Search Results (265)

Economic growth, especially in emerging economies, has altered the composition of international tourism. It is therefore essential to possess the skills necessary to understand the influence of culture on human behaviour, thereby enabling an appropriate response to the traveller. This research aims to develop a tool for identifying openness, flexibility, awareness, and intercultural preparedness. It focuses on the metacognitive and cognitive aspects of cultural intelligence that shape the development of empathy in customer service staff in hotels in Quintana Roo. The variables were validated and incorporated into a quantitative study using multivariate analysis and inferential statistics. A sample of 77 questionnaires was analysed using simple random sampling under a proportional design. Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) was employed as a discriminatory technique to identify the most significant independent variables. These were subsequently entered as regressors into ordinal logistic regression (OLR), along with age and work experience, in order to estimate the probabilities associated with each level of the dependent variable. The results indicated that age had minimal influence on the metacognitive and cognitive variables, whereas years of experience among tourism staff exerted a significant effect. Full article

Cadmium (Cd) pollution poses a serious threat to freshwater ecosystems. The freshwater mussel Anodonta woodiana is increasingly used as a bioindicator for monitoring Cd pollution in aquatic environments. However, the primary routes of Cd accumulation in A. woodiana remain unclear, and the molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying Cd accumulation are poorly understood. To address these gaps, this study employed a novel stable isotope dual-tracer technique to trace Cd from water (waterborne ¹¹²Cd) and the green alga Chlorella vulgaris (dietary ¹¹³Cd) during the simultaneous exposure experiment. Comparative transcriptomic analysis was then conducted to characterize molecular responses in A. woodiana following Cd exposure. The results showed that although newly accumulated ¹¹²Cd and ¹¹³Cd increased with exposure concentration and duration, the relative importance of ¹¹²Cd (91.6 ± 2.8%) was significantly higher than that of ¹¹³Cd (8.4 ± 2.8%) (p < 0.05). Cd exposure induced differentially expressed genes primarily enriched in the metabolic processes, cellular processes, and/or the ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis pathway. Within the ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis pathway, TRIP12 (E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase TRIP12) and Cul5 (cullin-5) were significantly upregulated. The findings will provide critical insights for interpreting Cd biomonitoring data in freshwater environments using mussels as bioindicators. Full article

A dearth of knowledge exists on identifying the begomoviruses and distributing cassava mosaic viruses across key cassava-growing regions of Sierra Leone. The study aimed to identify and map the distribution of cassava mosaic disease (CMD)-associated viruses in farmers’ fields in Sierra Leone. Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) leaf samples were collected in 109 smallholder farms during a geo-referenced survey conducted from 10th May to 5th June 2024. Molecular diagnostics were carried out to identify the viral strains associated with CMD. Findings revealed that infection by stem cutting was more predominant in the south, east, north, and northwest regions than in the west region. In contrast, infection by whitefly was predominant in the west, north, and northwest regions. PCR screening of 426 samples coupled with sequence analysis revealed the presence of African cassava mosaic-like (ACMV-like) viruses, and East African cassava mosaic-like (EACMV-like) viruses as single infections at 78.1% and 1.3%, respectively. Co-infections of ACMV-like and EACMV-like viruses were detected in 20.6% of the tested samples. In addition, 70.6% of the samples positive for EACMV-like virus (single and mixed infections) were found to be positive for East African cassava mosaic Cameroon virus (EACMCMV). The ACMV and co-infection of ACMV and EACMV viruses were present in all regions, while EACMCV was detected in all regions except the western area. The results indicate more prevalence of the EACMCMV variant in Sierra Leone. This study suggests utilization of participatory surveillance and good agronomic practices to manage CMD in Sierra Leone. Full article

Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic illness that first came into the limelight as a clinical entity in 1969 when it was discovered in Northern Nigeria, is now found in other West African countries such as Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, Togo, and the Benin Republic. Over the years, the disease, which is primarily transmitted from contact with infected mastomys rodents to humans, has the capability of secondary human-to-human transmission with significant morbidity and mortality, especially in healthcare settings. The disease is typically characterized by seasonal outbreaks, which peak during the dry season months of December to March. Lassa fever significantly impacts public health and the socioeconomic life of people in affected communities. In Nigeria, the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response Strategy (IDSR), along with other medical countermeasures, have been employed to curtail the impact of the disease in endemic regions of Nigeria and other West Africa countries. The one-health approach to combat the disease is a promising strategy. This, along with the hope of a safe and effective vaccine, is a ray of hope on the horizon for public health authorities in Nigeria and other West African countries that the battle against Lassa fever might indeed end sooner than later. Full article

The antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance network has been monitoring bloodstream bacterial pathogens and their resistance since 1999 in Tunisia. We report the long-term trends in the distribution of bloodstream bacterial pathogens and their resistance patterns from this surveillance database. We analyzed antibiotic resistance rates in 11 tertiary teaching hospital laboratories under the AMR surveillance network during 2011–2023, focusing on six priority bacterial pathogens, using the Cochrane–Armitage test for trend analysis. Of 22,795 isolates, K. pneumoniae (38.5%) was the most common, followed by S. aureus (20.4%), E. coli (13.6%), and A. baumannii (10.3%). Carbapenem resistance was highest in A. baumannii (77%), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (29.3%), K. pneumoniae (19.4%), and Enterobacter cloacae (6.8%). Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales and third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacterales (3GCREB) increased from 10.6% to 26.3% (p-value < 0.001), and from 39% to 50.2%, respectively, during 2011–2023 (p-value < 0.001). Vancomycin resistance (38.3%) and the emergence of linezolid resistance in 2019 (2.4%) were reported in E. faecium isolates. Resistance to carbapenems and 3GC is a major challenge to controlling BSI in Tunisia. The national AMR surveillance network helps monitor annual patterns and guides empirical therapy. An integrated database combining clinical profiles and resistance data via real-time data-sharing platforms could improve clinical decision-making. Full article

A study was conducted in Sierra Leone to identify cassava plants that are asymptomatic and symptomatic to cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and collect planting materials for field trial establishment; determine the prevalence of CMD caused by African cassava mosaic virus (ACMV) and East African cassava mosaic virus (EACMV) using the Nuru App and virus indexing techniques; and assess selected agronomic traits in cassava. A total of 80 cassava farms spanning four provinces (Southern, Eastern, Northern, and North-West) were surveyed in April 2022. Findings showed that the cassava variants of the experiment and locations significantly (p < 0.001) affected CMD incidence, severity, growth, and fresh storage root yield traits. The CMD incidence (87.0%) and whitefly abundance (144.8) were highest, and the CMD severity was moderate (4.0) for the plants derived from cuttings obtained from symptomatic Cocoa mother plants, while plants derived from cuttings of improved mother plants exhibited no visible symptoms of the disease and the lowest population (45.1) of whiteflies. The Nuru app is inefficient for phenotypically detecting CMD at 3 months after planting (MAP), while at 6, 9 and 12 MAP, the app efficiently detected the disease using a molecular analysis technique. Resistant, non-diseased plants derived from cuttings obtained from SLICASS 4 mother plants produced the highest fresh storage root yield (54.9 t ha⁻¹). The highest storage root yield loss was recorded in the plants obtained from cuttings of symptomatic variety Cocoa mother plants harvested at Matotoka grassland ecology, Bombali District (90.2%), while those harvested from cuttings of asymptomatic variety Cocoa mother plants grown at the four test environments had a similar storage root yield loss ranging from 40.3 to 46.2%. Findings suggest the importance of genetic variability, environmental adaptation, utilization of diseased-free materials, and phytosanitation as disease management strategies for increased production. These findings provide important insights into the distribution, impact, and spread of CMD and whitefly abundance in the studied areas in Sierra Leone that could be exploited for cassava production, productivity, conservation, and population improvement. Full article

(1) Background: A safe and effective nucleic acid sample transportation method was developed that is suitable for underdeveloped areas which lack advanced sequencing capabilities, specifically for virus genomic sequencing and infectious disease monitoring. (2) Methods: This study evaluated the use of Flinders Technology Associates (FTA) cards for transporting amplified whole-genome DNA from 120 SARS-CoV-2-positive nasopharyngeal swab samples in Sierra Leone. Nucleic acid extraction and whole-genome amplification were conducted at a local laboratory. Amplified products were applied to FTA Elute cards for room temperature shipment to China CDC for elution and sequencing. (3) Results: The FTA card method achieved a 9.6% recovery rate for amplicons, sufficient for viral genome sequencing. In total, 86 (71.7%) high-quality SRAS-CoV-2 genomic sequences were obtained, with the majority reaching depths exceeding 100X. Sequence analysis revealed co-circulation of Delta, Omicron, and B.1 lineages. Higher Ct values in the original sample significantly reduced coverage and depth, with Ct ≤ 27; 73.6% of samples yielded effective sequences. (4) Conclusions: Transportation of amplified nucleic acid samples using FTA cards enables virus genomic sequencing in resource-limited areas. This approach can potentially improve local virus surveillance and outbreak response capabilities. Further optimizations could improve sequence recovery rate. Implementing this method could significantly enhance sequencing accessibility in underdeveloped regions. Full article

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) remains a deeply entrenched cultural practice affecting millions of women and girls worldwide, with particularly high prevalence in Sierra Leone. Despite international efforts to eradicate FGM due to its severe consequences, it persists as a social norm, often reinforced by traditional institutions such as the Bondo society. This paper explores the historical, cultural, and social dimensions of FGM in Sierra Leone, examining the role of the Bondo society in perpetuating the practice and its implications for women’s rights and health. This study analyzes the existing literature to understand both the resilience of FGM as a practice and the challenges faced by intervention programs. A total of eight peer-reviewed studies were included in the final synthesis. The findings highlight the complex intersection of tradition, gender identity, and societal expectations, which sustain FGM despite legal and advocacy efforts. The paper further discusses potential strategies for mitigating FGM, including community-based awareness programs, legal reforms, and engagement with cultural gatekeepers to promote alternative rites of passage. The study concludes that while progress is being made, a culturally sensitive, grassroots approach is essential for the long-term eradication of FGM in Sierra Leone. Full article

This study explored potential indirect mental health benefits of the Youth Readiness Intervention (YRI) among peers and caregivers of YRI participants and control participants via a networks psychometrics approach. We recruited and enrolled index participants who participated in an implementation trial in Sierra Leone (N = 165 control index participants; N = 165 YRI index participants). Index participants nominated three of their closest peers (N = 879) and one cohabitating caregiver (N = 284) to complete quantitative assessments on mental health and functioning. We used network psychometrics to explore patterns of association between mental health outcomes and risk/protective factors among YRI participants’ peers and caregivers and those of non-participants. Models of network structures showed several strong associations between mental health symptoms and risk/protective factors. There was a strong association between higher social support and positive coping skills. Additionally, models reflected stronger associations between higher depression symptoms and worse emotion regulation for peers of non-participants only. For caregivers of non-participants, a higher burden of care was strongly associated with worse emotion regulation, which was associated with higher levels of depression and anxiety. On a broader scale, the findings may provide support for wider societal benefits that evidence-based mental health interventions can offer in resource-constrained settings. Full article

Economic transformations in emerging countries have resulted in an increase in the volume of international travellers from diverse geographical regions. In the tourism sector, service providers must possess cultural competencies that foster a flexible and appropriate attitude, which in turn affects the perception of service. The present study aims to shed light on the motivational factors and cultural behaviours that influence intercultural empathy among staff working in the tourism sector in Quintana Roo. To this end, a comprehensive literature review has been conducted, during which the variables have been validated, and a quantitative study has been undertaken, employing multivariate analysis through a Multiple Correspondence Analysis and inferential statistics with an Ordinal Logistic Regression. The findings of this study demonstrate a positive correlation between motivation and cultural behaviour, which is contingent on experience and age, and its impact on empathy in understanding and meeting the diverse needs of tourists. Cultural motivation is defined as the interest in learning and interacting in multicultural situations, and its impact on behaviour is reflected in appropriate personal management for effective cultural interactions. The probabilities estimated by ordinal logistic regression models of consistently or predominantly exhibiting intercultural empathy increase with age and experience for the most significant variables obtained by the Multiple Correspondence Analysis. Full article

Geomorphosites include all those places of abiotic heritage that are important for understanding the Earth’s history, with a landscape and territorial component. These places may not have high scientific value at an international, national, or regional scale, but they hold local value due to their connection to the territory, environmental and cultural legacy, and their link to the populations that inhabit them, especially in Natural Protected Areas (NPAs) where there is already recognition of natural heritage but not geomorphological heritage. The first objective of this work was the recognition of geomorphological heritage, for which an inventory of geomorphosites in the NPA Sierras de la Paramera and la Serrota was developed. The potential of these sites is currently diminished by the lack of recognition of geotourism, with no proper integration of geomorphosites in the planning of NPAs in Spain, particularly in Castilla y León, where the study area was located. This work proposes a methodology for evaluating the potential use of the inventoried geomorphosites, focused on their geotourism potential, to enable the development of a geotourism offering that promotes the dissemination of geomorphological heritage and the development of tourism infrastructure, benefiting the local population and ensuring the survival and use of this cultural service. In the Sierras de la Paramera and la Serrota, 12 geomorphosites were inventoried with medium to high value but lacking any tourism infrastructure. The next step is to evaluate their potential, study their geomorphological heritage, and carry out dissemination activities to enhance their value in this area. Full article

This study examines how digital trade, technology, and Internet adoption impact financial sustainability across 41 Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries, using the generalized method of moments (GMM) for precise statistical analysis. It focuses on four major financial indicators: financial development, financial institutions access, financial institutions depth, and financial institutions efficiency indexes. The results indicate that digital trade, technology, and Internet use positively interact to boost financial sustainability in SSA, as measured by the financial development index. In terms of financial institutions access, this study finds that importing ICT goods and non-resident patents improve access, whereas resident patents diminish the benefits of exporting ICT goods. Notably, the combined effect of importing ICT goods and increased Internet usage significantly enhances access to financial institutions in SSA. Regarding financial institutions depth, positive interactions are observed between ICT goods exports and resident patents, highlighting the need for a balanced approach. However, there is a potential trade-off with increasing Internet usage, suggesting the need for a strategy to deepen financial institutions in SSA. Lastly, concerning financial institutions efficiency, positive interactions are particularly noted between ICT goods exports and non-resident patents. Yet, a negative interaction is identified with a potential trade-off between importing ICT goods and increasing Internet usage. Policymakers are advised to consider these complex dynamics when formulating strategies to enhance financial sustainability in SSA. Full article

The World Health Organization African region has the greatest infectious disease burden in the world. However, many African countries have limited capacity to rapidly detect, report, and respond to public health events. The Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP) in South Africa, and global Climate Amplified Diseases and Epidemics (CLIMADE) consortium are investing in building the capacity of African scientists in pathogen genomics and bioinformatics. A two-week long (11–21 April 2023) intensive training in wet-laboratory genomic data production, bioinformatics, and phylogenetic analyses of viral and bacterial pathogens was held in Cape Town, South Africa. Training was provided to 36 fellows with diverse backgrounds from 16 countries, 14 of which were low- and middle-income African countries. In this report, we, the fellows, share our collective experiences and describe how the learnt skills have been integrated into the operations of our home institutions to advance genomic surveillance capabilities. We identified the in-person and hands-on learning format of the training, taught by genomics experts and field application specialists, as the most impactful elements of this training event. Adaptation and miniaturisation of protocols to detect other pathogens is a great enhancement over the traditional method of using a single protocol for a pathogen. We note the duration of the training as the largest limiting factor, particularly for the computationally intensive bioinformatics sessions. We recommend this programme continue to build pathogen genomics capacity in Africa. Full article

In an era of rapid market shifts and technological disruption, the success of organizational change rests on the ability of leaders to navigate complex cultural dynamics. This study explores how culturally adaptive leadership can drive employee outcomes in Sierra Leone’s commercial banking sector during periods of change. By integrating transformational and transactional leadership styles with Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory, which focuses on power distance (respect for authority) and uncertainty avoidance (preference for structure), this research examines how these cultural values influence the relationship between leadership approaches and employee outcomes. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 820 employees across commercial banks in Sierra Leone, with data analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). The findings reveal that transformational leadership significantly enhances employee outcomes, specifically in high power distance environments where authority is deeply respected, while transactional leadership proves more effective in high uncertainty avoidance settings, where clear structure and predictability are paramount. The study highlights the complementary nature of these leadership styles, suggesting that effective leaders must adapt their strategies to the cultural context to drive performance. While the cross-sectional design limits causal inference, this research underscores the critical importance of culturally adaptive leadership, recognizing how cultural dimensions shape behavior and promote sustained success during change. Full article

This investigation scrutinizes the impact of sensory perceptions and country of origin (COO) on consumer inclinations for aromatic rice in China and Thailand, elucidating pivotal sensory characteristics and cross-cultural variances in purchasing behavior. A choice experiment (CE) involving 1330 participants from Guangzhou and Bangkok assessed attributes such as fragrance, grain quality, certification, and pricing. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to examine correlations between sensory perceptions, COO, and willingness to pay (WTP). The findings indicate that fragrance and grain integrity substantially influence preferences, with Chinese consumers more inclined to buy premium-certified rice due to escalating incomes and food safety apprehensions, whereas Thai consumers emphasize domestically produced rice and demonstrate pronounced ethnocentrism. Price sensitivity and brand allegiance similarly affect both markets. This study underscores the significance of enhancing sensory and COO attributes to bolster the global competitiveness of aromatic rice, and it provides pragmatic insights for quality assurance, certification, and culturally nuanced marketing strategies. Full article