The effect of physical activity on healthy lifestyle, self-esteem and psychological well-being in late adolescents.

Poultry Proteus mirabilis in selected areas of Hunan, China: Resistance profiles and virulence genes.

Culinary wisdom is an essential part of a culture as it signifies the way of life, belief system, traditions, the environment, and social contexts of communities. Phuket has been recognized as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy and a primary tourism city in Thailand, with a highlight in the cultural diversity of food reflecting the way of life from birth to death. Food also plays a crucial role in local rituals as well as festivals, during which wisdom is transmitted from generation to generation. Understanding the elements that influence local food culture and wisdom will lay the groundwork for the long - term preservation, development, and perpetuation of this precious heritage. This knowledge will enable the continuous presentation of its value to a broader audience, as well as foster a sense of pride in the unique identity of the local commu nity. Furthermore, it will aggressively promote cultural heritage conservation and the development of gastronomic t ourism, which can provide sustainable economic benefits and enhance the international reputation of the city. Thus, factors influencing the transmission of cultural and culinary wisdom in Phuket were studied. In the study, data were collected from 1,200 pe ople using a simple random sample (400 local people, 400 Thai tourists, and 400 foreign tourists). The findings were evaluated using both exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Research results revealed that 5 factors have an influence on the inheritance of cultural and culinary wisdom in Phuket for Thai and foreign tourists, including 1) knowledgeable chefs representing their culture in cooking, 2) the authenticity of recipes and cooking, 3) heritage food that is subject to cultural and societal influences, 4) inheritance, and 5) the locality of ingredients. All 5 factors can be applied to promote the efficiency of gastronomy tourism for the image of Phuket's local food.

The success of every organisation depends on her financial capacity, which plays a fundamental role in production. In recent time, poor financial capacity among industries in the Nigerian productive sector has resulted into poor internal Control policies. This study investigated the impact of internal control and financial performance on small and medium scale enterprises in Kebbi State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design research was adopted. The estimated workers’ population of all respondents selected as of 2025 were 2,200 which consist of CEO’s, Managers, and Internal control units of the various SMEs in Kebbi State, Nigeria. A total of 338 respondents were sampled for the study using simple random sampling technique. A self-designed questionnaire was administered. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient Analysis was employed to test the five hypotheses with a two-tailed test of significance at P<0.01 level. The results revealed that there is a significant relationship between individual internal control components and financial performance of small and medium enterprises in Kebbi state Nigeria. There also exists combined relationship between the internal control components (control environment, risk assessment, control activities, monitoring, information, and communication) and financial performance of small and medium enterprises in Kebbi state NNigeria. The study recommends regular and timely financial audits to help SMEs detect any gaps in their financial systems and financial performance. The management of the SME should conduct an annual evaluation of the financial reporting process and implement an internal audit system that permits monitoring of operational efficiency. The study also suggests that a frequent risk assessment be conducted so that SME management may determine whether or not their goals will be reached. In addition to implementing proper controls in the custody and disposal of assets, the management of a small to medium-scale enterprise (SME) should consider; control activities and information, and communication in order to improve financial performance.

Introduction: Emergency contraception (EC) is a method used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse, following incorrect use or failure of regular contraceptive methods, including cases of sexual assault where no contraceptive protection was used. The widespread availability of emergency contraception in middle‑income nations like Zambia offers an effective means of preventing a large proportion of unintended pregnancies. The aim of this study was to establish the level of knowledge, attitude and perception of female students (18-49) towards emergency contraceptive pill utilization at Lusaka Apex Medical University. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and perception of female students (18-49) towards emergency contraceptive pill utilization at Lusaka Apex Medical University. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 230 respondents to participate in the study. The ethical approval was obtained from The University of Zambia Biomedical Research Ethics Committee (REF. No. 5593-2024), and Lusaka Apex Medical University respectively. Primary data was collected from 230 study participants using structured questionnaire with closed ended questions. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS version 29 and MS excel and was presented using tables and pie charts. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to examine the relationships between socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge, attitude and perception parameters. Results: The study found that, the largest age group among the participants was 41-49 years, comprising 30% of the sample, while the smallest age group was 21-30 years, accounting for 22.17%. In addition, the study disclosed that, most of the respondents (70%) at Lusaka Apex Medical University possessed an adequate level of knowledge regarding the utilization of emergency contraceptive pills, whereas 30% exhibited inadequate knowledge on the subject. Age (p < 0.003), marital status (p < 0.004), religion (p < 0.001), level of education (p < 0.000), occupation (p < 0.000) and number of children (p < 0.000) were found to have significant association with level of knowledge on emergency contraceptive pill utilization among female students at Lusaka Apex Medical University. Apart from that, the study also revealed that most of the respondents (71.8%) had positive attitudes towards emergency contraceptive pills utilization at Lusaka Apex Medical University in Zambia. In addition, 28.2% of study participants had negative attitudes towards emergency contraceptive pills utilization. The study further exposed that, a good proportion of study participants (65%) had a positive perception of emergency contraceptive pills utilization, in contrast to 35% who held negative perceptions. Conclusion: The study concludes that female students at Lusaka Apex Medical University generally demonstrate adequate knowledge, positive attitudes, and favorable perceptions toward the utilization of emergency contraceptive pills. However, notable proportions of participants still exhibited inadequate knowledge, negative attitudes, and unfavorable perceptions, indicating existing gaps. Therefore, the researcher recommends that Lusaka Apex Medical University, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Higher Education, and international partners such as WHO and UNESCO, strengthens and institutionalizes targeted reproductive health promotion programs on emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) utilization. These programs should integrate comprehensive health education, social mobilization, health communication, peer education, and counseling to enhance knowledge, promote informed decision-making, and foster positive perceptions of ECP use among female students in institutions of higher learning. Additionally, the introduction of community discussions and campus-based health forums is recommended to address misconceptions and shift negative perceptions toward ECP utilization.

Culture strongly embeds in the formation and evolution of civilizations, virtues, and knowledge. It is not only practiced by its bearers but also seeps into the society having varied ethnicities resulting in the cultural diversity and educational institutions are chief mean of culture expansion. Cultural diversity influences student’s education, personality, morality, intellectual capability, and environment. Hence, this research examines the impacts of cultural diversity on university students’ several aspects. It is a cross-sectional quantitative research using survey method. The population is private universities’ students of Karachi, sample size is 377 selected through simple random sampling. For data collection Likert scale is used and data is analyzed through one sample t-test on SPSS. The interpreted results show positive impacts of cultural diversity on students’ academic progress, workplace potentialities, and society development. Furthermore, the findings support research purpose and suggest to keep the cultural diversity protected and promoted along with assuring safety of students, providence and implementation of several resources for the representation of different cultures in educational institutions, and to train students and teachers to build resilience for the people belonging to diverse communities. Carefully following these precise steps would assure the solidarity and positive outcomes of students regarding learning experiences.

Technology plays an indispensable role in improving the critical thinking skills of upcoming generations. It is a great tool to make learning more interesting and productive. This research was carried out to investigate how technology influences the development of critical thinking skills among Post Millennials or generation Z. The research was quantitative in nature, and the descriptive method was used. In descriptive method, the technique of cross-sectional survey was used for data collection. The entire BS students at different colleges of Kotli AJ&K constitute the population of the study. A sample of 300 students was drawn by the researcher from the sampling frame through a simple random sampling technique. A self-developed questionnaire on Likert Scale was employed to gather the data. SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) was used for the analysis of the data collected. Mean and Standard Deviation were used to interpret the students' responses. The results show that digital technology level up the critical thinking skills of generation Z. The finding showed that identical mean scores tend toward the agreement statement. The use of digital technology widens the problem solving, decision making, and critical thinking skills to compete in the global market, which is the demand of the present era. Government is advised to set aside a generous amount of money for the integration of technology in learning and also to provide training programs and workshops for teachers who are digitally illiterate, so that they can understand and confidently implement technology for teaching.

The relationship between personality and social attitudes represents a significant component in understanding resistance to gender equality. This study examined how the Dark Triad personality traits (Machiavellianism, Narcissism, & Psychopathy) relate to attitudes toward women’s empowerment among university students located within Gujrat, Pakistan. The study used a cross-sectional survey design. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the sample size of 400 (53.5% Female, 46.5% Male) students from faculty of social sciences, University of Gujrat, Pakistan. Data were collected through the Short Dark Triad (Jones & Paulhus, 2013) and the Attitude toward Women Empowerment Scale (Shuja et al., 2020). The study performed a Pearson correlation and found a statistically significant negative correlation between Dark Triad traits and support for women’s empowerment (r = -.28, p < .01). The findings of multiple regression analysis highlighted that the Machiavellianism was a statistically significant (beta = -.30, p < .001) negative predictor of support for women’s empowerment. Narcissism and Psychopathy reached no statistical significance within multiple regression analysis. The study also found that males had a significantly higher score on the Dark Triad traits versus and also provided lower support for women’s empowerment than females (d = -.58). The findings of this study are framed in Social Role Theory and the Theory of Planned Behavior, indicating that psychological inhibitions to gender parity are largely attributed to strategic

Social and emotional competence refers to the ability to effectively manage one’s thoughts, emotions, and behavior. This research is envisioned to analyze the impact of high school teachers’ social-emotional competencies on their psychological well-being and self-efficacy. The core to explore the relationships between different aspects of social-emotional competence, psychological well-being and self-efficacy of high school teachers. The nature of the study was descriptive. The population under research consisted of all district Sargodha public high school teachers. The study’s sample size was 400 public high school teachers. Simple random sampling method was employed to choose the sample. A questionnaire for social-emotional competencies was adopted by CASEL 2017, whereas a self-developed tool was used for psychological well-being and self-efficacy. Pilot testing was carried out, and the value of Cronbach Alpha was 0.967. The result showed a significant relationship between social-emotional competencies, psychological well-being, and teachers' self-efficacy. It is recommended that social emotional competencies and psychological well-being may be foster to boost self-efficacy of teachers.

The prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in Asia reaches 36% based on Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) results, and healthcare workers represent a high-risk group for occupational TB exposure. In South Sulawesi Province, 2,488 LTBI cases were reported in 2024, with Makassar City contributing the highest number. This study aimed to identify determinants of LTBI among healthcare workers in community health centers in Makassar City using a retrospective case-control design. Cases were healthcare workers with positive TST results recorded in the SITB database, while controls were healthcare workers from the same centers with negative TST results selected through simple random sampling with a 1:1 ratio. Bivariate analysis was conducted using Odds Ratios (OR), and variables with p < 0.25 were included in a multivariate logistic regression model to determine independent factors. A total of 316 cases and 316 controls were analyzed. Inconsistent mask use (AOR = 5.20; 95% CI: 3.60–7.51), history of contact with TB patients (AOR = 2.63; 95% CI: 1.82–3.80), and absence of BCG immunization (AOR = 2.30; 95% CI: 1.50–3.53) were independently associated with LTBI. Although smoking was significant in bivariate analysis, it was not retained in the final multivariate model. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening infection prevention and control practices and routine LTBI screening among healthcare workers in primary healthcare settings.

Background Tuberculosis, the second deadliest infectious disease in the world after COVID-19, is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This bacterium most commonly affects the lungs. Economic and financial barriers can hinder access to healthcare services for the diagnosis and management of this disease. The objective of this study was to determine the cost of managing drug-sensitive tuberculosis in the Selembao Health Zone, specifically at the Diagnostic and Treatment Center (CSDT) of Makala General Referral Hospital. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from February 24 to March 17, 2024, involving 122 tuberculosis patients who were diagnosed, treated, and declared cured at the tuberculosis screening and treatment center (CSDT) Makala, in the Selembao Health Zone. A simple random probability sampling method was used. Descriptive analyses were performed to determine the costs (direct, indirect, and total) associated with tuberculosis management. Results The direct cost of managing drug-sensitive tuberculosis per patient in our study area (Selembao) ranged from 139,150 to 787,150 CDF (50.6 to 286.2 USD), with a median of 214,150 CDF (77.9 USD), based on the exchange rate of 2,750 CDF for 1 USD during the study period. The indirect cost per patient was estimated at 6,000 to 7,860,000 CDF (2.2 to 2,858.2 USD), with a median of 796,000 CDF (289.5 USD). The total cost of care ranged from 172,150 to 8,040,000 CDF (62.6 to 2,923.6 USD), with a median of 1,026,650 CDF (373.3 USD). The share of the DRC government in supporting the management of this disease was estimated at 12.1% of the total cost. Conclusions The management of drug-sensitive tuberculosis remains a significant financial burden not only for patients but also for their families and households. We therefore recommend substantial government support to enhance the coverage of this condition.

The purpose of the current study is to examines the impact of AI awareness, perceived AI bias, and ethical concerns on pharmaceutical marketing decisions, with trust as a mediating variable. Artificial Intelligence has changed the world and everything is in the process of transformation. In the pharmaceutical sector the AI integration has great impact on its marketing and decision-making. Many problems are faced in its proper integration because of algorithmic bias, ethical issues, and trust among professionals. The research adopts a quantitative survey-based approach and collects data from medical representatives also known as the real marketers, working for pharmaceutical companies. A sample of 274 respondents was selected using Cochran’s sampling formula. The study used simple random sampling technique and the data were analyzed in SPSS 25. The findings reveal that AI awareness significantly and positively influences pharmaceutical marketing decision-making. The PAI bias negatively affects decision outcomes while the ethical concerns positively influence decision-making. Moreover, the mediation analysis confirms that trust plays a crucial role in strengthening the relationship between AI awareness and decision-making, while reducing the negative effects of perceived bias. The study highlights the importance of AI literacy. The pharma sector must ensure transparency and implement ethical frameworks to develop trust for successful AI adoption.

This study analyzed the profitability of taro farming in North Central, Nigeria. A simple random sampling design was used to select 220 taro farmers based on a well-structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, farm budgetary technique, and depreciation of assets, financial analysis, multiple regression analysis, and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance. The average age and farm experience of taro farmers were 42 and 10 years, respectively. The results show that the mean total cost of taro production per hectare was 410.442$, while the mean total revenue was 1066.67$ indicating a substantial positive margin. The calculated t-value of (112.14) was greater than the tabulated t-value (1.96) at 5% level of significance, this implies that taro production was profitable in the study area. The profitability analysis further shows a gross margin of 827.25$ and a net farm income of 656.22$, reflecting a rate of return on investment (ROI) of 1.596. Despite the high profitability, variation in returns SD = 87,602 relative to cost SD = 42,594 suggest disparities in the efficiency and access to productive resources. Age, experience, education, and farm size were significant factors influencing the net farm income of taro farmers. These findings underscore the economic potential of taro as a food security and income generating crop in Nigeria. The study recommends strengthening agricultural input support programs through access to inputs, use of resistant varieties, enhancing extension service delivery system and improving market infrastructure, value addition to sustain profitability among taro farmers.

ABSTRACT This study presents results on the influence of educational qualifications on adherence to professional conduct. The study employed a quantitative research approach with an ex-post facto design to determine the statistical difference in professional conduct adherence among certificate, diploma, and bachelor’s degree teachers. 150 primary school teachers selected through stratified simple random sampling were involved in the study. Data were collected through questionnaires, and the analysis used the Kruskal–Wallis test by ranks. The study found that teachers’ educational qualifications positively influence their professional competencies, but make teachers pay less attention to prescribed laws and regulations, and make them more goal-oriented instead. The study recommends that opportunities for teachers to upgrade their educational qualifications be made available as much as possible, allowing them to broaden their understanding of their profession. The study also recommends the involvement of teachers by educational authorities in formulating educational guidelines before their implementation.

In July 2025, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) National Capital Region sent out Memorandum No. 59, Series of 2025 to colleges and universities in NCR. It was about the 2025 ASEAN Month Celebration it specifies that the higher education institution must take part in and celebrate ASEAN month by doing the activities that are suggested. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the implementation of the 2025 ASEAN Month activities at a higher education institution in Las Piñas City, Philippines. A descriptive-quantitative methodology was employed, involving 277 students selected utilizing simple random sampling and 20 full-time instructors. The data was examined using an independent sample t-test and a weighted mean. The results indicates that both parties "Strongly Agree" with the events of ASEAN Month. Respondents were pleased with the event's outcome, including the topics covered, the way it was organized, and how well everything worked together to achieve its objectives. The difference between instructors' and students' scores is statistically significant (t = 2.540, p = 0.01586). Using the data, an action plan was created to support the future implementation of ASEAN Month activities. It emphasizes the need for these programs to be continuously evaluated in order to foster a sense of community and support the globalization objectives of the Commission on Higher Education. Promotes regional awareness, intercultural learning, and ASEAN collaboration, supporting United Nations SDG 4 and SDG 17.

This study explores the role of ethical standards in school supervision for sustainable national development in secondary schools in Obudu Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria. The research was guided by two main objectives. The study employed a quantitative research approach to investigate the ethical sensitivity and professional competence of school supervisors and their role in promoting sustainable national development in secondary schools. A descriptive survey research design was adopted to systematically collect and analyze numerical data from a sample of 57 teachers in secondary schools in Obudu Local Government Area, selected from the population of 413 teachers across 28 public secondary schools through simple random sampling. Data were collected using structured, closed-ended questionnaires designed to capture participants ' views on ethical standards in school supervision for sustainable national development (ESSSSNDQ). Validity of the instruments was ensured through expert review and alignment with research objectives, while reliability was established using the test-retest method. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics via SPSS version 27, with findings presented in tables, graphs, and narrative summaries. The study concludes that school supervision grounded in strong ethical standards and professional competence is a key driver of educational quality and sustainable development. It recommends, among others, that the government should create a national framework for ethical and respectful supervision.

To assess the nutritional status and identify associated factors among children under 5 years residing in Ward 10 of Bhimdatta Municipality, Kanchanpur District, Sudurpashchim Province, Nepal. Community-based cross-sectional study. Ward 10 of Bhimdatta Municipality, the second-largest ward by population within the municipality. A total of 248 children aged 6-59 months were selected using simple random sampling from a list of eligible children compiled through the local vitamin A supplementation programme. Children who were ill for more than 7 days, had physical deformities or whose mothers were illiterate were excluded. Data were collected between 2 January and 25 May 2024. Nutritional status was assessed using anthropometric indicators-height-for-age (stunting), weight-for-height (wasting) and weight-for-age (underweight)-according to WHO Child Growth Standards. Measurements were taken using a ShorrBoard to the nearest 0.1 cm, and WHO Anthro V.3.1.0 was used to generate Z-scores. Data were analysed using EpiData V.3.1 and SPSS V.20. Descriptive statistics were computed, and χ2 tests identified candidate variables for multinomial logistic regression to determine factors associated with nutritional status. The study found that 35.08% of children under 5 years in Ward 10 were affected by some form of under-nutrition. A significant association was observed between under-nutrition and exclusive breastfeeding practices (p<0.05), underscoring the importance of early infant feeding practices. Model adequacy was confirmed using likelihood ratio and Pearson's χ2 tests. Under-nutrition remains a major public health concern among children under 5 years in Bhimdatta Municipality. Interventions focusing on promoting exclusive breastfeeding, improving maternal education and strengthening household food security are recommended to enhance child nutritional outcomes.

The study investigates pastors’ attitudes toward using social media for counselling and promoting family harmony among Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) members in Kwara State, Nigeria. It is quantitative research that adopted a descriptive survey research type. The population for this study comprised all Redeemed Christian Church of God pastors in Kwara State. One hundred and fifty-two (152) pastors were sampled for the study using a simple random sampling technique. A researcher-designed questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.77 was used for data collection, while the data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics of the percentage, mean, and rank order to answer the research questions. The finding revealed that the most used social media platforms were Facebook, messenger and WhatsApp. The attitude of pastors toward the use of social media was positive. Power failure was one of the challenges the pastors faced during the counselling sessions. Based on the findings, it was concluded that RCCG pastors have a positive attitude towards the use of social media platforms. It was therefore recommended that pastors should seek other means of power supply in order not to disrupt their counselling sessions.

Abstract Background: This study aimed to evaluate and compare NCD awareness and associated risk factors among adolescents in rural and urban schools of West Bengal. Subjects and Methods: A school-based, analytical study was conducted from March to August 2021 in selected schools across three districts of West Bengal using a multistage sampling technique. A total of 320 adolescents (160 urban, 160 rural) were selected using probability proportional to size and simple random sampling. Data were collected using a pre-tested, validated questionnaire and standardised physical measurements. Awareness was assessed using an 8-item Likert scale. Risk factors, including dietary habits, physical activity, body mass index, waist–hip ratio and blood pressure, were evaluated. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS v20. Results: Urban students showed higher awareness of NCDs, including hypertension (100% vs. 88.6%), diabetes and coronary heart disease ( P &lt; 0.001). Median knowledge scores were lower (better awareness) in urban students (10, interquartile range [IQR]: 8) than rural students (11, IQR: 7, P &lt; 0.001). Rural students had higher overweight/obesity prevalence (26.9% vs. 14.4%, P = 0.008) and extra salt intake (27.5% vs. 12.5%, P &lt; 0.001). Physical activity and fruit/vegetable intake were suboptimal in both groups. Conclusion: Urban students demonstrated better awareness, whereas rural adolescents showed a higher burden of modifiable risk factors. School-based programs, parental engagement and community surveillance are vital to prevent NCDs in adolescence.

Background: Production of cement is a dusty industrial process which includes emission of particulates, gases, solid waste, etc. Cement industries are regarded as one of the major source of environmental pollution. Cement factory workers are prone to occupational hazards. They encounter detrimental impact on their health due to prolong and repeated exposure to cement dust. This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of cement dust exposure duration on liver function parameters (Serum bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase) in cement factory workers. Materials and methods: Across-sectional comparative study design was adopted in this work. It was conducted in Department of Physiology, Chittagong Medical College in collaboration with Confidence cement factory Ltd. Chattogram from July 2022 to June 2023. Apparently healthy total 96 male subjects, aged between 20-50 years with BMI 18.5-27.5kg/m2 were included in this study by simple random sampling using lottery technique. Among them 48 cement factory workers, who were directly exposed to cement dust for at least 5 years and 48 subjects, engaged in desk job/office work, not directly exposed to cement dust in their working environment were enrolled in this study. To assess liver function serum ALT, AST, ALP and serum bilirubin were estimated. Unpaired Student’s t-test and ANOVA test were done for statistical analysis. Results: Mean values of serum ALT and AST were significantly higher in workers exposed for 10-14 years. Other parameters showed non significant changes between groups. Conclusion: The results of this study suggests that duration of exposure to cement dust might not cause significant differences in the liver function of cement factory workers. Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.24 (2); July 2025; Page 47-51