Mainline Christian Church Members, 192 Pentecostal/Neo-Pentecostal Movement Members and 35 Christian Religious Leaders, from which 230 respondents was determined using YARO YAMENT formula and was sampled through stratified random sampling technique. A 30 item questionnaire was used in collecting data constructed, validated and its reliability of 0.84 determined by using CRONBACH alpha formula. The data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions; whereas the null hypothesis was tested with ANOVA. The study found that, language learning education is a necessary requirement for cross cultural evangelism as well as successful penetration of Christianity to all the ethnic groups available in Nigeria and the study found that the 15 factors identified, were relevance of language learning education and has immensely contributed to the growth and spread of Christianity in Nigeria. It was recommended that language is the life of every human group in the universe. Recommendations include integrating language education in evangelistic programs to enhance outreach efforts. More so, there was a positive relationship between the spread and growth of Christianity and language learning education in Nigeria.