Structural Breaks and Crime Dynamics in Guyana: A Longitudinal Analysis of Serious Crimes, 1990-2025

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Crime and violence remain persistent structural challenges in Guyana, with important implications for governance, public safety, and socioeconomic development. This study examines long-term serious crime dynamics in Guyana from 1990 to 2025 using a quantitative longitudinal design. The analysis integrates descriptive statistics, trend regression, structural break analysis (Bai–Perron), and category-level decomposition to assess overall crime trends, differences across offence types, and the relative contribution of each crime category to aggregate crime patterns. Data were obtained from the Guyana Bureau of Statistics and include major offence categories such as murder, manslaughter, rape, wounding, burglary, larceny, arson, and other offences. The results indicate that total serious crime does not follow a statistically significant linear trend over time, but instead exhibits pronounced temporal fluctuations and distinct structural shifts around 1994, 2012, and 2017. Property-related offences dominate the crime structure, accounting for 86.92% of total recorded crime, compared with 11.66% for violent crime and 1.41% for other offences. Burglary and larceny emerge as the primary drivers of aggregate crime variation, while violent offences such as murder and manslaughter remain comparatively stable over time. Structural break analysis further reveals that different crime categories experience shifts at different points in time, reflecting heterogeneous underlying dynamics. Overall, the findings show that changes in total crime are largely driven by property-related offences rather than uniform changes across all crime types, highlighting the importance of category-specific analysis in understanding long-term crime patterns in Guyana.

Implementation of Co-Curricular Activities in Fostering Entrepreneurial Motivation Through the Local Wisdom of Glutinous Rice Vinegar Fermentation in Vocational High Schools (SMK) in Tayan Hulu District

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Background: Co-curricular activities in Vocational High Schools (SMK) serve as a strategic vehicle for contextual and meaningful entrepreneurship learning. Glutinous rice vinegar fermentation, as a local wisdom of the Dayak community in Tayan Hulu District, holds significant cultural and economic value as a medium for entrepreneurship education grounded in local potential.

Objectives: This study aims to describe the implementation of co-curricular activities based on glutinous rice vinegar fermentation, to analyze the partial effect of co-curricular implementation (X₁) and local wisdom of fermented vinegar (X₂) on students’ entrepreneurial motivation (Y), and to test their simultaneous effect in three SMKs in Tayan Hulu District, Sanggau Regency, West Kalimantan.

Methods: The study employed a quantitative approach with a descriptive-associative design. A total of 57 Grade XI students were selected using proportional random sampling from a total population of 238 students at SMKN 1 Tayan Hulu, SMKS Kristen Agape Patria Sosok, and SMKS Bina Utama Sosok. Data were collected through questionnaires that had been tested for validity and reliability, and analyzed using multiple linear regression, partial t-tests, simultaneous F-tests, and the coefficient of determination (R²).

Findings: Results revealed that all instrument items were valid (rₜₑₐₙₔₑ > rₜₐᵇₗₑ = 0.2162) and reliable (Cronbach’s Alpha: X₁ = 0.688; X₂ = 0.725; Y = 0.704). Data were normally distributed (sig. = 0.200 > 0.05) and free from multicollinearity (VIF = 1.114 < 10). Partially, co-curricular implementation had a significant effect on entrepreneurial motivation (sig. = 0.021 < 0.05; H₁ accepted), whereas local wisdom alone did not have a significant effect (sig. = 0.089 > 0.05; H₂ rejected). Simultaneously, both variables had a positive and significant effect (F = 6.287; sig. = 0.004; H₃ accepted) with Adjusted R² = 0.159.

Conclusion: Co-curricular activities based on the local wisdom of glutinous rice vinegar fermentation are proven effective in fostering students’ entrepreneurial motivation, particularly when implemented in a planned, systematic manner rooted in local cultural values. More sustained program development is needed for the influence of local wisdom to become statistically detectable.

Piodalan Caremony As the Implementation of Dewa Yadnya in the Life of Hindus in Bali

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Provide a clear and concise summary of the study, including: purpose, methods, key findings, and main conclusions. ​Piodalan is one of the sacred ceremonies in Balinese Hinduism that serves as an implementation of Dewa Yadnya, namely a sacred offering dedicated to Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa and His manifestations. This study aims to analyze the philosophical meaning of the Piodalan ceremony, describe its implementation in the daily life of Hindus, identify the Hindu literary sources underlying its practice, and examine the challenges and solutions related to its preservation in the modern era. This study employs a qualitative descriptive method using a library research approach. Data were collected through the review of books, scientific articles, Hindu scriptures, and other relevant literature. The findings indicate that Piodalan is not merely a religious ritual but also embodies spiritual, social, cultural, and ecological values reflected in the concept of Tri Hita Karana, which emphasizes harmonious relationships between humans and God (parhyangan), among fellow humans (pawongan), and with the natural environment (palemahan). The implementation of Piodalan involves a series of ceremonial stages supported by various offerings (banten) as symbols of devotion and gratitude. Furthermore, the ceremony is grounded in Hindu teachings contained in Lontar Sundari Gama, Catur Marga, and Sruti and Smrti literature. However, modernization and globalization have posed challenges, including declining spiritual understanding among younger generations, reduced community participation in ngayah activities, and environmental concerns regarding ceremonial materials. Therefore, strengthening religious education, promoting community participation, and implementing environmentally sustainable practices are essential strategies to preserve the meaning and continuity of the Piodalan ceremony in contemporary Hindu society.

Reproductive Toxicity Effect of Isocycloserum 9.2% w/w DC on Earthworm, Eisenia fetida

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A laboratory study was conducted to find out the reproductive toxicity of Isocycloserum 9.2% w/w DC formulation on the inbred earthworm test species Eisenia fetida maintained in the laboratory.  A preliminary range finding experiment was performed with concentrations of 50, 100, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg dry artificial soil of Isocycloserum 9.2% w/w DC. Based on the results of the range finding study, a full-fledged main experiment was conducted with concentrations of 50, 100, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 mg/kg dry artificial soil of Isocycloserum 9.2% w/w DC. Results of the main experiment revealed that there were no biomass changes observed in treated groups when compare to control group, indicating no adverse effects on growth or physiological condition. Similarly, cocoon production and juvenile emergence of earthworm were not significantly affected at any tested concentration of Isocycloserum 9.2% w/w DC, demonstrating that the test chemical does not have any potential adverse effect on the reproductive ability of earthworm.

A Contrastive Cognitive Semantic Analysis of The Verb “Consider” In English and Vietnamese

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This study explores the polysemous nature of the English verb “consider” and its Vietnamese equivalents through the lens of Cognitive Linguistics, specifically drawing upon conceptual metaphor theory and the image schema framework. While English utilizes “consider” as a versatile “container” verb for various mental processes, Vietnamese requires a more granular lexical system that reflects specific cognitive and physical source domains. By analyzing authentic data from English – Vietnamese corpora and dictionaries, the research identifies several key metaphorical extensions: thinking is seeing (e.g., xem xét), evaluation is weighing (e.g., cân nhắc), and social orientation (e.g., đoái hoài). The findings reveal a significant cognitive divergence: whereas English emphasizes a “Rational-Linear”” model of mental labor, Vietnamese prioritizes an “Embodied-Relational” model. In Vietnamese, the act of “considering” is consistently anchored in physical experience and social harmony, moving from the pragmatic balancing of resources (liệu cơm gắp mắm) to the validation of personal worth through visual recognition (đoái hoài). The study concludes that these linguistic differences are not mere lexical curiosities but are deeply rooted in distinct cultural worldviews. These insights have practical implications for contrastive semantics, translation studies, and second language acquisition (SLA), particularly for Vietnamese learners of English who struggle with the lack of one-to-one equivalence in mental state verbs.

Screening, Identification, and Medical-Psychological Services for Domestic Violence Survivors in Inpatient Primary Health Centers in Kendari City

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Background: Domestic violence is a public health problem with physical, psychological, and social consequences.

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the role of healthcare workers in screening, identifying, and providing medical and psychological services for domestic violence survivors at inpatient primary health centers in Kendari City.

Methods: This qualitative descriptive study used in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation involving 16 informants. Data were analyzed thematically using NVivo.

Results: Screening was mainly conducted through clinical observation and trust-based communication rather than consistent use of standardized tools. Identification relied on visible injuries, recurrent psychosomatic complaints, and private anamnesis. Medical care was prioritized, while psychological support was limited by the absence of psychologists, restricted counseling rooms, and uneven training.

Conclusion: Domestic violence screening and identification at primary health centers remain reactive and insufficiently standardized. Strengthening SOPs, healthcare worker training, referral pathways, and psychological support services is needed.

Molecular Docking Insights into the Interaction of Cyclodextrin-Based Systems with Bioactive Monoterpenes of Biotechnological Interest

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Cyclodextrin-based systems are promising carriers for improving the stability and bioavailability of hydrophobic bioactive compounds. Monoterpenes, the major constituents of medicinal plant essential oils, exhibit significant pharmacological potential but are limited by poor aqueous solubility, high volatility, and chemical instability. This study investigated the structural and energetic interactions of sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin (SBE-β-CD) with the major bioactive constituents of essential oil of Alpinia zerumbet (EOAz), through molecular docking simulations. OEAz was obtained by hydrodistillation and complexed with SBE-β-CD (1:1 molar ratio) using the co-precipitation method. The resulting host–guest inclusion complexes, formed between SBE-β-CD and terpinen-4-ol or 1,8-cineole, were evaluated by molecular docking simulations. These compounds were selected based on their established status as major constituents of EOAz. Computational analyses were performed using HEX 8.0.0 software, followed by structural inspection in PyMOL. The docking results revealed energetically favorable interaction clusters, indicating high affinity and structural stability between the evaluated molecules. The most stable conformations demonstrated significant spatial complementarity and multiple intermolecular interactions, including hydrophobic contacts and hydrogen-bond-associated stabilization. Energetic analyses showed negative binding energies compatible with stable molecular association, supporting the formation of persistent host–guest complexes. Furthermore, the predicted host–guest interactions indicate that cyclodextrin complexation may favor the preservation of monoterpene integrity and bioavailability, factors that could contribute to enhanced or more consistent biological activity. Overall, these findings demonstrate the usefulness of molecular docking for investigating cyclodextrin-based systems and provide preliminar structural evidence for future studies exploring the therapeutic and biotechnological applications of monoterpene inclusion complexes.

Dietary Supplementation with Spring Onion on Growth, Nutrient Utilization, Economic Analyses and In Vitro Methane Emissions in West African Dwarf Goats

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The study was conducted to determine the effect of dietary supplementation with spring onion on growth, nutrient utilization, economic analyses and in vitro methane emissions in West African dwarf goats. Two hundred and forty West African dwarf male goats aged between 7 to 8 months old with initial average live body weight of 7.00 ± 0.08kg were used for the study. They were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments with sixty goats per treatment in a completely randomized design. The prepared experimental diets that were received by goats contained ED1 (60% guinea grass with no spring onion as the control group), ED2 (59% guinea grass with 1% spring onion), ED3 (58% guinea grass with 2% spring onion) and ED4 (57% guinea grass with 3% spring onion). Firstly, the evaluation comprised in vitro study of methane gas production and then followed by in vivo study of growth, nutrient utilization and economic analysis of goats. In all the diets examined, results showed that in vitro ammonia nitrogen concentration(12.04 mg/100ml), total volatile fatty acids(4.01 mmol), acetate (64.93 mol/100mol), butyrate (12.09 mol/100mol), methane (71.22 mL/gDM), fractional rate of gas production(0.079h-1), average gas production rate(3.04Ml/h), daily feed intake (256.29g/day), feed conversion ratio (6.15), digestibility of ether extract (65.05%), ash (68.01%), faecal with urinary nitrogen output(2.98 and 1.72g/day), total nitrogen output (4.78g/day) and total cost in naira (125,400) were significantly (p<0.05) higher in diet ED1 than diets ED2, ED3 and ED4. Goats on diet ED4 were significantly (p<0.05) improved in propionate ( 25.67 mol/100mol), methane/total volatile fatty acids ratio (22.23), effective dry matter degradability(60.21g/kg), true dry matter degradability(74.52g/kg), final body weight(11.96kg), total with daily weight gain 4.99kg and 71.29g), digestibility of dry matter(72.43%), crude protein (70.86%), crude fibre (71.02%), nitrogen free extract(70.17%), neutral and acid detergent fibre(69.86 and 66.21%), nitrogen intake (11.05g/day), nitrogen balance and retained (8.08 and 0.73g/day), nitrogen retention % intake (73.12%), total revenue in naria (263, 270) and net profit in naria (169,020) than those on other diets. Meanwhile, no significant differences (p>0.05) were found in rumen pH, acetate/propionate ratio, iso-butyrate, valerate, iso-valerate, asymptotic gas production and initial body weight among treatments. It can be concluded that inclusion levels of 3 and 4% spring onion as supplement to 58 and 57% guinea grass with 40% concentrate diet (ED3 and ED4) improved performance of goats and suppressed in-vitro methane gas with cost reduction that resulted in higher net profit.

Implementation of the 6E-STEAM Learning Model Based on Nosiala Pale Local Wisdom: Analysis of Learning Outcomes and Student Motivation and Engagement Profiles

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This study aims to analyze learning outcomes and describe the motivation and engagement profiles of students following the implementation of the 6E-STEAM learning model based on the local wisdom of Nosiala Pale in biology instruction. The study employed a quantitative approach in a single control class using a pretest-posttest design for learning outcomes and a posttest to assess students’ motivation and engagement profiles. The study participants consisted of 28 students in the Biology Education Program who were taking the Conservation Biology course. Data were collected using a 30-item multiple-choice test to measure learning outcomes, as well as a questionnaire to measure students’ learning motivation and engagement. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, a paired-sample t-test, and N-gain analysis. The results showed that the average pre-test score was 67.38, while the average post-test score was 79.16. The results of the paired-sample t-test indicated a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test learning outcomes (t = -10.981; p < 0.001). The average N-gain value of 0.480, or 47.95%, falls into the moderate category. Meanwhile, student learning motivation falls into the very high category with an average score of 4.31, and student engagement falls into the high category with an average score of 3.94. These findings indicate that the implementation of the 6E-STEAM learning model based on Nosiala local wisdom is effective in improving student learning outcomes to a moderate level and is supported by high levels of student learning motivation and engagement.

Mathematical Problem-Solving Cooperative Learning (MPSCL): Enhancing Geometry Problem-Solving Ability among Santri in an Islamic Boarding School

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This study examined the effectiveness of Mathematical Problem-Solving Cooperative Learning (MPSCL) in enhancing the geometry problem-solving ability of santri in an Islamic boarding school, particularly on the topics of circle circumference and circle area. A quantitative approach was employed using a one-group pretest-posttest pre-experimental design. The participants were 15 ninth-grade santri from MTs Darul Hikmah Mumbulsari, an Islamic junior secondary school, selected through purposive sampling. The research instruments consisted of a geometry problem-solving test, a santri response questionnaire, and observation sheets assessing learning implementation and santri activities. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including the Shapiro–Wilk normality test, paired-samples t-test, N-gain analysis, and effect size analysis (Cohen’s d). The findings revealed a significant improvement in the geometry problem-solving ability of the santri following the implementation of MPSCL. The paired-samples t-test yielded a significance value of 0.000 (p < .05), indicating a statistically significant difference between the pretest and posttest scores. The average N-gain scores were 0.466 for circle circumference and 0.552 for circle area, both categorized as moderate. Furthermore, Cohen’s d values of 2.541 and 4.445 indicated strong practical effects. The santri also demonstrated highly positive responses toward the learning process, while the implementation of learning activities and santri participation were categorized as very good. These findings suggest that MPSCL is an effective instructional approach for enhancing geometry problem-solving ability among santri and supporting meaningful mathematics learning in Islamic boarding school settings.