bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Anxiety and Fear of COVID-19 Pandemic at the First Year in Dentists Working in Specialist Dental Centers
Authors: Al-Shatari Sahar Abdul Hassan , Abu-Nayla Maryam faez khazaal , Saddon Abdul Ganni , Hassan Zinah M , Al- Juboori Yahiya B H
Published: May 2022

Background: COVID-19 pandemic has influenced all life aspects; Dental staff, like other healthcare providers, may be exposed to COVID-19 as part of their work and its psychological impacts on healthcare workers should not be ignored
Objectives: To assess the anxiety, and fear from COVID-19 pandemic in dentists working in specialist dental centers: sample the Al-Resafa health directorate, and its relation between the anxiety, and COVID-19 fear with some of their demographic variables
Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 2nd Jan. to 14th Feb. 2021, by an electronic version of questionnaire through Google-form; the questionnaire was formed based on Mental-Health-American-Organization (MHAO) for anxiety test & the English-Version of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale. Analysis of data by using SPSS, Frequencies, percentages chi-square test had calculated; P-value considered significant if it's ≤0.05.
Results: The response rate was 90.43%, most of them aged less than 30 years old, female 356(60.8%), married status 295(50.3%), Rotator 297(50.7%). The study revealed that moderate anxiety 115(19.6%), moderate and mild fear of COVID-19 in 275(46.9%), severe in 120(20.5%) of them. there is a significant relation between gender &anxiety, marital status & No. of children with COVID-19 Fear.
Conclusion: One-fifth of dentists had moderate anxiety, and half of them had a mild fear of COVID-19 & one-fifth had a severe fear of COVID-19.
Safety profile of immediate post-partum intrauterine device insertion during caesarean delivery – a clinical trial with three years of follow up
Authors: Alhaidari Taghreed Khalil , Majeed Asmma , Al-Jassani Sahar , Fawzi Hayder , Abdulaziz Lewai ‎ , El Kak Faysal
Published: May 2022

Background: Many countries recommend the use of long-acting reversible contraceptive intrauterine device immediately after cesarean delivery. The cesarean delivery rate in Iraqi public hospitals is 32.2% and may reach 85.8% in private hospitals. Immediate post-partum intrauterine device insertion at cesarean is rarely done in Iraq.
Objectives: To assess the safety and practicality of immediate post-partum intrauterine device insertion during cesarean delivery for family planning and pregnancy spacing in Iraqi women.
Subjects and Methods: A single arm clinical trial included 150 eligible women who attended Al-‎Elwiyah Maternity Teaching Hospital or Al Hayat Rahibat Hospital for term delivery. A copper intrauterine device was placed in the uterine cavity immediately after delivery of the placenta during cesarean delivery. The intrauterine device was fixed in place at the fundus using an absorbable suture. Patients were followed up at six weeks, then annually for three years.
Results:  Expulsion of the intrauterine device was not reported by any of the participants. The most-reported complaints in the first twelve months of intrauterine device placement were abdominal pain, abnormal vaginal discharge, and ‎heavy menstrual blood loss, however, none were statically significant (P= 0.256). After the first year, there was a significant reduction in the ‎frequency of complaints (P= 0.002).  Only 7.33% (95% CI: 6.92–7.75%) of the patient requested intrauterine device removal within the three years. The main reason was to plan a new pregnancy followed by recurrent infection associated with uncontrolled diabetes ‎mellitus. Diabetes was ‎a significant predictor for immediate post-partum intrauterine device removal, P= 0.049.
Conclusion: The intrauterine device placement during cesarean delivery with suture fixation is a safe procedure with a zero-expulsion rate and is an effective reversible long-term contraceptive method.
Procedures for Digital Forensics and Incident Response on Including Data Integrity Constraints on Solid-State Drives (SSD) - A Literature Review
Authors: Pallivalappil Abdul Shareef , S. N. Jagadeesha
Published: May 2022

Background/Purpose: To get evidence from suspect computers running on Windows Operating System, law enforcement agencies and corporations follow many standard procedures relevant to Digital Forensics and Incident Response processes. The primary contrast between forensics and incident response is that forensics is evidence-driven and is often more closely connected with criminal activity, while incident response is more focused on discovering, containing, and recovering from breach of security incidents. A guideline is often intended to simplify certain procedures in accordance with a predefined routine or good practice. As data storage technology progresses from hard disc drives (HDDs) to solid-state drives (SSDs), it has become more difficult for Digital Forensics Analysts to perform evidence acquisition tasks from suspicious systems due to file integrity issues. Existing forensic principles and methods were created mostly on the basis of hard disc drive technology. This literature survey analyses several guidelines to identify gaps in SSD Forensic challenges and makes recommendations for improvement.
Objective: To survey leading Digital Forensics and Incident Response guidelines on how SSD forensic acquisition procedures are outlined and to find the gaps and suggest enhancements that might be made.
Design/Methodology/Approach: Data from academic papers, web articles, and other sources is analysed and presented using ABCD analysis.
Findings/Results: Cyber Security Framework is a vital aspect of an organisations strategy to safeguard its IT assets from cyber assaults and other form of damages. Most organisation use NIST framework since it is being generally acknowledged. However, owing to quick improvement in new technologies CSF’s need to be kept up to date in order to confront emerging cyber security threats. After verifying the policy framework of NIST 800-61, it was determined that the SSD forensic gathering approach which raises problems about data integrity has not been addressed.
Originality/Value: A study comparing and contrasting different CSFs in the field of Digital Forensics and Incident Response with the most recent emerging technologies will draw more attention to this area from a wider range of stakeholders, allowing the policy framework to keep pace with the most recent emerging technologies in the same time frame.
Paper Type: Literature Review Paper.
Design and Implementation of Solar Based Electric Wheelchair
Authors: Mr. Mithesh V. Kalaskar  , Mr. Akash B. Goswami  , Mr. Pranay G. Kale  , Mr. Rajnandan B. Dhawale  , Pratik J. Bageshwar  , Prof Amit M. Dodke
Published: May 2022

This paper concentration on the reducing expenditure for the mechanically setup & designation of a solar based electric wheelchair with solid structure design and control system for the handicapped persons. In a country like India, most of the people distressed of temporary or permanent disabilities due to illnesses or accidents there are some person can’t afford to be expensive electric wheelchair. That’s why a developed of electric wheel chair is proposed in this paper which contains more features and a developed control system along with the reduced of manufacturing price & design about two to three times of recent market cost.
Automation in Cars: Voice Controlled Car Assistant System and Automatic Breaking System – A Review
Authors: Parag Kapre  , Shubham Gite  , Sankalp More  , Anil Salaskar  , Sunil More
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this project is to build a Voice Controlled Car Assistant System and Automatic Breaking System. A Voice Controlled Car is an advanced robotic vehicle that can be operated by the power of voice commands. It is based on an Arduino microcontroller, motor drivers, and a Bluetooth module. The Arduino hardware is an open-source micro-controller kit used to build digital devices. In our project, we will design the hardware of the Voice Controlled Robotic Car first, then use our previous knowledge of programming to code the entire work. The code will then be simulated on IDE software, and then interfaced with the hardware. An android device with a Bluetooth application is used to control the control unit in coordination with the Bluetooth device, and a Bluetooth module is used to capture and read the voice commands. We choose this project because automation has become a significant part of our lives and also has a broad range of applications in the engineering field. Automation plays a vital role in the development of new technology.
Quantification of opioid dependence and abuse prevalence in the United States between 2017 and 2018
Authors: Regueras, PhD, MBA Esperanza , Guzmán, PhD José López
Published: May 2022

Objectives: To quantify the prevalence of opioid drug dependence and abuse in United States between 2017 and 2018 and identify which opioid molecules are associated with a higher level of dependence and abuse.Design: National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) data for 2017 and 2018 have been extracted. The variables related to painkillers were studied, the most important ones were selected, and several variable crosses were made. After the data were extracted, they were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and PivotTables, calculating the relative prevalence and percentages of patients with abuse and dependence.Results: In total, 1.4 million people had dependence on pain relievers (PRs) in 2018. The last PR used was mostly hydrocodone (33 percent) and oxycodone (24 percent). The main reasons for using a PR without a doctor's prescription were relieving pain (48 percent), feel good (16 percent), and relax or relieve tension (15 percent). Among patients who used a PR with a medical prescription, 1.5 million used it more frequently than prescribed, 1.2 million used it longer than prescribed, and 1.9 million used it in higher amounts than prescribed.Conclusions: Abuse and dependence to PRs is lower than expected with over 1.4 million people in the United States having dependence in 2018 (0.6 percent point prevalence). Most cases of dependence are associated with misuse or abuse of prescriptions without medical supervision or the use of medications without a prescription of their own. Oxycodone and hydrocodone are the molecules most associated with dependence, misuse, abuse, and use without prescription. The age of onset of oxycodone misuse is very early (14 years old). Fentanyl does not seem relevant in any of the variables studied.
Opioid use in pediatric otolaryngologic surgery: A survey of caregivers' attitudes
Authors: Ward, MA Libby M. , LaRosa, BS Allyson H. , Prakash, BA Yash , Cohen, MD Michael B. , Levi, MD Jessica R.
Published: May 2022

Objective: Given the current opioid epidemic and the fact that children continue to be undertreated for pain following surgeries, it is important to understand caregivers’ attitudes toward post-operative opioid use.Design: A survey was distributed to caregivers of pediatric patients undergoing otolaryngologic procedures.Setting: An academic hospital in Boston, Massachusetts.Participants: Sixty-eight caregivers completed the survey.Main outcome measure: Caregiver attitudes toward post-operative opioid use.Results: The study results are as follows: 38.1 percent of parents stated they would feel comfortable giving their child opioids post-operatively, 30.2 percent would not feel comfortable, and 31.7 percent were unsure. For every increase in 1 year of age of the child, there was an increase in the odds of a parent being comfortable giving opioids. Caregivers who had taken opioids in the past were more likely to feel comfortable, while those who were employed were less likely to feel comfortable. The most common reason reported for not feeling comfortable was addiction potential. The comfort level did not differ based on the caregivers’ education level, income, race, or language.Conclusion: The majority of caregivers are unsure about or do not feel comfortable giving their child opioids post-operatively. Most are specifically concerned about the risk of addiction. Understanding caregivers’ views on opioids in a diverse patient population is essential, so surgeons can counsel caregivers and provide appropriate post-operative pain management in their patients.
Les forces d’appoint de l’armée camerounaise au temps du Maquis (1959-1969)
Authors: Ngoune Patrick Junior
Published: May 2022

La naissance de l’armée camerounaise le 11 novembre 1959 s’inscrit dans le contexte d’une guerre d’indépendance marquée par d’importantes violences. Cette armée se voit notamment confier un objectif spécifique : assurer la disparition des groupes armés de l’Union des populations du Cameroun (UPC). Toutefois, ses faiblesses en termes d’effectifs et d’efficacité contribuent à ce que soient mises en place des forces d’appoint, c’est-à-dire des forces populaires locales mobilisées pour soutenir l’armée régulière sur le terrain de la guerre contre-insurrectionnelle. En s’appuyant sur des entretiens et des documents d’archives originaux, cet article s’intéresse aux groupes d’autodéfense dans l’arrondissement de Mbouda afin de mettre en évidence quelques-uns des éléments structurants de ces forces d’appoint à l’armée camerounaise, de leur création dans le cadre de la guerre d’indépendance jusqu’à la fin des années 1960.
Simulation-based training in otoscopy for undergraduate medical students
Authors: Bhat Vadisha Srinivas , Saldanha Marina , Bhat Shubha P. , Shankar Nachiket , Vincent Mark Jittu , Mohamed Tariq
Published: May 2022

Introduction and Aim: Medical education training has undergone a paradigm shift emphasizing newer teaching methods due to challenges in teaching procedural skills by demonstration alone and difficulty in assessment. Simulation is one teaching method in which students can repeatedly practice and strengthen their confidence without causing untoward harm to the patient. Otorhinolaryngology is a technically demanding specialty, and the methods of clinical examination need practice to attain proficiency in performing the skill. Otoscopy being a basic clinical procedure has become a core competency in the medical curriculum. Hence, our study highlights the importance of using simulation to teach clinical skills such as otoscopy.
 
Materials and Methods: In our study, sixty undergraduate students who attended the clinical posting in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology were recruited. The consultant demonstrated the technique of performing otoscopy, and one week later, the students were asked to perform otoscopy on an ear examination manikin and assessed using a checklist. Following this, hands-on training on otoscopy was given on the manikin, and after one week, the students were reassessed in a similar method. Feedback about the training was obtained from the participants.
 
Results: Sixty students, 32 (53%) girls, and 28 (47%) boys participated in the study. Seven point questionnaires were used for the assessment of otoscopy in the students. Better performance scores were observed after hand-on simulation training in five parameters (P<0.05). Wilcoxon signed-rank test for the total score showed significant improvement in the post-intervention scores (Z value of -6.723). On analysing the student feedback,  87%  felt hands-on simulation was a better method to learn otoscopy than OPD demonstration.
 
Conclusion: Simulation is an effective tool for teaching and assessing the clinical skill of otoscopy in otorhinolaryngology. Implementing simulation for learning otoscopy in medical education will improve the proficiency and confidence to perform this skill.
A study of inflammatory markers and their correlation with PASI score in psoriasis – A case control study
Authors: Mannangi Neela B. , Devaranavadagi Bassavaraj , Jayaram Shubha , Ankad Balachandra S. , D.S. Shankarprasad
Published: May 2022

Introduction and Aim:  Psoriasis is one of the salient dermatological disorder and a chronic recurrent cutaneous disease.  Research shows that immunological cells and cytokines play a principal causative role for skin lesions and comorbid systemic effects in these patients. Like other autoimmune diseases, psoriasis is also a multifactorial disorder which is triggered either by injury, trauma, infections, medications, and psychological stress. Among the cytokines, hs-CRP acts as both inflammatory and cardiovascular marker. It is markedly increased in psoriasis patients, there by leading to subsequent co-morbidities in these patients. The aim of present study was to estimate inflammatory markers viz-TNF-?, IL-2, IFN-? and hs-CRP in psoriasis patients and controls and correlate these inflammatory markers with PASI score in psoriasis patients. Further to correlate hs-CRP with TNF-?, IL-2, IFN-? in these patients.
 
Materials and Methods: The study is conducted at a  tertiary level hospital and is designed as a Case Control study design conducted from January 2019 to January 2021. 110 subjects having diagnosed as psoriasis were included as cases and 110 controls. Inflammatory markers were estimated by ELISA method. Statistical analysis was done.
 
Results: The study showed that inflammatory markers in cases with psoriasis were significantly elevated when compared with controls. The inflammatory markers were proportionately altered from mild to severe in psoriasis patients but were not statistically significant. The hs-CRP showed negative significant correlation with IFN –?.
 
Conclusion: The present study concludes that the inflammatory markers are significantly increased in psoriasis patients, and this is correlated with PASI score. These simple biomarkers are of utmost importance in the clinical scenario for better treatment and prognosis and thereby reducing comorbidities in these patients.
A quantitative placebo controlled study of the efficacy of manipulation of acromioclavicular joint dysfunction in weight trainers
Authors:   , Jordan Warren Gray
Published: May 2022

Objective: The efficacy of manipulation as compared to placebo in the treatment of two groups of weight trainers with Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Dysfunction. Methods: Twenty patients (n=20), using randomised sampling were allocated to two intervention groups. Patients in each group received four treatments each over a two-week period and assessed at initial, one week, two weeks and one month follow ups. Objective measures included Algometer and Inclinometer readings. Numerical Pain Rating Scales (NRS), Shoulder Rating Questionnaire (SRQ) and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) measured subjective outcomes. Results: Manipulation demonstrated significant improvement in objective findings. Subjective outcomes did not show significant difference between the manipulation and placebo groups. Conclusion: Manipulation, when compared to placebo, can be considered as an effective treatment intervention for the treatment of AC joint dysfunction with particular reference to objective outcomes. Although, caution needs to be utilised in accepting this outcome due to limitations in sample size, subjective measure sensitivity and specificity as well as the stringency of the inclusion and exclusion criteria.
An investigation into the short term effectiveness of whole body vibration training in acute low back pain sufferers
Authors:   , Van der Merwe Nicolaas Tjaart
Published: May 2022

Core strengthening has become a major trend in the rehabilitation of patients suffering with acute low back pain. Clinical trials have shown that core strengthening is beneficial for patients with low back pain. According to the literature, core strengthening consists of activating the trunk musculature in order to stabilize hypermobile symptomatic joints and thus, lessen mechanical stress to the spine. Literature suggests that vibration/acceleration training may be a more effective and sufficient method of core stability exercises, with regards to core muscle endurance and activation in treatment of acute low back pain. This may have more advantages than using traditional core stability exercises in the treatment of acute low back pain. However, vibration/acceleration training as core stability exercises has yet to be investigated. In order to choose the most appropriate treatment protocol for managing this condition, it is essential for research to be carried out to identify the most effective treatment, which would allow for better overall management of low back pain during the acute period. Therefore, this study was designed to establish the effectiveness of vibration/acceleration training as a core stability exercise in the treatment of acute low back pain and to establish whether this protocol should be utilized routinely in the management of this condition.
An investigation into the relationship of myofascial trigger points in the head and neck region in association with temporomandibular joint dysfunction
Authors:   , Seagreen Michelle Elizabeth
Published: May 2022

Introduction: The aetiology of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJD) is not fully understood and the treatment of TMJD is controversial. Most treatment plans are based on postulated aetiology. Treatment plans currently range from pharmacological to surgical and occasionally physical therapy is also used for any myofascial component. Myofacial Trigger Points (MFTP’s) in the head and neck region have similar pain referral patterns as TMJD and there is overlap in aetiology and epidemiology. If correlation can be proved to exist between the severities of TMJD and MFTP’s then the treatment of MFTP’s can potentially decrease the severity of TMJD and then the more radical treatments can be avoided. Objectives: To determine whether TMJD was present and establish severity. To locate any MFTP’s in the Sternocleidomastiod (SCM), Temporalis, Masseter, Posterior Cervical (PC), Lateral and Medial Pterygoid muscles and determine their severity. Methods: A random sample of 25 participants were evaluated. A p value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Quantitative variables were summarized using median, inter-quartile range and range due to skewness of distribution, while categorical variables were described using frequency distributions and bar charts. Spearman’s nonparametric correlation analysis, and curve estimation were used to determine the existence of a relationship between TMJ severity and MFTP severity. A scatterplot was used to graphically assess the relationship. Conclusion: The results suggested that the participants were actually chronic neck pain suffers that developed TMJD over the long term as a result of chronic neck pain changing the kinematic biomechanics or as a result of a completely different and independent event as suggested by Foreman and Croft (1995).
A study into the changing views of orthopaedic surgeons, neurosurgeons and neurologists of chiropractic in South Africa
Authors:   , Botha Francois
Published: May 2022

Previously it was established that the majority of medical professions such as Orthopaedic surgeons, Neurosurgeons and Neurologists were not comfortable with the Chiropractic Profession. Changes have occurred since this perception was established so it was considered necessary to review the knowledge and perception of these three medical professions in order to ascertain any changes. Objectives The objectives were to establish the demographic factors of Orthopaedic surgeons, Neurosurgeons and Neurologists, whilst also establishing their current views and perceptions of the Chiropractic profession in South Africa in terms of their personal experience of Chiropractic, Chiropractic therapeutic efficacy, the Chiropractic scope of practice and inter-professional relations. Methods This prospective, qualitative questionnaire study required that all 478 Orthopaedic surgeons, 110 Neurosurgeons, and 101 Neurologists who were registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa at the time receive a questionnaire. Thus a total of 689 Questionnaires were sent out for completion. Results The overall views and perceptions of participating Orthopaedic surgeons, Neurosurgeons and Neurologists regarding Chiropractic has made a positive shift in favour of developing and potentially expanding relations between these professions and the Chiropractic profession. This has been shown by the increased confidence these professions have in the Chiropractic profession both in terms of effectiveness of Chiropractic treatment for neuromusculoskeletal and other conditions, as well as the increased rate of referral between these professions and Chiropractors.
An investigation into the prevalence and risk factors of occupational musculoskeletal injuries in firefighters in the Durban Metropolitan Fire Department
Authors:   , Albert Dhimunthree
Published: May 2022

Occupational injuries sustained by Emergency Rescue Care workers have been well documented. However, despite their high rates of injury, the literature regarding the risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal injuries (WRMSIs) in the fire service has not been well-established, especially in South Africa. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries in the Durban Metropolitan Fire Department and to evaluate the relationship between selected risk factors and the prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries. Methods: This was a descriptive study from a large urban Fire Department employing 350 active firefighters. Using a cross sectional study design, a retrospective analysis investigated the musculoskeletal injury prevalence from 2006-2008 by means of a questionnaire. Individuals reported on demographics, injury location, injury etiology, injury nature, extent of treatment rendered and time lost from work. Additionally, data was obtained regarding smoking, occupational stress, fitness, protective gear and injury prevention advice given by the Durban Metropolitan Fire Department. A 41% response rate was achieved. Results: The point prevalence of WRMSIs was 33.6% and the period prevalence was 81.1% of the sample. Low back injuries (47.9%) and strain injuries (40.8%) were the most common, followed by knee (22.5%), shoulder (19.7%) and ankle injuries (19%). The most common causes included lifting heavy objects, working in awkward postures and running. Weight, ethnic group, stress, lack of nutritional advice and alcohol consumption were all significantly associated with the prevalence of injuries. Ex-smoking was significant in the prevalence of low back injuries, stress was significant in the prevalence of knee injuries and alcohol consumption was associated with the prevalence of shoulder injuries. Conclusion: WRMSIs are of great concern in the fire service as their prevalence is substantial. Evaluation and implementation of further preventative measures and advice based on the results of this study can be effective in reducing WRMSIs.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION AND YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT CHALLENGES IN AFRICA: GHANA IN PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Okoro John Peter , Nassè Dr. Théophile Bindeouè , Ngmendoma Amos Baafira , Carbonell Nicolas , Nanema Dr. Mahamadi
Published: May 2022

Entrepreneurship education has the mandate to equip the youth with functional knowledge and skills to build up their character, attitude and vision.  It has vital role in developing eco-system that promotes innovation and solving unemployment challenges of nations.  Government of Ghana has initiated direct job creation interventions to address youth unemployment challenges. Examples include: Skill Training and Employment Placement (STEP) Programme (2002-2004), National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP), now Youth Employment Agency (YEA) in 2006, Youth Enterprise Support (YES), now National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Plan (NEIP) in 2014, and the recent Nation Builders Corps. Despite the above efforts, unemployment rates in Ghana instead of reducing, increased from 2.15% in 2015, 2.26% in 2016 to 2.36% in 2017; whilst youth unemployment rate increased from 4.51% in 2015, 4.72% in 2016 to 4.9% in 2017. Therefore, this study attempts to conceptualize the relevance of entrepreneurial education to solving the youth unemployment challenges in Ghana. The study concluded that entrepreneurial education has the potentials of solving youth unemployment challenges in the society.

 Keywords: Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Education, Unemployment.
MODELING OF PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PEDAGOGICAL SUPPORT OF STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AT THE UNIVERSITY IN THE CONDITIONS OF INCLUSIVE EDUCATION
Authors: Magauova A.S. , Talipova N.A. , Makhambetova Zh.T.
Published: May 2022

In Kazakhstan, there is a significant activation of inclusive processes in the higher education system. It is impossible to consider teaching students with special educational needs at a university without creating an inclusive educational environment and implementing psychological and pedagogical support measures. In this regard, there is a need to study the basics of psychological and pedagogical support of persons with disabilities at the university. Inclusive education involves the formation and support of such an integrative psychological and pedagogical space in which neither students with special needs nor students with conditionally normative development will experience difficulties in the process of interaction. The purpose of the study is to analyze the activities of a teacher-psychologist and tutor when accompanying students with special needs in higher education. Based on the data obtained, a model of psychological and pedagogical support of students with special educational needs in higher educational institutions was developed. The implementation of an effective model of support for students with disabilities at universities determines appropriate psychological and pedagogical prerequisites for the development of inclusive higher education. The successful integration of persons with disabilities into the social space of the university has an immense impact on the formation of a positive perception in the learning environment of students. Moreover, it contributes to their positive assimilation of the training program. Within the framework of this article tries to investigate the regulatory and legal framework of inclusive education in the Republic of Kazakhstan, its approaches, principles, and methods of implementing psychological and pedagogical support for students with special needs at universities.
A UTILIZAÇÃO DE PROGRAMAS DE USO COTIDIANO COMO FERRAMENTAS DE APOIO PEDAGÓGICO
Authors: Colombo Fábio José , Bertolete Neto Brazelino , Barros Luciano de Jesus Rodrigues de
Published: May 2022

Este trabalho partiu das necessidades e expectativas demonstradas pelas novas gerações de alunos que já crescem com a tecnologia digital  e anseiam que toda a sociedade interaja com eles da forma correspondente. Muitos alunos sentem uma dificuldade muito grande em sala de aula, pois muitas vezes os modelos de ensino aprendizagem utilizados não condizem com sua realidade. Foi sugerido a integração da tecnologia com o ambiente educacional através de ferramentas computacionais que já são utilizadas diariamente. Foi feito um estudo de caso baseado na observação e experiência prática do ensino de várias disciplinas do Ensino Médio com o sistema proposto e os resultados foram muito satisfatórios. A metodologia de estudos envolveu a observação, avaliação da aprendizagem e foi baseada na utilização de livros, revistas e artigos técnicos. As ferramentas de apoio principais utilizadas neste trabalho foram o whatsapp, o e-mail e o Microsoft Power Point 2010.
Enhanced photodegradation of dimethoxybenzene isomers in/on ice compared to in aqueous solution
Authors: Hullar Ted , Tran Theo , Chen Zekun , Bononi Fernanda , Palmer Oliver , Donadio Davide , Anastasio Cort
Published: May 2022

Abstract. Photochemical reactions of contaminants in snow and ice can be important
sinks for organic and inorganic compounds deposited onto snow from the
atmosphere and sources for photoproducts released from snowpacks into the
atmosphere. Snow contaminants can be found in the bulk ice matrix, in
internal liquid-like regions (LLRs), or in quasi-liquid layers (QLLs) at the
air–ice interface, where they can readily exchange with the firn air. Some
studies have reported that direct photochemical reactions occur faster in
LLRs and QLLs than in aqueous solution, while others have found similar
rates. Here, we measure the photodegradation rate constants for loss of the
three dimethoxybenzene isomers under varying experimental conditions,
including in aqueous solution, in LLRs, and at the air–ice interface of
nature-identical snow. Relative to aqueous solution, we find modest
photodegradation enhancements (3- and 6-fold) in LLRs for two of the
isomers and larger enhancements (15- to 30-fold) at the air–ice interface
for all three isomers. We use computational modeling to assess the impact of
light absorbance changes on photodegradation rate enhancements at the
interface. We find small (2–5 nm) bathochromic (red) absorbance shifts at
the interface relative to in solution, which increases light absorption, but
this factor only accounts for less than 50 % of the measured rate constant
enhancements. The major factor responsible for photodegradation rate
enhancements at the air–ice interface appears to be more efficient
photodecay: estimated dimethoxybenzene quantum yields are 6- to 24-fold
larger at the interface compared to in aqueous solution and account for the
majority (51 %–96 %) of the observed enhancements. Using a hypothetical
model compound with an assumed Gaussian-shaped absorbance peak, we find that
a shift in the peak to higher or lower wavelengths can have a minor to
substantial impact on photodecay rate constants, depending on the original
location of the peak and the magnitude of the shift. Changes in other peak
properties at the air–ice interface, such as peak width and height (i.e.,
molar absorption coefficient), can also impact rates of light absorption and
direct photodecay. Our results suggest our current understanding of
photodegradation processes underestimates the rate at which some compounds
are broken down, as well as the release of photoproducts into the
atmosphere.
Air pollution monitoring: development of ammonia (NH3) dynamic reference gas mixtures at nanomoles per mole levels to improve the lack of traceability of measurements
Authors: Macé Tatiana , Iturrate-Garcia Maitane , Pascale Céline , Niederhauser Bernhard , Vaslin-Reimann Sophie , Sutour Christophe
Published: May 2022

Abstract. The measurement of ammonia (NH3) in ambient air is a sensitive and priority topic due to its impact on ecosystems. NH3 emissions have continuously increased over the last century in Europe because of intensive livestock practices and the enhanced use of nitrogen-based fertilizers. European air quality monitoring networks monitor atmospheric NH3 amount-of-substance fractions. However, the lack of stable reference gas mixtures (RGMs) of atmospheric amount-of-substance fractions of ammonia to calibrate NH3 analyzers is a common issue of the networks, which results in data that are not accurate, traceable, or, thus, geographically comparable. In order to cover this lack, LNE (Laboratoire National de Métrologie et d'Essais) developed, in close collaboration with the company 2M PROCESS, a gas reference generator to dynamically generate NH3 RGMs in air. The method is based on gas permeation and a further dynamic dilution to obtain an amount-of-substance fractions ranging between 1 and 400 nmol mol−1 (also well known as ppb or parts per billion; 1 ppb (NH3) to ≈ 0.7 µg m−3) to cover the amount-of-substance fractions of ammonia measured in ambient air (emissions) and the operating range of the NH3 analyzers used by the monitoring networks. The calibration of the elements of the generator against the LNE primary standards ensures the traceability of the RGMs to the international system of units. Furthermore, the highly accurate flow and oven temperature measurements of the reference generator, together with the associated calibration procedure defined by LNE, guarantee relative expanded uncertainties of the calibration of the NH3 analyzers that are lower than 2 % (coverage factor = 2). This result is very satisfactory, considering the low NH3 amount-of-substance fraction levels (1 to 400 nmol mol−1) and the phenomena of adsorption and desorption, especially in the presence of traces of water on contact surfaces. A bilateral comparison was organized between METAS (Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology) and LNE, which consisted of the calibration of a Picarro G2103 gas analyzer by both national metrology institutes (NMIs). The results highlighted the good agreement between the NH3 reference generators developed by the two institutes and allowed the validation of both LNE's reference generator and calibration procedure. Since the end of 2020, LNE has calibrated several NH3 analyzers from the French air quality monitoring networks (Associations Agréées de Surveillance de la Qualité de l'Air – AASQA) using the newly developed SI-traceable RGMs. The enhanced number of calibrations provided may increase the comparability, accuracy, and traceability of the NH3 measurements carried out on French territory.
Changing sub-Arctic tundra vegetation upon permafrost degradation: impact on foliar mineral element cycling
Authors: Mauclet Elisabeth , Agnan Yannick , Hirst Catherine , Monhonval Arthur , Pereira Benoît , Vandeuren Aubry , Villani Maëlle , Ledman Justin , Taylor Meghan , Jasinski Briana L. , Schuur Edward A. G. , Opfergelt Sophie
Published: May 2022

Abstract. Arctic warming and permafrost degradation are modifying northern
ecosystems through changes in microtopography, soil water dynamics, nutrient
availability, and vegetation succession. Upon permafrost degradation, the
release of deep stores of nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, from
newly thawed permafrost stimulates Arctic vegetation production. More
specifically, wetter lowlands show an increase in sedges (as part of
graminoids), whereas drier uplands favor shrub expansion. These shifts in
the composition of vegetation may influence local mineral element cycling
through litter production. In this study, we evaluate the influence of
permafrost degradation on mineral element foliar stocks and potential annual
fluxes upon litterfall. We measured the foliar elemental composition (Al,
Ca, Fe, K, Mn, P, S, Si, and Zn) of ∼ 500 samples of typical
tundra plant species from two contrasting Alaskan tundra sites, i.e., an
experimental sedge-dominated site (Carbon in Permafrost Experimental Heating Research, CiPEHR) and natural shrub-dominated site
(Gradient). The foliar concentration of these mineral elements was species specific, with sedge leaves having relatively high Si concentration and
shrub leaves having relatively high Ca and Mn concentrations. Therefore,
changes in the species biomass composition of the Arctic tundra in response
to permafrost thaw are expected to be the main factors that dictate changes
in elemental composition of foliar stocks and maximum potential foliar
fluxes upon litterfall. We observed an increase in the mineral element
foliar stocks and potential annual litterfall fluxes, with Si increasing
with sedge expansion in wetter sites (CiPEHR), and Ca and Mn increasing with
shrub expansion in drier sites (Gradient). Consequently, we expect that
sedge and shrub expansion upon permafrost thaw will lead to changes in
litter elemental composition and therefore affect nutrient cycling across
the sub-Arctic tundra with potential implications for further vegetation
succession.
Phosphorus stress strongly reduced plant physiological activity, but only temporarily, in a mesocosm experiment with Zea mays colonized by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi
Authors: Verlinden Melanie S. , AbdElgawad Hamada , Ven Arne , Verryckt Lore T. , Wieneke Sebastian , Janssens Ivan A. , Vicca Sara
Published: May 2022

Abstract. Phosphorus (P) is an essential macronutrient for plant growth and
one of the least available nutrients in soil. P limitation is often a major
constraint for plant growth globally. Although P addition experiments have
been carried out to study the long-term effects on yield, data on P addition
effects on seasonal variation in leaf-level photosynthesis are scarce.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can be of major importance for plant
nutrient uptake, and AMF growth may be important for explaining temporal
patterns in leaf physiology. In a nitrogen (N) and P fertilization
experiment with Zea mays, we investigated the effect of P limitation on leaf
pigments and leaf enzymes, how these relate to leaf-level photosynthesis,
and how these relationships change during the growing season. A previous
study on this experiment indicated that N availability was generally high,
and as a consequence, N addition did not affect plant growth, and also the
leaf measurements in the current study were unaffected by N addition.
Contrary to N addition, P addition strongly influenced plant growth and
leaf-level measurements. At low soil P availability, leaf-level
photosynthetic and respiratory activity strongly decreased, and this was
associated with reduced chlorophyll and photosynthetic enzymes. Contrary to
the expected increase in P stress over time following gradual soil P
depletion, plant P limitation decreased over time. For most leaf-level
processes, pigments and enzymes under study, the fertilization effect had
even disappeared 2 months after planting. Our results point towards a key
role for the AMF symbiosis and consequent increase in P uptake in explaining
the vanishing P stress.
HMRFS-TP: long-term daily gap-free snow cover products over the Tibetan Plateau from 2002 to 2021 based on Hidden Markov Random Field model
Authors: Huang Yan , Xu Jiahui , Xu Jingyi , Zhao Yelei , Yu Bailang , Liu Hongxing , Wang Shujie , Xu Wanjia , Wu Jianping , Zheng Zhaojun
Published: May 2022

Abstract. Snow cover plays an essential role in climate change and the hydrological cycle of the Tibetan Plateau. The widely used Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) snow products have two major issues: massive data gaps due to frequent clouds and relatively low estimate accuracy of snow cover due to complex terrain in this region. Here we generate long-term daily gap-free snow cover products over the Tibetan Plateau at 500 m resolution by applying a Hidden Markov Random Field (HMRF) technique to the original MODIS snow products over the past two decades. The data gaps of the original MODIS snow products were fully filled by optimally integrating spectral, spatiotemporal, and environmental information within HMRF framework. The snow cover estimate accuracy was greatly increased by incorporating the spatiotemporal variations of solar radiation due to surface topography and sun elevation angle as the environmental contextual information in HMRF-based snow cover estimation. We evaluated our snow products, and the accuracy is 98.31 % in comparison with in situ observations and 92.44 % in comparison with high-resolution snow maps derived from Landsat-8 imagery. Our evaluation also suggests that the incorporation of spatiotemporal solar radiation as the environmental contextual information in HMRF modelling, instead of the simple use of surface elevation as the environmental contextual information, results in the accuracy of the snow products increase by 2.72 % and the omission error decrease by 4.59 %. The accuracy of our snow products is especially improved during snow transitional period and over complex terrains with high elevation as well as sunny slopes. The new products can provide long-term and spatiotemporally continuous information of snow cover distribution, which is critical for understanding the processes of snow accumulation and melting, analysing its impact on climate change, and facilitating water resource management in Tibetan Plateau. This dataset can be freely accessed from the National Tibetan Plateau Data Center at https://doi.org/10.11888/Cryos.tpdc.272204 (Huang and Xu, 2022).
Nested leave-two-out cross-validation for the optimal crop yield model selection
Authors: Dinh Thi Lan Anh , Aires Filipe
Published: May 2022

Abstract. The use of statistical models to study the impact of weather on crop yield has not ceased to increase. Unfortunately, this type of application is characterized by datasets with a very limited number of samples (typically one sample per year). In general, statistical inference uses three datasets: the training dataset to optimize the model parameters, the validation dataset to select the best model, and the testing dataset to evaluate the model generalization ability. Splitting the overall database into three datasets is often impossible in crop yield modelling due to the limited number of samples. The leave-one-out cross-validation method, or simply leave one out (LOO), is often used to assess model performance or to select among competing models when the sample size is small. However, the model choice is typically made using only the testing dataset, which can be misleading by favouring unnecessarily complex models. The nested cross-validation approach was introduced in machine learning to avoid this problem by truly utilizing three datasets even with limited databases.
In this study, we propose one particular implementation of the nested cross-validation, called the nested leave-two-out cross-validation method or simply the leave two out (LTO), to choose the best model with an optimal model selection (using the validation dataset) and estimate the true model quality (using the testing dataset). Two applications are considered: robusta coffee in Cu M'gar (Dak Lak, Vietnam) and grain maize over 96 French departments. In both cases, LOO is misleading by choosing models that are too complex; LTO indicates that simpler models actually perform better when a reliable generalization test is considered. The simple models obtained using the LTO approach have improved yield anomaly forecasting skills in both study crops. This LTO approach can also be used in seasonal forecasting applications. We suggest that the LTO method should become a standard procedure for statistical crop modelling.
A derivative-free optimisation method for global ocean biogeochemical models
Authors: Oliver Sophy , Cartis Coralia , Kriest Iris , Tett Simon F. B , Khatiwala Samar
Published: May 2022

Abstract. The skill of global ocean biogeochemical models, and the earth system models in which they are
embedded, can be improved by systematic calibration of the parameter values against observations.
However, such tuning is seldom undertaken as these models are computationally very expensive.
Here we investigate the performance of DFO-LS,
a local, derivative-free optimisation algorithm which has been designed for computationally expensive models with irregular
model–data misfit landscapes typical of biogeochemical models. We use DFO-LS to calibrate six parameters of a relatively complex
global ocean biogeochemical model (MOPS) against synthetic dissolved oxygen, phosphate and
nitrate “observations” from a reference run of the same model with a known parameter configuration.
The performance of DFO-LS is compared with that of CMA-ES, another derivative-free algorithm that
was applied in a previous study to the same model in one of the first successful attempts at calibrating a
global model of this complexity. We find that DFO-LS successfully recovers five of the six parameters in approximately 40
evaluations of the misfit function (each one requiring a 3000-year run of MOPS to equilibrium), while CMA-ES
needs over 1200 evaluations. Moreover, DFO-LS reached a “baseline” misfit, defined by observational noise,
in just 11–14 evaluations, whereas CMA-ES required approximately 340 evaluations. We also find that the performance of DFO-LS is not significantly affected by observational sparsity, however fewer parameters were successfully optimised in the presence of observational uncertainty. The results presented here
suggest that DFO-LS is sufficiently inexpensive and robust to apply to the calibration of complex, global ocean
biogeochemical models.