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Indoor Air Quality in Selected School Buildings in the Central Sector of Athens at the Attica’s Region and Potential Health Risks
Full text link Aims and Scope: Indoor air pollution is a significant environmental risk factor for health, particularly in schools, where students and teachers spend a considerable portion of their day (about 30%). As a result, they are more exposed to indoor pollution than outdoor air pollution. This paper focuses on investigating the indoor air quality (IAQ) in school buildings within the Central Sector of Athens, in the Attica Region, by recording physical parameters and concentration levels of indoor air pollutants related to comfort, health, and safety conditions within classrooms. The study also seeks to identify factors contributing to diminished air quality in classrooms and propose measures to improve indoor air quality in school buildings to protect public health. Methods: The indoor air quality research was conducted in forty-seven (47) classrooms across twenty-six (26) school buildings in the Central Sector of Athens, in the Attica Region, from March 2022 to May 2023. Air pollutants, including Carbon dioxide (CO2), Carbon monoxide (CO), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and Particulate matters (PM10, PM2.5), along with physical parameters such as temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH), were monitored using the series 500 Portable Air Quality Monitor (AeroQual) during one teaching hour per day in each classroom. Some windows and doors were opened during sampling due to health and safety measures and recommendations for COVID-19 protection for students and teachers. Findings: The overall mean concentrations of the main parameters recorded inside the schools were 0.136 ppm for CO, 823.38 ppm for CO2, 12.07 ppm for VOCs, 0.006 ppm for NO2, 38.1 μg/m3 for PM10, and 15.4 μg/m3 for PM2.5. The mean recorded temperature was 24.52 oC, and the relative humidity was 45.78%. In this study, twenty- two (22) classrooms, representing 46.8% of the schools in the Attica Region, were found to have temperatures outside the comfort range for students. In all cases, indoor CO concentrations were lower than the recommended exposure limit (REL) of 35 ppm, as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) set by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Eight (8) of the forty-seven classrooms in the Attica region (17%) had CO2 concentrations exceeding 1000 ppm. VOCs exceeded the indoor limit value of 0.8 ppm in all schools (100%). There was a statistically significant difference between indoor and ambient air for CO, CO2, and ΝΟ2 (p<0.001), VOCs (p=0.004), and PM10 (p=0.028). Conclusion: The indoor air quality of the classrooms was influenced by outdoor air, the school’s location, the number of windows opened during lessons, the number of students in the classroom, the activities conducted, the furnishings, and the school equipment. Lack of comfort conditions and exceeded limits of indoor air pollutants can lead to diminished IAQ, thereby posing harmful effects on students. Proper ventilation of classrooms during lessons and breaks is necessary for better air quality. Ventilation is one of the most important factors affecting indoor air quality, as it dilutes exposure to agents originating indoors
The Influence of Conversational AI on Consumer Behavior and Counterfactual Thinking: A Systematic Review
Full text linkThis document evaluates the development and importance of conversational AI, chatbots, and virtual assistants in human behavior and the process of making decisions. Designed to investigate the impact of AI on the personalization of user experiences, the study maps how the automation of decision-making and the alteration of cognitive processes like thinking in the counterfactual mode and regret are affected. The main idea is that while conversational AI service might improve the user experience and be more efficient, problems with transparency, personalization overdone and emotive manipulation might emerge. The conclusion of the research is that it is necessary to operate in a balanced way in order for the trust to be established, to be transparent, and to be authentic, thus reinforcing the transformative impact of conversational AI in e-commerce and consumer engagement in the future
InVEST-based assessment of carbon sequestration potentials and environmental dynamics in the coastal area of Lagos
Full text linkCoastal environments comprise multiple arrays of ecosystems, including forests, mangroves, wetlands, and oceans. These ecosystems possess a unique ability to store Carbon for prolonged periods, acting as natural carbon sinks and contributing to reducing atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations. However, despite their significance, the potential of coastal land covers and their associated land use in mitigating global warming through carbon absorption is often overlooked. This study employed the InVEST (Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs) model together with Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Carbon pool data to assess the carbon stock and dynamics of various land use and land cover types in the coastal environment of Lagos for 20 years. The results revealed a substantial reduction in net stored Carbon from 1.33 x 108 metric tons of Carbon in 2003 to 1.21 x 108 metric tons of Carbon in 2013, which accounts for a 6.66% decline in stored Carbon during that period. Furthermore, the total carbon stock decreased by approximately 3.5 x108 Metric tons, equating to a loss of over 300 million tons between 2013 and 2023. By identifying and measuring the carbon sequestration capacity of these varied coastal land covers, researchers can gain insight into their function in reducing global warming. These natural carbon sinks can be preserved and enhanced by conservation efforts, sustainable management practices, and policy decisions informed by this information, aiding the global fight against climate change
Navigating Research Trends in Support and Stigma: A Bibliometric Analysis and Future Research Agenda
Full text linkAim and Scope: Stigma has changed and evolved over time with the progress of knowledge and humanity. The negative outcomes of stigma, such as social isolation, exclusion, poor treatment adherence, and limited access to healthcare services, have garnered interest among research communities. The complex nature of stigma as a socially constructed phenomenon and its continuous evolution raises the need to track changes and fit future interventions. Methods: We synthesize extant research on stigma and support through a bibliometric analysis of 257 articles investigating the stigma phenomenon. The study contributes to a comprehensive understanding and helps the translation of research findings into action to drive social change and evidence-based policies. Findings: Our analysis revealed a growing interest in the domain in recent years. The results show six main directions of research: (1) stigma as a barrier, (2) cultural contexts of stigma, (3) perceived stigma and coping strategies, (4) stories of experiences of stigma, (5) action to mitigate stigma, and (6) community stigma. Conclusions: This study has theoretical and practical implications, in highlighting the multidimensionality of stigma and the need for multi-level policies to raise awareness among communities
Évaluation des filières énergétiques marocaines : Impacts environnementaux et implications pour une transition vers une économie verte
Full text linkL’objet de notre article est de déterminer la relation qui existe entre le modèle de développement basé sur l’option de l’économie verte, son défi énergétique ainsi que ses impacts environnementaux attribuables aux diverses filières énergétiques marocaines. En utilisant la méthodologie des scénarios et les données collectées auprès des organismes nationaux et internationaux, nous avons comparé les impacts environnementaux de ces filières sur l’ensemble de l’économie marocaine en les classant les unes par rapport aux autres, en mettant l'accent sur des critères tels que les émissions de CO2 et de CH4, la modification de l'écosystème, le changement de paysage et les risques pour la santé et la sécurité. Ensuite, et sur la base de ce classement, nous avons déterminé les répercussions environnementales de ces filières sur la transition énergétique du modèle de développement basé sur l’option de l’économie verte. Nos résultats montrent qu’en plus de présenter le moins d’impacts environnementaux, les filières hydraulique, solaire et éolienne sont plus durables et produisent un flux d’énergie continue et pratiquement inépuisable. Ils suggèrent qu'un mix énergétique équilibré, intégrant ces trois ressources, est essentiel pour maximiser les avantages socio-économiques et environnementaux.
The purpose of our paper is to determine the relationship between the development model based on the green economy option, its energy challenge, and the environmental impacts attributable to the different Moroccan energy branches. Using the scenario methodology and data collected from national and international organizations, we compared the environmental impacts of these sectors on the Moroccan economy as a whole by ranking them against each other, focusing on criteria such as CO2 and CH4 emissions, ecosystem modification, landscape change, and health and safety risks. Based on this ranking, we then determined the environmental impact of these sectors on the energy transition of the development model based on the green economy option. Our results show that hydro, solar, and wind power not only have the lowest environmental impact but are also more sustainable and produce a continuous and virtually inexhaustible flow of energy. The results suggest that a balanced energy mix integrating these three resources is essential to maximise socio-economic and environmental benefits
Facteurs pronostiques de l’accouchement du siege a la maternite du centre hospitalier universitaire Sylvanus Olympio de Lome, Togo
Full text linkIntroduction : L’accouchement du siège est responsable d’une morbimortalité périnatale importante. L’objectif de ce travail était de décrire les facteurs pronostiques de l’accouchement du siège au CHU Sylvanus Olympio de Lomé, Togo. Methode : Il s’est agi d’une étude transversale descriptive et analytique à collecte rétrospective de données allant de la période du 1 Avril 2022 au 31 Mars 2023 portant sur 522 dossiers d’accouchement du siège. La saisie et analyse des donnée ont été faites grâce au Microsoft 2019 et logiciel SPSS 12.1. Resultats : La prévalence des accouchements du siège était de 4,6%. La césarienne a été faite dans 77%. Il existait un lien significatif entre la césarienne et la parité < 3 (p = 0,00), la présence d’une cicatrice utérine (p = 0,00), la rupture de la poche des eaux (p = 0,00), et le poids néonatal > 3500g (p = 0,00). Il existe un lien significatif entre l’APGAR à la 5e minute < 7 et la voie basse (p < 0,01), le siège décomplété (p < 0,025) et l’accoucheur médecin en spécialisation et sage-femme (p < 0,01). Le taux de mortalité périnatale était de 4,6 % et était significativement lié à la voie basse (p < 0,01) et l’accoucheur médecin en spécialisation et sage-femme (p < 0,01). Conclusion : L’identification des facteurs pronostiques de l’accouchement du siège permettra de réduire sa morbimortalité périnatale.
Introduction: Breech delivery is responsible for significant perinatal morbidity and mortality. The objective of this work was to describe the prognostic factors of breech delivery at Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital in Lomé, Togo. Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection spanning the period from April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023, on 522 breech birth records. Data entry and analysis using Microsoft 2019 and SPSS 12.1 software. Results: The prevalence of breech deliveries was 4.6%. Caesarean section was done in 77%. There was a significant link between cesarean section and parity < 3 (p = 0.00), the presence of a uterine scar (p = 0.00), rupture of the water bag (p = 0.00), and neonatal weight > 3500g (p = 0.00). There is a significant link between the APGAR at the 5th minute < 7 and the vaginal route (p < 0.01), the unfinished breech (p < 0.025), and the obstetrician specialist doctor and midwife (p < 0 .01). The perinatal mortality rate was 4.6% and was significantly linked to the vaginal delivery (p < 0.01) and the specialist midwife and midwife (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The identification of prognostic factors for breech delivery will make it possible to reduce its perinatal morbidity and mortality
Examining variations in sensitivity of cereal crop yield to climate change variables across the three regions in Northern Ghana using Multilevel and Bayesian Multilevel Modeling
Full text linkThe study applied both the multilevel and the Bayesian multilevel model approaches to investigate variations in the effects of climate variables on cereal crop yield in Northern Ghana with respect to the region of cultivation and year (time), and to compare the performance of the two models. Thirty-one years of data points on some climate variables and the annual yield of some selected cereal crops from the Meteorological Agency and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture of Ghana, respectively, were used. Results indicated significant variations in climate change impact across the regions and years of cultivation. Further, the results showed that the impact of humidity and sunshine on crop yield varies from one region to another, with humidity having the most variation. The study further revealed that the Bayesian Multilevel model performed better in its model scores and predictive ability. It concluded that there are variations in the impact of climate change on cereal crop yield in the regions in Northern Ghana and recommends that climate characteristics of the regions should be taken into account in predicting future yield and adopting mitigation strategies
Connaissance, attitude et pratique des patients vis-à-vis de l’HVB à Bangui
Full text linkIntroduction : dans le monde et en Centrafrique l l’hépatite virale B est l'une des principales causes des maladies graves (cirrhose du foie et carcinome hépatocellulaire) ; la sensibilisation, la connaissance représentent des moyens essentiels pour lutter contre cette affection. Objectif: Evaluer les connaissances, attitudes et pratiques des patients concernant l’hépatite virale B, et déterminer les facteurs associés aux bonnes connaissances sur cette maladie. Patients et méthode : Il s’agissait d’une étude transversale et descriptive de janvier à décembre 2023 au Laboratoire d’Analyse Médicale de l’Institut Pasteur de Bangui. Étaient inclus les patients adressés à l’institut pasteur de Bangui pour des analyses comportant le diagnostic de l’hépatite Résultats au total, 365 personnes sur 1049 ont répondu aux questions dont 445 porteurs AgHbs (antigène de surface du virus de l’hépatite b), sur les 365, 210 ont entendu parler de l’hépatite B dont 107 à la radio soit 50,9% et 1es autre l’ont entendu soit à l’hôpital ou lors de sensibilisation. Deux cents soixante Cinque (72,6%) ne savaient pas ce que c’est que l’hépatite B, 297 (81,3%) ne connaissaient pas les moyens de prévention, 266 ne savaient pas les facteurs de risques. Parmi les porteurs d’antigènesHBs 371 étaient du niveau supérieur et 50 du secondaire. Le multiple partenaire sexuel était de 118 sur les 445 soit 26,5%. Conclusion : l’hépatite virale b demeure un véritable problème de santé publique, en Centrafrique l’ignorance est la cause principale. Une action nationale de grande envergure est recommandée et urgente.
Introduction: Worldwide and in the Central African Republic, viral hepatitis B is one of the leading causes of serious illnesses (liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma); awareness and knowledge are essential means to combat this disease. Objective: To assess patients' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding viral hepatitis B, and determine the factors associated with good knowledge of this disease. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted from January to December 2023 at the Medical Analysis Laboratory of the Institut Pasteur in Bangui. Patients referred to the Institut Pasteur in Bangui for testing, including the diagnosis of hepatitis, were included. Results: A total of 365 out of 1,049 people responded to the questions, including 445 HBsAg (hepatitis B virus surface antigen) carriers. Of the 365, 210 had heard of hepatitis B, including 107. On the radio, 50.9%, and the other 1st heard it either in the hospital or during awareness-raising sessions. Two hundred and sixty-five (72.6%) did not know what hepatitis B was, 297 (81.3%) did not know the means of prevention, and 266 did not know the risk factors. Among the HBs antigen carriers, 371 were in higher education and 50 in secondary education. Multiple sexual partners were 118 out of 445, or 26.5%. Conclusion: Viral hepatitis B remains a real public health problem; in the Central African Republic, ignorance is the main cause. Large-scale national action is recommended and urgent
Employabilité des diplômés de l’Université Nouveaux Horizons sur le marché du travail à Lubumbashi, RDC
Full text link Cette étude s’est proposée d’identifier les comportements des diplômés de l’Université Nouveaux Horizons sur le marché du travail à Lubumbashi en RDC, déceler les freins à leur insertion professionnelle et de déterminer les facteurs susceptibles de favoriser le maintien et/ou le développement des compétences traverses acquises par les diplômés de l’Université Nouveaux Horizons. Elle visait également à combler l’écart criant entre l’instruction et l’emploi, en cherchant à savoir comment améliorer la réactivité des programmes de formation professionnelle des jeunes demandeurs du marché du travail. Il s’agissait donc de s’assurer aussi que l’offre des programmes de formation professionnelle reflète l’évolution rapide des attentes des employeurs ainsi que les préférences des diplômés de l’enseignement supérieur et universitaire.
Elle a été réalisée dans la ville de Lubumbashi, pendant la fourchette de temps allant de 2021 à 2023. Elle s’est servie de la méthode d’enquête et l’approche descriptive. Ces méthodes ont été sous-tendues par les techniques documentaire et de questionnaire. Le traitement des données a été effectué grâce à l’analyse de contenu, au coefficient de cramer et au test statistique de différence Chi-deux de Carl Pearson. Sommairement, les résultats de cette étude ont montré que les diplômés de l’Université Nouveaux Horizons sont peu employables par le simple fait qu’ils adoptent, depuis le jour où ils ont été déversés sur le marché de l’emploi, des comportements moins conséquents leur permettant de répondre aux exigences dudit marché, en amorçant les démarches régulières de recherche active ou dynamique de l’emploi, notamment par le dépôt des demandes d’emploi, la mise en place d’une panacée de stratégies de coping ou d’adaptation. D’autres versent même dans l’auto-employabilité (entrepreneuriat). Ils ne se montrent pas beaucoup plus actifs sur le marché du travail, la plupart de ceux auprès de qui les enquêtes ont été menées, versent dans des conduites nonchalantes, caractérisées par une attente totalement passive.
This study aimed to identify the behavior of New Horizons University graduates in the Lubumbashi labor market, identify barriers to their professional integration, and determine factors likely to promote the maintenance and/or development of the cross-curricular skills acquired by New Horizons University graduates. It also aimed to bridge the glaring gap between education and employment by exploring how to improve the responsiveness of vocational training programs for young job seekers. This also involved ensuring that vocational training program offerings reflect the rapidly evolving expectations of employers and the preferences of higher education and university graduates.
It was carried out in the city of Lubumbashi, during the time range from 2021 to 2023. It used the survey method and the descriptive approach. These methods were underpinned by documentary and questionnaire techniques. Data processing was carried out using content analysis, Cramer's coefficient and Carl Pearson's Chi-square statistical difference test. In summary, the results of this study showed that graduates of New Horizons University are not very employable simply because they adopt, since the day they were dumped on the job market, less consistent behaviors allowing them to meet the demands of said market, by initiating regular steps of active or dynamic job search, in particular by submitting job applications, implementing a panacea of coping or adaptation strategies. Others even turn to self-employment (entrepreneurship). They do not appear to be much more active in the labor market; most of those surveyed exhibit a lackadaisical behavior characterized by a completely passive wait
Analyse des Impacts des Activites Anthropiques en Milieu Forestier : cas de la forêt de Dzia landzé et Ouallah aux Comores
Full text linkLe monde végétal intertropical subit d’importantes transformations et destructions de ses écosystèmes, un phénomène qui se poursuit encore aujourd’hui. L’essor démographique a accentué ces changements, notamment par l’intensification des activités humaines telles que les feux et l’agriculture sur brûlis. À l’échelle mondiale, l’expansion agricole est l’un des principaux facteurs de la déforestation. Aux Comores, ce phénomène est particulièrement lié à l’agriculture sur brûlis, aux cultures sous forêt et à l’exploitation du bois d’œuvre. Cet article vise à analyser les impacts des activités humaines sur la couverture végétale. Les quatre îles de l’archipel (Anjouan, Grande-Comore, Mohéli et Mayotte) possèdent chacune une biodiversité unique, mais forment un ensemble écologique interdépendant. L’expansion démographique a intensifié les pressions anthropiques sur le paysage, entraînant une dégradation accrue des milieux naturels. En Afrique de l’Ouest, la gestion des aires protégées est souvent compromise par la faible implication des populations locales, ce qui conduit à des violations des réglementations et à l’occupation illégale de ces espaces. Face à la nécessité de préserver ses ressources naturelles, le gouvernement comorien a mis en place des aires protégées, comme la forêt de Dzialandzé et celle de Ouallah, situées respectivement dans les parcs nationaux de Mont Ntringui (Anjouan) et de Mzékukulé (Mohéli). Les changements d’occupation des sols varient selon les milieux et résultent de multiples facteurs. Ces transformations ont de lourdes conséquences sur la biodiversité et les processus écologiques, notamment le cycle des nutriments et celui de l’eau. Il est donc essentiel d’analyser l’évolution du couvert végétal face à l’intensification des activités humaines dans ces environnements.
The intertropical plant world is undergoing significant transformations and ecosystem destruction, a phenomenon that continues to this day. Demographic growth has exacerbated these changes, particularly through the intensification of human activities such as fires and slash-and-burn agriculture. Globally, agricultural expansion is one of the main drivers of deforestation. In the Comoros, this phenomenon is particularly linked to slash-and-burn agriculture, forest-based farming, and the exploitation of timber resources. This article aims to analyze the impact of human activities on vegetation cover. The four islands of the archipelago (Anjouan, Grande Comore, Mohéli, and Mayotte) each have a unique biodiversity but form an interdependent ecological unit. Demographic expansion has increased anthropogenic pressures on the landscape, leading to greater degradation of natural environments. In West Africa, the management of protected areas is often compromised by the weak involvement of local populations, which frequently results in non-compliance with regulations and the illegal occupation of these spaces. In response to the need to preserve its natural resources, the Comorian government has established protected areas, such as the Dzialandzé forest and the Ouallah forest, located respectively within the Mont Ntringui National Park (Anjouan) and the Mzékukulé National Park (Mohéli). Land-use changes vary depending on the environment and are driven by multiple factors. These transformations have severe consequences on biodiversity and ecological processes, particularly the nutrient cycle and the water cycle. It is therefore essential to analyze how vegetation cover evolves in response to the proliferation of human activities in these environments