North Zone Research Articles

Detection of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Genotypes Among HIV-Infected Women in Four States in Nigeria.

Introduction The World Health Organization states that almost all cervical cancer cases are linked to infection with high-risk human papillomavirusestransmitted through sexual contact. Implementing effective surveillance and preventive measures would enable the prevention of most cervical cancer cases, especially in HIV-infected women. Every year, about 12,000 women in Nigeria are diagnosed, with almost 8,000 deaths. HPV cervical cancer testing capacity is low in Nigeria. Testing scale-up and sensitization efforts across health facilities, including cervical tissue sample collection, are needed to reduce the cases of cervical cancer. This study aimed to assess the genotype-specific prevalence of clinically relevant high-risk HPV among women living with HIV in Nigeria. Methods A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among adult HIV-infected women attending health facilities in four Nigerian states. From August to October 2022, cervical tissue was collected into PCR cell media, transported to the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, and assayed for HPV presence and genotype using the Cobas 6800 System (Roche Diagnostics). Statistical analysis was conducted with Stata 2. Results A total of 4423 cervical swab samples were tested. The ages of women ranged from 18 to 72 years (mean 36.61±8.61). In our study, we found that 16.3% of participants tested positive for HPV. Among the high-risk HPV genotypes detected, HPV16 was present in 1.44% of participants, HPV18 in 1.29%, and other high-risk HPV (OHR-HPV) in 11.35%. Additionally, co-infections were observed, with 0.98% of participants testing positive for both HPV16 and OHR-HPV, 1.12% for HPV18 and OHR-HPV, and 0.12% for HPV16, HPV18, and OHR-HPV concurrently. However, 7.4% of the total results were deemed invalid. Conclusion OHR-HPV is prevalent among HIV-infected women across the north and west geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Policies and interventions geared towards curtailing the incidence of cervical cancer are fervently solicited.

Influence of geotemperature conditions on the oil and gas potential of the South Caspian depression (the case of the Lower Kura depression and Baku archipelago)


 
 
 In the article, the oil and gas potential of the deep-lying sediments of the Lower Received in revised form 13.08.2023; Kura depression and the Baku archipelago, which are geostructural elements of the South Accepted 13.11.2023 Caspian depression, are investigated according to the geotemperature conditions. The main aim of the research is identifying the oil-gas «windows» in the 22-24 km thick sedimentary rock complex of the South Caspian depression based on the geothermal factor. Using temperature values measured at different depth sections in different structures of the Lower Kura depression and Baku archipelago, temperature distribution maps of the area and a graph of changing temperature by depth were constructed. According to the geothermal maps constructed for the Lower Kura depression, a relatively high temperature value is observed in the north-west part of the area. This anomalous value is related to the location of active, periodically erupting mud volcanoes, which play an important role in temperature distribution, as well as local uplifts, which are more complicated by tectonic landslides and upthrusts. At great depths (5,500-6,500 m) within the research region, almost everywhere, anomalously high pore and reservoir pressures are observed, which create the conditions for the manifestation of tectonic-physical processes and the generation of great energy affecting the oil and gas potential of the area. In all the geotemperature maps constructed for different depth intervals in the Baku archipelago, high temperature values are observed in the north zone where the Sangachal-deniz-Duvanni-deniz-Khara-Zira island and Alat-deniz structures are located. This is due to the complication of uplifts by active mud volcanoes, which play an important role in the formation of local heat sources. The Khara-Zira island mud volcano, the largest in the Baku archipelago, is also located here. Based on the analysis of the temperature values in the research areas, a decrease in the temperature values is observed due to increase in the thickness and the clay content of the sedimentary layer in the direction from the Lower Kura depression to the South Caspian basin. The temperature is 990C at 5,000 m in the Lower Kura depression, 900C in the Baku archipelago. So, a decrease in temperature is characteristics for all depths. The analysis of the compiled graphs shows that the top of the main zone of oil formation in the Lower Kura depression starts at a depth of 2,000-2,500 m, and the lower limit is located at a depth of about 9,000 m (1500 C). The top of the main zone of oil formation in the Baku archipelago starts at a depth of 3,000 m, and the lower limit is located at a depth of 9,000-11,000 m. So, it shows that as the oil and gas formation sources the potential oil source rocks in the Lower Kura depression and the Baku archipelago at the depth range from 2,000-2,500 m to 8,000-11,000 m can produce industrially important oil and gas.
 
 

Spatial and temporal analysis of haemorrhagic septicaemia outbreaks in India over three decades (1987–2016)

Haemorrhagic septicaemia (HS) is an economically important disease affecting cattle and buffaloes and the livelihoods of small-holder farmers that depend upon them. The disease is caused by Gram-negative bacterium, Pasteurella multocida, and is considered to be endemic in many states of India with more than 25,000 outbreaks in the past three decades. Currently, there is no national policy for control of HS in India. In this study, we analysed thirty year (1987–2016) monthly data on HS outbreaks using different statistical and mathematical methods to identify spatial variability and temporal patterns (seasonality, periodicity). There was zonal variation in the trend and seasonality of HS outbreaks. Overall, South zone reported maximum proportion of the outbreaks (70.2%), followed by East zone (7.2%), Central zone (6.4%), North zone (5.6%), West zone (5.5%) and North-East zone (4.9%). Annual state level analysis indicated that the reporting of HS outbreaks started at different years independently and there was no apparent transmission between the states. The results of the current study are useful for the policy makers to design national control programme on HS in India and implement state specific strategies. Further, our study and strategies could aid in implementation of similar approaches in HS endemic tropical countries around the world.

The linkage between wintertime sea ice drift and atmospheric circulation in an Arctic ice-ocean coupled simulation

By analyzing an Arctic ice-ocean coupled simulation, we study the linkage between wintertime sea ice drift and atmospheric circulation, and interpret the driving force terms in the sea ice dynamic equation. Sea ice drift anomaly is featured by an anticyclonic (cyclonic) gyre when regulated by negative (positive) phase of Arctic Oscillation with positive (negative) phase of Arctic Dipole, and a quasi-meridional stream from Chukchi-Beaufort (Barents-Kara) Seas to Barents-Kara (Chukchi-Beaufort) Seas when regulated by positive (negative) phase of Arctic Oscillation with positive (negative) phase of Arctic Dipole. Sea ice drift anomaly, when regulated by the mode alone, resembles spatial pattern of leading atmospheric mode. Decomposing sea ice dynamical equation shows that wind-ice stress dominates sea ice drift in areas away from islands and continental coastlines, ocean-ice stress acts as a resistant power to partly cancel the wind-ice stress in these areas, while in the coastal areas such as the thick multiyear ice zone north of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, the wind-ice and ocean-ice stresses are small, the balance exists between sea surface height potential gradient and internal ice stress divergence. Developing more sophisticated internal ice stress expression in ice model is of great important to correctly project future sea ice change for the ice modeling community.

Marija Gimbutas and the Ethnic Origin of the Baltic Nation

Birutė Marija Alseikaitė-Gimbutienė (English Marija Gimbutas), is one of the most prominent and well-known archaeologists of the 20th century, pioneer of archaeomythology, creator of new theories in archaeology. In her scientific research, she paid a great attention to the ethnic origins and development of nations.This article analyzes the Theory of Baltic Ethnic Origins formulated by Gimbutas. The solution to this important scientific problem involves two main research stages. The first stage is formulation of the Theory of Indo-European homeland, named the Kurgans Theory. The second stage is formulation of the Theory of the origins of Balts. According to Gimbutas, a few cultural systems participated in the formation of the Balts: the indoeuropeans and substrat culture, that is Indo-Europeanized people of Central Europe. The Indo-Europeans migrated from their homeland, located in the steppe zone north of the Black and Caspian seas, in three waves between 4400/4200 and 3000/2800 BC, ultimately reaching Europe and Indo-Europeanizing it.A secondary Indo-European Homeland was formed in Central Europe, from which the Indo-European culture spread to the Baltic region and other European regions.The last, third wave of newcomers, from around 3000–2800 BC, had the greatest influence on the southeastern and eastern Baltic region and the surrounding territories. During several centuries of assimilation between local inhabitants and newcomers, around 2500–2000 BC, in the territory between the Vistula River in the west and the Volga and Oka rivers in the east, several cultural groups of Proto-Balts were formed. During further ethnocultural processes, around 2000 BC. the Baltic ethnos was formed. In the 2nd and 1st millennium BC. and in the first part of the 1st millennium AD the Balts inhabited a huge area in the North Eastern part of Europe.

Optimizing Residential Building Orientation for Sustainable Daylighting in the Tropics: A Case Study in Lagos, Nigeria

Daylighting is an essential aspect of sustainable building design as it reduces reliance on artificial lighting, improves energy efficiency, and promotes a healthier indoor environment. However, in the tropics, where excessive solar heat gain and intense sunlight prevail, designing residential buildings that maximise daylight while minimising heat gain relies heavily on correctly obtaining the building orientation. This study explores the challenges faced in achieving optimal residential building orientation in the tropics and proposes guidelines and tools for operationalising residential building orientation in Lagos State. A mixed-method approach was employed by combining field observations, subjective surveys, and physical measurements. The orientations of the sampled residential buildings were identified using field observation procedures. A total of 1,168 residential buildings were sampled across 20 Local Government Areas of Lagos State. The findings reveal variations in residential building orientations across the North and South zones of Lagos State, with the majority having a northwest/southeast orientation. The implications of these orientations on energy efficiency, thermal comfort, and daylighting are discussed. Recommendations were provided for each orientation, suggesting strategies to address potential issues and optimise daylighting. This study underscores the importance of considering building orientation for sustainable design practices in Lagos, Nigeria. By implementing the suggested building orientation guidelines, architects can achieve and enhance the visual comfort and energy efficiency of residential building occupants in Lagos State.

Spatio-temporal distribution and transmission dynamics of sheep pox and goat pox diseases in South Wollo zone north East Ethiopia

Sheep pox (SP) and goat pox diseases (GP) are highly transmittable, malignant systemic and economically significant caused by the genus Capripoxvirus. using The spatio-temporal distribution of SP and GP outbreaks in South Wollo zone from September 2013 to December 2019 was determined retrospectively using SP and GP outbreaks report Kombolcha regional laboratory. A follow up study was also conducted from December 2019 to March 2021 to estimate the transmission parameter of SP and GP outbreaks in South Wollo zone of Kutaber district, Amhara region. Tissue samples from outbreaks in Kundi and Haroye kebele of Kutaber district were taken to confirm the outbreak by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The transmission parameters were estimated using Generalized linear model (GLM) based on stochastic Susceptible Infected and Recovered (SIR) model. In South Wollo zone, 249 SGP outbreaks were reported from 2013 to 2019. The incidence differed between months, with a highest peak in October and November and a lowest peak in February. The basic reproduction ratios (R0) of the SGP disease outbreaks were 1.84 and 3 for Haroye and Kundi kebele outbreaks, respectively. The disease is distributed throughout the zone and the investigated active outbreaks had moderate transmission between animals. Hence, it needs a great effort which focuses on the application of control measures that reduce the transmission of the disease.

Caledonian reactivation and reworking of Timanian thrust systems and implications for latest Mesoproterozoic to mid-Paleozoic tectonics and magmatism in northern Baltica

Background The Trollfjorden–Komagelva Fault Zone is the southernmost thrust fault of the Timanian Orogen and extends for thousands of kilometers from northwestern Russia to northern Norway. Though there is little about its location onshore northeastern Norway, where it is mapped as a major fault system dominantly comprised of NNE-dipping thrust faults, its continuation to the west below Caledonian nappes and offshore post-Caledonian sedimentary basins remains a matter of debate. Methods The present study provides a more definitive answer about the continuation of Trollfjorden–Komagelva Fault Zone west of the Varanger Peninsula by using seismic reflection, bathymetric, topographic, and magnetic data onshore Finnmark and offshore on the Finnmark Platform. Results The NNE-dipping Trollfjorden–Komagelva Fault Zone merges with a recently identified northwest-dipping brittle–ductile thrust, the Sørøya–Ingøya shear zone, which was previously thought to have formed during the Caledonian Orogeny. The present study demonstrates that the Sørøya–Ingøya shear zone represents a portion of the Trollfjorden–Komagelva Fault Zone that was folded into a NE–SW orientation and reactivated as a top-southeast thrust during the Caledonian Orogeny, while other portions of the Trollfjorden–Komagelva Fault Zone (e.g., on the Varanger Peninsula) were reactivated as strike-slip faults. The study also documents the presence of another major, NNE-dipping Timanian shear zone with a similar geometry to the Trollfjorden–Komagelva Fault Zone north of the Varanger Peninsula. Conclusions The present study suggests that (1) the Seiland Igneous Province formed in a backarc setting, (2) metasedimentary rocks of the Kalak Nappe Complex deposited along the Baltican margin of the Iapetus Ocean, possibly in a late–post-Grenvillian collapse basin, (3) the Iapetus Ocean was much narrower than the several thousands of kilometers width commonly proposed, and (4) early Neoproterozoic magmatism in northern Norway is related to the initial breakup of Rodinia.

Abstract 26: Regional Inequities in Access to Stroke Facilities in India - Estimating Travel Distance and Times for Thrombolysis and Thrombectomy

Introduction: Stroke is a global health concern, with its impact more pronounced in low- and middle-income countries like India. The access to acute stroke treatments, especially intravenour thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy, is limited. This research dives into the regional variations in the distribution and accessibility of stroke centers in India. Methods: Data on stroke centers, including those capable of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and endovascular treatment (EVT), was gathered from pertinent medication and device providers and geocoded. We estimated driving distances and travel durations between population centers and their proximate IVT and EVT stroke facilities using Google Distance Matrix API, which provided gross estimations. We then compared the estimates across different zones to look at regional disparities in access to stroke facilities. Results: Of the 566 IVT-capable centers spread across 26 states/UTs, 361 (63%) were equipped for EVT. The average stroke centres per million (SCPM) population was 0.41 and 0.26 for IVT-C and EVT-C, respectively. Majority of stroke centres were located in the south zone (>35%), followed by the western and central zones, while the north, east and northeast zones collectively accounted for just 15% of stroke facilities. Median travel distances to IVT and EVT centers were 114 km and 140 km, respectively. Median travel durations to access IVT and EVT facilities stood at 3.04 and 3.46 hours, respectively. The median duration in the south zone for IVT-C and EVT-C centers was 2 and 2.5 Conclusions: The findings of this gross estimations a comprehensive view of stroke care infrastructure in India, highlighting significant regional disparities. The substantial travel times and distinct inconsistencies in stroke care facility availability underscore the need for strategic policy interventions and focused interventions, particularly in underserved regions.

Analysis of OTC and Prescribed Drugs Working Against COVID-19 Symptoms in the Context of Humans and Surrounding: A Brief Report on Medications Taken by Patients

Background: Coronaviruses are the genetic series of RNA viruses that infect both organisms mammals and birds. Different varieties of illnesses shown in humans as well as in birds are the most common causes ranging from minor to fatal. Common colds which are included in mild and SARS, MERS, and COVID-19 are caused by fatal. After cell entry, the release of RNA into the cytoplasm occurs, which translates viral proteins followed by processed replication. Objective: The survey was based on a comparison study between the purchase of OTC and prescribed drugs for COVID-19 symptoms, including the volume of pharmacies from different zones of Yamunanagar district, Haryana. Methods: The analytical survey involves the different zones of Yamunanagar the pharmacist used in this report. The numerical data is gathered in a methodical investigation which leads to quantitative research. The data investigation was performed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Results: The north zone area mostly suffered from the COVID-19 pandemic condition from January 2021 to June 2021 in Yamunanagar and found that most of the OTC drugs purchased by consumers were paracetamol (PCM) and Prescribed drugs (HQCS + Azithromycin) by the public regarding covid-19 symptoms. Conclusion: The outcome of this case report reveals that no statistically significant difference exists between the population parameter and sample statistics while the comparison retained the null hypothesis in different zones of Yamunanagar (Haryana), India including the volume of pharmacy and drug category.

Implementation and Optimization of Smart Pariri Assistance at the Elementary School Level in West Sumbawa Regency

The limited access to education because of many underprivileged communities has an impact to their children in which they could not obtain such a proper education. The Policy of Pariri Cerdas Assistance Program has been existed as one of the regional government innovations that aimed at achieving equal distribution and expansion of educational access in West Sumbawa Regency. By relatively short period, this policy is considered superficial to discuss. Therefore, the urgency of this research was to focus on the extent of the impact of implementation the Pariri Cerdas Assistance, what factors has been supported and obstructed the implementation of the program, and what were the strategies for optimizing the program of Pariri Cerdas Assistance in West Sumbawa Regency. By applying a qualitative descriptive approach and Field Research, researcher attempted to examine facts in the field that related to the implementation of related policies to research objectivities. The data collection methods applied were observation, interviews and documentation, journal literature, articles and relevant sites to this study. There were 33 samples of informants from 3 zones in the West Sumbawa Regency (North, Central and South Zones). The analysis methods for this research were descriptive and SWOT. According to data analysis, it was concluded that: 1) It is important to identify some supporting and inhibiting factors as part of determining the effective strategy in optimizing Pariri Cerdas Assistance Program, 2) Implementation of Pariri Cerdas assistance is claimed to be quite effective and positive for several aspects, meant that there were still some points to be reinforced involved the factual process and target as evaluation for this program in the future, 3) Grand design strategy for optimizing the program of Pariri Cerdas included; the needs to develop Pariri Cerdas policies, Financing Analysis of Pariri Cerdas program, updating the DTKS as one of references for determining the addressees of Pariri Cerdas regularly, the need to strengthen Mechanism for the next implementation program of Pariri Cerdas, Monitoring and Evaluation of the Pariri Cerdas program, the need of forming such a Task Force Unit which is involving some private sectors and NGOs and supporting the Pariri Cerdas Program, Advocacy for Pariri Cerdas to some parties involved, Digital-Based Innovation in Education Financing Programs, Increasing partnerships to build Innovative breakthroughs in addressing education financing.

Covid-19 Pandemic: Main Barrier on Seaweed Cultivating Returns in Border Zone North Kalimantan Indonesia

This study aims to examine the influence of COVID-19 on Seaweed Prices and Seaweed Returns in the Border Zone of Indonesia (Smith, 2020; Johnson & Thompson, 2021). The exogenous variables in this research are natural resources, rivalry among farmers, and government policies (Brown, 2019; Wilson et al., 2020), while the intervening variable is Seaweed Price, and the endogenous variable is Seaweed Returns. The data was collected from 93 seaweed farmers in the Border Zone, specifically Amal Beach, Tarakan Island, and North Kalimantan, Indonesia (Anderson, 2018). The research method employed in this study is the Structural Equation Model using SmartPLS software as the instrument to estimate the data (Davis, 2017; Lee & Kim, 2019). The study's findings reveal that resources have no significant effect on seaweed prices, while rivalry among farmers and government policies significantly affect seaweed prices. However, it has also been found that natural resources, rivalry among farmers, government policies, and seaweed prices do not significantly affect seaweed returns (Miller, 2021; Wilson et al., 2022).

Dairy cattle and buffaloes harbouring gastrointestinal parasites in various zones and climatic regions established by scientometrics

The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites (GIP) in cattle and buffaloes from different zones and climatic regions in India was determined by scientometrics. The GIP prevalence studies (64) described during 2004–2021 were retrieved from online databases, and offline literature and meta-analyses were conducted by meta package in R-Software. The GIP prevalence in India was 47% (95% level CI 41–54%, PI 12–85%) in cattle, 42% (95% level CI 35–50%, PI 9–84%) in buffaloes and 45% (95% level CI 40–51%, PI 12–84%) in cattle and buffaloes obtained from 40,884, 27,624 and 74,579 samples, respectively. The GIP prevalence was higher in the South zone (60%) for cattle, North zone (52%) for both buffaloes, and cattle and buffaloes. A higher GIP prevalence was observed in Tamil Nadu for cattle, Chhattisgarh and Tamil Nadu for buffaloes, and Karnataka for cattle and buffaloes. Prevalence of Ostertagia spp. in cattle, Buxtonella spp. in buffaloes, and Haemonchus spp. in cattle and buffaloes were higher among parasitic species. The polar and Semi-Arid Steppe climatic region harbours more GIP than other regions. Thus, the higher prevalence zones, states, sample types, parasite classes, parasitic species, and climatic regions identified in the present study may be used by policymakers for making informed decisions and effectively using scarce resources. However, there is a need to prevent GIP infections by implementing scientific managemental practices in dairy farms, rotational use of anthelmintic drugs, appropriate control, and preventive measures, which will result in beneficial dairy farming in India.

Study on energy use and carbon emission from manufacturing of OPC and blended cements in India.

The demand for production of cements is ever increasing to meet the infrastructure development globally. The energy and emission factors available for cements in most of the life cycle assessment (LCA) databases may not exactly suit for all the geographical locations. The main challenge in Indian scenario is the absence of database for LCA study. This study attempts to develop the energy and emission factors for the manufacturing of cements in Indian context. In the present study, five different cement manufacturing plants located in north, south, east, west and central zones of India are considered to assess the energy dissipation and carbon dioxide emission involved during the production of ordinary Portland cement (OPC). Most of the data is collected from the field, so that the energy and emission factors determined will be suitable for the zonal study. The study is then extended to assess the energy consumption and carbon dioxide emission for three blended cements, viz. Portland Pozzolan cement (PPC), Portland slag cement (PSC) and composite cement (CC) with permissible known replacement levels of fly ash, granulated blast furnace slag and both fly ash and slag, respectively. The average energy use and carbon emission is found to be on higher side in India by 15.14% and 12.64%, respectively, compared to other countries in manufacturing of cements. An average energy consumption in manufacturing of PPC, PSC and CC is found to be respectively 24.5%, 35.3% and 43.13% less compared to that of OPC. The CO2 emission intensity for OPC is found to vary between 893 and 940kg/tonne of cement from five different zones, and an average of respectively 24.8%, 40.97% and 47.18% lower CO2 emission was observed from PPC, PSC and CC compared to OPC. From the inventory results, CC has proven to be a more sustainable cement with low energy consumption and lower CO2 emission compared to other cements.

Bridging Healthcare Disparities for LGBTQ+ Community: A Zonal Study on Medical Students' Attitudes and Knowledge in India

BACKGROUND: The LGBTQ+ community has long endured discrimination worldwide. This marginalized group faces significant health disparities resulting from a lack of inclusion in medical curricula, inadequate training of healthcare professionals, and negative attitudes towards their unique health needs. Such factors may contribute to a hesitancy among medical students to provide appropriate care for LGBTQ+ patients. Understanding the regional nuances can further help guide the development of region-specific educational and sensitization programs for healthcare professionals. Thus, this study seeks to assess attitudes and knowledge of medical students and interns towards the LGBTQ+ community in different zones of India (North, South, and West), and understand the variations across regions, and determine any associated demographic factors influencing the same. METHODS: Respondents were invited to participate in this cross-sectional observational study between June and November 2020 through social media platforms. They were requested to complete a self-administered questionnaire distributed via Google Forms, which was divided into three sections: the first collected demographic data, the second comprised 10 true or false knowledge-based questions, and the third contained an additional set of 10 questions using a 5-point Likert scale to assess participants' attitudes. Associations between attitudes, knowledge, and demographic characteristics were assessed using Chi-square tests (p < 0.05). RESULTS: A total of 862 responses from three zones - North, South, and West - were included in the study. Responses from the East zone were excluded due to the limited number. Among the respondents, 65.4% exhibited an overall positive attitude towards the LGBTQ+ community. Attitudes and demographics showed a statistically significant association, indicating that respondents under the age of 20, female, and medical students were more likely to hold positive attitudes across all three zones. Regarding knowledge, 56.1% of the participants demonstrated overall satisfactory knowledge levels. Knowledge and demographics were found to have a significant association, specifically concerning age and profession, but not gender. However, the zonal analysis revealed that the significant association between knowledge and demographics was only present in the South zone, while the North and West zones did not show significant associations. These findings suggest that factors other than age and profession may be influencing knowledge levels in the North and West zones. CONCLUSION: The present study provides valuable insights into the attitudes and knowledge of medical students and interns towards the LGBTQ+ community in different zones of India - North, South, and West. Despite certain limitations, such as a lower participation rate among interns and the absence of exploring religious affiliations, the findings show a significant proportion of positive attitudes and satisfactory knowledge towards the LGBTQ+ community, reflecting a growing acceptance and empathy among future healthcare professionals. However, the pronounced zonal differences in the responses must be acknowledged, and highlights the importance of region-specific interventions and targeted educational initiatives to enhance knowledge levels in the North and West zones. It is crucial to update the medical curriculum to incorporate comprehensive LGBTQ+ education and provide training and sensitization that ensures optimum care for individuals regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity.

The Symbiodiniaceae and Bacterial Dynamic Composition of the Coral Echinopora gemmacea on Wuzhizhou Island

Coral’s susceptibility to bleaching is determined by the strength of the intricate mutual relationships among coral symbionts. However, there is limited knowledge about how the symbiotic members of the scleractinian coral Echinopora gemmacea respond to changes in their surrounding environmental conditions. In this study, we conducted a survey of seawater characteristics in the south and north zones of Wuzhizhou (WZZ) Island, measured symbiotic microalgal density and chlorophyll-a content in the corals, and performed metabarcoding of the Symbiodiniaceae and bacteria communities within coral tissue. Our findings demonstrated that the seawater in the north zone of WZZ Island had higher levels of turbidity, temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen content compared to the south zone. This indicated that the corals in the two zones were subjected to distinctive environmental conditions. Analysis of the Symbiodiniaceae composition revealed that Cladocopium sp. C1 and Cladocopium sp. C17 were the dominant species in the southern E. gemmacea, whereas Durusdinium sp. D1a and Cladocopium sp. C17 prevailed in the northern E. gemmacea. Consequently, symbiotic microalgal density and chlorophyll-a content were diminished in the northern E. gemmacea. Furthermore, correlation network analysis revealed the presence of intricate bacterial interactions that potentially mediate coral’s adaptation to environmental stress. This study provides insights into the differences in symbiotic members, including Symbiodiniaceae and bacteria, within E. gemmacea, and contributes to fundamental knowledge for coral conservation efforts.

Human health risk assessment of PM10-bound heavy metals and PAHs around the Latin America’s Largest opencast coal mine

Air pollution in opencast coal mine areas is a critical issue, resulting in harmful severe effects on human health. Therefore, it is essential to understand the air pollution factors and to assess the risks to humans. This study evaluated the potential risks (carcinogen and non-carcinogen) of inhalation exposure to PM10-bound heavy metals and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in an open pit mine in northern Colombia. During February-May 2022, PM10 samples were collected at eight sites. Heavy metals (i.e., Al, Cr(VI), Mn, Cu, Zn, As, Pb) and PAHs (thirteen priority PAHs, and one non-priority PAH) levels linked to PM10 were analyzed by X-ray fluorescence and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, respectively. PM10 concentrations were found to range between 4.70 and 59.90 µg m−3. Out of the three different zones of the study area (i.e., North Zone, South Zone, and Populated Zone), the North Zone recorded the highest daily average concentrations of Cr(VI) (104.16 ng m−3), Mn (28.39 ng m−3), Cu (33.75 ng m−3), Zn (57.99 ng m−3), As (44.92 ng m−3), and Pb (27.13 ng m−3). The fraction of the analyzed heavy metals at all monitoring sites was 82%–89% for Al, followed by Cr(VI) with 3%–6%. Cr(VI) was the major contributor to the carcinogenic risk values, while Cu, Cr(VI), and As were the main drivers for the non-carcinogenic risk. The average cancer risk range for heavy metals was 3.30 × 10–04 –5.47 × 10–04. On the other hand, the cancer risk for PAHs exposure was acceptable. The average incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) values varied between 2.87 × 10–07 and 4.21 × 10–07. Benzo[a]pyrene contributed to 54%–56% of the total risk from inhalation of PM10-bound PAHs, while Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene contributed to 16%–19%. Based on the Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis, exposure to Cr(VI) was the main factor affecting cancer risk in the North, South, and Populated Zones. A suitable risk assessment and management plan requires understanding PM10-bound heavy metals and PAHs concentration levels as well as their potential health risks, mainly in open-cast coal mine zones. Our study found that people living near open-pit mines face potential health risks, so it is crucial to establish policies and regulations to control emission sources.

Headteachers Management Practices and its Influence on Teenage Pregnancies in Schools in Tana River Sub County, Tana River County, Kenya

The goal of the research was to evaluate the Head Teacher’s Management practices and its influence on Teenage pregnancy in schools in Tana River Sub- County, Tana River County. The study employed Rational Emotive Behavior Theory, Theory of Joharis Window of Personality and Communication Privacy Management Theory. The study employed descriptive research design. The study was carried out on 100 people from Galole North Zone in Tana River Sub County, Tana River County, Kenya. Stratified random sampling was encompassed to institute a sample size of 80. The investigator used primary data collection instruments. Expert opinion was used to ensure data validity and reliability. The data was analyzed descriptively by means and the standard deviation, while multiple regression analysis was used to establish the influence between the variables. The study revealed that the correlation coefficient between head teachers supervision practices and teen pregnancies in Tana River County is -0.088. The P-value of 0.544 also shows that there exist no significant association between head teachers supervision practices and teen pregnancies since the P-value is above the 0.05 test of significance. Support practices was found to be strongly positive correlated to teen pregnancies with a coefficient of 0.886 with a P-value of 0.000 which is below the threshold of 0.05 thereby indicating a statistically significant association between support practices and teen pregnancies. Communication practices was found have a weak positive correlation to teen pregnancies in Tana River County with a coefficient value of 0.427. The study found that parental communication on peer group pressure could reduce chances of teenage pregnancy in Tana River Sub- County. The study conclude that parental communication on peer group pressure could reduce chances of teenage pregnancy in Tana River Sub- County. The study recommends that efforts on educating people regarding teenage pregnancy should be focused on areas that are poor. Parents should also take the initiative of talking to their children about sex. The government should also ensure that they, the parents are well educated on the how and when to talk about sex with their children.

PRESERVATION OF CRAFT HERITAGE AND ITS POTENTIAL IN YOUTH ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT

The community's involvement in preserving cultural heritage is very important and greatly impacts it. One of the ways to involve the community in the preservation of cultural heritage, especially in fine arts and crafts, is to combine those efforts with economic benefits for the target group. The strategy will attract the community's interest, especially those looking for a job or wanting to increase their economic resources. Financial problems, job loss, and unemployment are big issues among today's youth. The study focuses on forming a step that can act as a double-edged sword that aims at two objectives; preserve cultural heritage and create new economic resources, especially for the youth. Therefore, this study aims to identify the potential of intangible cultural heritage (fine arts and crafts) in creating new economic resources for youth facing unemployment. This study was carried out using a mixed-methodology approach which is a combination of quantitative and qualitative implemented in Malaysia covering all zones, namely North Zone (Penang), West/Central Zone (Selangor), East Zone (Terengganu) and East Malaysia Zone (Sabah). The questionnaire involved 155 youth groups involved in the traditional craft sector. In-depth interview method with respondents consisting of government bodies such as the National Heritage Department, the Malaysian Handicrafts Development Corporation, and NGOs from other relevant agencies. The results of the study found that intangible cultural heritage (fine arts and crafts) can be preserved by making it a new economic resource among the youth. With the support of the government, help from the aspect of training, and the interest of the youth itself, the craft heritage has the potential to generate income while guaranteeing the sustainability of this cultural heritage. This study is expected to be a backup for the government in designing any cultural heritage preservation program that greatly impacts the community, especially the youth. It becomes a new economic source for them.

A comprehensive study of the estuary sea environment in the Bay of Bengal, near the Mahanadi River confluence

This study focuses on the environmental conditions of the Mahanadi Estuary near Paradeep Harbor and the adjacent sea. Data collected from May 2013 to April 2020 from 32 GPS fixed stations was analyzed to assess the water quality in different zones (estuarine, mixed zone, mixed zone south, and mixed zone north) of study area. Parameters such as pH, SST, TSS, nitrite, phosphate, silicate, TOC, chlorophyll, fecal coliform, and heavy metals were used to estimate the Water Quality Index (WQI) for each zone. The study found a deterioration (> 30%) in the overall water quality of the Mahanadi Estuary from 2013 to 2020, potentially attributed to river inflows, port activities, and industrial outflows in to the coastal ecosystem. Seasonal variations in temperature, salinity, turbidity, nitrite, nitrate, and ammonia were observed. The water quality showed a deteriorating trend in estuarine, mixed zone, mixed zone south, and mixed zone north. Based on the water quality indices, the ecosystem shows moderate levels of stress. The degraded water quality highlights the need for a targeted mitigation plan to reduce external pressures and enhance the overall ecosystem quality.Graphical