Abstract:Abstract Background: Nurses play a vital role in the healthcare system in which they are always at risk of developing occupational burnout. In Saudi Arabia, little is known about the level of burnout among nurses working 12 and 8 hours in medical-surgical wards. Methods: A descriptive correlational design was used to assess burnout among 205 nurses who were working 12 and 8 hours in medical-surgical wards in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using sociodemographic data and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The majority of the participants were between the age of 21 and 45 years old (M= 27.27, SD = 4.09), single (62.9 %) with no child (64.4%), had experienced from one to two years (60.5%), and 50.2 % of nurses reported that they worked eight-hour shift. The results showed that nurses who worked in the medical-surgical ward had a high burnout (M = 69.79, SD= 24.90). The level of burnout was significantly correlated with working hours (p = 0.011, r = 0.17). Conclusion: Burnout is a concept that has continued to be the concern of nurses and researchers for several decades. This concept is highly related to the workforce in general and nursing in particular. So, the effects of burnout on patient outcomes, patient safety, and quality of care are not well defined by evidence.
Abstract:In post-apartheid South Africa, the introduction of School Governing Bodies in 1996 was one of the strategies to decentralise education by devolving some powers to parents, teachers, and learners. The South African Schools Act, Act No 84 of 1996, was enacted to regulate school governance. This regulation required parents to know their roles in the School Governing Bodies. In spite of this, however, relevant literature shows that most parents in rural SGBs continue to lack financial management skills to effectively play this role. Utilising a qualitative research approach within the interpretive paradigm and a case study research design, this study explored the role of parent members of the School Governing bodies in accountable financial management in rural schools. Using the Accountability theoretical frame work as a lens to analyse data from 16 SGB members presiding over finances of six no-fee public ordinary schools, this study found that the participants faced a challenge of understanding English which in this case was used as a medium of communication by the National Department of Education in workshops meant to train newly appointed parent SGB members. It was further found that the language was a barrier to efficient understanding of the roles of these members, even after training. The study recommends that the South African Schools’ Act and all other documents utilised in the training of new SGB members should be first translated into the local language in order to gain efficiency and effectiveness. This should be done to enhance the parents’ understanding of the language used in their training and subsequently play their roles efficiently.
Abstract:This systematic review examines the effectiveness, challenges, and implications of openbook exams (OBEs) in higher education. Following PRISMA guidelines, 20 studies published between 1950 and 2025 were analysed, involving 3349 participants across 11 countries. The review found that OBEs consistently reduce test anxiety by shifting focus from rote memorization to understanding and application. They promote critical thinking and higher-order skills, encouraging deeper engagement with learning materials and fostering self-directed learning. However, benefits depend on proper implementation, preparation strategies, and question design. While OBEs align with real-world applications and offer potential to transform assessment practices, challenges include over-reliance on materials and variability in student preparation. When thoughtfully designed and executed, OBEs can serve as a powerful tool for holistic student development and better preparation for professional environments.
Abstract:Sexual violence continues to be a serious problem in Indonesia, and Papua is no exception. The purpose of the study was to understand students experiences and perceptions of sexual violence in the civic education cycle to better understand and be aware of the risk of sexual violence in schools. This research was conducted by a quantitative descriptive method in the form of a survey at one of the vocational schools in Jayapura, with a sample of four classes of Automotive Engineering. The perception of increased risk due to personal experience was found to be highest among 2nd grade TKR students, where the experience of experiencing sexual violence was the largest proportion. Students described sexual violence as any act that involves non-consensual sexual contact (31.5%), shaped by culture (31.5%), knowledge of ones own boundaries (24.7%), and emotional experiences (42.5%). My final conclusion is that students understand differently depending on cultural factors, borderline knowledge, and emotionally. Further research on students perceptions of sexual violence in schools can improve the literature on civics education. These findings are anticipated to help policymakers facilitate the development of more relevant education policies and serve education stakeholders to foster a safe and inclusive learning environment, especially in the Papua region.
Abstract:This study investigates the hydraulic behavior of the Kemerdere Aqueduct, an ancient Roman structure located in the city of Troy, using CFD simulations. It is aim to reveal the engineering significance of the open channel of the aqueduct, whose flow direction was changed after an earthquake in antiquity. By analyzing the flow rates and water supply capabilities of the aqueduct, the research demonstrates its efficiency in providing water to urban populations. Results reveals that the Kemerdere Aqueduct could supply water to approximately 8,500 to 15,000 people daily, accounting for losses due to leakage and other inefficiencies. This highlights the advanced engineering skills of Romans and their ability to manage water resources effectively. Findings emphasize the importance of historical technologies in addressing contemporary water management challenges and underscore the significance of preserving ancient engineering marvels. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of Roman water management practices and their enduring relevance.
Abstract:This study investigates the impact of gamification on consumer brand engagement among Portuguese gamers, addressing a significant gap in empirical research within this demographic. While gamification is known for enhancing brand engagement and loyalty, limited evidence exists in the Portuguese market. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from 485 Portuguese gamers and analyzed through covariance-based structural equation modeling. The research examines how three dimensions of gamification - immersion, realization, and social interaction - affect components of consumer brand engagement, specifically absorption, affection, and social connection. Findings indicate that immersion significantly enhances all three engagement components. At the same time, realization and social interaction are positively linked with identification and social connection, underscoring the strategic potential of gamification in brand management. This study offers new empirical insights into the Portuguese market, demonstrating that gamification can be a powerful tool for marketers aiming to strengthen consumer-brand connections and loyalty. By addressing an underexplored area, this research provides practical recommendations for integrating gamification into marketing strategies to drive organizational success.
Abstract:This study examines the impact of decentralised governance on the success of the Indian state of Kerala`s healthcare system. Kerala`s healthcare model, characterised by strong local governance, community engagement and accountability, has consistently contributed to its superior health outcomes, placing it at the top of national health rankings. The state`s decentralised framework empowers local authorities to implement tailored healthcare solutions, fostering responsive and context-specific interventions. By analysing Kerala`s model through the lens of decision space, this study highlights how enhanced accountability and local autonomy have been central to the system`s effectiveness, particularly during public health crises. The findings are that Kerala`s model could serve as a framework for strengthening decentralised governance in healthcare systems nationwide. Policy recommendations include expanding local decision-making authority, improving accountability through social audit committees and providing adequate financial and capacity-building support to local authorities. Additionally, the paper calls for further research on the effectiveness of decentralised governance in healthcare, proposing field-level studies and comparative analyses of different regions. Such research will inform policies aimed at creating a more equitable, resilient and responsive healthcare system across India.
Abstract:Breast cancer is the second cancer-related death cause among women worldwide. Mammography is the main screening tool for breast cancer detection. This study introduces a simple yet effective deep-learning approach for distinguishing malignant from benign masses in mammography images. Utilizing unsupervised clustering algorithms to clear image noise, and preprocessing images with custom filters yielded exceptional outcomes for both digital and film scan images. The proposed methodology allowed us to build a robust model that achieved an accuracy of 96.6% overcoming the base model by 3%.
Abstract:In this paper the intelligent control of full automatic car wash using a programmable logic controller (PLC) has been investigated and designed to do all steps of carwashing. The Intelligent control of full automatic carwash has the ability to identify and profile the geometrical dimensions of the vehicle chassis. Vehicle dimension identification is an important point in this control system to adjust the washing brushes position and time duration. The study also tries to design a control set for simulating and building the automatic carwash. The main purpose of the simulation is to develop criteria for designing and building this type of carwash in actual size to overcome challenges of automation. The results of this research indicate that the proposed method in process control not only increases productivity, speed, accuracy and safety but also reduce the time and cost of washing based on dynamic model of the vehicle. A laboratory prototype based on an advanced intelligent control has been built to study the validity of the design and simulation which it�s appropriate performance confirms the validity of this study..
Abstract:Several mechanisms are included in the plant resistance against the phytopathogens. Among them are some proteins that may either components of the cell wall or produced as a result of infection; in addition to other organic compounds that can be produced in the root exudates. Such compound may act as a pathogen pectinase or cellulase inhibitor or toxic to the pathogen. The aim of this work was a screening for a new fungal pectinase or cellulase inhibitor that may be a protein constitute or produced by the roots of five tested plants against six phytopathogenic fungi. The root exudates and protein content of five plants (Vicia faba, Trigonella sp., Zea mays, Triticum aestivum and Hordeum vulgare) were preliminary screened for inhibition of six phytopathogens (Sclerotium cepivorum, Sclerotium rolfsii, Sclerotinia scelrotiorum, Rhizoctonia solani, Botrytis sp. and Fusarium oxysporum) in a medium containing either pectin or cellulose as a sole source of carbon. There was no inhibition obtained from all of the protein extracts and the root exudates of the tested plants against any of the tested fungi. On other hand, the growth of Botrytis sp. was enhanced by the root exudates of corn in the cellulose containing medium. This result reflected absence of pectinases and cellulases inhibitor in the protein content or root exudates of the tested plants against the tested fungi. In addition, presence of Botrytis sp. cellulase activator in the root exudates of corn..