Search Results (88)

This paper examines how Marley Dias’ activism on Instagram promotes racial justice, Black feminist thought, and youth mobilization through digital storytelling, representation, and audience engagement. Using a mixed-methods analysis of 744 posts published between 2016 and 2025, the study combined critical thematic coding, temporal mapping, and engagement metrics to analyze the discursive and emotional strategies behind Dias’ activism. Five key themes were identified as central to her activist work: diversity in literature, lack girl empowerment, racial justice, Black representation, and educational advocacy. The findings reveal that Dias strategically tailors her messages to suit Instagram’s unique features, using carousels and videos to enhance visibility, foster intimacy, and provide depth in education. Posts that focused on identity, aesthetics, and empowerment garnered the highest levels of engagement, while posts that concentrated on structural issues received lower, yet still significant, interaction. The paper argues that Dias’ Instagram account serves as a dynamic platform for youth-led Black feminist resistance, where cultural production, civic education, and emotional impact converge. This case underscores the political potential of digital literacies and encourages a reconsideration of how youth-driven digital activism is reshaping contemporary public discourse, agency, and knowledge production in the social media age. Full article

Rotavirus alphagastroenteritidis (R. alphagastroenteritidis) remains the leading cause of pediatric diarrhea. Although Angola introduced Rotarix^®, the human monovalent R. alphagastroenteritidis vaccine since 2014 as part of its routine childhood immunization program, no follow-up study has been conducted. The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of R. alphagastroenteritidis genotypes among children under five years of age, hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis (AGE), after the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine. To achieve this goal, stool samples collected between 2021 and 2022 from children under 5 years of age diagnosed with AGE at six hospitals in Luanda Province were analyzed. The R. alphagastroenteritidis-antigen immunochromatographic test (SD Bioline™, Abbott, Chicago, IL, USA) was performed, and 121 positive samples were genotyped. Ten samples were randomly selected for further Sanger sequencing. The results showed that the G9P[6] was the most prevalent genotype (17.3%), followed by G9P[8] (16.5%), G2P[4] (14.9%), G3P[6] (13.2%), G8P[6] (11.5%), and less frequently G12P[8] (9.1%), G1P[6] (4.1%), and G1P[8] (2.5%). The genotype combinations G3P[6], G8P[6], and G12P[8] were detected for the first time in Luanda Province. In conclusion, the emergence of new genotype combinations supports the need for continuous surveillance to identify the trend in R. alphagastroenteritidis infection and the emergence of new strains circulating in Luanda Province in the post-vaccination period. Full article

Post-transfusion reactions can occur in animals because they present alloantibodies that do not require prior sensitization. Therefore, blood typing is necessary to reduce the risk of hemolytic reactions, but so far, no studies have been carried out to establish the incidence of common blood types in cats from Angola. Therefore, the objective of this observational study was to assess the occurrence of cat blood types in a non-pedigree feline population of Luanda province in Angola, a country in Sub-Saharan Africa, and to determine the risk of a mismatched transfusion and of neonatal isoerythrolysis (NI). Of the 127 cats tested (71 males and 56 females), including diseased and healthy cats with ages ranging from 8 months to 17 years, 94.9% were type A and 5.1% were type B. No type C cats were found. The calculated risk of a mismatched transfusion was 9.64%, and the proportion of mating risk for NI was 4.82%. Our results, although similar to those reported globally, differ from data described in other studies on the African continent. According to the results, blood typing is recommended prior to transfusion or matting. Full article

Introduction: African healthcare professionals face significant mental health challenges; therefore, telemedicine can overcome geographical barriers and improve access to mental healthcare. Objective: The objective of this study was to identify the key factors influencing the adoption of telemedicine as a tool to support healthcare workers’ mental health in an Angolan healthcare network and develop a telemedicine model tailored to this context. Methodology: This mixed-method study collected quantitative data from a questionnaire applied to healthcare workers (n = 275), which were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regressions. Qualitative data were obtained through structured interviews (n = 5) with psychologists and psychiatrists, and analyzed using thematic analysis in MAXQDA (Version 2022, VERBI Software, Germany), to identify recurring patterns and themes. The data were triangulated to ensure the rigor and consistency of the findings. Participation was anonymous and voluntary, and informed consent was obtained from all participants. Results: Previous experiences with mental health consultations, perceptions of teleconsultations, and doctor–patient relationship were significant in influencing telemedicine adoption by workers. The thematic analysis revealed four themes: perception and ease of telemedicine use, intention to use, and the perception of mental health in Angola. The key adoption factors for providers included project feasibility, management support, training, payment policies, and adherence to legal, ethical, and deontological standards. Conclusions: The adoption of telemedicine for occupational mental health requires culturally adapted interventions and compliance with technological and data protection standards. Hospital management must address infrastructure challenges and mental health perceptions, and implement sustainable strategies that promote occupational well-being within the organization. Full article

The use of machine learning techniques to identify contributing factors in air incidents has grown significantly, helping to identify and prevent accidents and improve air safety. In this paper, classifier models such as LS, KNN, Random Forest, Extra Trees, and XGBoost, which have proven effective in classification tasks, are used to analyze incident reports parsed with natural language processing (NLP) techniques, to uncover hidden patterns and prevent future incidents. Metrics such as precision, recall, F1-score and accuracy are used to assess the degree of correctness of the predictive models. The adjustment of hyperparameters is obtained with Grid Search and Bayesian Optimization. KNN had the best predictive rating, followed by Random Forest and Extra Trees. The results indicate that the use of machine learning tools to classify incidents and accidents helps to identify their root cause, improving situational decision-making. Full article

The use of social media to disseminate academic content is increasing, particularly in scientific journals. This study has the following two main objectives: first, exploring the use of social media by high-impact academic journals in two different SJR categories (Library and Information Sciences and Communication), and second, analyzing content curation carried out by the world’s most influential journals in both areas. The research methodology is descriptive with a quantitative approach regarding the items studied. The study finds that COM journals have a stronger social media presence than LIS journals, and X dominates in both categories and regions as the top social network, with significant influence as the only platform. On the other hand, content curation was found to a high degree in both areas, especially in the LIS area, with 93% vs. 80% in COM. The study highlights that both COM and LIS journals primarily focus on promoting recent articles, with COM diversifying content more than LIS. In terms of the content curation techniques used in both areas, the majority are abstracting and summarizing. Full article

Rotavirus group A (RVA) is a major cause of pediatric acute gastroenteritis (AGE). Vaccination is an effective public health strategy and Angola implemented it in 2014. This hospital-based study aimed to estimate the prevalence of RVA infection and the severity of AGE in children under five years of age treated at six hospitals in Luanda Province. Between April 2021 and May 2022, 1251 fecal samples were screened by an immunochromatographic rapid test (SD Bioline). Data on socio-demographic profile, nutritional status, and clinical assessment were obtained. The association of RVA infection and AGE severity with possible risk factors was evaluated with a binary logistic regression model. Overall, the detection rate was 57.8% and girls tend to be more often infected than boys (55.2%). Infection was more common in the youngest group (1 to 6 months, 60.3%). Important sources of RVA infection were drinking water kept in tanks (57.9%) and private sanitary facilities with piped water (61%). Surprisingly, according to the Vesikari Scale score, the most severe symptoms were observed in children vaccinated with two doses (80.7%). RVA prevalence remains high despite vaccination, and further studies should address the association between infection sources and disease severity, as well as the causes underlying vaccine (un)effectiveness. Full article

This preliminary study examined the effects of playing walking football with and without a goalkeeper (GK) on physiological, physical, technical, and perceptual variables in older men. Twenty participants (67 ± 4.7 years) engaged in two five vs. five walking football sessions, one WITH-GK and one WITHOUT-GK, using a randomized crossover design. The heart rate (HR), distance covered, technical actions, perceived exercise intensity, and enjoyment were measured. The results showed a significantly higher average HR (131 bpm vs. 123 bpm, p < 0.001), %HRmax (79% vs. 74%, p < 0.001), and time in higher HR zones (>80%HRmax, p < 0.05) in the WITH-GK condition. Participants also covered more total distance in the WITH-GK condition (1123 m vs. 1083 m, p < 0.001), particularly at speeds above 4 km/h (834 m vs. 781 m, p < 0.001). Conversely, more passes were made in the WITHOUT-GK condition (20 vs. 16 passes, p < 0.001), while the WITH-GK condition showed more shots (two vs. one, p < 0.001). The perceived exercise intensity was slightly higher in the WITHOUT-GK condition (five vs. four, p = 0.01), although the enjoyment levels were similar, with a slight preference for WITHOUT-GK. Overall, playing WITHOUT-GK provides a safer, lower-intensity alternative to WITH-GK, reducing the physical and perceived strain while maintaining enjoyment. This makes WITHOUT-GK particularly suitable for older adults or individuals with health conditions, promoting participation and rehabilitation with minimized risks. Full article

Neonatal mortality rates in developing countries are influenced by a complex array of factors. Despite advancements in healthcare, Angola has one of the highest neonatal mortality rates in sub-Saharan Africa, with significant contributors including premature birth, intrapartum events, tetanus, and sepsis. This study, utilizing key theoretical frameworks such as intersectionality, social determinants of health (SDOH), and ecosocial theory, aimed to identify the primary causes and contributing factors of neonatal mortality among infants admitted to the Neonatology Service at DBPH in Luanda from May 2022 to June 2023. A retrospective matched case–control design was employed, pairing each neonatal death with two surviving neonates based on age and sex. The analysis included 318 newborns, of whom 106 experienced hospital deaths. A stepwise binary logistic regression model was used to examine associations between variables and neonatal mortality. Variables with p < 0.25 in bivariate analysis were included in the multivariate model. Significant factors associated with neonatal mortality included the following: a low Apgar score at 1 min (<7) (OR 2.172; 95% CI: 1.436–4.731); maternal age under 20 years (OR 3.746; 95% CI: 2.172–6.459); home delivery (OR 1.769; 95% CI: 1.034–3.027); and duration of illness before admission ≥ 3 days (OR 2.600; 95% CI: 1.317–5.200). Addressing these issues requires urgent interventions, including improving Apgar score management through enhanced training for healthcare professionals, supporting young mothers with intensified maternal education, ensuring deliveries occur in appropriate healthcare settings, and improving universal health coverage and referral systems. These measures could be crucial for enhancing neonatal care and reducing mortality. Full article

Background/Objectives: Severe malaria poses a significant public health concern in Angola, particularly among adults. This study assessed the clinical manifestations and outcomes of severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria in adult patients admitted to Hospital Central Dr. António Agostinho Neto of Lubango (HCL), Angola. Methods: The study retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients over 14 years old admitted with severe malaria during the first quarter of 2021 and 2022, coinciding with the peak transmission season. The World Health Organization (WHO) criteria were used to clarify the disease severity. The cohort included 640 patients—167 in 2021 and 473 in 2022—distributed across the following departments: the Intensive Care Unit (ICU; n = 81), Medicine (MED; n = 458) and Infectiology (INF; n = 101). Results: The median age was 26 years and 59.4% were males. Renal impairment was the most frequent severe manifestation, affecting 37.4% of cases. The mortality rate across the study period was 7%, showing a notable decrease from 10.2% in 2021 to 5.9% in 2022. The higher mortality rate in 2021 may reflect the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which limited hospital access and delayed care, resulting in more critical cases being admitted at a later stage. In 2022, with reduced COVID-19 pressures, earlier access to treatment may have improved outcomes, contributing to the lower mortality rate. Conclusions: This study emphasizes the need to assess the clinical burden of severe malaria in low-endemic regions, where shifting patterns may signal emerging threats such as antimalarial drug resistance. Further research is essential to optimize control strategies and strengthen surveillance systems, reducing morbidity and mortality. Full article

As port authorities and cargo operators seek strategies to reduce carbon emissions while ensuring operational efficiency, some are turning to the concept of green corridors. These solutions aim to establish formalized partnerships among ports, carriers, shippers, and countries. During the process, the stakeholders must consider four priority areas (alternative fuels, bunkering infrastructure, vessel decarbonization pathways, and cargo demand dynamics) from seven angles (environmental, economic, infrastructure, regulatory, operational, technological, and social). This study explores the prioritization of these criteria for establishing a green maritime corridor between two major ports in Portugal and Angola, which would be a significant step toward promoting sustainable global trade. Utilizing the fuzzy AHP, this research analyzes all these factors and their associated sub-criteria derived from a comprehensive literature review and consultations with stakeholders from the Ports of Sines and Luanda. The findings show the dominance of environmental compatibility and economic viability, while social acceptance shows the lowest score. This framework guides the decision-making process for developing a sustainable shipping corridor. The results offer valuable insights for policymakers which can guide them in fostering resilient maritime transport routes, accelerating the adoption of decarbonization strategies and playing a critical role in achieving the IMO’s zero-emission targets by 2050. Full article

The aim of this study was to characterize the antimicrobial resistance phenotype and genotype of non-typhoidal Salmonella spp. isolated in Luanda, Angola. Between 2013 and 2015, human clinical samples, food, and environmental samples (n = 290) were collected at different regions of Luanda city and screened for the presence of Salmonella spp. Bacterial isolates were preliminarily identified using the API 20E Kit, and their identification was confirmed using PCR and serotyping. All Salmonella spp. isolates were tested by minimum inhibitory concentration against 19 antimicrobials. The isolates were also screened using PCR for the presence of resistance genes (bla_OXA-1, bla_SHV, bla_TEM, sul1, sul2, sul3, qnrA, qnrB, qnrS, qnrC, qnrD, aac(6′)-Ib, dfrIa [targeting dfrA1, dfrA5, dfrA15, dfrA15b, dfrA16, dfrA16b] and dfrA12, cmlA, and floR) and typed using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Salmonella enterica non-typhoidal was detected in 21.3% of the clinical samples (n = 32/150), 11.1% of the food samples (n = 10/90), and 26% of the environmental samples (n = 13/50). Serotyping revealed that the monophasic variant of Salmonella Typhimurium (Salmonella enterica serovar 4,[5],12:i:-) was detected in 38.1% of the samples. Moreover, serovar Salmonella Enteritidis was the second most frequent. Only 7.3% of the isolates were resistant to at least one antimicrobial. Furthermore, isolates from different origins (clinical, environmental, and food) were associated with the same lineages, Salmonella Enteritidis ST11 and S. enterica ser. Typhimurium ST313. The detection of S. enterica serovar 4,[5],12:i:- in different settings reinforces the need for a One Health approach to control this zoonosis in Angola. Full article

The observation of randomness patterns serves as guidance for the craft of probabilistic modelling. The most used count models—Binomial, Poisson, Negative Binomial—are the discrete Morris’ natural exponential families whose variance is at most quadratic on the mean, and the solutions of Katz–Panjer recurrence relation, aside from being members of the generalised power series and hypergeometric distribution families, and this accounts for their many advantageous characteristics. Some other basic count models are also described, as well as models with less obvious but useful randomness patterns in connection with maximum entropy characterisations, such as Zipf and Good models. Simple tools, such as truncation, thinning, or parameter randomisation, are straightforward ways of constructing other count models. Full article

In dogs, the risk of an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction at the first transfusion is negligible; however, mismatched transfusions may produce alloimmunization. To avoid fatal acute hemolytic reactions in subsequent blood transfusions, it is important to recognize blood groups and to blood type both the donor and the recipient. Prevalence of dog blood groups varies geographically and between breeds. Our aim was to determine DEA 1 prevalence in a canine population in Luanda (Angola) and to assess alloimmunization risk after a mismatched blood transfusion. Blood samples were typed using an immunochromatographic strip technique. Of the 112 dogs tested (59 males; 53 females), 52.68% were DEA 1 positive and 47.32% DEA 1 negative. Females tended to be DEA 1 positive, and males DEA 1 negative (p = 0.0085). In a first-time mismatched blood transfusion, the calculated probability of a dog becoming sensitized was 24.9% and the probability of an acute hemolytic reaction following a second incompatible blood transfusion was 6.21%. DEA 1 prevalence obtained was similar to that reported worldwide, but differs from other African countries. The risk of alloimmunization and acute hemolytic transfusion reactions in mismatched blood transfusions is higher than that in other African regions. Blood typing is recommended prior to transfusion. Full article

Reducing under-five mortality is a crucial indicator of overall development in a country. However, in Angola, understanding the factors contributing to hospital deaths in this vulnerable demographic remains incomplete despite improvements in healthcare infrastructure and public health policies. With one of the highest under-five mortality rates in sub-Saharan Africa, Angola faces significant challenges such as malaria, malnutrition, pneumonia, neonatal conditions, and intestinal infectious diseases, which are the leading causes of death among children. This study aimed to identify factors associated with hospital deaths among children aged 28 days to five years admitted to DBPH in Luanda between May 2022 and June 2023. Using a hospital-based case-control design, the study included 1020 children, among whom 340 experienced hospital deaths. Distal and intermediate determinants emerged as primary predictors of hospital mortality, showing significant associations with: mother without schooling (OR [95%CI] 4.3 [1.2–15.7], p < 0.027); frequent alcohol consumption during pregnancy (OR [95%CI] 3.8 [2.5–5.9], p < 0.001); hospital stay ≤24 h (OR [95%CI] 13.8 [6.2–30.8], p < 0.001); poor nutritional status (OR [95%CI] 2.1 [1.4–3.2], p < 0.001); short interbirth interval (OR [95%CI] 1.7 [1.1–2.5], p < 0.014); maternal age ≤19 years (OR [95%CI] 5.6 [3.0–10.8], p < 0.001); and maternal age ≥35 years (OR [95%CI] 2.1 [1.2–3.7], p < 0.006). These findings highlight the preventable nature of most under-five hospital deaths and underscore the urgent need to address social inequities and improve the quality of primary healthcare services to effectively reduce child mortality in Angola. Full article