Local Area Research Articles

Government funded suicide prevention in Australia – an environmental scan

BackgroundSuicide is a worldwide public health problem. In response to this problem, Australia was one of the first countries to develop national suicide prevention policy. Guided by the National Suicide Prevention Office (NSPO), which was established in 2021, suicide prevention in Australia is in a period of reform. The NSPO is driving a nationally consistent and integrated approach to suicide prevention including leading the development of a new National Suicide Prevention Strategy. This article summarises findings from an environmental scan of government-led suicide prevention in Australia, conducted as an input for the development of the new Strategy.MethodsThe scan was conducted from August 2022 to January 2023. We searched relevant government websites and Google to identify policy documents and programs and services. We undertook a desktop review of documents and programs/services using coding templates developed to address the objectives of the scan. Qualitative information was extracted in a systematic manner using these templates.ResultsAustralia’s suicide prevention efforts are significant as demonstrated by activities ranging from policy documents intended to guide and plan activity, the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement committing the Federal Government and jurisdictions to work together, and the availability of national, state, local area based, and digital services and programs. Suicide prevention approaches in Australia are mostly selective or indicated. There is less emphasis on universal approaches, wellbeing promotion, strengthening protective factors and mitigating the impact of known drivers of distress. In addition, there is limited evidence to demonstrate a whole-of-government or whole-of-system approach is operating in Australia. Findings should be interpreted in the context that suicide prevention in Australia is currently in a period of transition.ConclusionsCurrent government emphasis on and investment in suicide prevention activity, together with strong commitment to lived experience and cross sectorial collaboration, are substantial and appropriate. There are also many opportunities to further progress cross-portfolio and cross-jurisdiction suicide prevention and response efforts. This requires urgently adopting a shared understanding of suicide, which includes the diverse drivers of suicidal distress, and improving protective factors and social wellbeing.

Security Vulnerabilities of Wlan Protocols: A Review

This study reviews a significant number of known attacks with the security methods that are currently available for wireless local area networks (WLANs). After a thorough review of more than a dozen literature on the security issues affecting WLANs, it was found that the architecture of the WLAN itself has a vulnerability that hackers can exploit, especially the wired equivalent privacy (WEP) protocol. WLAN attacks are a combination of human and technology behavior. Human network compromise is still a serious danger to wireless technology, although new encryption technologies are being developed to counteract threats, they are not enough to address the issues at hand because hackers are constantly coming up with inventive ways to breach networks and undermine the standards. Therefore, it is advised to integrate more sophisticated and pervasive multidimensional AI algorithms at different wireless protocol layers as well as through certified ethical hacking experimentation standards in order to improve detection capabilities, identify unauthorized entry through their behaviors, and safeguard wireless connections and data. Also, Cyber security professionals should take note of this report and be proactive in their search for a sophisticated solution to the current issue.

Analysis of Mineral Types, Density, and Porosity in the Lam Teuba Formation Using Infrared Spectroscopy Method

The Lam Teuba Formation is one of the local fault areas of the Seulimuem segment located in the Grand Mosque sub-district of Aceh Besar regency. The Lam Teuba Formation has several types of rocks such as basaltic andesite lava, pyrolastic flows, pyroclastic falls, and sedimentary rocks, namely claystone, limestone sandstone, agglomerate, limestone. Rocks have physical characteristics, namely density and porosity which have different values in each rock. This difference can be caused by the minerals contained in the rock. The method used to calculate the density and porosity values used the Archimedes method, and the identification of mineral types using the infrared spectroscopy method. The results of data processing obtained the highest original density value at location 1 sample 1 with a value of 3.42 and the lowest value at location 5 sample 2. The highest dry density value was in location 1 of sample 1 with a value of 3.33 and the lowest value was in location 5 of sample 2. The highest saturation density value was in location 1 of sample 1 with a value of 3.43, the lowest value was in location 5 of sample 2 with a value of 2.07. The average porosity value was the highest with a value of 5.41 in the poor quality category in sample 4, while the lowest value was 4.62 in the very bad category in sample 1. The types of minerals found in the Lam Teuba formation are illite, montmorillonite, kaolinite minerals with a mixture of smectite which is a clay mineral group and siderite minerals which are carbonate mineral groups.

Circuits of capital, the socio-ecological fix and power relations in a rural area. The genealogy of socio-ecological transformations of the upper Saône valley (France)

Although the circuits of capital model emphasizes the part played by the overaccumulation of capital at the core of capitalistic development, scientific research has seldom used this framework for analysing rural dynamics. After proposing a theoretical approach involving circuits of capital, rural areas and the socio-ecological fix, we draw on different historical sources, semi-directive interviews and press articles to understand how circuits of capital largely altered the socio-ecosystem of France’s upper Saône valley until the mid-nineteenth century before being directed instead towards other more urban areas. The marginalizing of this rural space by the third circuit of capital tended to reduce the socio-ecological transformations expected of capitalistic development in the twentieth century. Political actors at all levels then played a decisive role in the circulation of capital and the shaping of the river and its floodplain. Inclusion in the fourth circuit of capital is an objective for some political actors today who are developing strategies for branding and marketing the local area. If it develops successfully, this fourth circuit of capital will make a sizeable impact on the urbanization of this rural area, setting it on a new trajectory in terms of transformations of the river. It seems that each generation of circuit of capital involves greater socio-ecological impacts than the previous one, forming a palimpsest of capitalistic development.

Impacts of COVID-19 on the premiums of proximity to railway stations: An in-depth analysis using passenger flows

As a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, work and leisure patterns have changed significantly, as have commuting and travel behavior. This has led to changes in the degree of dependence and demand for mass transportation. This paper proposes that these changes decrease people's demand to live near public transportation services and cause the decline of the positive externality created by public transit as measured by house prices. This paper explores the train stations of Taiwan's two largest cities (Taipei and Kaohsiung) by adopting various hedonic price models to estimate the COVID-19 effect on the premiums of proximity to rail stops. We then analyze whether the changes in premiums are affected by the passenger flow at the station. This paper uses four variables to measure passenger flows: the number of total passengers on services, the net number of passengers (the number leaving the local area minus the number of arriving at the local area), and the expected numbers of commuters and non-commuters. The empirical results of this paper show that after the COVID-19 outbreak, the monetary value of the proximity of railway stations decreased significantly. However, the COVID-19 effect on different stations is heterogeneous. The post-COVID-19 decrease in the positive externality associated with proximity to a rail station is significantly affected by passenger flows. The changes in the positive externality of stations found in this study suggest the public has reduced their dependence on stations due to changes in commuting behavior. We urge the government to pay attention to whether the commuting flows and the public's demand for public transportation have shifted and the use of vehicles and road transportation has risen.

Perceived Impact of Oil Spill on Cassava Production in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria

Perceived Impact of Oil Spill on Cassava Production in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria

A Statistical Analysis of Attitudinal Changes Towards Female Breadwinners in Wukari Local Government Area

A Statistical Analysis of Attitudinal Changes Towards Female Breadwinners in Wukari Local Government Area

The coordinated development among economy, society, energy, and environment and their impacts on public health in China's cities

As China's urban areas rapidly developed, prefecture-level cities faced challenges in the coordinated development of the economy, society, energy, and environment (ESEE), which could impact public health. Previous research had examined the interactions between the various ESEE systems and their effects on public health. However, relatively few studies had conducted comprehensive analyses across different systems and regions. This paper aimed to conduct an in-depth analysis in this field. First, it calculated the ESEE development levels using principal component analysis, the entropy method, and data from 278 Chinese cities between 2012 and 2021. Next, it employed a coupling coordination degree model, which reflects the degree of coordinated development between different systems, to explore the coordinated development levels and trends of the four ESEE systems in each prefecture-level city. Furthermore, this paper innovatively used a spatial Durbin model, incorporating ESEE coordination levels to investigate their impact on public health in local and surrounding areas. The results indicated that the positive impact of ESEE coordinated development on local public health was 0.5082, while the impact on surrounding areas was 2.0240. This influence was more pronounced in smaller cities, suggesting the need to enhance regional cooperation, balance developmental disparities, and promote ESEE coordinated development to improve public health.

Promoting gender equity in a home visits programme: a qualitative study in Northern Nigeria

BackgroundGender inequities remain critical determinants influencing maternal health. Harmful gender norms and gender-based violence adversely affect maternal health. Gendered division of labour, lack of access to and control of resources, and limited women’s decision-making autonomy impede women’s access to maternal healthcare services. We undertook a cluster randomized controlled trial of universal home visits to pregnant women and their spouses in one local government area in Bauchi State, North-Eastern Nigeria. The trial demonstrated a significant improvement in maternal and child health outcomes and male knowledge, attitudes and behaviours. This paper qualitatively evaluates gender equity in the home visits programme.MethodsThe research team explored participants’ views about gender equity in the home visits programme. We conducted nine key informant interviews with policymakers and 14 gender and age-stratified focus group discussions with men and women from visited households, with women and men home visitors and supervisors, and with men and women community leaders. Analysis used an adapted conceptual framework exploring gender equity in mainstream health. A deductive thematic analysis of interviews and focus group reports looked for patterns and meanings.ResultsAll respondents considered the home visits programme to have a positive impact on gender equity, as they perceived gender equity. Visited women and men and home visitors reported increased male support for household chores, with men doing heavy work traditionally pre-assigned to women. Men increased their support for women’s maternal health by paying for healthcare and providing nutritious food. Households and community members confirmed that women no longer needed their spouses’ permission to use health services for their own healthcare. Households and home visitors reported an improvement in spousal communication. They perceived a significant reduction in domestic violence, which they attributed to the changing attitudes of both women and men due to the home visits. All stakeholder groups stressed the importance of engaging male spouses in the home visits programme.ConclusionThe home visits programme, as implemented, contributed to gender equity.

Assessing Urban Neighbourhood Resilience to Covid 19 Pandemic in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

The sudden incidence of COVID-19 at Wuhan in China in December 2019 with its significant death globally and other negative socio-economic impacts has awakened the need to make human settlements resilient to unforeseen tragedy. Nigeria and Jos the capital of Plateau State have had negative experiences with the incidence of covid 19. Considering this, the study aims at assessing the resilience of urban neighbourhoods in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State to COVID-19 pandemic. The study objective is to examine the pattern and characteristics of some selected neighborhoods within Jos the study area. In addition to examining the characterisation of infrastructural facilities and to evaluate the environmental challenges that impede adherence to non-pharmaceutical protocols to COVID-19. Two neighbourhoods, Angwan Rukuba and Fudawa were selected to represent the entire Jos North Local Government Area. Relevant literature related to the study was reviewed. The study adopted a direct observation method of the physical characteristics of the neighborhoods and a simple sampling technique of survey where a structured questionnaire was administered to 138 respondents in the two neighborhoods. Descriptive analysis using percentages and tables in relation to the data obtained was used to draw inferences and conclusions. The results obtained shows that the sampled neighborhoods are densely congested informal settlements with unorganized settlement pattern, lacking in basic neighbourhoods’ infrastructure, and poor circulation, among others. These findings imply that the environmental setting of the study area makes compliance with non-pharmaceutical protocols during COVID-19. pandemic difficult. By implication, the neighborhoods lack the resilience capability to cope with the COVID-19. pandemic. The study recommends the need for planning and upgrading of the neighbourhoods’ facilities along with stakeholder public enlightenment on the need to comply to COVID-19. non-pharmaceutical protocols as a step toward building resilient neighbourhoods in Jos North Local Government Area and the metropolis at large.

Multi-objective sand cat swarm optimization based on adaptive clustering for solving multimodal multi-objective optimization problems

Multimodal multi-objective optimization problems (MMOPs) represent a highly challenging class of complex problems, characterized by the presence of several Pareto solution sets in the decision space which map to the identical Pareto-optimal front. The goal of solving MMOPs is to find multiple distinct Pareto sets to sustain a balance between good convergence and diversification of populations. In this paper, a multi-objective sand cat swarm optimization algorithm (MOSCSO) is developed to address MMOPs. In the MOSCSO algorithm, an adaptive clustering-based specific congestion distance technique is introduced to compute the level of crowdedness. This ensures an even distribution of individuals, avoiding excessive crowding in the local area. Subsequently, enhanced search-and-attack prey updating mechanisms are designed to effectively increase not only the exploration and exploitation capabilities of the algorithm but also to enhance the diversity of the swarm in both the decision space and the objective space. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, the MOSCSO is applied to solve the CEC2019 complex multimodal benchmark function. The experimental outcomes illustrate that the proposed approach possesses excellent performance in searching for Pareto solutions compared with other algorithms. Meanwhile, the method is also employed to address the map-based distance minimization problem, which further validates the usefulness of the MOSCSO.

Interdiffusion behaviors and mechanical properties of Zr–Hf system

In this work, Zr–Hf diffusion couples were firstly prepared by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) method and the diffusion behavior and mechanical properties of the Zr–Hf system in temperatures range from 1300 to 1600 °C were investigated in detail. The microstructure characterization by SEM and TEM reveals that Zr–Hf diffusion zone form some amorphous and nanocrystalline grains in local area. Then the hardness and Young's modulus of the Zr–Hf system in the diffusion zone were tested and the results show that the hardness and Young's modulus of the alloy system was enhanced by solid solution Hf element, and the maximum hardness and Young's modulus in the diffusion zone reached to 10.74GPa and 203.5GPa, respectively. Finally, based on the profiles of Electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), the interdiffusion coefficient is composition-dependent. The value calculated by Sauer-Freise method is between 10−13 m2/s and 10−11 m2/s, which indicating that SPS diffusion annealing significantly enhances the diffusion rate of the Zr–Hf system. Meanwhile, the current direction has negligible effect on the diffusion of Zr–Hf system and the interdiffusion coefficient decreases slowly with increasing Hf concentration. The diffusion activation energy Q and the frequency factor D0 of the Zr–Hf binary system in this experiment ranges from 196 to 215 kJ/mol and 3.9 × 10−6 to 6.8 × 10−5 m2/s, respectively.

The Impact of Bureaucratic Structures on the Performance of School Principals in Public Secondary Schools

The study investigated into bureaucratic role of principals’ leadership performance in public senior secondary schools in Rivers State. The study adopted the descriptive research design. The population of the study consisted of the two hundred and ninety six (296) principals in all the two hundred and ninety-six (296) public senior secondary schools in the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State. The sample of this study comprised the two hundred and ninety-six (296) principals selected from the two hundred and ninety-six (296) public senior secondary schools in the twenty three (23) Local Government Areas in Rivers State, representing 100% of the population using the census sampling technique. Out of the 296 copies of questionnaires distributed 275 representing 96% of the total number of copies, were duly completed and returned. The instrument for data collection for this study was a 30 item self-structured questionnaire titled ‘Bureaucratic Role of Principals’ Leadership Performance Questionnaire (BRPLPQ)”. The instrument was structured using the modified 4-points Likert Scale model of; Very High Extent (VHE) – 4 points; High Extent (HE) =3 points; Low Extent (LE) = 2 point and Very Low Extent (VLE) =1 point.

Effectiveness of perampanel for focal seizures determined by interictal gamma oscillation regularity analysis.

Although perampanel (PER) has received approval as an antiseizure medication, reports quantifying its antiseizure effects using electroencephalography (EEG) remain scarce. In a previous study, we demonstrated that the interictal high gamma oscillation regularity (GOR) on scalp EEG is an excellent marker of epileptogenicity. Herein, we investigated whether the antiseizure effect of PER could be quantified through interictal GOR analysis of scalp EEG data. To investigate this, we examined the interictal GOR from 20 s of scalp EEG data before and after PER administration collected from five patients with epilepsy with focal seizures. Prior to PER administration, each patient presented with localized areas with high GOR consistent with brain lesions or seizure semiology. In all patients, the seizures improved following PER administration, and the localized high GOR, which is considered an epileptogenic focus, disappeared. These results indicate that interictal GOR analysis may be a useful tool for the quantitative assessments of the antiseizure effects of PER in focal epilepsy. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: This study explored whether perampanel (PER)'s antiseizure effects can be quantified using interictal high gamma oscillation regularity (GOR) analysis from scalp EEG data. Analyzing 20-second EEG segments before and after PER administration in five patients with focal epilepsy, we found that high GOR areas, indicative of epileptogenic foci, disappeared following PER administration. The results suggest that interictal GOR analysis could effectively quantify the antiseizure effects of PER.

WEED-CROP ASSOCIATION: A CASE STUDY OF FARMLANDS LOCATED AT THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, WARRI, DELTA STATE

ABSTRACT The impact of weeds on crops has remained an enigma to achieving sustainable food security. The study was conducted in the College of Education, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, to assess the prevalence and occurrence of weed species as a prerequisite to identifying sustainable control measures. A field survey was carried out using a 29cm x 29cm size quadrant with seven samples from each field. Several weed species were identified, and the data was used to calculate each species' average frequency, density, and percentage frequency. Twenty-two (22) weed species distributed among 20 genera and 15 families were identified from the different farmlands. The results showed that the most dominant species were Ageratum conyzoides, with an average frequency of 104.14, an average density of 0.124 and relative frequency of 31.95%; Oldenlandia corymbosa with an average frequency of 72.57, average density of 0.086 and relative frequency of 21.65% and Veronica serpyllifolia with an average frequency of 40.43, average density of 0.049 and relative frequency of 12.41. The least dominant species was Sida acuta, with an average frequency of 0.14, an average density of 0.000, and a relative frequency of 0.04, followed by Alternanthera philoxeroides, with an average frequency of 0.43, an average density of 0.001 and percentage frequency of 0.13. Poaceae, with four species, had the highest abundance of species. The results obtained from this study would help develop a weed control program and make informed decisions regarding herbicide selection.

Does gambling expenditure have any effect on crime?

Australians spend more per capita on gambling than any other country in the world. Electronic gaming machines (EGM) expenditure accounts for almost 90% of this expenditure. No study to date has conducted a rigorous longitudinal analysis of the relationship between gambling expenditure and crime. This study aimed to estimate the short-and long-run relationship between gambling expenditure and crime. Longitudinal analysis using panel autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) modelling. Recorded property and violent crimes committed in New South Wales (NSW), Australia,between 28 December 2015 and 5 January 2020. Monthly gross EGM expenditure profit, broken down by Local Government Area (LGA). Monthly recorded rates of assault, break enter and steal (dwelling), break enter and steal (non-dwelling), break enter and steal (total), motor vehicle theft, stealing from a motor vehicle, stealing from a retail store, stealing from the person, stealing (total) and fraud. Each 10% increase in gambling expenditure in NSW is associated with annual: 7.4% increase in assaults, 10.5% increase in break and enter (dwelling) offences; 10.3% increase in break and enter (non-dwelling) offences; 11% increase in motor vehicle theft offences; 8.2% increase in stealing from motor vehicle offences; and 7.4% increase in fraud offences. Electronic gaming expenditure appears to be positively associated with property and violent crime in New South Wales, Australia.

Influence Of Gender And Birth Order On Pupils’ With Autism Spectrum Disorder In Public Primary Schools In Ogoja Local Government Area Of Cross River State, Nigeria

Influence Of Gender And Birth Order On Pupils’ With Autism Spectrum Disorder In Public Primary Schools In Ogoja Local Government Area Of Cross River State, Nigeria

Regional polarity in the laminar premixed flame considering the combined effect of positive and negative charge

The study of flame charge is helpful in analyzing the combustion regime, which is significant for optimizing energy conversion in the combustion. In this article, a method to calculate the charge density considering polarity (CDCP) for flame is presented. The charge in the flame local area is obtained by combining the effect of charged particles with positive and negative polarity. The CDCP in different zones of the premixed methane flame with three equivalence ratios of 0.9, 1.0, and 1.3 is measured in the Langmuir probe measurement experiment. The experiment result found that the regional polarity is shown in the premixed flame. Subsequently, the premixed methane flame was simulated using Fluent, and then the simulation distribution of CDCP in the premixed methane flame was obtained. The CDCP and polarity across the reactant, preheat, reaction, and product zones of the premixed flame are analyzed based on the experiment and simulation results. The CDCP of the reaction zone is greater than 0 C/m3 and reaches a peak, showing obvious positive polarity. The CDCP of the reactant zone is less than 0 C/m3, showing negative polarity. The CDCP changes rapidly from less than 0 C/m3 to greater than 0 C/m3 with the approach of the reactant zone to the preheating and reaction zones. The CDCP in the product zone gradually decreases with the increase of the distance from the reaction zone and finally less than and close to 0 C/m3, showing weak negative polarity. Finally, the cause of regional polarity formation is discussed based on the net production rate of charged particles and the velocity distribution of the flow field in the simulation results. The distribution of positive ions and electrons in the premixed flame is different due to the effect of the flow field and the different diffusion properties of charged particles. Thus, the regional polarity is exhibited in the premixed flame.

Enhancing Indoor Localization Accuracy through Multiple Access Point Deployment

This study addresses the limitations of wireless local area networks in indoor localization by utilizing Extra-Trees Regression (ETR) to estimate locations based on received signal strength indicator (RSSI) values from a radio environment map (REM). We investigate how integrating numerous access points can enhance indoor localization accuracy. By constructing an extensive REM using RSSI data from various access points collected by a mobile robot in the intended interior setting, we evaluate several machine learning regression techniques. Our research pays special attention to an optimized ETR model, validated through 10-fold cross-validation and hyperparameter tuning. We quantitatively evaluate the efficiency of our suggested multi-access-point approach using root mean square error (RMSE) for REM evaluation and location error metrics for accurate localization. The results show that incorporating multiple access points significantly improves indoor localization accuracy, providing a substantial improvement over single-access-point systems when assessing interior radio frequency environments.

Evaluation of Candidates Performance in Core Subjects and Financial Accounting in the May/June 2014 Wassce in Egor and Oredo Local Government Areas, Edo State, Nigeria

Evaluation of Candidates Performance in Core Subjects and Financial Accounting in the May/June 2014 Wassce in Egor and Oredo Local Government Areas, Edo State, Nigeria