While examination malpractice has been a recognized social problem among students, the control of the phenomenon remains a challenge. In this study, we formulate a mathematical model describing the population dynamics of examination malpractice among students. Initial insight into the dynamics of the model is gained by analyzing some important mathematical features of the model such as the basic malpractice number. The malpractice-free equilibrium and endemic equilibrium points of the model are shown to be locally asymptotically stable when the basic malpractice number is less than unity. This result implies that examination malpractice can be totally eradicated among students when the basic malpractice number is less than unity. To understand the impact of controlling this social problem, we extend the model to incorporate awareness campaign and disciplinary measure as control strategies in curtailing the act. Our analysis reveals that incorporating control strategies have some influence in reducing examination malpractice among students. Further analysis indicates that considering both control strategies simultaneously yields a better result in reducing examination malpractice and examination malpractice will grow faster when control strategies are not introduced.

Tooth bud removal called Ibyinyo is the practice of removing the developing tooth buds, usually done on an infant, typically performed by traditional healers who believe that this practice will reduce fever and diarrhea in children. This practice is most prevalent in East-African countries, including Rwanda. These procedures are mostly performed in non-sterile conditions using basic sharp instruments. We will discuss the case of a 10-year-old female patient who was presented at the dental clinic, with two malformed permanent canine teeth. Clinical examination revealed malformed enamel and elongated permanent right maxillary canine tooth left mandibular canine tooth with crown malformation. She was also presented with retained (primary) left maxillary lateral incisor tooth and missing left maxillary canine tooth. In addition, the ectopic eruption of left maxillary central incisor tooth and missing permanent right mandibular canine tooth were noted. All these complications resulted from tooth bud removal that the patient had experienced in her early childhood. Her malformed right maxillary and left lower mandibular canine teeth were reshaped, using composite filling materials, to improve her appearance aesthetically. Ibyinyo is preventable damage, done out of ignorance and superstitious practices that can be stopped by growing social awareness. Therefore, educating parents through community-based campaigns on the detrimental consequences of early childhood tooth bud removal through Ibyinyo practice might be helpful to eradicate this harmful and unnecessary practice.

One of the challenges in the healthcare sector is making accurate forecasts across insurance years for claims reserve. The state-of-the-art envisages various methods for estimating the claims reserve but without being applied to systems that do not present huge variability and heterogeneity, such as the healthcare sector. The methodology is based on generalized linear models using the Overdispersed Poisson distribution as shown in the state-of-the-art. In this context, we developed a method to estimate the parameters of the quasi-likelihood function using a Gauss-Newton algorithm optimized through a genetic algorithm. The genetic algorithm plays a crucial role in glimpsing the position of the global minimum to ensure a correct convergence of the Gauss-Newton method, where the choice of the initial guess is fundamental. The proposed methodology has been entirely developed using MATLAB and has been applied to estimate the claims reserve in the healthcare system of the Tuscany Region in Italy, as case study. The results obtained were validated by comparing them with the state-of-the-art by measuring the confidence intervals of the Overdispersed Poisson distribution parameters. Therefore local healthcare authorities could use the proposed and improved methodology to allocate the resources dedicated to healthcare and global management.

Splenic rupture and hematoma are significant complications that can arise in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Understanding these associations is essential for optimal patient management and patients' enhancing outcomes. Histopathological and immunohistochemistry analyses are crucial in diagnosing NHL and assessing splenic involvement. A judicial autopsy was requested by the Prosecutor's Office for a malpractice claim due to a fall in the hospital. In the Emergency Department, a 72-year-old man fell from the gurney, reporting a wound to his forehead. No other symptoms were reported. A face and brain CT scan showed no abnormalities. Nine days after discharge, the patient presented with abdominal pain. Abdominal CT revealed splenic rupture and hemoperitoneum. The patient underwent open splenectomy, but the patient showed signs of hemodynamic shock and subsequently died. The evidence emerging from the autopsy allowed us to diagnose a Mantle Cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma with spleen involvement, previously unknown. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed to assess splenic rupture's diagnosis and time estimation. The findings strongly suggest that the splenic rupture was associated with the patient's fall and the pre-existing malignancy. This case highlights the importance of considering underlying hematological malignancies when investigating delayed splenic rupture. Immunohistochemical study of spleen samples allowed the assessment of the timing of splenic hematoma and rupture, leading to establishing a causal relationship with trauma.