bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving Aerial Targeting Precision: A Study on Point Cloud Semantic Segmentation with Advanced Deep Learning Algorithms
Authors: Bozkurt Salih , Atik Muhammed Enes , Duran Zaide
Published: August 2024

The integration of technological advancements has significantly impacted artificial intelligence (AI), enhancing the reliability of AI model outputs. This progress has led to the widespread utilization of AI across various sectors, including automotive, robotics, healthcare, space exploration, and defense. Today, air defense operations predominantly rely on laser designation. This process is entirely dependent on the capability and experience of human operators. Considering that UAV systems can have flight durations exceeding 24 h, this process is highly prone to errors due to the human factor. Therefore, the aim of this study is to automate the laser designation process using advanced deep learning algorithms on 3D point clouds obtained from different sources, thereby eliminating operator-related errors. As different data sources, dense 3D point clouds produced with photogrammetric methods containing color information, and point clouds produced with LiDAR systems were identified. The photogrammetric point cloud data were generated from images captured by the Akinci UAV’s multi-axis gimbal camera system within the scope of this study. For the point cloud data obtained from the LiDAR system, the DublinCity LiDAR dataset was used for testing purposes. The segmentation of point cloud data utilized the PointNet++ and RandLA-Net algorithms. Distinct differences were observed between the evaluated algorithms. The RandLA-Net algorithm, relying solely on geometric features, achieved an approximate accuracy of 94%, while integrating color features significantly improved its performance, raising its accuracy to nearly 97%. Similarly, the PointNet++ algorithm, relying solely on geometric features, achieved an accuracy of approximately 94%. Notably, the model developed as a unique contribution in this study involved enriching the PointNet++ algorithm by incorporating color attributes, leading to significant improvements with an approximate accuracy of 96%. The obtained results demonstrate a notable improvement in the PointNet++ algorithm with the proposed approach. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the methodology proposed in this study can be effectively applied directly to data generated from different sources in aerial scanning systems.
Preparing Teachers for Linguistically Diverse Classrooms—A Systematic Review on Interventions and Intersectional Perspectives
Authors: Volknant Sarah , Licandro Ulla
Published: August 2024

Teachers need to be well-equipped to work with diverse groups of students from various linguistic backgrounds. Following the PRISMA guidelines, this systematic review analyzed international empirical research on interventions aiming at preparing secondary pre-service teachers for teaching linguistically diverse students. The dataset includes papers from 2012 to 2022 retrieved through the electronic databases ERIC, Education Source, and Scopus. The goal of this review was twofold, namely (1) to investigate how interventions contribute to the development of strategies and skills for teaching linguistically diverse students and (2) to analyze which of the identified interventions considered aspects of intersectionality and, more specifically, in what sense. Multiple intervention strategies, such as assessment tools, self-inquiry, or practice experiences, were found. Regarding the targeted skills of pre-service teachers, this review identified the emerging themes of Methods and Instruction, Critical and Reflective Thinking, as well as Linguistic Awareness. While the term intersectionality was hardly used explicitly, several studies implicitly addressed intersectional matters. Single-issue approaches, which considered multiple diversity referents in an additive rather than an interconnected way, occurred most frequently. This review underlines the need for interventions in teacher education that are based on a broader understanding of linguistic diversity and emphasizes the importance of employing critical and intersectional perspectives.
Resilience in Action through Culture: Latinas Successfully Navigating STEM Spaces at an HSI
Authors: Perez Emma Claudia , Gonzalez Elsa Maria , Sanchez Hernandez Isabella
Published: August 2024

Though research on the perspectives and assets of communities of color in higher education has grown, understanding how underrepresented groups in STEM use those assets to navigate and succeed in STEM fields is still in progress. In this study, Latina students majoring in STEM fields in a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) were interviewed about their college experience and persistence. A Latine resilience model and an HSI servingness framework guided the analysis. Qualitative methodology via case study served to understand this research. Evidence gathered in this study demonstrates how social climate experiences and cultural background influence resilience and success strategies among diverse Latina STEM majors in an HSI. The STEM social climate or culture seemingly clashed with participants’ cultural backgrounds. Perhaps most pertinent to their cultural background and resilience as Latinas were the specific success strategies or assets that participants utilized to navigate the STEM experience. Participants gravitated to diverse spaces, desired more women and ethnic representation in their STEM departments, and practiced prosocial or communal motivations. Understanding STEM culture in conjunction with the assets and strategies that Latinas utilize as ethnic women is important for HSIs as they consider how they truly serve their constituents.
Segmentation Point Simultaneous Localization and Mapping: A Stereo Vision Simultaneous Localization and Mapping Method for Unmanned Surface Vehicles in Nearshore Environments
Authors: Gao Xiujing , Lin Xinzhi , Lin Fanchao , Huang Hongwu
Published: August 2024

Unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) in nearshore areas are prone to environmental occlusion and electromagnetic interference, which can lead to the failure of traditional satellite-positioning methods. This paper utilizes a visual simultaneous localization and mapping (vSLAM) method to achieve USV positioning in nearshore environments. To address the issues of uneven feature distribution, erroneous depth information, and frequent viewpoint jitter in the visual data of USVs operating in nearshore environments, we propose a stereo vision SLAM system tailored for nearshore conditions: SP-SLAM (Segmentation Point-SLAM). This method is based on ORB-SLAM2 and incorporates a distance segmentation module, which filters feature points from different regions and adaptively adjusts the impact of outliers on iterative optimization, reducing the influence of erroneous depth information on motion scale estimation in open environments. Additionally, our method uses the Sum of Absolute Differences (SAD) for matching image blocks and quadric interpolation to obtain more accurate depth information, constructing a complete map. The experimental results on the USVInland dataset show that SP-SLAM solves the scaling constraint failure problem in nearshore environments and significantly improves the robustness of the stereo SLAM system in such environments.
Influence Maximization Based on Adaptive Graph Convolution Neural Network in Social Networks
Authors: Liu Wei , Wang Saiwei , Ding Jiayi
Published: August 2024

The influence maximization problem is a hot issue in the research on social networks due to its wide application. The problem aims to find a small subset of influential nodes to maximize the influence spread. To tackle the challenge of striking a balance between efficiency and effectiveness in traditional influence maximization algorithms, deep learning-based influence maximization algorithms have been introduced and have achieved advancement. However, these algorithms still encounter two key problems: (1) Traditional deep learning models are not well-equipped to capture the latent topological information of networks with varying sizes and structures. (2) Many deep learning-based methods use the influence spread of individual nodes as labels to train a model, which can result in an overlap of influence among the seed nodes selected by the model. In this paper, we reframe the influence maximization problem as a regression task and introduce an innovative approach to influence maximization. The method adopts an adaptive graph convolution neural network which can explore the latent topology information of the network and can greatly improve the performance of the algorithm. In our approach, firstly, we integrate several network-level attributes and some centrality metrics into a vector as the presentation vector of nodes in the social network. Next, we propose a new label generation method to measure the influence of nodes by neighborhood discount strategy, which takes full account of the influence overlapping problem. Subsequently, labels and presentation vectors are fed into an adaptive graph convolution neural network model. Finally, we use the well-trained model to predict the importance of nodes and select top-K nodes as a seed set. Abundant experiments conducted on various real-world datasets have confirmed that the performance of our proposed algorithm surpasses that of several current state-of-the-art algorithms.
Efficiency Measurements of Energy Harvesting from Electromagnetic Environment for Selected General Purpose Telecommunication Systems
Authors: Kamuda Kazimierz , Klepacki Dariusz , Sabat Wiesław , Kuryło Kazimierz , Skoczylas Mariusz , Jankowski-Mihułowicz Piotr
Published: August 2024

The results of measurements of the efficiency of energy harvesting from commonly available general-purpose telecommunications systems, divided into typical bands available under European conditions, have been presented in this paper. Specially designed harvesters were used, dedicated to powering autonomous semi-passive Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags. For the assumed resistive loads, the achievable output voltage values of the harvesters were measured across a wide spectrum of electromagnetic field strengths, simulating real conditions. The performance and dynamics of the energy storage process with fixed parameters were studied at an intermediate stage, before the energy conditioning process. The harvesters were treated as typical energy sources with unknown but variable parameters, so their dynamic parameters and instantaneous energy supply were also analyzed. These activities will enable the final development of a power supply system with parameters acceptable for the planned applications and whose efficiency will be maximized under the given conditions. For this purpose, the energy harvesting systems were designed, a suitable laboratory stand was built, and the elaborated circuits were measured to determine the expected parameters of energy harvesting.
Global Quality of Service (QoX) Management for Wireless Networks
Authors: Cristobo Leire , Ibarrola Eva , Casado-O’Mara Itziar , Zabala Luis
Published: August 2024

In the fast-changing technological landscape, novel applications are emerging with the potential to reshape the world. These applications, while promising, impose stringent requirements in terms of quality of service (QoS). The advent of wireless networks like 5G, 6G and Wi-Fi 6 brings about resource management solutions to ensure these requirements while meeting the user expectations within the interconnected environment. Nevertheless, user behaviors are also evolving, highlighting the importance of satisfaction and quality of experience (QoE). Furthermore, changes in user behavior trigger shifts in business models, where the quality of business (QoBiz) takes on a pivotal role. This evolving ecosystem, encompassing QoS, QoE, and QoBiz, demands a comprehensive and adaptable approach that conventional QoS management frameworks fail to perform. This paper introduces an implementation methodology for a global QoS management model named QoXphere. The implementation methodology is grounded in machine learning techniques and addresses the multifaceted aspects of quality of service (QoX) and their interconnections within wireless networks. The objective is to facilitate dynamic resource management that not only elevates user satisfaction but also optimizes provider benefits. Real-world examples illustrate the methodology’s applicability in widely deployed networks, complemented by simulated scenarios of modern network environments that further validate the approach.
Study on the Fire Characteristics of Dual Fire Sources and the Difference in Power Temperature of Different Fire Sources in Tunnel
Authors: Zhao Xiaokun , Ni Minghao , Wang Wencai , Wang Hongwei , Wang Jianing
Published: August 2024

To investigate the combustion characteristics of multiple fire sources in the tunnel caused by ‘jumping’ discontinuous fire spread, we utilized scaled model experiments, numerical simulation software, and theoretical research. Our study focused on analyzing the influence of different fire source powers on the temperature characteristics of double fire sources in the tunnel. We examined the temperature characteristics, critical wind speed, and change rule under various wind speeds, fire source spacing, and fire source powers. Additionally, we explored the temperature characteristics, critical wind speed, and change rule of different fire source powers under varying wind speed conditions. The mathematical model for roof temperature decay and the temperature decay coefficients of dual source fires were established through the analysis of scale-down model experiments and numerical simulations. In comparison to single-source fires, the temperature variations in the tunnel of dual source fires exhibit a more intricate pattern, with higher average temperature and temperature peak values. These values are influenced by factors such as fire source spacing and power. Numerical simulation software was utilized to investigate the impact of fire source spacing at 10 m, 15 m, and 20 m, as well as the effect of varying fire source power on the temperature distribution within a tunnel under consistent fire source position and growth coefficient. The study revealed that, with consistent double fire source position and ventilation conditions in the tunnel, the upstream fire source exhibited greater power than the downstream fire source, resulting in the lowest average and peak temperatures in the tunnel. This observation could potentially enhance escape and rescue operations within the tunnel. Similarly, the lowest average and peak temperatures in the tunnel were also identified, offering potential benefits for optimizing escape and rescue strategies in tunnel scenarios.
Experimental Study on Explosion Characteristics of LPG/Air Mixtures Suppressed by CO2 Synergistic Inert Powder
Authors: Zhao Enlai , Liu Zhentang , Lin Song , Chu Xiaomeng
Published: August 2024

In order to study the explosion suppression characteristics of LPG/air mixture by CO2 synergistic inert powder, explosion suppression experiments were conducted in a 20 L explosion device. The results show that the explosion suppression effect of NaHCO3 powder is prior to Al(OH)3 powder under the condition of no CO2 synergy. As the mass concentration of inert powder increases, the peak value of explosion pressure Pex and the peak value of the pressure rise rate (dP/dt)ex decrease, and the explosion suppression effect gradually enhances. Gas–solid two-phase inhibitors exhibit more significant inhibitory effects than single-phase inhibitors. Increasing the volume fraction of CO2 or the mass concentration of inert powder can improve the explosion suppression effect. The explosion suppression effect of CO2/NaHCO3 is significantly better than that of CO2/Al(OH)3. The research results have certain significance for the prevention and control of LPG explosion accidents.
Effects of Dietary L-glutamic acid on the Growth Performance, Gene Expression Associated with Muscle Growth-Related Gene Expression, and Intestinal Health of Juvenile Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides)
Authors: Jiang Feifan , Huang Wenqing , Zhou Meng , Gao Hongyan , Lu Xiaozhou , Yu Zhoulin , Sun Miao , Huang Yanhua
Published: August 2024

The present research examined the impact of L-glutamic acid (Glu) supplementation on the growth performance, muscle composition, gene expression correlated with muscle growth, and intestinal health of largemouth bass. There were 525 fish in total, which were distributed randomly into five groups. Each group had three replicates, and each replicate consisted of 35 fish. Groups with control and experimental diets were assigned glutamic acid amounts of 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, and 0.8%. The findings demonstrated that glutamic acid supplementation enhanced growth performance, feed intake (FI), and condition factor (CF), with the best value being attained at 0.4% Glu. The mean muscle fiber area was increased and the muscle fiber density was decreased in the 0.6% Glu group. The levels of total amino acids and specific amino acids, such as glutamic acid, aspartic acid, leucine, valine, alanine, and glycine, were shown to be higher in the 0.6% Glu group. In the 0.6% Glu group, the mRNA expression levels of atrogin-1, murf-1, foxo3a, and 4e-bp1 were decreased compared to the control group. Conversely, the mRNA expression levels of myf5, myog, myod, s6k1, tor, akt, and pi3k were increased in the 0.6% Glu group compared to the control group. The 0.4% Glu group had higher intestinal amylase, lipase, and protease activities and greater villus height, villus width, and muscle thickness. In summary, Glu can support largemouth bass growth, muscular development, intestinal digestion, and absorption.
Conjugated Linoleic Acid Production in Pine Nut Oil: A Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Lp-01 Fermentation Approach
Authors: Wei Gang , Wu Ge , Sun Jiajia , Qi Yi , Zhao Qi , Xu Fengde , Zhang Zhi , Peng Zhilan
Published: August 2024

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a class of bioactive fatty acids that exhibit various physiological activities such as anti-cancer, anti-atherosclerosis, and lipid-lowering. It is an essential fatty acid that cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be derived from dietary sources. The natural sources of CLA are limited, predominantly relying on chemical and enzymatic syntheses methods. Microbial biosynthesis represents an environmentally benign approach for CLA production. Pine nut oil, containing 40–60% linoleic acid, serves as a promising substrate for CLA enrichment. In the present study, we developed a novel method for the production of CLA from pine nut oil using Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) Lp-01, which harbors a linoleic acid isomerase. The optimal fermentation parameters for CLA production were determined using a combination of single-factor and response surface methodologies: an inoculum size of 2%, a fermentation temperature of 36 °C, a fermentation time of 20 h, and a pine nut oil concentration of 11%. Under these optimized conditions, the resultant CLA yield was 33.47 μg/mL. Gas chromatography analysis revealed that the fermentation process yielded a mixture of c9, t11CLA and t10, c12 CLA isomers, representing 4.91% and 4.86% of the total fatty acid content, respectively.
Effects of Different Pretreatments on Hot Air Drying Characteristics, Nutrition, and Antioxidant Capacity of Tartary Buckwheat Sprouts
Authors: Xu Xianmeng , Wang Nan , Wang Shunmin , Wang Junzhen , Wu Ningning , Xu Yudie , Xu Min
Published: August 2024

In order to enhance the quality of hot air drying for Tartary buckwheat sprouts and minimize the loss of active substances, this research explored the impact of Color Protection(CP), Osmosis(OM), Blanching (BC), β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), and Ultrasound (US) in conjunction with hot air drying on the color, nutritional value, antioxidant properties, and other attributes of Tartary buckwheat sprouts. The findings revealed that as the drying temperature increased from 50 °C to 70 °C, the drying duration for Tartary buckwheat sprouts decreased across all treatment groups, leading to a higher dehydration rate. Treatments involving CP, US, and BC effectively reduced the drying time of Tartary buckwheat sprouts. Sprouts subjected to CP, β-CD, and US treatments exhibited elevated L* values and decreased a* values and displayed a more vibrant green color. When exposed to a hot air setting of 60 °C, the total flavonoid content in the CP, OM, β-CD, and US groups increased by 8.76%, 6.76%, 12.34%, and 4.25%, respectively, compared to the Control Group (CK). The application of the CP, OM, β-CD, and US treatments enhanced the sprouts’ ability to combat ABTS and DPPH free radicals. Notably, under hot air conditions of 60 °C, the β-CD treatment demonstrated the most effective quality preservation during the hot air drying process for sprouts. This study provides valuable insights into the drying behavior of Tartary buckwheat sprouts and offers guidance for optimizing the drying procedures in industrial settings. Tartary buckwheat sprouts contain a variety of polyphenols and have a high water content. The study of changes in active components such as polyphenols and their alteration mechanisms in Tartary buckwheat sprouts under different processing methods is particularly important for the development of sprout processing.
Ex Vivo Study of Colon Health, Contractility and Innervation in Male and Female Rats after Regular Exposure to Instant Cascara Beverage
Authors: Gallego-Barceló Paula , Benítez-Álvarez David , Bagues Ana , Silván-Ros Blanca , Montalbán-Rodríguez Alba , López-Gómez Laura , Vera Gema , del Castillo María Dolores , Uranga José A. , Abalo Raquel
Published: August 2024

Instant Cascara (IC) is a sustainable beverage made from dried coffee cherry pulp, a by-product of coffee processing. It is rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds and has a high concentration of antioxidants. This study explored the impact of regular IC consumption on colonic motor function and innervation. Over a period of 4 weeks, male and female healthy rats were given drinking water containing 10 mg/mL of IC. Thereafter, colon samples were obtained to evaluate the longitudinal (LM) and circular (CM) smooth muscle contractile response to acetylcholine (ACh) and electrical field stimulation (EFS) in an organ bath, before and after atropine administration (10−6 M). Histological and immunohistochemical analyses assessed colon damage, muscle thickness, and immunoreactivity to substance P (SP) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). ACh and EFS induced similar responses across groups, but the CM response to EFS was greater in females compared with males, despite their lower body weight. Atropine completely blocked the response to ACh but only partially antagonized the neural response to EFS, particularly that of CM in females treated with IC, which had a greater liquid intake than those exposed to water. However, in the myenteric ganglia, no statistically significant differences were observed in SP or nNOS. Our results suggest that regular IC exposure may enhance specific neural pathway functions, particularly in females, possibly due to their increased IC consumption.
Analyzing Monofractal Short and Very Short Time Series: A Comparison of Detrended Fluctuation Analysis and Convolutional Neural Networks as Classifiers
Authors: López Juan L. , Vásquez-Coronel José A.
Published: August 2024

Time series data are a crucial information source for various natural and societal processes. Short time series can exhibit long-range correlations that reveal significant features not easily discernible in longer ones. Such short time series find utility in AI applications for training models to recognize patterns, make predictions, and perform classification tasks. However, traditional methods like DFA fail as classifiers for monofractal short time series, especially when the series are very short. In this study, we evaluate the performance of the traditional DFA method against the CNN-SVM approach of neural networks as classifiers for different monofractal models. We examine their performance as a function of the decreasing length of synthetic samples. The results demonstrate that CNN-SVM achieves superior classification rates compared to DFA. The overall accuracy rate of CNN-SVM ranges between 64% and 98%, whereas DFA’s accuracy rate ranges between 16% and 64%.
A Scoping Review on Staff Attitudes towards the Use of Coercion in Mental Healthcare
Authors: Efkemann Simone Agnes , Lickiewicz Jakub , Doedens Paul , Lantta Tella , Bali Panagiota , Husum Tonje Lossius
Published: August 2024

Attitudes of mental health professionals towards the use of coercion are highly relevant concerning its use coercion in mental healthcare, as mental health professionals have to weigh ethical arguments and decide within a legal frame in which situations to use coercion or not. Therefore, assessment of those attitudes is relevant for research in this field. A vital instrument to measure those attitudes towards the use of coercion is the Staff Attitude to Coercion Scale. This scoping review aims to provide a structured overview of the advantages and limitations in the assessment of attitudes toward coercion. We conducted a scoping review in Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Web of Science, based on the PRISMA-ScR. Inclusion criteria were empirical studies on the attitudes of mental health professionals. We included 80 studies and systematically mapped data about the main results and limitations in assessing attitudes toward coercion. The main results highlighted the relevance and increased interest in staff attitudes towards coercion in mental healthcare. Still, the majority of the included studies relied on a variety of different concepts and definitions concerning attitudes. The data further indicated difficulties in developing new and adapting existing assessment instruments because of the equivocal definitions of underlying concepts. To improve the research and knowledge in this area, future studies should be based on solid theoretical foundations. We identified the need for methodological changes and standardized procedures that take into account existing evidence from attitude research in social psychology, nursing science, and other relevant research fields. This would include an update of the Staff Attitude to Coercion Scale based on the limitations identified in this review.
Posterior Cruciate Buckling Angle Variations Are Associated with Different Patterns of Medial Meniscus Tears in Anterior-Cruciate-Deficient Knees: Results of a Prospective Comparative Magnetic Imaging Resonance Study
Authors: Cerciello Simone , Mercurio Michele , Corona Katia , Proietti Lorenzo , Di Vico Giovanni , Giordano Matthew Charles , Morris Brent Joseph
Published: August 2024

Background: The diagnosis of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear relies on clinical evaluation and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Direct and indirect signs of ACL tear have been described with MRI evaluation. Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) buckling has been described as an indirect radiographic sign of an ACL tear. Purpose: The aim of the present study was to assess the variations in PCL buckling angles in patients with ACL tears and in patients with isolated lesions in the posterior horn of the medial meniscus. In addition, the influence of different patterns of medial meniscus tears in ACL-deficient knees was investigated. Finally, the influences of risk factors such as tibial slope, delay from injury to surgery, absence of medial meniscus tear, degree of Lachman and pivot shift testing were also assessed. Study design: This was a cohort study. Methods: A total of 154 patients (78 in the group with ACL tear and 76 in the control group) were assessed with MRI and lateral weight-bearing X-ray to assess PCL buckling angle and tibial slope by two independent observers. The presence of a medial meniscus bucket handle or ramp lesion of the medial meniscus was assessed and recorded at the time of surgery. Results: PCL buckling angle measurement was highly reliable, with an ICC of 0.866 and 0.894, respectively, in the study group and the control group for interobserver reliability. The intrarater reliability was found to be high in PCL buckling angle for the study group [ICC = 0.955] and the control group [ICC = 0.943]. The mean angle in patients with ACL tear was 110.7 ± 15.2° and 115.3 ± 16.2° (for the two examiners) and 111.4 ± 12° and 114 ± 14.5° (for the two examiners) in patients with an intact, healthy ACL. An association emerged between bucket handle tears of the medial meniscus (p = 0.010) and a decreased PCL buckling angle and between ramp lesions of the medial meniscus and increased PCL buckling angle both (p = 0.024). Conclusions: Good inter- and intraobserver reliability for the measurement of the PCL buckling angle was observed. Increased PCL buckling angle values were observed in patients with concomitant ACL and bucket handle tears of the medial meniscus, while decreased angle values were observed in those who had ACL tear and ramp lesion of the medial meniscus. No statistically significant difference in the PCL buckling angle emerged between patients with ACL tears and those who had a healthy, intact ACL.
Mobile Applications for Learning Hand Hygiene: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Muršec Dominika , Svenšek Adrijana , Gosak Lucija , Šostar Turk Sonja , Rozman Urška , Štiglic Gregor , Lorber Mateja
Published: August 2024

Infection control is crucial for high-quality patient care. One of the most effective and commonly used infection control procedures is hand hygiene which, it is known, requires repeated refresher training. There are many ways to educate healthcare professionals about hand hygiene, including the use of mobile applications (apps). Our aim is to review such hand hygiene apps, and to identify which have been available since 2021 and to assess their quality. We conducted a review using the PRISMA diagram to document our app selection process in the Google Play Store and Apple store in March 2024. For the evaluation of apps, we used the user version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale questionnaire (uMARS). Of 16 apps only five adhere to WHO hand hygiene guidelines. Timers were included in 12 of the 16 apps and reminders were included in 10 of 16 apps. The highest overall uMARS scoring app was Give Me 5–Hand Hygiene (4.31 ± 0.28), while Wash your hands! (1.17 ± 0.14) had the lowest score. We found that more than half of the apps were unavailable from the 2021 review. We believe that app-based education could effectively sustain hand hygiene knowledge in healthcare settings.
A Concept Analysis of Maternal Resilience against Pregnancy-Related Mental Health Challenges in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: AliSher Anila Naz , Atta Samia , Yaqoob Adnan , Ahmed Tanseer , Meherali Salima
Published: August 2024

Suicide accounts for 33% of deaths of women during the postnatal period in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Resilience refers to an ability to adapt and recover from adversity or misfortune. Resilience building against mental health challenges during pregnancy and the postnatal period is critical for women to raise their child efficiently and maintain a healthy life. The exploration of maternal resilience against mental health challenges including its developmental processes and the determinants of its successful or unsuccessful cultivation among mothers during pregnancy and childbirth is of paramount importance. Understanding why a subset of mothers effectively develops resilience while others significantly struggle is critical for devising targeted interventions and support mechanisms aimed at improving maternal well-being. This inquiry not only seeks to delineate the factors that contribute to or hinder the development of resilience but also aims to inform the creation of comprehensive support systems that can bolster maternal health outcomes. This paper endeavors to present a comprehensive analysis of maternal resilience, aiming to cultivate a nuanced and profound understanding of the concept within the framework of previous traumatic events and adverse pregnancy outcomes in LMICs. The eight-step method approach proposed by Walker and Avant was utilized for this concept analysis. Several defining attributes were identified in the analysis including social adaptation, support system, optimistic approach, and mindfulness. This analysis contributes to knowledge advancement regarding maternal resilience and provides nurses and other healthcare professionals with a clear understanding of the concept of maternal resilience to help promote resilience among mothers.
Supporting Infants’ Motor Development through Water Activities: A Preliminary Case–Control Study
Authors: Jakobowicz Oliwia , Ogonowska-Slodownik Anna
Published: August 2024

The first twelve months of an infant’s life are the most dynamic time in the development of motor activities. Water activities can positively stimulate the motor skills, visual perception, and cognitive abilities of infants. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the motor development of infants aged 3–12 months participating in water activities. Participants in the study included 43 infants aged 3–12 months who attended water activities classes at Warsaw City swimming pools (n = 21) and infants not attending any classes (n = 22). Two methods of assessing motor development were used in the study: the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) and the Early Motor Development Questionnaire (EMQ). The raw scores of the AIMS test and the EMQ questionnaire were statistically significantly different (p < 0.05) in both groups between the first and second examinations. In contrast, there was a statistically significant improvement in motor development measured by AIMS and expressed in percentiles (p = 0.002) and in percentiles for Polish children (p = 0.030) in the water group. The age-independent total score of the EMQ before and after the intervention did not change significantly (p = 0.149). The water environment has the potential to support the motor development of infants aged 3–12 months.
Pre-Stroke Frailty and Outcomes following Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tube Insertion
Authors: Gupta Karan , Williams Eleanor , Warburton Elizabeth A. , Evans Nicholas Richard
Published: August 2024

Background: Frailty is common in stroke, where it exerts disease- and treatment-modifying effects. However, there has been little work evaluating how frailty influences outcomes after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube insertion. This study investigates the relationship between pre-stroke frailty and one-year mortality following PEG insertion. Methods: A pre-stroke frailty index (FI) was calculated for individuals with post-stroke dysphagia who underwent PEG insertion between March 2019 and February 2021. Mortality was recorded at one year, as well as instances of post-PEG pneumonia and discharge destination. Results: Twenty-nine individuals underwent PEG insertion, eleven (37.9%) of whom died in the subsequent year. The mean (SD) FI for those who survived was 0.10 (0.09), compared to 0.27 (0.19) for those who died (p = 0.02). This remained significant after adjustment for age and sex, with each 0.1 increase in the FI independently associated with an increased odds of one-year mortality (aOR 1.39, 95% CI 1.17–1.67). There was no association between frailty and post-PEG pneumonia (0.12 (0.21) in those who aspirated versus 0.11 (0.18) in those who did not, p = 0.75). Conclusions: Pre-stroke frailty is associated with increased one-year mortality after PEG, a finding that may help inform shared clinical decision-making in complex decisions regarding PEG feeding.
The Condition of Contemporary Murals in Sun-Exposed Urban Environments: A Model Study Based on Spray-Painted Mock-Ups and Simulated Light Ageing
Authors: Marazioti Varvara , Douvas Antonios M. , Vouvoudi Evangelia C. , Bikiaris Dimitrios , Papadokostaki Kyriaki , Nioras Dimitrios , Gogolides Evangelos , Orfanoudakis Spyros , Stergiopoulos Thomas , Boyatzis Stamatios , Facorellis Yorgos
Published: August 2024

The present work investigates the physicochemical stability of spray paints when irradiated with artificial solar light (at spectral range 300–800 nm). This research highlights the importance of understanding the materials used in street art and public murals, recognising them as a significant component of contemporary cultural heritage. By examining the stability and degradation of spray paints toward solar light exposure, the study aims to contribute to the preservation of contemporary murals, which reflect current social and cultural narratives. A physicochemical approach was employed for the study of spray paints’ physical and thermal properties, as well as the effect of specific photochemical ageing reactions/processes. The photochemical ageing results were compared with reference (unaged) samples. Specifically, a multi-technique approach was applied using stereo microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), contact angle measurement, colorimetry, glossimetry, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), UV-Vis spectroscopy, attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), and pyrolysis-GC/MS (Py-GC/MS). The photodegradation of the spray paints occurred from the first 144 h of solar light irradiation, resulting in changes in morphology, colour, gloss, roughness, and wettability. Regarding photochemical stability, ageing seems to affect the binders more than the synthetic organic pigments and the inorganic fillers. In particular, acrylic binders showed small chemical changes, whereas the alkyd, nitrocellulose, and styrene binders underwent severe chemical modification. The results suggest that simulated daylight irradiation prompts the migration of additives toward the surface of the spray paint films. In addition, the results of the analyses on the white spray paints in comparison with the coloured paints (from the same manufacturer) showed that there seems to be an active distinct photoageing mechanism involving titanium dioxide, but the whole issue needs further investigation.
Heritage Education of Memory: Gamification to Raise Awareness of the Cultural Heritage of War
Authors: Rosser Pablo , Soler Seila
Published: August 2024

This study focused on the use of gamification, specifically the UrbanGame activity, to enhance heritage education related to the bombings of the Spanish Civil War in Alicante. The research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of active methodologies in raising cultural heritage awareness among university students, particularly those in primary and secondary teacher training programs. The methods included the design and implementation of the UrbanGame, followed by surveys to collect quantitative and qualitative data on students’ perceptions, satisfaction, and learning outcomes. The results indicated that meaningful learning showed a positive trend towards content comprehension, and that motivation and concentration significantly influenced learning outcomes. Additionally, the UrbanGame activity promoted memory and cultural heritage by emotionally connecting students with local history, providing future teachers with innovative pedagogical tools for their teaching.
Identification of Social Status through Grave Goods Using a Biocultural Approach in Interpreting the Alpine Context of Borca Di Cadore, Belluno, Veneto, Italy (18th–19th Centuries)
Authors: De Luca Lisa , Asta Alessandro , Davide Pacitti , Gorini Ilaria
Published: August 2024

The cemetery of the Church of Santi Simone e Giuda in Borca di Cadore (Belluno province, Veneto region, Italy) was excavated between 2021 and 2023 as part of an archaeological intervention. The excavation area yielded a total of 21 graves dating back to the 18th–19th century; this was intriguing due to the presence of grave goods and taphonomic indicators that allowed these burials to be interpreted as clothed burials. This contribution examines 14 of the 21 graves, representing the available sample considering preservation conditions. Fieldwork was carried out through close synergy between archaeological and anthropological methodologies, involving careful excavation to verify funerary rituals through taphonomic data analysis. Anthropological methods were applied to determine the biological profile of the individuals, while aspects related to their health status were investigated through paleopathological analyses. Data obtained from field and laboratory observations were cross-referenced with historical and anthropological-cultural data from bibliographic and archival research. Reconstructing the social status of the deceased within the burial context is crucial for understanding the social and cultural dynamics of past populations, achievable only through a biocultural approach integrating information from archaeology, cultural anthropology, and bioarchaeology. Modern burial contexts offer privileged realities due to abundant historical and anthropological-cultural documentation, allowing for a more precise contextualization of bioarchaeological findings with significant support from documentary sources. Studies applied to these periods closer to the present enable the continuous refinement of an investigative method attentive to the synergy of different aspects of biocultural research, enhancing the importance of this approach in reconstructing the life histories of populations.
Detection of Protective Coatings Applied on Baroque Amber Artworks: Case Studies
Authors: Rygula Anna , Klisińska-Kopacz Anna , Krupska-Wolas Paulina , Wilkosz Tomasz , Matosz Marta , Obarzanowski Michał , Skóra Karolina , Kopyciak Aldona , del Hoyo-Meléndez Julio M.
Published: August 2024

Amber has been used to create decorative items for centuries, but its degradation presents challenges for conservators. This study identifies substances historically used to protect amber objects, especially those from 17th and 18th century Gdansk workshops. Despite their historical value, information on amber conservation is scarce. Traditional substances are noted, but their exact compositions and effects on amber remain unclear. Synthetic resins, introduced in the late 19th century, also degrade, complicating conservation due to their removal difficulty and interference with amber identification. This research aimed to develop methods for detecting and analyzing protective coatings on amber objects using macroscopic and microscopic techniques. Initial methods included analytical photography under visible and UV light and reflectance imaging spectroscopy (RIS) to assess the surface. Raman spectroscopy (RS) and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) were used for detailed analysis. RS provided precise layer-specific information but was sensitive to surface conditions, while XRF quickly identified inorganic compounds but not organic materials. Examining amber objects from Polish collections using this methodology revealed various protective substances, including synthetic resins and nitrocellulose varnishes. This research contributes to amber conservation by proposing a comprehensive material analysis approach, essential for developing effective conservation strategies for these historic objects.
Development of a Software Module for Studying Historical and Cultural Heritage Objects Using Non-Invasive Research Data
Authors: Chetverikov Borys , Hlotov Volodymyr , Bakuła Krzysztof
Published: August 2024

This work proposes the development of a software module for studying historical and cultural heritage objects using remote and non-invasive research data. The module aims to integrate modern technologies such as image processing, data analysis, and visualization to provide access to heritage information for researchers, conservators, and the general public. Utilizing non-invasive data, such as geophysical surveys, enables the collection of information about heritage objects without causing damage. The module facilitates the analysis and visualization of this data as well as the creation of interactive object models, thereby promoting further research, preservation, and popularization of cultural heritage. The module consists of three blocks: defining areas for ground-based research using interferograms; constructing a comprehensive 3D model based on ground and underground research data; and refining the boundaries of historical-cultural heritage objects and establishing protective zones. The program is developed in the object-oriented programming language VisualBasic with additional modules. This developed module could become a significant tool for studying and preserving historical and cultural objects in the modern world.
Reconstructing a Lay Individual’s Elbow Fracture at Santa Caterina Friary, Barcelona (15th–16th Century): The Contribution of Paleopathology to the Valorization of Bioarcheological Heritage
Authors: Cevallos Antony , Tomàs Xavier , Lloveras Lluís , Rissech Carme
Published: August 2024

The paleopathological literature notably lacks the description and analysis of distal humeral fractures and their associated complications. The objectives of this study were (1) to evaluate a distal humerus fracture associated with cubitus valgus observed in the articulated right elbow of an adult male buried in the Santa Caterina Friary site in Barcelona, dating back to the modern period (15th to early 16th century), and (2) to contribute to the valorization of bioarcheological heritage. Employing macroscopic and radiographic studies, the injury was assessed. The results indicated a healed antemortem fracture, probably associated with a fall. In the AO/OTA classification, it corresponds to type 13C1.1 (complete articular fracture, articular simple, metaphyseal simple, above the transcondylar axis), accompanied by a coronoid process fracture due to anterior trochlear dislocation impact (O’Driscoll type 1 classification: transverse fracture of the distal apophysis with involvement of the sublime tubercle). This fracture, resulting in a 28° cubitus valgus and significant elbow changes, infers community support in healing and highlights the socio-economic dynamics of guilds and adaptive strategies to physical adversities. This study is one of the first to describe cubitus valgus in a historical Spanish population, offering a comprehensive view of the complexities, physical adversities, and adaptive strategies employed by individuals following an elbow fracture.
Building and Patching a Pipeline: Establishing Viable Pathways from 2-Year Institutions to Graduate School for Aspiring Mental Health Professionals
Authors: McSpadden Emalinda Leilani , Levy Esther Alyse , Vega Angelica Cristina , Maldonado Rhaida
Published: August 2024

Students at 2-year colleges who wish to enter the mental health professions, particularly students of color in urban community college environments, often lack opportunities for internships and experience-building programming relevant to their field. Some programs targeting such students do exist, but little research has been performed on these models. In addition, while pipeline programs in 2-year college settings often focus on successful transitions to senior colleges, many students in such programs also seek to eventually enter graduate school. The purpose of this case study is to bridge this research gap by focusing on a community college-based peer support and psychoeducational outreach program in the northeastern United States, serving as a career development internship for aspiring mental health professionals. Qualitative data in the form of student participant feedback was analyzed to determine the impact of the program on their experiences later in their educational careers. Results from this qualitative analysis indicate the substantial importance of such a program to the successful academic progress of its student participants, providing insights into how pipeline programs can accommodate student preparation and support, not only toward successful senior college transition, but also specific to graduate school program entry.