Stability analysis of a simple mathematical model for school bullying

<abstract><p>School bullying is a highly concerned problem due to its effect on students' academic achievement. The effect might go beyond that to develop health problems, school drop out and, in some extreme cases, commit suicide for victims. On the other hand, adolescents who continuously bully over time are at risk of becoming involved in gang membership and other types of crime. Therefore, we propose a simple mathematical model for school bullying by considering two variables: the number of victims students and the number of bullies students. The main assumption employed to develop the mathematical model is that school policy bans bullying and expels students who practice this behavior to maintain a constructive educational environment within the school. We show that the model has two equilibrium points, and that both equilibrium points are locally and globally asymptotically stable under certain conditions. Also, we define a threshold parameter with a new criterion called the bullying index. Furthermore, we show that the model exhibits the phenomena of transcritical bifurcation subject to the bullying index. All the findings are supported with numerical simulations.</p></abstract>

Dropping out – Hungarian experiences at vocational training

The proportion of people with low school qualifications remains significant in Hungary, which not only makes it difficult for them to enter the current labour market but may also exclude them in the long term. For the increasing number of people with a low level of education, dropping out seems to be one of the most common reasons. Prevention as a determinative measure can provide answers to this problem. The study focuses on the issue of secondary school drop-out. The study results were based on the methodology of questionnaire surveys and semi-structured conversations. Based on the information obtained from the survey, this study continuously presents the results connected to drop-out conditions and compensatory measures. The study results highlight the significant effects of school and family, including previous school experiences, influence on the place of residence, the labour market status. The conclusions drawn from the results address the topic in a practical way and provide an opportunity to develop a possible action plan to prevent drop-outs.

A New Web Score to Predict Health Status in Paediatric Patients with Chronic Diseases: Design and Development of the PENSAMI Study

Paediatric chronic diseases (CD) are characterised by their ongoing duration and the fact that they are often managed throughout the lifespan, with the need to adjust lifestyle and expectations with the limitations coming from the CD. The aim of the PENSAMI study is to not only cure the disease, but to also care for the person from a clinical and psychosocial perspective. Data will be collected from 150 paediatric patients affected by heart disease, diabetes, and asthma admitted during in-hospital stay or outpatient visits, and from 200 healthy control subjects. The protocol will consist of two phases. The first one will aim at elaborating the predictive model by detecting (clinical, anthropometric at birth, environmental, lifestyle, social context, emotional state, and mental abilities) in order to develop a model predictive of the events considered: (1) re-hospitalisation; (2) severity and progression of the disease; (3) adherence to therapy; (4) HRQoL; (5) obesity and metabolic syndrome; (6) illness-stress related; (7) school drop-out; (8) school performance. The second one will address validating the previous predictive model. This model will aim to: (1) understand, prevent, and halt the progression of childhood CD; (2) develop new and improved diagnostic tools; (3) pave the way for innovative treatments and additional therapies to traditional clinical practice; and (4) create truly personalised therapeutic and preventive strategies in various sectors, such as cardiology, diabetes, and respiratory diseases.

ICT uses in education. Theoretical framework proposal for its characterization and analysis

It is clear that during the last few decades, ICT use has considerably increased in education, and it has intensified over the last year as a consequence of an online approach because of the health emergency caused by COVID-19. Nevertheless, despite of the efforts made by schools for keeping updated on the technological equipment and the multiple teacher training processes on this subject, results has not been as expected. This is demonstrated by the higher grade-failure and school drop-out. In this regard, this work aims to propose a theoretical framework to guide characterization and analysis processes on the use of ICT in education. The above, form Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory of human learning, which favors the social construction of learning, but also, from Edgar Morán’s complex thought theory, who prioritizes pertinent thought for social problem solving. And, finally, from online education psychology, where Cesar Coll and Carles Monereo stresses the importance of building working environments that promotes meaningful learning. This work aims to offer a reference framework for the case study, for implementation of improvement processes in favor of the students.

Perspectives of illicit marijuana growers and traders on commercial legalisation of marijuana in South Africa: considerations for policy formulation

Background Over the years, there has been a clarion call for legalising marijuana cultivation and trading for commercial purposes in South Africa. Proponents of the call argue that the criminalisation of commercial marijuana cultivation and trading has failed to halt illicit marijuana cultivation and trading. However, the views of those who economically benefit from the illicit marijuana trade on its legalisation remain empirically unsolicited. Objective This study aimed to solicit the views of illegal marijuana growers and traders from two selected communities in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa regarding the commercial legalisation of marijuana cultivation and trading to inform policy on the debate. Methods In-depth key informant interview approach was used to interview 18 purposively sampled participants that were selected through the snowball sampling technique. The data were analysed using the thematic content analysis approach. Results Participants had both positive and negative perceptions of the possible legalisation of marijuana cultivation and trading. On the positive side, participants indicated freedom from police, the opportunity to grow marijuana on a larger scale, capital acquisition for commercial marijuana cultivation and trading, and regulation of marijuana prices through unionisation as some of the benefits they would derive from the commercial legalisation of marijuana cultivation and trading. On the negative side, loss of their source of livelihood, fall in the price of marijuana and perceived increase in school drop-out rates were the concerns raised. Conclusion While participants relished improvement in their economic fortunes upon commercial legalisation of marijuana cultivation and trading, they were also apprehensive about this policy due to the perceived consequences it may have on their livelihoods and communities. We, therefore, recommend that future discussions of the commercial legalisation of marijuana cultivation and trading in South Africa should be done in consultation with illicit marijuana growers and traders to ensure that their interests are safeguarded by such a policy.