bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Η μαγεία της μέτρησης αποστάσεων στους παγκόσμιους ψηφιακούς χάρτες: Πιλοτική εφαρμογή και βιωματικές προσεγγίσεις στην Πρωτοβάθμια Εκπαίδευση
Authors: Ρεπανίδου Ιωάννα , Λαμπρινός Νίκος
Published: June 2023

Στη συγκεκριμένη έρευνα παρουσιάζεται μια πιλοτική εφαρμογή που διεξήχθη στα πλαίσια του μαθήματος της Γεωγραφίας σε δεκατέσσερις μαθητές/τριες της Στ’ τάξης του Δημοτικού Σχολείου. Μέσα από καθοδηγούμενη διερεύνηση και βιωματικές δράσεις, οι μαθητές/τριες έμαθαν για τις αλλοιώσεις των αποστάσεων μεταξύ των περιοχών-χωρών στους χάρτες και πειραματίστηκαν σε παγκόσμιους ψηφιακούς χάρτες Μερκατορικής προβολής. Πραγματοποιήθηκαν διδακτικές παρεμβάσεις σε διάστημα τεσσάρων εβδομάδων, όπου οι μαθητές/τριες διαπίστωσαν ότι η μικρότερη απόσταση μεταξύ δύο σημείων στη Μερκατορική προβολή είναι δυνατό να αποτελείται από μια καμπύλη γραμμή (ορθοδρόμος) κι όχι από μια ευθεία (λοξοδρόμος). Η Μερκατορική προβολή επιλέχθηκε καθώς χρησιμοποιείται συστηματικά και παγκοσμίως κι αποτελεί την κύρια χαρτογραφική προβολή που αξιοποιείται στο σχολικό περιβάλλον, ωστόσο η ίδια δημιουργεί παρανοήσεις στα παιδιά.
Zarys problematyki wojny w religii i mitologii mieszkańców Pomorza na przełomie epok brązu i żelaza
Authors: Wojtecki Jakub
Published: June 2023

Artykuł jest próbą nakreślenia możliwości odtworzenia znaczenia konfliktów zbrojnych dla systemów wierzeniowych ludów zamieszkujących Pomorze w czasach tzw. kultur pól popielnicowych. Podstawą do owych rozważań jest analiza mitologii ludów indoeuropejskich i próba odnalezienia uniwersalnych schematów, możliwych do zastosowania dla omawianych społeczeństw a także analiza przedmiotów związanych z wojowniczością i śmiercią oraz śladów konfliktów pod kątem ich sakralnego znaczenia.
Czekając na muzeum: społeczna aktywność w poszukiwaniu pamięci zbiorowej na krakowskim Prądniku jako inspiracja do działań partycypacyjnych
Authors: Ozaist-Zgodzińska Zofia
Published: June 2023

Mieszkańcy dwóch dzielnic na północy Krakowa podejmują zadania ustawowo przypisane do muzeów, nieświadomie wprowadzając zasady Nowej Muzeologii w życie społeczności. Nastawienie na przeżycie i interakcję widać w społecznych akcjach performatywnych, jak „protest saneczkowy” oraz w zainteresowaniu pojęciem „córectwa”. Charakter kontekstowy oznacza, że Prądniczanie kierują swoje zainteresowanie na ochronę dziedzictwa PRL-u. Poszanowanie prawe depozytariuszy widać w działaniach mających na celu udostępnienie publiczności zachowanej pracowni Beresiów. O krytycznym podejściu do własnej wiedzy świadczy to, że w budżetach obywatelskich mieszkańcy wybierają działania przybliżające lokalne dziedzictwo. Stały kontakt z publicznością oraz współtworzenie decyduje o popularności Wolnomuzykowania, Wypożyczalni Obrazów, wspólnego miejskiego ogrodnictwa oraz aneksji przestrzeni poprzez język. Prądniczanie zbudowali świadomą, idealną publiczność dla lokalnej placówki muzealnej - która na razie nie istnieje.
Badania historyczno-stylistyczne w postępowaniach karnych w sprawach o podrabianie lub przerabianie zabytków w celu użycia ich w obrocie zabytkami
Authors: Sikoń Barbara , Wolanin Kamil
Published: June 2023

Artykuł dotyczy badań historyczno-stylistycznych prowadzonych na rzecz organów procesowych w procedurze karnej w sprawach, których przedmiotem jest rozstrzygnięcie o odpowiedzialności sprawcy przestępstwa za podrobienie lub przerobienie zabytku w celu użycia go w obrocie zabytkami. Na początku omówiono znaczenie ustawowe terminu "zabytek" w prawie polskim, a następnie przedstawiono poglądy i doktryny dotyczące omawianych badań, ilustrując je przykładami. W dalszej części zarysowano formalnoprawne podstawy badań historyczno-stylistycznych przez porównanie ich z badaniami fizykochemicznymi. W końcowej części opisano ustawowe znamiona przestępstwa z art. 109a ustawy o ochronie zabytków i opiece nad zabytkami oraz uwydatniono doniosłą rolę biegłych w omawianych postępowaniach, z uwzględnieniem biegłych ad hoc. We wnioskach podkreślono ważną rolę badaczy kultury w efektywnym działaniu wymiaru sprawiedliwości.
Muzea Białorusi w zmieniającym się świecie. Poszukiwanie tożsamości
Authors: Stashkevich Alla , Marnysh Tatsiana
Published: June 2023

W artykule przeanalizowano wyzwania i problemy (m.in. pandemia COVID-19, kryzysy polityczne i społeczne), z jakimi w ostatnim czasie zmierzyło się białoruskie środowisko muzealne. Zarysowano kontekst historyczny rozwoju białoruskich muzeów oraz przedstawiono specyfikę ich przejścia od sowieckiego podejścia i ówczesnych norm do nowego paradygmatu - demokratycznego. Poszukując swojej tożsamości, muzea białoruskie muszą jeszcze przejść trudną drogę transformacji, muszą też poszukiwać nowych form interakcji ze społeczeństwem i sposobu adaptacji do zachodzących zmian.
Muzealna historia słomianych carskich wrót z Polesia (Białoruś)
Authors: Łobaczewska Olga , Waszczyńska Katarzyna
Published: June 2023

W artykule skupiono się na historii i antropologicznym aspekcie muzealizacji wyplatanych ze słomy carskich wrót – unikalnych zabytków sztuki sakralnej i twórczości ludowej, pochodzących z lat 30. XIX wieku, z zachodniej części Polesia (w granicach Białorusi i Ukrainy). Historii ich odkrycia, badań, muzealizacji oraz restauracji połączonej z rekonstrukcją towarzyszyła chęć zachowania tych wyjątkowych przykładów sztuki plecionkarskiej dla przyszłych pokoleń. Artefakty te mają wartość symboliczną i bez wątpienia są fenomenem w sztuce i kulturze białoruskiej.
Zależna niezależność
Authors: Kołodziej Jacek H.
Published: June 2023

DEPENDENT INDEPENDENCE: CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES FOR MEDIA EVOLUTION IN SWITZERLAND
Media in multicultural and multilingual Switzerland are unique for a number of reasons – including an effectively functioning system of democratic neo-corporationism, favouring a consensual approach and public debate, which in turn requires an effective public information system. The Swiss represent high culture of written word and thus high-quality printed press. Their modern media system, which has taken shape since the federal constitution of 1848, is based on fundamental guarantees for freedom of speech and press, competitive liberal market of private media, journalistic professionalism, a strong role for self- -regulatory bodies and social negotiation. The central public service television plays a key role in the system, acting as an integrative, identity forming and educational medium of social debate. The article discusses in detail the premises for systemic destabilisation and the dilemmas for the further development of the Swiss media system in the 21st century, as a result of the financial crisis of digitalisation and global competition with the internet giants, in the context of rising populism and the social costs of the coronavirus pandemic.
Conditional Distributionally Robust Functionals
Authors: Shapiro Alexander , Pichler Alois
Published: June 2023

This paper addresses decision making in multiple stages, where prior information is available and where consecutive and successive decisions are made. Risk measures assess the random outcome by taking various candidate probability measures into account. To justify decisions in multiple stages, it is essential to have conditional risk measures available, which respect the information, which was already revealed in the past. The paper addresses different variants of risk measures, discusses their properties in the specific context and their implications in multistage decision making. Various examples of risk measures on simple probability spaces with finite support illustrate the content. The Wasserstein and nested distance are involved to make decision making with numerous scenarios numerically tractalbe.
Dynamic development of Ukrainian phraseology in the conditions of the russian-Ukrainian war
Authors:   CI ", Dobroliozha Halyna ,   Zhytomyr Regional Institute of Postgraduate Pedagogical Education",   of the Zhytomyr Regional Council
Published: June 2023

The article clarifies the reasons that became the impetus for the development of the latest Ukrainian vocabulary and phraseology, analyzes the scientific works of Ukrainian linguists on the relevant topic. The author conducts an excursion into the history of the development and functioning of phraseological units at various historical stages, finds out the sources of replenishment of the phraseological fund. Scientific intelligence provides an analysis of neolexics, the appearance of which is due to the events of the Russian-Ukrainian war: names that name enemies are indicated; the corpus of appeals regarding Ukrainian military personnel is outlined; Neolexems were analyzed according to the method of word formation; military vocabulary (colloquial, jargon) was developed by thematic groups. The neo-phraseology that functions in the modern Ukrainian cultural environment is also analyzed: the instability of the terminological apparatus in relation to the latest phraseology is clarified; features that are characteristic of neo-phraseologisms are determined; groups of phraseological units are outlined according to the group by origin; a specific example demonstrates the phraseologisation of the statement; the function of using obscene vocabulary as a component of phraseology and the naturalness of this phenomenon in the conditions of the war period are clarified.
Verbal emphasis in Ukrainian and German languages: cross-linguistic relations
Authors:   Berdyansk State Pedagogical University, Zagorodnova Viktoriia
Published: June 2023

Nowadays typological studies of related and unrelated languages are becoming of great importance. Appealing to historic, comparatively-synchronous, contrastive parallels of several languages opens up the possibility of highlighting the certain features of their historical and cultural development. Scientific research studies of such kind help to clarify the universal, common and distinctive features of comparative languages, as well as to substantiate the uniqueness of every language as a national phenomenon. Important for contrastive phonetics is the study of super-segmental means, in particular prosodic means, that is stress and intonation. In comparative linguistics to identify the peculiarities of stress in comparative languages can be used such criteria: nature of stress, the place of stress in a word, quality of stress and function of stress. These criteria were taken in to account in our research because they give quite objective data for achieving the goal. This article is devoted to the comparative study of verbal stress in the Ukrainian and German languages. The object of our study is verbal stress in the Ukrainian and German languages, which distinguishes and differs a word from the speech flow – the basic unit of the language mechanism of a particular language. There is considered the means of distinguishing the stressed syllable, the ratio of longitude and stress of a vowel sound, the place of stress in a word, functions of word stress. The main regularities of the accent norm of parts of speech in the Ukrainian and German languages. In the course of study, we came to the conclusion that in the Ukrainian and German languages the stressed syllable is characterized by dynamism, duration and expressiveness of timbre, that is dynamic stress is typical for both languages. Both languages have different place of stress in the word. With some apprehension, it can be considered a fixed accent in the German language, where the first sellable is mainly stressed (there are some rare exception, so it cannot be called a typical feature). In the Ukrainian language the accent is diverse and mobile, there are certain patterns of accent norm of parts of speech. Such free dynamic stress has a significative function, it distinguishes the grammatical forms of lexeme and the meaning of words. However, In the German language, in cases where the accent is free, the significative function is also used. In both compared languages we can find a side accent in addition to the main accent. Complex words have such accent. In the Ukrainian language the side stress is the first and the main stress is the second; in the German language, the main stress is the first and the side stress is the second. Common for all types of stress is the culminative function (design of word through the allocation of its prosodic center). Mobile stress has a significative (word-distinguishing) function.
Factors predicting self-efficacy during birth in Chinese women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Mao , Wacharasin Chintana , Tachasuksri Tatirat
Published: June 2023

Background/Aims

Self-efficacy can promote optimism during childbirth and a better transition from pregnancy to motherhood. This study's aim was to examine maternal childbirth self-efficacy during the latent phase of labour, and identify related predictors, among low-risk Chinese pregnant women.

Methods

A predictive correlational study was conducted among 122 low-risk pregnant women. Questionnaires were used to collect data on self-efficacy, with standard multiple linear regression analysis applied to determine its predictors.

Results

The mean score for childbirth self-efficacy was 225 (standard deviation=47.86), which indicated moderate self-efficacy during labour. Professional support (P<0.001), childbirth knowledge (P<0.01) and parity (P<0.05) were significant predictors.

Conclusions

This study highlighted that professional support, childbirth knowledge and parity can affect childbirth self-efficacy, which could enhance women's coping ability and promote a successful birth. Healthcare professionals could increase maternal self-efficacy through providing enhanced emotional and information support, ensuring that women are given adequate information about the birth process and by providing support for primiparous women during the latent phase of labour.
An Evaluation of Nurse Anesthetists’ Acquisition and Retention of Knowledge and Skill Performance for Brief Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support Training
Authors:   Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand, Suwanna Kunyaporn , Pipanmekaporn Tanyong ,   Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand, Siriphuwanun Visith ,   Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Published: June 2023

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acquisition and retention of knowledge and skills of basic (BLS) and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) for nurse anesthetists at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital. METHODS The one-group pretest-posttest design study was used. BLS and ACLS training comprised a brief BLS and ACLS review and practice. Knowledge was assessed by multiple-choice questions. The BLS skills were assessed by observing CPR performance on a Resusci- Anne-skill meter manikin and ACLS skills were evaluated using ACLS scenarios. The knowledge and skills were assessed before and after the training weekly for four weeks, and then at three months after the training ended. RESULTS A total of 38 nurse anesthetists participated in the study. There were significant increases in BLS and ACLS knowledge and skills after the training. However, there was short retention of BLS and ACLS knowledge and skills at three months after the training. Foreign body airway obstruction and assessing unresponsiveness were the two most common of BLS skills degradation. While the primary and secondary assessment, assessing ACLS algorithms, electrocardiogram recognition and electrical therapy were the common skills performance of ACLS skills degradation. CONCLUSIONS After the BLS and ACLS training, the knowledge and skills were significantly improved but there was short retention of knowledge and skills at three months after the training. Regular refreshment of CPR education is recommended to enhance the retention of knowledge and practice of nurse anesthetists KEYWORDS knowledge and skills retention, nurse anesthetists, acquisition, basic life support, advanced cardiac life support
Internet of (Moving) Things: Paradigms and Opportunities
Authors: Althobaiti Ohood Saud
Published: June 2023

The Internet of Things (IoT) is an emerging connectivity paradigm that impacts every imaginable industry. Since the IoT is applied in numerous sectors, for instance, e-health, e-learning, smart cities, virtual conferences, industrial field, the technology aims at influencing our ways of communication and how we operate in each sector. IoT is one of the innovations of significant interest in the world especially during crucial cases such as coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19). It is said that the technology will profoundly affect the behaviours of potential users and numerous aspects of daily activities. This paper aims at evaluating the IoT, and at developing a broad comprehension of the technology as well as examine it from a mobility point of view.
Comparison of PD-NOMA for RF and VLC Based Vehicular Communication Under Various Weather Conditions
Authors: Singh Gurinder , Srivastava Anand , Bohara Vivek Ashok , Liu Zilong
Published: June 2023

In order to provide vehicles with reliable, ubiquitous, and massive connectivity, an appropriate multiple access (MA) scheme should be adopted. An appealing MA scheme referred to as non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) has been gaining significant attention in vehicular networks among academia and industry. This work aims to show the technical feasibility of uplink vehicular-VLC system (V-VLC) using OPD-NOMA, which is a promising technique for future intelligent transportation system which has not been explored before. We aim to present a comprehensive qualitative and quantitative analysis on the performance of Optical Power Domain-NOMA (OPD-NOMA) based Vehicular Visible Light Communication (V-VLC) systems. In particular, we aim for designing V-VLC systems with robust information exchange over various weather conditions such as rain, light fog, dense fog, dry snow, etc. We make use of various analytical tools of stochastic geometry to derive theoretical expression for outage probability and throughput by modelling the location of the vehicle as a spatial Poisson point process. We compare the performance of OPD-NOMA based V-VLC with Vehicular Radio Frequency (V-RF) communication for three different traffic scenarios (i.e., sparse, medium, and dense traffic) in terms of outage probability and throughput. Our numerical results reveal that instead of viewing V-VLC as competing technology, it can be visualized as complementary technology to V-RF technology under different environmental conditions for future Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) to meet diverse requirements of 5G networks and beyond.
The application of human reliability analysis to carpal tunnel decompression
Authors: Lucey Á , Kennedy S , Hussey A , McInerney N , Kelly JL , Joyce KM
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Many surgical procedures are prone to human error, particularly in the learning phase of skills acquisition. Task standardisation has been suggested as an approach to reducing errors, but it fails to account for the human factors associated with learning. Human reliability analysis (HRA) is a structured approach to assess human error during surgery. This study used HRA methodologies to examine skills acquisition associated with carpal tunnel decompression.

Methods

The individual steps or subtasks required to complete a carpal tunnel decompression were identified using hierarchical task analysis (HTA). The systematic human error reduction and prediction approach (SHERPA) was carried out by consensus of subject matter experts. This identified the potential human errors at each subgoal, the level of risk associated with each task and how these potential errors could be prevented.

Results

Carpal tunnel decompression was broken down into 46 subtasks, of which 21 (45%) were medium risk and 25 (55%) were low risk. Of the 46 subtasks, 4 (9%) were assigned high probability and 18 (39%) were assigned medium probability. High probability errors (>1/50 cases) included selecting incorrect tourniquet size, failure to infiltrate local anaesthetic in a proximal-to-distal direction and completion of the World Health Organization (WHO) surgical sign-out. Three (6%) of the subtasks were assigned high criticality, which included failure to aspirate before anaesthetic injection, whereas 21 (45%) were assigned medium criticality. Remedial strategies for each potential error were devised.

Conclusions

The use of HRA techniques provides surgeons with a platform to identify critical steps that are prone to error. This approach may improve surgical training and enhance patient safety.
PREVALÊNCIA DA HANSENÍASE EM FEIRA DE SANTANA NOS ANOS DE 2019 E 2020
Authors: Deisiane Almeida Cerqueira Silva  , Maria Yana Guimaraes Silva Freitas
Published: June 2023

A hanseníase é uma doença negligenciada, de transmissão respiratória, considerada um problema de saúde pública. Acomete, principalmente, a população de baixo poder aquisitivo, pode cursar com incapacidade física, que gera preconceito, estigma e traz consequências sociais para o indivíduo e família. Assim, torna-se relevante a realização da referida pesquisa quanto à identificação da prevalência da hanseníase nos anos de 2019 e 2020 e a discrição das diferenças nos aspectos sociodemográficos e clínicos da hanseníase, haja vista poderem existir diferenças entre os dois anos do estudo devido a ocorrência da Covid-19, e decreto da pandemia pela Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) e Ministério da Saúde (MS), no mundo, e no Brasil.
Bifunctional metasurface for high-efficiency terahertz absorption and polarization conversion
Authors: Zhang Guanghui , Wu Qiuxia , Zhong Zheqiang , Zhang Bin
Published: June 2023

A reconfigurable metasurface with a switchable function, broad band, high efficiency, and ultra-compact size is crucial for the development of efficient and compact devices. We propose a bifunctional metasurface that utilizes vanadium dioxide (VO2) and graphene to achieve high-efficiency absorption and polarization conversion (PC) in the terahertz (THz) range. In our design, an extra dielectric layer is added on the top of VO2 and graphene. It is worth pointing out that the presence of the additional dielectric layer greatly enhances the coupling of the wave in the Fabry–Perot cavity, resulting in remarkable improvement in absorption and PC efficiency. Furthermore, by controlling the working state of VO2 and graphene, the functionality of the metasurface can be flexibly switched among absorption, cross-polarized conversion, and linear-to-circular PC (LTC). Simulation results indicate that the metasurface works in the absorption mode when VO2 is in a metal state, and it can efficiently absorb THz waves at 2.0–7.0 THz with a remarkable relative bandwidth of 111.1%. Furthermore, the absorption is over 98.4% under a normal incident case and still maintains over 90% with an incident angle of 50° at 2.8–7.0 THz. Importantly, by changing the conductivity of VO2, the absorption can be flexibly adjusted, allowing for tuning the absorption between 10% and 98.4%. When VO2 is in an insulator state, the function of the designed metasurface is altered to PC mode, and it can efficiently convert incident linearly polarized (LP) waves into cross-polarized waves with a PC ratio exceeding 95% at 1.8–3.4 THz when the Fermi level of graphene is 1 eV. When switched to the LTC mode, it can convert incident LP waves into right-circularly polarized waves with ellipticity less than −0.95 at 1.7–2.1 THz and into left-circularly polarized waves with ellipticity greater than 0.90 at 2.7–3.0 THz when the Fermi level of graphene is 0.55 eV.
Quasi-analytic solution for real-time multi-exposure speckle imaging of tissue perfusion
Authors: Rivera Daniel A. , Schaffer Chris B.
Published: June 2023

Laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) is a widefield imaging technique that enables high spatiotemporal resolution measurement of blood flow. Laser coherence, optical aberrations, and static scattering effects restrict LSCI to relative and qualitative measurements. Multi-exposure speckle imaging (MESI) is a quantitative extension of LSCI that accounts for these factors but has been limited to post-acquisition analysis due to long data processing times. Here we propose and test a real-time quasi-analytic solution to fitting MESI data, using both simulated and real-world data from a mouse model of photothrombotic stroke. This rapid estimation of multi-exposure imaging (REMI) enables processing of full-frame MESI images at up to 8 Hz with negligible errors relative to time-intensive least-squares methods. REMI opens the door to real-time, quantitative measures of perfusion change using simple optical systems.
Chip-scale frequency combs for data communications in computing systems
Authors: Okawachi Yoshitomo , Kim Bok Young , Lipson Michal , Gaeta Alexander L.
Published: June 2023

Recent developments in chip-based frequency-comb technology demonstrate that comb devices can be implemented in applications where photonic integration and power efficiency are required. The large number of equally spaced comb lines that are generated make combs ideal for use in communication systems, where each line can serve as an optical carrier to allow for massively parallel wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) transmission. In this review, we summarize the developments in integrated frequency-comb technology for use as a WDM source for communication systems in data centers and high-performance computing systems. We highlight the following three approaches for chip-scale comb generation: semiconductor modelocked lasers, electro-optic combs, and Kerr frequency combs.
The burden, prevention and care of infants and children with congenital anomalies in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review
Authors: Leke Aminkeng Zawuo , Malherbe Helen , Kalk Emma , Mehta Ushma , Kisa Phylis , Botto Lorenzo D. , Ayede Idowu , Fairlie Lee , Maboh Nkwati Michel , Orioli Ieda , Zash Rebecca , Kusolo Ronald , Mumpe-Mwanja Daniel , Serujogi Robert , Bongomin Bodo , Osoro Caroline , Dah Clarisse , Sentumbwe–Mugisha Olive , Shabani Hamisi Kimaro , Musoke Philippa , Dolk Helen , Barlow-Mosha Linda
Published: June 2023

The aim of this scoping review was to determine the scope, objectives and methodology of contemporary published research on congenital anomalies (CAs) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), to inform activities of the newly established sub-Saharan African Congenital Anomaly Network (sSCAN). MEDLINE was searched for CA-related articles published between January 2016 and June 2021. Articles were classified into four main areas (public health burden, surveillance, prevention, care) and their objectives and methodologies summarized. Of the 532 articles identified, 255 were included. The articles originated from 22 of the 49 SSA countries, with four countries contributing 60% of the articles: Nigeria (22.0%), Ethiopia (14.1%), Uganda (11.7%) and South Africa (11.7%). Only 5.5% of studies involved multiple countries within the region. Most articles included CA as their primary focus (85%), investigated a single CA (88%), focused on CA burden (56.9%) and care (54.1%), with less coverage of surveillance (3.5%) and prevention (13.3%). The most common study designs were case studies/case series (26.6%), followed by cross-sectional surveys (17.6%), retrospective record reviews (17.3%), and cohort studies (17.2%). Studies were mainly derived from single hospitals (60.4%), with only 9% being population-based studies. Most data were obtained from retrospective review of clinical records (56.1%) or via caregiver interviews (34.9%). Few papers included stillbirths (7.5%), prenatally diagnosed CAs (3.5%) or terminations of pregnancy for CA (2.4%).This first-of-a-kind-scoping review on CA in SSA demonstrated an increasing level of awareness and recognition among researchers in SSA of the contribution of CAs to under-5 mortality and morbidity in the region. The review also highlighted the need to address diagnosis, prevention, surveillance and care to meet Sustainable Development Goals 3.2 and 3.8. The SSA sub-region faces unique challenges, including fragmentation of efforts that we hope to surmount through sSCAN via a multidisciplinary and multi-stakeholder approach.
Changes in dietary habit and physical activity among the diabetic patients of Bangladesh during COVID-19: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Jahan Ishrat , Hasan A. B. M. Nahid , Sharif Azaz Bin , Akter Sharmin
Published: June 2023

In an effort to avert further Covid-19 transmission, the Bangladesh government took several initiatives which disrupted the routine food intake and exercise of diabetic patients. This study sought to examine the difference in dietary and exercise habits of diabetic patients between their pre-pandemic status and during COVID-19 which may be attributed to the observed poor health outcomes during the study period. This was a cross-sectional study that enrolled 604 diabetic patients using a convenience sampling technique who were attending outpatient clinics of the three selected hospitals in Bangladesh. A validated semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information regarding eating habit and physical activity of the respondents pre- and during COVID-19 pandemic via direct interview. McNemar-Bowker test was used to assess the changes in dietary and physical activity behaviors. The current study reveals that 93.9% of the respondents were type-2 diabetic patients. During the pandemic, there was a decrease in the consumption of rice, bread, meat, fish, eggs, and dessert, while the consumption of cereals, milk, and potato/starchy vegetables increased. There was also a decrease in the frequency of drinking tea or coffee, while the consumption of soft drinks remained relatively stable. The level and duration of physical activity significantly decreased among the respondents during the pandemic. This study explored the changes in dietary habits and physical activity among the study population which not only disrupt the metabolic control of the diabetic patients but also pose a significant threat to their overall health. Therefore, it is critical to prioritize measures that support diabetic patients to maintain healthy dietary habit and to engage in regular physical activity during unprecedented times such as COVID-19 pandemic.
Are 150 km of open sea enough? Gene flow and population differentiation in a bat-pollinated columnar cactus
Authors: Arenas Sebastián , Búrquez Alberto , Bustamante Enriquena , Scheinvar Enrique , Eguiarte Luis E.
Published: June 2023

Genetic differentiations and phylogeographical patterns are controlled by the interplay between spatial isolation and gene flow. To assess the extent of gene flow across an oceanic barrier, we explored the effect of the separation of the peninsula of Baja California on the evolution of mainland and peninsular populations of the long-lived columnar cactusStenocereus thurberi. We analyzed twelve populations throughout the OPC distribution range to assess genetic diversity and structure using chloroplast DNA sequences. Genetic diversity was higher (Hd= 0.81), and genetic structure was lower (GST= 0.143) in mainland populations vs peninsular populations (Hd= 0.71,GST= 0.358 respectively). Genetic diversity was negatively associated with elevation but positively with rainfall. Two mainland and one peninsular ancestral haplotypes were reconstructed. Peninsular populations were as isolated among them as with mainland populations. Peninsular haplotypes formed a group with one mainland coastal population, and populations across the gulf shared common haplotypes giving support to regular gene flow across the Gulf. Gene flow is likely mediated by bats, the main pollinators and seed dispersers. Niche modeling suggests that during the Last Glacial Maximum (c. 130 ka), OPC populations shrank to southern locations. Currently,Stenocereus thurberipopulations are expanding, and the species is under population divergence despite ongoing gene flow. Ancestral populations are located on the mainland and although vicariant peninsular populations cannot be ruled out, they are likely the result of gene flow across the seemingly formidable barrier of the Gulf of California. Still, unique haplotypes occur in the peninsula and the mainland, and peninsular populations are more structured than those on the mainland.
Exploring associations between household environmental factors and handwashing with essential agents in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Tamene Aiggan , Habte Aklilu , Tagesse Mihretu , Endale Fitsum , Melis Tamirat , Wale Sewalem Zablon , Afework Abel
Published: June 2023

Background

3 billion people lack proper home hand hygiene facilities globally. Of these, 1.4 billion (18%) lack soap or water, while 1.6 billion (22%) have neither. This analysis explores the link between living conditions and the use of essential agents in sub-Saharan Africa. This secondary data analysis examines potential associations between the domiciliary environment and the use of essential agents in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

Eighteen demographic and health surveys were used to analyze the association between household environmental factors and handwashing with essential agents. STATA version 16 was used to analyze data from 203,311 households across weighted samples. Using a multivariable multilevel mixed effect logistic regression analysis, it was possible to determine how each independent factor affected the outcome while taking the data clustering into account. The adjusted odds ratio and its associated 95% confidence interval were used to assess the independent factors’ statistical significance.

Result

Only one in three households 34.84%, practiced handwashing with essential agents, with the highest prevalence in Angola (70.2%) and the lowest in Malawi (6.5%). Educational status [aOR = 1.77; 95%(CI = 1.68–1.86)], female headship[aOR = 1.09; 95%(CI = 1.06–1.2)], household wealth[aOR = 4.08; 95%(CI = 3.84–4.33)], not sharing toilets with other homes[aOR = 1.13; 95%(CI = 1.10–1.17)], having a fixed place for hand washing[aOR = 1.49; 95%(CI = 1.45–1.54)], not having regular access to water [aOR = 0.09; 95%(CI = 0.095–0.10)]and being a rural resident [aOR = 0.85; 95%(CI = 0.82–0.88)] were associated with handwashing.

Conclusion

sub-Saharan nations are failing to demonstrate advancements in handwashing practices. There are still a lot of homes without access to basic infrastructure for handwashing and household water sources. For essential agent adoption programs to be successful in an environment with limited resources, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene measures must be implemented. Furthermore, it is critical to include contextual factors from the current study as well as socio-cultural and psychological characteristics that dissuade people from using essential agents in intervention strategies.
An evaluation of the effect of equine-facilitated psychotherapy on patients with substance use disorders
Authors: Machová Kristýna , Juríčková Veronika , Kasparová Anna , Petrová Kamila , Sládková Barbora , Svobodová Ivona
Published: June 2023

Equine Facilitated Psychiatry and Psychology (EFPP) is a supportive non-pharmacological treatment program used in the treatment of patients with substance use disorder. The aim of this study was to evaluate a possible change in patient’s health and health-related quality of life between the first and fourth session of the EFPP program using the Assessment of Quality of Life (AQoL) and the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS). The Human-Animal Interaction Scale (HAIS) and a 5-point Likert-type scale was used for an assessment of patient’s mood in the experimental group. The study sample included 57 patients (39 in experimental group with EFPP and 18 without EFPP program) with substance use disorders hospitalized in the psychiatric hospital. Comparing the initial and final patients scores in the experimental group, there was a significant positive shift in three of the four domains of the HoNOS scale and in seven of the eight dimensions of the AQoL scale. HAIS significantly increased (p <0.001) in time as well as patient´s mood after every session and in long time perspective. Based on these results, we can assume that the EFPP might be one of the successful programs which may improve patient´s mood and social interactions in substance use disorders.
Potential higher risk of tethered spinal cord in children after prenatal surgery for myelomeningocele: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Spoor Jochem K. H. , Kik Charlotte C. , van Veelen Marie-Lise C. , Dirven Clemens , Miller Jena L. , Groves Mari L. , DeKoninck Philip L. J. , Baschat Ahmet A. , Eggink Alex J.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on the incidence of secondary tethered spinal cord (TSC) between prenatal and postnatal closure in patients with MMC. The objectives was to understand the incidence of secondary TSC after prenatal surgery for MMC compared to postnatal surgery for MMC.

Material and methods

On May 4, 2023, a systematic search was conducted in Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library to gather relevant data. Primary studies focusing on repair type, lesion level, and TSC were included, while non-English or non-Dutch reports, case reports, conference abstracts, editorials, letters, comments, and animal studies were excluded. Two reviewers assessed the included studies for bias risk, following PRISMA guidelines. TSC frequency in MMC closure types was determined, and the relationship between TSC occurrence and closure technique was analyzed using relative risk and Fisher’s exact test. Subgroup analysis revealed relative risk differences based on study designs and follow-up periods. A total of ten studies, involving 2,724 patients, were assessed. Among them, 2,293 patients underwent postnatal closure, while 431 received prenatal closure for the MMC defect. In the prenatal closure group, TSC occurred in 21.6% (n = 93), compared to 18.8% (n = 432) in the postnatal closure group. The relative risk (RR) of TSC in patients with prenatal MMC closure versus postnatal MMC closure was 1.145 (95%CI 0.939 to 1.398). Fisher’s exact test indicated a statistically non-significant association (p = 0.106) between TSC and closure technique. When considering only RCT and controlled cohort studies, the overall RR for TSC was 1.308 (95%CI 1.007 to 1.698) with a non-significant association (p = .053). For studies focusing on children up until early puberty (maximum 12 years follow-up), the RR for tethering was 1.104 (95%CI 0.876 to 1.391), with a non-significant association (p = 0.409).

Conclusion and discussion

This review found no significant increase in relative risk of TSC between prenatal and postnatal closure in MMC patients, but a trend of increased TSC in the prenatal group. More long-term data on TSC after fetal closure is needed for better counseling and outcomes in MMC.
Parental developmental screening with CARE: A pilot hybrid assessment and intervention with vulnerable families in Colombia
Authors: Giraldo-Huertas Juan
Published: June 2023

Poverty and scarcity of resources make children in low-and-middle-income countries at risk of not reaching their developmental potential. Despite a near-universal interest in risk reduction, effective interventions like enhancing reading skills in parents to diminish developmental delay remain elusive for the great majority of vulnerable families. We undertook a efficacy study for parental use of a booklet called CARE for developmental screening of children between 36 to 60 months old (M = 44.0, SD = 7.5). All participants (N = 50), lived in vulnerable, low-income neighborhoods in Colombia. The study followed a pilot Quasi-Randomised Control Trial design (i.e., control group participants assigned based on non-random criteria) of parent training with a CARE intervention group compared to a control group. Data was analyzed using two-way ANCOVA for sociodemographic variables’ interaction with follow-up results and one-way ANCOVA to evaluate the relations between the intervention and post-measurement of developmental delays and cautions and other language related-skills outcomes, while controlling for pre-measurements. These analyses indicated that the CARE booklet intervention enhanced children’s developmental status and narrative skills (developmental screening delay items, F(1, 47) = 10.45, p = .002, partial η2 = .182; narrative devices scores, F(1, 17) = 4.87, p = .041, partial η2 = .223). Several limitations (e.g., sample size) and possible implications for the analysis of children’s developmental potential are discussed and considered for future research, along with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the closure of preschools and community care centers.
AirDNA sampler: An efficient and simple device enabling high-yield, high-quality airborne environment DNA for metagenomic applications
Authors: Harnpicharnchai Piyanun , Pumkaeo Panyapon , Siriarchawatana Paopit , Likhitrattanapisal Somsak , Mayteeworakoon Sermsiri , Ingsrisawang Lily , Boonsin Worawongsin , Eurwilaichitr Lily , Ingsriswang Supawadee
Published: June 2023

Analyzing temporal and spatial distributions of airborne particles of biological origins is vital for the assessment and monitoring of air quality, especially with regard to public health, environmental ecology, and atmospheric chemistry. However, the analysis is frequently impeded by the low levels of biomass in the air, especially with metagenomic DNA analysis to explore diversity and composition of living organisms and their components in the air. To obtain sufficient amounts of metagenomic DNA from bioaerosols, researchers usually need a long sampling time with an expensive high-volume air sampler. This work shows the utilization of an air sampling device containing an economical, high-volume portable ventilation fan in combination with customized multi-sheet filter holders to effectively obtain high yields of genomic DNA in a relatively short time. The device, named ‘AirDNA’ sampler, performed better than other commercial air samplers, including MD8 Airport and Coriolis compact air samplers. Using the AirDNA sampler, an average DNA yield of 40.49 ng (12.47–23.24 ng at 95% CI) was obtained in only 1 hour of air sampling with a 0.85 probability of obtaining ≥10 ng of genomic DNA. The genomic DNA obtained by the AirDNA system is of suitable quantity and quality to be further used for amplicon metabarcoding sequencing of 16S, 18S, and cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) regions, indicating that it can be used to detect various prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Our results showed the effectiveness of our AirDNA sampling apparatus with a simple setup and affordable devices to obtain metagenomic DNA for short-term or long-term spatiotemporal analysis. The technique is well suited for monitoring air in built environments, especially monitoring bioaerosols for health purposes and for fine-scale spatiotemporal environmental studies.
Writing popular music fiction
Authors: Boon Hussein
Published: June 2023

A recent short story I completed in a style area described as popular music fiction, using fiction to critically explore issues within popular music and communicate these to a wider audience, will be the main focus of this article. The ideas behind the short story and the incorporation of research and subject areas to create a fictional setting, especially intersections with otherness, diversity, resistance, technology, creative practice, business and the future, will be discussed. Key central themes were those relating to race, including lack of presence and attribution and concerns about AI, especially concerning how data is acquired to model music made by current music practitioners. The main character of the story is an AI and is used to foreground these concerns, the nature of musical work, its creation, transmission and consumption.
Trompetes em Si
Authors: Bernardino Paulo
Published: June 2023

The Christmas Cantata O Pássaro Azu - composed on poems by António Arnaut (1936-2018) taken from O Pássaro Azul - Contos e Poemas de Natal published in 1998 by Coimbra Editora - is a choral-symphonic work of great dimensions, both in its number and its duration (ca. 1:30). In its instrumentation, besides the usual instruments of the orchestra, we also find the Guitarra de Coimbra, soul of our Coimbra song, metaphor of our portugality.
With the support of the Guarantee Cultur programme, the time has come to give wing to the blue bird of A. Arnaut, in homage not only to all the artists who suffered so much with the pandemic, but also to the bravery of the National Health Service, in the hope that his words may appeal to the deepest and most heartfelt humanity within each one of us.
It is hoped that this publication may contribute to a greater richness of the Portuguese immaterial heritage, both poetic and musical, and that it may include as many Portuguese orchestras and choirs as possible, in order to bring the implicit tributes to all the stages in our country.
European Public Sector Accounting
Authors: Lorson Peter C. , Jorge Susana , Haustein Ellen
Published: June 2023

A contabilidade e os relatórios do sector público (PSA) foram objeto de reformas nacionais consideráveis durante as últimas décadas e estão no centro das atenções da Comissão Europeia, que pretende harmonizar os sistemas contabilísticos dos seus Estados-Membros através do desenvolvimento das Normas Europeias de Contabilidade do Sector Público (EPSAS). Por conseguinte, o tema é de grande relevância tanto para o meio académico como para os profissionais.Este livro apresenta diferentes pontos de vista sobre as PSA na Europa atualmente. Abrange temas como a história das CSP, as suas diferenças em relação às estatísticas contabilísticas e financeiras do sector privado, bem como a elaboração do orçamento. Uma parte principal é dedicada às Normas Internacionais de Contabilidade do Sector Público (IPSAS), abordando a sua difusão, quadro concetual e normas específicas do sector público seleccionadas, incluindo um estudo de caso. Além disso, a informação financeira consolidada é abordada através de exemplos.
Este manual não é apenas útil para estudantes e investigadores, mas também para leitores interessados que procuram perspectivas alargadas sobre as PSA, tais como profissionais e membros de organizações intergovernamentais. Pretende complementar os módulos de ensino universitário sobre PSA, como os que estão acessíveis gratuitamente em www.uni-rostock.de/weiterbildung/offene-uni-rostock/onlinekurse/european-public-sector-accounting/.