Central District Research Articles

Nutritional Status of Children and its Relation to Maternal Factors: An Endeavor Toward Better-Nourished Western Rural India

Abstract Introduction: Malnutrition has a direct impact on infant mortality rate and under-five mortality rates, which are prime indicators of the health status of a country. COVID-19 has also substantially affected the nutritional status of children. Hence, the objective is to highlight the magnitude of malnutrition and associated maternal factors in rural areas of Rajkot district. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2021 to May 2022 among children up to six years of age registered in the Anganwadi centers (AWCs) of Rajkot district. To achieve the desired sample size of 504, a multi-stage sampling method was used. Statistical significance for all comparisons was based on the Chi-square test and factors with P value <0.05 were considered for binary logistic regression. For nutritional status assessment, a Z-score was obtained using WHO Anthro 2011 software. Results: Out of the total 504 participants, 50.2% were female and 49.8% were male. The mean age of the participants was 32.43 ± 18.7 months Prevalence of underweight, stunting, and wasting was found to be 39.1%, 36.7%, and 30.5%, respectively. After adjustment by binary logistic regression, a significant correlation was found between different forms of malnutrition and the age of participants, education of the mother, type of family, socio-economic class, mother’s age at the birth of participants, and birth weight. (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The prevalence of acute malnutrition (wasting) is higher than the national, state, and regional average in this study. Thus, more emphasis should be given to better utilization of services such as nutritional supplementation, nutritional rehabilitation, and growth monitoring along with treatment of morbidities.

Distribution, traditional utilization, processing, and health benefits associated with the consumption of morama bean [Tylosema escululetum (Burch.)]: a survey from selected districts of Botswana

Morama bean [Tylosema escululetum (Burch.)] is a nutrient-dense underutilized legume that can address protein-energy and micronutrient malnutrition in developing countries. An ethnographic study using a snowball sampling method was conducted in Kweneng, Ghanzi, Southern, and Central districts of Botswana. The survey sought to gather and document information about demographic characteristics, traditional use, cultural norms, harvesting, processing, preservation, and health benefits of morama beans. A 5-point Likert-type scale was used to assess and rate the respondent(s) perceptions on traditional utilization and potential of the bean. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and thematic grouping. It was found that morama bean is distributed in Botswana's sandy desert regions and is consumed by people who are native or migrated into these areas. Roasting in heated sand (mean = 4.93) and boiling fresh beans with water or milk (mean = 4.49) were the most popular methods of cooking morama beans. Across the four districts, morama bean was found to be an important component in traditional food and medicinal mixtures for undernourished infants, and expectant and lactating mothers, mostly prepared with soft porridge. Respondents cited a significant lack of scientific knowledge about the bean's medicinal properties (mean = 1.27–1.38), indicating the need for additional research. The nutritious density of morama beans (mean = 4.87) and their potential for processing into value-added products (mean = 4.10) were known to the respondents. As a result, the bean has a high potential to improve food and nutrition security in these communities.

Identifying spatiotemporal pattern and trend prediction of land subsidence in Zhengzhou combining MT-InSAR, XGBoost and hydrogeological analysis

Zhengzhou city (China) experienced relatively significant land deformation following the July 20, 2021, extreme rainstorm (7·20 event). This study jointly utilised Multi-temporal synthetic aperture radar interferometry (MT-InSAR), eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and hydrogeological analysis to quantitatively assess the extent and trends, as well as the causes of land deformation before and after the 7·20 event in Zhengzhou city. The findings detected three major subsidence zones and two uplift zones within the city. The most significant subsidence occurred in the northern part of Zhongmu (− 28 mm/year), the northwest of Xingyang (− 16 mm/year), and the western region of Gongyi (− 6 mm/year). Conversely, a notable uplift was observed in the central city district (13 mm/year) and Xinzheng Airport (12 mm/year). The accuracy assessment of in-situ measurements (GNSS and levelling) yielded an overall root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 2.2 mm/year and an R-square of 0.948. Subsequently, the feature evaluation results based on the XGBoost method suggest that road density and precipitation are the dominant factors affecting land deformation in the entire study area or in the subsidence and uplift zones individually. Nevertheless, the other five factors (groundwater storage, soil type, soil thickness, NDVI, and slope) also act on land deformation individually and are intricately intertwined with each other. Furthermore, hydrogeological analysis from six groundwater wells reveals a synchronous relationship between groundwater level decline and land subsidence. The building load analysis shows a significant correlation between build-up density and subsidence rates, especially for those severe subsidence areas, with the maximum correlation coefficient reaching 0.6312. Finally, the geographic patterns analysis of post-event demonstrated a northeastward trend in land deformation, with a gradual reduction of deformation impact from 2018 to 2022.

The Relationship Between Teachers’ Digital Literacy Levels and Research Literacy Skills

In the information age, individuals’ ability to access, use, and transfer information is fundamental for personal and professional success. Digital and research literacy are critical skills that strengthen teachers’ professional competencies in contemporary educational processes. This study examines the correlation between teachers’ proficiency in digital literacy and their proficiency in research literacy. A quantitative research approach is utilized, employing a relational survey design. The study sample consists of all subject-area educators who are employed in a central district within the eastern region of Türkiye. A total of 604 teacher participated in the study online Data gathering entails the utilization of a “Personal Information Form” devised by the researchers, in conjunction with the “Digital Literacy Scale” and “Research Literacy Scale,” all of which have undergone meticulous testing to ensure their validity and reliability. According to normality analyses, the data are not normally distributed. Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis H tests, Spearman Correlation Analyses were used as analyses The findings reveal substantial disparities in the digital literacy skills of instructor based on demographic parameters including gender, department, age, computer ownership, and daily internet usage time. Likewise, there are differences in instructors’ research literacy skills based on gender, level of education, and ownership of computers. Moreover, a strong positive association is seen between digital literacy and research literacy skills, suggesting that when one ability improves, the other skill also improves. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing digital and research literacy in teachers’ professional development processes.

Interpretation of geotechnical risk maps for Malatya province in terms of earthquake sequence on February 6, 2023

The earthquake sequence that occurred on February 6, 2023, centered in Türkiye caused extensive loss of life and significant damage. In this study, the geotechnical properties of the central districts of Malatya province, one of the provinces affected by these earthquakes, were calculated using data obtained. In the calculations, the correlations suggested by the Turkish Building Earthquake Code (TBEC) and internationally recommended correlations were used. Thus, the difference between the methods proposed by TBEC and internationally recommended correlations was interpreted. Using 1890 drilling data, 1765 seismic data, and 1764 microtremor data, calculations were made to determine bearing capacity values for 3 m x 3 m pad foundation, liquefaction potentials of the soil and soil classifications around this region. The results obtained from the calculations were mapped with geographical information systems-based software. Results of the study revealed that 2.9% of the study area in Battalgazi district and 1.71% for Yeşilyurt district had liquefaction potential. Almost 80% of each district was found to have a soil class of ZD (medium dense gravel and sand or clay layers) according to TBEC. The findings of the study were compared with previous studies, satellite images of the study area and post-earthquake observations. In areas where damage caused by the earthquake sequence was observed intensively, bearing capacity values were relatively low. It was concluded that building on poor soil conditions poses a profoundly serious risk in terms of earthquakes and very serious precautions should be taken by gathering several disciplines during the construction of these structures.

Evaluation of the Possibility of Using Fuzzy C-Means Clustering, AMMI Analysis and GGE Biplot Methods to Predict the Yield of Chickpea Genotypes Cultivated in Different Environments

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of using fuzzy C-means clustering, AMMI and GGE biplot analysis methods to predict the yield of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes grown in various environments. The trials were conducted in the Central, Silvan and Hazro districts of Diyarbakir province and Kiziltepe district of Mardin province in the Southeastern Anatolia Region of Türkiye. During the 2016 growing season, 19 chickpea genotypes were tested across four distinct environments. Multiple location experiments were used to assess the genotypes’ performance and stability. The study employed a two-factor experimental design in randomized blocks with four replications in each environment. As a result, the genotype FLIP98-206C showed the highest performance for yield (1727.3 kg ha−1) at the Diyarbakır location among all locations. On the other hand, the Diyar-95 variety showed the lowest yield (723.5 kg ha−1) at the Hazro location among all locations. The Diyarbakir location was determined as an ideal test environment for genotype selection in fuzzy C-means clustering, AMMI and GGE biplot analysis. The Silvan region was determined as the weakest environment for this purpose. It is considered that the determination of genotypes with high yield and stability in this research, in which different analysis methods were used in combination, will contribute to agricultural production.

Why Do Teachers Join Informal Groups and How Are They Managed?: A Research on Informal Groups in Schools

ABSTRACTInformal groups have a significant impact on organisations. It is seen that the researches in the literature are generally conducted on business organisations and informal groups in educational organisations and approaches to managing these groups are not sufficiently discussed. In this study, the identification of informal groups in schools, teachers' reasons for participating in these groups and administrators' management styles of these groups were examined. The study was conducted with the participation of 345 school administrators and 477 teachers working in the central districts of Ankara. The data were collected with ‘Informal Groups List’, ‘Reasons for Participation in Informal Groups Scale’ and ‘Informal Groups Management Style Scale’. Arithmetic mean, standard deviation, percentage, frequency values were calculated in the analysis of the data; also t‐test, Anova and Pearson Correlation Test were applied. According to the results of the study, the most common informal groups in schools are ‘reference groups’, ‘interest groups’, ‘friendship groups’ and ‘benefit groups’. Teachers generally participate in informal groups in order to ‘sense of belonging’, ‘making friends’, ‘being in solidarity’ and ‘share their feelings’. According to administrators' views, administrators manage informal groups in democratic, autocratic and laissez‐faire styles, respectively, while according to teachers, administrators adopt democratic, laissez‐faire and autocratic management styles, respectively. The findings show that there is a moderate positive relationship between administrators' styles of managing informal groups and teachers' reasons for participating. This study is expected to contribute to the literature by determining the types of informal groups in schools, examining the reasons why teachers participate in these groups, and the management styles of school administrators towards these groups.

Availability of assistive technologies (ATs) to children with disabilities in Bulawayo central district (BCD) in Zimbabwe

Purpose: Availability of assistive technologies (ATs) to children with disabilities is a critical human right enshrined in United Nations (UN) treaties and frameworks such as the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), the United Nations Conventions on Rights of the Child (UNCRC), and United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. ATs optimize functionality, independence, and enhance educational experiences of children with disabilities. The study explored availability of ATs to children with disabilities in Bulawayo Central District (BCD) in Zimbabwe. Materials and methods: The study was a predominantly qualitative inquiry but triangulated qualitative research with quantitative data sources and perspectives. Structured and semi- structured questionnaires and interviews were used to elicit data from a sample of 10 teachers, 5 Heads of schools, and 10 parents of children with disabilities. Data from questionnaires were analysed using frequencies and descriptive summaries while data from interviews were presented in narrative summaries and analysed using thematic content analysis. Results: The study demonstrated that ATs are a human rights enabler which is fundamental for development, equalization, and inclusion of children with disabilities in education. Major barriers to availability of ATs include lack of awareness and knowledge of ATs among educators and other professionals, as well as parents of children with disabilities. In addition, inadequate clear and distinct disability-oriented policies and legislation were a challenge to the availability of ATs in Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe government seems to have put in place administrative educational policies which guide inclusive education, but the implementation and availability of ATs remains elusive.

Evaluation and Optimization Research on the Spatial Distribution of Automated External Defibrillators Based on a Genetic Algorithm: A Case Study of Central Urban District of Nanjing, China

Evaluation and Optimization Research on the Spatial Distribution of Automated External Defibrillators Based on a Genetic Algorithm: A Case Study of Central Urban District of Nanjing, China

Impact of gas flaring on acute respiratory distress among pregnant women and newborn babies in Delta State Central Senatorial District, Nigeria

Introduction: Gas flaring is a vital environmental issue that has a negative influence on health of population that host natural gases and oil wells. Exacerbated risk of abnormal outcomes for pregnant women and newborn babies are of great concern in maternal and child health. The researchers aimed to examine how gas flaring impact acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) in women that were pregnant and newborn babies. Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey involving 483 pregnant women of reproductive age, antenatal caregivers and healthcare professionals at health facilities in Delta State Central Senatorial District. Using a multi-stage random sampling technique, a structured survey questionnaire was used to collect respondents’ RDS experiences and that of their new borne. Data were statistically analysed with the use of SPSS. Significant level was considered at P<0.05 Results: Among the 326 children recruited, 205 (42.4%) had experienced respiratory distress. Of the 483 women, 54% suffered from respiratory disease and 33% of the children had been admitted for respiratory distress on a weekly basis. While the age, educational level, gender, and marital status of women were not significant statistically with having children experiencing RDS, bearing children was statistically significant (P<0.001). Health professional reported that developing severe lung infection, release of black carbon and asthma sufferers were major risk factors to RDS. Conclusion: Findings showed that there was an increased prevalence of RDS among the study sub-population. RDS contributes more to cardiovascular disease and diabetes, hence it is important to address this public health issue

Tracheal, bronchus, and lung cancer mortality and air pollution exposure in Tuscany, Italy: Bayesian Health Impact Assessment and Global Sensitivity Analysis on a sub-regional scale.

Outdoor air pollution is a significant risk factor for tracheal, bronchus, and lung (TBL) cancer. This study employs a Bayesian approach to evaluate TBL cancer mortality due to air pollution in Tuscany, Central Italy, in 2023. Using locally validated data, we assessed the impact of fine particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in terms of attributable deaths and years of life lost (YLL). Our three-step methodology included: (1) Bayesian modeling to derive posterior distributions for life expectancy, pollution levels, mortality rates, and exposure-response functions (inputs); (2) Monte Carlo simulations to propagate uncertainty from the inputs to the impact metrics (outputs); and (3) Global Sensitivity Analysis (GSA) to quantify the influence of each input on the outputs. The largest impact was estimated for PM2.5, with 432 deaths (50% CrI: 174;705) and 6,500 YLL (50% CrI: 2,624;10,613) in the region due to annual average concentrations exceeding the WHO threshold of 5μg/m3. Central districts, with higher exposure levels, were particularly affected, reporting 14 attributable deaths and 207 attributable YLL per 100,000 inhabitants. The GSA indicated that uncertainty in exposure-response functions and annual average concentrations of air pollutants significantly affected outcomes, highlighting the need to strengthen the regional air quality network and conduct local studies to address effects heterogeneity. Our findings highlight the value of high-quality local health assessments for identifying critical areas, setting intervention priorities, and informing context-specific action plans.

Digital transformation of the state budgetary healthcare Institution of the Samara region «Syzran central city and district hospital» in the period from 2022 to 2024. Achievements and new horizons of healthcare

The article covers the issues and cases of digital transformation of the Syzran Central City and District Hospital, the role and importance of implementing modern technologies and medical systems. The effects of implementation are considered.

Modern trends in the development of clinical diagnostic laboratory. Innovations and experience of the state budgetary healthcare institution of the Samara region «Syzran central city and district hospital»

The article covers the issues of implementation of the complex process of centralization and optimization of the laboratory service of the State Budgetary Healthcare Institution of the Samara Region «Syzran Central City and District Hospital» and presents the main goals of this process.

Creation and replication of a new model of a medical organization providing primary medical care within the framework of the implementation of the regional project «Development of the primary medical care system» of the state budgetary healthcare institution «Syzran central city and district hospital» children’s clinic no. 5

In the article, the author draws attention to the features of creating a new model of a children’s clinic providing primary health care within the framework of the implementation of a regional project.

Experience in implementing unified approaches to organizing the work of the procedural room in the state budgetary healthcare institution «Syzran Central City and District Hospital»

The purpose of introducing unified approaches to organizing the work of the procedure room was to reduce the waiting time for patients to receive a medical service (blood sampling), improve safety, and improve quality.

Assessing Consumers' Perception of Shrinkflation in Nigeria and its Implication for Sustainable Development

We live in a society where people pay more to get less for most of theconsumables, this has had a major impact on household poverty in Nigeria inrecent times where you have to pay more to still get a lower quantity of anitem. The study assessed the perception of consumers towards shrinkflationin Nigeria. Two research questions guided the study, (a) to know if theconcept of shrinkflation exists in Nigeria and (b) to know if age and jobstatus will affect their perception of shrinkflation. The study selected N=330adults from Lagos Central Senatorial District of Lagos state. The participantswere all adults in schools, formal sector, and informal sectors in Lagos. Thestudy used already standardized Shrinkflation Awareness Scale by Mbewu toexplore the variables. The data collected was analyzed with SPSS v29, withdescriptive and inferential statistics. The descriptive statistics showed thatpeople are aware of the downsizing of consumables and a large numberagreed that it is a deceptive business practice to cheat the consumers. Thedemographic variables were not significant thus implying that all ages and allthe sectors are feeling the effects of shrinkflation. The study concluded thatthe effect of the inflation that is currently affecting Nigeria is affecting andincreasing poverty level because the cost of items is increasing yet thequantity is also reducing. The study recommended that the governmentshould ensure that regulatory agencies play their roles in supervising theactivities of the manufacturers to promote the development of Nigeria.

Widespread Occurrence of Former Anhydrite Phenocrysts in Laramide-Age Magmas Related to Porphyry–Skarn Cu Mineralization at Santa Rita and Hanover-Fierro, New Mexico, USA

Abstract Reports of magmatic anhydrite are relatively rare, with only ~30 occurrences documented worldwide so far. However, magmatic anhydrite saturation is difficult to recognize because anhydrite decomposes rapidly in near-surface environments. In most cases, only anhydrite inclusions shielded within other phenocryst phases were able to survive. Alternatively, since anhydrite phenocrysts preserved in fresh volcanic rocks are characteristically intergrown with apatite phenocrysts, the former presence of anhydrite phenocrysts can be recognized based on the occurrence of lath-shaped cavities that show a strong spatial association with apatite phenocrysts. These cavities can be either empty or filled with low-temperature, secondary minerals such as zeolites, carbonates, or microcrystalline silica. A systematic search for the occurrence of such cavities, combined with optical and Raman-spectroscopic identification of anhydrite inclusions preserved within apatite, hornblende and quartz phenocrysts, demonstrates that most of the Laramide-age magmas associated with the Santa Rita and Hanover-Fierro porphyry–skarn Cu (Zn, Mo, Au, Pb) deposits were saturated in magmatic anhydrite. The anhydrite typically coexisted with monosulfide solid solution (MSS), suggesting oxygen fugacities of ~2.0 ± 0.5 log units above the fayalite–magnetite–quartz buffer. The magmas range from andesitic to rhyodacitic in composition, and from shortly pre-mineralization (~61 Ma) to shortly post-mineralization (~57 Ma) in age. In three samples with particularly well-recognizable former anhydrite phenocrysts, their modal abundance could be quantified based on high-resolution scans of polished hand specimens. The observed modal anhydrite abundances of 0.63 to 1.8 vol % translate into minimum magma sulfur contents of 0.20 to 0.56 wt % S. The highest sulfur content of 0.56 wt % S is difficult to reconcile with available anhydrite solubility models, but it could be reproduced in an anhydrite solubility experiment performed at 950°C and 1.15 GPa on a natural latite containing 13.1 wt % dissolved H2O. The sample with the second-highest sulfur content of 0.26 wt % S requires ~10 wt % H2O in the silicate melt, and, consequently, a minimum pressure of ~0.5 GPa. Taken together, the results suggest that the magmas of the Central Mining District were extremely hydrous and thus originated from great depth. Indeed, their major element compositions and reconstructed H2O and S contents agree well with experimentally observed and numerically predicted compositions of residual silicate melts after 50 to 70 wt % crystallization of ordinary arc basalts at high pressure and high oxygen fugacities.

Pendampingan Pastoral Konseling kepada Orang Tua yang Memiliki Anak Penyandang Disabilitas dengan Pendekatan Clien – Centered

Basically, God created His creatures perfectly. On the other hand, it turns out that God also created humans who do not have five senses, or incomplete body functions, such as the blind, deaf, physically disabled, even mentally disabled so that they have limitations in carrying out daily activities and are often considered different from others. A person who has physical or mental limitations due to illness or injury is called a disability. Being a person with a disability not only affects the person themselves, but often their families, especially their parents. The purpose of this study was to determine the application of pastoral care for parents who have children with disabilities. This study uses a qualitative descriptive method. The population and sample of this study were parents, namely the father and mother of a child with disabilities in Pamalian village, Sorkam sub-district, Central Tapanuli district. In an effort to provide pastoral counseling assistance with a Client Centered approach to parents who have children with disabilities, there are several approaches taken by the companion, namely, listening, reflecting, explaining, and being fully present. From the research results, pastoral counseling with a client-centered approach can help parents who have children with disabilities understand that what happened to their child is not a mistake or punishment due to sin so that parents can accept their child's condition.

Impact Of Accountability, Public Transparency, And Internal Oversight Functions On The Performance Of The Regional Government Of Bengkulu District Central

The study aims to investigate the influence of accountability, public transparency, and internal supervision responsibilities on the performance of the Bengkulu District Regional Government in relation to the Central District Development Unit. This investigation conducts quantitative research by administering questionnaires to each SKPD and employing survey methodologies to gather data. The method of purposive sampling is employed to select samples according to predetermined criteria. In the district of Bengkulu Central, the sample was composed of 40 respondents who were selected from 40 Working Units of Regional Devices (SKPD). The methodology utilized is double linear regression analysis. This study's results suggest that the regional government's operations are significantly influenced by both internal supervision and accountability responsibilities. However, regional administration's efficacy is minimally affected by the degree of public transparency. It is evident from the test results that the Regional Government's performance is not guaranteed to be improved by the presence of Public Transparency. Nevertheless, the potential enhancement of the regional government's efficacy could be positively influenced by the implementation of transparent and internal monitoring systems within the local administration, which are accountable to the public.

Сравнительный анализ количественных показателей по санации зубов пациентов, проживающих в сельских районах Белгородской области в условиях ЦРБ.

The article presents the results of a comparative analysis of quantitative indicators for dental sanitation of patients living in rural areas of the Belgorod region for 2017 and 2021, in the conditions of the Central District Hospital. A decrease in the number of fillings placed in 2021 compared to 2017 was proven. The most significant decrease was revealed in the indicators «number of fillings placed for pulpitis» and «number of fillings placed for periodontitis». The universally identified decrease in the number of fillings placed necessitated the assessment of the need for endodontic treatment of patients living in rural areas and deprived of the opportunity for oral sanitation at their place of residence.