A Comprehensive Evaluation of Groundwater Quality for Irrigation in Tehsil Bah, Agra, India

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A higher agricultural yield depends on the quality of the water used. A significant source for irrigation is groundwater. 84 separate study locations had groundwater samples that were collected and analysed using the procedures outlined in the 2017 American Public Health Association, 23rd Edition (APHA). Tehsil Bah in the Agra district of Uttar Pradesh had its groundwater quality evaluated for irrigation purposes. Sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), sodium percentage (Na%), Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC), Permeability Index (PI), Magnesium Ratio (MR), Electrical Conductivity (EC), Kelley’s Index (KI), base exchange index, and meteoric genesis index were used to assess the suitability of groundwater quality for irrigation. 96.4 percent of groundwater samples were deemed inappropriate for irrigation according to the Wilcox diagram, with 3.6 percent of samples falling into the questionable to unsuitable category. All the samples fall into the C3-S1 and C3-S2 water classes, which denote water with a high salinity hazard and a moderate to medium sodium hazard, according to SAR and electrical conductivity values plotted in the US salinity diagram. The amount of dissolved substances in groundwater determined its suitability for irrigation. According to the classification, all of the reported values of Na percent fall into the good and medium category. RSC values range from -3.61 to 4.24, with 7.1 percent of samples falling into the bad and very bad category and not suitable for irrigation use, while the remaining 92.9 percent of samples fall into the excellent, good, and medium category.

Communication Skills of Generation Z Nursing Students in Establishing Nurse-Patient Relationships

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Now Gen Z is entering the nursing programs. It is known that communication is essential in the nursing profession, and it is the foundation of the relationship between the nurse and patient The study aimed to determine the communication skills of Gen Z nursing students in establishing nurse-patient relationships. The study used a descriptive, cross-sectional research design. The participants of the study were five hundred seventy (N = 570) Gen Z nursing students from HEIs in the province of Batangas, Philippines, and one hundred twenty-eight (N = 128) clinical instructors directly supervising them during their RLEs. A two-part researcher-structured questionnaire was the tool for data collection. The tool consisted of 10 critical indicators for determining the communication skills of nursing students, such as active listening, compassion, cultural awareness, nonverbal communication, patient education, personal connection, presentation skills, trust, verbal communication, and written communication skills, and four standards of nurse-patient relationships, indicated in the Nurses Association of New Brunswick (2020). Mean and independent t-test were used for data analysis. Results revealed that Gen Z excels at navigating digital technology, accepts individual differences, and has a sense of independence. Gen Z are respectful, transparent, diverse, and collaborative future healthcare practitioners. Gen Z nursing students asserted possessing very effective communication skills, whereas their clinical instructors rated them as only effective in establishing nurse-patient relationships. There were discernible variations in the assessments of communication skills and the effectiveness of establishing nurse-patient relationships between Gen Z nursing students and their clinical instructors. The study recommended that nursing programs should capitalize on Gen Z strengths by integrating technology-enhanced tools and platforms, optimize the achievement of learning outcomes by aligning clinical teaching strategies with the distinct learning styles of Gen Z nursing students, and incorporate training programs focused on improving advocacy skills, recognizing boundaries, and terminating nurse-patient relationships.

Cultural Challenges of Widows and Widowers’ Coping Strategies in South-South Geo Political Zone, Nigeria

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The study is on cultural challenges and widows and widowers’ coping strategies in South-South Geo-Political Zone, Nigeria. This research employed two research questions and two hypotheses to guide the study. The study employed survey research design. The study area were the six states of the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. A total of 441 widows and widowers in Federal Universities in South-South Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria based on information from the registrar, ASUU form the sample of the study. Two different instruments were employed for data collection. The” Widows and Widowers Coping Strategies for Family and cultural Challenges” (WWCSFCC) questionnaire and Focus Group Discussion Guide for Widows and Widowers (FGDEWW). Cronbach Alpha Coefficient was used to determine the reliability of the instruments. Bar chart, mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions. Independent t-test, simple were used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Bar chart, mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions. Independent t-test, were used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study unveiled that there is no significance difference in the cultural challenges facing widows and widowers in South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria and there is difference in the coping strategies that could be employed by widows and widowers in South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Among others it was recommended that the families, friends and the society should be sensitized to clearly identify the challenges widows and widowers experience and, in the process, come up with alternative support systems that would help widowed persons adjust to widowhood.

Factors Influencing Patient Delay in Pulmonary Tuberculosis in a Community Setting: A Cross-Sectional Study

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Delays in the treatment of Tuberculosis (TB) result in the failure to achieve the TB program’s goals. The delay in TB treatment can be measured by patient delay and healthcare service delay.This study aims to analyze the factors influencing the occurrence of patient delay in pulmonary tuberculosis. The type of this research is quantitative with a cross-sectional approach. The research population consists of all suspected Pulmonary TB patients, totaling 182 patients, with a sample of 158 respondents using the proportional random sampling technique. This research was conducted in the Working Area of Maja Public Health Center, Marga Punduh District, Pesawaran Regency, Lampung, Indonesia, in September-October 2024. Data collection was conducted using a questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted univariately (frequency distribution), bivariately (chi-square), and multivariately (logistic regression). The research results indicate that there are factors associated with the occurrence of patient delay in this study, namely age factor (p-value <0.001), gender (p-value = 0.017), employment status (p-value <0.001), economic status (p-value <0.001), education level (p-value = 0.003), knowledge level (p-value = 0.023), smoking history (p-value = 0.022), distance from residence (p-value = 0.040), and cadre support (p-value <0.001). The dominant factor influencing the occurrence of patient delay in tuberculosis treatment is the employment factor (p-value = 0.019; OR (95% CI) = 21.5 (1.67-279.24). Advice for healthcare workers includes providing education about TB, particularly the cough symptoms suspected to be TB, especially in the smoking community, and efforts to change patients’ perceptions about TB are essential to reduce the level of delay in seeking early healthcare.

Role of The Forest-Savanna Transition Zones in Mitigating Climate Change at Lamto Scientific Reserve, Côte d’Ivoire

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In the context of global climate change, forests play a crucial role as carbon sinks, contributing to regulating greenhouse gases and stabilising the climate. This study evaluates the role of forest-savanna transition zones in mitigating climate change at Lamto Scientific Reserve, Côte d’Ivoire, by assessing their carbon sequestration capacity and economic value. The study employed a combination of field surveys, remote sensing and statistical analysis to gather and analyse the data. The floristic inventory recorded 4,018 individuals, distributed among 142 species, 92 genus, and 37 families.  The stem density ranges from 510 stems/ha (shrub savanna) to 758 stems/ha (moist semi-deciduous forest), with a basal area varying from 5.65 m²/ha (open forest) to 11.79 m²/ha (gallery forest). The vegetation structure, characterised by a “bell-shaped” vertical stratification and an “inverted J” horizontal distribution, reflects active regeneration. In terms of biomass and carbon sequestration, the gallery forest dominates with 287.37 ± 201.68 t/ha of biomass, 143.69 ± 100.84 tC/ha of carbon, and an exceptional capacity to sequester 526.856 tCO₂/ha, accounting for 57.6% of the total carbon sequestered. Its economic value, supported by mechanisms such as REDD+ High, reaches 13,171 EUR/ha (8,639,880 FCFA). In contrast, the shrub savanna, with a biomass of 9.38 ± 8.41 t/ha and limited sequestration of 17.203 tCO₂/ha, offers a maximum value of 430 EUR/ha (282,111 FCFA). The results highlight the key role of the gallery forest as the primary carbon sink and the economic potential of Lamto’s ecosystems. They underscore sustainable management’s importance in maximising climate regulation, preserving biodiversity, and enhancing ecological resilience.

A Study on Dietary Services in Public Hospitals of Sri Lanka: Reducing Food Waste and Enhancing Patient Outcomes

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 Dietary services in public hospitals are integral to patient recovery and overall care. The existing dietary circular governing these services requires revision to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and patient satisfaction while addressing cost concerns. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using a mixed-method approach to identify gaps and inefficiencies in the current dietary practices, including focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and desk reviews. The findings indicated significant food waste in hospitals and considerable patient dissatisfaction with current dietary options. These challenges underscore serious gaps in aligning dietary practices with patient needs and resource allocation. This study emphasizes the importance of revising the dietary circular to establish more efficient and patient-centered dietary services. Proposed revisions focus on reducing food waste, improving the nutritional adequacy of meals, and addressing patient preferences, ultimately contributing to better clinical outcomes. The recommendations focus on developing a cost-effective strategy for hospital dietary services to achieve sustainable improvements that align with healthcare objectives. Updating and implementing these guidelines can greatly benefit the healthcare system by optimizing resource allocation and enhancing patient care in Sri Lankan public hospitals.

Optimizing Logistics Operations: Identifying and Mitigating Risks through FMEA and Poka Yoke

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The logistics industry plays a crucial role in facilitating the smooth distribution of goods both nationally and internationally. With the growth of the transportation and warehousing sector contributing significantly to Indonesia’s GDP, logistics companies are increasingly vital in supporting trade activities. However, logistics companies face significant challenges, especially when shipping high-risk goods such as hazardous chemicals, which require careful handling due to their potential hazards to human health, safety, and the environment. In addition, maintaining service quality is essential to ensure consumer satisfaction, as delays, errors in documentation, and other issues can lead to dissatisfaction. PT XYZ, a logistics company in Indonesia, has encountered operational issues leading to delays in shipments, caused by factors such as bad weather, inconsistent schedules, and incomplete or inaccurate shipping documents. This study applies risk management techniques, specifically Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) and Poka Yoke, to identify, assess, and mitigate risks in PT XYZ’s shipping operations. 15 risks are obtained with the most critical risk is inaccurate information about the goods being shipped, resulting in delays and financial losses. The Risk Priority Number (RPN) for this risk was calculated as 252, indicating a high severity and frequency of occurrence. To mitigate this risk, the study recommends implementing a Smart Logistic Checker system, which integrates automatic technologies such as barcode scanning, digital weighing, dimension measurement, and label printing, with automatic validation to ensure that the information matches the physical condition of the goods. This approach aims to reduce errors, enhance operational efficiency, and prevent failure.

Reflection Survey on Krupskaya’s Pedagogical Contributions to TVET or The Politically-driven Deliberate Marginalization in Education: An Attempt of Rehabilitation

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This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the significant yet frequently studiously overlooked contributions of Nadezhda Krupskaya to vocational education and training (VET), emphasizing the troubling trend of her deliberate marginalization and underestimation within contemporary educational discourse. Despite her groundbreaking principles that advocate for the seamless integration of practical experience with theoretical knowledge, Krupskaya’s innovative ideas have often been rebranded and repackaged in modern meretricious educational frameworks, stripped of their original context and significance. Her pioneering emphasis on polytechnic education, which engenders a holistic approach to learning that connects academic study with real-world labour activities, has been co-opted by various educational incondite reforms, presented as novel concepts while neglecting their roots in her foundational work. Her advocacy for experiential learning and the cultivation of technical creativity has laid the groundwork for many current pedagogical practices, yet these contributions are frequently unrecognized, leading to a historical amnesia regarding her influence. This study seeks to reclaim Krupskaya’s legacy, firmly asserting that her innovative methodologies and educational philosophies are not only essential to understanding the evolution of VET but also critical in addressing contemporary educational challenges in general. By illuminating the profound impact of her prolific ideas, this paper calls for a re-evaluation of Krupskaya’s role in the history of educational thought, advocating for the recognition and celebration of her contributions as vital to the ongoing discourse on inclusive and equitable education. In doing so, it highlights exhortatively the necessity of acknowledging the origins of educational innovations that have been unjustly appropriated, ensuring that Krupskaya’s rightful place in the annals of pedagogical history is restored and honoured.

The Importance of Hospital Governance in Indonesia: Enhancing Healthcare Quality and Accountability

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The Indonesian healthcare system is undergoing significant transformation to meet the needs for improved service delivery, patient safety, and equity in accessing quality care. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Indonesia faces substantial challenges within its healthcare system, including a high burden of disease, limited access to healthcare services, and disparities in health outcomes across different regions. Despite ongoing reforms, the country continues to grapple with issues such as inconsistent healthcare quality, inefficient resource management, and a lack of accountability among healthcare providers. This paper explores the critical role of hospital governance in addressing these challenges, emphasizing the need for clear governance structures, effective leadership, and stakeholder engagement to enhance healthcare quality and ensure equitable access to services. By examining the implications of governance frameworks on hospital performance, this study aims to contribute valuable insights for policymakers and healthcare administrators in Indonesia, ultimately fostering a more effective and equitable healthcare system.

Assessment on HIV Testing Among Newly Diagnosed Tuberculosis Patients at the National Hospital for Respiratory Diseases (NHRD) in Welisara, Sri Lanka during the first quarter of 2024

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This study was aimed to assess and review the current practice of screening of HIV in TB patients within NHRD Welisara hospital against the recommended standard practice by the National Guideline and the cross-sectional study was conducted on newly diagnosed tuberculosis patients. Simple random sampling was used to collect data from a sample size of 163, with retrospective data gathered from patient ward records. Data quality was enhanced by reviewing clinic and laboratory records, and a secure Excel spreadsheet was maintained for data management.

Results: Data indicated that 12.3% (n=20) lacked documentation for HIV testing. Of the 143 patients tested, only 43.4% (n=62) were tested while in the ward; others were tested at follow-up clinics. The average time from TB confirmation to HIV testing was 4.8 days (range: 0 to 36 days). Though average post-TB diagnosis hospital stay was 20.9 days (range: 0 to 129 days) for HIV tested patients, those without HIV testing had an average stay of 12 days (range: 0 to 40 days).

The primary reason for not undergoing HIV testing was patient transfer, but with an average ward stay of 14.6 days post-TB diagnosis. Other factors included patient death, disappearance, or leaving against medical advice. Notably, four patients were discharged without HIV testing, having stayed 3 to 11 days post-TB diagnosis. Most patients (51.7%, n=74) were tested at the NHRD laboratory, while 39.9% (n=57) were tested at an STD clinic, and only 5.6% underwent RDTs in the ward.

Conclusion: Those without HIV testing had prolonged hospital stays, suggesting missed opportunities. Underutilization of RDTs by ward staff needs attention. Incorporating HIV test results into the discharge checklist may prevent these oversights. Therefore, findings will be presented to the director-NHRD aiming to initiate a discussion and create an audit cycle.