bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Opportunities and Constraints for Urban Broiler Production in Harare, Zimbabwe
Authors: Mafigu Takudzwa , Charambira Takudzwa , Hodzi Pride
Published: November 2024

Urban broiler production in Harare has the potential to grow and contribute largely to the growth of Zimbabwe’s poultry industry. However, the firm is not characterized. This research aimed to characterize broiler production in Harare and provide evidence-based recommendations for sustainable urban broiler production, considering its importance. A multi-stage sampling approach was used to get the respondents who produced broilers. The respondents were then interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The results showed that women dominated (56.82%) urban broiler production. The average age of respondents was 36.21 years. Local authorities did not bother respondents, except for just 1% of respondents who encountered complaints from neighbors. Resources like day-old chicks (DOC), feeds, veterinary medicine, and vaccines were readily available from local companies and agents. Three-phase feeding was mostly preferred (72.73) to two-phase feeding (27.27%) systems. Broiler batch sizes differed significantly (p < 0.05) across the three residential suburbs included in the study. Spent bedding and chicken manure were used to fertilize the backyard gardens (51.14%), dumped as litter (40.91%), or sold (7.95%). About 92% of the respondents used Information Communication and Technology (ICT) tools to market broilers. Respondent's homes (54.12%), local shops (18.88%), restaurants (17.21%), schools (5.69%), and supermarkets (4.10%) were the market channels for broilers in Harare. Almost all respondents (99%) expressed interest in expanding their enterprises. The challenges reported were all related to a lack of financial and technical support. Supportive policies could unlock the potential of urban broiler production in Harare
Material discovery of secondary and natural cementitious precursors
Authors: Mahjoubi Soroush , Venugopal Vineeth , Manav Ipek , Azarijafari Hessam , Kirchain Randolph , Olivetti Elsa
Published: November 2024

Cement production contributes to over 6% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, driven by clinker’s energy-intensive production and limestone calcination. Substituting clinker with cementitious substitutes is an effective strategy for decarbonization. However, typical clinker substitutes---coal fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag---face current and future supply constraints. Here we systematically map reactivity variations and expand the repertoire of secondary and natural cementitious precursors. Large language models extract chemical compositions and material types of 14,000 materials from 88,000 academic papers. A multi-headed neural network predicts the degree of cementitious reactivity and pozzolanicity. Subject to performance constraints, current supply allows for substituting half of global cement production with construction and demolition wastes and municipal solid waste incineration ash, reducing the global GHG emissions by 3%---equating to removing 260 million vehicles from the roads in United States. Discovered natural cementitious precursors, including rhyolite, dacite, and gabbro, are distributed globally and show significant potential as raw substitutes for clinker.
Advanced Neural Analysis for Ransomware Detection Through Dynamic Network Signature Mapping
Authors: Dale Jeremy , Staehli Quentin , Goodspeed Elbert , Marchand Clifford , Koenig Stefan
Published: November 2024

Dynamic Network Signature Mapping (DNSM) is introduced as a novel and advanced approach for detecting ransomware threats through adaptive, real-time analysis of network traffic patterns. Utilizing an integrated framework of convolutional and recurrent neural networks, DNSM captures spatial and temporal dependencies within network data, enabling precise classification of ransomware activities even under encrypted or high-volume conditions. Unlike traditional, signature-based methods, DNSM constructs a dynamic and evolving threat profile that reduces the need for manual updates, thereby improving adaptability to emerging ransomware techniques. Empirical results from the study validate DNSM’s ability to maintain high detection accuracy and low false positive rates across a spectrum of network environments, while demonstrating efficient real-time performance critical for high-stakes operational contexts. The modularity of DNSM, coupled with its automated threat scoring and pattern recognition capabilities, establishes it as a resilient solution that addresses the demands of modern ransomware detection, offering a scalable, resource-effective alternative for proactive network security.
Research Trends in Integrated Aquaculture from 1990 to 2024: Bibliometric Studies
Authors: Rusli
Published: November 2024

This study is a bibliometric analysis of integrated aquaculture research trends from 1990 to 2024. The metadata from this study was obtained from the Scopus database. Using search keywords, publication year limits, and several criteria, metadata was obtained as many as 1,180 publication data that were included in the bibliometric analysis. The results of the analysis show a significant development in the number of publications over the past three decades, with the main focus on sustainability, resource efficiency, and technological innovation. Countries such as China, the United States, and India dominate the contribution in the field of integrated aquaculture research. However, there is a research gap in terms of the integration of new technologies and empirical studies related to the socio-economic impact of integrated aquaculture. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the development and direction of integrated aquaculture research, as well as provides recommendations for further research in aspects of technological innovation, as well as evaluating sustainability issues from a social, economic, and environmental perspective.
Saúde mental e comportamento alimentar de pessoas idosas durante a pandemia da COVID-19
Authors: SILVA Rafael Junio Rombardi da , RIBEIRO Camila Stefany Carvalho , FERNANDES Dalila Pinto de Souza , COLOMBARI João Pedro Cruz , RIBEIRO Andréia Queiroz
Published: November 2024

A pandemia da COVID-19 gerou impactos na população, sobretudo nas pessoas idosas, grupo de vulnerabilidade. Objetivou-se avaliar a relação entre comportamento alimentar e saúde mental de pessoas idosas participantes de um projeto de extensão durante a pandemia da COVID-19. Dados socioeconômicos e de saúde, comportamento alimentar e sintomas depressivos foram coletados. A amostra incluiu 26 indivíduos. Durante a pandemia, 38,5% relataram sintomas depressivos e 46,2% alteração do consumo alimentar. Identificou-se associação entre descontrole alimentar e alteração do consumo alimentar, bem como entre alimentação emocional e alteração da renda e sintomas depressivos. Além disso, a alteração do peso corporal foi superior nos indivíduos que realizavam as refeições sozinhos. Os resultados sugerem impactos da pandemia sobre a saúde mental e o comportamento alimentar das pessoas idosas, o que evidencia a importância da extensão universitária para mitigar os impactos em contextos pandêmicos.
Educational Robotics and Preservice Teachers: STEM Problem-Solving Skills and Self-Efficacy to Teach
Authors: Jaipal-Jamani Kamini
Published: November 2024

Integrating STEM education within the elementary school science curriculum in Ontario, Canada, elevated the expectation for elementary preservice teachers to teach STEM skills such as problem-solving through coding. Research shows that educational robotics can promote STEM knowledge and skills. This mixed methods study investigates the effect of an educational robotics intervention on preservice teachers’ STEM problem-solving skills and their self-efficacy to teach with educational robotics during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data sources included a pre- and post­questionnaire on problem-solving, a pre- and post- self-efficacy teaching questionnaire, a problem-solving worksheet, and transcripts of group interactions. Quantitative findings were statistically significant for preservice teachers’ self-efficacy to teach with educational robotics (large effect size) and for problem-solving competencies (small effect size). Using a STEM problem-solving framework, two preservice teacher group interactions were analysed. Qualitative findings indicated that preservice teachers exhibited similar problem-solving processes as STEM experts, but preservice teachers’ prior STEM knowledge limited the types of decisions considered at the problem-solving stages. The study provides an example of how preservice teachers’ self-efficacy to teach with educational robotics was developed within a science education course and lends unique insights into the problem-solving processes these preservice teacher groups engaged in.
Into the Open: Shared Stories of Open Educational Practices in Teacher Education
Authors: DeWaard Helen
Published: November 2024

Navigating through the Faculty of Education as a teacher educator in Canada is complex and complicated. Research literature calls for an intentional focus on media and digital literacies, and technological competencies, in teacher education. Program directions are confounded by technological trends emerging in kindergarten to grade twelve education and higher education. This post-intentional phenomenological research study examined moments, materials, and insights from the stories shared by participants as they revealed media and digital skills, fluencies, competencies, and literacies in their open educational practice. This research provides insights into how teacher educators seize opportunities to work through complex matters while applying technology resources. It is becoming ever more important to share expertise as practitioners, researchers, and theorists in the field of education by making explicit what is often tacit and unspoken, and when sharing knowledge, reflections, and actions. By actively thinking-out-loud through blogs, social media, and open scholarly publications, educators can openly share details of what, how, and why they do what they do. Research findings reveal the importance of media and digital literacies in the dimensions of communication, creativity, connections, and criticality within an open educational practice as a teacher educator.
Preparing Educators to Teach and Create With Generative Artificial Intelligence
Authors: MacDowell Paula , Moskalyk Kristin , Korchinski Katrina , Morrison Dirk
Published: November 2024

Teachers skilled in using generative artificial intelligence (GAI) have advantages in terms of increased productivity and augmented instructional capabilities. Alongside the rapid advancement of GAI, teachers require authentic learning opportunities to build the confidence and expertise necessary for engaging with these technologies creatively and responsibly. This article provides an illustrative case of preparing preservice and in-service teachers with the knowledge, skills, and mindsets to teach and create with GAI. Using a self-study method to investigate professional practices, we analyzed the curriculum, instruction, and assessment in an upper-level undergraduate course in multimedia design and production. Thirty-five teachers engaged in experiential activities focussed on developing artificial intelligence (AI) literacy, alongside a collaborative assignment to co-author an open-access textbook, Teaching and Creating With Generative Artificial Intelligence. To support equitable and inclusive access to the educational benefits offered by AI, the Student Artificial Intelligence Literacy (SAIL) framework was developed. SAIL facilitates student AI literacy through curriculum engagement and three distinct types of interactions: cognitive, socio-emotional, and instructor-guided. Building on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic regarding the issues with technology training for teachers in Canada, five recommendations are offered to facilitate the meaningful integration of AI literacy in teacher education programs.
Online Teaching During COVID-19: An Analysis of Changing Self-Efficacy Beliefs
Authors: Forgie Julia , Wang Marguerite , Dack Lisa Ain , Schreiber Miranda
Published: November 2024

This quantitative study investigated teachers’ self-efficacy for teaching online compared to teaching in-person during the COVID-19 pandemic. Teacher self-efficacy is a significant predictor of both teacher practice and student outcomes. During the pandemic, teachers were forced to suddenly shift their teaching online and as a result, many new challenges were faced. Teachers from three teaching contexts (public, private, and virtual public schools) in Ontario, Canada completed the Ohio State Teacher Efficacy Scale (OSTES) and questionnaires measuring online teaching experience and training in May–June 2020 (phase 1) and again one year later, in May–June 2021 (phase 2). Results indicated that while the perceived self-efficacy of teachers improved over the course of the study, specifically in classroom management and student engagement, their perceived self-efficacy did not reach the levels reported for self-efficacy for in-person teaching, highlighting the persisting limitations educators experience in online learning environments. Additionally, efficacy for instructional strategies had not significantly increased by phase 2, indicating a particular need of targeted instruction for future teacher education programs. These results offer insights into the kind of experience and tools teacher education programs can extend to enhance teacher preparedness, and the conditions that best encourage improvements in self-efficacy for in-service teachers.
Política de educação especial em Santa Catarina e o atendimento a estudantes com altas habilidades/superdotação
Authors: Fabrin Roseli Ana , Nardi Elton Luiz
Published: November 2024

O artigo tem por objetivo analisar, a partir das condições estabelecidas pela política de Educação Especial em Santa Catarina, a cobertura do atendimento aos estudantes com altas habilidades/superdotação (AH/SD). Os procedimentos metodológicos compreenderam pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, além de consulta a fontes estatísticas oficiais, a fim de examinar a política de atendimento e, no seu contexto, a cobertura que proporciona. Os resultados evidenciam que a política no estado foi sendo caracterizada pela educação inclusiva, havendo convergência entre os referenciais estabelecidos nos documentos estaduais e nacionais para o atendimento aos estudantes com AH/SD. Também evidenciam que, embora, em números absolutos, tenha havido aumento de matrículas desse público no estado entre 2009 e 2022, os quantitativos distam da estimativa de estudantes com indicadores de AH/SD apontada pela Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS). Concluímos que o atendimento, na perspectiva da educação inclusiva, vem sendo parcialmente promovido pela política de Educação Especial no estado.
É FESTA! E VEM DA RUA!
Authors: De Sales Silva Sebastião , Maia Barbosa Makarios
Published: November 2024

Apresentação do Dossiê "É festa que vem das ruas!" pelos organizadores.
Heart Rate Variability and Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction: A Systematic Review of Literature
Authors: Nagai Michiaki , Ewbank Hallum , Nakano Yukiko , Scherlag Benjamin J. , Po Sunny S. , Dasari Tarun W.
Published: November 2024

Introduction:

Autonomic impairment is a hallmark of heart failure with reduced ejection
fraction (HFrEF). While there have been studies on general values for each index of heart
rate variability (HRV) analysis in HFrEF, a systematic review comprehensively examining representative
values in HFrEF is lacking.

Methods:

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases to extract studies reporting
representative values of HRV metrics in HFrEF.

Results:

A total of 470 HFrEF patients from 6 studies were included in the review. In general,
time and frequency domains were abnormally lower in HFrEF, portending a worse prognosis. In
HFrEF, the mean or median value of the standard deviation of NN interval, root mean square
successive difference, pNN50, and low-frequency power/high-frequency power were 40 to 121
msec, 19 to 62 msec, 1.3 to 14%, and 1.00 to 1.73, respectively.

Conclusion:

In this systematic review, most HRV metrics were found to be calculated from 24-
hour Holter recordings and were lower in HFrEF patients with poor prognosis.
Perceptual Pigeon Galvanized Optimization of Multi-objective CNN on the Identification and Classification of Mango Leaves Disease
Authors: Preeya V Amirtha , Raja S.Pravinth , Dhanalakshmi B K , Gururaj HL , Ravi Vinayakumar , Ravi Pradeep
Published: November 2024

Aims

The aim of this study is to develop a strong Multi-objective Convolutional Neural Network (MOCNN) optimized using Perceptual Pigeon Galvanized Optimization (PPGO) for accurate identification and classification of mango leaf diseases. This approach aims to increase classification accuracy, computational efficiency, and generalization ability. The ultimate goal is to improve disease management in mango crops through advanced image-based diagnostic techniques.

Background

Demands for the consumption of mango (Mangifera indica) fruit and its leaves were growing exponentially in all parts of the world due to its large health benefits for various organs in the human body. However, these plants were largely exposed to various kinds of microbial diseases during cultivation despite the application of pesticides. Hence, it is becoming a significant threat to the farmers and to the food industry.

Objective

The objectives of this study are to develop reliable methods for the early identification of mango leaf diseases, enabling prompt intervention and reducing crop damage. Additionally, the study aims to provide effective disease management applications that will help farmers minimize crop losses and maintain their economic stability.

Methods

PPGO is an advanced optimization algorithm inspired by the natural foraging behavior of pigeons. It integrates perceptual hashing and galvanic responses to adaptively adjust the search process, allowing for efficient exploration and exploitation of the solution space. The multi-objective convolutional neural network is trained to minimize a composite loss function that considers classification accuracy, computational efficiency, and generalization error.

Results

The Perceptual Pigeon Galvanized Optimization (PPGO) with a Multi-objective Convolutional Neural Network (MOCNN) demonstrates superior performance compared to traditional CNN optimization techniques. The results show an accuracy of 96%, recall of 94%, precision of 92%, and an F1 score of 92%. These metrics surpass those of existing methods such as Efficient Supervised Learning based on Deep Neural Network (ESDNN), Hierarchical Deep Learning Support Vector Machine (HDLSVM), Ordinal Regression Neural Network (ORNN), Deep Convolutional Generative Adversarial Network (DCGAN), Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Local Contrast Normalization Convolutional Neural Network (LCNN), and Visual Geometry Group Network (VGGNET 19).

Conclusion

The integration of Perceptual Pigeon Galvanized Optimization with a Multi-objective Convolutional Neural Network offers a powerful approach for identifying and classifying mango leaf diseases. The proposed method effectively balances multiple performance metrics, leading to a robust and efficient model suitable for real-world agricultural applications.
Overview of Baker's Yeast as a Biocatalyst
Authors: Kankarne Satish Sureshrao , Shinde Nirmala Vikram
Published: November 2024

Biocatalysis is an approach to green chemistry. A crucial step in the synthesis of organic
compounds is the reduction of aldehydes and ketones to secondary alcohols. The use of a
biocatalyst, such as enzymes or entire cells, has not affected this process.. It offers great selectivity,
high specificity, and an environmentally friendly approach to synthesis. Dried baker's yeast
mediates the conversion of optically active alcohols from aromatic aldehydes and ketones. This
work highlights applications of Baker's yeast in synthesizing pharmaceutical intermediates and
chiral building blocks, demonstrating its practical relevance. Sustainable technology is based on
the ideas and measurements of sustainable development and green for good enantioselectivity
across several organic solvents.
Synthesis of CuOQDs/g-C3N4/C Composites via Stem Template Induction and their Photocatalytic Properties
Authors: Yida Cao , Qiaoling Yu , Chengbao Liu , Leizhi Zheng , Feng Chen , Junchao Qian , Yongbin Qiu , Xianrong Meng , Zhigang Chen
Published: November 2024

Introduction:

The synthesis of bio-templated porous CuOQDs/g-C3N4/C composites
with controllable morphology and suitable energy band structure was successfully carried out via a
simple thermal condensation and hydrothermal method.

Methods:

Dicyandiamide and cadmium chloride were selected as starting materials, while Hollyhock
stem was chosen as the biological template. The results indicated that, in comparison to pure
g-C3N4, g-C3N4/C had a rich porous structure and better-photogenerated carrier separation efficiency.
The CuOQDs were anchored evenly on the surface of the g-C3N4, thus resulting in the
formation of a greater number of reactive sites.

Results:

The type-Z heterojunction formed between the CuOQDs and g-C3N4/C reduced the energy
required for electron transition, thereby facilitating the separation of photo-generated electronhole
pairs. The highest photocatalytic degradation efficiency of CuOQDs/g-C3N4/C for tetracycline
(TC) was 65.1%, which was 3.3 times that of pure g-C3N4.

Conclusion:

In the photocatalytic process, the main reactive species is O2−. The CuOQDs/g-
C3N4/C synthesized by stem induction in multi-phase heterojunction form has a stable microstructure
to improve the charge separation efficiency. Further, it represents practical photocatalytic environmental
protection.
Science and Technology of Supercapacitor and its Applications
Authors: Das Ritisnigdha , Dash Chandra Sekhar
Published: November 2024

Super-capacitors (SCs) are significant because of their unique characteristics,
which include long cycle life, high strength, and environmental friendliness. SCs
use electrode substances with high specific surface area and thinner dielectrics. Referring
to the energy storage mechanism, all kinds of SCs were reviewed in this review
paper; a quick synopsis of the materials and technology used for SCs is provided. Materials
such as conducting polymers, carbon materials, metal oxides, and their composites
are the main focus. The performance of the composites was evaluated using metrics
such as energy, cycle performance, power capacitance, and rate capability, which
also provides information on the electrolyte materials. To precisely appraise the state
of Charge (SoC) in the super SCs cell module, its identical model o is used. It is expected
that this model will accurately capture the features of the cell module, specifically
its standing-related self-discharge behavior, and the outcomes of parameter
identification directly impact its accuracy. Engine downsizing is a result of the requirement
to increase fuel efficiency and lower CO2 and other hazardous pollutant
emissions from internal combustion engine cars. However, smaller turbocharged engines
have a relatively poor torque capability at low engine speeds. To solve this issue,
an electrical torque boost based on SCs may be used to help recover energy during
regenerative braking as well as during acceleration and gear changes.
Effects of COVID-19 on Food Supply: A Systematic Review
Authors: Darvishi Mohammad , Pirhadi Sohrab , Pirhadi Mohadeseh , Safdari Kimia , Abbaszadeh Saber , Marand Maedeh Jabarzadeh
Published: November 2024

The COVID-19 outbreak has had a significant influence on several critical industries,
including agriculture, education, and the economy. This essay investigates these processes, with a
focus on agriculture, where the repercussions have been particularly harsh for poor groups dealing
with unpredictable food supplies and food safety.
Along with a critical examination of the shift to digital education systems, the report highlights the
major obstacles that lie ahead for regions lacking adequate digital infrastructure and digital literacy.
There have been notable disruptions in the economy as well. Manufacturing, the financial markets,
and tourism have all seen major downturns.
The study emphasizes the crucial part that following safety measures and boosting immunization
campaigns play in mitigating these negative consequences while supporting economic recovery.
Also, new technical solutions have emerged throughout this time. The application of drone technology
to contactless food delivery is a notable illustration of how creativity can overcome the challenges
posed by the pandemic.
Finally, the report recommends the development of specific and rigorous methods to strengthen recovery
efforts in these critical areas.
Beyond hypercriticism and exclusionary rhetoric: Sahrawi sovereignty and ‘ethic of life and future’ against realpolitik
Authors: Vićentić Jelena , Abdeslam Omeima
Published: November 2024

Almost five decades after the illegal occupation of Western Sahara, the realpolitik approach continues to be utilized by conservative scholarship and the media to claim absence of pragmatism in the Sahrawi demand for self-determination in the wider power context. This pragmatist and rationalist reasoning is applied as a disqualifier of Sahrawi approaches to liberation and decolonisation, deeming them insufficient and unfeasible. Conversely the approach of the Sahrawi diplomat and thinker Boukhari Ahmed emphasized that realpolitik as framing of expert position on Western Sahara operates as an exclusionary rhetoric towards the dismissal of the capacities and the determination of the Sahrawi people. Sahrawi resistance and survival in conditions of occupation and severe deprivations offers more than a model for anti-colonial action. The article examines the hypercritical – and intrinsically ideological– nature of the scholarly scrutiny of the Sahrawi governance and statehood.
Promoting Workplace Mental Health for Hospital Social Workers Using Compassionate Mind Training
Authors: Tay Patricia LH , Kerk Eva LK , Lau Mandy MY , Goh Soon-Noi
Published: November 2024

Hospital social workers commonly experience empathy fatigue and burnout at work. However, empathic distress can be reversed by cultivating compassion as a skill and learning how to turn empathy into compassion. This report explores how 60 staff used Compassion Mind Training (CMT) to promote workplace mental health for hospital social workers. It recommends building a workplace culture of compassion through CMT using various ways to reinforce individual and organizational commitments. This helps create a sense of psychological safety that leads to positive ripple effects in the mental health of staff.
Towards interoperable digital medication records on FHIR: development and technical validation of a minimal core dataset (Preprint)
Authors: Salgado-Baez Eduardo , Heidepriem Raphael , Delucchi Danhier Renate , Rinaldi Eugenia , Poncette Akira-Sebastian , Dahlhaus Iris , Fürstenau Daniel , Balzer Felix , Thun Sylvia , Sass Julian
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Medication errors are a prevalent, hazardous, and costly problem in healthcare, which could be prevented by utilizing interoperable medication software.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess medication data across multiple systems in a large university hospital to create a minimal standardized database for generating interoperable prototype order messages.

METHODS

The analysis involved various datasets encompassing 7,964 drugs. Specific data elements were selected and supplemented with information from the most extensive German drug database and European Standard Drug Terms to enhance medication identification accuracy.

RESULTS

Limited interoperability was observed due to fragmented local IT infrastructure and medication data standardization issues. A minimal standardized dataset was developed by merging information from multiple sources, which complied with the Health Level 7 Fast Health Interoperability Resources (HL7® FHIR®) standard for generating prototype medication order messages.

CONCLUSIONS

Our approach addresses the international challenge of medication data standardization and interoperability based on the FHIR standard for processes like the digital transfer of discharge medication prescriptions from intensive care units to general wards to avoid medication errors and increase patient safety.

CLINICALTRIAL
Harm reduction contingency management for stimulant use reduction and ART adherence in HIV primary care: an implementation-effectiveness study protocol (Preprint)
Authors: Steiner Gabriela , Baral Stefan , Riley Elise D , Shoptaw Steven , Chamie Gabriel , Roberts Kate , Suchman Lauren , Knight Kelly , Gandhi Monica , Coffin Phillip , Appa Ayesha
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Amongst people living with HIV, stimulant use disorder (StUD) has been linked with medication non-adherence and mortality. Contingency management (CM) is a strategy incentivizing measurable behavior change that is recommended as first-line treatment for StUD and can support antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. However, CM is not widely implemented, in part due to feasibility concerns. While reductions in substance use short of abstinence improve health outcomes, CM programs typically target stimulant use abstinence rather than reduction. To optimize care for safety-net populations living with comorbid StUD and HIV, we designed a novel CM program incentivizing both stimulant use reduction and ART adherence in the HIV ambulatory setting.

OBJECTIVE

1. Evaluate the feasibility of once weekly CM in safety-net HIV ambulatory care.
2. Assess the acceptability of CM among participants and providers.

METHODS

We conduct a single-arm, pilot hybrid implementation-effectiveness trial offering a novel CM intervention in two low-barrier, ambulatory HIV clinics. Patients with frequent stimulant use and suboptimal ART adherence are offered 12 weeks of once-weekly CM involving incentives for positive tenofovir and negative stimulants on urine point-of-care assays. We assess stimulant use once-weekly using tests with a four-day detection window, allowing participants to use stimulants during select days of the week but earn incentives by reducing their frequency of use from near-daily use. We assess feasibility and acceptability using quantitative process methods and qualitative in-depth interviews, guided by the RE-AIM (reach, effectiveness, acceptability, implementation, maintenance)¬ evaluation framework. We define preliminary effectiveness by proportion of stimulant-negative and TFV-positive urine tests, as well as changes in HIV viral suppression before and after participation.

RESULTS

As of September 2024, recruitment and CM visits have concluded. Quantitative and qualitative evaluation is underway, expected to continue through January 2025.

CONCLUSIONS

This novel CM program offers dual-incentives targeting stimulant use reduction and ART adherence. We hypothesize that incentivizing stimulant use reduction is acceptable to our target safety-net population. Demonstration of a feasible, acceptable model may serve as a first step towards wider utilization of stimulant-reduction CM in the safety-net setting.

CLINICALTRIAL

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT06564792
Effects of Performing Eccentric Contractions to Failure After Concentric Muscle Failure in Resistance Training Sessions: Randomized Clinical Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Campos Pedro Henrique Alves , Barreto Renan Vieira , Fontanetti Gabriel , da Silva Leonardo Santos Lopes , Gomes Matheus Machado , Lima Leonardo Coelho Rabello de
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

The hypertrophic response to resistance exercise protocols has been shown to be associated with volume-load, a surrogate of the gross mechanical work produced during training sessions. Performing repetitions until concentric muscle failure (MFCON ) – or close to it – has also been shown to be effective in promoting muscle hypertrophy. However, when MFCON occurs, one can still perform eccentric muscle actions, which could contribute to increase the volume-load of the session.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study will be to verify whether performing eccentric contractions to failure (MFEXC) after the occurrence of concentric muscle failure (MFCON ) enhances the neuromuscular adaptations already observed after a traditional resistance training protocol to MFCON.

METHODS

In a randomized, controlled, within-participant design, untrained young adult females will perform two resistance training protocols, each with one of their upper limbs: traditional training to MFCON (TRAD) and training with sets to MFCON followed by exclusively eccentric contractions to MFEXC (ECC+). The protocols will be performed at an intensity range of 9-12 maximum repetitions (considering MFCON for load adjustment) over 10 weeks, with two weekly sessions consisting of six sets with two minutes of rest per set. The exercise performed will be unilateral elbow flexion. Markers of muscle function (maximal, explosive, and powerful strength) and body composition (muscle thicknesses of different portions of the biceps brachii and brachialis muscles, circumferences of different portions of the arm, and muscle and fat masses) will be measured before and after the interventions and compared between limbs and over time using two-way ANOVAs. The level of significance will be p < 0.05.

RESULTS

The project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee (CEP) with CAAE number 76595923.8.0000.5659. Seven participants completed the intervention, with data collection from March to July 2024.

CONCLUSIONS

Further data collection is planned for the first half of 2025, and a manuscript is expected to be published in the second half of 2025.

CLINICALTRIAL

Does not apply.
Impact of Digital Literacy on Life Satisfaction among Older Adults in South Korea: Analysis of the Mediating Effect of Social Capital (Preprint)
Authors: Nam Eun Woo , Jung Hyein , Lee Hocheol
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Korea is rapidly transforming into a super-aged society. Research indicates that digital literacy among older adults enhances their life satisfaction. Furthermore, social capital positively affects quality of life, and digital literacy facilitates social capital formation. However, most studies have focused on the direct relationship between digital literacy and life satisfaction; research on the mediating role of social capital remains scarce.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the effect of digital literacy on the life satisfaction of older adults in South Korea and to verify whether social capital acts as a mediating factor in this process.

METHODS

This descriptive cross-sectional study utilized data from the 2023 Report on the Digital Divide—an annual survey conducted by the Korean Ministry of Science and Information and Communications Technology. The participants included 869 seniors aged 65 years or older. Descriptive statistics, the Pearson correlation analysis, and the three-step multiple regression analysis proposed by Baron and Kenny were performed. The bootstrap method was employed and all analyses were conducted using R version 4.4.1.

RESULTS

The digital literacy of older adults has a significant positive effect on their life satisfaction (β = 0.103, p = .008). Higher levels of social capital are associated with increased life satisfaction among older adults (β = 0.337, p < .001). Digital literacy influences life satisfaction both directly and indirectly. The direct effect without considering social capital is significant (β = 0.103, p = .006). The indirect effect through social capital is also significant (indirect effect = 0.037, p = .025). Social capital partially mediates the relationship between digital literacy and life satisfaction, indicating that improving digital literacy can enhance social capital, which in turn boosts life satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

This study analyzed the association between digital literacy, social capital, and life satisfaction among older adults in Korea. We identified that social capital mediates the association between digital literacy and life satisfaction among older adults. Our results indicate the importance of developing support measures that focus on improving digital literacy and expanding social capital. This could significantly enhance the psychological well-being and quality of life of older adults.
AI-Driven Energy-Efficient mHealth Applications for Chronic Disease Management: A Review of Optimization Techniques (Preprint)
Authors: Almasri Abdullah , Nutter Tiffani , Abdulfattah Yousef , Abdulfattah Hamzah
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Mobile health (mHealth) applications offer real-time monitoring and feedback, which can help in chronic disease management. However, their continuous operation drains device battery excessively, making long-term use challenging. To mitigate this, AI-driven techniques like adaptive sampling, task scheduling, and federated learning offer promising solutions for optimizing energy consumption while maintaining functionality.

OBJECTIVE

This study provides a systematic review focusing on AI-powered approaches for energy-efficient mHealth applications. It investigates methods such as adaptive sampling, task scheduling, and predictive behavior modeling for improved energy efficiency, enabling long-term battery-powered services without affecting monitoring.

METHODS

A systematic literature review of AI-based optimization techniques in mHealth was conducted, focusing on energy-saving characteristics of adaptive sampling and task scheduling. The analysis included 30 studies from 2016 to 2024, quantified by percentage improvements in energy savings and battery life.

RESULTS

Task scheduling achieved up to 40% energy savings, extending battery life by several hours. Adaptive sampling reduced energy consumption by 25-30%. Federated learning showed energy savings of up to 25% by minimizing data transmission. Predictive behavior modeling further optimized energy by adjusting resource use based on user interactions.

CONCLUSIONS

AI-driven techniques significantly reduce energy consumption in mHealth applications, particularly in chronic disease management. Task scheduling and adaptive sampling show the most promise for long-term monitoring without frequent recharging. Future research should explore advanced machine learning models and energy-harvesting technologies for more sustainable applications.

CLINICALTRIAL

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Kangaroo mother care and outcome of neonates with low birth weight
Authors: Adnan Hassan Zahraa , Mohammed Al-Haris Faris , Jumaah Manji Nasrawi Alaa
Published: November 2024

Background. Kangaroo mother care (KMC), a type of newborn care involving skin-to-skin contact with the mother or other caregiver, reduces mortality in infants with low birth weight (< 2.5 kg) when initiated after stabilization. In this study, we attempt to compare the outcomes of low-birth neonates admitted to a recently established KMC unit in Al-Zahraa Hospital to neonates discharged to homes without KMC training. Materials and methods. A case-control study was conducted in Al-Zahraa Teaching Hospital at Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf (Iraq) to evaluate the outcomes of neonates with low birth weight (< 2.5 kg) who were admitted to the kangaroo mother care unit (cases) in comparison to those neonates with comparable body weight who were discharged home without KMC training (controls). The primary outcome was the mortality rate. The secondary outcomes were duration of hospital stay, complications, and breastfeeding. Results. Neonates at the KMC unit were discharged at a mean of 7.3 days compared to 9.4 days at the neonatal intensive care unit (P = 0.041); they had lower incidence of hypothermia (P = 0.011), hypoglycemia (P < 0.0001), sepsis (P < 0.0001) and less readmission rate (P < 0.0001), lower mortality rate (P = 0.016) and earlier breastfeeding with better LATCH scores. Conclusions. The application of the KMC significantly reduced the duration of hospital stay, morbidities, and mortality rate and improved breastfeeding considerably compared to the regular neonatal intensive care unit in preterm low-birth-weight infants.
Постковідні серцево-судинні ускладнення у дітей. Опис клінічних випадків
Authors: Міщук В.Р. , Литвин Г.О. , Приймакова В.О. , Іванюшко О.В. , Стасів М.В. , Кузьмінов Ю.Б.
Published: November 2024

Актуальність. Серцево-судинні ускладнення у дітей можуть виникати у віддаленому періоді після перенесеної коронавірусної інфекції COVID-19. Найбільш частими клінічними варіантами ушкодження серцево-судинної системи у дітей після SARS-CoV-2 є мультисистемний запальний синдром, міокардит, порушення ритму серця, гідроперикард. Симптоми ураження серця можуть маскуватися проявами ураження інших органів, оскільки клінічна маніфестація часто набуває мультиорганного характеру. Мета: проаналізувати випадки серцево-судинних уражень у дітей, які перехворіли на інфекцію SARS-CoV-2. Матеріали та методи. Наведено три клінічні випадки пост-COVID-19 серцево-судинних ускладнень у дітей віком восьми, дев’яти та одного року. У пацієнтів розвинулися загрозливі для життя стани, що були обумовлені гідроперикардом з тампонадою серця (випадок 1), повною атріовентрикулярною блокадою (випадок 2) та бактеріальним ендокардитом з ушкодженням мітрального клапана і серцевою недостатністю (випадок 3). Результати. У всіх пацієнтів виявлено високі рівні прозапальних маркерів (СРП, прокальцитоніну, ШОЕ, IL-6, фібриногену), високі значення маркерів ушкодження міокарда (NT-pro-BNP, тропоніну I), гіперкоагуляція (D-димер, фібриноген, АЧТЧ), високі титри IgG до COVID-19. У трьох наведених клінічних випадках спостерігалися симптоми ураження інших органів, однак серцево-судинні розлади домінували і визначали тяжкість стану дітей. Висновки. Враховуючи можливість розвитку загрозливих для життя станів, усім пацієнтам дитячого віку, які надійшли у стаціонар, з COVID-19 в анамнезі, високим показником IgG до SARS-CoV-2, варто проводити скринінгове кардіологічне обстеження з метою виявлення кардіальних ускладнень. У випадку складності діагностики, а також при розгорнутій клінічній картині визначення NT-pro-BNP, тропоніну I може стати вирішальним аргументом щодо встановлення діагнозу.
Diagnosis and surgical treatment of complicated acute necrotizing pneumonia in children (literature review)
Authors: Halahan A.F.
Published: November 2024

Background. Currently, the problem of diagnosing, treating, and preventing purulent-destructive diseases of the bronchopulmonary system in children remains relevant due to a large number of pulmonary pleural forms and complications of acute necrotizing pneumonia, accompanied by pyofibrinothorax, which leads to adhesion formation in the pleural cavity. The purpose: based on a summary of the available literature, to present the clinical and paraclinical features of pneumonias caused by common pathogens in children and their treatment. The objective of this research is to conduct an analytical review of the literature on the etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of this pathology to highlight the main problems in diagnosing and treating children with acute necrotizing pneumonia. Materials and methods. Modern domestic and foreign literary sources on the clinical and paraclinical diagnosis and treatment of destructive pneumonias were reviewed and analysed. The following databases were used for literature search: Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The results of prospective and retrospective studies conducted in recent years were taken into account when determining recommendations. ­Results. Current data on acute destructive pneumonia in children are presented. The current state of the problem of early diagnosis and treatment of necrotizing pneumonias is studied. A broader implementation of modern diagnostic methods, particularly ultrasound, and the treatment of acute necrotizing pneumonia in children, both systemically and by affecting the inflammatory focus, are recommended. The treatment of pneumonias in children of different age groups is considered. It was found that establi­shing the mechanisms of pyofibrinothorax formation could provide an impetus in preventing this complication. The role of fungi in the course of the inflammatory process in the pleural cavity in acute necrotizing pneumonia requires clarification in the experiment. Conclusions. The development of diagnostic and treatment algorithm for children with acute necrotizing pneumonia with pulmonary-pleural complications based on early diagnosis, prevention and treatment using medications and minimally invasive technologies, including thoracoscopy, is relevant.
Development of the intelligent traffic light system based on image processing and fuzzy control techniques
Authors: Nguyen Hoang Dung , Le Hoang-Dang , Nguyen Van Khanh , Lam Hung Minh
Published: November 2024

In Viet Nam's current traffic conditions, congestion and jams—especially at intersections during peak hours—present major challenges. Traditional traffic light systems, which rely on fixed timing principles, often fail to manage traffic flow efficiently, particularly when vehicle density varies significantly across different directions. This research aims to develop an intelligent traffic light system where the signal timings automatically adjust based on the vehicle density at intersections. The study uses an object recognition algorithm to identify, classify, and count vehicles. The data was then fed into a fuzzy logic model to calculate the optimal signal timings. Experimental results demonstrate an accuracy of approximately 88% in vehicle detection. The fuzzy logic model and the programmable logic controller were able to effectively compute reasonable signal timings based on real-time vehicle density. Future developments include expanding the system's functionalities, creating a user-friendly interface, and developing a management application for mobile devices.
Features of Language in President Jokowi’s Political Speech on Covid-19 Pandemic Handling in Indonesia
Authors: Maharsi Eni
Published: November 2024

COVID-19 pandemic had forced state leaders to take various actions, one of which was through communicating the pandemic measures. In Indonesian context, the difficult times of the 2020-2021 COVID-19 pandemic had also challenged President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) to communicate his response to handling the pandemic differently from communication prior to the pandemic. Jokowi tried to gain compliance and support which could be identified from the linguistic features in his speeches of pandemic handling. This study discusses linguistic features in Jokowi's COVID-19 speech. Voyant-tool was used as a tool for identifying the most salient linguistic units. Analysis was carried out to determine patterns of lexical choices, to examine how these patterns helped construct the pandemic discursively. and to relate it to Jokowi's pandemic communication goals. Results reveal that first person singular I and first-person plural WE/ US were the most salient features. Second, the choice of structure and lexicon specifically indicated a strategy of inclusivity and the creation of a clear group identity. Inclusive WE functioned as linguistic strategy to build collective identity, sense of solidarity and unity of Indonesian, as well as indicating choice of acting as an interlocutor to equalize social actors. Exclusive WE/ US also emphasized identity, speaker involvement actions, personal pronoun I was persuasion device and marker of interpersonal relationship and positioning as the highest authority, while temporal deixis was employed to urge the sense of urgency.