After the Tang Dynasty, the southward shift of China’s economic center of gravity became evident with the reign of the Wan Li Emperor, in the East Sea, the Yellow Sea, and the South Sea, Chinese ships and goods traveling between Fu Jian and Manila, contributed to early globalization. Nan Yang’s merchants and their families initiated the first wave of emigration. After the Second Opium War and the signing of the Treaty of Bei Jing , the Treaty of Tian Jin , the mass Chinese laborers became an unavoidable diplomatic and legal issue for the Forbidden City. In 1873, Chen Lanbin and his delegation began investigating the conditions of Chinese laborers in Cuba, Treaty on Chinese Laborers in Cuba was signed, this marked the first substantive action taken by Qing to safeguard the rights of emigrant workers. It also became an important component of the Zong Li Ya Men’s role in near-modern Chinese diplomatic history.
Background: Febrile seizures are the most common seizure disorder in childhood, affecting approximately “2–5% of children worldwide”. Although typically benign, they are a frequent cause of emergency department visits and are associated with significant parental anxiety and healthcare utilization. Objective: To systematically synthesize current evidence on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic evaluation, management, and prognosis of febrile seizures in pediatric populations. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with “PRISMA 2020 guidelines”. Electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library, were searched for studies published “up to March 2026”. Eligible studies included clinical practice guidelines, systematic reviews, and observational studies involving children aged 0–18 years. Study selection and eligibility assessment were performed using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were extracted on study characteristics, clinical findings, and management strategies. Due to heterogeneity in study designs and outcomes, a qualitative synthesis was performed. The quality of evidence was assessed using a “modified GRADE approach”. Results: A total of “20 studies” met the inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis. The evidence consistently indicates that febrile seizures are generally benign and self-limited events. Routine neurodiagnostic testing, including electroencephalography and neuroimaging, is not indicated in simple febrile seizures. Benzodiazepines remain the first-line treatment for prolonged seizures. Prophylactic antiepileptic therapy is not recommended due to an unfavorable risk–benefit profile. Emerging evidence highlights the role of neuroinflammatory pathways and genetic susceptibility in seizure pathophysiology. Recurrence occurs in approximately “30–40% of cases”, while the overall risk of subsequent epilepsy remains low. Conclusion: Febrile seizures have a favorable prognosis and should be managed using a conservative, evidence-based approach centered on clinical evaluation, risk stratification, and parental education. Current evidence supports minimizing unnecessary diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Future research should focus on improving risk stratification and integrating emerging biological insights into clinical practice.
Background: Abusive head trauma (AHT), historically referred to as shaken baby syndrome (SBS), is a major cause of severe traumatic brain injury in infants and young children and is associated with substantial morbidity, mortality, and diagnostic complexity. Objective: To systematically review current evidence regarding the clinical manifestations, neuroimaging findings, differential diagnosis, and neurodevelopmental outcomes associated with AHT in pediatric patients. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for studies published between January 2020 and March 2026. Eligible studies included observational studies, cohort studies, case-control studies, imaging-based investigations, clinically relevant review articles, and consensus statements evaluating clinical, radiological, or neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants and children with AHT. Because of heterogeneity in study design, outcome reporting, and availability of extractable data, findings were synthesized qualitatively. Results: A total of 428 records were identified. After removal of duplicates and screening, 25 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. The most frequently reported clinical manifestations included seizures, irritability, altered mental status, apnea, vomiting, feeding difficulties, and developmental impairment. Subdural hematoma, retinal hemorrhage, cerebral edema, and hypoxic-ischemic injury were the predominant neuroimaging findings. Several studies emphasized the importance of differentiating AHT from benign enlargement of the subarachnoid spaces, coagulation disorders, accidental trauma, and other non-traumatic conditions. Long-term sequelae included developmental delay, epilepsy, cognitive impairment, motor dysfunction, visual impairment, and behavioral abnormalities. Conclusion: AHT remains a complex pediatric condition associated with significant neurological morbidity and diagnostic challenges. Neuroimaging plays a central role in evaluation, but multidisciplinary assessment and careful differential diagnosis are essential to avoid misclassification. Long-term neurodevelopmental follow-up is critical for affected children.
Introduction: Post-viral syndromes are characterized by the persistence of symptoms following acute viral infection. In the context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, Long COVID—also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC)—has emerged as a clinically relevant condition with prominent neurological manifestations. Objective: To describe the neurological manifestations of post-viral syndrome and Long COVID, and to analyze the pathophysiological mechanisms proposed to underlie these neurological symptoms in adult and pediatric populations. Methods: A qualitative systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and SciELO for articles published between January 2020 and May 2025. Observational studies, clinical trials, systematic reviews, and consensus guidelines addressing neurological manifestations of post-viral syndrome or Long COVID were included. A total of 23 studies met inclusion criteria and were synthesized qualitatively. Results: The most consistently reported neurological manifestations included persistent fatigue and post-exertional symptom exacerbation, cognitive dysfunction (“brain fog”), headache, sleep disturbances, dysautonomia, sensory abnormalities, and neuropathic symptoms. Mechanistic domains most frequently implicated across studies included immune dysregulation and neuroinflammation, endothelial and microvascular dysfunction, mitochondrial and metabolic impairment, autonomic nervous system disruption, and possible viral persistence or immune-mediated injury. Pediatric studies reported a similar symptom spectrum, with particular impact on cognitive performance, headache, fatigue, and mood or behavioral disturbances. Conclusions: Neurological manifestations represent a core component of Long COVID and related post-viral syndromes. Current evidence supports a multifactorial pathophysiology involving immune, vascular, metabolic, and autonomic mechanisms. Improved mechanistic understanding and standardized phenotyping are essential to guide future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, particularly in pediatric populations.
This technical note assesses the ecological impacts of logging for beams in the community of Segundo Congresso, Niassa, Mozambique, under the Chipanje Chetu program. Dendrometric methods were used to collect diameter at breast height, commercial and total height, identification of local species, volume of standing tree, volume of logs and sawn wood, in addition to volumetric yield. Data were organized in Excel 2024 and analyzed using ANOVA in Statistix 8, with means compared by Tukey's test at a 5% significance level. From the results, it was found that the chainsaw operator lacks technical knowledge, aggravating the unsustainable exploitation, since the forest supply is critical, trees of large diameter and height are scarce and dispersed, especially Vitex doniana (Mpindimbe) and Pericospi angolensis (Muanga). The sample included 3 trees with DBH > 50 cm and total height between 16 and 21 m, generating standing volumes of 2.92–5.65 m³ and commercial volumes of 1.07–1.88 m³, with an average yield of 17.25 m³ per tree. The low yield is due to the diameter, height, morphological quality of the trees and the experience of the operator. The production of beams was 35 per log, corresponding to 0.68 m³ of sawn wood per tree, equivalent to 46.78% of commercial yield. Ecologically, the activity has positive impacts, such as the preservation of the ecosystem, as it is a semi-mechanized exploration with only a chainsaw and displacements on foot, and it also has negative impacts that are manifested in the pressure on the same large species and low availability, and the lack of technical knowledge of the operator generates operational inefficiency in the conversion of logs into beams.
Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure remains a critical global health threat, causing an estimated 1.3 million deaths annually and classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a Group 1 carcinogen with no safe level of exposure. In Nigeria, SHS contributes substantially to both communicable and non-communicable diseases despite the National Tobacco Control Act (NTCA) of 2015, which incorporates key provisions of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC); however, enforcement gaps and limited public awareness continue to undermine its effectiveness. This study assessed the prevalence of SHS exposure and examined associations between socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of tobacco legislation, and perceived risks of SHS among 399 non-smoking adults recruited through systematic sampling in Ajah and Obalende motor parks in Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State. Using a modified Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) questionnaire, data were analyzed with IBM SPSS version 21, employing descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression at a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. The prevalence of SHS exposure was 54.6%, notably higher among middle-aged men, individuals with lower educational attainment, and frequent users of motor parks. Although 69.8% of respondents demonstrated good perceived risk of SHS - reflecting awareness of its respiratory, cardiovascular, and carcinogenic harms - knowledge of the NTCA was poor (44.2%), indicating that understanding of health risks has not translated into awareness of legal protections or compliance with smoke-free regulations. These findings underscore the high burden of SHS exposure in outdoor transport settings, exceeding previously reported indoor rates, and highlight the urgent need for strengthened enforcement of smoke-free laws, improved public education on tobacco legislation, and targeted interventions within motor parks to reduce SHS exposure and protect public health.
Battery technicians are exposed to work-related health risks, and their health-seeking behavior plays a critical role in determining health outcomes. This study assessed work-related health problems and health-seeking behaviors among battery technicians and office workers in Lagos State. A cross-sectional design was employed using multi-stage sampling and interviewer-administered questionnaires. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 20, and results were presented in tables. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used to determine significance at p ≤ 0.05. Battery technicians reported significantly higher rates of memory loss, drowsiness, limb numbness, constipation, and easy fatigability, as well as skin itching, breathing difficulty, sneezing, and runny nose, compared to office workers. Conversely, cough was more common among office workers. Health-seeking behaviors also differed: battery technicians were more likely to rely on chemist shops and self-medication than formal health facilities, a difference that was statistically significant. Memory loss was positively associated with years of work among technicians, while limb numbness was negatively associated with daily working hours of office workers. Easy fatigability was inversely related to technicians’ monthly income, and skin redness was negatively associated with years of work. Sneezing showed mixed associations, being negatively related to technicians’ income and office workers’ years of service but positively associated with technicians’ years of work. These findings underscore the need for targeted occupational health education, regular training, and improved access to qualified healthcare services for battery technicians. Strengthening workplace safety and promoting healthier health-seeking behaviors are essential for safeguarding this vulnerable workforce.
Four Heliotropium species viz. H.bacciferum, H.currasavicum, H.ellipticum and H.strigosum were documented from Malwa region of Punjab, India during the years 2019-2021. Different morphological parameters were examined for identification. For screening of Phytochemicals of four species of the genus Heliotropium, two parts of plant (inflorescence and rest of plant) were selected. Extracts of each plant parts were prepared in water, ethanol and hexane and examined twenty one phytochemicals (Alkaloids, Amino acids, Anthocyanin, Betaxanthin, Carbohydrates, Coumarins, Flavonoids, Glycosides, Gums and mucilage, Oxalate, Phenols, Phlobatannins, Proteins, Quinones, Reducing sugars, Resin, Saponins, Starch, Steroids, Tannins and Terpenoids) were studied. Present study will be useful for taxonomists, botanists, ethnobotanists etc. in identification of Heliotropium species and information about important biochemicals will be useful for pharmaceutical departments.
Background: Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) are neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by abrupt onset or exacerbation of symptoms such as obsessive-compulsive behaviors, tics or severely restricted eating, often following infection. HYPERLINK "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11430956/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" \t "_blank" PubMed Central+2AAP Publications+2 Proposed pathophysiological mechanisms include immune-mediated inflammation targeting the basal ganglia, with structural and functional alterations in these subcortical nuclei. Objectives: To review and synthesise the available literature (2013-2025) addressing the persistence of basal ganglia dysfunction (neuroanatomical, immunological and clinical) in PANS/PANDAS, and to identify gaps and implications for diagnosis and treatment. Methods: A narrative review of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase (January 2013-September 2025) was conducted using English and Spanish keywords: (“PANS” OR “PANDAS” OR “pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome” OR “pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders”) AND (“basal ganglia” OR “autoantibodies” OR “neuroinflammation”). Titles and abstracts were screened manually, and eligible studies underwent full-text qualitative synthesis. Original articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, case series, and case reports addressing basal ganglia involvement in PANS/PANDAS were included. Data concerning neuroimaging findings, neurological soft signs, autoantibodies, and therapeutic outcomes were extracted and qualitatively analyzed. Results: Persistent abnormalities in the caudate nucleus and putamen have been documented, including volume enlargement and microstructural alterations, consistent with ongoing basal ganglia involvement. Functional neuroimaging (PET, SPECT) demonstrates hypoactivity or hypoperfusion in motor and emotional control regions of the basal ganglia. Immunological studies reveal autoantibodies targeting cholinergic interneurons in the striatum, along with microglial activation and blood-brain barrier disruption in animal models. Neurological soft signs (NSS) such as overflow movements have been reported in related basal-ganglia disorders, though their prevalence in PANS/PANDAS remains under-investigated. Heterogeneity in methodologies, small sample sizes and variable effect sizes limit generalisability of findings. HYPERLINK "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10609001/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" \t "_blank" PubMed Central+2AAP Publications+2 Conclusions: The accumulated evidence supports a persistent, immune-mediated basal ganglia dysfunction underlying the clinical manifestations of PANS/PANDAS. Recognition of this involvement provides crucial pathophysiological insight and strengthens the rationale for early immunomodulatory and neuro-targeted interventions such as corticosteroids, IVIG, and plasmapheresis in selected cases. Nevertheless, well-designed prospective and controlled studies are needed to validate diagnostic biomarkers, quantify the prevalence and prognostic significance of neurological soft signs, and define standardized clinical and imaging endpoints that can guide future therapeutic trials and evidence-based management protocols.
The study was conducted to evaluate the quality of honey produced in Adama District and Adama Town at different market points. Moreover, a total of 23 honey samples were collected from beekeepers and different market points and used for quality analyses. The ash content, free acidity, and pH values of all honey samples were found within the limits of the national standards. Except for the honey samples collected from on-street (24.62±0.67), minimarket (23.23±0.58), and retailer (22.60±0.58) the moisture contents of honey samples were within the national standards. The fructose and glucose contents of the samples were within the national standards, whereas none of the samples complied with the national sucrose content standard. High sucrose content was observed in the samples obtained from retailers (32.23±1.78%) and on-street (31.90±2.06%) market points. In general, the results of this study indicated that there is an overall honey quality problem in the sampled area. However, the level of the problem is more inclined towards the on-street and minimarket areas. Thus, honey market legislation is needed in the area in particular and in the country in general to protect honey consumers, producers, traders, and other stakeholders involved in the honey market value chain.
Human’s body have basic needs like food, health, sleep, to perform well, for that we need to keep balance between work and life. Sleep is one of important function of human body. Sleep-wake cycle has a great impact on an individual’s cognitive, occupational and social performance. Sleep cycle effects the job performance, academic performance and the daily routine tasks as well. Disturbance in sleep pattern lead clinically significant impairment in an individual. Disorders like circadian rhythmic sleep disorders are result of disruptive sleep pattern. Circadian rhythm sleep disorders include delayed sleep phase type, advance sleep phase disorder, irregular sleep-wake disorder and free running disorder (DSM-5). Through this study we are exploring what are the major symptoms that indicated the delayed sleep disorder in university students and the reasons (either personal or social) that trigger the symptoms of delayed sleep phase type in university students? What are the effects of the delayed sleep on their academic performance? Qualitative research design is used to understand the relationship between the research variables. Detailed interview has conducted from the 15 adults from different universities and colleges. It was concluded that delayed sleep impact individual’s mental as well as physical well-being. The delayed sleep pattern of university students has many reasons and it effect the student’s academic performance.
Introduction: The menopausal transition is accompanied by physical, cognitive, and emotional changes that affect daily life. While medicalized approaches dominate, little is known about how short, embodied practices may support women in this period. This study evaluates women’s experiences with Zarina del Mar’s Movement Snacks practice. Methods: Twenty-two women aged 34-69 years (M = 49.41, SD = 11.96) participated in semi-structured interviews after practicing Zarina del Mar’s Movement Snacks. Interviews were conducted via Zoom in March-April 2025 and lasted 30-80 minutes. Data were thematically analyzed to identify common patterns of meaning and individual differences. Results: Five themes were identified: (1) insufficient knowledge and guidance on health during the menopausal transition, (2) low reliance on conventional medical systems, (3) preference for self-directed and non-medical approaches, (4) integration of short movement practices instead of conventional exercise, and (5) reported benefits such as improved flexibility, proprioception, joint mobility, body awareness, and emotional regulation. Discussion: The findings suggest that the Movement Snacks practice is perceived as an accessible strategy to support midlife women’s well-being. Its brevity and adaptability allow integration into everyday life, offering a non-medicalized framework for addressing challenges associated with the menopausal transition. Conclusion: Zarina del Mar’s Movement Snacks practice appears to be a supportive tool for women during the menopausal transition. Future studies should combine qualitative and quantitative approaches to further evaluate its health-related impact.
This assessment investigates the local contexts of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention mechanisms in six specific weredas of the Afar and Amhara regions of Ethiopia: Jele Timuga, Efratana Gidim, Artuma Fursi, Hadellela, Dawe, and Dalifage. Despite existing legislative frameworks, GBV remains prevalent due to deeply entrenched cultural norms, economic dependency, and lack of awareness. Through qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews and key informant interviews, the research identifies various forms of GBV experienced by women and girls, such as physical violence, early marriage, rape, abduction, absuma marriage and economic exploitation. The findings emphasize the critical roles of women leaders, elders, and community stakeholders in combating GBV and promoting awareness. Furthermore, the study highlights the urgent need for awareness raising initiatives and targeted training programs to educate community members particularly targeting community and religious leaders about GBV and its consequences. Comprehensive strategies encompassing education, economic empowerment, and community engagement are essential for effectively reducing GBV. Recommendations for improving prevention mechanisms include enhancing collaboration among stakeholders, providing training for community leaders, and ensuring access to support services for survivors. This research contributes valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners aiming to address GBV in Ethiopia effectively.
This study examined the food security status, determinant factors, and coping strategies among urban households in Chiro Town, West Hararghe Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. It addressed a research gap by focusing on small and fast-growing towns, which are often overlooked in national studies. A total of 392 households were surveyed using a cross-sectional design and a mixed-methods approach. Food security status was measured using daily calorie intake, with 2,100 kilocalories per adult equivalent used as the cutoff point. The findings showed that 34.44% of the households were food insecure, with varying degrees of severity: 18.88% were marginally insecure, 7.65% were moderately insecure, and 7.91% were severely insecure. The results from binary logistic regression analysis identified key factors that influenced household food security. Households led by individuals with higher education levels, greater income, access to remittances, ownership of a house, and higher food spending were more likely to be food secure. On the other hand, female-headed households, those with larger family sizes, higher dependency ratios, and those relying on daily labor were more likely to face food insecurity. To cope with food shortages, many households used strategies such as reducing the number of meals, working as daily laborers, borrowing money, migrating for seasonal work, and selling livestock or household assets. Some households also relied on food aid, consumed less preferred foods, dropped children from school, or sent them to live with relatives. These coping strategies highlight the serious vulnerability of many urban households. The study concludes that food insecurity is still a major problem in Chiro Town. It recommends targeted support, especially for vulnerable groups, through education, job creation, remittance channels, and improved access to food and financial services. These findings can help guide policies in similar urban areas facing food insecurity challenges.
Sustainable communities play a critical role in urban development, as they possess the ability to effectively address challenges associated with rapid urbanisation in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Attaining sustainable communities through social inclusiveness, economic vigour, and environmental stewardship is a multifaceted endeavour. Therefore, acquiring a comprehensive understanding of the contextual variables, constraints, and opportunities that exert influence on the advancement of sustainable communities in SSA is of paramount importance to facilitate well-informed policy formulation and strategic planning. Existing studies suggest that contextualization among other aspects, plays a critical role in ensuring that development interventions uphold and combine local values and practices. This approach fosters a feeling of ownership as well as cultural continuity in the community. However, there is a lack of studies that have put together the available information on the impact of contextualising sustainable communities in cities in SSA. This study aims to address these disparities by consolidating the comprehension of how sustainable communities can be included and adapted for urban planning and development in SSA cities. This will consist of a comprehensive analysis of the available urban policies, planning laws, and governance structures in cities in SSA. This protocol will keep to the guidelines defined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA 2020). A systematic review will be conducted to assess the obstacles and barriers encountered in the development and execution of urban policies, planning laws, and governance structures intended for creating sustainable communities in cities in SSA. This study will consider the time frame spanning from 1990 to 2024. A minimum of eight appropriate databases will be searched, including government documents, academic journals, and publications from international development agencies. Two and three concept search structures will be used and documented in Table 3. The Rayyan Reviewer software will be utilized for data management and analysis. Two reviewers will Independently, screen all literature retrieved, full-text articles and extract data. A thorough quality assessment of the included studies will be conducted. Studies included in the review will be analyzed appropriately based on the type of data obtained. This protocol with reference number CRD2024608143 is registered with the PROSPERO global prospective register of systematic reviews.
Pre scaling up of soil test crop response based phosphorous calibration study for Teff was conducted on farmer’s field at Guduru district, Horo Guduru Wollega Zone of Oromia Region, with the objectives to popularize and create wider demand on the importance of site specific crop response fertilizer recommendation in the study area. The trial was scaled up on 8 farmer’s fields across the district. The activity was under taken on a plot area of 50 m*50 m = 2500 m2. A soil test was done to determine how much phosphorus fertilizer to use for crops. The recommended amount of nitrogen fertilizer is 46 kg per hectare. Teff variety “Dursi” was used with the seed rate of 15 kg/ha. A total of 4 FREG units which are having 50 male and 12 female members were established. For gender fairness, 19.4% of the participants were women farmers and 80% were men. A total of 48 farmers, 5 development agents, and 4 experts attended a training session during a mini field day that was held at the farmers' fields when the crops were ready to harvest. The highest mean grain yield (1842.5 kg/ha) was obtained from the soil test crop response based fertilizer recommendation. Finally, linkage was established with research center and district office of agriculture. Therefore, wider scaling up/out of soil test crop response based recommended P-fertilizers ought to oversee the promotion and management of phosphorus fertilizers that are recommended according to soil test results and crop reactions.
Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by substantial phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity. The recent application of person-centered computational models has allowed the identification of novel clinical subtypes with distinct genetic underpinnings. Objective: To review recent literature on the classification of ASD subtypes through integrative approaches combining clinical, phenotypic, and genomic data, with emphasis on diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic implications. Methods: A narrative review of articles published between 2018 and 2024 was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, using search terms such as “autism subtypes,” “phenotypic clustering,” “genetic architecture in ASD,” and “precision medicine in autism.” Eligible studies included original research, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Results: Recent studies have identified at least four robust clinical-biological ASD subtypes using finite mixture modeling and person-centered analyses: (1) social and behavioral challenges, (2) mixed ASD with developmental delay, (3) moderate challenges, and (4) broadly affected subtype. Each group presents distinctive patterns in symptoms, comorbidities, developmental trajectories, and genetic architecture. Both de novo mutations and inherited variants play key roles in molecular differentiation among subtypes. Conclusions: The identification of more homogeneous subgroups within the autism spectrum represents a crucial step toward personalized medicine in ASD. Emerging clinical tools derived from these classifications may enhance prognosis prediction and guide tailored interventions.
This study explored the barriers to accessing formal education by children in witch camps in Ghana. This is an area neglected by both research and policy in Ghana. This study was conducted in the Gambaga Witches Camp, one of the oldest and most notorious witch camps in Africa. The study employed socio-anthropological methods of data, including interviews, key informant interviews, focus group discussions and observations. Data were gathered from various categories of respondents, such as children in the witches’ camp, the alleged witches, the custodians of the witch camp, headteachers and teachers, Ghana Education Services Municipal Directorate officers, the East Mamprusi Municipal Assembly officer, the Presbyterian Church in Gambaga, Islamic Clerics, NGOs and members of the community in which the camp is located. The study found that the children are in the camp to serve their mothers or grandmothers who have been accused of witchcraft and brought to the camp. The study further found that for those children who are attending school, their education is seriously challenged by poor conditions at the camp, poverty, isolation and depression. At the school level, they face abuse from their colleagues, such as name-calling and stigmatisation, unprovoked attacks, and isolation. This situation makes the school environment unattractive, intimidating, and unfriendly to children coming from the witches’ camp. Children in the witches’ camp frequently avoid school, resulting in frequent absenteeism, tardiness, and poor academic performance. The paper recommends that the government take measures to improve the conditions at the camp. Other students and teachers must be educated to see children from the witches’ camp as victims of circumstances, and must not be discriminated against. They must be supported, encouraged, and fully integrated into the school system.
Hybrid alternative proteins face complex regulatory hurdles, but Alessandro Monaco and Kai Purnhagen of the University of Bayreuth believe regulatory sandboxes could offer a promising, adaptive framework to balance safety, innovation, and consumer acceptance on their path to market. For the full context please click here.
In Ethiopia there are different known coffee types and place of origin of coffee having their own quality and flavor. Assessment of coffee quality is a key step in price setting and determines its export potential in coffee producing countries and to many coffee roasters and distributors. The study was conducted to evaluate Raya Azebo coffee landrace for bean quality traits. A total of ten (10) Raya Azebo coffee landrace along with two Hararghe coffee varieties were evaluated for bean physical and organoleptic coffee quality traits using Completely Randomized Design with three replications. The analysis of variance results showed significant difference among Raya Azebo coffee landrace for raw, cup and overall coffee quality. Most of the Raya Azebo coffee landraces possess mocha to slightly mocha flavor which represents the characteristics of typical quality profile of Hararghe coffee flavor. The coffee landraces had medium bean size as compared to other region coffee genotype. The bean size ranged from 88% to 97% with the overall mean of 94.33%. The coffee landraces had good and acceptable cup quality for aromatic quality, acidity, body, flavor and overall standards. The total cup and overall quality of Raya Azebo coffee landrace was in the range between 43.83% to 48.17% and 79.17% to 84%, respectively. Thus, the research results suggested the higher chance of selection of landraces to be developed as varieties for high and acceptable coffee quality.
