Lack Of Resources Research Articles

Co-creation and application of a framework for the de-prioritization of urban communities during insecticide-treated bed net mass campaigns for malaria prevention and control in Kwara State, Nigeria

BackgroundMalaria continues to be a major cause of illness and death worldwide, particularly affecting children under the age of five and those living in high-burden countries like Nigeria. Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) are one of the effective interventions for malaria control and prevention. In response to funding constraints in the Global Fund Grant Cycle 7, Nigeria’s National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) aimed to develop an approach that maximizes the impact of limited malaria interventions by focusing on areas with the greatest need. We developed an urban LLINs distribution framework and a novel strategy, which was piloted in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State.MethodsA participatory action research approach, combined with abductive inquiry, was employed to co-design a framework for guiding bed net distribution. The final framework consisted of three phases: planning, data review and co-decision-making, and implementation. During the framework’s operationalization, malaria risk scores were computed at the ward level using four key variables, including malaria case data and environmental factors, and subsequently mapped. A multistakeholder dialogue facilitated the selection of the final malaria risk maps. Additionally, data from an ongoing study were analyzed to determine whether local definitions of formal, informal, and slum settlements could inform community-level stratification of malaria risk in cities.ResultsAkanbi 4, a ward located in Ilorin South and Are 2, a ward in Ilorin East consistently had lower risk scores, a finding corroborated during the multistakeholder dialogue. A map combining malaria test positivity rates among children under five and the proportion of poor settlements was identified as the most accurate depiction of ward-level malaria risk. Malaria prevalence varied significantly across the categories of formal, informal, and slum settlements, resulting in specific definitions developed for Ilorin. Thirteen communities classified as formal settlements in Are 2 were de-prioritized during the bed net distribution campaign.ConclusionsThe framework shows promise in facilitating evidence-based decision-making under resource constraints. The findings highlight the importance of stakeholder engagement in evaluating data outputs, particularly in settings with limited and uncertain data. Enhancing surveillance systems is crucial for a more comprehensive approach to intervention tailoring, in alignment with WHO’s recommendations.

Mandatory sustainability reporting guidelines, ESG performance and market reaction: evidence from China

ABSTRACT This study investigates the reaction of the Chinese market to firms with varying levels of environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance following the announcement by regulators regarding the adoption of mandatory sustainability reporting guidelines in 2025. Applying an event study design, we find that: (1) the mandatory announcement triggers significant positive abnormal returns for firms with better ESG performance; (2) financing constraints and slack resources enhance and weaken the positive reaction, respectively; (3) higher performance in social and governance dimensions has more significant positive reaction than environment dimension. These findings suggest that the mandatory guidelines strengthen the market preference for firms with higher ESG performance.

Optimizing SIKE for blockchain-based IoT ecosystems with resource constraints

Blockchain technology offers a robust framework for integration with the Internet of Things (IoT), enhancing interoperability, security, privacy, and scalability in modern technological ecosystems. However, traditional cryptographic protocols used in blockchain systems are increasingly vulnerable to quantum attacks due to advancements in quantum computing. In response, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has prioritized research in post-quantum cryptography, presenting challenges and opportunities for developing blockchain-based applications tailored to IoT devices. Among the post-quantum cryptographic schemes evaluated in NIST's third standardization round, the Supersingular Isogeny Key Encapsulation (SIKE) protocol stands out for its relatively small public and private key sizes. Despite this advantage, SIKE faces challenges related to high latency, necessitating efficient implementations to make it viable for real-world applications. This research focuses on optimizing the cryptographic foundations of blockchain networks to securely and efficiently integrate resource-constrained IoT ecosystems. By enhancing the SIKE protocol, which exhibits strong resistance to brute-force and whitewashing attacks, the study achieves significant performance improvements. Our FPGA-based implementation on the VIRTEX-6 XC6VLX760 demonstrates reduced latency, achieving a key generation time of 24 ms, encapsulation time of 72 ms, and decapsulation time of 73 ms for SIKEp434. These results highlight the feasibility of deploying SIKE-optimized blockchain networks in IoT environments with stringent resource constraints.

THE DELAY OF PLANNING PERMISSION APPLICATION OF TAHFIZ INSTITUTION IN SELANGOR

This paper investigates the delays in planning permission applications for Tahfiz institutions in Selangor. Malaysia experiences a significant number of illegal constructions that are built without the required planning licences, primarily due to insufficient monitoring and enforcement by local authorities. The absence of supervision results in unapproved constructions that can potentially endanger safety and hinder urban planning initiatives, and this includes the illegal construction of Tahfiz Institutions. There is no proper regulation on the development of Tahfiz Institution in terms of its Planning Permission until the year 2020. In 2021, the Selangor state has established a guideline on the Legalisation of Private Religious Schools (Tahfiz Institution) after the wake of the tragic incident of a deadly fire at Tahfiz Darul Quran Ittifaqiyah in September 2017. A purposive sampling method is chosen for expert interviews. Through interviews with two professional town planners responsible for preparing submissions, two town planning officers from the local authority involved in evaluating planning permissions, and an owner of a Tahfiz institution who has experienced the submission process, as well as a review of secondary data, several key factors were identified: regulatory complexity, a lack of awareness and understanding of technical requirements, inefficiencies in government initiatives, resource constraints, and extended timelines due to technical requirements. The study highlights the significant implications of these findings for the development and operation of Tahfiz institutions. Simplifying regulatory processes, enhancing awareness and educational efforts, improving implemented guidelines, providing financial support, and strengthening coordination among agencies are recommended to address these challenges. Correspondingly, the study acknowledges its limitations, including its focus on the planning permission process. By addressing the identified factors, policymakers can create a more supportive environment for the growth and sustainability of Tahfiz institutions in Malaysia.

Resource constraints, patient emotions, and therapy: experiences of healthcare providers in the screening and management of gestational diabetes mellitus in northern Ghana

Abstract Background Studies on healthcare providers’ experiences in screening and managing Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) are rare in northern Ghana. Understanding the experiences of healthcare providers in the screening and management of GDM has the potential to identify best practices to improve GDM care. Hence, this study sought to explore the experiences of healthcare providers in screening and managing GDM. Materials and methods This was a qualitative study of five key informants involved in the screening and management of GDM, specifically an obstetrician, a dietician/nutritionist, a nurse, and two midwives in the northern region of Ghana. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with the aid of an interview guide, and the data were analysed via thematic analysis. We ensured trustworthiness through reflexivity, member checking, peer-debriefing, providing rich text, and keeping an audit trail. Results Two main themes and six subthemes were generated. The first theme was resource-centred experiences, which explored events at the Antenatal Care (ANC) and the challenges in GDM screening and management, with subthemes namely: ANC setups, inadequate resources, and non-compliance. The second theme was care-centred experiences, which explored patient emotions during GDM care, and the care they receive post-GDM diagnosis, with subthemes namely: raw emotions, non-pharmacological therapy, and pharmacotherapy. Conclusion Findings suggest the need for health system strengthening through the training and recruitment of dedicated skilled personnel, as well as government intervention through policy revision to cover the cost of GDM diagnostic tests. Healthcare providers should also consider the psycho-emotional impact of diagnosis when managing GDM. The findings could be relevant for health policy, planning, advocacy, and social and behaviour change communication aimed at effective screening and management of GDM.

Network and Energy Storage Joint Planning and Reconstruction Strategy for Improving Power Supply and Renewable Energy Acceptance Capacities

The integration of distributed generation (DG) into distribution networks has significantly increased the strong coupling between power supply capacity and renewable energy acceptance capacity. Addressing this strong coupling while enhancing both capacities presents a critical challenge in modern distribution network development. This study introduces an innovative joint planning and reconstruction strategy for network and energy storage, designed to simultaneously enhance power supply capacity and renewable energy acceptance capacity. The proposed approach employs a bi-level optimization model: the upper level focuses on minimizing economic costs by determining the optimal locations and capacities of energy storage systems and the layout of network lines, while the lower level aims to maximize power supply and renewable energy acceptance capacities by optimizing line switch states. Additionally, this research quantifies the coupling relationship between these two capacities under uncertainty, providing a deeper understanding of their dynamic interaction. Advanced computational techniques, including Monte Carlo simulations and particle swarm optimization (PSO), are utilized to solve the model efficiently. Case studies demonstrate that the proposed strategy effectively enhances both power supply and renewable energy acceptance capacities. Furthermore, exploring the strong coupling relationship between these two capacities under various conditions not only optimizes the utilization of renewable energy in the power system and prevents resource waste, but also helps avoid the volatility impacts of renewable energy uncertainty on the power system in actual planning. Additionally, the network and energy storage joint planning and reconstruction strategy proposed in this study achieves cost minimization under the constraint of limited resources and simultaneously enhanced both capacities. The strategy provides feasible solutions for power grid planning in actual applications.

Evaluating the Impact of Big Data Analytics in Rural-Based Hospitals.

While the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, rural-based hospitals face unique challenges in providing quality patient care amidst resource constraints and geographical isolation. This study evaluates the impact of big data analytics in rural-based hospitals in relation to service delivery and shaping future policies. Evaluating the impact of big data analytics in rural-based hospitals will assist in discovering the benefits and challenges pertinent to this hospital. The study employs a positivist paradigm to quantitatively analyze collected data from rural-based hospital professionals from the Information Technology (IT) departments. Through a comprehensive evaluation of big data analytics, this study seeks to provide valuable insights into the feasibility, infrastructure, policies, development, benefits and challenges associated with incorporating big data analytics into rural-based hospitals for day-to-day operations. The findings are expected to contribute to the ongoing discourse on healthcare innovation, particularly in rural-based hospitals and inform strategies for optimizing the implementation and use of big data analytics to improve patient care, decision-making, operations and healthcare sustainability in rural-based hospitals.

An Update on the Impact of Case-Based Learning on Critical Thinking in Clinical Decision Making in Uganda Nursing Education: A Narrative Review

Nursing education in Uganda plays an essential role in preparing healthcare professionals to address the country’s diverse and complex health challenges. However, traditional teaching approaches, which often rely heavily on rote learning, fail to adequately equip nursing students with critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills, essential competencies for effective patient care. Case-based learning (CBL) has emerged as a promising instructional strategy that promotes active engagement, problem-solving, and the application of theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. This review examines the potential of CBL to transform nursing education in Uganda by fostering critical thinking and enhancing clinical decision-making among students. Evidence from global studies indicates that CBL significantly improves professional students competencies by bridging the gap between theory and practice, encouraging reflective thinking, and providing context-specific learning experiences. In Uganda, the integration of CBL remains limited due to systemic challenges, including resource constraints, large student-to-teacher ratios, and insufficient access to simulation tools. Additionally, cultural and institutional resistance to shifting from traditional teaching methods hinders the adoption of innovative pedagogies like CBL. Despite these barriers, subjective evidence and preliminary studies suggest that when implemented effectively, CBL can lead to improved critical thinking, better clinical judgment or decision making, and enhanced readiness for professional practice among nursing students. To fully realize the benefits of CBL in Uganda, a multi-faceted approach is required. This includes incorporating CBL into nursing curricula, providing educators with targeted training and resources, and investing in infrastructure such as simulation labs and digital learning platforms. Aligning case scenarios with local healthcare challenges can enhance the relevance and effectiveness of CBL in preparing students for the realities of clinical practice. Handling these challenges and fostering a culture of pedagogical innovation, Uganda’s nursing education system can leverage CBL to produce competent and confident nursing professionals capable of meeting the country’s evolving healthcare needs. Keywords: Impact, Case-Based Learning, Critical Thinking, Clinical Decision Making, Uganda, Nursing Education.

Screening for sickle cell anemia in two populations of eastern Gabon using alkaline electrophoresis and hemoglobin level combined with leukocyte count.

Sickle cell anemia remains a major public health problem in Gabon, with high mortality. However, its prevalence is mainly documented in the capital city of Libreville, with few data for other areas. We performed diagnostic testing by electrophoresison 1534 individuals from two sites in eastern Gabon: Franceville and Koula-Moutou. We also screened 791 individuals from Koula-Moutou using a method that combines hemoglobin levels with leukocyte counts. The allelic frequency of the hemoglobin S and C genes were 18.5% and 0.07%, respectively, in areas of eastern Gabon. Also 3.7% of individuals had sickle cell disease, 29.8% had sickle cell trait and 0.1% was heterozygous for hemoglobin AC. The diagnostic orientation method used in our study showed a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 97.4%, and a negative predictive value of 100%. This method using hemogram data has proved to be valuable in areas with high resource constraints, and could be used in other areas to aid diagnostic orientation. It would be interesting to similarly evaluate the frequency of sickle cell anaemia in the northern and southern regions of Gabon.

Optimizing Bandwidth Allocation in Converged Networks Using Hybrid Deep Learning Model

The demand for high-speed network services and the increasing development of network traffic have led to the popularity of converged networks, which mix various services over a single infrastructure. However, because of the variety of application requirements and resource constraints, ensuring quality of service (QoS) in these networks is difficult. Conventional methods for allocating bandwidth are frequently static, reactive, and inefficient, which results in less-than-ideal network performance. We provide a unique deep learning method to optimize bandwidth allocation in convergent networks in order to overcome this. We create and use three deep learning models: Deep Q-Networks (DQN), Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN), and a special LSTM-based DQN model. We assess each model's performance using an extensive dataset. Our results show that the Novel DQN model performs better than the other models in terms of minimum packet loss, increased accuracy, decreased latency, throughput maximization, spectral efficiency optimization, bit error rate reduction, fairness assurance, and effective channel resource use. Better service quality is the outcome of these upgrades, which also significantly increase upload and download speeds. Our empirical studies demonstrate our methodology's usefulness in real-world scenarios and open the door to intelligent network management solutions that facilitate better QoS, efficient bandwidth allocation, and improved user experiences in converged networks.

PRINCIPLES OF IMPLEMENTING LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT IN CONDITIONS OF MARTIAL STATE

The article highlights the principles of local self-government in the conditions of martial law, starting from February 2014 and especially during the period of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation into the territory of Ukraine. The provisions of individual regulatory legal acts regulating the activities of local self-government bodies during the period of the special legal regime are considered. The article analyzes the key tasks facing local councils, executive committees and other self-government bodies in ensuring the vital activity of territorial communities, public safety, the functioning of critical infrastructure and social protection of the population. Special attention is paid to the interaction of local authorities with military administrations, central government bodies and public associations in the context of joint coordination of efforts to support the state's defense capability. Institutional changes and the need for rapid adaptation of management processes to the challenges of wartime are identified. The role of local government in building community resilience, attracting resources for the restoration of damaged infrastructure and organizing humanitarian aid is investigated. The article outlines the main problems faced by local governments in wartime, including resource constraints, personnel challenges, the need for rapid decision-making and implementation in crisis situations. It suggests ways to improve local governance mechanisms, including the introduction of digital technologies and strengthening the legal framework for effective work during martial law.

Has Family Engagement Finally Gained Foothold in Forensic Mental Healthcare?

Despite advancements in promoting family engagement in mental health settings, limited involvement of family members persists in forensic mental healthcare. Forensic mental healthcare professionals face various barriers in engaging families, including a patient-centered approach and resource constraints. However, limited understanding exists of professionals' experiences with family engagement, which is crucial for improving care practices in this setting. Consequently, this study investigates the evolution of professionals' experiences with family engagement from 2015 to 2021 in Flanders, Belgium. Qualitative methods were employed, including focus group interviews in 2015 and individual interviews in 2021 with 23 forensic mental healthcare professionals. Thematic analysis is employed to identify patterns and changes over time. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist was utilised to report the study. The analysis revealed that while initial steps towards family engagement in forensic mental healthcare have been taken, full integration in organisational structures is still lacking. Future efforts should focus on involving family organisations and caregivers, addressing barriers like time and resource constraints, and fostering a cultural shift towards family engagement. Further research involving a broader range of stakeholders is needed to enhance family engagement initiatives in forensic mental healthcare settings.

Integrating Process Safety and Process Security Risk Management: Practitioner Insights for a Resilience-Oriented Framework

Integrating process safety and process security risk management is increasingly essential for enhancing resilience in the chemical process industry. This study addresses how practitioners perceive the integration of these two domains, identifying key benefits, barriers, and strategies for effective implementation. A mixed-methods approach was applied, combining quantitative survey data from 47 industry professionals with qualitative insights from open-ended responses. The findings highlight significant advantages of integration, such as optimized resource use, reduced operational redundancies, and improved risk management. However, barriers such as knowledge gaps, resource constraints, and communication silos were identified. Respondents emphasized the importance of adopting a resilience-oriented approach involving proactive risk management, continuous improvement, and adaptability in both safety and security practices. Critical enablers for integration include strong leadership, alignment of societal values, cross-disciplinary training, and integrated risk assessment methodologies. Emerging technologies and regulatory alignment were also identified as critical factors in facilitating integration. The study contributes to the theoretical understanding of integrated risk management by supporting resilience engineering and systems theory. It offers actionable strategies for overcoming barriers and leveraging enablers, laying the groundwork for developing a resilience-oriented framework for process safety and process security risk management.

The Role of Xi’an Drum Music in Promoting Literacy and Cultural Awareness among Young Learners

Xi’an Drum Music, a traditional folk wind and percussion music originating in Shaanxi Province, China, is a rich cultural heritage known for its intricate rhythms, evocative melodies, and narrative depth. This study investigates the role of Xi’an Drum Music in promoting literacy and cultural awareness among young learners by integrating this traditional art form into educational practices. Conducted in primary schools in Xi’an, the study utilized a qualitative approach involving classroom observations, semi-structured interviews with educators, and focus group discussions with students. Key informants included scholars, performers, and students engaged in preserving Xi’an Drum Music. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, identifying themes related to literacy engagement, cultural awareness, and pedagogical challenges. Findings reveal that the rhythmic and lyrical elements of Xi’an Drum Music significantly improve literacy skills, such as phonemic awareness and reading comprehension while fostering cultural pride and identity among learners. However, resource constraints and limited teacher training hinder broader implementation. The study suggests developing standardized teaching materials, providing professional development for educators, and fostering collaborations between schools and cultural institutions. These measures can enhance the integration of traditional arts into modern education, ensuring cultural preservation and educational innovation.

Unveiling Genital Tuberculosis: India’s hidden Infertility Epidemic

Genital tuberculosis (GTB) is a significant yet underrecognized cause of infertility, particularly in high-burden countries like India. It often presents asymptomatically or mimics other reproductive disorders, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. GTB primarily affects women of reproductive age but can also impact men, contributing to infertility through various pathophysiological mechanisms. Despite its prevalence, GTB remains a hidden epidemic due to limited awareness, diagnostic challenges, and systemic healthcare gaps. This narrative review explores the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and impact of GTB on infertility in India. It also highlights diagnostic and management challenges while proposing strategies to address this critical public health issue. GTB contributes to 15-20% of infertility cases in India, with the highest burden among women aged 20-40 years. Hematogenous spread of Mycobacterium tuberculosis leads to chronic inflammation, fibrosis, and scarring of reproductive organs, resulting in irreversible damage. Traditional methods like microscopy and culture are inadequate for GTB detection. Advanced techniques, though more accurate, remain inaccessible to many due to cost and resource constraints. While antitubercular therapy (ATT) can control infection, restoring fertility often requires surgical intervention or assisted reproductive technologies, which are financially prohibitive for most patients. GTB is a silent epidemic with profound implications for reproductive health and social well-being in India. Addressing GTB requires enhanced awareness, integration of infertility screening into TB programs, improved access to advanced diagnostics and treatments, and targeted public health policies. Bridging these gaps can mitigate the burden of infertility and improve quality of life for affected individuals.

Biomedical, Neurodiverse, and Mad Affinities: The Constraints of Collective Epistemic Resources.

Biomedical, Neurodiverse, and Mad Affinities: The Constraints of Collective Epistemic Resources.

Orchestrating Method Ensembles to Adapt to Resource Requirements and Constraints During Robotic Task Execution

Orchestrating Method Ensembles to Adapt to Resource Requirements and Constraints During Robotic Task Execution

Problematics of Domestic Violence Case Handling of PPA Unit of Pangkalpinang Police: Analysis of Case Arrears

This research examines the problems in handling Domestic Violence (KDRT) cases at the Women and Children Protection Unit (PPA) of the Pangkalpinang City Police, with a focus on the backlog of cases that occurred during the 2021-2023 period. This study aims to identify the factors causing the backlog of KDRT cases and analyze its implications for the performance of the PPA Unit. The research method used is empirical legal research with a qualitative approach, through in-depth interviews, document studies, and observations. The results show that the backlog of cases is caused by three main factors: the uncooperative behavior of victims, limitations in tracing perpetrators, and institutional resource constraints. The implications of the case backlog include a decrease in the effectiveness of case handling, psychological pressure on personnel, a decrease in public trust, and obstacles in inter-agency coordination. This study produces theoretical propositions in the form of "Integrated KDRT Case Management Theory" and "Integrated Case Management and Resource Optimization Theory" as solutions to address the problem of the KDRT case backlog.

Sailfish-cat algorithm-enhanced generative adversarial network for attack detection in internet of things-Fog network authentication

The internet of things (IoT) has emerged as a prominent and influential concept within the realm of computing. Various attack detection methods are devised for detecting attacks in IoT-Fog environment. Despite all these efforts, attack detection still remained as a challenging task due to factors such as low latency, resource constraints of IoT devices, scalability issues, and distribution complexities. All these challenges are addressed in this paper by designing an efficient attack detection technique named as sailfish- cat optimization-based generative adversarial network (SaCO-based GAN) tailored for the IoT-Fog framework. This proposed approach introduces the SaCO-based GAN for IoT-Fog attack detection utilizing deep learning and feature-based classification, validated through experiments showing superior performance metrics. Notably, the SaCO optimization technique is utilized to train the GAN. Experimental results demonstrate the efficacy of the SaCO-based GAN with a maximum recall of 92.15%, a maximum precision of 91.21%, and a maximum F-Measure of 92.16%, outperforming existing techniques in IoT-Fog attack detection. The paper recommends enhancing scalability, implementing real-time detection strategies, rigorously testing robustness against diverse attack scenarios, and integrating with existing IoT security frameworks for practical deployment.

Resource allocation models and heuristics for the multi-project scheduling with global resource transfers and local resource constraints

Resource allocation models and heuristics for the multi-project scheduling with global resource transfers and local resource constraints