The study explores womens lived experience regarding maternal health care services and the challenges women face in accessing maternal health care services at Chitungwiza Hospital in Zimbabwe. The researchers adopted a qualitative case study research design to answer the research questions. The target populations were women of childbearing age and the staff at Chitungwiza Hospital. A sample of 25 participants was targeted using convenience and purposive sampling techniques. Data was collected using focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and documentary analysis. Based on these findings, this study concluded that women in Chitungwiza face a lot of sociocultural and economic challenges when accessing maternal healthcare services. They face several challenges, including distance, education level, economic hardships, and sociocultural and administrative challenges. Patriarchal has also led some women to be voiceless; hence, there is a need for relevant institutions such as the government to spearhead gender mainstreaming to counteract such challenges. A multi-stakeholder approach is recommended for service provision in low-income towns such as Chitungwiza.

Amidst the hegemony of fast, instant, and algorithmic digital culture, an intriguing phenomenon has emerged among Generation Z: the revival of analog cameras. This study explores the social and symbolic meanings of analog cameras as a medium for identity construction and a form of resistance against the homogenization of digital visual culture. Grounded in Symbolic Interactionism, the research analyzes data from in-depth interviews with members of the analog photography community @huntingfullsenyum in Yogyakarta. Findings reveal that analog cameras transcend their technical function as photographic tools; they serve as symbols of uniqueness, authenticity, and emotional engagement in the creative process. Visual imperfections, such as grain and light leaks, are reinterpreted as aesthetic markers of honesty and rawness, contrasting with the curated perfection of digital imagery. Furthermore, analog cameras facilitate mindful resistance to instant culture, fostering self-reflection and collective social interactions that reinforce communal identity. Thus, Gen Zs use of analog cameras represents a complex sociocultural practice embedding symbolic, emotional, and ideological dimensions in response to contemporary digital realities.

This study focuses on assessing the current state of domestic solid waste management (DSWM) in Vinh Loc Town, Vinh Loc District, Thanh Hoa Province, amidst rapid urbanization and socio-economic development. Using sociological survey methods with 3,031 households and 350 businesses, combined with secondary data analysis, the study reveals that the locality faces significant challenges in DSWM, particularly in waste segregation at the source. With an annual DSW generation of 2,693.51 tons and a collection rate of 2,680.05 tons/year, only 66.7% of households practice waste segregation at source despite the high collection rate. The study analyzes factors affecting the efficiency of waste segregation. It proposes suitable solutions to enhance DSWM effectiveness locally, contributing a scientific basis for policy planning and implementing effective DSWM solutions.

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show ongoing problems with social communication and interaction, plus limited repeated behavior patterns (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). These social skill issues make it hard to them to fit into schools and society. While common treatments like social skills training, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and speech therapy are often used worldwide research suggests that music education could help boost social interaction in ASD children. But in Vietnam, this idea is pretty new, without many thorough reviews or practical how-to guides. Studies show that music education activities lead to better social skills in autistic children. Music helps improve eye contact taking turns, copying others, and starting social interactions. Most studies find that groups using music show much better results than those that do not. But how well music works depends on things like how it is done how long it lasts, if parents are involved, and each childs unique traits. Some big controlled studies have shown mixed results, which means we need more research to figure out the best way to use music. This review backs up the idea that music education could help develop social skills in autistic children. It suggests that teachers and experts should mix music into special education programs to boost social interaction and inclusion. The study also points out current research limits and suggests future research topics stressing the need for Vietnam-specific studies and the creation of special music programs for ASD children.

This study analyses the economic impact of Trump-era tariffs (2018–2020) on BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—using strategic trade theory and a mixed-methods approach. U.S. tariffs under Sections 301 and 232 disrupted global trade, heavily affecting export-reliant BRICS economies. A multiple linear regression model assesses the influence of U.S. trade exposure, inflation, and sectoral composition on GDP outcomes from 2023 to 2025. Results show that countries with greater trade exposure, like China and India, faced sharper GDP contractions, while less-exposed economies like Russia and South Africa experienced milder effects. Qualitative findings highlight strategic adaptations, including trade diversification, domestic industrial policies, and de-dollarization. China increased trade with ASEAN and focused on tech self-reliance; India advanced its “Make in India” initiative; Brazil deepened ties with China; and Russia and South Africa emphasized regional trade. These shifts reflect a broader movement toward a multipolar trade system. The study concludes that tariffs functioned as geopolitical tools, prompting BRICS nations to reduce reliance on Western markets and enhance financial sovereignty. It underscores protectionisms long-term impact on global economic structures and recommends strengthening regional trade frameworks and building sectoral resilience to better withstand future external shocks.

This research aimed to develop NutriHopia, an innovative and nutritious version of the traditional Filipino pastry hopia by infusing malunggay leaves (Moringa oleifera) in the crust and using a filling made from squash (Cucurbita maxima) and corn (Zea mays). The study investigated the sensory acceptability of the product in terms of taste, aroma, texture, and appearance. Using a descriptive-evaluative design, sensory evaluation was conducted among 30 purposively selected individuals including teachers and students. The results revealed that NutriHopia was well-received across all attributes, with particularly high ratings in taste and appearance. The study recommends further exploration into nutritional analysis, shelf-life testing, and commercialization possibilities.

This study explores the compatibility of fresh bitter melon juice (Momordica charantia) with six base spirits: vodka, gin, tequila, rum, brandy, and whisky. Bitter melon is known for its intense bitter flavor and medicinal properties, particularly for controlling blood sugar. The research focused on the taste, aroma, mouthfeel, and overall acceptability of each combination, as rated by adult participants. Vodka and gin proved to be the most compatible with bitter melon juice, offering a balanced flavor and higher acceptability. Brandy and whisky were least favored. This study opens up new possibilities for developing health-conscious cocktails using a locally available and functional ingredient.

Early Parental Loss, a type of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) has been reported to have long-term effects on the mental health of adults. This systematic review aimed to investigate the long-term mental health effects of early parental loss among African adults, and coping mechanisms adopted by the affected. Literature searches were done using Google Scholar, PubMed as well as manual Searches with the aid of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) using the following search terms in conjunction with Boolean operators (OR/AND): “African adults”, “adverse childhood events”, “early parental death”, “parental death”, “orphaned children”, “parental absence”, “orphaned adults”, “health effects”, and “health outcomes”. 13 studies were included in the review and the results showed that early parental loss was significantly associated with high risk of mental health issues like depression, anxiety, substance abuse, suicidal ideation and psychological distress. Early maternal loss was associated with more severe psychosocial challenges, internalized emotional distress, and prolonged bereavement. Resilience to mental health effects due to early parental loss were based on coping strategies such as effective communication, social support and preferring solutions or engaging as well as participating in productive activities such as farming. Male adults were more resilient to ACE-related mental health effects compared to females. ACE-related mental health effects were worsened by factors such as poverty, educational disruptions (or lack) parental illness (e.g., HIV/AIDS). There is an urgent need to provide psychosocial support systems, targeted mental health interventions and policy frameworks to help mitigate the long-term impacts of early parental loss.