bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optical edge-to-screw singularity state conversions
Authors: Lin Haolin , Jia Junhui , Liu Guohua , Hu Yanwen , Li Zhen , Chen Zhenqiang , Fu Shenhe
Published: May 2024

Optical singularity states, which significantly affect propagation properties of light in free space or optical medium, can be geometrically classified into screw and edge types. These different types of singularity states do not exhibit direct connection, being decoupled from each other in the absence of external perturbations. Here we demonstrate a novel optical process in which a higher-order edge singularity state initially nested in the propagating Gaussian light field gradually involves into a screw singularity with a new-born topological charge determined by order of the edge state. The considered edge state comprises an equal superposition of oppositely charged vortex and antivortex modes. We theoretically and experimentally realize this edge-to-screw conversion process by introducing intrinsic vortex–antivortex interaction. We also present a geometrical representation for mapping this dynamical process, based on the higher-order orbital Poincaré sphere. Within this framework, the edge-to-screw conversion is explained by a mapping of state evolution from the equator to the north or south pole of the Poincaré sphere. Our demonstration provides a novel approach for manipulating singularity state by the intrinsic vortex–antivortex interactions. The presented phenomenon can be also generalized to other wave systems such as matter wave, water wave, and acoustic wave.
Climate Change, Environment, and Health: The implementation and initial evaluation of a longitudinal, integrated curricular theme and novel competency framework at Harvard Medical School
Authors: Kline Madeleine C. , Malits Julia R. , Baker Natalie , Shirley Hugh , Grobman Ben , Callison William Éamon , Pelletier Stephen , Nadeau Kari , Jones David S. , Basu Gaurab
Published: May 2024

Climate change, air pollution, and ecological degradation impact health through numerous, complex mechanisms. To train future physicians to understand these impacts, medical schools can deliver longitudinal climate curricula in undergraduate medical education, but the field remains nascent. This report describes the development, implementation, and evaluation of the longitudinal, integrated Climate Change, Environment, and Health curricular theme and novel competency framework at Harvard Medical School (HMS). A group of HMS students collaborated with faculty to integrate climate content into the pre-clerkship curriculum. The team subsequently pursued institutional recognition as a formal HMS curricular theme and created a new competency framework that guided curriculum integration mapping and evaluation tool development. The competencies cover the impact of climate change, air pollution, and ecological degradation on health in the context of historical and structural inequities and explore the role of healthcare in contributing to both climate change and solutions. A retrospective, eight-item survey using a seven-point Likert scale and two open-ended questions was administered at the end of the pre-clerkship curriculum. HMS approved a required, four-year Climate Change, Environment, and Health curricular theme in January 2023. Survey data from 100/134 (74.6%) study participants showed that most students agreed (somewhat agree/agree/strongly agree) the curricular theme was valuable (76.0%) and improved their understanding of the health impacts of climate change (80.0%). Most students agreed that their abilities in the five competencies improved because of exposure to the curricular theme. Qualitative comments indicated that students found the curriculum valuable, and also provided constructive feedback. Efforts to expand the curriculum to all four years of medical school and conduct further evaluation continue. Further scholarship is needed to present different curricular approaches and competency frameworks, which can ultimately support effective training of future physicians to understand and respond to the impacts of climate change on health and health equity.
Structural and social factors affecting COVID-19 vaccine uptake among healthcare workers and older people in Uganda: A qualitative analysis
Authors: Slivesteri Sande , Ssali Agnes , Bahemuka Ubaldo M. , Nsubuga Denis , Muwanga Moses , Nsereko Chris , Ssemwanga Edward , Robert Asaba , Seeley Janet , Elliott Alison , Ruzagira Eugene
Published: May 2024

The COVID-19 vaccine rollout programme in Uganda was launched in March 2021 for priority groups: Healthcare Workers (HCWs), older persons (≥50 years), and persons with chronic conditions. Misinformation, distrust in healthcare systems, and cultural beliefs, pose significant challenges to vaccine uptake. We describe the social and structural factors affecting the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines among HCWs and older people in Uganda. Between September and October 2021, we conducted 33 in-depth interviews with 25 HCWs aged 21–63 years from three hospitals in central Uganda and eight older people from Wakiso district. Participant selection was purposive, based on sex, occupation, education, cadre of HCWs and vaccination status. We explored participants’ knowledge, beliefs, personal experiences, barriers, and facilitators to vaccine uptake as well as suggestions for future COVID-19 vaccine rollout. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and translated into English, coded, and analysed by theme. Twenty-two of the 25 (88%) HCWs and 3 of the 8 (38%) older people had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at the time of interview. The structural facilitating factors to vaccine uptake included access to correct information, fear of a risky work environment, and mandatory vaccination requirements especially for frontline HCWs. Age, chronic health conditions, and the fear of death were facilitating factors for older people. Misconceptions about COVID-19 vaccines and fear of side effects were common social barriers for both groups. Long distances to vaccination centres, vaccine stock-outs, and long queues at the vaccination centres were specific barriers for older people. The prerequisite of signing a consent form was a specific structural barrier for HCWs. Future roll out of new vaccines should have a comprehensive information dissemination strategy about the vaccines. Improved access to vaccines through community outreach, reliable vaccine supplies and addressing vaccine misinformation, may enhance COVID-19 vaccine uptake.
A robust cusum control chart for median absolute deviation based on trimming and winsorization
Authors: Khalil Umair , Khan Tahira Saeed , Hamdi Walaa Ahmad , Khan Dost Muhammad , Hamraz Muhammad
Published: May 2024

Statistical quality control is concerned with the analysis of production and manufacturing processes. Control charts are process control techniques, commonly applied to observe and control deviations. Shewhart control charts are very sensitive and used for large shifts based on the basic assumption of normality. Cumulative Sum (CUSUM) control charts are effective for identifying that may have special causes, such as outliers or excessive variability in subgroup means. This study uses a CUSUM control chart problems structure to evaluate the performance of robust dispersion parameters. We investigated the design structure features of various control charts, based on currently defined estimators and some new robust scale estimators using trimming and winsorization in different scenarios. The Median Absolute Deviation based on trimming and winsorization is introduced. The effectiveness of CUSUM control charts based on these estimators is evaluated in terms of average run length (ARL) and Standard Deviation of the Run Length (SDRL) using a simulation study. The results show the robustness of the CUSUM chart in observing small changes in magnitude for both normal and contaminated data. In general, robust estimators MADTM and MADWM based on CUSUM charts outperform in all environments.
Clinical effects and adverse effects of intravenous lipid emulsion treatment in dogs and cats with suspected poisoning
Authors: Kiwitz Dschaniena , Markert Carina , Dörfelt René
Published: May 2024

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the effects on the clinical signs of poisoning and adverse effects of intravenous lipid emulsion treatment in 82 animals (dogs and cats) with suspected poisonings over 18 months. Physical examination parameters and state of consciousness were documented every hour after the intravenous administration of a bolus of 2 ml/kg and 0.25 ml/kg/min over 60 minutes of a 20% intravenous lipid emulsion. The modified Glasgow coma scale and laboratory findings (blood gas analysis, triglyceride, lactate) were evaluated initially and three hours after discontinuing intravenous lipid emulsion administration. A statistical evaluation of the occurrence of adverse effects and the development of laboratory values was performed. A decrease in respiratory rate in the second control (8–12 hours) after ILE was observed. Three hours after completing of the intravenous lipid emulsion, triglyceride concentration increased about 10 times (p <0.001). Venous carbon dioxide partial pressure, bicarbonate, base excess, as well as the electrolytes sodium, potassium and ionized calcium decreased significantly (p <0.001). Patients who experienced a worsening of the modified Glasgow coma scale had a higher increase in triglyceride concentrations (p = 0.041) and plasma lactate (p = 0.034) and a larger decrease in bicarbonate concentrations (p = 0.053) compared to others. About 54% (n = 44) of the patients showed adverse effects which could be attributed to the administration of intravenous lipid emulsion and may be associated with a higher triglyceride increase. All of them were completely reversible within 33 hours. Adverse effects associated with intravenous lipid emulsion therapy were observed in half of the patients and were associated with a higher increase in triglycerides.
Feasibility, acceptability, and safety of a novel device for self-collecting capillary blood samples in clinical trials in the context of the pandemic and beyond
Authors: Dasari Harika , Smyrnova Anna , Leng Jing , Ducharme Francine M.
Published: May 2024

Background

Home blood self-collection devices can enable remote monitoring, but their implementation requires validation. Our objectives were to explore (i) the impact of sampling sites and topical analgesia on capillary blood volume and pain perception and (ii) the safety, acceptability, and failure of capillary self-collection among adults and children using the Tasso-SST device.

Methods

We conducted a two-phase study. The investigational phase consisted of two on-site cross-sectional studies in healthy adult participants (≥ 12 years) and children (1–17 years) with their accompanying parent. Adults received 4 capillary samplings, where puncture sites and topical analgesia were randomized in a factorial design, and a venipuncture; children (and one parent) had one capillary sampling. The two co-primary outcomes were blood volume and pain. The implementation phase was conducted in two multicentre trials in participants choosing remote visits; blood volume, collection failure, adverse events, and satisfaction were documented.

Results

In the investigational phase, 90 participants and 9 children with 7 parents were enrolled; 15 adults and 2 preschoolers participated in the implementation phase. In the adult investigational study, the device collected a median (25%, 75%) of 450 (250, 550) μl of blood with no significant difference between the puncture site, topical analgesia, and its interaction. Using topical analgesia reduced pain perception by 0.61 (95% CI: 0.97, 0.24; P <0.01) points on the 11-point scale; the pain reduction varied by puncture site, with the lower back showing the most significant decrease. Overall, combining all studies and phases, the median volume collected was 425 (250, 500) μl, and the device failure rate was 4.4%; minor adverse effects were reported in 8.9% of the participants, all were willing to use the device again.

Conclusion

Capillary blood self-collection, yielding slightly less than 500 μl, proves to be a safe and relatively painless method for adults and children, with high satisfaction and low failure rates. The puncture site and topical analgesia do not affect blood volume, but topical analgesia on the lower back could reduce pain.
Health risk factors, status and service utilisation of adults in primary health care settings in Qatar: The HEALTHSIGHT study protocol
Authors: Syed Mohamed Ahmed , Hassan Mariam , Veettil Shajitha Thekke , Marji Tamara , Khudadad Hanan , El Kaissi Dana Bilal , Zainel Abduljaleel Abdullatif , Ahmed Mohamed Hafiz , Mathew Bindya , Syed Muslim Abbas , Alnuaimi Ahmed Sameer
Published: May 2024

Background

The emergence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has been well documented in recent literature which constitute a significant global burden of disease. Qatar which has a significantly high prevalence of NCDs with early on set. Epidemiological and health service utilization information plays a central role in facilitating informed decision making and application of the fundamental principles of PHC in planning and delivery of healthcare with aim to prevent and control NCDs. To enable this, the Department of Clinical Research at Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), Qatar’s publicly funded and largest primary care provider designed the Health Assessment Linking Trends in Health Status, Risks, and Healthcare Utilization (HEALTHSIGHT) study. This paper describes the HEALTHSIGHT study protocol.

Methods

The proposed study will use a cross sectional study design involving a random sample of participants enrolled across all 31 PHCC health centers. Individuals aged 18 and above years old registered with PHCC and hold a valid health card and contact information on PHCC’s electronic medical records (EMR) will be eligible for inclusion. A stratified random sample not proportional to size sampling technique will be employed to obtain a representative sample size of the PHCC population (N = 6000). Participants will be scheduled for an appointment at a PHCC health centre where a data collector will obtain informed consent, collect vital sign information and administer a questionnaire. A phlebotomist will collect a blood sample. Health service utilization data will be extracted from PHCC’s EMR.

Discussion

Epidemiological and health service utilization information is essential to plan and monitor primary care and public health services. The HEALTHSIGHT study, with the help of a randomly selected representative sample from Qatar’s primary healthcare settings, provides a unique opportunity to capture this information. This study design will closely represent a real-world understanding of the health risk, status and utilisation and is likely to provide important data to guide primary care planning and delivery in Qatar. The proposed protocol provides an example of a robust nationwide study that be undertaken in short duration using limited resource which can be undertaken in other similar settings.
Game analysis on PPP model operation of abandoned mines ecological restoration under the innovation of central government’s reward and punishment system in China
Authors: Feng Dongmei , Wang Liang , Duan Xiumei
Published: May 2024

There is a huge funding gap in the abandoned mines ecological restoration in China. It is of great research value to explore how PPP model can better introduce social capital into the low-profit ecological restoration of abandoned mines. Based on the innovation perspective of the central government’s reward and punishment system, this paper constructs an evolutionary game model of "local government-social capital", analyzes the interaction and behavior mechanism of core stakeholders in the operation process of abandoned mines ecological restoration PPP mode, and discusses the influence of evolutionary equilibrium strategy and parameters change on evolutionary strategy under different scenarios by Matlab simulation. The research shows that the abandoned mines ecological restoration needs the support of the central government. When the local government lightly punishes the low-quality service of social capital, the central government needs to pay higher costs to promote all parties to actively participate in the operation and supervision of the PPP project. The revenue and cost of government supervision, the operating subsidy for social capital and the cost saved by social capital in providing bad service are the key factors affecting the evolution of the game between government and social capital. Punishment can effectively spur social capital to keep the contract and operate in the project, but the punishment effect will be ineffective without government supervision. Finally, some suggestions are put forward, such as establishing a long-term supervision mechanism and a reasonable income mechanism for PPP projects, increasing penalties for violations, attracting third parties to reduce supervision costs and strengthening communication between the two parties, so as to make the project take into account the economic performance of social capital and the social welfare of government departments, and achieve dual Pareto improvement.
Hogyan ösztönözte lokalizációra Közép-Ázsia a kínai cégeket?
Authors: van der Kley Dirk , Yau Niva
Published: May 2024

Kína gazdasági szerepvállalása gyökeres változáson ment keresztül Közép-Ázsiában. A kínai kormány által adott kölcsönökből finanszírozott nagyszabású közlekedési és villamosenergia-projektek elapadtak. A Kínába tartó szénhidrogén-exportálás továbbra is folytatódik, azonban a legtöbb új projekt már nem erre összpontosít. Növekvő számban jelennek meg az exportálható, hozzáadott értékkel rendelkező termékek előállítására szakosodott ipari projektek, amelyekben főleg olyan közép-ázsiaiak dolgoznak, akik kínai vállalatoktól kaptak műszaki képzést. Ezt a változást főként a közép-ázsiai államok irányították. A régió kormányai már régóta szorgalmazzák az ipari fejlesztéseket, beleértve a helyi munkavállalók továbbképzését. Emellett – különösen Kirgizisztánban – az adóssággal kapcsolatos aggodalmak hatására a kínai hitelek vesztettek vonzerejükből, visszaesett népszerűségük. Ez a folyamat egybeesett azzal, hogy a kínai bankok az infrastrukturális projektek esetében világszerte konzervatívabb hitelezési politika alkalmazásába fogtak. A kínai cégek elkezdtek alkalmazkodni ezekhez az új igényekhez. Folyamatosan növelték a helyi munkaerő arányát azáltal, hogy továbbképezték a közép-ázsiai munkavállalókat mind a helyszínen, mind pedig Kínában, ezzel orvosolva a képzett munkaerő hiányát. Megpróbálták bevonni a helyi közösségeket is, hogy társadalmi elismerést kapjanak a tengerentúli tevékenységeikhez. Már a kínai kormány is elkezdte követni ezt a példát: az egyes vállalatok meglévő, eseti megállapodásain túlmutató, formális együttműködési megállapodásokat dolgoznak ki az iparosítás és a képzettség fejlesztés területén. Ezen a területen eddig vegyes eredményeket sikerült elérni.
A globális Kína kísértete
Authors: Lee Ching Kwan
Published: May 2024

Kína nemzetközi térnyerése elbizonytalanította a nyugati elemzőket. Ebben a lenyűgöző etnográfiai tanulmányban Ching Kwan Lee a közép-afrikai rézövezetben (Copperbelt) működő állami tulajdonú kínai cégek munkarezsimjét, beruházási mintáit és vezetési szokásait vizsgálja, kontrasztban a multinacionális cégóriásokkal. A tanulmány meglepő eredményei között megtalálhatóak Zambia első különleges gazdasági övezetei és a a „keserűség lenyelésének” sajátos, kvázi weberi etikája.
Diagnostic performance of quantitative ultrasonography for hepatic steatosis in a health screening program: a prospective single-center study
Authors: Pyo Jeung Hui , Cho Soo Jin , Choi Sung Chul , Jee Jae Hwan , Yun Jeeyeong , Hwang Jeong Ah , Park Goeun , Kim Kyunga , Kang Wonseok , Kang Mira , Byun Young hye
Published: May 2024

Purpose: This study compared the diagnostic performance of quantitative ultrasonography (QUS) with that of conventional ultrasonography (US) in assessing hepatic steatosis among individuals undergoing health screening using magnetic resonance imaging–derived proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) as the reference standard.Methods: This single-center prospective study enrolled 427 participants who underwent abdominal MRI and US. Measurements included the attenuation coefficient in tissue attenuation imaging (TAI) and the scatter-distribution coefficient in tissue scatter-distribution imaging (TSI). The correlation between QUS and MRI-PDFF was evaluated. The diagnostic capabilities of QUS, conventional B-mode US, and their combined models for detecting hepatic fat content of ≥5% (MRI-PDFF ≥5%) and ≥10% (MRI-PDFF ≥10%) were compared by analyzing the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves. Additionally, clinical risk factors influencing the diagnostic performance of QUS were identified using multivariate linear regression analyses.Results: TAI and TSI were strongly correlated with MRI-PDFF (r=0.759 and r=0.802, respectively; both P<0.001) and demonstrated good diagnostic performance in detecting and grading hepatic steatosis. The combination of QUS and B-mode US resulted in the highest areas under the ROC curve (AUCs) (0.947 and 0.975 for detecting hepatic fat content of ≥5% and ≥10%, respectively; both P<0.05), compared to TAI, TSI, or B-mode US alone (AUCs: 0.887, 0.910, 0.878 for ≥5% and 0.951, 0.922, 0.875 for ≥10%, respectively). The independent determinants of QUS included skinliver capsule distance (β=7.134), hepatic fibrosis (β=4.808), alanine aminotransferase (β=0.202), triglyceride levels (β=0.027), and diabetes mellitus (β=3.710).Conclusion: QUS is a useful and effective screening tool for detecting and grading hepatic steatosis during health checkups.
Severity of hyperechoic pancreas on preoperative ultrasonography: high potential as a clinically useful predictor of a postoperative pancreatic fistula
Authors: Hong Jung Joo , Park Hyun Jeong , Lee Eun Sun , Kim Min Ju
Published: May 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of using the severity of hyperechoic pancreas (HP) observed on preoperative ultrasonography (US) as a predictor of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF).Methods: A retrospective study was conducted with 94 patients who underwent pancreatectomy between April 2006 and March 2021. The severity of HP on US was classified into two categories (normal to mild vs. moderate to severe [obvious HP]). Multiple preoperative and intraoperative parameters were analyzed to predict CR-POPF.Results: Out of the 94 patients, CR-POPF occurred in 21 (22%) patients, and obvious HP was observed in 30 (32%). Univariate analysis revealed that moderate to severe HP (obvious HP) was significantly associated with an increased incidence of CR-POPF (P<0.001). Factors such as the absence of pancreatitis, a small main pancreatic duct (<3 mm), intraoperative soft pancreas, increased body mass index, and lower pancreatic attenuation and attenuation index were also associated with CR-POPF (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that obvious HP and soft pancreatic texture were independent predictors of CR-POPF, with odds ratios of 11.53 (P=0.001) and 14.12 (P=0.003), respectively. The combination of obvious HP and soft pancreatic texture provided the most accurate prediction for CR-POPF.Conclusion: The severity of HP, as observed on preoperative US, was significantly associated with CR-POPF. Severe HP may serve as a clinically useful predictor of POPF, especially when evaluated alongside the intraoperative pancreatic texture.
An Approach to Assessing Farm-Scale Adaptation to Climate Change: The Case Study of Prespa Park
Authors: GRAZHDANI Dorina
Published: May 2024

Developing appropriate adaptation practices and coping mechanisms for climate change and evaluating the variables affecting households’ choices are critical for ensuring sustainable agricultural production. In addressing the above issues, this paper presents the results of a multi-method approach at the farm level conducted in the case study of Prespa Park. The data collected by a participatory process were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the 5-point Likert scale, the Delphi method, and a multinomial logit model. The typology of coping and adaptation practices to climate change preferred by households and the reasons for those who failed to adapt are presented. Results revealed that improving technologies for increasing soil health was the most preferred adaptation practice, followed by planting early maturing and drought-tolerant food crop varieties, practicing water-saving irrigation methods or technologies, planting agroforestry systems, and finally perennial agriculture. In terms of coping mechanisms, engaging in off-farm activities was the most used, followed by collecting fuel wood for sale, selling assets like livestock, increasing water storage capacity, and changing farming structure. Small farm holdings, financial constraints, limited off-farm employment opportunities, inadequate infrastructure and technology, and a lack of information about adaptation practices were identified as the main barriers to undertaking adaptation. Performing the multinomial logit analysis, the variables that positively and significantly improve households' ability to adapt to climate change were identified and evaluated. The results of this study should help policymakers and climate change planners come up with better practices for the agricultural sector to adapt to the effects of climate change.
Analysis of Sea and River Water Quality Standards Due to Operations and Domestic Activities in the Sanur Port Area, Bali
Authors: ATMAJA I Gede Cipta Sudewa , MAHENDRA Made Sudiana , NUARSA I Wayan , DARMA I Gusti Bagus Sila , SUDIPA Nyoman
Published: May 2024

The development of an area has impacts, both positive and negative impacts. The positive impact is in the form of regional economic growth, employment and development of the surrounding regions. The negative impact is the disruption of the environmental ecosystem and a decrease in environmental quality due to waste generated from development operations, in the form of solid waste (garbage) and liquid waste. The increasing pollution load is also caused by public awareness and business activities in upstream areas that do not manage waste properly, which ultimately leads to all of the waste accumulating in water bodies and causing changes in water quality standards. Sanur Port, which is one of the development centers in its operations, is very vulnerable to environmental pollution impacts. The pollution mechanism originates from activities around Sanur Port and domestic activities which are discharged into rivers and seas in the Sanur area. This research aims to analyze the quality of river water and sea water caused by activities around Sanur Port and community activities based on Decree of the Minister of Environment Number 51 of 2004 and determine the pollution index. Water quality standards use Bali Governor Regulation no. 16 of 2016 concerning Environmental Quality Standards and Quality Standard Criteria for Environmental Damage. This research uses a quantitative approach by collecting primary data from direct observations in the field and secondary data based on previous research reports and government reports. The research results show that TDS in the rainy season tends to be lower than in the dry season, both in the results of testing samples of Abianbase river water, the results of testing samples of sea water in front of the Mak Beng Restaurant and sea water samples in the Sanur Port Pool. In front of Mak Beng, ammonia levels during the rainy season are higher than during the dry season. Ammonia levels in the Abianbase River and sea water in front of Sanur port are lower during the rainy season compared to the dry season. The presence of Coliform bacteria and E. coli shows a tendency to decrease during the rainy season. This decrease is thought to be caused by leaching by rainwater entering marine waters and retailing and changes in ocean currents during the rainy season.
Inclusive-Based Deductive Training Model for Tour Guide in Goa Pindul
Authors: PRASETYO Iis , DEWI Adin Ariyanti , ROFIQ Akhmad
Published: May 2024

Tourism is an important industrial sector for the country's economy. Yogyakarta is a province with numerous tourist attractions, including Pindul Cave. Pindul Cave is a popular tourist destination with both domestic and international visitors. Tourism managers must be able to provide the best facilities for a wide range of visiting tourists, including those with special needs (disabilities), given the growing number of tourists. The goals of this study are to 1) find a consensual model of deductive training for tourist guides at Pindul Cave that is inclusive, and 2) to create an inclusive tourist guidebook. This is a multi-year study, and in the first year, the research team only reached the limits of identification and conceptual model. The research method used was qualitative, with focus group discussions with targets. Data was collected using observation, focus group interviews, documentation, and questionnaires. Meanwhile, four data analysis techniques are used: data collection, data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion. The research findings yielded a conceptual model of inclusive-based training for tour guides that includes three components: (1) identifying needs, (2) training planning, (3) implementing training programs, and (4) evaluating training. Meanwhile, the guidebook will be used for testing in the second year of this study.
Morphostructural evolution of the Labe and Jizera rivers confluence area (the Bohemian massif, Czechia)
Authors: Steklá Tereza , Kalvoda Jan
Published: May 2024

This article investigates the morphostructural evolution of the Labe and Jizera rivers confluence area in the Bohemian Massif of Czechia. The main stages of morphostructural evolution are identified and related landform patterns are described. The lithological and tectonic character of this contact area between the Barrandian and the Bohemian Cretaceous Basin has been gradually evolving since the Early Palaeozoic. Tectonic subsidence of the northeastern part of the Bohemian Massif and the Cretaceous transgression of the sea caused extensive marine sedimentation, which covered the pre-Cenomanian relief. The uplift of the Bohemian Massif during the Santonian initiated a widespread erosion and denudation in the Tertiary. The Labe River valley constitutes a remarkable boundary between the morphostructural plateaus in the south and the system of river accumulation terraces of the Labe and Jizera in the north. The originally extensive and currently considerably eroded III. river terrace of the Labe was formed in the Elsterian glacial period (Cromerian complex c). The conspicuous Jizera alluvial fan developed during the aggradation phase of the VII. river terrace in the Upper Pleistocene. Subsidence along the NW-SE-trending Labe Fault zone, deciphered from the vertical throw of the VII. terrace rock bases of Labe as well as related paleochannels of its local tributaries, which caused the current asymmetry of the Labe valley, reached up to 14 meters prior to the Holocene. The different rock resistance to weathering, arrangement of fault structures and neotectonic movements that took place even during the late Quaternary significantly influenced the intensity of varied climate-morphogenetic processes.
US Navy Aerial Photography Squadrons in Türkiye: American Interests in Cold War Cartography
Authors: Roosevelt Christopher H.
Published: May 2024

This article explores a little-known archive of historical aerial photographs curated by the General Directorate of Mapping of the Republic of Türkiye’s Ministry of Defense and discusses the historical context of their production by US Navy aerial photography squadrons in the 1950s. While the images themselves enable a technical analysis of the method of their collection, contemporary military manuals, domain-specific magazines and newsletters, and eyewitness accounts of how similar photographs were captured fill out the contexts of their production for cartographic purposes, with information about the aircraft involved, their cameras and camera configurations, and mission characteristics. Continuing sections situate the aerial surveys within the framework of US-led initiatives in mapping NATO territories following World War II. As one example of what must have been many special mapping agreements made between NATO countries at this time, the US cartographic surveys over Türkiye discussed here are an expression of postwar realignments of global power, put to the purposes of containment-based security preparations and infrastructure development, and neatly intertwining American military and commercial interests early in the Cold War.
Mobile learning in the Asia-Pacific region:
Authors: Murphy Angela , Jones Hazel , Farley Helen
Published: May 2024

Higher education institutions and government departments in the Asia-Pacific region have invested significantly in technological innovation to enhance educational delivery and redress inequality in access to formal education. As a result of the fast-paced growth of mobile adoption and mobile internet access in these regions, universities are able to leverage the affordances of mobile devices to offer greater flexibility to students. Despite the emphasis on enhancing technological capacity, there remains significant challenges to the effective adoption of strategies to integrate mobile technologies in learning and teaching. This article briefly explores 12 projects undertaken at different universities across nine countries. The projects were selected from 28 chapters submitted to an edited book on supporting the implementation of sustainable mobile learning initiatives in the Asia-Pacific region. The motivation and aims of each of the projects are compared and the primary challenges are explored at four levels of institutional stakeholders.
Challenges implementing social constructivist learning approaches
Authors: Moskal Adon , Loke Swee-Kin , Hung Noelyn
Published: May 2024

Most medical professionals need to make meaning of clinical images collaboratively with colleagues. To develop this ability in our Health Sciences students, we designed a social constructivist learning activity where students jointly annotate clinical images via an in-house web application, Pictation. We conducted a case study with 85 third-year students using Pictation alongside lectures and tutorials. The learning activity was evaluated via a survey questionnaire, interviews, and observations. Three challenges in implementing a social constructivist learning activity were identified: student's inadequate prior knowledge; embarrassment in exposing inadequate understanding to peers; and need for certainty. These challenges pose particular dilemmas for teachers wanting to implement social constructivist learning because such learning approaches inherently imply that students: have incomplete prior knowledge; are willing to expose incomplete understanding to peers; and are comfortable with uncertainty. Our findings and recommendations can serve to guide teachers and academic developers in implementing social constructivist learning in realistic contexts.
Building cognitive bridges in mathematics
Authors: McLoughlin Catherine , Loch Birgit
Published: May 2024

Conceptual learning in mathematics can be made more accessible with mathscasts, which are dynamic, digitally recorded playbacks of worked examples and mathematical problem-solving on a computer screen, accompanied by audio narration. Mathscasts aim to enable students to develop deeper understanding of key foundational concepts in order to equip them to undertake degrees in Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Previous research has indicated the success of maths screencasts to provide explanations of complex concepts and reinforcement of concepts previously learnt. The project presented here extends current research by demonstrating the value of visual, interactive screencasts for learning of mathematics, and investigates students' perceptions. A survey of students' use of screencasts identifies learners' usage patterns, the significance of offering mathematics support via mathscasts in flexible mode, and students' integration of mathscasts into their study strategies. The results show positive implications for the integration of multimodal learning resources in STEM environments.
Exploring virtual world innovations and design through learner voices
Authors: Gregory Sue , Gregory Brent , Grant Scott , McDonald Marcus , Nikolic Sasha , Farley Helen , O'Connell Judy , Butler Des , Jacka Lisa , Jegathesan Jay Jay , McGrath Naomi , Rudra Amit , Stokes-Thompson Frederick , Sukunesan Suku , Zagami Jason , Sim Jenny , Schutt Stefan , Gaukrodger Belma , Hearns Merle , Irving Leah
Published: May 2024

Student voice has played a big role in shaping the development and measure of success/failure of virtual worlds in education. Data on past and ongoing educational uses and contexts of use of virtual worlds and associated student feedback was gathered via a survey of educational researchers specialising in virtual worlds. Introduced are a range of specific uses that provide the source of and context for student feedback. Ten major themes emerged from student voices that highlight strengths and weakness and point the way forward for both educators and the students themselves. Positive feedback highlighted experiences of both pedagogical design and the ability of the technology to support it. Negative feedback revolved around technical problems, seen as hampering the effectiveness of student learning experiences. Student voice regarding virtual worlds is both positive and rewarding, and commending of staff who have dedicated their time and effort to transform the learning experience.
Attentional and cognitive processing of analytics visualisations:
Authors: Alhadad Sakinah
Published: May 2024

There has been an increasing demand for course-level learning analytics to inform design improvements and interventions. While there has been an increasing research and development focus on dashboards to facilitate this, less has been done to investigate the impact of design features on optimising the interpretation process when translating learning analytics into actionable interventions and design changes. In this paper, I assess the effect of two prominent design features on the attentional and cognitive processes when using learning analytics at the course level. Emergent thematic analysis revealed response patterns suggesting systematic effects of three design features (course-only data, course- versus school-level data, course-only data with learning events marked) on the interpretive patterns, proposed actions, and consequential thinking of participants in the study. Implications for future designs of course-level learning analytics dashboards, as well as academic development are discussed.
The Rise of the Flip
Authors: Karanicolas Sophia , Loveys Beth , Riggs Karina , McGrice Hayley , Snelling Catherine , Winning Tracey , Kemp Andrew
Published: May 2024

Educational literature has acknowledged that teaching students who are prepared for class encourages student engagement and active learning. This is a core reason why the flipped classroom has risen to the forefront of effective learning strategies. However, key to the success of this strategy lies in the ability to motivate students to complete the necessary pre-class activities, posing a real issue in higher education settings. Teachers still ask 'How can I be sure if my students have completed their pre-class activities? How do I motivate students to want to engage in pre-class preparation?' This paper will demonstrate how mindfully designed pre-class learning approaches can successfully motivate students to complete pre-class activities that prepare them for active in-class learning. A pilot design template created by a community of colleagues, highlights how the use of simple technologies aligned to sound pedagogies, effectively engage students through accountability across a range of undergraduate courses.
A case study exploring video access by students
Authors: Garnett Timna , Button Didy
Published: May 2024

Every click made by a student is being captured by our learning platforms and integrated web-based tools. This store of data acts as, in its simplest form, part of an individual's digital behaviour with measurable points of interest. But how can this data give teachers an indication that our energy, time and potentially money spent making educational videos is worth the investment? Do-It-Yourself (DIY) videos are more commonly being made by teachers to replace written or face-to-face spoken content, provide an alternative instruction format or provide assessment feedback, to name just a few. This paper explores how we can help answer the most common question asked by teachers who undertake DIY video creation: are DIY educational videos being accessed by students? To answer this question, usage data generated by Moodle (student access point) and YouTube (video host) was collected. Simple analysis tools were employed to make sense of the typical log points generated by each system. Using a first year nursing subject as a case study, this project compared student access behaviour of pre-recorded one hour weekly video lectures. The results indicated an overall declining trend in viewing the video content online throughout the semester yet an increased video access when videos are presented in small segments assembled in YouTube playlists. An additional important outcome of this study was learning and sharing how to wrangle Moodle logs and YouTube Analytics data by non-statistical experts to quickly visualise video access. This information may ultimately support video creators to evaluate their videos, spend their time more efficiently when initially making videos, support decisions to change content or update curriculum, and to ultimately re-evaluate the role videos play in learning and teaching online environments.
Parentezy w poezji Krystyny Miłobędzkiej. Językoznawcze aspekty analizy późnych tekstów poetki
Authors: Ostrówka-Dombkowska Agata
Published: May 2024

Artykuł opisuje zagadnienie parentezy w tekstach poetyckich na przykładzie wybranych utworów Krystyny Miłobędzkiej. Analiza tekstów prowadzi do wniosku, że wtrącenie, a szczególnie rozpatrywane tu wtrącenie nawiasowe, ma nieco odmienne – szersze – oddziaływanie w wierszu aniżeli w innych typach tekstów i stanowi istotny sygnał interpretacyjny. Niniejsze rozważania ukazują również, jak potencjał parentezy został wykorzystany przez poetkę do budowania wielopoziomowego znaczenia utworu.
Dye degradation activity of biogenically synthesized Cu/Fe/Ag trimetallic nanoparticles
Authors: Roy Arpita , Kunwar Srijal , Bhusal Utsav , Idris Dahir Sagir , Alghamdi Saad , Chidambaram Kumarappan , Qureshi Absar Ahmed , Qusty Naeem F. , Khan Abduljawad Abdulshakor , Kaur Kirtanjot , Roy Amit
Published: May 2024

Over the past few decades, nanotechnology has gained momentum because of its potential to create a safer and healthier living environment using eco-friendly approaches. This study describes a safer, more dependable, and ecologically friendly technique of biologically synthesizing Cu/Fe/Ag trimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) using an aqueous leaf extract of Catharanthus roseus as the reducing and stabilizing agent. The synthesized trimetallic NPs were characterized by scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared, dynamic light scattering, and ultraviolet–visible analysis and were evaluated for their potential applications, which included antioxidant properties and catalytic dye degradation. The result suggests that the antioxidant properties of Cu/Fe/Ag NPs are more significant than those of ascorbic acid, a known antioxidant, at lower doses (10 µg·ml−1) while a higher dose of 1,000 µg·ml−1 gives a 69.81% scavenging activity. The impact of Cu/Fe/Ag trimetallic NPs on the catalytic degradation of hazardous dyes such as phenol red (PR) and eosin yellow (EY) was also studied in this work. For PR and EY, the corresponding percentages of degradation were 76% and 48.6%, respectively.
Representações do passado colonial para a descolonização da memória: leituras a partir da literatura contemporânea brasileira e alemã
Authors: Calça Elaine
Published: May 2024

Este artigo apresenta resultados preliminares do estudo comparativo de romances históricos contemporâneos sobre o passado colonial. Ao analisar essas novas narrativas, nota-se como elas se diferem da literatura colonial, produzida mundialmente até meados do século XX. Nossa hipótese aponta que, ao trabalhar a falta daquilo que não estava na historiografia, as fontes documentais são usadas como matéria-prima literária e conseguem, em alguma medida, intervir na memória pública sobre o passado colonial no Brasil e na Alemanha, contribuindo para a descolonização dessa memória.
Vorüberlegungen für eine translationsrelevante Klassifikation von Personifizierungen: Sekundäre Subjektivierung und Definitionskollisionen im Bereich Bildhafte Sprache
Authors: Jodl Frank
Published: May 2024

To facilitate idiomaticity, translation practice and translation didactics require that the linguistic phenomenon of personification be handled confidently when translating into German. At first glance, the term personification appears to be well defined. However, on closer inspection it becomes clear that the term is used in different ways by classical rhetoric on the one hand and by linguistics and translation studies on the other. This becomes clear when examining the phenomenon of secondary subjectification, which a) causes problems of idiomaticity and b) is often – wrongly – seen as synonymous with personification. The manuals of classical rhetoric, despite being generally consulted first by researchers, do not consider secondary subjectification and thus do not provide a complete view of the concept of personification. In order to describe the problem more precisely, the present paper will go beyond purely stylistic-idiomatic concerns by taking into account the functional side of figurative language. This involves emphasizing that not every personification is automatically a secondary subjectification. In German, however, secondary subjectifications can have the same effect as personifications, which can cause problems of idiomaticity. In order to provide some clarification, we suggest establishing a specific classification of personifications for translational purposes.
Kurpian glides
Authors: Rubach Jerzy
Published: May 2024

This article addresses the problem of vowel-generated glides in Kurpian. In general, glides come from two sources: Gliding and Glide Insertion, for instance, word-initial /#iVC/ → [jVC] and /#iC/ → [jiC], where V stands for a vowel and C for a consonant. Even though Gliding and Glide Insertion are different phonological operations, they are united by a single goal: to eliminate onsetless syllables because a glide, regardless of whether it comes from a vowel or from insertion, provides an onset to a syllable. Onset-driven effects are particularly rich in Kurpian because they involve all kinds of vowels, including /a/ but not /ɛ/, a situation that has not been noted in the past research on crosslinguistic typologies (Levi, Susannah V. 2004. The representation of underlying glides: A cross-linguistic study. Seattle, WA: University of Washington dissertation, Levi, Susannah V. 2008. Phonemic vs. derived glides. Lingua 118. 1956–1978; Rosenthall, Sam. 1994. Vowel/glide alternation in a theory of constraint interaction. Amherst, MA: University of Massachusetts dissertation; Sands, Kathy. 2004. Patternings of vocalic sequences in the world’s languages. Santa Barbara, CA: University of California, Santa Barbra dissertation). Further, glides are found both word-medially and word-initially. In this regard, Kurpian is different from Standard Polish, which tolerates both hiatus and word-initial onsetless syllables. It is argued that the constraint interaction required cannot be accounted for in classic Optimality Theory (OT). The solution is to adopt Derivational OT.